Top 10 Places To Visit In Maharashtra

Top 10 Places To Visit In Maharashtra

About:-

The Land of the Marathas, Maharashtra is the 2nd most populated and the 3rd largest state in India. The state is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the primary language spoken here is Marathi. Being in the western region of India, Maharashtra has been blessed with an abundant supply of natural resources and the significance of the region has been mentioned in the ancient texts. The state of Maharashtra has a unique location of being situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. This makes the state a biodiverse region rich in flora and fauna. The Krishna, Godavari, Bhima etc. are the rivers that run through Maharashtra. The state is also the richest state in India and contributes 13.3% of the country’s GDP and 15% of the country’s Industrial output. It is thus a major state in India which has tons of places and attractions a tourist must explore.

Mumbai

Formerly known as ‘Bombay’, Mumbai is the largest city and the capital of Maharashtra. It is also the most populated city in India and the 5th most populous city in the world. The city that we see today is a collection of 7 islands which were joined into a single metropolitan through land reclamation techniques in the 18th century under the rule of the British East India Company. The city is often nicknamed the Manhattan of India and is home to the famous Indian film industry or ‘Bollywood’.

Mahabaleshwar 

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in Maharashtra and is located at the Western Ghats. The average elevation of the place is approximately 1,353 meters above sea level and is the source of the Krishna River. The water originates from a spout which is shaped like the mouth of a cow and is situated at an ancient temple of Lord Shiva. The city is a famous summer retreat for the people in Mumbai and is famous for its lakes and trekking hotspots.

Matheran 

Another great hill station located at the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra, Matheran is located at an elevation of approximately 800 meters above sea level. The city is famous for its cool and less humid climate and is a popular summer retreat for the population of Maharashtra. The British influence on the architecture is pretty evident and is well preserved by the officials. The train ride to Matheran is of special mention as it is a slow ride that will give you ample time to experience the intoxicating surroundings.

Nashik 

Nashik is located in the North-Western region of Maharashtra and is located on the banks of the river Godavari which also originates here. The place is mentioned several times in Hindu Mythology and has been famous for being one of the cities that host the Kumbha Mela of India once every 12 years. The town has a huge number of tourist attractions including museums, gardens and a huge array of ancient Temples which are sacred and have been regarded highly important in the Hindu mythology. The city boasts of its authentic Marathi cuisines which must be tried.

Aurangabad 

Aurangabad is named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and is one of the most prominent tourist places in Maharashtra. The city is famous for its historical monuments and the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora which are a national heritage site. The culture of this town is heavily influenced by the Mughal and the Muslim culture of Hyderabad and Marathi and Urdu are the main languages spoken here. The city has various lakes and the special cuisines in this region of Maharashtra are mouth watering.

Kolhapur 

The city of Kolhapur is located at the banks of the Panchganga River and one of the Princely states of the Marathas. The city is considered to be the heart of the Maratha Empire and is famous for its various historical monuments and cultural heritage of the Marathi people. The climate is pleasant all year round with heavy rainfalls during the monsoons. The best time to visit the city is during any of the major Hindu festivals like Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Vijaya Dashami and Navaratri. The special ‘kolhapuri slippers’ and the kolhapuri cuisines are worth trying out.

Pune 

The land of Peshwas, Pune has held an important position; both culturally and historically since the times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In the present times, it is an important educational, cultural and economic hub in Maharashtra. The many places of historical importance in the city, date back to the Maratha empire and some famous examples among them are-Shaniwarwada, Shivneri Fort, Aga Khan Palace and Sinhagad Fort. There are many places of religious importance too like Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati temple, Chaturshringi Temple etc.

Ratnagiri 

Ratnagiri is a sea port located near the Arabian Sea in the State of Maharashtra. The town has been mentioned prominently in the Hindu mythology and is famous for its Temples. The place contains several different breathtaking natural phenomena like the Rajapur Ganga which is a collection of 14 pools of water which appear almost once in every 3 years. The old palaces and forts are also great places to explore on your trip here.

Solapur 

Solapur is located on the Karnataka state border and the main languages spoken here are Marathi and Kannada. The city is located at the Deccan plateau and enjoys a moderate and dry climate most of the year. The ancient temples and lakes are also a great place to visit in Solapur. The Siddeshwar Temple is an ancient temple built in the 16th century and is visited by an average of 35 lakh pilgrims in a year.

Alibag 

Alibag was developed under the Naval Chief of the Maratha Ruler Shivaji. It is a coastal town and is famous for its white sandy beaches which are often unpopulated and cleaner than Mumbai beaches. The attractions can be covered in a day or two and there are plenty of cheap and hospitable lodging facilities. The various temples are also worth visiting as they display a brilliant Hindu Maratha architecture.

