Sunday, May 10, 2009

Gujarat at a Glance - Quick Tourist facts

Architectural and Historical Places
Adalaj ni Vav
Ambaji
Ahmedabad
Bhavnagar
Dabhoi
Dwarka
Gandhinagar
Gop Moti
Junagadh
Kumbhariya
Lothal
Modera
Idar
Palitana
Patan
Pindara
Sidhpur
Somnath
Taranga Hill
Vadnagar
Vallabhipur
Sarkhej

Holiday Camp and Picnic Spots
Ahmadpur Mandvi
Chanod
Balaram
Chorvad
Dandi
Dumas
Dwarka
Galteswar
Hajira
Kabirvad
Lothal
Modera
Nal Sarovar
Nimetha
Palitana
Pavagadh
Porbandar
Saputara
Shuklatirth
Sikka
Somnath
Tithal
Tulsishyam
Ubharat
Veraval
Wankaner

Pilgrim Centre
Ambaji
Arnej
Becharaji
Bet Dwarka
Bhdresar
Bhavnagar
Bhidbhanjan
Charadva
Chotila
Dakor
Dwarka
Gadhada
Ghela Somnath
Girnar
Gondal
Harsiddh Mata
Idar
Jadeshwar
Junagadh
Kayavrohan
Khedbrahma
Koteshwar
Kumbharia
Mahudi
Matano Madh
Miradatar (Unava)
Nareshwar
Palitana
Pavagadh
Por
Shankheshwar
Shamlaji
Sidhpur
Somnath
Talaja
Taranga Hill
Tarnetar
Udwada
Unjha
Vadtal
Vautha
Vireshwar
Virpur
Visavadar

Handicrafts
Anjar
Bhuj
Bharuch
Idar
Jamnagar
Mahuva
Patan
Rajula
Sankheda
Surat

Hill Resort
Ambaji
Girnar
Palitana
Pavagadh
Saputara
Taranga Hill

Hot Water Springs
Lasundra
Unai
Tuva
TulsiShyam

Lake
Ajwa
Chandola
Kankaria (Ahmedabad)
Malav Tank (Dholka)
Munsar Tank (Viramgam)
Nal Sarovar
Sahastraling (Patan)

Wild Life Sanctuary
Nal Sarovar
Sasan Gir
Rann of Kachchh
Velavadar

Irrigation Scheme
Dantivada
Dharoi
Kadana
Kakrapar
Narmada (Navagam)
Panam
Ukai
Vanakhori (Mahi)

Airports
Ahmedabad
Bhavnagar
Bhuj
Jamnagar
Keshod
Porbandar
Rajkot
Surat
Vadodara

Industrial Centre
Ankleshwar
Bhaktinagar
Gandhidham
Gandhnagar
Halol
Kadi
Makerpura
Sachin
Vapi
Vatva

Information about various districts in the state of Gujarat

Ahmedabad
Headquarter: Ahmedabad
Area: 7,932.40 Sq. Kms
Population: 58,08,378
Literacy: 79.89 %
Taluka:
Barvala
Bavla
City
Daskroi
Detroj-Rampura
Dhandhuka
Dholka
Mandal
Ranpur
Sanand
Viramgam
Villages: 556
Major Industries: Textile
Major Tourist Attractions: Sabarmati Ashram, Sidi saiyad ni Jali, Juma Masjid, Shaking Minarets, Sarkhej Roja, Hatheesig's Dehra, Kankaria Lake, Nal Sarovar


Amreli
Headquarter: Amreli
Area: 73,281.17 Sq. Kms
Population: 13,93,295
Literacy: 67.72 %
Taluka:
Amreli
Babra
Bagasra
Dhari
Jafarabad
Khambha
Lathi
Liliya
Rajula
Savarkundla
Vadia
Villages: 613
Major Industries: Groundnut, Sugarcane, Weighing Scale
Major Tourist Attractions: Nagnath Temple, Gayatri Temple, Shreenathji Haveli, TulsiShyam, Una, Delvada and Kankal


