Month: June 2023

The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Visakhapatnam is a dedication to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, one which appeared during the Satya Yuga. Located atop the Simhachalam hills near the city of Vizag, it is said to be the residence of the Vishnu Avatar himself and attracts devotees from across the Indian subcontinent.

The Simhachalam devasthanam is unparalleled in its deep history, architecture, and cultural significance as it is the abode of the third and fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The temple, though the exact time it was built is not known, has held its place through the millennium through the changes in dynasties and rulers. The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple walls hold inscriptions that date back to the 11th century and have been a place of worship for rulers and warriors alike who seek the blessing of Lord Narasimha.

Traveller Tip (Important):
When traveling to Simhachalam devasthanam, one should also note that locals sometimes refer to this temple as Simhadri Appanna temple or even Simhachalam gudi. This happens due to the various languages and dialects here in Bharat. No matter what the name, the Simhachalam God, has stolen a place in the hearts of the people.

The Architecture:
The Simachalam devasthanam so called by the locals is a place of deep cultural significance to not only the Telugu people of the area who practice Hinduism but also those who travel here to appreciate the beautiful architecture. The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple is built in the Dravidian Hoysala style that was popular during the rule of the Tuluva dynasty. The distinct influence of the south Indian architecture is seen all through the temple especially in the sanctum sanctorum.

The Story of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
What makes this temple so special is the story behind it. This temple was constructed to be a home for both third and fourth incarnations of Vishnu and is said to have been dedicated by Prahalada, a blessed child of Lord Vishnu and the real son of the demonic King Hiranyakashipu. The King wanted to be treated as the almighty God and threatened to kill anyone who did not devote themselves to him.

Prahalada who dedicated his life to the worship of Lord Vishnu refused to do so, leading his father to order his execution. It is said that Hiranyakashipu made his followers throw his son of a hill and into the ocean but upon hearing Prahalada’s please Lord Vishnu rose to the avatar of Narasimha and saved his life creating a path for him through the hill, which is now simhachalam. Now the great Simhahalam temple stands proud as a tribute to the Simhachalam God: Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy!

How to reach Simhachalam Devasthanam:
The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Visakhapatnam is in an easily accessible location that makes it easy for tourists and locals both to get there. Simhachalam temple is only 20 kilometers from the city. As a result, many modes of transport are available to those who want to lay eyes on the Simhachalam God: Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy

By Air:
The Vizag city airport is available via direct flight from all the major cities in India, and also available from many international destinations such as Dubai, and Singapore.

By Rail:
If you have already reached or started at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, you can avail the help of a local bus, or simply just hire a taxi.

By Road:
The city of Visakhapatnam is well developed, and the Simhachalam Devasthanam is easily accessible through the well-connected network of roads. Buses are also provided by the local government, especially from Gajuwaka, and Maddilipalem.

Best time to visit Simhachalam Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy:
If one wants to seek the blessing of Lord Narashima, any time of the year works just fine. But from October to March, the weather is fairer at 20-25 degrees Celsius, which would be more ideal for you and your family if you hope to enjoy a nice relaxing darshan here at Simhachalam.

Timings and entry fees:
This temple is a significant part of Telugu Vaishnavites culture and it offers free darshans as well to those who want to get a special darshan for the prices from 100/-.

Unless one plans on visiting the temple during special seasons and holidays you can expect the crowd to be minimal. The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple is on top of the Simhachalam hills and buses are available throughout the day to reach there but your own vehicles are allowed after a charge of a small toll fee. It should be noted that cameras are not allowed inside due to the prohibition of pictures and all footwear should be left outside the premises.

The beautiful temple is not only a wonderful representation of Vaishnavite beliefs but also of local culture and a must-see spot if you are to ever visit the Visakhapatnam area.

Parshuram Kund is a place that holds mythological and holy importance. Over the ages, lots of stories were passed on with the generations in regard to Parshuram Kund. One of the famous versions of this story is as follows.

It was believed that Parshuram was the son of Renuka, a Kshatriya princess, and a Bhramin saint Jamadagni. The story of Parashurama was one of tragedy, sin, and salvation. One fine day Parshuram’s mother went to the river to bring back some water. When she had gone to the river, she had spotted a handsome prince frolicking and flirting with some women in the river.

