The city of Vrindavan demands only one thing from the people. Forget your worries in the name of Lord Krishna.
There are around 5000 temples in Vrindavan. And it might take years if you wish to visit each of them. Relax, we have selected the famous few based on their historical significance to ease your plan to visit Vrindavan.
The Iskcon Temple
Courtesy: centres.iskcon.org
The Iskcon temple in Vrindavan is also known as Krishna Balaram Mandir. It is a popular destination of the Hare Krishna Trust. The temple hosts free breakfast and lunch to the visitors. It also has guest house in the temple premises.
Bihari ji’s Temple
Courtesy: news.vrindavantoday.org
Lord Krishna’s idol in Bihari Ji temple is known as Thakur Ji. The temple has a faith that the eyes of the lord are very powerful. Lord’s only glance can make true whatever is running in people’s mind, whether good or bad. That is why, Lord’s view is hidden behind the curtains and is opened and closed every few minutes.
Kesi Ghat
Courtesy: discovervrindavan.com
Kesi Ghat is a set of steps, leading down to the Yamuna river. People believe that Lord Krishna killed the demon Kesi and took bath in this ghat to refresh himself. Evening aarti at Kesi ghat is worth attending.
Jai Guru Dev Temple
This temple has Taj Mahal like structure. It is also called as Naam Yoga Sadhana Mandir. They host meditation sessions as well.
Seva Kunj
Courtesy: www.brajfoundation.org
Seva Kunj is a garden of countless basil trees. Basil or Tulsi, is favourite to Lord Krishna and so is the garden dedicated to him. People also believe that the gopis (cowgirls) danced for the lord in this garden.
Actually, the entire Vrindavan sings the devotion of Lord Krishna. No matter where you visit or where you skip. There is a special celebration in Janamashtami, the birthday of lord Krishna in Vrindavan. The entire town is decorated and the prasads in the temples serve Lord Krishna’s favourite food.
You can click here for more information about the temples in Vrindavan.
Vrindavan is located on the banks of the Yamuna river. It is a township developed on the actual Vrindavan forest. Vrindavan is dear to people because Lord Krishna spent his childhood in this town. One can find here around 5000 temples dedicated mainly to Lord Krishna.
What is Vrindavan famous for?
Vrindavan is a holy town in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is famous for the numerous Lord krishna temples, the bubbly and festive environment. It has evolved as a pilgrimage site of Hindus.
Vrindavan is also known to shelter the widows, who want to spend the rest of their lives in company of lord. The people from all over the world come to Vrindavan, spend days in their pursuit to find relief from the griefs.
One can find people chanting the name of lord Krishna throughout the day. Chanting the name of lord is a way to keep yourself distracted from the sorrow.
Iskcon temple in Vrindavan hosts the lodging and boarding of the foreign visitors. It also runs the Hare Krishna trust, having branches all over the world. The sight of the Iskcon monks in saffron robes and bald head is famous. Their get up is distinguishable anywhere in the world.
Courtesy: www.dandavats.com
You can brush up the things to know about Vrindavan here.
When is a good time to attend bhajans in Vrindavan?
In Vrindavan, the bhajans are ongoing. Any time, any temple, you can find people singing in chorus, with musical instruments in the glory of the God. Of course, within the temple timings. But, there is more. In the temples, the aroma of camphor, incense sticks are very refreshing.
There are usually two aartis in almost every temple- the morning aarti (prabhat aarti) and the evening aarti (sandhya aarti). Attending the aarti in Vrindavan is also a one of kind experience.
A tip to the visitors- If you are planning to visit Vrindavan, take special care of your belongings. The monkeys are very active and can snatch your spectacles, cameras, handbags, food, etc.
Here is a checklist of some common taxi scams and things to do and things to avoid when traveling outstation or long-distance by taxi in India.
Taxi meter broken When traveling within the city, drivers will either refuse to use the taxi meter or claim that its broken. At the end of the they will try to charge you higher than what the fare should have been if you paid by meter. Use a service that either bills you by meter or has published fares. If you are going to be driving aroiund town a lot, you may be better of renting a chauffeur-driven car for the day. Gozo can help you with this.
