Shravanabelagola–Saint of the Silver Lake

“Bahubali lords over the town near Hassan in Karnataka”

Shravanabelagola is a small township tucked away between the Indragiri and Chandragiri hills. A visit to Shravanabelagola, an important Jain pilgrimage centre, about one hour from Hassan(Karnataka) is easily done if you are in the vicinity. Lord Gomateshwara’s statue in the city occupies a significant place in the Jain legacy of Karnataka. It is here that Chandragupta, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty, became an ascetic after relinquishing his throne. It is believed the Sravanabelagola reached its peak under the patronage of Gangas of Talakad as far as the architectural and scriptural legacy of the city is concerned. The gigantic monolith of Lord Gomateshwara or Lord Bahubali as he is also called, in Shravanabelagola is an ideal example of that brilliance.The statue is set atop the Vindhyagiri hills, also called Indragiri. Lord Gomateshwara is depicted completely nude in accordance with certain beliefs. The 55- ft- high monolith can be seen towering over the city from several Kilometers away. There are some inscriptions written on the slabs near the right and left foot of the image of Lord Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola. The inscription on the right hand slab is as follows:

“Sri-Chamundarajam madisidam;
Sri-Chamundarajan "se" Yv 'v' ittan;
Sri-Gamgaraja suttalayavam madisida;”

The first two lines of the inscription state that “Chamunda Raja caused to be made the image, at the foot of which the inscription is engraved, and the third line states Gamgaraja caused to be made the buildings which surround the image.
Every 12th year, during the Mahamastaka Abhishekam ceremony, the monolith of Gomateshwara is anointed with thousands of tons of coconut milk, Jaggery, curd, bananas and flowers by Jain Pilgrims. It is belived that only the blessed get to perform the rituals. Thousands arrive at Sravanabelagola to witness the event of a lifetime. The last Mahamastaka Abhishekam which was conducted round February 8 to19, 2005, had drawn the attention of not just India but the entire world.

Distances:
157 km of Bangalore, 211 km of Mangalore, 103 km of Mysore, 50 km of Hassan

Getting There:
The nearest airport is in Bangalore (157 kms). Hassan, the nearest railhead is connected with Mangalore, Mysore and Bangalore. The Bangalore Mangalore Highway (NH48) passes from Hassan and Sravanabelagola, which is only 10 km from Channarayapatna, also on highway. KSRTC buses ply regularly from Bangalore and Mangalore.

Accommodation:
Most of the accommodation is run by a local Jain organization, where as there are several private hotels. One can also opt for a stay at Hassan.

Best time:
Any time of the year, avoid during summer as it is really hot summer. October to march is the best time to visit.

Kaziranga Wildlife Special

The open county makes wildlife viewing at Kaziranga fairly easy. A day`s outing is often sufficient for visitors to see most of the major species here. Elephants take them into the park at the early morning hours. The three most famous and the endangered species at the park are the Great Indian One – Horned Rhinoceros, Hoolock Gibbons and the Wild Buffaloes

 Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros

The rhino’s are usually found in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and in Assam, India. They are confined to the tall grasslands and forests in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Indian Rhinoceros can run at speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h) for short periods of time and are also excellent swimmers. They have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, but relatively poor eyesight.

However, no more than 2,000 remain in the wild with Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India (1,200) and Chitwan National Park (CNP), Nepal (600). Despite joint efforts made by Bhutan and India, the survival of a small population of rhinos living along the Indo-Bhutan border in Manas still remains doubtful.

The Indian Rhinos are brownish-gray in color and are hairless. They have knobby skin that appears to be armor-plated.  Indian rhinos are the largest amongst the Asian rhinos. The male Indian rhinos weigh approximately 2,200 kg (nearly 1,000 pounds) and have a height ranging between 170 to 186 cm (67 to 73 inches) and are 368 to 380 cm (145 to 150 inches) long. Females are smaller in size and weigh only 1,600 kg (726 pounds) and standing 148 to 173 cm (58 to 68 inches) tall. Female Indian rhinos are 310 to 340 cm (122 to 134 inches) long.

The Indian and Nepalese governments have taken several steps towards Indian Rhinoceros conservation with the help of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

 Hoolock Gibbons

The hoolock gibbons are also known as the hoolocks, one of the most important attractions of north east India’s wildlife. The hoolock gibbons are two primate species belonging to the family of the gibbons. Hoolocks are the second largest in size of the gibbons, after the Siamang. Normally there size ranges between 60 to 90 cm and weighs about 6 to 9 kg. Both male and female gibbons are almost the same size, but they differ considerably in colors. Males are black colored with notable white brows, while females have a grey-brown fur, which is darker at the chest and neck. They have white rings around the eyes and around the mouth which give there face a mask-like appearance.

The range of the hoolocks is the most northwestern of all the gibbons, extending from Assam in North-East India, to Myanmar. Small populations (in each case few hundred animals) live also in the eastern Bangladesh and in southwest China. The Hoolocks live together in monogamous pairs, which stake out a territory. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, insects and leaves.