Anand
Headquarter: Anand
Area: 2,940.31 Sq. Kms
Population: 18,56,712
Literacy: 74.95%
Taluka:
Anand
Ankalav
Borsad
Khambhat
Petlad
Sojitra
Tarapur
Umreth
Villages: 353
Major Industries: Dairy (Amul, National Dairy Development Board)
Major Tourist Attractions:


Banaskantha
Headquarter: Palanpur
Area: 10,400.10 Sq. Kms
Population: 25,02,843
Literacy: 51.26%
Taluka:
Amirgadh
Bhabharnava
Danta
Dantiwada
Deesa
Dhanera
Diodar
Kankrej
Palanpur
Tharad
Vadgam
Vav
Villages: 1,246
Major Industries: Perfumeries, Diamonds, Marble, Copper
Major Tourist Attractions: Ambaji Temple, Kumbharia Temple, Balaram Palace Resort (Heritage Hotel)


Bharuch
Headquarter: Bharuch
Area: 5,253.30 Sq. Kms
Population: 13,70,104
Literacy: 74.79%
Taluka:
Amod
Ankleshwar
Bharuch
Hansot
Jambusar
Vagra
Valia
Zagadia
Villages: 662
Major Industries: Oil Fields
Major Tourist Attractions: Shuklatirth and Kabirvad


Bhavnagar
Headquarter: Bhavnagar
Area: 8,154.70 Sq. Kms
Population: 24,69,264
Literacy: 66.98 %
Taluka:
Bhavnagar
Botad
Gadhada
Gariyadhar
Ghogha
Mahuva
Palitana
Shihor
Talaja
Umrala
Valabhipur
Villages: 794
Major Industries: Ship Breaking Yard
Major Tourist Attractions: Nilambaug Palace (Heritage Hotel), Palitana (Most sacred pilgrim place for Jains), Velavadar (Huge Grassland, and a National park for the Black Bucks)


Dahod
Headquarter: Dahod
Area: 3,733.31 Sq. Kms
Population: 16,35,374
Literacy: 45.66%
Taluka:
Dahod
Devgadh-Baria
Dhanpur
Fatepur
Garbada
Limkheda
Zalod
Villages: 688
Major Industries: Tribal Handicrafts, Honey, Amla and Charodi
Major Tourist Attractions: Tribal Fairs and Festivals


Dangs
Headquarter: Ahwa
Area: 1,764 Sq. Kms
Population: 1,86,712
Literacy: 60.23%
Taluka:
Ahwa
Villages: 312
Major Industries: Timber, Forest Produce
Major Tourist Attractions: Saputara (Abode of Serpents), only hill station in Gujarat, Dangs Darbar (Major Festival)


Gandhinagar
Headquarter: Gandhinagar (State Capital)
Area: 2,163.48 Sq. Kms
Population: 13,34,731
Literacy: 76.83 %
Taluka:
Dehgam
Gandhinagar
Kalol
Mansa
Villages: 290
Major Industries:
Major Tourist Attractions: Akshardham, Adalaj ni Vav (Stepped Tank)


Jamnagar
Headquarter: Jamnagar
Area: 14,125 Sq. Kms
Population: 19,13,685
Literacy: 67.19%
Taluka:
Bhanvad
Dhrol
Jam Jodhpur
Jamnagar
Jodia
Kalavad
Kalyanpur
Khambhalia
Lalpur
Okhamandal
Villages: 753
Major Industries: Pearl Fisheries, Brass Metal Products
Major Tourist Attractions: Dwarka, Indias only Marine National Park


Junagadh
Headquarter: Junagadh
Area: 8,782.10 Sq. Kms
Population: 24,48,427
Literacy: 65.35%
Taluka:
Bhesan
Junagadh
Keshod
Kodinar
Malia
Manavadar
Mangrol
Mendarda
Sutrapada
Talala
Una
Vanthali
Veraval
Visavadar
Villages: 1,034
Major Industries: Kesar Mango's,
Major Tourist Attractions: Gir Asiatic Lion Sanctuary, Junagadh Fort, Budhist Sculptures, Somnath Temple, Chorwad Popular Beach Resort, TulsiShyam popular for Hot Springs.