Lack of pricing transparency ..or bait and switch pricing Many customers, even locals fall into this trap. When traveling intercity, you may be quoted the lowest price on a per km basis but later a variety of charges, including toll, taxes etc are piled on to your bill. Insist on getting clarity on what the final bill will cost.At Gozo we believe in 100% pricing transparency. At the time you make the reservation, your confirmation clearly spells out the included kms for your trip, the base fare, expected tolls/taxes etc and the per km charges if you were to drive extra on your trip. More so, we also call out if and when parking charges are included for your trip. All inclusions and exclusions are explicitly called out on your confirmation email.
Odometer scamWhen traveling long distance you are expected to pay for the number of kms travelled. In many a cases an unscrupulous driver might try to scam you by charging you for extra kms. Always insist that the driver reset the trip odometer at the start of the trip. Double check the odometer reading… Make sure you check if you read Odometer A or Odometer B. Or even better, get them to reset both the trip odometers (most cars have a Trip A and a Trip B). At the end of the trip, you can now trust the odometer reading.A common scam is where the driver resets one of the Trip odometers (Trip B) well before your pickup and then resets the other one (Trip A) at the start of your trip. And the end of the trip they would show you the one reading the higher value and get you to pay for more kms than what you travelled.
Cancellation charges Plans do change. So please get clarity on what cancellation charges you would have to pay if you do cancel your reservation. At Gozo, our cancellation policy is clearly spelled out on your confirmation.
Be careful with your luggage Make sure all your pieces are loaded in the car before you take a seat else you may be risking arriving without a piece of luggage
Timely service If you are making a reservation for a trip, then you expect the car to show up on time and get you on our way. Ensure that you have confirmed service with a dependable provider. At Gozo, we require our customers to reconfirm their trips so as to avoid last minute cancellations. A trip can be guaranteed by paying 15% advance or by reconfirming when we email/call to reconfirm your travel plans.
Lost or forgotten items Always check for your belongings and keep and eye on them. When leaving the vehicle, make sure you take everything you arrived with.
Do you get roadside assistance? Breakdowns can happen on a long distance journey. You need to know that your provider can arrange for a replacement car to get you on your way without losing time or messing up your plans.Our premium tier of services include a provision for road-side assistance (thats explicitly called out in your confirmation if your purchase includes road-side assistance)
Licensed & Insured cabs In life you get what you pay for… Most providers offering cheap quotes tend to cut corners on their service. It is illegal to use a private vehicle for hired transportation of passengers in India. Only commercially licensed taxis which carry the pre-requisite insurance and permits are considered a legal taxi transport. Always ensure that before you board a taxi, the vehicle license plate has YELLOW letters on a black license plate.
Well maintained vehicles It is important that you know that your taxi is well maintained and taken care of. In the rainy season windshield wipers, tires with a good tread etc are of utmost importance. Gozo’s taxi inspection and approval process checks for these items and our field teams conduct inspections on the taxis’ on a periodic basis.
Avoid Sightseeing offer or local shopping recommendations Unless you have purchased sight-seeing as part of your purchase contract, avoid an offer from the driver to take you sight-seeing for cheap or sometimes even free.
Never fall for this age-old trick. On the way, typically the driver makes small talk in an effort to win you over. Once he has your confidence, the driver suggests a pit stop at a recommended restaurant or shop. Even if the passenger resists, the driver may encourage a stop to “just take a look.” The next thing you know you are being pressured to buy something (generally overpriced and one in which the driver will be making a cut). If you find yourself in this situation, mention that a local friend is meeting you at your destination and you cannot be late. Act like you are familiar with the area to avoid unwanted suggestions.
Working Air conditioning in the vehicle Most taxi drivers in India will turn off the AC when driving on hilly areas to prevent overheating of the vehicle. Outside of hilly areas, the AC can be used at all times.
