Amarkantak

Amarkantak is the highest elevation of Vindhya Ranges with an height of 1,048 m (3,438 ft), situated in the dense forest region of Madhya Pradesh. Amarkantak is also the meeting point of two major mountain ranges the Vindhyas and the Satpuras along with Maikal Hills range of f Chhattisgarh. Its is also emerging point of great and holy river the Narmada River, the Sone River and Johila River.

Mountain Peak:     Amarkantak

Mountain Range:  Vindhya Range

Elevation:                1,048 m (3,438 ft)

Location:                  Madhya Pradesh

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Chandigarh

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden Asia's largest Rose Garden and is spreaded over 30 acres of land having over 1600 different species or roses. These have been planted beautifully carved out lawns and flowers beds. Like the cultural zone which is just across the road in sector 10,this was also planned by Dr. M.S. Randhawa as his interest in horticulture and fondness for flowers was profuse. Every year, either at the end of February or beginning of March, a big festival known as Rose Festival, is celebrated at this garden. Over 20,000 people visit this festival. It’s one of the great celebrations in the city. There are lots of competitions, cultural celebrations and many other events.

Leh Palace

Leh Palace was built during the 17th century by the ruler King Sengge Namgyal. Its construction is on the same lines as the construction of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. This palace had to be deserted by the royal family in the middle of the 19th century, because of the taking over of Ladakh by Dogra forces. After this the royal family is living in-exile in the popular Stok Palace. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is restoring some of the ruined portions of this nine-storey palace. While the store rooms were on the lower floors, the royalty resided on the upper floors. The roof of this palace offers an excellent view of the valley. ‪#‎leh‬ ‪#‎ladakh‬‪#‎india‬ ‪#‎bharat‬ ‪#‎travel‬ ‪#‎tradition‬ ‪#‎tourism‬ ‪#‎archive‬

Patna Museum

Patna Museum, also known as 'Jadu Ghar' in Hindi, is one of well preserved museum in the country which connect the glorious past with the modern age. Set up in the center of the city, the museum building houses splendid and large collection of artifacts of the periods belonging to Mauryan, Gupta, Sunga, Kushan, Mughals and British era. The museum boasts of few collection which are unmatched elsewhere.

The museum came into present form in 1917 AD in a architecturally beautiful building, built specially for it. Sir Edward Gait, Lieutenant Governor of Bihar and Odisha (1915-1920) was the founder of this museum. His bust stands inside the museum, near the entrance gate.  The museum is surrounded by a beautiful scenery park. A number of statues, such as of Lord Hardinge, Viceroy of India dots the campus. The museum has a collection of over 45,000 exhibits, out of which only a small percentage of it are on display due to space constraint. The Relic casket, containing the mortal remains of Lord Buddha is one of its rare possessions. However the most famous collection of the museum is 'Didarganj Yakshi', the statue from 3rd Century BC. A brick sculpture of lord Buddha and stupas, named as Satabdi Smarak is situated in one of the corner of the museum. A cafeteria (Sangrahalaya Vihar) managed by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation and a souvenir shop managed by HHEC (Ministry of Textile, GoI) is present in one corner of the museum. The museum building also houses few government offices like office of the National Mission for Manuscripts, Govt. of India and Bihar Research Society. The museum also houses an auditorium, named as Jan Nayak Karpuri Thakur Auditorium at the back side. It was inaugurated in 2000.

The museum building consist of two floor, with each floor having dedicated Galleries to display the artifacts in a proper way. The galleries are:

Natural History Gallery

Stone Sculpture Gallery

Orissan Stone Sculpture

Indian Stone Art Tradition

Terracota Gallery

Budda Relic Gallery

Bronze Galley

Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayana Gallery

Art Gallery & war-weapon Gallery

Painting Gallery

Patliputra Gallery

Rajendra Gallery

The Attractions :

Didarganj Yakshi : It is a life-size tall statue of a Chauri-Bearer, some 2300 years old. It is so called because it was found on the bank of river Ganga near a place called Didarganj in Patna in 1917. It is a masterpiece from that era, most probably from Ashoka's period. The upper part has been given finesse touch whereas the lower half is not as beautiful.The women is holding a Chauri (Fly whisk) in her right hand, where as her left hand is missing.

