tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34510617312454036712024-03-13T21:47:58.799-07:00indian_studying_and_travelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-75351338926802336742014-06-22T01:42:00.001-07:002014-06-22T01:42:27.524-07:00Telangana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent;">Telangana</span> is a land-locked state in South India. Its area of 114,840 km makes it the twelfth-largest state in the country. Most of it was part of the princely state of Hyderabad (Medak andWarangal Divisions), which was ruled by the Nizams during the British Rajuntil 1947, and later until 1948, when it joined the Union of India. In 1956, Hyderabad state was dissolved and Andhra State was merged with the Telangana region of the state of Hyderabad to form the state of Andhra Pradesh. On 2 June 2014, Telangana became the 29th state of India, consisting of the ten north-western districts of Andhra Pradesh. The city ofHyderabad will serve as the joint capital of Telangana and the successor state of Andhra Pradesh for up to Ten years.</b></div>
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<b>Telangana is bordered by the states of Andhra Pradesh to the south and east, Maharashtra to the north and north-west, Karnataka to the west andChhattisgarh to the north-east. Telangana has an area of 114,840 square kilometres (44,340 sq mi), and a population of 35,286,757 (2011 census).Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam andNizamabad are the major cities in Telangana State</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><b>Etymology</b></span></div>
<b>The name Telangana is thought to have been derived from the wordTelugu, which is the land of Telugu-speaking people. Trilinga, as in Trilinga Desa, which translates to "the country of the three lingas". According to aHindu legend, Lord Shiva descended as linga on three mountains, namelyKaleshwaram, Srisailam and Draksharama, which marked the boundaries of the Trilinga desa which then is later called as 'Thelinga', 'Telunga', 'Telugu'<br /><br />The name "Telangana" was designated to distinguish the predominantly Telugu-speaking region of the erstwhile Hyderabad State from its predominantly Marathi-speaking one, Marathwada.<br /><br />One of the earliest uses of a word similar to Telangana can be seen in a name of Malik Maqbul (14th century C.E.), who was called Tilangani, which implies that he was from Tilangana. He was the commander of Warangal Fort (Kaṭaka pāludu in Telugu</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><br /></b><b>History</b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6;">Early history </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Pothan[Now Bodhan] was the capital of Assakajanapada, considered one of the 16 great</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span>Janapadas<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">of early India.</span></b></div>
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<b>The Satavahana dynasty (230 BCE to 220 CE) became the dominant power in the area. It originated from the lands between the Godavari and Krishna rivers. After the decline of the Satavahanas, various dynasties, such as the Vakataka, Vishnukundina, Chalukya,Rashtrakuta and Western Chalukya, ruled the area</b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.6;">Qutbshahis and nizams</span></h3>
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<b>The area came under the Muslim rule of the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century, followed by the Bahmani Sultanate. Quli Qutb Mulk, a governor of Golkonda, revolted against the Bahmani Sultanate and established the Qutb Shahi dynasty in 1518. On 21 September 1687, the Golkonda Sultanate came under the rule of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb after a year-long siege of the Golkonda fort.In 1712, Qamar-ud-din Khan was appointed to be viceroy of the Deccan with the title<i>Nizam-ul-Mulk</i> (meaning "Administrator of the Realm"). In 1724, he defeated Mubariz Khan to establish autonomy over the <i>Deccan Suba</i> and took the name Asif Jah, starting what came to be known as the Asif Jahi dynasty.He named the areaHyderabad Deccan. Subsequent rulers retained the title <i>Nizam ul-Mulk</i> and were called Asif Jahi nizams or nizams of Hyderabad. The Medak and Warangal divisions were ruled by the nizams.</b></div>
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<b>When Asif Jah I died in 1748, there was political unrest due to contention for the throne among his sons, who were aided by opportunistic neighbouring states and colonial foreign forces. In 1769, Hyderabad city became the formal capital of the nizams. signed a subsidiary alliance in 1799 with British and lost its control over the state's defence and foreign affairs. Hyderabad State became a princely state among thepresidencies and provinces of British India. Nizam in two instances ceded the Coastal and Rayalaseema districts of his dominion to British due to his inability to pay for the help that British rendered in his wars against Vijayanagar and Tipu Sultan armies. The ceded Coastal and Rayalaseema districts were called Sarkar and Ceded areas and were part of the British Madras Presidency until India's independence and part of Madras state until 1953</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Kakatiya_Dynasty">Kakatiya Dynasty</span></h3>
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<b>The area experienced its golden age during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty that ruled most parts of what is now Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from 1083 to 1323 CE.Ganapatideva, who came to power in 1199, was known as the greatest of the Kakatiyas, and the first after the Satavahanas to bring the entire Telugu area under one rule. He put an end to the rule of the Telugu Cholas, who accepted his suzerainty in the year 1210. He established order in his vast dominion that stretched from the Godavari delta in the east to Raichur (in modern day Karnataka) in the west and from Karimnagar and Bastar (in modern day Chhattisgarh) in the north to Srisailam and Tripurantakam, near Ongole, in the south. It was during his reign that the Golkonda fort was constructed.Rudrama Devi and Prataparudra were prominent rulers from the Kakatiya dynasty. The dynasty weakened with the attack of Malik Kafur in 1309 and was dissolved with the defeat of Prataparudra by the forces of Muhammad bin Tughluq in 1323</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Post-independence">Post-independence</span></h3>
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<b>When India became independent from the British Empire in 1947, the nizam of Hyderabad did not want to merge with the Indian Union and wanted to remain independent under the special provisions given to princely states. The government of India annexed Hyderabad State on 17 September 1948 in Operation Polo. The central government appointed a civil servant,M. K. Vellodi, as first chief minister of Hyderabad State on 26 January 1950. He administered the state with the help of English educated bureaucrats from Madras State and Bombay State, who were part of British India and familiar with Indian system unlike the bureaucrats of Hyderabad state who used completely different administrative system from British India and used Urdu as the state language.</b></div>
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<b>In 1952, Dr. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was elected chief minister of Hyderabad State in the first democratic election. During this time, there were violent agitations by some Telanganites to send back bureaucrats from Madras state, and to strictly implement rule by natives of Hyderabad.</b></div>
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<b>Meanwhile, Telugu-speaking areas in the Northern Circars and Rayalaseema regions were carved out of the erstwhile Madras state as a result of the 'fast unto death' protest by Potti Sreeramulu to create Andhra State in 1953.</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Telangana_Rebellion">Telangana Rebellion</span></h3>
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The Telangana Rebellion was a peasant revolt supported by the communists. It took place in the former princely state of Hyderabad between 1946 and 1951. It was led by the Communist Party of India (CPI).<br />The revolt began in the Nalgonda district against the feudal lords of Reddy and Velama castes. It quickly spread to theWarangal and Bidar districts. Peasant farmers and labourers revolted against the local feudal landlords (jagirdars anddeshmukhs) and later against the king of Hyderabad State. The violent phase of the movement ended after the central government sent in the army.Starting in 1951, the CPI shifted to a more moderate strategy of seeking to bring communism to India within the framework of Indian democracy.</h3>
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<b>States Reorganisation Commission</b><div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">In December 1953, the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">States Reorganisation Commission</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">(SRC) was appointed to form states on linguistic bases.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">An agreement was reached between Telangana leaders and Andhra leaders on 20 February 1956 to merge Telangana and Andhra with promises to safeguard Telangana's interests.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">After reorganisation in 1956, the region of Telangana was merged with</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Andhra State</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">to form</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Andhra Pradesh</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">.</span></b></div>
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<b>Following the Gentlemen's agreement, the central government established a unified Andhra Pradesh on 1 November 1956.</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Telangana_movement">Telangana movement</span></h3>
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<br />There have been several movements to invalidate the merger of Telangana and Andhra, major ones occurring in 1969, 1972, and 2009. The movement gained momentum over decades for a new state of Telangana. On 9 December 2009 the government of India announced process of formation of Telangana state. Violent protests led by politicians raised in the Coastal Andhra and Rayalseema regions immediately after the announcement, and the decision was put on hold on 23 December 2009.<br /><br />The movement continued in Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana. There have been hundreds of claimed suicides[citation needed], strikes, protests and disturbances to public life demanding separate statehood.<br />Bifurcation of And<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6;">hra Pradesh</span></h3>
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<b><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><i>See also: Andhra Pradesh Re organisation Act, 2014</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">On 30 July 2013, the Congress Working Committee unanimously passed a resolution to recommend the formation of a separate Telangana state. After various stages the bill was placed in the parliament in February 2014. In February 2014,Andhra Pradesh Re organisation Act, 2014 bill was passed by the parliament of India for the formation of Telangana state comprising ten districts from north-western Andhra Pradesh. The bill received the assent of the president and published in the gazette on 1 March 2014.</span></span></b></div>
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<b>The state of Telangana was officially formed on 2 June 2014. The occasion was marked by pink balloons and an hour long firework display starting at midnight. Cultural displays highlighting the language and traditions of the state's people were held. The newly chosen state song "Jaya Jaya he Telangana" was played at more than 150 celebrations across the state.Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao was chosen as the first chief minister of Telangana. He and his cabinet were sworn in at 8:15 am local time. Hyderabad will remain as the joint capital of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period of 10 years.</b></div>
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<b>Geography<br /><br />Telangana is situated on the Deccan Plateau, in the central stretch of the eastern seaboard of the Indian Peninsula. It covers 114,800 square kilometres (44,300 sq mi). The region is drained by two major rivers, with about 79% of theGodavari River catchment area and about 69% of the Krishna River catchment area, but most of the land is arid. Telangana is also drained by several minor rivers such as the Bhima, the Manjira and the Musi.<br /><br />The annual rainfall is between 900 to 1500 mm in northern Telangana and 700 to 900 mm in southern Telangana, from the southwest monsoons. Various soil types abound, including chalkas, red sandy soils, dubbas, deep red loamy soils, and very deep b.c. [clarification needed] soils that facilitate planting mangoes, oranges and flowers. About 45% of the forest area of Andhra Pradesh is located in five districts of Telangana.<br />Climate<br /><br />Telangana is a semi-arid area and has a predominantly hot and dry climate. Summers start in March, and peak in May with average high temperatures in the 42 °C (108 °F) range. The monsoon arrives in June and lasts until September with about 755 mm (29.7 inches) of precipitation. A dry, mild winter starts in late November and lasts until early February with little humidity and average temperatures in the 22–23 °C (72–73 °F) range.</b></div>