To avoid the above issues book with a dependable provider like Gozo Taxi operators working with Gozo, depend on Gozo to receive business on an ongoing basis. This gives us leverage with them to ensure that customers are treated fairly. Our drivers and operators will generally act in the best interest of the customer – we all want you to come back as a repeat customer. In addition, in the event there is an issue on the trip – a flat tire, an item you left behind we have a way to contact the driver and have them arrange for your item be returned. We believe firmly that people are generally honest and by treating our customers and operators well we are able to create a friendly environment that encourages more travel across India.
“If I could choose where I would live, I would live by the mountains.”
Jammu is the largest city in the Jammu Division and the winter capital of state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated on the banks of the Tawi River. It has an average elevation of 327 m (1,073 ft). Jammu city lies at uneven ridges of low heights at the Shivalik hills. It is surrounded by Shivalik range to the north, east and southeast while the Trikuta Range surrounds it in the north-west. It is approximately 600 kilometres (370 mi) from the national capital, New Delhi.
Many historians and locals believe that Jammu was founded by Raja Jambu Lochan in the 14th century BC. During one of his hunting campaigns, he reached the Tawi River where he saw a goat and a lion drinking water at the same place. Having satisfied their thirst, the animals went their own ways. The Raja was amazed, abandoned the idea of hunting and returned to his companions. Recounting what he had seen, he exclaimed that this place, where a lion and a goat could drink water side by side, was a place of peace and tranquility. The Raja commanded that a palace be built at this place and a city was founded around it. This city became known as Jambu-Nagar, which then later changed into Jammu.
The Bahu Fort is located in Jammu city. The fort, said to be built by an earlier ruler, was refurbished during the Sikh Empire by Raja Gulab Singh in the 19th century. The fort is a religious place, and within its precincts has a temple dedicated to the HindugoddessKali, the presiding deity of Jammu. The temple is known locally as the “Bave Kali Mata temple”.
One can reach this magnificent fort through many ways. The nearest airport to Bahu Fort is the Jammu Airport, which is 5 kms away from Bahu Fort. The nearest railway station to Bahu Fort is the Jammu Tawi Train Station which is 2 kms away from Bahu Fort. Being on the hilly side it is not that convinient to travel via roads. However, on the left banks of the river Tawi the Bahu Fort stands quiet prominently and can be seen from quite a distance and hence is easy to spot in the region.
A popular Hindu festival known as “Bahu Mela” is held during the Navaratras in the fort area, twice a year, during March-April and September-October. This attracts a very large number of pilgrims to the fort and the temple located within it. Every week, Tuesday and Sunday are special days of worship at the temple. During the main festival time, special stalls are opened near the fort area and one can buy paraphernalia such as sweets, flowers, incense, coconuts, red cloth and so forth, to make special offerings to the deity in the temple.
Mubarak Mandi is a palace in Jammu. The palace was the royal residence of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir from the Dogra dynasty. It was their main seat till 1925 when Maharadja Hari Singh moved to the Hari Niwas Palace in the northern part of Jammu. The palace is located in the heart of the old walled city of Jammu and overlooks the Tawi River. Exemplary art and architecture of this palace makes it a speaking landmark of Kashmir. This palace is unique because it’s characterized by European, Mughal and Rajasthani style of architecture. A unique blend of these three styles of architecture adds grace to the beautiful palace.
Existence of this beautiful and majestic palace Mubarak Mandi adds to the grandeur of this region. The phenomenal look of this palace stuns tourists. Majestic halls and galleries of the palace are used for ceremonies and functions. Passing by this Dogra heritage tourists get the fragrance of royalty spread in the air of Jammu.