The statue is mesmerizing thing to look at. Built with great finesse , it has been acknowledged world wide during its exhibition & a superb example of the period that flourished on this land.

Buddha Relic casket: It is one of the most aspired thing for the Buddhist Tourists. The Holy Relic Casket, containing the ashes of lord Buddha was found in 1958-59 at a mud stupa site in Vaishali, which was built by the Lichchavis in the first half of the 5th Century BC.The casket is made up of soap-stone. the ashes were found just below the lowest layer & at the center of the casket. A leaf , a silver piece and a glass bead was also found in the casket.

The casket is situated in the Buddha Relic Gallery on the first floor of the building. It is closed for the normal visitors. However, if any one wishes to view the casket , then he need to buy a separate ticket for the same.

Silicified tree Trunk: It is a 53-feet tree fossil, the estimated age of which is 200 million years. It was found near Asansol (W.Bengal) by the Eastern Railways in 1927, during a track laying and later gifted to the museum. The tree is allied to the family of pines. It is formed as a result of Petrification, due to which the wooden tree got converted into solid rock. Its amazing to see such a long tree in fossil.

It is situated in a corridor of Natural History Gallery on the right side of the Ground floor.

The Galleries:

Natural History Gallery : It is situated on the right side of the ground floor. It contains the variety of preserved animals, which can amaze the children. The life size Bison stands in the middle of the hall.Beside it contains tiger, dear,crocodile,panthers,birds & butterflies and many more. The fossiled tree turn is also here.

Stone Sculpture Gallery: It is situated on the left side of the ground floor. It welcome visitors by the mesmerizing site of the Didarganj Yakshi, place in the from middle of the hall. The hall also contain some other beautiful artifacts, like Gargoyle (12th Cent AD , in black stone), Rectangular slab depicting birth of Buddha etc. The halls opens into other small hall which the statues of Lord Buddha in different posture belonging to the Pala Period(800-1200 AD). Finest specimens of Pala arts are housed in the museum. Orissan Stone Sculpture & Indian art tradition contains the artifacts from the Gupta period.

Terracotta Gallery: It is situated on the midway to first floor. It houses terracotta from the Mauryan period, Sunga period, Kushan period ,Gupta period and so on. The Dancing Girl, Laughing Boy and Smiling Girl terracotta from the Mauryan period are worth viewing. It also houses terracotta from Mohen-Jo-Daro and Taxila.

The other galleries on the first floor includes Bronze Gallery, Rahul Sanskritayayana's  Gallery, Weapon Gallery, Painting Gallery, Patliputra Gallery & Rajendra Gallery. All galleries are unique in there own way.

The Patna Museum is of national importance, because of its possession of some of the very rare artifacts. It is  a must visit place for any visitor visiting the city.

How to Reach: It is situated on Buddha Marg, opposite to the Indira Gandhi Planetarium. Autos are easily available. It is easily accessible from all areas. For people coming on shared autos from Danapur side, one needs to get down at Income Tax roundabout (Golamber), walk towards Dak Bunglow Chowk and turn left at Kotwali Police Station. It is roughly 500 meter from It Golamber.  For people coming from Gandhi Maidan or Kankarbagh side, needs to get down at Dak Bunglow and walk towards IT Golamber.

Ghatshila (Jharkhand)

Ghatshila on the bank of Subarnarekha River in Jharkhand is known for its refreshing natural beauty. Regarded as one of the famed tourist spot of Jharkhand, Ghatshila attracts quite a large number of tourists for its scenic beauty. The beauty of the undulating forested slopes and the leisurely flowing waters of Subarnarekha River make Ghatshila tour a memorable experience. 

