Mysore Palace..Ambavilas Palace...in 'City of Palaces', ಮೈಸೂರು ಅರಮನೆ

Ambavilas Palace (Kannada), otherwise known as the Mysore Palace , is a historical palace and a Royal residence at Mysore in the Indian State of Karnataka

An incredibly breathtaking example of Indo - Saracenic style of architecture,

It is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. The palace is in the centre of Mysore, and faces the Chamundi Hills eastward.
Mysore is commonly described as the 'City of Palaces',

Mysore Palace was built in the year 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is counted amongst one of the biggest palaces in the country.

The architecture of the palace is a harmonious blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles

Mysore Palace is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in India,
It is the second most visited historical monument visited by both local and foreign tourists after the Taj Mahal.

Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and his mother Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi, commissioned the British architect Lord Henry Irwin to build a new palace.

The kings of Mysore were devotees of Goddess Chamundi, hence the palace's facing the Chamundi Hills.

It is a three-story stone structure with marble domes, and has a 145-foot five-story tower.
The palace is surrounded by a large garden.

In addition, there are numerous secret tunnels from the palace cellar leading to Srirangapatna, other palaces, and confidential areas.

Palace has three entrances: the East Gate (the front gate, opened only during the Dasara and for dignitaries), the South Entrance (for public), and the West Entrance (usually opened in the Dasara).

The conventional Dasara procession initiates from the palace on the 10th day or Vijayadashami , the central attraction of which is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari seated on a golden mantapa made of around 750 kg of gold.

 Attractions & Events

The Golden Throne was the royal throne of the rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore.
 It is kept for public viewing only during Dasara festival and on the rest of the days, it is dissembled and kept in safe lockers of the palace.

The Kalyana Mantapa, or marriage hall, is a grand,

The floor also displays a peacock mosaic, designed with tiles from England. Oil paintings illustrating the royal procession and Dasara celebrations of bygone years are displayed on the walls.

Sound & Light Show are arranged on all days between the same time, 7 and 7:45 in the evenings, except on Sundays and public holidays

The palace complex includes twelve major Hindu temples. Some of the famous temples are:

• Lakshmiramana Temple, ( Lord Vishnu)
• Someshvara Temple, ( Lord Shiva)
• Shwetha Varahaswamy Temple,(Lord Varahaswamy, one of the 10 incarnations of lord Vishnu)
• Sri Prasanna Krishna Swami Temple, ( Lord Krishna)
• Sri Bhuvaneshwari Temple, ( Goddess Bhuvaneshwari)
• Kodi Someshwaraswami Temple, ( Lord Shiva)
• Sri Gayatri Temple, ( Goddess Gayatri)
• Sri Trineshwara Temple,( Lord Shiva)

Visitor information

When was it built: Originally in the 14th century, later reconstructed/renovated several times
Who built it: Yaduraya Wodeyar (original one) and Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (present )
Where is it located: Mysore/Musuru, Karnataka, India
Why was it built: Royal Palace
Architectural Style: Indo-Saracenic
Visit Timing: Daily, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm

Children below 7yrs are free to enter the palace, while those between 7-12yrs are charged Rs 25 per head.
For adults, tickets are available for Rs. 50.
Footwear are to be removed before entering the palace complexes.

How to Reach: One can reach Mysore by KSRTC bus, train or cab from Bangalore , which is well connected by train and air with major cities of India and by air with some international ones.

The palace is 1.8 km from the central railway station to its west,
1.4 km  from  bus-stand to its north-east,
9.5 km  from Mysore Airport,

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Paradise Beach...Pondicherry ...Plage Paradiso,

At a distance of 8 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is an isolated beach located at Chunnambar.

The peaceful and serene ambience of this beach has contributed to its name as Paradise beach as visitors and locals flock to this place to enjoy the cool evening breeze.