With that, she had felt a strong desire to join the prince in the water. For a while, she forgot her husband was waiting for her back home, as she stared at him in awe. By the time she came back, Jamadagni through his meditative powers had found out about her adulterous thoughts. To Jamadagni, this was an unforgivable, act and enraged order lord Parshuram to kill her, his own mother. From this point on the Parshuram Kund story, also helps illustrate the Hindu belief of Karma.

Lord Parshuram, although torn between the act of killing his mother and the act of disobeying his father’s orders, had decided to behead his mother with an ax.

Seeing as this was a horrid crime, to kill a woman, especially one’s mother. As a form of punishment, Lord Parshuram’s ax was stuck to his hand. Being the man he was, Jamadgani was pleased with his son’s obedience and granted him one boon, which he promised to fulfill. Lord Parshuram who was now overflowing with guilt had asked for his mother back. As a result, Jamadgani had obliged. But even now the ax remained stuck to Lord Parshuram’s hand.

However, even after Parshuram’s mother returned, the ax was still stuck to his hand. It was at this time the guilt had begun to weigh down on him more than ever. Then after he took the advice of some particular Rishi-munis, Parshuram himself appeared at the River Lohit to take a dip and wash away his sins. As a result of this, the ax detached itself from his hand. This site where he was let free is now a holy place of worship known as Parshuram Kund.

This mythological, and epic Parshuram Kund Story is one of an immense cultural backdrop and symbolically represents the Hindu concept of Karma. The Parshuram Kund Story should be spread for generations to come and is a tale of immense interest.

Parshuram Kund Temple:
Parshuram Kund is like a Hindu pilgrimage spot, and as for the religious significance of Parshuram Kund? It acts as a holy place of worship. The Parshuram Kund temple was built to honor sage Parshuram. The temple is situated near the Lohit river. It is believed that those who dip themselves in the Lohit river, the holy river, will wash away any sins. Due to this belief, around 70,000 devotees come to take a dip in the Lohit River, here at Parshuram Kund.

Parshuram Kund Mela:
The Parshuram Kund Mela is celebrated every year as a result of Makar Sankranti. The Parshuram Mela is hosted here every year from the 1st of Jan all the way to the 31st. During the mela, many mountain tribes bring down cows, rare fur rugs, and other animals. During the Parshuram Kund Mela, the department of tourism has been working with the district administration to make grand arrangements since 1972. They also take care and ensure that other public needs are taken care of such as shops, clean drinking water, edibles, and safe lodging.

How to Reach Parshuram Kund:
Parshuram Kund is located in Arunachal Pradesh and is on the Brahmaputra plateau, close to the Lohit River.

By Air:
To reach Parshuram Kund in Arunachal Pradesh by air one can catch a flight to Dibrugarh airport, which is around 200 kilometers from here, and from there they can hire a cab or catch a bus to Lohit river.

By Road:
Parshuram Kund is easily accessible by road and there is a good road system implemented. There are many car rental services available in this area, to help tourists easily reach there.

By Rail:
Unfortunately, there is no direct route that makes Parshuram Kund accessible through rail. The railway station nearest to Parshuram Kund is in Tinsukia which is around 160 kilometers away. So once you arrive there you could make use of the many car rental services or hire a cab to take you to Parshuram Kund.

Lalbagh is a well-known botanical garden in both Bangalore city and some other parts of India. This garden has a wide array of flora and fauna. Lalbagh brings glory to the city of Bangalore and is one of the major tourist attractions in Bangalore.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden History:
Lalbagh park was originally laid out across 40 acres by Hyder Ali, the emperor of Mysore. Afterward, the garden was completed by his son, Tipu Sultan. Then during the reign of the Wodeyars and British empire, the park was expanded. Tipu Sultan had brought in plants from the far corners of the world to add to the park’s wealth. He had imported plants from France, Persia, and even Afghanistan, so he could improve Lalbagh horticulture.

About Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore:
This botanical garden is full of greenery, and lakes. Teeming with beautiful trees and lush greenery, it brings pride to the extensive range of Lalbagh horticulture. Today, Lalbagh park is spread across 240 acres of land near the heart of the city as it lies only a distance of about 4 k.m from MG road. Lalbagh park is a pristine example of why the city of Bangalore is known as the ‘Garden city’.

