TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN PUDUCHERRY/ PONDICHERRY

1) Sri Aurobindo Ashram 

The ashram grew out of a small community of disciples who had gathered around Sri Aurobindo after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry in 1910. On 24 November 1926, after a major spiritual realization, Sri Aurobindo withdrew from public view in order to continue his spiritual work. At this time he handed over the full responsibility for the inner and outer lives of the sadhaks (spiritual aspirants) and the ashram to his spiritual collaborator, "the Mother", earlier known as Mirra Alfassa. This date is therefore generally known as the founding-day of the ashram, though, as Sri Aurobindo himself wrote, it had “less been created than grown around him as its centre.” 

2) Auroville 

It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (known as "the Mother") and designed by architect Roger Anger. As stated in Alfassa's first public message in 1965 "Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity". — Mirra Alfassa 

3) The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception 

It is the cathedral mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. It is also known as "Samba Kovil", which is a phonetic corruption of "Saint Paul’s Kovil" where "Kovil" means church. It is one of the oldest tourist sites in Puducherry and was visited by Mother Teresa during her visit to Puducherry. 

4) Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple 

The temple is of considerable antiquity and predates French occupation of the territory. During the tenure of Dupleix, there were attempts to destroy the temple but the temple was finally spared owing to strong protests from the Hindu population and the threat of British and Maratha invasion of the territory. According to mythology, Lord Ganesha is named in 16 types based on his various forms out which this god facing the east cost near Bay of Bengal it has been named as Bhuvaneshar Ganapathy, now called as Manakula Vinayagar. 

5) The Promenade Beach 

It is a 1.2-kilometre-long stretch in Pondicherry, starts from War Memorial and end at Dupleix Park on the Goubert Ave. The beach remains crowded with visitors enjoying sports activities like volleyball and swimming during the evening. Waterscape, ocean and the crowd make the beach an attractive destination. 

6) Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

It contains rare stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ and saints of the Catholic Church. In recent years it has become one of the famous pilgrimage spots for Christians. The year 2008-2009 was celebrated as centenary year of founding of the parish. A special postal stamp and postal envelope were released to mark the valedictory function of the centenary celebrations. 

 

7) French War Memorial 

It is on Goubert Avenue and is a reminder of those brave soldiers who laid down their lives, for their country during the First World War. It was built in 1971. Every year on 14 July (Bastille Day) the memorial is beautifully illuminated and homage is paid to those brave martyrs. 

8) Puducherry Science Centre and Planetarium 

The Science Demonstration Corner conducts live demonstrations and experiments to groups of visitors and students. The Children's Corner offers simple experiments for children. A workshop equipped with tools and tackles is provided for maintenance of the exhibits and development of new ones. The Digital Planetarium simulates a dynamic view of the sky to inform visitors about astronomy. The Science Centre and Planetarium sprawl over a 3-acre land with a built-up area of 1500 m2 

9) Puducherry Museum 

It has the remains of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. The museum also has a collection of rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties. 

10) Botanical Garden 

The gate leading to the garden is reminiscent of French architecture and it stands out from its immediate surroundings because it is in the middle of the old Tamil town. The Botanical Gardens were laid out in 1826 in the ornate French style, with pruned trees, flower beds and gravel lined paths and fountains. The Botanical Garden in Pondicherry has • Children's train • Six fountains • A dancing fountain • Japanese rock • Aquarium with ornamental fish

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN MANIPUR

The tourist season is from October to February, when it is often sunny without being hot and humid. It is bounded by Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, and Assam to the west; Burma (Myanmar) lies to its east. The state covers an area of 22,327 square kilometres and has a population of almost 3 million. Here we present to you top 10 places to visit in Manipur. 1) Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park and Sendra Island It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and is famous for the phumdis floating over it. The lake, in fact, has an intrinsic influence on the economy of communities who inhabit the surroundings of the lake by its natural produce like fish and other varieties of vegetables from the greenery around the lake. A glimpse of the deer in this unique wetland ecosystem is a must for any wildlife enthusiast. Sendra, although a small hillock entangled by the lake-water on all sides is linked with the mainland through a pathway. 2) INA Museum The INA Museum at Moirang is a treasure of relics connected with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's struggle against British imperialism to emancipate the Indian motherland and it displays wartime relics and photographs. 3) Kangla Fort The Palace of Kangla is an old palace at Imphal. It has historical as well as archaeological significance which makes it a great tourist attraction. It was situated on both sides (western and eastern) of the bank of the Imphal River. But now it remains only on the western side of the bank. Only the ruins remain now. Kangla means "dry land" in old Meitei. 4) Imphal War Cemetery The Imphal War Cemetery is located in Imphal. The cemetery has 1,600 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Earl Louis Mountbatten described the battle fought at Imphal and Kohima as "probably one of the greatest battles in history". In 2013, the Battle of Kohima and Imphal was voted as one of the greatest battles in history, based on a national survey conducted by the National Army Museum. 5) Manipur State Museum This interesting Museum near the Polo Ground has a fairly good collection and display of Manipur's tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's former rulers. Particularly interesting items are costumes, arms & ammunition, relics and historical documents. 6) Shri Govindji Temple It is the largest Hindu, Vaishnav temple in Imphal city. Twin domes, a paved courtyard, and a large raised congregation hall form a perfect backdrop for priests who descend the steps, to accept offerings from devotees in the courtyard. The shrines of Lord Krishna and Balaram and Jagannath flank the two sides of the presiding deity. Early hours Prayer (Aarti) is a must for devoted followers. 7) Khwairamband Bazar/ Ima Market A unique all women's market, having 3,000 or more "Imas" or mothers who run the stalls. It is split into two sections on either side of a road. Vegetables, fruits, fishes and household groceries are sold on one side and exquisite hand loom and household tools on the other. 8) ISKCON, Imphal The architecture of ISKCON is quite different from the other ISKCON's and it is built in more of a Buddhist style. The idols and carvings on the woodwork adoring the temple are very beautiful. 9) Shaheed Minar The indomitable spirit of the patriotic Meitei and tribal martyrs, who sacrificed their lives while fighting the British in 1891, is commemorated by this tall Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal city. 10) Manipur Zoological Gardens Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroisemba is only 6 kms. on the Imphal-Kangchup Road at the foot of the pine growing hillocks . Here apart from various endangered species, tourists can have an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest & endangered species in the world, in sylvan surroundings.