Kachchh
Headquarter: Bhuj
Area: 45,652 Sq. Kms
Population: 15,26,321
Literacy: N.A
Taluka:
Abdasa
Anjar
Bhachau
Bhuj
Gandhidham
Lakhpat
Mandvi
Mundra
Nakhtrana
Rapar
Villages: 949
Major Industries: Silver and Textile Handicrafts
Major Tourist Attractions: Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar and Ashapura Mata no Math, most important pilgrim centres.


Kheda
Headquarter: Nadiad
Area: 3,919.73 Sq. Kms
Population: 20,23,354
Literacy: 72.71 %
Taluka:
Balasinor
Kapadvanj
Kathlal
Kheda
Mahudha
Matar
Mehmdabad
Nadiad
Thasra
Virpur
Villages: 608
Major Industries: Cotton and Tobacco collection centres.
Major Tourist Attractions: Dakor, pilgrim centre.


Mahesana
Headquarter: Mahesana
Area: 4,376.38 Sq. Kms
Population: 18,37,696
Literacy: 75.54 %
Taluka:
Bechraji
Kadi
Kheralu
Mahesana
Satlasana
Unjha
Vadnagar
Vijapur
Visnagar
Villages: 599
Major Industries: Dairy (Dudhsagar), Commodity trading for Oilseeds, Jira, Cumin, Isabgull and Anise.
Major Tourist Attractions: 900 year old Sun temple, Becharaji, holy temple of mata Bahuchraji, Mira Datar, pilgrim place for Muslims, Hatkeshwar temple, Kirti Toran and other architectural monuments.


Narmada
Headquarter: Rajpipla
Area: 2,755.50 Sq. Kms
Population: 5,14,083
Literacy: 60.37 %
Taluka:
Dediapada
Nandod
Sagbara
Tilakwada
Villages: 613
Major Industries: Timber
Major Tourist Attractions: Sardar Sarovar Yojana (gigantic dam project site with lengthy network of canals)


Navsari
Headquarter: Navsari
Area: 2,657.56 Sq. Kms
Population: 12,29,250
Literacy: 75.98 %
Taluka:
Chikhali
Gandevi
Jalalpor
Navsari
Vansada
Villages: 370
Major Industries: Fruit produce, especially Mango and Chiku, Timber and Paper Trade, Sugar Factories
Major Tourist Attractions: Ubhrat beach, Palace, Darbargadh and National Park of Vansada


Panchmahal
Headquarter: Godhra
Area: 5,083.59 Sq. Kms
Population: 20,24,883
Literacy: 61.50 %
Taluka:
Ghoghamba
Godhra
Halol
Jambughoda
Kadana
Kalol
Khanpur
Lunavada
Morva
Santrampur
Shahera
Villages: 1,213
Major Industries:
Major Tourist Attractions: Mahakali Temple of Pavagadh, pilgrim place, Champaner, a world heritage site declared by UNESCO for its heritage and monuments. Hot springs of Tuwa.


Patan
Headquarter: Patan
Area: 5,742.59 Sq. Kms
Population: 11,81,941
Literacy: 60.59 %
Taluka:
Chanasma
Harij
Patan
Radhanpur
Sami
Santalpur
Sidhpur
Villages: 516
Major Industries: Intricately woven Patola Saries
Major Tourist Attractions: Jain temples, Wooden Carved houses, Rani-ki-vav, Sahastraling Talav.


Porbandar
Headquarter: Porbandar
Area: 2,271.99 Sq. Kms
Population: 5,36,854
Literacy: 69.09 %
Taluka:
Kutiana
Porbandar
Ranavav
Villages: 186
Major Industries:
Major Tourist Attractions: Kirti mandir (Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial), Beach, Osho Commune.