Things to do here:
The time that you spend here at Lalbagh botanical garden is solely based upon your interest. For example, many fitness fanatics like to go for an early morning jog. There is also a working analog floral clock that you can check out! By the way, did I mention there is a lotus pond? Yes! That’s right you can go for a stroll by the lake enjoying the nice view. Also, one could click some nice photos to capture the beauty of nature, or even to preserve some family fun for the photo albums!

Things to see here:
Topiary Garden:
It is things like this that make Lalbagh botanical garden so special. It is the creativity that Lalbagh brings that makes it great! This section of Lalbagh Bangalore projects plants like Junipers in different shapes! That is what makes it fun for children as they run around identifying animals like lions, and elephants.

Tree Fossil:
This tree fossil was brought in from the great state of Tamil Nadu. It is a 20 million-year-old fossil of a coniferous tree.

Bonsai Garden:
The bonsai collection here at Lalbagh hosts an extensive variety of 700+ bonsai plants.

Pigeon Colony:
This entire place is located at one of the Lalbagh main gates – the West gate. It was built in 2007 with the sole intention of attracting pigeons.

Bombax Tree:
This is a massive tree that is close to the Lalbagh west gate, beside the topiary garden.

Kempegowda Tower:
Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore also hosts the majestic Kempegowda tower. It is a well-maintained watchtower that was aesthetically enabled and was originally meant to be a territorial marker.

Lalbagh Flower Show:

The Lalbagh flower show is conducted twice a year. These flower shows occur annually during January and August in light of republic day. The Lalbagh flower show is something everyone should get a chance to see!

Lalbagh Glass House:

Lalbagh botanical garden also contains an exquisite glasshouse, which was modeled after London’s crystal palace. This glasshouse hosts the Lalbagh flower show twice a year. When one visits this glorious park, they will be compelled to take a look at this exquisite structure.

Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Lalbagh garden is in January and August, the garden will be in its peak with full bloom! It is just a wonderful sight to see!

Timings and Entry fee of Lalbagh Bangalore:
The Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore timings are: 6 am to 9 am if you want free entry so that you can go for a nice morning walk. Lalbagh botanical garden opening time is the same 7 days a week. If you are over 12 years old you will be charged an entry fee of Rs. 20. Want to take a few clicks? Well, visitors with a camera will be charged an extra Rs.50.

Traveler Tips:
1. Food will not be allowed inside the park. So it is better to eat before you come, or eat at the snack stalls inside.
2. Visitors will be able to visit the flower show by entering from any of the four gates.
3. Flower show tickets can be bought online.
4. They do not allow disposable items such as plastic bottles.
5. Car parking facilities are quite spacious over at the East gate of Lalbagh, facing the Double road.

How to reach Lalbagh Bangalore?
Lalbagh Bangalore with its prime location is very accessible and connected to the city. Ample buses make stops at Lalbagh gates. Kempegowda bus stand is also available at a distance of 7 kilometers. Visitors already in the city can also hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw with ease.

There are numerous waterfalls in India, one among them is the Kunchikal Falls in the Western Ghats of our country. The cascading waterfall seems like a part of heaven seen on earth. The view of the waterfalls is mesmerizing and the sounds made by birds in the vicinity of waterfalls are harmonious.

About Kunchikal Waterfalls:
Kunchikal Waterfall in India is situated amidst the dense lusty forests near Agumbe hill station and Hulikal Ghati temple. The descent of the Varahi River creates this impassable waterfall. It falls from a height of 455 meters. Kunchikal Falls height in feet would be 1493 feet.

Kunchikal Falls were once lasting and full of life all through the year, but after the development of the Mani Dam, the water was moved to the dam to create power through the hydroelectric plant built close to Hulikal, Shimong. Presently, the stream is once in a while overwhelming. The dam limits the public drive into the range resulting in a smaller number of visitors.

Nevertheless, the foamy and milky waters of the Kunchikal Waterfall are quite captivating.