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10 Best Places To Visit In Bangalore

10 Best Places To Visit In Bangalore

About:-

In man made wonders, you would find cities that represent the rich cultural heritage of the bygone era and cities that are high-tech and modern. If you are keen to have a combination of these both, you can find it on your visit to Bengaluru, the erstwhile Bangalore. The city’s friendly climatic conditions make your stay pleasant and your journey enjoyable. Once you decide on Bangalore, ensure that you do not miss the best 10 places to visit in Bangalore mentioned below as your trip will not be complete without visiting them.

Tipu Sultan Fort

Located in the most crowded market area, Tipu Sultan Fort represents the artistic talent that prevailed in the past. It was originally constructed by Kempegowda in the year 1537 using mud bricks. It was modified and extended by Haider Ali, who used granite stones in the process. It was Tipu Sultan who completed it during 1791 and it served as his summer retreat. The two-storied structure has pillars, carved arches and balconies. It represents Islamic style and you could find a temple of Ganesha, a Hindu god. This throws light on the religious tolerance exhibited by the ruler. If you love to go deep into historical facts, you need to visit the art gallery in the fort, which houses historical paintings, photos and carvings.

Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace was constructed by Chamaraja Wodeyar in the year 1884 and he had his inspiration from England’s Windsor Castle. Located at city’s center, the Tudor style construction has Gothic windows, woodcarvings and turrets, which stand proof of the stunning architecture during the period. The 430-acre land that holds the palace has beautiful gardens. The palace is now used to conduct exhibitions and concerts.

The Government Museum

It was built in the year 1886. The museum houses rare collections, which represent various periods. The 18 galleries in the museum have antique jewellery, Neolithic finds of various civilizations and so on. You will find amazing sculptures and old paintings here.

ISKCON Temple

One of the largest ISKCON temples in the world, ISKCON Bengaluru is a must visit to experience religious fervour and architectural beauty. The temple organises many activities for Krishna devotees; these include youth programs, cultural programs and many festivals. The temple has six separate shrines and a 17 m gold-plated flag post; a 9 m gold plated kalash shikara.

National Gallery of Modern Art

The National Gallery of Modern Art in Bengaluru is a must visit for all art and history lovers. It has a collection of about 500 paintings. Some of the famous artists whose work has been displayed are Rabindranath Tagore, Raja Ravi Verma, Amrita Shergill,Jamini Roy. For ease of viewing, all the artworks have been labelled and displayed according to different time periods, art schools and by artists.

Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens

This botanical garden is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens you could find in India. Constructed by Haider Ali, it was later modified by Tipu Sultan. The Glass House in the gardens was inspired by the London Crystal Palace. Spread across a sprawling 240 acres of land, the garden has above 1800 species of plants, herbs and trees. The lawn clock in the garden is the first of its kind in India.

Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills is a perfect location to feel one with nature. Located 60 kms away from Bangalore, it is one of the hill stations near Bangalore with the solid monolithic granite mass that offers the best view. Rivers Palar and Arkavathi originate from here. The hill was named after the renowned Nandi temple, which is situated at the top of the hill. It is situated 1478 meters above sea level. The climate is pleasant and hence any time is the right time to visit the place. Some of the tourist attractions here include Amruth Sarovar, Tippu’s Summer Palace and Fort, Horse Way, origins of Palar and Arkavathi rivers, Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple and Tippu Drop. You can find a playground for children here with excellent facilities to enhance the spirit of children.

Cubbon Park

Cubbon Park is situated in 300 acres of land. It was constructed by Richard Sankey who was the Chief Engineer of Mysore. The massive green parks and the lawns that are well maintained need special mention. The Park offers beautiful walk way. It is a perfect place for you to be during your hectic holiday tour. It deserves to be called a Paradise for walkers. Statues of famous personalities are situated here. You will be mesmerized by the sight of Cubbon Park in the evening when the lights are turned on.

Bannerghatta National Park

A biological recreational centre built near the chaotic city of Bengaluru, Bannerghatta National Park is perfect for wildlife lovers. The park aims to promote eco tourism and teach the young generation about the importance of wildlife conservation. A zoo was created in the middle of the beautiful Champakadhama hills valley inside the Bannerghatta National Park. A butterfly farm is also a new addition to look forward to.

Shivasamudram Falls

The place is famous for having Asia’s first hydroelectric power station. If you love trekking, you would not want to miss this place. To reach this falls, you need to trek a distance of 2 kms and you will enjoy the journey that takes you through lush greenery. The best time to visit the falls is between June and September as you can have stunning view of the water falling magnificently.