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN ODISHA

It is surrounded by the states of West Bengal to the north-east, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west and north-west, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to the south and south-west. It is the 9th largest state by area, and the 11th largest by population. Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha. 

1) Jagannath Temple, Puri 

It is a sacred Vaishnava temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It is an important pilgrimage destination and is particularly visited by devotees of Supreme lord Sri Krishna and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimages that anyone is expected to make in one's lifetime. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. The Jagannath temple was built in the 12th century during the era of the Eastern Ganga dynasty's King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, a dynasty known for also building the Sun temple of Konark and several major Shaivism temples. 

2) Konark Sun Temple 

 It is believed that the temple was built by king Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty in 1255 CE. The temple complex is in the shape of a gigantic chariot, having elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A major part of the structure is now in ruins. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

3) Similipal National Park, Mayurbhanj 

It is part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve popularly known as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas — Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. It has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani. Simlipal is home to 99 royal Bengal tigers and 432 wild elephants. 

4) Chilika Lake 

 It is a brackish water lagoon, spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the world. The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas come here. 

5) Lingaraja Temple 

It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Harihara, a form of Shiva and Vishnu and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. The temple complex has 50 other shrines and is enclosed by a large compound wall. Lingaraja temple is maintained by the Temple Trust Board and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 

6) Bhitarkanika National Park 

It used to be the hunting grounds of the erstwhile King of Kanika . The hunting towers and artificial watering holes can be seen at many places including Bhitarkanika trail and at Dangmal. The park is home to the saltwater crocodile, white crocodile, Indian python, black ibis, wild pigs, rhesus monkeys, chitals, darters, cobra, water monitor lizard and many other animals. 

 7) Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar 

It is a 400-hectare zoo and botanical garden. The zoo is home to about 1660 individual animals representing 166 species, including 67 species of mammals, 81 species of birds, and 18 species of reptiles. Endangered species such as the Asiatic lion, three Indian crocodilians, Sangal lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, mouse deer and countless birds, reptiles and fish have been breeding successfully. 

8) Ratnagiri, Jajpur 

It is located in the Jajpur district and a renowned Buddhist holy destination. According to some excavations, the history of the region is associated with 6th Century AD and the Gupta Dynasty. Major attractions at this place consist of the stupas, monasteries and the motifs. 

9) Puri Beach 

It is the site of the annual Puri Beach Festival, which is co-sponsored by the Indian Ministry of Tourism. The beach hosts sand art displays, including work by international award-winning local sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik. Nearest airport is located at Bhubaneswar which is 60 km away. Buses and Taxis are available for local transportation. 

10) Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts 

 It is an integrated part of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI), which disseminates knowledge covering the human species in totality. It's galleries display traditional dress, bead ornaments, heavy silver collars, coin necklaces, ornate wine pipes and musical instruments. You can buy colourful cloth paintings by the Saora people here.

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN RAJASTHAN

It is an Indian state bordering Pakistan. Its palaces and forts are reminders of the many kingdoms that historically vied for the region. In its capital, Jaipur-"Pink City", are the 18th-century City Palace and Hawa Mahal. Here we present to you top 10 places to visit in Rajasthan. 

1) Hawa Mahal 

It was essentially a high screen wall built so the women of the royal household could observe street festivals while unseen from the outside. Constructed of red and pink sandstone, the palace sits on the edge of the City Palace, and extends to the zenana, or women's chambers. 

2) Amer Fort, Amer 

It is known for its artistic Hindu style elements. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake. The palace was the residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families. 

3) Ranthambore National Park 

It is one of the largest national parks in northern India. It is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. It is named after the historic Ranthambhore fortress, which lies within the park. 

4) City Palace, Udaipur 

It was built over a period of nearly 400 years, with contributions from several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. The palace is located on the east bank of Lake Pichola and has several palaces built within its complex. 

5) Jantar Mantar, Jaipur 

It is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, and completed in 1734 CE. It features the world's largest stone sundial, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

6) Ghats at Pushkar lake 

It is located in the town of Pushkar. The Hindu scriptures describe it as "Tirtha-Raj" – the king of pilgrimage sites and relate it to the mythology of the creator-god Brahma, whose most prominent temple stands in Pushkar. 

7) Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer 

It is one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. It was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom it derives its name.The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill. 

8) Jal Mahal,Jaipur 

It is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake and is considered as an architectural beauty built in the Rajput and Mughal style. The palace, built in red sandstone, is a five storied building out of which four floors remain under water when the lake is full and the top floor is exposed. 

9) Lake Pichola, Udaipur 

It is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD. There are four islands on this lake; Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir and Arsi Vilas. Octopussy, a 1983 James Bond film, was filmed in the precincts of the Lake Palace. 

10) Chittor Fort 

It is one of the largest forts in India. This fort used to be the capital of Mewar and is today situated in the Chittorgarh town. The fort precinct has several historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers. These monumental ruins have inspired the imagination of tourists and writers for centuries.