A JOURNEY TO REMEMBER

GREEN JUNGLE RESORT-SURYANELLY, MUNNAR

GETTING THERE

The resort is easily accessible from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. From Kochi to Munnar, it’s 145 km; and from Munnar to Suryanelly it is another 25 km. From Thekkady it is 90 km. You can also get there from Madurai (130 km), Kodaikanal (135 km) and Coimbatore (170 km).

THINGS TO DO

Cycle down jungle tracks.

Go on a jeep safari to the Kolukumalai tea estate (8000 feet above sea level), check out the Anayirangal Lake or visit the tribal village nearby.

For the more adventurous there is trekking, camping in tents, mountain climbing and bamboo rafting.

Day trips to Munnar, Rajamala, Ernakulam, National Park and Mattupetty is another option.

The resort offers target shooting, table tennis, badminton, darts and camp fires with music. Or, simply laze around.

TARIFF

Executive Lake view rooms; Rs. 3,500/-
Deluxe Lake View Rooms; Rs.2,500/- Taxes are extra.

For details, contact; 0484-2206630/31/32.

This information is read from a daily news paper and posted for the benefit of travel lovers.

KURNOOL

Location: In Andhra Pradesh, India.

Significance: Famous for Sreesailam Temple.


Kurnool, situated on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra and Handri rivers, has been the capital of Andhra Pradesh for three years from 1953 until 1956. It is said that the Odders who were carting stones for the construction of the temple Alampur used the site as a halting place before crossing the Tungabhadra. They bought oil here to grease their cartwheels and called it 'Kandanavolu', which became Kurnool with time. The most well known even of the city is the car festival of Sri Ajaneyaswami, which is celebrated for eight days from Margasira Suddha Triodasi, which usually falls during November-December, is one of the most important festivals and is also well-attended.

The highlights of the city are the historical ruins of a royal fort belonging to the times of the medieval kingdom of Vijayanagar from 14th to the 16th century. It houses several Persian and Arabic inscriptions throwing light on various aspects of historical interests noted here. The Kondareddy Burz protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, the early-17th century tomb of Abdul Wahab on the banks of River Handri, the remains of the palace of Gopal Raju, the last Hindu rulers of Kurnool and the temples of Nagareswarasawami, Peta Anjaneyaswami, Venugoplaswami, Iswaraswami, Saibab and Birla Mandir or Stayanarayaswami, are the place that one should not miss while at Kurnool.

THE HARITHA JUNGLE BELLS RESORT

INTO THE ARAKU VALLEY

THE HARITHA JUNGLE BELLS RESORT

TYDA, NEAR VISAKHAPATNAM

GETTING THERE

The resort can be reached by road or train from Visakhapatnam. The nearest railhead is Tyda station, just two km from the resort. Jeeps and other means of transport are available from the station to the resort. There is a single train that leaves Visakhapatnam daily at 7 a.m. or you can take the buses and taxis run by the State Transport Corporation, APTDC and private operators.

THINGS TO DO

The historical Borra Caves are just five km from the resort, and a two km trek from the caves takes you to the 900-feet Kataki waterfalls. The APTDC also offers a refreshing four km trek through the forest early in the morning, touching a couple of tribal hamlets. You can also go about on a bicycle or give tribal archery a shot. You can enjoy your evenings watching tribals dance around a bonfire.

TARIFF (FOR TWO)

Igloo cottages: Rs. 1,800/-
New Bridge and wooden cottages; Rs. 1,800/-
Wooden cottages; Rs. 1,500/-
Log huts and aerocon cottages Rs. 800/-
Extra person; Rs. 150/- for A/C and Rs. 100/- for non A/C.
Tariff includes free south Indian breakfast for two.

Checkout time 10 a.m. Contact details: 0891-2788820; Fax; 0891-2788822
Cell; 98480 07022

This information was read and posted from a daily news paper, for the benefit of travel lovers.

RIVERSIDE RETREAT

HARITHA COCONUT COUNTRY RESORT
DINDI VILLAGE, EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT

HOW TO GET THERE

The resort is in Dindi village, 14 km from Palacol railway station and located between Malkipuram and Rajole in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.

TARIFF

A/C Suite: Rs. 2,200/- a day.
A/C Double bedroom Rs. 2,000/- per day (Rs. 150/- for extra bed).

THINGS TO DO

Take a river cruise on a houseboat. There are three packages on offer. A 24-hour-package for a two-room houseboat costs Rs. 5,040/-. Each room can accommodate two adults and two children below nine years. Extra bed cost Rs. 300/- each.

Or, opt for the 12-hour-package from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m, .that costs
Rs. 1,470/- per room or Rs. 2,940/- for the full boat. Those on a budget can sign up for the six-hour-package-Rs. 1,890/- for the full boat. However, A/C is available only for the 24-hour-package.

Local attractions include the famous Antervdi Temple, 22 km from the resort. Sakhinetipalli, 14 km away, is believed to have been visited by Lord Rama and Goddess Seeta during the in the Threta Yugam

For details, call: 98487 80527

This article was read from a daily news paper.

HYDERABAD- ANDHRA PRADESH

Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is more than 400 years old. A bustling metropolitan city situated at an altitude of 650 m above sea level, hills, tanks, forests and rock formations dominate it. Richly endowed with diverse cultures, Hyderabad is famous for its unique harmonious existence of the old city dominated by Muslims such as the area of Charminar and the Anglo-Indian dominated modern Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad. An attractive fusion of old-world-charm and industrial growth and enterprise, Hyderabad has a large share of majestic old edifices built in Medieval, Mughal, Colonial and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles along with the latest glass and chrome skyscrapers that are the commercial centers of the city. Mohammad, the fifth Quli Qutub Shahi ruler, founded the new city with Charminar as its center. It gained the status of the capital during the times of the famous Nizams of the Asaf Jah dynasty, who ruled the city until British took it over in 1948.

The twin city of Secunderabad was founded in 1798 by the then Nizam, Sikander Jah. With time, it merged with Hyderabad. Hyderabad is famous for its minarets and its pearl market. The artisans here are known for their skills in piercing and stringing pearls without damaging them and thus pearls from all over the world come here. The colorfully attired gypsy tribes called 'Lambadas' and 'Banjaras' of Hyderabad have gained fame throughout India. Known as the second Silicon Valley in India after Bangalore, Hyderabad has a Software Technology Park that houses leading IT industries such as TCS, Wipro, Baan and Satyam. Hyderabadi cuisine is unique. Even the Muslim cuisine here is the only cuisine of the sub-continent that can boast of a major vegetarian element. The key flavors of coconut, tamarind, peanuts and sesame seeds and chilli as the key spice, the piquant Hyderabadi culinary has almost become synonymous with 'Gosht', meat of a baby male goat.

Shopping Attractions:

Hyderabad has been a major shopping center of India since the Mughals happened. One can buy antiques, handicrafts, jewelery, dresses, leather goods, pearls and semi-precious stones from here. Offering an international shopping experience, the best items to look for in Hyderabad are Kalamkari, the pen-painted fabric from Machilipatnam, Himroo, a very special fabric used mainly for shawls and furnishing, Handloom Fabrics, colorful Lacquered Bangles, Lambadi Mirror-work, the ever famous Pearls and jewellery, sarees and Zardosi-Embroidery Work, a specialty of Hyderabad.

This information was gathered from diffrent travel web sites.

Photo courtesy: Travel web sites.