Ghatshila was formerly the headquarters of the kingdom of Dhalbhum. They established themselves by conquering the western part of Bengal, the area commonly known as Jungle Mahals. The sweet water of Ghatshila with natural mineral content needs special mention. The water is said to have medicinal values. A glass of water is enough to fill-up your empty stomach. At several points in Ghatshila will you find a public tube well or Chaapaakal where you can taste fresh water. And probably because of this reason people of Bengal has been flocking at Ghatshila, even before independence.

However no description of Ghatshila would be complete without the mentioning of the famous Bengali writer Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. This noted Bengali writer of Pather Panchali fame was a resident of the city.

Being placed between two mountain ranges with the Subarnarekha River separating them from kissing each other, Ghastshila has an irresistible beauty that can be felt on a walk around the town. Though smoking chimneys of factories suggests inroads of industrialization at Ghatshila, yet a walk down the Aam Bagan or the Raj Estate will take you close to lively village life with tribals engaged in their daily rituals. Apart from enjoying the awesome scenic beauty of the place you can also visit several places in and around Ghatshila that are unique in their very own way. (Hills, Lakes, Dams, Reserves etc). 

Sinhagarh fort (Pune)

Sinhagarh fort, whose earlier name was Kondana or Kondhana, stands 20kms, south-west of Pune.  Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range of the Sahyadri Mountains, its height above sea-level is 1380 metres.  Given natural protection by its very steep slopes, the walls and bastions were constructed at only key places; it has two gates – the Kalyan Darwaza in the south-east and the Pun Darwaza in the north-east

Sinhagarh has a long history.  It was captured from theKoli tribal chieftain, Nag Naik, by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1328 AD.  Three centuries later, Chhatrapati shivaji Mahraj wrested it away by bribing the commander, by the Treaty of Purandar (1665 AD) had to cede the fort to the Mughals.  Sinhagarh was the scene of one of the most daring exploits in Maratha history when, in 1670 AD, it was recaptured by Shivjaji’s forces under Tanaji Malusare, who laid down his life in the battle.  On his death, a saddened Chhatrapati shivaji Mahraj said, “The fort is won, but the lion is gone!” Whereupon the fort got is new name:  Sinha (lion) gadha (fort).  Finally the British seized the fort from the Peshwas in 1818 AD, destroying its almost all ancient monuments.  Only the traditional gates and broken walls remain now.

The upper surface of the fort is undulating and retains few buildings, Ruins of temples, tombs and towers are scattered about.  Near the gorge is a monument (Samadhi) commemorating the bravery of Tanaji.  There is also a tiny tomb of Rajaram, Chhatrapati shivaji Mahraj’s son, who died here in 1700 AD. Also there are few bungalows, including that of Lokamanya Tilak.

In the Maratha period Sinhagarh played the crucial role of defending Pune.  The National Defence Academy (Kharakwalsa) trains its army cadet’s right under the shadows of Sinhagrah.

Himachal Pradesh Handicrafts

Wood Carving 

Painting

Thangkas

Rugs & Carpets

Garments & Accessories

Embroidery

Shawls

Leather Craft

Jewellery

Metalwork

Stonework

Being rich in forests, wood is abundant in Himachal Pradesh and so woodcarving is still a living tradition of the state. Earlier this craft was mostly used in building temples and palaces. However, at present artisans creates intricate designs used in building houses, and also for making other things like low benches, spinning wheels, smoking pipe, cradles, low settees, boxes, serving spoon, rolling pins, wooden utensils, and much more. Moreover, other interesting things like fruit bowls, beer mugs, wooden jewellery, decorative boxes and carved images can also be found carved out of wood.