Lakes in Bangalore

There are many lakes around Bangalore, which is surprising as there is an absence of rivers in the city. These lakes are a thriving place for avifauna, fishes and different types of flora. Their scenic beauty has been threatened recently due to the growing urbanisation of the city but they still remain a tourist hotspot because of their calming presence. Some of the famous lakes around the city where visitors can relax and enjoy are Ulsoor Lake, Hebbal Lake, Agara Lake, Madiwala Lake, Lalbagh Lake, Varthur Lake,Hesaraghatta Lake, Kengeri Lake, Sankey Tank and Kaikondrahalli Lake.

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Top 10 Places To Visit In Kolkata

Top 10 Places To Visit In Kolkata

About:-

Located at the Eastern banks of the Hoogly, Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. The city is home to the oldest functioning port in India and is the 3rd most populated metropolitan in India after Mumbai and Delhi. The region came under the Suzerainty of the Nawabs of Bengal under the Mughals and eventually the British who took full control of the city in 1772. The city is also the center of the industrial revolution in India and the birthplace of modern Indian cultural, poetic, artistic and literary movement in between the 19th and the early 20th centuries. The city was also the capital of India under the British and was the nucleus of the Indian Independence Movement. The various blends of cultures have garnered Kolkata as one of the major tourist destinations in India. Here’s the list of the best places to visit in Kolkata.

Howrah bridge kolkata

The construction of the sixth longest cantilever bridge in the world, the Howrah Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks of Kolkata. The bridge was originally called the New Howrah Bridge as it was meant to replace an older pontoon bridge on the Hoogly River. The bridge is often considered to be one of the major National Landmarks in India and is also called the Rabindra Setu after the famous Bengali literary figure Rabindranath Tagore.

Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial is located on the plains at the banks of the River Hoogly and was completed in 1921. It is dedicated in the memory of Queen Victoria and is currently a museum. After the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, Lord Curzon commissioned the construction of this memorial and is built in a unique architectural blend of Mughal and British styles. The museum contains 25 galleries that house various antiquities and artifacts.

Marble Palace Mansion

The palatial mansion was built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick and is a residence for his descendants till date. The architecture of the Marble Palace Mansion is neoclassical and is considered the best preserved sites of this style of architecture. The palace also houses a museum which contains various antique furniture and old paintings. The nearby zoo called the Marble Palace zoo is also a must visit. The birthplace of the Bengali Renaissance in India, Kolkata is one of the most industrialized and culturally developed cities in the country. Kolkata is often compared to the cities in western countries due to its development under the British. The above-mentioned places are just a handful of the tourist places you will discover in Kolkata, but should not be missed on your visit to this bustling metropolis.

Eden Gardens

The arrival of the British in India, gave the country its most favorite sport Cricket. Eden Gardens are a massive capacity cricket ground and is often called a Cricket Colosseum. The Eden Gardens are the largest capacity cricket ground in the country and the 3rd largest in the world. The Stadium is one of the most iconic cricket grounds in India and is home to the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket club in the Indian Premier League.

Jorasanko Thakurbari

Jorasanko Thakurbari or the House of the Thakurs is the ancestral residence of the Tagore family. The mansion was built during the 18th century by Prince Dwarkanath Tagore the grandfather of Rabindranath Tagore. The place now houses the Rabindra Bharathi University and a museum that contains the various articles and articles that depict and describe the life and times of the Tagores.

Park street kolkata

Park Street is also called Food Street and the Street that never sleeps by the locals due to the various restaurants and pubs located in the area. The place was one of the top night life spots during the 70’s and the 80’s. The street is one of the major attractions in Kolkata and is visited by a huge number of tourist and local crowds.

Indian Museum

The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the largest and the oldest museums in India and was established in 1814. The museum contains 6 sections which are further split in 35 galleries and contain a plethora of various antiquities, artifacts, paintings and mummies etc. The museum was established by a Dutch botanist under the British, Dr. Nathaniel Wallich and is one of the oldest museums in the world.

Birla temple kolkata

The construction of the temple began in 1970 and took 26 years to complete. Birla Temple is one of the several Birla temple landmarks that are located in various major cities across India. The temple was commissioned by the Industrial Birla Family of India and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The temple is built in carved white marble and is spread across an approximate area of 130 acres of land.

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and is one of the major strongholds for the rare one horned Indian Rhino. The forest reserve is spread across an area of 216.51 square kilometers and is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. The various animal species found here are the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephants, Sambar, Indian Bison and wild boar etc.