Young hoolocks are born after a seven month gestation, with a milky white fur. Their life expectancy in the wild is about 25 years.

 Wild Buffaloes

Wild Buffalo are one of the endangered species and a favorite kill for tigers is thought to survive in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan and Thailand. In India, the wild buffaloes are found in Assam and Chhattisgarh. Occasional sightings of the animal - called the Asiatic Water Buffaloes - have also been reported. In India it is mostly found in Kaziranga National Park. As per the last count in 430 sq km area of Kaziranga, the number of wild buffaloes was around 1400. Wild buffaloes are also important to the grassland ecosystem as they help in plant rejuvenation. The crossbreeding with domestic buffalo as well as shrinkage and destruction of the habitat were considered major threats to the wild buffalo’s survival in the range. The animal is protected by the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the animal as endangered in its red list of threatened species.

Tips For a Fulfilling Pilgrimage

It was the first time when my entire family planned to go out for an outing. Generally one or the other member is to be absent. May be it was the call of lord Krishna or his blessings that we all went together to Mathura – Brindavan. My father and my brother two males in the house are totally opposite and so are my sis and my mom. My parents got up early and got ready and we three naahhh…wat u think we wld be doin…??Gud guess!! We were in our beds. We had a plan to move early so that we could reach there in morning hours but we got late and were left with very little time with us to visit all the temples. We couldn’t stretch our stay as my dad had an appointment with his doctor and all of us had to attend our office the next day. All the temples in Mathura and Brindavan get close at around 1 pm, so we had to hurry up. Though we were able to pay homage at all the temples but all in a hurry. Apart from the time we faced many other problems and I noted some points to have a fulfilling pilgrimage in future and which I intent to share with all so that reading this blog can have a fulfilling and a relaxed pilgrimage.

• Never try to do more than two or three major temples in a day. There is too mush to see and experience in each of them.
• Look out for a booklet on the history of the temple from the office or shop. It will tell you what to see in the temple, the significance of the deities and what offerings may. Hire a guide if available
• Start early. Most temples open by 6 am and the early morning worship is always a wonderful experience. Also, it is wiser to avoid the bigger temples after 10.30 am, especially if it is summer. The granite paving stones of the praharams get unbearably hot and covering the vast spaces between one shrine and another within the complex will be difficult.
• Most temples close by noon and reopen only around 4 pm. Use this time for eating lunch, resting and traveling to your next destination so as to manage your time best.
• Upon entering a temple, look for the temple tank. It is customary to wash your feet in it and sprinkle a little water on your head before entering the temple proper. Traditionally, the subsidiary deities at the entrance are worshiped before going onto the main sanctum. This could be Vinayaka in a Shiva temple and Garuda in a Vishnu Temple. Its also customary to pay respects to the mounts of the deities, the Nandi or lion outside the sanctum you should visit first, the god’s or the goddess – this varies from temple to temple.
• Try not to spill the vibhuti or kumkum given to you as prasadam on the ground. Some temples have convenient little bowls attached to the pillars into which you can deposit the powders. Many do not. Carry two plastic bags with you so that you can deposit vibhuti in one and kumkum in the other.
• Traditionally, the sanctum is not circumambulated just once. Devotees go around it at least two time s or, better still, three times. In the case of the Navagraha sanctums, nine times is prescribed and at least three are advised.
• It is customary to prostrate only at the flagstaff outside the main sanctum, with your head facing the east or the north.
• Sit for a few minutes in the temple before leaving: think over your experience, soak in the atmosphere – it leaves you feeling refreshed.
• If you would like to give alms outside a temple, keep a separate bag of coins ready. It’s tough to rummage in your bag for change amidst the clamor.

Have a fulfilling Pilgrimage.Radhe Radhe...

Adventure Activities in Manali

Recently I was in Manali and I found that through out the year there are several adventure activities that are carried out in Manali and adjoining areas. But it was very difficult for a tourist to find what to do n whom to contact for these activities. This blog of mine focuses on some of such activities, details of the persons to be contacted, cost for the same, etc….

Camping

Season- April to middle of June & middle of September to the first half of October

Camping Grounds- Beas Kund Camp near Rohtang pass, Raison, and Shoja, Solang valley.

Contact – Your hotel, Tour Operators, Mountaineering Institute.

The variation in the physiographic features of Himachal Pradesh attracts hundreds of people every year to Manali camping. Far away from the hustle bustle of the city life, Manali is located amidst the Himalayas. The dense woodlands, cedar forests, the sparkling streams and the crisp mountain air give peace of mind and relaxation to the nature lovers.

Camping in Manali at once means resting in the lap of Mother Nature. The composed beauty with the pleasing breeze takes away the exertion that one feels.