Like most other states in India, Himachal Pradesh is also rich in traditional paintings. You can see the miniature paintings in art galleries and museums in Himachal, but the true picture of the traditional paintings can be seen in most village houses. The women of the house paint their floors and walls. Moreover, they draw illustrative designs called yantras on the doorstep on ceremonial occasions. The floors are decorated with a white paste made of rice, whereas the walls are painted with colors, which they collect from daily used things such as turmeric powder, red clay, kumkum (a liquid used for make up) and so on.

Thangkas are brightly coloured cloth paintings, which are mostly used as ritual paintings exhibited during some Buddhist festivals. International tourists love these paintings. They generally depict lord Buddha and other deities as well as the wheel of life.

Rugs, Carpets are significant part of furnishing in Himachal Pradesh. Available in brilliant colors and traditional motifs these items look amazingly beautiful in appearance. 

Moreover, Blankets made with wool weaved out of sheep and goats are also available in plenty.

Garments & Accessories used by People of Himachal are very colorful. Their traditional attire is bedecked with delicate embroidery with circular and linear patterns. They are also fond of all sorts of accessories like colorful scarves, bangles, rings, hand knit woollen socks, gloves, mufflers, caps and grass shoes.

Women in Himachal like to pass their time in the afternoon by working on embroidery work with needle and thread. They make beautiful pieces of clothing like scarves, coverlets, handfans, caps, cholis (bodices), gaumukhi (prayer gloves) and so on. The richly embroidered colorful silk rumals (scarves) of Chamba have traditionally been made since the last 1000 years. Himachali women use these small shawls as head coverings.

Like Kashmir, Himachal also produces fine and precious Shawls, which are in high demand by tourists from all over the world. These shawls are weaved in the cottage industries of Himachal and are available in plain and patterned.

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Leather craft is another significant craft of the state. The traditional chappals (slippers) of Chamba are not only beautiful but very comfortable as well. They are embroidered with colorful threads and at times with Zari (golden thread). You will also find a range of shoes, sandals, socks and belts.

Jewellery of Himachal Pradesh consists of beads and metals, which are worn by the local people with their traditional attire. These include pendants, necklaces, rings and so on

The metals used in metalwork or metal carving are brass, copper, iron, tin and bell metal. These are used to make exquisite statuettes, lamps, incense burners, low settees of silver or brass, vessels and musical instruments mostly used in temples. Moreover, some objects are also made for daily use at home.

Stone carving is another such craft, which was mostly used for temples in the early days. You can see splendid samples of the stone carving in various temples in Himachal.

Punjabi Paranda

Paranda is one of the traditional handicrafts of Punjab. It is a colorful hanging worn by the Punjabi women in their hair. Most of the Punjabi women have long hair, which they plait and then tie a paranda at the end. Parandis are available with a great variety in designs and colors. They are made out of a bunch of silk threads, intricately woven with other skillful works. #india #punjab #handicrafts 

Toy Making (Jharkhand)

Jharkhand originally a tribal state is known for its wood work, bamboo works, pitkar paintings, tribal ornaments and stone carving. The beautifully carved wood products and bamboo products show the craftsmanship of the people. Lack of promotion and marketing for these products has mostly resulted in extinction of some crafts like paitkar paintings and stone carvings.

Toy Making

In the hilly regions of Jharkhand and around its capital city Ranchi, there dwell families who, for generations have reveled in toy making. Their wooden cut outs, glossed with an eye-catching canary paint depict the nature around. Of course the sizes are miniaturized for they are really playthings for children that have wheels for mobility or detachable limbs that allow free acrobatics manipulated by the pulling of string. These agile puppets are usually made from palm leaf slivers painted with pink dots and finger paintings, giving the right accents to a day of fun and frolic.

The love of the people of Jharkhand for the grand weddings and their accompanying fanfare is reflected in the toys also. The toy traders recreate the wedding of Lord Rama or the elephant god Ganesha in the toys. The lord as a groom is draped in a canary yellow lower garment or dhoti, the typical wedding finery for a bridegroom. The tinges of gold on the garment and the veiled face of the toy bride complete the ambience. Of the scenes of nature nothing pleases these craftsmen more than the sight of a flock of brilliant parakeets in paddy green feathers. The contrasting red of the beak is a bonus that few can overlook. But the bird is not a boring depiction of its realistic form. Only the colors of the bird are copied and then re-designed in folk art forms of well- defined lines and frozen posture forms.