This is one of the most famous Pondicherry Beaches and also one of the best places to experience Pondicherry Tourism.
Paradise Beach is a popular attraction not to miss in a Pondicherry tour

The beach is extremely attractive as the sands are very clean and the water is crystal clear.
The Paradise Beach is situated close to Cuddalore main road

Visitors have to cross the Chunnambar backwaters by boat to reach Paradise Beach.becouse  this beach can be accessed only from the Chunnambar Resort via boats.

These boats leave from Chunnambar boathouse to paradise beach

The beach has shelters and palm trees for shade and protection from the sun and rain.
The rustle of coconut trees, the swishing of the waves and the feel of sand between your toes is sure to be etched in your memory for years to come.

 The tides at the beach are strong at times and it is not advisable to go deeper into the sea.

This beach is famed for its lovely sunbathing options and resting under the cool breeze of palm trees.
The beach is an ideal play to relax and play with family and friends. Since the beach is smooth and does not have any rough surface, it is also fairly safe for children to play.

Beach volleyball, water sports equipment, beach umbrellas, are also available at this beach for tourists.
One of the most popular highlights of the beach is the exciting boat house.

The cost of a boat ride to the beach is Rs. 75 per person.
There is no provision of any accommodation here and no outside liquor and food is allowed within the beach

Charges: Entry, Boat Rides, Camera, Food & Beverages are all chargeable
Boat Timings to Beach: 9 AM - 4 PM

Location of Chunnambar Resort

Pondy-Cuddalore Road, Nonankuppam, Puducherry 605101

Timings: 9:00am - 5:00pm daily

TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE:No. 40, Goubert Avenue, Beach Road, Puducherry - 605001. Ph no 91-413-2339497, 2226744, Time8:00am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5:30pm ,Pudukuppam, Puducherry.

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Chamundi Hills...hlii of Mahishasura Mardini..mysore ..

Chamundi Hills is located 13 km east of Mysore,  in Karnataka, India.
Its elevation is 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).

According to a legend, the Asura Mahishasura (king of the city Mysore) was killed by goddess Chamundeswari  after a fierce battle.

The goddess is also called Mahishasura Mardini.

Named after goddess Chamundi, the Chamundeshwari

Temple sits atop the main hill. The main hill itself features an ancient stone stairway of 1,008 steps leading to its summit.


Around this point, the steps become significantly less steep and eventually the climber is rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.The summit of the Chamundi hills offers a panoramic view of Mysore’s landmarks like the race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes.

A key feature is the statue of Mahishasura bearing a sword in his right hand and a cobra in the left.
A colorful gigantic image of the demon, Mahishasura greets visitors as they reach the summit of the hill.

She is seated with her right heel pressed against the lowest of the seven chakras. This cross-legged yogic posture echoes the posture of Lord Shiva.

Chamundi Temple Mythology
The story of Devi Chamundi is - There were two Asura brothers, Sumba and Nisumba, who, strengthened by the boons received through severe penance, began to harass the Devas and the people

The Devas prayed to Devi Parvati, who took the form of a beautiful young maiden and came down to Earth.

The Asura brothers were smitten by her beauty and sent emissaries to try and entice her to come to them. When this failed, they tried force. But the young maiden killed the generals sent by the Asuras. Two of the generals were named Sandan and Mundan.

The Goddess took the ferocious Warrior form of Kali and destroyed them. As she killed Sandan and Mundan, she was called Samundi or Samundeshwari. Later this became  Chamundeshwari.

During the Dasara festival, on Vijayadashami, the Jumboo Savari,  traditional Dasara procession goes onto the streets of Mysore city. Idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a Golden mantapa, on the top of a decorated elephant. Balarama, the elephant has been performing this great venture from the past 9 years.

Chamundi Temple Architecture

The temple is set on top of the Chamundi Hill. You can climb up a flight of 1000 steps or drive up a hill road. When you reach about halfway up the hill, you will come across a small Shiva Temple.
The prominent feature of this temple is the huge 15 foot Nandi .Lord Shiva’s Bull, a monolith is found at the 800th step on the hill. It is over 15feet high and 24 feet long  and carved out of a single piece of granite..