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<b><br />Telangana is governed through a parliamentary system of representative democracy, a feature the state shares with other Indian states. Universal suffrage is granted to residents. There are three branches of government.<br />Executive authority is vested in the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, although the titular head of government is the Governor. The Governor is the head of state appointed by the President of India. The leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the Legislative Assembly is appointed as the Chief Minister by the Governor, and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Council of Ministers reports to the Legislative Assembly.<br />The legislature, the Telangana Legislative Assembly and the Telangana Legislative Council, consists of elected members and special office bearers such as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, that are elected by the members. Assembly meetings are presided over by the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker in the Speaker's absence. The Assembly is bicameral with 119 Members of the Legislative Assembly and 40 Member of the Legislative Council. Terms of office run for 5 years, unless the Assembly is dissolved prior to the completion of the term. The Legislative Council is a permanent body with one-third members retiring every two years.<br />The judiciary is composed of the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad and a system of lower courts.<br />Auxiliary authorities known as panchayats, for which local body elections are regularly held, govern local affairs. The state contributes seats to Lok Sabha.<br /><br />The main players in the regional politics are the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Telugu Desam Party and Indian National Congress. Following the Telangana Legislative Assembly Election in 2014, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi underKalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao was elected to power.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Subdivisions</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><b>Adilabad,Karimnagar,Nizamabad,Medak,Warangal,Khammam,Ranagareddy,Hyderabad,Nalgonda,Mahaboobnagar</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Demographics</b></span><div>
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<b>According to the Backward Regions Grant Fund 2009–10, 13 backward districts are located in Andhra Pradesh: nine (all except Hyderabad) are from Telangana and the rest are from other regions.<br /><br />The religious makeup of Telangana is 86% Hindu, 12.4% Muslim, and 1.2% Christian, and 0.4% others.<br /><br />About 76% of the population of Telangana speak Telugu, 12% speak Urdu, and 12% speak other languages.Before 1948, Urdu was the official language of Hyderabad State, and due to a lack of Telugu-language educational institutions, Urdu was the language of the educated elite of Telangana. After 1948, once Hyderabad State joined the new Republic of India, Telugu became the language of government, and as Telugu was introduced as the medium of instruction in schools and colleges, the use of Urdu among non-Muslims decreased.<br /><br />According to the 2011 census, Telangana literacy rate is 67.22%. Male literacy and female literacy are 75.6% and 58.77% respecively. Hyderabad district leading with 80.96% and Mahboobnagar district at the bottom with 56.06%.<br />Culture<br /><br />Telangana has typical cosmopolitan cultural background with population from India / outside India. It has distinctive culture inheriting cultural customs from Persian traditions embedded during Moghuls and Nizams rule with prominent and predominantly south Indian traditions and customs.<br />Art and literature<br />Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was the first Saheb-e-dewan Urdu poet. Other poets of Telangana from the early era includeKancherla Gopanna or Bhakta Ramadasu, Gona Budda Reddy, Palkuriki Somanatha, Mallinātha Sūri, and Hulukki Bhaskara. In the modern era poets include such figures as Padma Vibhushan, Kaloji Narayana Rao, Sahitya Akademi Awardrecipient Daasarathi Krishnamacharyulu, Vachaspathi Puraskar award recipient Sribhashyam Vijayasarathi, and Jnanpith Award recipient C. Narayana Reddy, as well as P. V. Narasimha Rao, ninth prime minister of India. Samala Sadasiva was selected for the Kendra Sahitya Puraskaram distinction. His book Swaralayalu on the subject of Hindustani classical musicwon the award for the year 2011.</b><div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6;"><b>Cuisine</b></span></div>
<b><br />Telangana has two types of cuisines, the Telugu cuisine and Hyderabadi cuisine.Telugu cuisine is the part of South Indian cuisine characterised by their highly spicy food. Hyderabadi cuisine, an amalgamation of Arab, Mughlai, Telugu, Turkish cuisines, developed by the Qutb Shahi dynasty and the nizams of Hyderabad. It comprises a broad repertoire of rice, wheat and meat dishes and various spices and herbs.<br /><br /><br />Festivals<br /><br />A number of festivals are observed and celebrated in Telangana. Regional festivals include Bonalu (celebrating the Hindu goddess of power, Mahakali), Bathukamma(celebrating the Hindu goddess Mahagauri), Sammakka Saralamma Jatara (celebrating tribal goddesses) Yellamma festival and Edupayala Jatara (held on Mahasivaratri day, Medak). Apart from these, all the major Indian festivals like Dusshera, Ganesh Chaturthi, Ugadi (New Year of the Deccan), Diwali, Sankranti etc., are also celebrated. Muslims in Telangana celebrate the Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha,Muharram and Mawlid. Christians celebrate Christmas, and observe Good Friday…<br /></b><div>
<b>Economy<br /></b></div>
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<b>There are also extensive coal deposits, which are excavated by the Singareni Collieries Company, for power generation and industrial purposes.There are limestonedeposits in the area, which are utilised by cement factories. Telangana also has deposits of bauxite and mica. Kothagudem, Jammikunta, Palwancha are amongst the industrial towns in the state.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Transportation</span><br /></b><div>
<b>Roadways</b></div>
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<b><br />The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is the major public transport corporation that connects all the cities and villages. Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (M.G.B.S) in Hyderabad is one of the largest bus stand in Asia.Jubilee Bus Station in Secunderabad serves inter city bus services. Asia's biggest Inter City Bus Terminal (ICBT) is being built in Miyapur (Hyderabad), which would house nearly 200 bus bays and for parking nearly 1,000 buses.<br /></b></div>
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<b>Railways<br /><br />The history of railways in this region dates back to the time of nizam of Hyderabad in 1874. It operates under the auspices of the South Central Railway founded in 1966. The landmark building Rail Nilayam in Secunderabad is the Zonal Headquarter office of South Central Railway. Secunderabad and Hyderabad are the main divisions of South Central Railway that fall in the state.</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Airports<br /><br />Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is an international airport in the city of Hyderabad. It has won the world's number one airport award twice (2009, 2010) in the 5–15 million passenger category. It is the largest airport in the state and one of the busiest airports nationwide. The government also has plans to start airports in other cities:Warangal, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Ramagundam and Kothagudem.<br /></b></div>
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<b> <span style="font-size: large;">Sports</span></b><br />
<b><br />Cricket, chess, tennis, badminton, Kabaddi are more popular sports [clarification needed]. The Hyderabad cricket team is represented in the Ranji Trophy and had won twice. The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is the home ground of Hyderabad cricket team. It hosts international as well as domestic matches. The Sunrisers Hyderabad, an Indian Premier League franchise, is based in Hyderabad.<br /><br />Famous stadiums for other sports include Gachibowli Athletic Stadium (also has an indoor stadium), G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium which hosts many sporting events. Many academies are set up to nurture future sport stars. Gopichand Badminton Academy, Sania Mirza Tennis Academy, NVK Tennis academy etc.</b><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>See also</b></span><div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>River water disputes in Telangana state</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>List of Telangana people</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>List of temples of Telangana</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>List of proposed states and territories of India</b></li>
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<b><br /><br />TOURIST PLACES IN TELANGANA<br /><br /></b></div>
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<b>Charminar:<br /><br />The Charminar is much the signature of Hyderabad as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout. It was said to be built as a charm to ward off a deadly epidemic raging at that time. Four graceful minarets soar to a height of 48.7m. above the ground. Charminar has 45 prayer spaces and a mosque in it. Visitors can view the architectural splendour inside the Charminar. The monument is illuminated in the evenings and a pedestrianisation project around the monument is under implementation.</b></div>
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<b></b><b><br />Golconda Fort:<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"> </a><br /></b></div>
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<b>Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words “Golla Konda” meaning “Shepherd’s Hill”. The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis, who held it from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutb Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years. The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.<br />Sound & Light Show at Golconda Fort The glorious past of Golconda Fort is narrated effectively with matchless Sound and Light effects. The unique Sound & Light Show takes you right back in time, when Golconda was full of life, glory and grandeur.<br /><br />Qutb Shahi Tombs:<br /></b></div>
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<b>The tombs of the legendary Qutb Shahi kings lie about a kilometre away from Banjara Darwaza of the Golconda Fort. Planned and built by the Qutb Shahis themselves, these tombs are said to be the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad. They form a large group and stand on a raised platform. The tombs are built in Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles using grey granite, with stucco ornamentation, the only one of its kind in the world where an entire dynasty has been buried at one place<br /><br /><br />Mecca Masjid:<br /></b></div>
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<b>A two hundred yards southwest of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. The Qutb Shahis never finished the building of the mosque, which was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694. Mecca Masjid is poetry in stone, with a hall measuring 67m and soaring to a height of 54m. Fifteen graceful arches - five to each of the three sides, support the roof. Towards the southern end of the mosque lie the marble graves of members of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.<br /><br />Legislative Assembly: <br /></b></div>
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<b>Built in 1913, the building was originally the Hyderabad Town hall. The architecture is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Persian styles, with an all white, aesthetic look. Located adjoining the picturesque Public Gardens, a massive statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a sitting posture is erected at the entrance park to the Assembly.<br /><br />Osmania University: <br /></b></div>
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<b>Established in 1918, it is one of the oldest universities in India. Named after Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the university buildings are splendid, especially the Arts College, which is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.<br /><br />Birla Mandir: <br /></b></div>
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<b>This white marble temple of Lord Venkateshwara floats on the city skyline, on Kala Pahad. The idol in the temple is a replica of the one at Tirupati.<br /><br />Salar Jung Museum: <br /></b></div>
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<b>This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III. The objects d’art include Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, famous statues including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb’s sword and many other fabulous items.<br /><br />Andhra Pradesh State Archaeological Museum:<br /></b></div>
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<b>A visit to the Andhra Pradesh State Archaeological Museum is a delight for art lovers. Located in the picturesque Public Gardens, the museum boasts of one of the richest repositories of antiques and art objects in the country. Built in 1920 by the Nizam VII, the museum building itself is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The museum contains a Buddhist gallery, Brahmanical & Jain gallery, Bronze gallery, Arms & Armour gallery, Numismatics gallery, Ajanta gallery and more. Adjacent to the State Museum is the Contemporary Art Museu.<br /><br />The Nizam‘s Silver Jubilee Museum:<br /></b></div>