‪#‎india‬ ‪#‎jharkhand‬ ‪#‎bharat‬ ‪#‎toys‬ ‪#‎craft‬ ‪#‎art‬

Crafts of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is a state renowned for its rich metal crafts and other traditional craft products made out of bamboo, wood etc. The folk paintings of Chhatisgarh depict the living expressions of the people, intrinsically linked with the socio-cultural ambiance of the area. They are not mere decorations but also spontaneous outpourings of religious devotions. The main craft produce of the State include Bamboo work, Wood carving, folk painting and folk Jewelry.

Bamboo Work

Bamboo thickets are common sight in the State and tribals of Chhattisgarh have been putting their craftmanship to work. Craftsmanship of Chhattisgarh tribals can be seen from varying articles of craft produce they make out of bamboo. Articles for daily as well as decorative use are produced by these artisans. Some of the will known Bamboo produce include agricultural implements, fishing traps, hunting tools and baskets.

Wood Carving

The woodcarving art has been flourishing in Chhattisgarh from time immemorial and one can find beautifully carved wooden products designed by the craftsman of the State. The skillful craftsmen of the State carve beautiful wooden ceilings, doors, lintels etc using different kinds of wood like shisham, teak, dhudi, sal and kikar. The craftsmen also make pipes, masks, doors, window frames and sculptures.

Painting

Traditional wall paintings of the State is associated with rituals. Floors and walls are painted with colours and in almost every instance the depiction being associated with some ritual. Pithora paintings is a common traditional art form. These paintings originated in the tribal area of the Central India which is presently Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and depicts the offering to gods. These paintings are usually done on the occasion of marriages, childbirth and other occasions of fulfillment of wish etc.

Most of these paintings has a horse as it was considered auspicious to sacrifice a horse. In most of these tribal houses one can find pithora paintings. They are colorful and use natural colors.

Ornaments

Jewelry from Chhattisgarh is available in a variety of gold, silver, bronze and mixed metal. Ornament made out of beads, cowries and feathers are part of tribal costumes. Tribal men and women wear traditional ornaments.

‪#‎Chhattisgarh‬ ‪#‎india‬ ‪#‎freelancetalents‬ ‪#‎bharat‬ ‪#‎art‬ ‪#‎freelance_talents‬‪#‎indian‬ ‪#‎crafts‬ ‪#‎desi‬

Stonecraft

Stonecraft is a popular craft in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This is the art in which craftsmen creates fine work on stone to give it various shapes of windows, garden furniture, decorative pieces and so on.

Bandhani

In Kachchh, tie and dye craft is known as “Bandhani.” Bandhani dates back to the Bandhani 12th century, and came to Kachchh when members of the Khatri community migrated from Sindh. Bandhani tie and dye became a staple local source of income with the export of bandhani bandannas to Europe via the English East India Company in the 18th century. Much like the local block printers, bandhani artisans used local, natural resources like madder and pomegranate to dye their cloth in a brilliant range of hues. The technique of tightly winding a thread around a section of cloth, dyeing it, and then removing the thread to reveal a circular resist motif has remained the same since bandhani was first practiced.

Bandhani has long been culturally important to Kachchhi communities.The most revered type of bandhani is the gharcholu, which is the traditional wedding odhani of Gujarati Hindu and Jain brides. The chandrokhani is worn by Muslim brides.

Modern Artistry

Today, the Khatri community is the main producer of Bandhani in Gujarat, maintaining a mastery of the craft that has lasted for generations. Khatris in Kachchh are usually Hindu or Muslim. The demand for intricate designs featuring Bandhani is high, and the newest patterns can feature as many as one lakh ties (dots). Bandhani is used for daily attire and for auspicious occasions, like births, weddings, and goddess temple pilgrimage.