Then you will be greeted by the imposing temple tower.
The Chamundi Temple is built on a square plan, with a Dravidian Gopuram.
This tower is decorated with beautiful sculptures. There is a statue of Lord Ganesha over the doorway.
The Sanctum has a beautiful eight-armed idol of Devi Chamundi in a seated posture.

How to Get to Chamundi Temple

Chamundi Hills is just 12 kms from Mysore city. You can get a bus from Mysore. Special times to visit are during Dussera celebrations and after Dussera during the Annual Rathotsava.

District: Mysore
Town: Chamundi Hills
Temple: Chamundi temple

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Kollam–Sengottai railway line

The Kollam–Sengottai branch line (Quilon–Shencottah or Quilon–Chenkotta line) is a railway line in South India which connects Kollam Junction in Kerala state and Sengottai ( Chenkottai, Senkottai) in Tamil Nadu.

The Quilon–Shencottah railway line was the first railway line in the Travancore state and is more than a century old (112-year-old)

The Kollam–Sengottai section is part of the Kollam–Chennai meter gauge rail route commissioned by the British in 1904.

The line has been completely converted to broad gauge. Currently, the railway line is operational from Kollam Junction to Shengottai.

One of the most scenic railway routes in the country, the stretch was the sole gateway between Kerala and Tamil Nadu through Tirunelveli.

The route goes through hills, caves and also passes through an iconic century-old 13-arch bridge in Thenmala

History
The Kollam-Sengottai metre gauge line was conceived and implemented by Maharajah Uthram Thirunal of Travancore.
The railway line was built jointly by South Indian Railway Company, Travancore State and the Madras Presidency
After a survey in 1888, work started in 1900 and was completed by 1902.
The first goods train travelled on this route in 1902 while the first passenger train began its run in 1904.
Meter gauge services were inaugurated on 1 July 1904 with the first passenger train flagged off from Kollam by Maharajah Moolam Thirunal of Travancore with a 21-gun salute.

The railway line was constructed by the British in the foothills of the Western Ghats to transport forest products, spices and cashews from Kollam to Chennai, their southern headquarters.

Notable landmarks on the route

13 Kannara Bridge
The Pathimoonu kannara palam or 13 Arch Bridge  is a 108–year–old bridge at Kazhathuruthi.
The bridge consists of 13 arches and is a major landmark on the Kollam-Sengottai railway line and the architectural abilities of the British.

The bridge connects two hillocks and stands on thirteen granite pillars each almost a hundred feet tall. Kazhuthurutti on the other, the bridge is 102.72 metres  long and 5.18 metres  tall.

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Azhimala beach and Shiva temple.....

Azhimala is a beach near to Kovalam.
 It is a very calm and quiet beach with bluishgreen colour sea water.

 It is around 20 km from Thiruvananthapuram city( around 45 minutes drive from Trivandrum city.)

There is a temple in the name of Azhimala, the deity is Lord Siva. The temple is very near to the beach.
Since the beach can be viwed from the hill top, the name came to be Azhimala, Azhi means 'the sea' and Mala 'the hill'.
Fantastic view of setting sun can be seen from this calm shore


AZHIMALA TEMPLE

Among the shores of Kerala shiva temple an ancient center named Aazhimala Shiva Temple is blessed with its natural beauty.
 As the name suggests it is situated between the huge rocks and stands in the edge of the ocean.
The scenario of Aazhimala temple is a fine example for its incomparable beauty.
It is comprised of fantastic reminiscence’s and story through the blessings of lord shiva.
 As a whole it reminds us of the mythological aspects of Mount Kailas for its abundant flow of devotees.

Aazhimala is located  Take the National Highway 47 towards Kanyakumari and need to take a right turn from the highway.
You can see an arch  on the right side of the road which belongs to the temple.
That road which will lead us to the siva temple which is very close to the beach.

Nearest railway station : Trivandrum Central Railway station
Nearest Airport : Trivandrum International Airport.

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The Kochi metro ....കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ

The Kochi metro project is the first metro in the country which connects rail, road and water transport facilities.

The first phase is being set up at an estimated cost of ₹51.81 billion .