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<b>The stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired around the year 1750 by the second Nizam, is now converted into a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum exhibits the gifts and mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations in 1937. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city and citations in Urdu about H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold burnished wooden throne used for the silver jubilee celebrations, gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, and a gold model of Jubilee Pavilion.<br /><br />Birla Planetarium/Birla Science Museum:<br /></b></div>
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<b>Birla Planetarium is India’s most modern planetarium and first of its kind in the country. It is equipped with advanced technology from Japan and is built on Naubat Pahad adjacent to Kala Pahad. And the Science Museum stands tribute to the advancement achieved by Science and Technology.<br /><br />Chow Mohalla Complex: <br /></b></div>
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<b>Built in several phases by the Nizams between 1857-1869, this is now one of the heritage buildings. The complex comprises four palaces in Moghal and European styles, of which the main palace is double storeyed with the others being single-storeyed blocks.<br /><br /><br />Nehru Zoological Park: <br /></b></div>
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<b>Spanning 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological Park is a must for nature lovers. It has over 250 species of animals and birds, most of which are kept in conditions as close to their natural habitats as possible. This is the first zoo to create moated enclosures for animals. The Lion Safari Park, Natural History Museum and Children’s Train are the added attractions. APTDC runs an ice-cream parlour and restaurant here.<br /><br />Shilparamam - The Arts & Crafts village:<br /></b></div>
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<b>Another attraction at Madhapur beyond Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad is the 30-acre village, which showcases arts and crafts of the country. India is an ocean of various arts and crafts but the talent of most of the artisans and artists goes unrecognized. To encourage them and give the necessary boost to their art, the crafts village hosts annual bazaars, where artists and artisans from all over the country exhibit their talent.<br /><br />Public Gardens:<br /></b></div>
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<b>Hyderabad has several beautiful gardens, one of the most popular being the Public Gardens, which also encloses the State Legislature, State Archaeological Museum, Jubilee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Telugu Lalita Kala Thoranam, an open-air theatre.Boating: AP Tourism operates pedal boats in Public Gardens pond.<br /><br /><br />Ramoji Film City:<br /></b></div>
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<b>A dream world created for the celluloid on a sprawling 1000 acres, with every imaginable set and location, Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad offers facilities to produce any kind of movie. Apart from sets, there are hotels where artistes and technicians can stay. Visitors too can go round in conducted tours that the management organises.<br /><br /><br />Hitec City:<br /></b></div>
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<b>One of the modern monuments of trade and technology, it embodies the newfound attitude of Hyderabad and today finds a place of pride. Situated on the outskirts of the city, it is the nucleus of Cyberabad, the IT destination in this part of the world. Cyber Towers is the main building here.<br /><br />Lumbini Park:<br /></b></div>
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<b>This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the shore of Hussainsagar lake. The landscaping here is a visual treat. A musically synchronized water fountain and a floral clock are major attractions here. Lumbini Park jetty is a major point for pleasure boating of AP Tourism.<br /><br />Hyderabad Botanical Gardens:<br /></b></div>
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<b>The first Botanical Gardens in Andhra Pradesh, spread over 120 acres. Already open to public is the first phase, with the completion of some sections. The sections include medicinal plants, timber trees, fruit trees, ornamental plants, aquatic plants and bamboos. The Park has been designed to have large water bodies, rolling meadows, natural forests, rich grasslands and exquisite rock formations.<br /><br />Hussainsagar Lake:<br /></b></div>
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<b>Excavated in 1562 A.D. by Hussain Shah Wali during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, the lake has a promenade that is a busy thoroughfare today. Boating and water sports are a regular feature in the Hussainsagar. One of the World’s tallest monolithic statues of the Buddha stands on the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’, in the middle of the lake. Added to all these, AP Tourism has additional boating facilities like speed boats, motor boats, 48 seater launch etc. Starlit dinner on-board and private parties also can be arranged on the Launch.<br /><br /><br />Osmansagar Lake: <br /></b></div>
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<b>Osmansagar, better known as Gandipet, on the outskirts of Hyderabad is an excellent picnic spot. Osmansagar is one of the two lakes on the city’s periphery that supplies drinking water to the great metropolis. The lake is a reservoir created by a dam across the Isa, a tributary of the River Musi. Abutting the lake and the bund are lush gardens that provide the ideal ambience for an outing. Overlooking the lake is the heritage building, Sagar Mahal, built as a resort by the Nizam of Hyderabad and converted now into a lake resort managed by AP Tourism.<br /><br /><br />Shamirpet:<br /></b></div>
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<b>Located 24 km to the north of Secunderabad, Shamirpet has a beautiful lake and a deer park. Its peaceful environs make it a great picnic spot. AP Tourism offers comfortable cottage facilities for accommodation, while the forestlodges can be booked with the AP Forest Department office at Saifabad.Tourist Cottages.<br /><br />Mir Alam Tank:<br /></b></div>
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<b>Mir Alam Tank is a large lake adjacent to Nehru Zoological Park. AP Tourism operates boats on the lake, for which one has to enter through the Zoo.<br /><br />Secret Lake (Durgam Cheruvu):<br /></b></div>
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<b>The ‘Secret Lake’ is situated close to Shilparamam Crafts Village and Hitec City, behind Jubilee Hills. AP Tourism organizes boating in the lake. ‘Something Fishy’, a bar Secret Lake (Durgam Cheruvu)<br /><br /><br />KBR National Park:<br /></b></div>
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<b>One of the largest parks within the city KBR National Park is a Southern tropical deciduous forest and the last vestigial representative of the endemic flora of Hyderabad region, with over 100 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 15 species of butterflies.<br /><br />Mrugavani National Park (Chilkur):<br /></b></div>
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<b>Located 25 km. from Hyderabad, the park contains the endemic flora of Hyderabad and is an urban refuge for small mammals like wildboar, jungle cat etc. and birds.<br /><br />Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park:<br /></b></div>
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<b>Located 15 Km. from Hyderabad, the park has more than 350 black bucks, 400 cheetals and a number of wild boars, small mammals, reptiles and over 100 species ofbirds.<br /><br />Thousand Pillars Temple:<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGcwY8ocA5fUF7xPJSyf88g9Oga-WXptxazd-KGOefGDiP0D1qFqANfP9K94VlfKvnQ8SkuYDPVODoaKJFnxbiIqPD-cUlSsrw2emM3Gmoe1RqGiXnxGimBXfBvAh-Eeuzmmfn2ZYhP_f/s1600-h/thgallery-warangal%5B1%5D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGcwY8ocA5fUF7xPJSyf88g9Oga-WXptxazd-KGOefGDiP0D1qFqANfP9K94VlfKvnQ8SkuYDPVODoaKJFnxbiIqPD-cUlSsrw2emM3Gmoe1RqGiXnxGimBXfBvAh-Eeuzmmfn2ZYhP_f/s200/thgallery-warangal%5B1%5D.jpg" width="145" /></a><b>Perched elegantly on the slopes of the hills at Hanamkonda, the thousand pillars temple is fine specimen of Kakatiya Architecture and sculpture. Built by Rudra Deva in 1163 AD in the Chalunkan style, the star-shaped, triple shrine temple is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is notable for its richly carved pillars, preformatted screens and exquisite icons, specially impressive are the rock cut elephants and the Nandi.<br /><br /><br /><br />Warangal Fort:<br /><br />The Warangal Fort with its impressive and beautifully carved thoranan arches, and pillars inside spread over a radius of 19 kms between Hanamkonda and Warangal, the impregnable fort was popularly known as the seat of power. The fort consists of seven towers , with a radius of 8 kms. The main fort has 45 towers, and a temple of mother earth in the middle of the fort (Swayam Bhudevi Alayam). A legendary master piece known as Khush Mahal built by Shittabh Khan (Reign 1504-1512 is situated close to the glorious Warangal Fort. Even today, the beautifully carved gateway located within the fort-the famous 'Ekashila'- symbolises the Kakatiya empire and Warangal like the Charminar does for Hyderabad.<br /><br /><br />Ramappa Temple:<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br /></b></div>
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<b>The medieval Deccan Ramappa Temple dating back to 1213 AD, built by the 7th Kakatiya kindRudraSenani, is the right choice for architectural lovers with a panoramic view of scnic beauty, situated at Palamet village 64 kms away from Warangal, the Temple has several idols in dancing postures. It documents the glory and grandeur of the Kakatiya kingdom with rich intricate culture on walls, pillars and ceilings brackets and ceiling will captivate you. The main attraction of this temple is the floating bricks and a warrior queen.<br /><br />Ramappa Lake:<br /><br />Includes Ramappa Temple and boating facility in Ramappa Lake. The Kakatiya rulers followed the traditions of constructing a tank adjacent to a temple. In line with this tradition, the Ramappa Lake was also constructed near the Ramappa temple. The lake holds a great scenic beauty, with its serene surroundings, giving a mystical air to the temple.<br /><br />Bhadrakalli Temple:<br /></b></div>
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<b>Situated at a top of Hillock between and Warangal it is famous for the stone image of the goddess with eight-armed with a weapon in each hand is shown in a sitting posture.<br /><br />Kolanupaka:<br /></b></div>
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<b>Kolanupaka 75 kms from Hyderabad and 75 kms from Warangal is famous for the 2000 years - old Jain Mahavir Temple. A five feet jade idol of Lord Mahavira is an added attraction. The Jain temple is architecturally brilliant and endowed with beautifully carved statues of Tirthankaras. The state Archaeological Department runs a museum in the Someswara temple complex with a wide range of exhibits relating to temple architecture.<br /><br /><br />Nagarjunasagar Dam<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>:<br /></b></div>
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<b>There would be very few modern constructions you will come across that evoke such a response. A feeling of awe and significance overcomes you when you lay eyes upon the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam for the first time. Its sheer size and magnitude leaves you breathless and astounded. As the tallest and largest masonry dam in the world,truly stands as one of the wonders of engineering excellence.Stretching across the mighty river Krishna, the barrage also has another distinction to its credit - it has created one of the world's largest man-made lake! The reservoir is a vital source of irrigation for vast tracts of the surroundings region. The two left and right canals, called Bahadur Canal and Jawahar canal respectively, cater to the watering needs of a very large area of the state. Successfully transforming a barren, thirsty land into a lush verdant landscape with acres and acres of green fields swaying in the breeze as far as the eye can see. Naturally, it has played a leading role in helping the state of Andhra Pradesh emerge as' the Rice Bowl of India'Significantly, the creation of this lake has submerged the excavations that were carried out here in 1926 which unearthed three historical sites- Dhanyakataka, capital of the Satavahanas; Sriparvata, Vijayapuri, capital of the Ikshvakus and a Buddist civilization that thrived here in the third and fourth centuries B.C. What is of special interest to historians is the fact that the excavations also revealed the existence of Brahmanical temples here which indicates that Hinduism and Buddhism flourished together in peaceful co-existence.All the archeological findings and relics have been removed from here and carefully preserved on an island in the middle of the lake -<br /><br />Nagarjunakonda<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>:<br /><br />Nagarjunakonda was one of the largest and most important Buddhist centres in South India from the second century BC until the third century AD. It was named after Acharya Nagarjuna, a renowed Buddhist scholar and philosopher, who had migrated here from Amarvati to propagate and spread the Buddha's message of universal peace and brotherhood. The founder of Mahayana Buddhism, this revered monk governed the sangha for almost 60 years and the Madhyamika school be established attracted students from far and wide including Sri Lanka and China.</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-30656017757411160632012-03-01T23:12:00.002-08:002012-03-01T23:12:54.112-08:00chhattisgarh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><br />Chhattisgarh (Chhattisgarhi/Hindi: छत्तीसगढ़, pronounced [tʃʰət̪ˈt̪iːsɡəɽʱ]is a state in Central India. The state was formed on 1 November 2000 by partitioning 16 Chhattisgarhi-speaking South-Eastern districts of Madhya Pradesh.<br /><br />Raipur is the capital of the state. Chhattisgarh is the 10th-largest state in India with an area of 52,199 sq mi (135,190 km2). By population it ranks as the 16th largest state of the nation. It is an important electrical power and steel producing state of India.Chhattisgarh produces 15 per cent of the steel made in the country.<br /><br />Chhattisgarh borders the states of Madhya Pradesh on the northwest, Maharashtra on the west, Andhra Pradesh on the south, Orissa on the east,Jharkhand on the northeast and Uttar Pradesh on the north.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Etymology</span></b><br />