Rajkot

Headquarter: Rajkot
Area: 11,043.20 Sq. Kms
Population: 25,71,931
Literacy: 75.88 %
Taluka:
Dhoraji
Gondal
Jamkandorna
Jasdan
Jetpur
Kotdasangani
Lodhika
Maliya
Morbi
Paddhari
Rajkot
Tankara
Upleta
Vankaner
Villages: 843
Major Industries: Groundnet Oil, Pottery, Tiles, Ceramic Products, Wall Clocks, Textile dying
Major Tourist Attractions: Heritage Hotels, Palace of Wakaner, Virpur, pilgrim place for followers of Jalaram Bapa.


Sabarkantha
Headquarter: Himatnagar
Area: 7,259.60 Sq. Kms
Population: 20,83,416
Literacy: 67.31 %
Taluka:
Bayad
Bhiloda
Dhansura
Himatnagar
Ider
Khedbramha
Malpur
Meghraj
Modasa
Prantij
Talod
Vadali
Vijaynagar
Villages: 1,363
Major Industries: Dairy (Sabar Dairy), Household Kitchen equipments, woodwn toys.
Major Tourist Attractions: Shamlaji temple, Ancient fort of Idar, Temples of Ambaji and Bramha at Khedbramha. Ancient Stepped Well Tank.


Surat
Headquarter: Surat
Area: 7,451.10 Sq. Kms
Population: 49,96,391
Literacy: 74.49 %
Taluka:
Bardoli
City
Kamrej
Mahuwa
Mandvi
Mangrol
Nizar
Olpad
Palsana
Songadh
Surat
Uchhal
Umarpada
Valod
Vyara
Villages: 1,278
Major Industries: Diamond (92 % of world's diamonds are cut and polished in Surat), Jhari, Cloth
Major Tourist Attractions: Dumas, a picnic place on seashore .


Surendranagar
Headquarter: Surendranagar
Area: 10,436.30 Sq. Kms
Population: 15,15,147
Literacy: 62.46 %
Taluka:
Chotila
Chuda
Dasada
Dhrangadhra
Halvad
Lakhtar
Limbdi
Muli
Sayala
Vadhvan
Villages: 651
Major Industries: Cotton, Ceramics, Pharmaceuticals, engineering plastics, salt, Pottery, Chinaware, Chemicals.
Major Tourist Attractions: Tarnetar fair of Dance and Music


Vododara
Headquarter:
Area:
Population:
Literacy:
Taluka:
Chota Udepur
Dabhoi
Jetpur-pavi
Karjan
Kwant
Naswadi
Padra
Sankheda
Savli
Sinor
Vadodara
Vahodia
Villages:
Major Industries: Petrochemicals, Glass, Pharmaceuticals, Electromics.
Major Tourist Attractions: Palaces, Museums, Parks and Temples. Dabhoi Fort, famouse picnic places like Ajwa and Nimeta, Chandod (Pilgrim Place)

Valsad
Headquarter:
Area:
Population:
Literacy:
Taluka:
Dharampur
Kaprada
Pardi
Umargaon
Valsad
Villages:
Major Industries: Timber, Mangoes and other fruits.
Major Tourist Attractions: Dandi (known for Mahatma Gandhi's march against salt act.), Tithal, Ubharat and Nargol are tourist places on the seashore. Udwada from where parsee community entered India (Parsee pilgrim place.)

Friday, May 8, 2009

Peermedu Tourism, Idukki District, Kerala

Peermedu

Altitude - 915-1100m above sea level
Temperature - 13-24 degrees
Rainfall - 2500mm

Peermedu gets its name from the famous Sufi Saint Peer Mohammed. Peermedu had coffee and rubber plantations, tea and cardamom estates, mist covered hilltops and trekking trails.