Royal Calcutta turf club (Calcutta Racecourse)

The Royal Calcutta turf club was founded in 1847 in the British India and was the 1st horse racing organization in India. The Calcutta or the Kolkata Racecourse was established in 1820 and is one of the oldest horse race courses in the country. The races are operated between the months of July to September and November to March on Saturdays or any other public holidays.

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Jammu and Kashmir (Heaven on The Earth)

Jammu and Kashmir (Heaven on The Earth)

About Jammu And Kashmir:-

Jammu and Kashmir is a state in northern India. It is located mostly in the Himalayan mountains.  Jammu and Kashmir consists of three regions: Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Srinagar is the summer capital, and Jammu is the winter capital.  The Kashmir valley is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape, and Jammu's numerous shrines attract tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year. Ladakh, also known as "Little Tibet", is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and Buddhist culture.

ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT HERE:-

KASHMIR:-

A land of unmatched scenic beauty and rich culture, Kashmir truly is a ‘Heaven on Earth’. The state of Jammu and Kashmir shows a rich diversity in its landscape. Low hills in the south, snow-capped peaks and velvety valleys in the centre and a barren, yet enchanting realm in the extreme north make up the state’s geography.

Srinagar:-

Paradise on earth, Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

Aharbal:-

Aharbal is a hill station in the south-western part of Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, 75 km south of the state capital Srinagar.

Aharbal lies in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the Veshu River, a tributary of the Jehlum River, in analpine valley covered in pine and fir trees within the Pir Panjal Mountains, 18 km south of the town of Shopian and 28 km west ofKulgam. It lies at an altitude of 2266 metres above sea level.

Aharbal is known for its waterfall, Aharbal Falls, where the Veshu falls noisily 25 metres and 7 metres through a narrow gorge of granite boulders. Aharbal Falls are also referred to as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir.

PAHALGAM:-

VALLEY OF SHEPHERDS

PAHALGAM - The Valley of Shepherds. Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 deg C.

Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath yatra (holy journey) to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of July/August, thousands of pilgrims descend on Pahalgam on their way to the holy cave

Travel  To Pahalgam:-

By Air: Srinagar, 95 km, is the nearest airport. 

By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead that is connected to other cities by NH 1A. 

By Road: A road drive of about 2½ hours from Srinagar takes you to Pahalgam. Buses and taxis are operated on a regular basis from Srinagar and other major cities.

GULMARG:- 

Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination and a notified area committee in the Baramula district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.The town is situated in the Pirpanjal range in the western Himalayas.  

Gulmarg is one of the beautiful place that can be visited in Kashmir valley. Gulmarg literally means the meadow of flowers. Originally, Gulmarg was called Gaurimag, named after Shiva’s coasts.  

Gulmarg is the main skiing resort for the adventure lovers. The skis, sticks, snow boots, woollen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles, caps, Even the amateurs can enjoy the skiing with the ski lifts and chair lifts. The best season for skiing is from November to February. The slopes in Gulmarg varies between 8,700 and 10,500 feet and are the highest skis in India. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift through pine-clad slopes is an experience of a lifetime. This gondola will take you up above 15,000 feet and is one of the highest in the world. Here, you can touch the skies and merge with the clouds. 

How To Reach Here 

By Air: The nearest airport is located in Srinagar about 57 km from Gulmarg. Regular flights connect Srinagar with the other major cities in India.  

By Rail: The nearest railway station is located in Jammu.  

By Road: Gulmarg is well connected by road with Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Jammu and various other cities of Jammu and Kashmir. 

SONAMARG:- 

For all those adventure loving people who wish to enjoy camping at a hill station, Sonmarg is the ideal destination. Tourists flock to this small hill resort in heavy numbers to see the enchanting natural beauty and snow clad peaks. Known as the 'Meadow of Gold', Sonmarg is set amidst a valley of flowers and lakes. The exotic flora of the region is nurtured by the Sindh river. Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh.  

The dense forests of Sonmarg comprise of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine. The place is frequently visited by nature lovers in the search of tranquil peace and soothing natural beauty. The stunning blue water lakes and grasslands are the other attractions. The enchanting beauty of the towering snow clad mountains is a real treat to the eyes.

LEH/ LADAKH:- 

There is very little left to say about the cold, bare and hauntingly beautiful desert of Ladakh, that hasn't already been said before. Tales of its beauty and mystique are sung far and wide, with people from all over the world putting the region on their bucket list of places to experience before they die. It's cold, it's crystal clear and it's very, very photogenic up here. 

Bi-humped bactrian camels, red cloaked monks, and flocks of mountain goat trudge along, lending the landscape a timeless aura. Stunning blue-green lakes ripple silently within giant basins of brown and purple rock. 