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<b>There is a wide array of opinions on the origin of the word Chhattisgarh. The name Chhattisgarh is not a very old one and has come into popular usage in the last few centuries. In ancient times the region was called Dakshin Kosala (South Kosala). The name Chhattisgarh was popularized during the Maratha period and was first used in an official document in 1795.<br /><br />In a popular and widely believed opinion, Chhattisgarh takes its name from the 36 pillars of Chhatishgarhin Devi temple (chhattis means "36", and garh means "pillar"). The old state had 36 districts, which were: Ratanpur, Vijaypur, Kharound, Maro, Kautgarh, Nawagarh, Sondhi, Aukhar, Padarbhatta, Semriya, Champa, Lafa, Chhuri, Kenda, Matin,Aparora, Pendra, Kurkuti-kandri, Raipur, Patan, Simaga, Singarpur, Lavan, Omera, Durg, Saradha, Sirasa, Menhadi, Khallari, Sirpur, Figeswar, Rajim, Singhangarh, Suvarmar, Tenganagarh and Akaltara.However, experts do not agree with this explanation, as 36 forts cannot be archaeologically identified in the region.<br />British chronicler J.B. Beglar provides a different explanation of the origins of the name Chhattisgarh. According to Beglar, "the real name is Chhattisghar (Chhattis=Thirty six, Ghar=houses) and not Chhattisgarh." According to him, there is "a traditional saying that ages ago, about the time of Jarasandha (age of Mahabharata), thirty six families of Chanmars (leather workers) emigrated southwards from Jarasandha's kingdom and established themselves in this region, which after them is called Chhattisgarh."<br />Another view, more popular with experts and historians, is that Chhattisgarh is the corrupted form of Chedisgarh which means Raj or Empire of the Chedis (Kalchuri Dynasty).<br /><br />According to Dr. Shrikant Khilari the word Chhattisgarh comes from the time of Gurughasidas [www.satnami.com] a saint who gave this name and then it was officially applied by the Marathas in 1795.<br />One more view is that the state acquired the name Chhattisghar because it is home for 36 tribal clans: Chhattis (Hindi for 36) ghar (Hindi for home).</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Geography</span></b><br />
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<b><br /><br />The Northern and Southern parts of the state are hilly, while the central part is fertile plain. Moist deciduous forests of the Eastern Highlands Forests cover roughly 44% of the state.<br /><br />State Animal – Van Bhainsa (Wild Buffalo) State Bird – Pahari Myna (Hill Myna) State Tree – Sal or Sarai<br /><br />The north of the state lies on the edge of the great Indo-Gangetic plain: The Rihand River, a tributary of the Ganges, drains this area. The eastern end of the Satpura Range and the western edge of theChota Nagpur Plateau form an east-west belt of hills that divide the Mahanadi River basin from the Indo-Gangetic plain.<br /><br />The central part of the state lies in the fertile upper basin of the Mahanadi and its tributaries, with extensive rice cultivation. The upper Mahanadi basin is separated from the upper Narmada basin to the west by the Maikal Hills, (part of the Satpuras), and from the plains of Orissa to the east by ranges of hills. The southern part of the state lies on the Deccan plateau, in the watershed of the Godavari River and its tributary the Indravati River.<br /><br />The Mahanadi is the chief river of the state. The other main rivers are Hasdo (a tributary of Mahanadi), Rihand, Indravati, Jonk ,Arpa and shivnath. It is situated in the east of Madhya Pradesh.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Climate</span><br /><br /><br />The climate of Chhattisgarh is mainly tropical. It is hot and humid because of its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer. It is completely dependent on the monsoons for rains.<br /><br />Summer in Chhattisgarh is from April to June and can be uncomfortably hot, with the mercury hitting the high 40's. The Monsoon season is from middle and late June to October and is a welcome respite from the scorching heat. Chhattisgarh receives a pretty decent amount of rainfall with an average of 1,292 millimetres (50.9 in). The Winter season is from November to January and this is a good time to visit Chhattisgarh. The Winters are pleasant with low temperatures and lesser humidity.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Temperature</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>The temperature varies between 30 and 47 °C (86 and 117 °F) in summer and between 5 and 25 °C (41 and 77 °F) during winter.However an extremes in temperature can be obsevered with scales falling to less than 0°c to 49°c.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Ancient_and_medieval_history">Ancient and medieval history</span></h3>
<b>In ancient times this region was known as Dakshin-Kausal. This finds mention in Ramayana and Mahabharata also. Between the sixth and twelfth centuries Sarabhpurias, Panduavanshi, Somvanshi, Kalchuri and Nagvanshi rulers dominated this region. Kalchuris ruled in Chhattisgarh from 980 to 1741 AD.</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Modern_history">Modern history</span></h3>
<b>Chhattisgarh was under Maratha rule (Bhonsales of Nagpur) from 1741 to 1845 AD. It came under British rule from 1845 to 1947. With the advent of the British in 1845, Raipur gained prominence instead of capital Ratanpur. In 1905 Sambalpur district was transferred to Orissa and estates of Sarguja were transferred from Bengal to Chhattisgarh.</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Separation_of_Chhattisgarh">Separation of Chhattisgarh</span></h3>
<b><br /><br />The demand for a separate Chhattisgarh state was first raised in the 1920s. Similar demands kept cropping up at regular intervals; however, a well-organised movement was never launched. There were several all-party platforms formed and they usually resolved around petitions, public meetings, seminars, rallies and bandhs.<br /><br />A demand for separate Chhattisgarh was raised in 1924 by the Raipur Congress unit, and later on also discussed in the Annual Session of the Indian Congress at Tripuri. A discussion also took place of forming a Regional Congress organisation for Chhattisgarh. When the State Reorganisation Commission was set up in 1954, the demand for a separate Chhattisgarh was put forward to it, through this was not accepted. In 1955, a demand for a separate state was raised in the Nagpur assembly of the then state of Madhya Bharat.<br /><br />The 1990s saw more activity for a demand for the new state, such as formation of a state wide political forum, specially the Chhattisgarh Rajya Nirman Manch. Chandulal Chadrakar led this forum, several successful region-wide Bandhs and rallies were organised under the banner of the forum all of which were supported by major political parties including the Indian National Congress and theBharatiya Janata Party.<br /><br />The new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government sent the redrafted Separate Chhattisgarh Bill for the approval of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, where it was once again unanimously approved and then it was tabled in the Lok Sabha. This bill for a separate Chhattisgarh was passed in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for the creation of a separate state of Chhattisgarh. The President of India gave his consent to The Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2000 on the 25 August 2000. The Government of India subsequently set the First day of November 2000 as the day on which the state of Madhya Pradesh would be bifurcated into Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Government and administration</span><br /><br />The State Legislative assembly is composed of 90 MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly). There are 11 members to the Lok Sabha from Chhattisgarh. The Rajya Sabha has five members from the state.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Districts">Districts</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Main article: Districts of Chhattisgarh</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chattisgarh state consists 27 districts:</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bastar Division:</span></b></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bijapur</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sukma</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dantewada (Dakshin Bastar)</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bastar (Jagdalpur)</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kondagaon</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Narayanpur</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kanker (Uttar Bastar)</b></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Durg Division:</span></b></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kawardha (Kawardha)</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rajnandgaon</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Balod</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Durg</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bemetara</b></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Raipur Division:</span></b></div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dhamtari</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gariyaband</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Raipur</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Baloda Bazar</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mahasamund</b></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bilaspur Division:</span></b></div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bilaspur</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mungeli</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Korba</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Janjgir</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Raigarh</b></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Surguja Division:</span></b></div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Korea</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Surajpur</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Surguja (Ambikapur)</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Balrampur</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jashpur</b></span></li>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Municipal_corporations">Municipal corporations</span></h3>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ambikapur</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bhilai</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bhatapara</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bilaspur</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chirmiri</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Durg</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Jagdalpur</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Janjgir</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Korba</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Raigarh</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Raipur</span></b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rajnandgaon</span></b></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Demographics</span></b><br />
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<b>Chhattisgarh is primarily a rural state with only 20% of population residing in urban areas. According to the report from the government of India, at least 34% are Scheduled Tribes, 12% areScheduled Castes and over 50% belong to official list of Other Backward Castes. Plain area is numerically dominated by castes such as Teli, Satnami and Kurmi; while forest area is mainly occupied by tribes such as Gond, Halba and Kamar/Bujia and Oraon.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Language">Language</span></h3>
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Main article: Chhattisgarhi language<br /><br />Official language of the state is Hindi and used by non-rural population of the state. Chhattisgarhi a dialect of Hindi language (or a language in its own right) is spoken and understood by the majority of people in Chhattisgarh. Telugu is also spoken in the state.<br /><br />Chhattisgarhi was known as "Khaltahi" to surrounding hill-people and as "Laria" to Sambalpuri and Oriya speakers.</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Status_of_women">Status of women</span></h3>
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<b>Chhattisgarh has a high female-male sex ratio (991) ranking at 5th position among other states of India. Although this ratio is small compared to other states, it is unique in India because of the size of Chhattisharh — the 10th largest state in India.</b></div>
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<b>The gender ratio (number females per 1000 males) has been steadily declining over 20th century in Chhattisgarh. But it is conspicuous that Chhattisgarh always had a better female-to-male ratio compared with national average.</b></div>