Accessing Peermedu

Distance from Peermedu to different tourist centres

Thekkady - 35 kms
Kottayam - 75 kms
Munnar - 140 kms
Cochin - 150 kms
Alleppey - 114 kms

Bus timings from Peermedu

To Alleppey - 1215 hrs
To Trivandrum - 0930, 1630 hrs
To Cochin - 0800, 1415, 1600, 1715

In and Around Peermedu

Kuttikanam - This plantation town is famous for its cardamom estates. Good place for adventure tourism and trekking.

Thrissanku Hills
4 kms from Peermedu
Picnic post - good view of sunrise and sunset

Peeru Hills
4 kms from Peermedu
Good spot for trekking

Grampi
5 kms from Peermedu
Panoramic view from the high peaks. Lots of cardamom, tea and coffee estates.

Tribal Settlements
The Orali, Malapandaram and Malayarayan tribes live in the hills of Peermedu.

Things to do in Peermedu

Trekking - main trekking areas are Peeru Hills, Kalthotti, Vagamon, Grampi and Memala

Plantation Visits - Meloram, Nallathanni, Panchalimedu, etc

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Thekkady Tourism (Idukki District in Kerala)

Altitude: 900-1800m above sea level
Temperature 13-30 Degrees
Rainfall : 2500mm

Accessing Thekkady

There are frequent buses from Kumily(4km) to various tourist centres

Distance of a few major towns from Thekkady
Kumily - 4km - 15 min
Sabarimalla via Pullumedu - 50km - 2 hours
Idukki - 65 km - 2.5 hours
Munnar - 106 km - 4 hours
Kodaikanal - 149 kms - 5 hours
Alleppey - 164 kms - 5 hours
Ooty - 390 kms - 11 hours

In and Around Thekkady

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Open 0600-1800 hours
Spread across 777sq km, of which 360sq km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is noted for its diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty,
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river adds a charm to the park.


There are two watch towers in the interior sof the forest. Reservation can be made at the Divisional Forest Office, Thekkady.
Ph: 04869 222027


Kumily
4 kms from Thekkady
This plantation town closely associateed with Thekkady is situated on the outskirts of Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accomodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.

Murikkady
5 kms from Thekkady
Wahedin fresh spice scented air Murrikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi
5 kms from Kumily
This picturesue spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and streams is nestled between Chellarkovil and Tamil Nadu. A popular picnic spot Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographers delight.

Chellarkovil
15 kms from Kumily
The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in Tamil Nadu abd offers a breath taking view od plains and cascading waterfalls.

Mangala Devi Temple
15 kms from Thekkady
This ancient temple is hidden inthe dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level.

Vandanmedu
25 kms from Kumily
This is one of the worlds largest auction centres for cardamom.

Pullumedu
26 kms from Periyar
The winding journey to this hill town along the Periyar River offers a stunning view of the hills draped in lush greenery.
Since it is a part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from Thw Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady
Phone: 222027
Or the Range Officer
Vallakkadavu
Phone: 252515

Things to do in Thekkady

Plantation Tours
The tour covers visits to spice, coffee abd tea plantations, tea factories and tribal settlements. Contact the District Tourism Information Office in Kumily.

Elephant Rides
The Forest Department Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle.

Trekking
Main trekking areas near Thekkady
Kurusimala - near Kumily
Pullumedu - 45 kms from Thekkady
Ottakathalmedu - 5 kms from Kumily
Grampi - near Vandiperiyar
Contact Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady at
Phone: 222027, 222028

Boat Cruises in Periyar Lake
Timings - 0700,0930,1130,1400,1600 hrs
Fare: lower deck Rs 25 + 10 Entrance fees
Upper deck Rs 50 + 10 Entrance fees
Contact: 222028

Idian Classical Dance Theatre
Natyagriham
Karthika Tourist Home
Thekkady
Daily Bharatnatyam performance - 1900-2030 hours
Ticket 150 per person
Mudra Kathakali Centre - Daily Kathakali performance
Phone; 94471 57636

All information courtesy the Kerala Tourism Information Office.
For more information contact:
Tourism information office
Thekkady jn,
Kumily
Idukki
Phone: 91 4896 222620