The sun and clouds bathe each part of the region in a different hue at different times of the day; sometimes a hopeful golden, sometimes a glowering indigo. The region is very used to tourists, so you will always find plenty of places to stay, eat and rest. Hiring local driver-driven jeeps is expensive, so many people prefer to brave the terrain on yaks, bikes or on foot. Leh is a quiet, spiritual little town, steeped in tradition and Buddhist culture. 

Many people prefer to stay in Leh and make day trips into Ladakh and its neighbouring villages. Ladakh is great to visit if you're into travel photography or writing or just want a good adventure and some alone time. 

DAL LAKE:- 

A LAKE MADE OF LAKES

Dal Lake has rightfully become an icon of the Kashmir tourism industry. A Himalayan urban lake, it has five basins and a number of channels that are well linked with each other. The sparkling quiet waters of Dal surrounded by snow-capped mountains on its three sides, undoubtedly mark it as one of the most beautiful lakes of India. 

It is also the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir with numerous gardens and orchards all along its shores. Houseboats form an indelible part of the scenery of the Dal Lake that are always ready to take tourists to a romantic and peaceful ride of the lake and soothe their nerves as the houseboat floats over the slightly rippling waters. 

There are Shikaras that look like small ornate versions of the gondolas of Venice that offers ferry rides to and from the banks of the lake to the houseboats. The shores of the Lake houses the distinct Moghul monuments and the campus of the Kashmir University while the two hillocks overlooking the lake house Shankar Acharya and Hari Parbat temples. The glorious Mughal gardens on its shores contribute to the beauty of the Dal Lake.   One can find a number of restaurants and hotels at the lakefront that have sprung up, encouraged by the large influx of tourists here.

VAISHNO DEVI:- 

Located in Trikuta hills, 13 Kms from Katra at a height of 1560 m above sea level with shimmering clouds and thinning air, this town is the holy cave temple of Mata Vaishnodevi, with spirituality and vibrancy lingering in the atmosphere.  

Revered and highly believed in, thousands of Pilgrims visit each year to seek blessings and show unflinching faith in this temple. Vaishno Devi is a religious trekking destination where pilgrims walk about 13 km uphill to reach the little caves which is among one of the 108 Shakti Peetha. Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani is a manifestation of Durga, a Goddess according to Hindu mythology. 

The trek itself is very enjoyable, though it might be a little difficult for kids and elderly people. However, ponies and palanquins are available by various vendors to take you there at the top. The whole way is decently paved with lots of shops selling snacks, food items and various religious goods. The pilgrims show their dedication and enthusiasm by shouting slogans and singing songs in the praise of Maa Vaishnavi all along the road. Overall, a great place if you are inclined towards both Hinduism and nature.

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DEOGHAR: "The city of Temples"

DEOGHAR: "The city of Temples"

ABOUT DEOGHAR:-

Located in northeastern Jharkhand, Deoghar is a major Hindu pilgrimage and a famous health resort. It has the ancient temple of Baba Baidyanath, which is one of the twelve 'jyotirlingas' in India. Baidyanath Dham, situated in the Santhal Parganas of Bihar, is a very important piligrim centre. It's famous for the temple of Shiva-Baidyanath and the place is a popular holiday centre. 
Deoghar is an ancient town famous for its group of 22 temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Numerous Buddhist ruins are also located nearby. Deoghar has a hospital, a tuberculosis clinic, and a leper asylum and houses several colleges (including a teacher-training institute) affiliated with Bhagalpur University. The Muslim invader Bhaktiyar Khilji made Deoghar his capital in 1201 after the conquest of Bihar.

Deoghar (also called Baidyanath Dham) is in Jharkhand. It is famous for the most revered of all Jyotirlingams, the Baidyanath (Shiva) Jyotirlingam temple also known as the Kamnalingam Temple 

Jyotirlinga:-

As per Shiv Mahapuran, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of preservation) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation. To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. 

Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. 

The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. Originally there were believed to be 64 jyothirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy. 

Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva. At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.

The twelve jyothirlinga are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar in Maharashtra, Baidyanath at Deoghar in Jharkhand, Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

BAIDHNATH TEMPLE:-

There are 22 temples in the same campus of different Gods and Goddesses among which Lord Shiva is empowered as being supreme. Modern concepts ascribe that the shrines are of both old and new styles. 

The temple of Shiva, Baidyanath faces the east, and is 72 feet tall, and it is lotus shaped. According to religious belief this temple has been built by Vishwakarma, the architect of gods. There are three parts of this temple; i.e., the main temple, the middle part of the main temple, and the entrance part of the main temple. The main temple is beyond historical dates. It has been visited since the age of Rama, the king of Ayodhya. 