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<tr><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">Year</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">1901</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">1911</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">1921</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">1931</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">1941</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">1951</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">1961</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">1971</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">1981</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">1991</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">2001</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">2011</th></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>India</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>972</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>964</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>955</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>950</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>945</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>946</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>941</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>930</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>934</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>927</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>933</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>940</b></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>Chhattisgarh</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1046</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1039</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1041</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1043</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1032</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1024</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1008</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>998</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>998</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>985</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>989</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>991</b></td></tr>
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<b>Probably, such social composition also results in some customs and cultural practices that seem unique to Chhattisgarh: The regional variants are common in India's diverse cultural pattern.</b></div>
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<b>Rural women, although poor, are independent, better organized, socially outspoken. According to another local custom, women can choose to terminate a marriage relationship through a custom called <i>chudi pahanana</i>, if she desires. Most of the old temples and shrines here are related to 'women power' (e.g., Shabari, Mahamaya, Danteshwari) and the existence of these temples gives insight into historical and current social fabric of this state. However, a mention of these progressive local customs in no way suggests that the ideology of female subservience does not exist in Chhattisgarh. On the contrary, the male authority and dominance is seen quite clearly in the social and cultural life.</b></div>
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<b>Detailed information on aspects of women's status in Chhattisgarh can be found in 'A situational analysis of women and girls in Chhattisgarh' prepared in 2004 by the National Commission of Women, a statutory body belonging to government of India.</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Malus_Usuo_of_Tonhi_.28witchcraft.29">Malus Usuo of Tonhi (witchcraft)</span></h4>
<b><br /><br />There is widespread belief in witchcraft in Chhattisgarh. Women are believed to have access to supernatural forces and are accused of being witches (tonhi) often to settle personal scores. They are barbarically persecuted, particularly older women, widows, women with deformities or with abnormal facial features.<br /><br />As of 2010, they are still hounded out of villages on the basis of flimsy accusations by male village sorcerers paid to do so by villagers with personal agendas, such as property and goods acquisition. According to National Geographic Channel’s investigations, those accused are fortunate if they are only verbally bullied and shunned or exiled from their village. Humiliations are commonplace, such as being forced to eat human excreta and, in recent years, 2,500 women accused of witchcraft were murdered by stoning, hanging and beheading by neighbours. In India, only Chhattisgarh has the Chhattisgarh Tonhi atyachar [Niwaran] Act, 2005 against witchery. Much has be done on the hand of law enforcement and judicial authorities to protect women in this regard, bringing such persecution to an end.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Culture</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQeMRRiLbqcFZA6WWfgYroEQ_AfAZwEvIihD6Xylr_KMtHnm83q0G5kiDcapKw1BBgi4J8bo3jYpgHAQ2WpJJXheooyvCZmzdyyh4KLXh28gYgeAccE3Jyy88xxQoRi2uHe64O1TMwl4n/s1600/Chhatisgarh+Tribals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQeMRRiLbqcFZA6WWfgYroEQ_AfAZwEvIihD6Xylr_KMtHnm83q0G5kiDcapKw1BBgi4J8bo3jYpgHAQ2WpJJXheooyvCZmzdyyh4KLXh28gYgeAccE3Jyy88xxQoRi2uHe64O1TMwl4n/s400/Chhatisgarh+Tribals.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br />The state hosts religious sects including Satnami Panth, Kabirpanth, Ramnami Samaj, and others. Champaran (Chhattisgarh) is a small town with religious significance as the birth place of the Saint Vallabhacharya, increasingly important as a pilgrimage site for the Gujarati community.<br /><br />The Oriya culture is prominent in the eastern parts of Chhattisgarh bordering Orissa.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Crafts">Crafts</span></h3>
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<b><br />Chattisgarh is known for "Kosa silk" and "lost wax art". Besides saris and salwar suits, the fabric is used to create lehengas, stoles, shawls and menswear including jackets, shirts, achkans and sherwanis. International sculptor Sushil Sakhuja's Dhokra Nandi is famous and available at government's Shabari handicrafts emporium, Raipur.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Dance">Dance</span></h3>
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<b><br />Panthi, Rawat Nacha, Karma, Pandwani and Soowa are indigenous dance styles of Chhattisgarh.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Panthi">Panthi</span></h4>
<b><br />Panthi, the folk dance of the Satnami community, has religious overtones. Panthi is performed on Maghi Purnima, the anniversary of the birth of Guru Ghasidas. The dancers dance around a jaitkhamb set up for the occasion, to songs eulogizing their spiritual head. The songs reflect a view of Nirvana, conveying the spirit of their guru's renunciation and the teachings of saint poets like Kabir, Ramdas and Dadu. Dancers with bent torsos and swinging arms dance, carried away by their devotion. As the rhythm quickens, they perform acrobatics and form human pyramids.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Pandwani">Pandwani</span></h4>
<b><br />Pandavani is a folk ballad form performed predominantly in Chhattisgarh. It depicts the story of the Pandavas, the leading characters in the epic Mahabharata. The artists in the Pandavani narration consist of a lead artist and some supporting singers and musicians. There are two styles of narration in Pandavani, Vedamati and Kapalik. In the Vedamati style the lead artist narrates in a simple manner by sitting on the floor throughout the performance. The Kaplik style is livelier, where the narrator actually enacts the scenes and characters.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Rawat_Nacha">Rawat Nacha</span></h4>
<b><br />Raut Nacha, the folk dance of cowherds, is a traditional dance] of Yaduvanshis (clan of Yadu) as symbol of worship to Krishna at the time of Dev Uthani Ekadashi (day of awakening of the gods after a brief rest) which is the 11th day after Diwali according to the Hindu calendar. The dance closely resembles Krishna's dance with the gopis (milkmaids).</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Soowa_Nacha">Soowa Nacha</span></h4>
<b><br />Soowa or Suwa tribal dance in Chhattisgarh is also known as Parrot Dance. It is a symbolic form of dancing related to worship. Dancers keep a parrot in a bamboo- pot and form a circle around it. Then performers sing and dance, moving around it with clapping. This is one of the main dance form of tribal women of Chhattisgarh.<br /><br />In Bilaspur city, the Rawat Nach Mahotsav folk dance festival is organized annually since 1978. Tens of hundreds of Rawat dancers from remote areas participate.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Karma">Karma</span></h4>
<b><br />Tribal groups like Gonds, the Baigas and the Oraons in Chattisgarh have Karma dance as part of their culture. Both men and women arrange themselves in two rows and follow the rhythmic steps, directed by the singer group. The Karma tribal dance marks the end of the rainy season and the advent of spring season.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Music">Music</span></h3>
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<b>Main article: Music of Chhattisgarh</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Theatre"><br />Theatre</span></h3>
<b>Ramgarh is First Open Theatre of the World Situated at Raigarh. Theater is known as Gammat in Chhattisgarh. Pandavani is one of the lyrical forms of this theater. Several acclaimed plays ofHabib Tanvir, such as Charandas Chor, are variations of Chhattisgarhi theater. Play Faad do played by Dhriti pati sarkar are also notable and heavily use Chhatttisgarhi folk songs and music.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Traditional_food"><br />Traditional food</span></h3>
<b><br />The State of Chhattisgarh is known as the rice bowl of Central India and has a rich tradition of food culture.<br /><br />Most of the traditional and tribe foods are made of rice and rice flour, curd (number of vegetable kadis) and a variety of green leaves like lal bhaji, chech bhaji, kohda, and bohar bhaji. Badi and Bijori are optional food categories; Gulgula, pidiya, dhoodh fara, balooshahi, khurmi fall in sweet categories.<br /><br />The tribal and village population enjoys delicacy brew made of small, creamy white fruit of a local tree called Mahuwa.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Economy</span><br /><br /><br />Chhattisgarh's gross state domestic product for 2010 is estimated at Rs 60,079 Crore in current prices. The economy of Chhattisgarh has grown rapidly in recent years with a growth rate of 11.49 per cent in GDP for 2009–2010.Chhattisgarh’s success factors in achieving high growth rate are growth in agriculture and industrial production.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Agriculture"><br />Agriculture</span></h3>
<b>Agriculture is counted as the chief economic occupation of the state of Chhattisgarh. According to a government estimate, Net sown area of the Chhattisgarh state is 4.828 Million hectares and the gross sown area is 5.788 Million hectares. Horticulture and animal husbandry also engages a major share of the total population of the state. 80% population of the state is rural and the main livelihood of the villagers is agriculture and agriculture based small industry.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Agricultural_produces"><br />Agricultural produces</span></h4>
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The main crops are paddy, cereals like maize, kodo-kutki and other small millets, pulses like tuar and kulthi and oil seeds like groundnut, soya-bean and sunflower are also grown. In the mid nineties, most of Chhattisgarh was still a mono-crop belt. Only one fourth to one fifth of the sown area was double cropped. When a very substantial portion of the population is dependent on agriculture, a situation where nearly 80 percent of a states area is covered only by mono cropping needs immediate attention to turn them into double crop areas. Also there are very few cash crops grown in Chhattisgarh, and there is a need to diversify the agriculture produce towards oilseeds and other cash crops. Chhattisgarh is also called the "rice bowl of Central India". vc<br /><span class="mw-headline" id="Irrigation" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><br />Irrigation</span></h4>
<b><br />Chhattisgarh have very good irrigation systems, with dams and canals on various rivers. Average rainfall in the state is around 1400 mm and the entire state falls under Rice-agro-climatic zone. Large variation in the yearly rainfall directly affects the main crop i.e. Paddy. Obviously, irrigation is the prime need of the state for its overall development and therefore the state government has given top priority to development of irrigation potential.<br /><br />Irrigation potential was 1.328 Million hectares at the time of formation of the state (i.e. on 1 November 2000) which was 13% of the gross sown area. The irrigation potential has now been raised to 1.66 Million hectares at the end of March 2006 which is 28.7% of gross sown area.A total of 4 Major, 33 Medium and 2199 Minor irrigation projects have been completed and 5 Major, 9 Medium and 312 Minor projects are under construction, as on 31 March 2006.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Industrial_sector">Industrial sector</span></h3>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Power_sector"><br />Power sector</span></h4>