Khatris are making new versions of Bandhani to fit the demands of modern and more international clientele. They experiment with the size, shape, and placement of each dot on the cloth to offer a whole new range of products. Their patterns reflect an artistic sentiment to explore and play, creating new motifs with an innovative spirit.

Sustaining Tie and Dye

Seeing the need to control the use of chemical dyes in Kachchh so that lasting ecological damage was not done to the environment, water, and people of local communities, Khamir began initiatives to popularize and teach the value of natural dyes, making natural dyestuffs more accessible to modern artisans. Khamir has conducted workshops and trainings with Bandhani artisans in order to expose them to more sustainable practices.‪#‎bandhani‬ ‪#‎kachchh‬ ‪#‎india‬ ‪#‎bharat‬ ‪#‎art‬ ‪#‎craft‬

Gujarati Crafts

Gujarat is renowned for its textile production methods. Bordering Rajasthan, the two states share similarities in culture and identity. The ancient Indus Valley Civilization inhabited the entire region, including Rajasthan and Punjab during Medieval India. They embarked on this textile industry in Gujarat. Within textile production, each caste is assigned to an occupation of its own. These are, weaving, dyeing and printing. For example the Salvi caste is assigned to weaving. Garment producers bring these elements together to form the identity of Gujarati textiles. Direct application is a method also symbolic to Gujarati garments. Paint and other applicants are used to form patterns on fabric for dupattas, ghagras (long skirt) and turbans. Block printing is a widely used form of direct application. In Bandhani, a unique Gujarati craft, fabric is tied at different sections before dyeing to create patterns. This foundation of forming patterns through dyeing has emerged from the rural communities of this state. Along with the complete image of a Gujarati woman are large bangles made of ivory and plastic, these are symbols of a married woman. Conch shell and shellac bangles are the most common. Conch shell bangles are plain white with a light shade of a brighter colour where as shellac bangles are shaped as a shell, painted and decorated with glitter. These have in recent years become an accessory in both domestic and international markets.

Cherrapunji (Meghalaya)

Cherrapunji in Meghalaya has several reasons to claim. It is the second wettest place on the planet and the only place in India to receive rain throughout the year. The town of Cherrapunji is nestled in the East Khasi Hills about 50 km southwest of state capital Shillong. The town is also known as Sohra and Churra. Cherrapunji, which means ‘the land of oranges’, is at an elevation of 4290 ft. One can see the plains of Bangladesh from the cliffs of Cherrapunji. Cherrapunji held the record for the wettest place on earth. However, Mawsynram, also in Meghalaya, holds the distinction of being the wettest place. Cherrapunji receives a staggering 11,777 mm of rainfall annually.

Monsoon clouds which blow inland from the Bay of Bengal are stopped from moving further by the ridges of Cherrapunji. The town receives both south-west and north-east monsoon.

Despite receiving excess rain, the town faces acute water shortage and the locals have to travel great distances to get fresh water. Another fall out of the relentless rain is the soil erosion which has denuded land of Cherrapunji and the surrounding valleys.

Cherrapunji is also famous for its live bridges, a result of bio-engineering practised by the locals. The bridges can bear 50 people at a time and are spectacular to watch.

Besides, enjoying the rains, Cherrapunji is also a good place for trekking. The most popular trekking route is that leads to Double Decker Living Root bridge in Nongriat village. It is advisable to hire a guide on your treks. Other activities to do in Cherrapunji are river canyoning from Nongthymmai to Mynteng steel rope bridge. Rock climbing and camping can also be indulged in Cherrapunji.

WHERE TO STAY

Cherrapunji offers several options when it comes to accomodation. From guest houses with basic amenities, resorts that offer better facilities, cottages, to homestays, you will be spoilt for choice.