What is unique about Kunchikal Falls?
Kunchikal Waterfall is assessed to be higher than the Jog waterfalls.
It is the most elevated waterfall in India as per the World Waterfall Database.
Kunchikal Waterfall is positioned 116th among the World’s Highest Waterfalls.
It comprises four tiers over a run of 1500.ft long.

Other little waterfalls are encompassing the Kunchikal waterfall, those streams are from the Varahi river

It is the primary contributor to the generation of hydroelectricity in the state of Karnataka.
South Canara forests and Barkhana falls can be observed by you, from this place.
Kunchikal Waterfall is well-maintained by the government and is one of the most unpolluted and pristine ones in the area.

Things to do:
Kunchikal Waterfalls is one of the most peaceful and beautiful picnic spots to visit with all the family members.

Kunchikal Falls is also a popular trekking spot. Hence, carefully monitored trekking can be done.

Things to avoid:
As the water flows from a tremendous height, taking bath and playing in the water flow is extremely dangerous if the water flow is heavy.

The Western Ghats are home for different flora and fauna including Giant Indian squirrel, Indian bullfrog, and other unique birds, rare reptiles, and wild animals. So, traversing around Kunchikal waterfalls is not advisable. Be extremely cautious if children are with you.

Best Time to visit:
Since most of the water is transferred to the dam for the generation of power, the water stream and current are tall only within the monsoon season. It is from July to September. A cool breeze blowing around the woods, sprinkling rain pouring from the sky, the sparkling-fairy Kunchikal waterfalls tumbling down the rocks, the reverberating sounds of the stream of water, the pleasant chirping of birds all together make the magnificence of the view to be beyond your imagination. So, the best time to visit the waterfalls is amid the monsoon season.

Timings:
The hours allocated for visitors are 6 am to 6 pm, the hours of service may differ depending on the day or the season.

Traveler Tips:
There is no proper residential facility available around the Kunchikal Waterfall, whereas dine-in restaurants are available for resting and eating. So, you must look upon the place of stay in advance itself.

The entry to the Kunchikal Waterfall is restricted, and a gate pass is required to enter the waterfall area. The pass will be issued at Hosgandi village, 15 km away from the waterfalls. It is free of cost.

Places to Visit Nearby:

Agumbe:
Favored with wealthy biodiversity, Agumbe gives an enhancing encounter. Agumbe could be a small village, and a slope station, arranged within the Shimoga locale of Karnataka.

Journey along the wild paths and experience the raw magnificence of the wild nature. It could be a marsh rainforest with the second-highest yearly precipitation in India. Hence, it is known as the “Cherrapunji of South India.” It was the shooting setting for the celebrated Malgudi Days show!

Barkana Falls:
Barkana Falls had made its put within the ten highest waterfalls of India. It is shaped by the Seetha Waterway and shapes a perfect pool underneath. It is found close to Agumbe and offers a glittering sea of the cascading waters.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary:
The mountains of the Western Ghats serve as a crown to this aphrodisiac park. It is home to wild tigers and different biodiversity. You can spot the Bhadra Waterway streaming through the Sanctuary, giving life to various species. It is moreover known as ‘Muthodi Natural life Sanctuary’ and is a 2-hour trip from Kunchikal Waterfalls.

Sringeri:
Sringeri is a divine site where the goddess of education ‘Saraswati’ resides. It is prominently believed that the blessings of this goddess would enrich your mind and memory. It is a devotional destination around 66 kilometers from the Kunchikal Waterfalls.
Sringeri is an abode to peace and comes with baffling history. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya found a snake unveiling its hood to shelter a frog from the scorching sun.

How to reach Kunchikal Falls?
Kunchikal Falls is located in Nidagodu village near Masthikatte in the Shimong-Udupi district border of Karnataka state.

Railways:
Udupi railway station is the closest to Agumbe, approximately at a distance of 67 kilometers.

Airways:
Mangalore airport is the nearest being 142 kilometers away from the waterfalls.

Roadways:
The region is connected through roads to major cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, etc. There are coordinated buses from Bangalore to the Kunchikal waterfall.
People can take taxis, private vehicles to the Kunchikal Waterfall in India once they reach the adjacent city through street rail or aviation routes. The final kilometer to reach the waterfalls is slippery with rocks and mud, so it is vital to stay cautious.