<b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Chhattisgarh is Zero Power Cut State by 2008.</span> Chhattisgarh is one of the few states of India where Power sector is effectively developed. Based on the current production of surplus electric power, position of the State is comfortable and profitable. The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB) is in a strong position to meet the electricity requirement of the new State and is in good financial health. Chhattisgarh provides electricity to several other states because of surplus production, and it's power hubs are Korba and Bilaspur.<br /><br />In Chhattisgarh, NTPC has an installed thermal capacity of 2100 MW at Sipat, Bilaspur while CSEB's units have a thermal capacity of 1240 MW and hydel capacity of 130 MW. Apart from NTPC and CSEB, there are a number of private generation units of large and small capacity. The state Govt. has pursued a liberal policy with regard to captive generation which has resulted in a number of private players coming up.<br /><br />As per a study made by the Power Finance Corporation Ltd. New Delhi, the state has potential of 61000 MW of additional thermal power in terms of availability of coal for more than 100 years and more than 2500 MW hydral capacity. To tap this vast potential, substantial addition to the existing generation capacity is already under way.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Steel_sector"><br />Steel sector</span></h4>
<b>Steel industry is one of the biggest heavy industry of Chhattisgarh. Bhilai Steel Plant, Bhilai operated by SAIL with a capacity of 5.4 million tonnes per year, is regarded as a significant growth indicator of the state. There are more than 100 steel rolling mills, 90+ sponge iron plants and ferro-alloy units in Chhattisgarh. Along with Bhilai, today Raipur, Bilashpur, Korba and Raigarh has become the steel hub of chhattisgarh and with it steel association is been placed for the benefits of the investor, who are investing their capital in chhattisgarh steel sector. Today Raipur become the center of the steel sector. Raipur is bif=ggest Market of Steel in India </b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Aluminium_sector"><br />Aluminium sector</span></h4>
<b>The aluminium industry of Chhattisgarh consists of Bharat Aluminum Company limited which has a capacity of around one million tonnes each year.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Natural_resources"><br />Natural resources</span></h4>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Forest"><br />Forest</span></h5>
<b>Forests occupy 41.33% of the area (as per the latest report by the Indian Forest Service) and there are rich forest resources including wood, tandu leaves, honey and lac.Many type forest based product</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Mineral_deposits"><br />Mineral deposits</span></h5>
<b><br />Chhattisgarh is also rich in minerals. It produces 20% of the country's steel and cement. COAL = 1st. rank in Production & Reserve 3rd. in Warehousing. Iron-ore = 3rd. in Production. Tin = 1st. rank in Production (99%) Iron-ore, limestone, dolomite, coal, bauxite are abundant. It is the only tin-ore producing state in the country. Other minerals include korandum, garnet, quartz, marble, Alexandriteand diamonds.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Information_and_technologies">Information and technologies</span></h5>
<b>In recent year chhattisgarh is also getting exposure in IT projects and consultancy. Government of Chhattisgarh is also promoting IT and for it government has set up a body who takes care of the IT solution in chhattisgarh the body known to be CHIPS, the body is coming with hudge IT projects like Choice, Swan, etc. In private sector many private companies been also coming with IT solutions and consultancy in one of the company WES Consultancy & Services Pvt. Ltd. been a providing a remarkable services in the field.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Top companies</span></b><br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Metal: Bhilai Steel Plant, Jindal Steel & POWER</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Oil: Indian Oil</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Engineering: Simplex Casting Ltd</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Computing: Abater compsolutions</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Real estate: Chouhan housing pvt ltd</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Mining: NMDC</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Power : NTPC</b></li>
</ul>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Issues_with_development_and_insurgency"><br />Issues with development and insurgency</span></h3>
<b><br />Chhattisgarh state is rich in unused timber and mineral resources. There are disagreements between indigenous peoples and the national government over the use of these resources.<br /><br />Also, an ongoing insurgency between Maoists and the central Government of India has produced much bloodshed. The controversy surrounding the arrest of Dr Binayak Sen is related to the insurgency. Maoist insurgency has been main source of instability.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Transport</span></b><br />
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<b>The rail network in Chhattisgarh is centered around Bilaspur, which is zonal headquarters of South East Central Railway of Indian Railways. The other main railway junction is Raipur, followed by DurgJunction which is also a starting point of many long distance trains. These three junctions are well-connected to the major cities of India.</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<b>The roadways infrastructure is also slowly picking up in the state. The National Highway 6 (Mumbai to Kolkata) passes through the state. The state also hosts National Highway 43 which starts from Raipur and goes up to Vishakhapatnam. National Highway 16 from Hyderabad ends at Bhopalpatnam in Dantewada district. National Highway 78 From Katni (MP) ends at Gumla (Jharkhand) pass through Koria, Surajpur, Sarguja, Jashpur District. The state has 11 National Highways (2,225 kilometres).</b></div>
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<b>The air infrastructure is minor. The sole commercially operating airport is in Raipur, the capital city. Of late, Raipur has shown upsurge in passenger traffic. Raipur has links to top cities of the country i.e. Delhi (5 flights per day), Bombay (3 flight), Kolkata (3), Bhopal (1), Indore (1). It is also connected to Jaipur (1 flight a day), Nagpur (1 flights), Bhubaneshwar (1), Ahmedabad (1), Gwalior, Chandigarh (1), Hyderabad (2) and Bangalore(1).</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Airports"><br />Airports</span></h3>
<div class="hlist" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-left: 0em;">
<ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Raipur Airport</li>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Bilaspur Airport</li>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jagdalpur Airport</li>
</b></ul>
</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Other_airstrips"><br />Other airstrips</span></h3>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Nandini Airport, Bhilai</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Baikunth Airstrip, Baikunth</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Kondatarai Airstrip, Raigarh</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>JSPL’s Airstrip, Raigarh</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Darima Airstrip, Ambikapur</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Korba Airstrip, Korba</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Agdih Airstrip, Jashpur</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Dondi Airstrip, Dondi, Durg</b></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<b>Some new airstrips have been proposed for more connectivity:</b></div>
<div class="hlist" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 0em;">
<ul style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Kanker</li>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Kabirdham</li>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Surajpur</li>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Dantewada</li>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Bijapur</li>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Korba</li>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Balrampur</li>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Rajnandgaon</li>
</b></ul>
<ul style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>
<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Raigarh</li>
</b></ul>
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<li style="display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></li>
</b></ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tourism</span></b></div>
</div>
<b><br /><br />Chhattisgarh, situated in the heart of India, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The state is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples,Buddhist sites, palaces, water falls, caves, rock paintings and hill plateaus. Most of these sites are untouched and unexplored, and offer a unique and alternate experience to tourists, compared to traditional destinations which have become overcrowded. For tourists who are tired of the crowds at major destinations will like the Bastar district, with its unique cultural and ecological identity. The green state of Chhattisgarh has 41.33% of its area under forests, and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Waterfalls">Waterfalls</span></h3>
<b>Beautiful waterfalls in Chhattisgarh are Akuri Nala, Amrit Dhara waterfall, Gavar Ghat waterfall, Ramdaha waterfall in Koriya district, Tiger point waterfall at Mainpat in Sarguja district and Chitrakot waterfall, Tirathgarh waterfall in Bastar district.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Hot_spring"><br />Hot spring</span></h3>
<b>Known as Taat Pani(taat=तात=hot, pani= पानी=water) The Taat Pani hot spring (taat=तात=hot, pani=पानी=water) flows in Sarguja district. This hot spring flows continuously through the year. It is reputed to have medicinal properties.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Caves"><br />Caves</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Gadiya mountain in Kanker district, Kutumsar cave and Kailash Gufa in Bastar district, Ramgarh and Sita Bengra in Sarguja district and Singhanpur cave in Raigarh district with pre-historic paintings are very famous.</span><span class="mw-headline" id="National_parks_and_wildlife_sanctuary"><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: auto;">
<span class="mw-headline" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 19px;">National parks and wildlife sanctuary</span></span></span></h3>
<b><br />Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary in Bilaspur district, Gamarda Reserve forest at Sarangarh in Raigarh district, Indravati National Park and Kanger valley national park in Bastar district and Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Mahasamund district are good places for eco-tourism.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Archaeological_sites">Archaeological sites</span></h3>
<b>Archaeological sites worth seeing are Barsoor in Dantewada district, Malhar and Ratanpur in Bilaspur district, Sirpur in Mahasamund district and Surguja in Surguja district. A small picnic spot with waterfall on the extremity of Satpura ranga along with a stone inscription of circa 1st century CE is found at Damau dhara in Janjgir-Champa district.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Temples"><br />Temples</span></h3>
<b><br />Famous and ancient temples in Chhattisgarh are Bhoramdeo temple near Kawardha in Kabirdham district, Rajivlochan temple at Rajim and Champaran in Raipur district, Chandrahasini Devi temple at Chandrapur, Vishnu temple at Janjgir, Damudhara (Rishab Tirth) and Sivarinarayana Laxminarayana temple in Janjgir-Champa district, Bambleshwari Temple at Dongrigarh in Rajnandgaon district,Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada district, Deorani-Jethani temple at Tala gram and Mahamaya temple at Ratanpur in Bilaspur district, Laxman temple at Sirpur in Mahasamund district, Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth at Nagpura in Durg district, Pali with Lord Shiva temple and Kharod with Lakshmaneswar temple.<br /><br />Giraudhpuri is a religious place for the Satnamis. They are the follower of Satnam Panth.<br /><br />Sirpur is proposed world heritage site and Malhar are of historical significance, as they were visited by Xuanzang, the Chinese historian.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Dams">Dams</span></h3>
<b>Khudiya dam, Lormi and Khutaghat dam, Ratanpur.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Education</span><br /><br /><br />According to the census of 2011, Chhattisgarh's literacy, the most basic indicator of education was at 71.04 percent. Female literacy is at 60.59 percent.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Absolute_literates_and_literacy_rate">Absolute literates and literacy rate</span></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<b>Data from Census of India,2011.</b></div>
<table class="wikitable" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">Description</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">2001 Census</th><th style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">2011 Census</th></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>Total</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1,11,73,149</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1,55,98,314</b></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>Male</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>67,11,395</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>67,11,395</b></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>Female</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>44,61,754</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>66,36,193</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b> % Male</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>77.38</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>81.45</b></td></tr>
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<b>% Chatinaya || 0.85 || 99.5</b><span style="font-size: x-small;">9</span></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Universities">Universities</span></h3>