Amar Mahal Palace Museum was the place where Raja Amar Singh lived earlier. It is situated on the right bank of the Tawi River. The Sivalik Hills or ranges to the north of the Mahal, on the left bank of the river, provide a grand view, with the Tawi River flowing in between, draining the valley. It is well located adjoining the heritage hotel known as the Hari Niwas Palace Hotel, in the heart of the city, on the road to Kashmir. The palace is really beautiful which is made up of red stand stone which stands apart from the other picturesque sites. Now it is used as a Museum and is under the Hari-Tara Charitable Trust
The food of Jammu and Kashmir differs from region to region. It is characterised by its vast array of dishes cooked over a long period of time in exotic spices. The seasons and availability of fresh produce dictates the ingredients, some of which are dried and used in the winter months. The Dogra dishes include Aloo Dum, Rajma, Kashmiri Pulao as well as the staple Naan. You will also find chocolate barfi, patisa and a number of typical North Indian snacks
Reaching Jammu is as easy as going to the nearest supermarket. Jammu has an airport which though desperately needs modernization still has many flights from Delhi, Srinagar and Leh. Jammu is well connected by train to points south and east. Jammu Tawi is an important railhead of the Norther Railways serving the Jammu and Kashmir State. It is the second last major rail stop heading north. To Srinagar there are several J&K SRTC buses. Sumo jeep taxis also do this trip. Minibuses also run from outside Jammu bus stand and are more comfortable and sometimes cheaper than Sumos. For people who prefer comfortable journeys, one should try to hire a Toyota Innova, although it will be very expensive.
Jammu lies on the National Highway 1-A, and is connected by national highway network to all parts of the country. Amritsar – 243 kms, Chandigarh – 436 kms, Delhi – 586 kms, Katra – 48 kms, Srinagar – 305 kms, Manali – 428 kms, Patnitop – 112 kms. Mansar – 60 kms. One should definitely hire Gozocabs for a pleasant, blissful journey to this majestic, picturesque land
With Hot summers, cold winters, rainy monsoons and flowering autumns, Jammu can be visited anytime of the year depending on one’s interests. The best time to visit the city is however, during the famous festivals like Makara Sankranti (January), Ram Navami (March) and Deepvali (October) when the whole town gets dressed up like a queen and drenched in the festivities.
“Where snow-white mountains are immersed into deep meditation from pre-historic times
Where mountain streams are flowing with sweet sounds, as if little children are reciting their nursery rhymes.
Where green meadows, valleys of flowers and apple orchards are eagerly waiting to welcome you
Where peacefully happened confluence of three great religions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam
Visit the place at least once, and get enamoured by its beauty, splendour and charm.”
We all know it by the tagline of Utterly Butterly Delicious. The name and fame of Amul on which the whole Indian nation is relying from the time of independence was started from this very place – Anand. From a journey of 90 Kms away from the city of Ahmedabad, this place has been delivering our “dairy care” with a reason of trust and greatness in quality. From March onwards this destination is quiet engaged in welcoming tourists till the autumn seasons.
Here are the picks you must visit if you drop by Ahmedabad and plan a trip to this milkyland :-
Amul Diary Museum
You get a rare moment to witness how the products we are consuming since childhood, are being prepared here. This is a must visit place, with the pathway to the museum being hanged with photos of the generation of the White revolution of India and its evolution into the present day’s industry. You will find an auditorium which screens films and documentaries on the history as well as the transformation of the milk movement and the life story of the great Dr. Varghese Kurien, father of the white revolution.
A visit to this place helps the society to acknowledge the efforts of the people working hard to deliver the needs of the nation.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Veer Vithalbhai Patel Memorial
Surrounded with varieties of trees, plants and creepers, this place offers the tourists a view of the life the Iron man of India (along with his Bharat Ratna). The place here features a hall with arrangements of seating and offering space and moments for social interactions. You will see a photo gallery comprising of paintings, banners and photographs about the history of this great man.
The surroundings also bears a library and a garden, where regular cultural programs are being organized.
Flo Art Gallery
A very popular place for handicrafts, this place attracts the tourists to buy various sculptures, murals pots and wedding gifts. The handicraft items are available in clay, fiber, metal, wood and cement.
Air Manzil
An excavation site having houses, gardens, water channels and the famous Delhi gate, Haloi gate and the Godhra gate. This place here also holds a number of mosques along with several pillars.