Kunchikal Waterfalls is one of the foremost lovely manifestations of nature, where the sky and the waters come alive. Savor the smooth stream of the Varahi Stream cascading down the Agumbe hill. The climate resonates with the ensemble of the streaming and tumbling waters. Wake up from the rigidity of daily life and delight within the eminence of Kunchikal Waterfall in India.

Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand
Elevation: 336 m (1,102 ft)
Height of waterfalls: 40 m (144 ft)
Watercourse: Kanchi river

Dassam falls in Jharkhand are also known as Dassam bagh. They are waterfalls that cascade in the Indian state of Jharkhand, formed by river Kanchi, a tributary of the Subarnarekha river. Dassam waterfalls are located near Tamaira village in Ranchi.

The atmosphere is full of the echoing sounds of falls that can be heard all over the place. The waters of Dassam falls are crystal clear and represent sheer purity. This beautiful waterfall is in fact a fusion of 10 water streams cascading all at the same time.

Dassam falls in Jharkhand are also known for their natural beauty and picturesque view. Dassam falls are surrounded by lush greenery that attracts visitors from across the world. It is interesting to know that around 6 million people visit Dassam falls annually.

You can unwind and relax when you are surrounded by the melody of the echoing sounds of the cascading water. The tunes and melody which one encounters here is a different feeling altogether.

If you are interested in recreational activities, there are facilities provided near the Kanchi river. However, you have to be careful! It is not recommended to play or take a bath in, as it’s very dangerous, especially for kids.

It is a good place to visit to get away from the polluted, bustling life of the city. One can also try a bit of trekking behind the falls. However, it is quite a bit of risk. The picturesque landscape and the serenity make this a perfect picnic destination.

Etymology:
Earlier Dassam falls were pronounced as da-song falls. Da-song is a Mundari word that means the act of pouring water. The name was changed because people from various places found it difficult to pronounce this dialect.

Efforts made by the State government:
To develop Dassam falls as a mainstream tourism spot, the government has initiated many developmental projects. Stairs and platforms have been built way down to the base of waterfalls; to view and enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls. However, it is best to avoid slippery rocks. The state government’s endeavor has enabled us to take a closer look at Dassam falls. It is a fabulous chance to explore the beauty of natural creations.

Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Dassam falls is during winter and summer. You may avoid visiting Dassam falls in monsoon as the force of falls is strong and intense during the monsoon. During winter and summer, it is a very calm and serene place that can soothe you.

Timings:
The Dassam Falls can be visited any time from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
It takes around 2 hours to visit the falls completely. Therefore plan accordingly! It is completely up to you. You may also choose to spend more than two hours at this destination and enjoy its beauty.

Things to be taken care of during your visit:
We recommend you to be careful and avoid taking a dip in these waters. Over time, the flowing waters have created many narrow tunnels between the rocks that go beneath the water. Hence, if someone drowns they are likely to get stuck in these complex tunnels beneath. The rapid water flow doesn’t allow them to swim back up. Consequently, a struggle ends in a painful death.

How to reach Dassam Falls Jharkhand:
The Dassam Falls in Jharkhand is very easy to reach, and one can access them via air, train, or road!

By Air:
The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport which is around 31 kilometers away from the falls.

By Train:
The nearest railway station is the Ranchi railway station situated around 26 kilometers from this destination.

By Road:
Birsa Munda Bus Stand Kantatoli is 24 kilometers from Dassam falls. The road to Dassam falls is well maintained and good. It is not too cramped and packed with traffic. Hence a road trip would be smooth and peaceful. You can easily reach Dassam falls via road.

We all know that nature is the greatest architect in the world. Dassam Falls is a luxurious gift that nature has bestowed upon us. A trip to this destination will refresh you. We all deserve a retreat and refreshment. Why not plan a trip to Dassam Falls? A perfect getaway in the laps of nature.

To capture the beauty of a place in still moments is an art. We appreciate Avik Mukherjee, for the photographs which have been used in this article. So thank you Mr. Mukherjee for giving us a great set of pictures, each of which speaks more than a thousand words. You can check out his great work on Instagram @avikininsta