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<b>Main article: List of educational institutions in Chhattisgarh</b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px;">Premier institutes in Chattisgarh</span></div>
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<b><br />There are four premier Professional Institutes in the state of Chattisgarh</b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM RP)</b></span></div>
<b>The Indian Institute of Management Raipur,(Hindi: भारतीय प्रबंध संस्थान, रायपुर ) is a Premium Business School in the state of Chhattisgarh. It is the tenth Indian Institute of Management in the country. The first batch of Post Graduate Programme of the institute was inaugurated by Dr Raman Singh, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh on October 11, 2010.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="National_Institue_of_Technology">National Institue of Technology</span></h4>
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<b style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px;">National Institute of Technology, Raipur</b><b> is an important technical university located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Originally founded in 1956 as Govt. College of Mining & Metallurgy, institute is one of the oldest of its kind in India. Currently it is one of the 20 National Institutes of Technology, which have been accorded Institute of National Importance status by the NIT Act of the Indian Government.<br /><br />The institute offers 2 undergraduate (B.Tech. and B.Arch.) and 2 post graduate programmes M.Tech. and M.C.A. in 11 engineering disciplines and architecture.</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="All_India_Institute_of_Medical_Science">All India Institute of Medical Science</span></h4>
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<b>Capital Raipur is all set to get a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences in next two years. It will be a huge leap in availability of top notch Medical education and remarkable milestone in the availability of health services in Chhattisgarh.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Hidayatullah_National_Law_University">Hidayatullah National Law University</span></h4>
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It is one of the esteemed national law schools established in India.[1] It was established as a centre for legal excellence by the Government of Chhattisgarh under the Hidayatullah National University of Law, Chattisgarh, Act (Act No.10 of 2003. HNLU being one of the most prestigious centres for legal education in India offers innumerable opportunities for the students to interact with academicians, lawyers, Judges, firms, banking and other related institutions. The University offers B.A. L.L.B. (Hons.). L.L.M., and Ph.D. degrees. It is a residential University and is sixth in the series of National Law Schools in India.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Other_universities">Other universities</span></h3>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Pandit_Ravishankar_Shukla_University">Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University</span></h4>
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<b style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University</b><b><br />(RSU) is Chhattisgarh's largest and one of the oldest institution of higher education, founded in 1964. There are 5000 students enrolled for variety of courses offered by the departments who are steered under the guidance of more than 100 faculty members. Jurisdiction of RSU covers entire central and southern part of Chhattisgarh. There are 180 educational institutions affiliated to the University. The University plays a major role in the educational, cultural and economic life of the region.</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Pandit_Sundarlal_Sharma_.28Open.29_University_Chhattisgarh.2C_Bilaspur">Pandit Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur</span></h4>
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<b style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Pandit Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University</b><b> (PSSOU) Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur, was established by the Chhattisgarh legislature, and was granted the assent of the state's governor on 20 January 2005. Dr. T.D. Sharma joined this university as the first Vice-Chancellor on 2 March 2005, while Dr. Sharad Kumar Vajpai took office as Registrar on 15 March 2005.</b></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Sarguja_University">Sarguja University</span></h4>
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Sarguja Vishwavidyalaya is established by and incorporated by Chhattisgarh Vishwavidyalaya Adhiniyam No. 18 of 2008. The territorial jurisdiction of the University is the entire Sarguja division comprising revenue districts of Korea, Sarguja and Jaspur. It started functioning from September 2, 2008. Formerly a university campus was started with the permission of State Higher Education Department by the Guru Ghasidas University Bilaspur with 02 diploma courses i.e. Diploma in Pharmacy (30 Students) and Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (30 Students) in the year 2005 with a hope that it may be upgraded as university by the Government as soon as necessary infrastructures are developed, this resulted true in 2008 the state government allotted 220 acres of land nearby Ambikapur Ramanujganj Road just 10 kilometers away from Ambikapur town. Sarguja is a fast growing industrial area already having a large number of small industrial units coming up in the region. The jurisdiction is the nerve centre of the Trade specially in coal mines sector forestry, natural recourse including medicinal trees and so on. The region in its vicinity has a very rich historical and cultural heritage. The first effort of Open Theatre was made in near-by place i.e. Ramgarh. Relics and old temples with statues and building built-up by various dynasties are found in surrounding areas. The whole division is full of natural beauty, flora and fauna, tribal and folk culture. Situated in tribally enriched, socially, economically challenged area of Chhattisgarh State. At present the university is partially residential and fully one, having its jurisdiction spread over within Sarguja revenue division. At present the university is having 42 affiliated colleges offering various courses in the areas of arts, science, commerce, education, law, management, social life science and so on. Ambikapur town is a Municipal Corporation and is well connected with all parts of the country by road and rail also. Recently town is connected with Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur and Anuppur of SECR. /Rly Station is 4 kilometers away from town. Frequent local transport is available for reaching the university. The nearest railway zone and main railway is Bilaspur in SECR. 235 kilometers away. Raipur the capital city of Chhattishgarh 350 kilometers away is the nearest Airport well connected with Delhi, Nagpur, Kolkata etc.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Guru_Ghasidas_Central_University">Guru Ghasidas Central University</span></h4>
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Formally known as Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, is a Central University located in Bilaspur, established under Central Universities Act 2009, No. 25 of 2009. Formerly called Guru Ghasidas University(GGU), established by an Act of the State Legislative Assembly, was formally inaugurated on June 16, 1983. It covers almost the entire spectrum of the higher education requirements of the local people. It has several University Teaching Department (UTDs) on its campuses and about 125 colleges affiliated to it.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Chhattisgarh_Swami_Vivekanand_Technical_University">Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekanand Technical University</span></h4>
<b>Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekanand Technical University (CSVTU) is a public university located in the city of Bhilai, the STEEL CITY. The university was established on 21 January 2005. The University incorporates the purpose of ensuring systematic, efficient and qualitative education in engineering and technological subjects including Architecture and Pharmacy at Research, Postgraduate, Degree and Diploma level.</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-35963310740805821922012-02-29T00:02:00.001-08:002012-02-29T04:52:55.317-08:00ORISSA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Orissa (Oriya: ଓଡ଼ିଶା) officially spelled Odisha, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April 1936, as a province in India, and consists predominantly of Oriya speakers. 1 April is therefore celebrated as Utkal Divas. Cuttack remained the capital of the state for over many centuries until April 13, 1948 when Bhubaneswar was officially declared as the new capital of Orissa, replacing Cuttack.Bhubaneswar is the present capital.<br />Orissa is the ninth largest state by area in India, and the eleventh largest by population. Oriya is the official and most widely spoken language, spoken by three quarters of the population. Orissa has a relatively unindented coastline (about 480 km long) and lacked good ports, except for the deepwater facility at Paradip, until the recent launch of the Dhamara Port (The Dhamra Port Company Limited (DPCL) is a 50:50 joint venture of L&T and Tata Steel. DPCL has been awarded a concession by Government of Orissa to build and operate a port north of the mouth of river Dhamra in Bhadrak district). The narrow, level coastal strip, including the Mahanadi River delta supports the bulk of the population. The interior of the state is mountainous and sparsely populated. Deomali at 1672 m is the highest point of the state. Orissa is subject to intense cyclones. The most intense one, in October 1999, Tropical Cyclone 05B caused severe damage and nearly 15,000 deaths.<br />Orissa is home to the Hirakud Dam, near Sambalpur the longest earthen dam in the world. Orissa has several popular tourist destinations. Puri,Konark & Bhubaneswar are known as Golden triangle of eastern India. Puri, with the Jagannath temple near the sea (famous for Rath Yatra or the Car Festival), and Konark, with the Sun Temple, are visited by thousands of tourists every year. The Jagannath Temple of Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, theLingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Dhauligiri of Bhubaneshwar, Ashoka's famous Rock Edict at Jaugada near Berhampur city and theBarabati Fort of Cuttack are important in the archaeological history of India.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Origin_of_the_name_of_the_State">Origin of the name of the State</span></h3>
<b><br />The name Orissa derives from the ancient Sanskrit words Ora (Ura) or Odra Desa or Sumera or Odra bisaya The earliest epigraphic reference to Odras is found in the Soro copper plate grant of Somadatta from which it is clear that Uttara Tosali with its visaya Sarepahara identified with Soro of Baleswar district was part of Odra Visaya. BothPali and Sanskrit Literatures mention the Odra people as Oddaka and Odrah, respectively. Ancient writers like Pliny the Elder and Ptolemy described the Odra people as Oretes. In the Mahabharatathe Odras are mentioned along with the Paundras, Utkals, Mekalas, Kalingas and Andhras, while according to Manu the Odras are associated with the Paundrakas, Dravidas, Kambojas, Yavanas,Sakas, Paradas, Pallavas, Chinas[clarification needed], Kiratas and Khasas. The location of the Odra territory has been given in the Natural History of Pliny in which it is mentioned that the Oretes were inhabiting the country where stood the Mount Maleus. The Greek Oretes is probably the Sanskrit Odra and the </b></div>
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<b>Mount Maleus has been identified with Malayagiri near Pala Lahara. Pliny associates the Mount Maleus with the people called Monedes and Sharis who were probably the same as the Mundas and the Savaras respectively inhabiting the upland regions of Orissa.<br />The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang who visited Orissa in about 636 AD gives an account of the territory named Wu-Che which is very likely the same as Odra. The pilgrim states that the Wu-Cha (Wu-tu) country was above 7,000 li in circuit and its capital was above 20 li in circuit. The area of the territory, which was 7,000 li or (2,253 km) in circuit, was very extensive.<br />General Cunningham who calls this territory Odra or Odra Desa writes as follows: "The ancient province of Odra desa or Or-desa was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha river. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam. These also must have been the limits in the time of Hiuen-Tsang as the measured circuit agrees with his estimate".</b></div>
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<b>The Muslim geographer Ibn Khurdadhbin who wrote his geography in 846 AD refers to a territory called Ursfin which is identified by the Russian scholar V. Minorsky with Odra Desa. In another Persian geography called Hudad-al Alam written towards the close of the 10 th century AD mention has been made of a territory called Urshin (Odra Desa) which has been associated with the territories called N. Myas, Harkand, Smnder and Andhras which were more or less contiguous. The territory called N. Myas may be Mahismati and Harkand is suggested to be Akarakhand (eastern Malwa). Urshin may be the same as Odra Desa and Smnder may be the territory bordering the sea. Andhras is without doubt the same as Andhra Desa. Alberuni has referred to a territory called Udra Vishau located 50 forsakhs towards the sea in the south from the Tree of Prayaga. Fifty forsakhs is equal to about 200 miles or 321.86 km. So Udra Vishau may be the same as Odra Desa.</b></div>