The top contains three ascending shaped gold vessels that are compactly set, which were donated by Maharaja of Gidhaur, Raja Puran Singh. Besides these pitcher shaped vessels, there is a 'PUNCHSULA' (Five knives in Tridenta shape), which is rare. In the inner top there is an eight petaled lotus jewel (CHANDRAKANTA MANI). 

The main 'LINGAM' (Lord Shiva) is also very rare. To the east of the northern verandah of the temple there is a large vat into which flows the water and milk offered as ablution. The lingam is of a cylindrical form about 5 inches in diameter and projects about 4 inches from the center of a large slab of basalt. It is not possible to ascertain how much of the lingam is buried. The top is broken and has uneven surface. 

There are different porches in the temple. One porch leads to the cell where the lingam is fixed. The second porch is in front with a row of pillars spanned by blocks of basalt and on the right side there is a sandstone image of a bull. 
There are bells fixed in the ceiling and pilgrims are supposed to pull the bell-ropes to announce their approach to the divinity. The courtyard has eleven other temples, mainly of Maa Parvathi, Maa Kali, Maa Jagat Janani, Kal Bhairav and Lakshminarayan. Maa parvathi temple is tied up with the main temple, with huge red sacred threads which is unique and worthy of reverence, showing the unity of Shiva and Shakti.

Nearest railway station is Jasidih railway station, which is 7 km from Vaidyanath temple. Jasidh is 311 km from Howrah/Sealdah on Patna route. On a normal day, the worshipping of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam begins at 4 AM. 

The temple doors open at this time. During 4:00am to 5:30 am, the Head priest worships with Shodashopachar. Locals also call it Sarkari Pooja. Then the devotees begin their worship of the Shivalinga. 

The most interesting tradition is that priests of the temple pour kuchcha Jal upon the lingam first, and later on the pilgrims pour water and offer flowers and Bilva leaf, upon the lingam. 

The Puja rituals continue till 3.30 PM. After this the temple doors are closed. In the evening at 6 PM the doors are opened again for devotees/ pilgrims and the process of worshipping begins again. At this time Shringar Puja takes place. 

The temple closes at 9:00 pm on the normal day, but during Holy Shravan month, the timings are extended. Unlike Somnath or Rameshwaram or Srisailam, here the devotees can get satisfaction by offering Abhishek themselves on Jyotirlinga. 

The pandas who perform different poojans for devotees are very important persons. They have a union called Dharmarakshini Sabha. The devotee can also buy Peda as prasad from Babadham. Peda is a local speciality of Deoghar. Babadham has a regular and well maintained office to accept offerings and donations.

The Matsyapuran narrates the place as Arogya Baidyanathitee, the holy place where Shakti lives and assists Shiva in freeing people from incurable diseases. The Madan Madhavi, a manuscript preserved in the archives of Maharaja of Gidhaur, provides information related to the political and cultural history of Gidhaur Raj. It includes a description of Babadham as well. 

This whole area of Deoghar was under the rule of the Kings of Gidhaur who were much attached with this temple. Raja Bir Vikram Singh founded this princely state in 1266. In 1757 after the Battle of Plassey the officers of the East India Company paid their attention to this temple. 

An English man, Keating was sent to look at the administration of the temple. Mr. Keating, the first English collector of Birbhum, took interest in the administration of the temple. In 1788, under Mr. Keating's order Mr. Hesilrigg, his assistant, who was probably the first English man to visit the holy city, set out to supervise personally the collection of the pilgrim offerings and dues. 

Later, when Mr. Keating himself visited Babadham, he was convinced and forced to abandon his policy of direct interference. He handed over the full control of the temple to the hands of the high priest.

Tourist Attraction:-

Shravan Mela:-

Millions of pilgrims visit this shrine every year. It is famous for the mela of Shraavana (a month of the Hindu calendar), between July and August. About 7 to 8 million devotees visit the place from various parts of India and offer holy water of Ganges to the deity collected from Sultanganj, which is almost 108 km from Deoghar and Baidyanath.

The water is also brought by the Kānvarias, who carry the water in Kavadi, and walk all the distance, on bare foot. You will find large crowds walking all the way carrying water. An unbroken line of people in saffron-dyed clothes stretches over the full 108 km for the month.

The pilgrims are called Dak Bam and they do not stop even once in their journey from Sultangunj, located at Bhagalpur district to Vaidyanath. Pilgrims to the temple later visit the Basukinath temple.