WHERE TO EAT

In Cherrapunji, you can enjoy Khasi cuisine like pork rice. Eateries that sell pork and other red meat abound in the town. Sohra Pulao which is rice cooked with oil and vegetables without spices should not be missed.

You can also get Indian Chinese, Punjabi and Bengali cuisines in Cherrapunji. However, what you get here is the Khasi version of the cuisines. ‪#‎meghalaya‬ ‪#‎india‬ ‪#‎bharat‬ ‪#‎cherrapunji‬ ‪#‎nature‬ ‪#‎travel‬

St Mary’s Islands Karnataka

St Mary’s is a set of four small islands in India. Quite similarly to Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, these islands are famous for their basaltic rock formations cut into a peculiar hexagonal shape. The rocky beach and clear blue water make these islands a must visit. This island in India is still unknown to a large number of people.

Best time to visit: December – January

How to reach: Only way to reach this island is to take a boat from Malpe, Karnataka. The ride is roughly 15 mins and costs about Rs 500 for a round trip.

Places to see: Coconut gardens and basaltic rock formations

Where to stay: Unfortunately there are no accommodation facilities on this empty island in India. However, you can make your arrangements on the Malpe, nothing like it.

Things to do: A few selfies and group pictures on this extraordinary rock formations are requisite

Tip: Carry your own food and beverage since there is no refreshment facility available on the islands.

Rangla Punjab Haveli, Jalandhar

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How can one’s visit to any city in Punjab be complete, without experiencing the traditional culinary delights? Well, the answer to that question is the Rangla Punjab Haveli a traditional Punjabi restaurant. The restaurant is famous for the hospitality of the staff and is set in typical Punjabi village style interiors. The best time to visit the village is during the weekends where you can experience the food accompanied with the charming folk music and dance performances.

Napier Museum and Art Gallery, Kerela

A visit to the Napier Museum complex reveals a glimpse of the state's cultural heritage. The Museum is named after the former Madras Governor General, John Napier. It is also called the Government Art Museum.

The building is a combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. Built by the 19th Century British architect Chisholm, it has a unique natural air-conditioning system. A treasure house of art, the intriguingly eclectic collection of bronzes, historic ornaments, ivory carvings and chariots, it is the pride of the place.

The Sree Chitra Art Gallery features a rare collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich among others, and works from the Mughal, Rajput and Tanjore schools. An oriental collection of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali offers a visual treat.

A four centuries old clock and an herbal coat for the use of the king of Travancore are the main attractions here. The structure is surrounded with a beautiful meadow with various kinds of flowers.

Time : 

Open from 10:00 am t o 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays and Wednesday forenoon.

Location: 

The Museum Junction, which is two km away from Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station at Thampanoor

How to Reach: 

Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 2 kms from the city

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 6 kms from the city. ‪#‎museum‬ ‪#‎india‬ ‪#‎Thiruvananthapuram‬ ‪#‎kerela‬ ‪#‎bharat‬‪#‎archives‬ ‪#‎gallery‬

Indroda Nature Park

Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park is a precious treasure spread over an area of about 400 hectares on either bank of Sabarmati river in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat. It is considered to be the second largest hatchery of dinosaur eggs in the world. Regarded as India's Jurrasic Park, it is run by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation (GEER), and is the only dinosaur museum in the country. The park consists of a zoo, massive skeletons of sea mammals like the blue whale, as well as a vast botanical garden, amphitheatre, interpretation center and camping facilities. It also has a Wilderness Park which is home to innumerable species of birds, reptiles, hundreds of nilgais, langurs and peafowls in its vast forest. 

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Chennai has the distinction of having the first zoo in India, created in 1855. This was shifted from the then Madras City to Vandalur Reserve Forest and a modern Zoological Park was established in 1979 by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Spread over 510 ha. of dry evergreen forests with gentle undulating terrain, the specially created open wet and dry island type enclosures with hidden walls and simulated natural environment help the animals, birds and reptiles to feel their natural environment. Chimpanzee, the nearest ancestor to human beings, keeps you busy for a while.