The experienced and high altitude campers can’t resist the region of ladakhi Manali. At Solang valley the camping is combined with luxury amidst the lush green meadows. This apart there are various other camping grounds accessible from Manali including the Malana, Pulga, Kheer Ganga, Triund, and McLeod Ganj region.

The equipments, training, safety precautions as well as experienced educators and guides are also available in Manali for reference.

Mountaineering

Season- April to middle of June & middle of September to the first half of October

Region - Beas Kund region, lower ridges of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Chandertal and Malana glaciers

Contact – Your hotel, Tour Operators, Mountaineering Institute.

Mountaineering training can be arranged through the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. Mountaineers need permission to climb most of the peaks. Peaks in Kullu valley offer challenging recreational area for Indian and International expeditions as well. With an average altitude of 5,000 to 6,000 meters, experienced mountaineers from all over the world have tried these peaks.

The Beas Kund region, the lower ridges of Hanuman Tibba (5930m) and Deo Tibba (6001m) are the suggested areas for mountaineering for beginners. Beas Kund, Chandertal and Malana glaciers are the most popular among ice climbers.

However you should be alert and aware of the symptoms of the acute mountain sickness.

Trekking

Season- April to middle of June & middle of September to the first half of October

Trekking area - Beas Kund

Pin Parvati to Spiti,

Hamta Pass to Lahul.

Contact – Your hotel, Tour Operators, Mountaineering Institute.

Manali offers some amazing trekking, particularly in the foothills of the Himalayas, with temples, Buddhist monasteries, remote lakes and mountain passes as popular destinations.

Manali is a popular starting point for organized mountain treks. Most agencies offer multiday treks. Popular options include Beas Kund, the Pin Parvati trek and the Hamta Pass to Lahul.

River rafting

Season - From Apr 15th till Jun end.

Contact –Tour Operators, Your Hotel

Costs around Rs 450 to 650, depending on the number of persons.

White water rafting in Kullu valley is done on river Beas. One can start from a small village Pirdi, which is 4 kms ahead of Kullu town till Jhiri. It’s a stretch of approximately 14 kms. The rafting can be dune from Apr 15th till Jun end. The journey takes nearly about one. Rafting begins at around 10 o' clock in the morning at Pirdi. It takes about one and half hour to reach Pirdi from Manali. The activity requires one full day

Skiing Glide

Season- Through out the year

Contact –Tour Operators, Mountaineering Institute

The skiers are taken to a hilltop by a helicopter den they glide down the Himalayas on Skies or do the new trendy sport - Snowboarding. Only experienced Skiers and Snowboarders can perform it. Manali is known for having one of the deepest snow packs in the entire Himalayas.

Hang-Gliding

Costs around Rs 1200 for 15 mins

Hang-Gliding is a newly introduced activity practised at Billing. Billing is 14-km from Bir and is considered to be the best sites for hang-gliding in the world. An annual hang-gliding tournament is also held over here.

A Glider using air current without an engine power usually performs hand gliding. One can fly as long as one wishes once he has acquired good experience.

Para Gliding

Season- Through out the year

Contact –Tour Operators, Mountaineering Institute

The paragliding is done at primarily Solang Valley, located 14 kms from Manali and other locations like Marhi, Fatru, and Bijli Mahadev etc. Usually two kinds of paragliding are done here:

Short flights: The tourist is taken 100 - 150 mts up the slope and takes a flight along with the pilot in a two-seater paraglider. The flight lasts for approximately 60 - 90 seconds.

High flying: Approximately 20-30 minutes of time is taken. It is conducted at Fatru, Kothi and Bijli Mahadev. Experienced pilots who have done short flights can only do the high flying.

Zorbing

Season- Summers

Costs around Rs 200 for 20 min

Contact –Tour Operators, Mountaineering Institute

Zorbing is a leisure activity. It involves rolling down a slope in a helium balloon. The balloon is usually transparent, double-hulled sphere made from PVC. The pleasure of hanging from the walls of the big ball while it rolls is a definitive thrill for both adult and young. The zorbing can be experienced at the grass meadows around Manali.

Jeep safari

Costs around Rs 2000 per day

Contact –Tour Operators, your hotel

Exploring the untouched, some of the most wild, unpolluted, uncommercialised environments and primitive environment of manali in an open zeep is fascinating. It can also be arranged to Ladakh Lahaul and Spiti visiting monasteries, passes, and glacial lakes with accommodation in tents or village guest houses.

CONTACT INFO

• Directorate of mountaineering & allied Sports

Contact – 91 1902 250337

www.dmas.gov.in

*Adventure Tour Operators

• An trek tours and travels

1 Rambagh, The mall

Contact –91 1902 252292

www.antrektours.com

• Himalayan Adventurers

The mall

Contact –91 1902 253050

www.himalayanadventurersindia.com

• Himalayan Extreme Center

Contact –91 9816174164

www.himalayan-extreme-center.com

• Himalayan journeys

Opposite Nehru park, the mall

Contact –91 1902 252365

www.himalayanajourneysindia.com