Nandan Pahar:-

Nandan Pahar is a small hill on the edge of the town which hosts a famous Nandi Temple and faces the famous Shiv temple.Nandan Pahar is located at a distance of around 3 kmfrom Baba Baidyanath Dham station. The numerous temples on the hill have beautiful idols of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh and Kartik. The site also has a water tank, which supplies filtered water to the entire destination. Tourists can also see beautiful views of the district, sunrise and sunset from this site.

As per mythology, once Ravana tried to enter Shivadham forcibly when Nandi was the doorkeeper of Lord Shiva. Nandi stopped him from entering the premises of Lord Shiva. Ravana got furious and threw him down at this site and hence, the hill is known by his name. Apart from housing the temple, the hill also has a famous park named Nandan Hill Entertainment Park.

With the availability of swimming and boating facilities, the park is one of the ideal sites for picnic and play fields. The Nandan pahar has a huge park for children, and has a ghost house, a boot house, a mirror house and a restaurant.

Shivganga:-

Shivganga is a pool of water situated just 200 meters away from the Baidyanath Temple. It is claimed that when Ravana was taking the lingam to Lanka, he needed to urinate. Afterwards, wanting to wash his hands before holding the lingam but unable to find a water source nearby, he struck the earth with his fist. Water came out and formed a pond. This pond is now known as  Shivaganga.

 

Naulakha Mandir:-

It is situated 1.5 k.m. away from Baba Baidyanath Temple. It is a nice visiting spot. This temple looks like the temple of Ramakrishna in Belur. Inside it there are idols of Radha - Krishna. Its height is 146 feet. The amount spent in construction of the temple was about Rupees Nine lakhs (9 lakhs). 

Hence it became known as Naulakha Temple. This amount was donated entirely by Rani Charushila who belonged to Pathuria Ghat King's family, Kolkata. At the early age she lost her husband Akshay Ghosh and son Jatindra Ghosh. Grieved by the deaths, she left her home and met the saint Balananda Brahmachari who asked her to construct this temple.

HARILA JORIA:-

Harila Jori is situated on the northern side of Deoghar, 8 km away from the Baidyanath temple and 5 km away from the Tower chowk. During ancient times, the area was full of Haritaki (Myrobalan) trees. 

It is claimed that this is the place where Ravana handed over the lingam to lord Visnu disguised as a Brahmin, and went to urinate.

Legends say that both Shiva and Vishnu met here. Hence the name, Harila - Jori. The Shiva temple was constructed by Achintan Das. There is also a tank at this place which is famous as Shool Harini tank. It is a famous tourist place.

Satsanga Ashram:-

Satsanga Ashram is a holy place for devotees of Thakur Anukulchandra, in the south-west of Deoghar, established by Anukul Chandra. Thakur Anukulchandra was born on 14 September 1888. In a small village called Himaitpur in the Pabna district of the eastern zone of Bengal (the then undivided India) which is now in Bangladesh, lord came to save this world. He was born to Sri. Shibchandra Chakravarty (Shandilya Gotra, Kanyakubja Brahmin) and Manmohini Devi. 

Anukulchandra was extremely mother centric, from his early life. His mother remained his guru throughout his life. He was lover of the mankind. Anukulchandra set up an Ashram at Pabna (later it was named Satsang). 

At Deoghar in India 1946 for fostering spiritual development a new Ashram had been set up by him. Eventually Satsang ashram at Deoghar became a major place of attraction in Deoghar fo all kind of people in the society.

Trikut Pahar (Hill):-

Trikut Pahar is one of the most exciting tourist destination in Deoghar, where you can enjoy Trekking, Ropeway, Wildlife Adventures and a safe natural retreat. It is also a popular picnic spot and a place for Pilgrimage. In dense forest on the uphill lies the famous Trikutachal Mahadeva Temple and the hermitage of Sage Dayananda. 
Trikut Hills contain three peaks and the Highest Peak goes to the height of 2470 ft from the Sea Level and around about 1500 ft from the ground making it an ideal location for trekking. Only two of the three peaks are considered safe for trekking while the third one is inaccessible due to its highly steep slopes. 
The Ropeway takes the Tourists to the top of main peak only. An exciting 360 degree view of Deoghar is available from the Top of Trikut Pahar. . 

TAPOVAN:-

Situated on the eastern front of Deoghar about 9 kms from the city is a famous place of "Pahari Mandirs" where are a no. of caves and it was a meditation place for the rishis and munis for a long time. Thus it came to be known as Tapovan.

RIKHIA DHAM:-

This world famous Yogashram of "Shivanand Math Yogacharya" continues to serve the people and provides new life to the needy, is situated about 9 kms away from Deoghar in the northern part of the town. 

This Yogashram is a new branch of world famous "Shivanand Math of Munghyi" Every year on the eve of "shri Krishnajanamastmi" and "Sita Kalyanam" a "Shatchandi Mahayagya" is organized in which innumerable devotees from this country and abroad take part to in it.  