Objectives

1. Ex-situ propagation of critically endangered species to prevent their extinction

2. Wildlife Education and interpretation aimed at a wider public appreciation of wildlife

3. Wildlife research to promote wildlife conservation and management

‪#‎India‬ ‪#‎Chennai‬ ‪#‎Tamilnadu‬ ‪#‎Bharat‬

Ralam Glacier

Ralam Glacier is one of the main Himalayan glaciers situated on the hills of Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. Munsiyari is the base for the trek. This glacier is situated near Ralam Dhura at Ralam Khal. It lies at the base of the Great Himalayan Wall. It is situated at an altitude of 2,290 m (7,510 ft) above sea level. The glacier is glaciologically divided into two parts named Upper Ralam and Lower Ralam. From Munsiyari to Ralam Glacier it is 15 km (9.3 mi).

Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi is a hill station in Madhya Pradesh state of central India. It has been the location of a cantonment (Pachmarhi Cantonment) since British Raj. It is widely known as Satpura ki Rani (“Queen of Satpura”), situated at a height of 1100 m in a valley of the Satpura Range in Hoshangabad district. Dhupgarh, the highest point (1,350 m) in Madhya Pradesh and the Satpura range, is located here. #india #madhyapradesh #pachmarhi

Rajgir

Located at the distance of 102 km from Patna, Rajgir happened to be the capital of Magadha state before the establishment of Patliputra or Patna. Rajgir is a well-known pilgrimage destination of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Some major tourist destinations in Rajgir are the Swarna Gufa, Griddhakuta Parvat, hot springs, and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. 

Himachal State Museum

The Himachal State Museum is a colonial building that was built in the year 1974 with the aim of preserving the state's rich cultural and archaeological artefacts. Surrounding the museum are sprawling lawns that greatly enhance its beauty.

The museum is divided into many galleries, including Rajasthan Miniature Painting, Photographs and Pahari Miniature Painting that attract general visitors. The Pre-Historic and Archaeology galleries are worth exploring for historians, archaeologists and subject scholars.

From rare sculptures and beautiful paintings to old coins and exquisite handicrafts, the museum has a lot on display. The most striking of all the items are the stone works of Bajaura and Masrur belonging to the 8th century. The Pahari miniatures and Mughal and Rajasthani paintings are among the museum's proud possessions. Do not miss to check out the unique collection of Himachali dolls in the museum.

There is also a library at the museum that stocks several historical books and manuscripts. It is a perfect place for art lovers and people who want to know about the history and culture of Himachal Pradesh.

Majuli (Assam)

The large river island nested in the mighty and holy Brahmaputra river formed by Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of Brahmaputra and joined by Subansiri River. Majuli Island is the paradise for birds and best place for bird watching in Assam, 3 main locals for bird watching are south-east, south west and northern part of majuli Island. ‪#‎assam‬ ‪#‎majuli‬ ‪#‎travel‬‪#‎india‬ ‪#‎bharat‬

Dhamnar Caves, Madhya Pradesh

Dhamnar Caves are located in Dhamnar village of Mandsaur district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. This rock cut site has 51 caves stupas, Chaityas, passages and compact dwellings, were carved in 7th century AD. The site includes the colossal status of Gautama Buddha in sitting and Nirvana mudra.

Fourteen caves on northern side are historically significant among which Bari Kacheri (big courthouse) and Bhima Bazar are the magnificent. The Bari Kacheri cave measure 20 feet square includes stupa and chaitya. The porch includes stone railing with the wooden architecture. Bhima Bazar cave is the largest among the group, measuring 115 feet by 8o includes vzhara and chaityagruha. It consists of stupa, the roof is in poor condition with support of wooden architecture. ‪#‎india‬ ‪#‎caves‬ ‪#‎buddhism‬‪#‎tourism‬ ‪#‎madhyapradesh‬