The Kochi metro will feature a single line route.






It will start from Aluva and pass through stations such as Kalamassery, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Pathadippalam, Edappally Junction, Changampuzha Park, Palarivattom, Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, Town Hall, Madhava Pharmacy, Maharajas College and Ernakulam Junction.
The Metro line will be linked to Cochin International Airport via Aluva and Tripunithura via Pettah in the future.

Kochi Metro will use Alstom’s Metropolis trains having three coaches a train. 

Each train will be 65m long and will have the capacity to accommodate up to 975 passengers.
The metro trains will run at a top operational speed of 80km/h.

Computer Based Interlocking (CBI) system will be used on the Kochi Metro for better signalling and communication.
 The automatic signalling will be provided with protection and warning system.
The telecommunication systems will be integrated with fibre-optic cables, SCADA, train radio and public address (PA) systems.

Kochi Metro Stations

1. Aluva
2. Pulinchodu
3. Companypady
4. Ambattukavu
5. Muttom
6. Kalamassery
7. Cochin University
8. Pathadipalam
9. Edapally
10. Changampuzha Park
11. Palarivattom
12. JLN Stadium
13. Kaloor
14. Lissie
15. M.G Road
16. Maharaja’s College
17. Ernakulam South
18. Kadavanthra
19. Elamkulam
20. Vytila
21. Thaikoodam
22. Petta
23. Alliance Junction
24. SN Junction
25. Thripunithura

(one who visit kochi should take a metro journey to enjoy upper view of beautiful kochi)
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Nutmeg Tree ( Jathikka ), ജാതിമരം

Nutmeg is the seed or ground spice of several species of the genus Myristica.

it is cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg and mace. It is also a commercial source of an essential oil and nutmeg butter.

 Mace is the spice made from the reddish seed covering (aril) of the nutmeg seed. Its flavour is similar to nutmeg but more delicate; it is used to flavour baked goods, meat, fish, vegetables and in preserving and pickling.

In the processing of mace, the crimson-colored aril is removed from the nutmeg seed that it envelops and is flattened out and dried for 10 to 14 days. Its color changes to pale yellow, orange, or tan. 









The tree is native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, of Indonesia and is principally cultivated there and in the West Indies.

The spice nutmeg has a distinctive pungent fragrance and a warm slightly sweet taste; it is used to flavour many kinds of baked goods, confections, puddings, potatoes, meats, sausages, sauces, vegetables, and such beverages as eggnog.

The fleshy arils surrounding the nutmeg seed are the source of the spice mace
The nutmegs sold whole were dipped in lime to prevent their sprouting.

Nutmeg trees may reach a height of about 20 metres (65 feet).
They yield fruit eight years after sowing, reach their prime in 25 years, and bear fruit for 60 years or longer.

The fruit is a pendulous drupe, similar in appearance to  an apricot.

When fully mature it splits in two, exposing a crimson-coloured aril, the mace, surrounding a single shiny brown seed, the nutmeg.
The pulp of the fruit is eaten locally.

After collection the aril-enveloped nutmegs are conveyed to curing areas where the mace is removed, flattened out, and dried.

The nutmegs are dried gradually in the sun and turned twice daily over a period of six to eight weeks. During this time the nutmeg shrinks away from its hard seed coat until the kernels rattle in their shells when shaken.

The shell is then broken with a wooden truncheon and the nutmegs are picked out.
Dried nutmegs are grayish brown ovals with furrowed surfaces

Nutmeg and mace contain 7 to 14 percent essential oil, the principal components of which are pinene, camphene, and dipentene.
Nutmeg on expression yields about 24 to 30 percent fixed oil called nutmeg butter, or oil of mace, the principal component of which is trimyristin.
The oils are used as condiments and carminatives and to scent soaps and perfumes.

An ointment of nutmeg butter has been used as a counterirritant and in treatment of rheumatism.

When consumed in large amounts, nutmeg has psychoactive effects and is reported to be a deliriant and hallucinogen

 Nutmeg poisoning is rarely fatal but can cause convulsions, palpitations, and pain.

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