RAMKRISHNA MISSION ASHRAM:-

Located in the heart of Deoghar, and established in 1922, Ram-Krishna Mission Vidyapeeth is the oldest educational institution of the Ram-Krishna Mission. It is now a senior secondary school for boys, and used to be visited by the brother disciples of Swami Vivekananda. Monks and Brahmacharins run the institution, which includes teachers from all over India, along with those from foreign countries. 

There is a greenhouse and a small medicinal orchard aside from an established museum showing the ancient and tribal heritage of India. The most attractive feature is the temple of Shri Ram Krishna where religious festivals are carried out.

How To Reach:-

By rail:-

the nearest railway station is Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) which is a terminal station of a 8 km branch line originating at Jasidih Jn. on the Howrah-Delhi main line. Apart from local trains on the branch line trekkers (type of jeep) taking in passengers on a per person fare basis and auto rickshaws are available. Auto-Rickshaws are available frequently just outside the Jasidih railway station. They charge Rs 10 per person in a shared auto and upto Rs 100 in a Reserved auto. The best means to get to Deoghar is the local Shuttle train available every few hours at Jasidih Railway station on Platform No. 4, And Now The New Railway Station "Deoghar" Is Started In Few Month To Dumka Railway Station

By road:-

Deoghar is approachable from Kolkata - 373 km, Giridih - 60 km, Patna - 281 km, Dumka - 67 km, Madhupur - 30 km, Ranchi - 250 km, Simultala - 53 km and other places. Regular buses are available from surrounding towns. No need to wait for minutes or hours,all conveyence are available in this route

Get Around:-

Unmetered taxis or hired cars, auto rickshaws, tongas and cycle rickshaws are available. Tongas charge around Rs. 400, autorickshaws around Rs. 500 and hired cars Rs. 700-1,000 for a visit to most of the important places in the town.

Eat:-

One normally has food in the place of stay but there are numerous small eateries.

Deoghar has some food specialties:

• Peda - a type of milk-based sweet-meat is the Deoghar speciality. A visitor to Deoghar must not miss it.
• Tilkut- made of til and sugar mixed and crushed together, mostly available from the month of December to February.
• Rabri - made of condensed milk, available throughout the year.
• Paratha - made of flour filled with sattu and potato and blended with pure deshi ghee, famous location 'Parathas of Luchhu Shah' in the mandir lane, any one can point you to the shop when asked for.
• Bel ka Morabba Another speciality of Deoghar available form September to March.. One must try this .
• Langra Aam- Deoghar's another speciality is its langra aam. One must never miss it.
• Lassi- (dahhi ki lassi), on the mandir lane. try cool dahhi ki lassi, it is also famous in deoghar

Sleep (Hotels):-

• Nataraj Vihar (Jharkhand Tourism), Telephone +91 6432 222422, Rooms Rs. 200-500.
• Hotel Yasoda International, Telephone +91kol. 033 329_53360 , 2264_2051, Rooms Rs. 500-2000.
• New Grand Hotel, Telephone +91 6432 225245, Rooms Rs. 250-350
• Hotel Prova, Telephone +91 6432 224112, Rooms Rs. 200-300.
• Hotel Anand, Telephone +91 6432 220540, Rooms Rs. 200-350.
• Hotel Samrat, Telephone +91 6432 222402, Rooms Rs. 250-400.
• Hotel Yatrik, Telephone +91 6432 323 299, Rooms Rs. 300-400.
• Joty. Near to the West enrance gate of Baidyanath Temple 350.
• Hotel Bharti, Very close to temple. Telephone 06432-223022, Rooms Rs. 200-400.
• Saraswati Ashram (Saraswati Panda Ashram (Contact: Shri Mahesh Charan)), Mansarowar Road, near Mandir (Auto from Jasidih/Baidyanathdham),+91-9234716393. Saraswati Ashram is one of the budget hotels at Deoghar very near Bhaidyanath Dham Mandir, Good place to stay and good place to eat. Rooms need to be healthy/hygenic and comfortable otherwise people would prefer to avoid it. 200-500

Get out:-

• Kali Dham, Pathrol - 53 km on bus route towards Madhupur via Sarath. Beautiful temple with nine more beautiful tamples around the Main Kali Tample which was built by Raja Digvijay Singh, 6 to 7 centuries ago.
• Basakinath Temple (42 km): Famous for Shiva Temple
• Dumka - 65 km
• Massanjori Dam - 98 km.
• Giridih- 60 km
• Sarath Dhukhharan Tath Mandir- 35km.

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