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<b>In the mediaeval Muslim chronicles like Tabaquat-I-Nasiri, Tabaquat-I-Akbari, Riyadus-Salatin, Tarkh-I-Firuzsahi, etc., the Odra territory has been referred to as Jajnagar probably after the capital Jajatinagar or Jajatinagar. The territory of Jajnagar very probably denotes to the Ganga empire during the period from Chodagangadeva to Anangabhimdeva III when Jajatinagar (modern Jagati on the Mahanadi) was the capital of that empire. It was Anangabhimadeva III who transferred the capital from Jajatinagar to Baranasi Kataka. Even after the change of capital some Muslim chroniclers continued to call this territory as Jajnagar. Shams-I-Seraj-Afif called this territory as Jajnagar-Udisa with its capital city Banaras on the right bank of the Mahanadi. The word ‘Udisa’ added to Jajnagar appears very significant. It is a developed form of the word Ursfin or Urshin used by earlier Muslim writers of the 9 th and 10 th centuries AD. In Buddhist literature this word is expressed as Odivisa or Udivisa as found in the works of Lama Taranath and the author of Pag-Sam-Jon-Zang. In the Tantric literature of the mediaeval period the word Udisa has been frequently used and in Tantrasara, Jagannath has been referred to as Udisanatha. Poet Sarala Das mentions both the words Odra Rastra and Orissa in his famous treatise </b></div>
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<b>Mahabharata while Gajapati Kapileswaradeva (1435–1467 AD) in his proclamation inscribed on the temple walls of Jagannath calls his territory as Orissa Rajya or Orissa Rastra. Thus from the 15th century AD onward the land of the Oriya people was called Orissa.<br />On 4 November 2011, Orissa was officially renamed Odisha after Presidential assent and notification in the official Gazette. The change required minor amendments to the Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill and the Constitution (113th) Amendment Bill which were approved by both houses of parliament.The state's official language has also been renamed Odia fromOriya</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Orissa in pre-historic age</span></b><br />
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<b><br />Since prehistoric days the land of Orissa has been inhabited by various people. The earliest settlers of Orissa were primitive hill tribes. Although prehistoric communities cannot be identified, it is well known that Orissa had been inhabited by tribes like Saora or Sabar from the Mahabharata days. Saora in the hills and the Sahara and Sabar of the plains continue to be an important tribe distributed almost all over Orissa. Most of the tribal people have been influenced by Hindus and have adopted Hindu manners, customs and rituals. Bonda Parajas of Koraput district are the best example of these tribes.<br /><br />Several pre-historic sites have been excavated in Orissa since the arrival of Britishers. Kaliakata of Angul, Kuchai & Kuliana of Mayurbhanj, Vikramkhol near Jharsuguda, Gudahandi and Yogimath of Kalahandi, Ushakothi of Sambalpur, Similikhol near Bargarh etc.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="History_of_Orissa">History of Orissa</span></h3>
<b>Main articles: History of Orissa and Historic sites in Orissa<br /><br />Orissa has a history spanning a period of over 5,000 years. Before Kalinga it was named as Udra or "Odra Desa". The Ancient Odra desa or Ordesa was limited to the valley of Mahanadi and to the lower course of Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapur. Bounded on the west by Gondwana, on the north by the wild hill states of Jaspur and Singhbhum, on the east by the sea and on the South by Ganjam, Orissa has a legendary history. The name Oriya originated from Odra or Udra tribes that inhabited the central coastal belt (Khordha District and Nayagarh District) of modern Orissa. Orissa has also been the home of the Kalinga, Utkal, Mahakantara/Kantara and Kosal that played a particularly prominent role in the region's history, and one of the earliest references to the ancient Kalingas appears in the writings of Vedic chroniclers. In the 6th century BC, Vedic Sutrakara Baudhayana mentions Kalinga as being beyond the Vedic fold, indicating that Brahminical influences had not yet touched the land. Unlike some other parts of India, tribal customs and traditions played a significant role in shaping political structures and cultural practices right up to the 15th century, when Brahminical influences triumphed over competing traditions and caste differentiation began to inhibit social mobility and erode what had survived of the ancient republican tradition.</b></div>
<b><br /><br />A major turning point in world history took place in Orissa. The Kalinga War that led emperor Ashoka to embrace non-violence and the teachings of Buddhawas fought here in 261 BC. Ashoka's military campaign against Kalinga was one of the bloodiest in Mauryan history on account of the fearless and heroic resistance offered by the Kalingas to the mighty armies of the expanding Mauryan empire. Perhaps on account of their unexpected bravery, emperor Ashoka was compelled to issue two edicts specifically calling for a just and benign administration in Kalinga. Later on, Ashoka was instrumental in spreading Buddhist philosophy all over Asia. However, Ativ Land (South Western Orissa) was unconquered by Ashoka.<br /><br />Tel river civilization put light towards a great civilization existing in Kalahandi, Balangir, Koraput (KBK) region in the past that is recently getting explored. The discovered archaeological wealth of Tel Valley suggest a well civilized, urbanized, cultured people inhabited on this land mass around 2000 years agoand Asurgarh was its capital. Kalahandi along with Koraput and Bastar was part of Kantara referred in Ramayana and Mahabharata.In 4th century B.C. this region was known as Indravana from where precious gem-stones and diamond were collected for the imperial Maurya treasury. During the period of Maurya emperor Ashoka, Kalahandi along with Koraput and Bastar region was called Atavi Land. This land was unconquered as per Ashokan record. In the beginning of Chrisitan era probably it was known as Mahavana. In 4th Century AD Vyaghraraja was ruling over Mahakantara comprising Kalahandi, undivided Koraput and Bastar region. Asurgarh was capital of Mahakantara.</b><br />
<b><br />On the other hand in the third century BC, in the eastern part of Orissa Kalinga flourished as a powerful empire under theJaina emperor, Kharavela. He ruled all the way down south to include parts of the Tamil country. He built the superb monastic caves at Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves. Subsequently, the region was ruled under various monarchs, such asSamudragupta and Shashanka. It also was a part of Harsha's empire. In 795 AD, the king Jajati Kesari I of Kesari or Soma dynasty of Kosala united Kosala and Utkala into a single empire. He is also supposed to have built the firstJagannath Temple at Puri, although the current structure of the temple is entirely different and was built by Kings Choda Gangadeva and Ananga Bhimadeva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 12th century. The famous Lingaraja temple in Bhubaneshwar was started by Keshari dynasty king Jajati Keshari III and completed by his son Lalatendu Keshari in the 10th century. King Narasimha Dev is reputed to have built the magnificent Konark Sun Temple. Although now largely in ruins, the temple may have once rivaled the Taj Mahal in splendour.<br /><br />Orissa resisted several Muslim attacks until 1568, when was conqurered by Sultanate of Bengal. The Mughals conquered Coastal Orissa in 1576. The last Hindu Emperor of Orissa, Gajapati Mukunda Deva, was defeated and was killed in the battle of Gohiratikiri. The coastal plain of Orissa from Medinipur to Rajahmundry came under Mughal rule, which was broadly divided into six parts as JaleswarSarkar, Bhadrak Sarkar, Cuttack Sarkar, Chicacole (Srikakulam) Sarkar, Kalinga Dandapat and Rajamundry Sarkar or Godavari Province. Orissa's Central, Northern, Western and Southern hilly areas were ruled independently by Hindu kings. The Nizam of Hyderabad occupied the area between Rajahmundry toSrikakulam in 16th century. Medinipur was attached to Bengal province in 18th century. The remaining parts of Coastal Orissa, were subsequently ceded to theMaratha Empire in 1751.</b><br />
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<b><br /><br />The British occupied the Northern Circars comprising the southern coast of Orissa as a result of the Carnatic Wars in the early 1760s and incorporated them into the Madras Presidency gradually.In 1803, the British under the British East India Company annexed the Maratha province of Orissa after the Second Anglo-Maratha War. The northern and western districts of Orissa were incorporated intoBengal Presidency. Following famine and floods in 1866, large scale irrigation projects were undertaken in the last half of the 19th century. The coastal section was separated from Bengal and made into the Province of Bihar and Orissa in 1912, in response to local agitation for a separate state for the Oriya-speaking people. In 1936, Bihar and Orissa were split into separate provinces. Thus after a long period of struggle the Oriya people got re-united after centuries of political separation. On 1 April 1936, the new province of Orissa came into existence on linguistic basis during the British rule in India with Sir Jhon Austin Hubbak as the first Governor. A long cherished dream of Oriya people and their leaders like Madhusudan Das, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Bhubanananda Das and many other came true. The district of Ganjam was transferred from Madras Presidency to the new province of Orissa on 1 April 1936. From that time onwards people of Orissa celebrate the day 1 April as Utkal Divas or Orissa Day.<br /><br />Following Indian independence, the area of Orissa was almost doubled, and the population increased by a third, by the addition of 24 former princely states. In 1950, Orissa became a constituent state in the Union of India.<br /><br />In 2011, the spelling of the name of the state in English was officially changed to Odisha.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sub-divisions</span></b></div>
<b><br /><br />Main article: List of districts of Orissa<br /><br />There are 30 districts in Orissa—Angul, Boudh, Bhadrak, Bolangir, Bargarh, Balasore, Cuttack (Kataka), Debagarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Gajapati,Jharsuguda, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Keonjhar, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Kendrapara, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Nuapada,Nayagarh, Puri, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Sundargarh. Each district is governed by a district collector or district magistrate, appointed either by the Indian Administrative Service or the Orissa Administrative Service. Each district is subdivided into Sub-Divisions, governed by a sub-divisional magistrate, and again into Blocks. Blocks consists of panchayats (village councils) and town municipalities.<br /><br />The capital and largest city of the state is Bhubaneswar and it is also famous by the name "Temple City". Other major cities in Orissa are Cuttack, Brahmapur, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Bolangir,Balasore, Kendrapara & Puri<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></b><br />
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<b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Geography</span><br />Bhubaneswar is the capital of Orissa. It is famed for its magnificent temples, numbering around a thousand. Cuttack, the former capital of Orissa, is 22 km from Bhubaneswar. With the rapid expansion of two cities and better road connectivity, the two cities are now almost conjoined and considered as twin cities. The city of Puri is about 60 kilometers from Bhubaneswar and lies on the coast of theBay of Bengal. Puri is considered a holy city and the abode of the deity Lord Jagannath. It is one of the Char Dhams (Four holy places) of Hinduism. The world-famous "car festival" (rath yatra) is celebrated every year in the Hindu month of Ashadha (Mid June to Mid July) in Puri.<br /><br />The Chota Nagpur plateau occupies the western and northern portions of the state, while along the coast are fertile alluvial plains and the valleys of the Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani rivers, which fall into the Bay of Bengal. These alluvial plains are home to intensive rice cultivation. The Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Asia's largest rice research Institute is situated along the bank of Mahanadi in Cuttack. One of the major nesting ground for the Olive Ridley sea turtles can be found in the Beaches of Orissa; in Devi, Gahirmatha and Rushikulya, which are known to be the nesting sites for the L. olivacea Indian Ocean population. In 2007, around 130,000 turtles nested on the beaches of Gahirmatha. The shore line also acts as their mating site and have attracted various scientific communities for research and studies.<br /><br />Although most of Orissa's forest cover has been denuded lately, one of the greatest attractions of Orissa is its still vast expanses of unspoiled natural landscape that offer a protected yet natural habitat to the state’s incredible wildlife. There are many wildlife sanctuaries in Orissa. The Simlipal National Park Tiger Reserve is a huge expanse of lush green forest with waterfalls, inhabited by tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary has been protecting estuarine crocodiles since 1975.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chilka Lake, a brackish water coastal lake on the Bay of Bengal, south of the mouth of the Mahanadi River, is the largest coastal lake in India and the second largest in the world. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. It is protected by the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, which harbors over 160 migratory and resident species of birds. 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. It also has the small area of Satpada which is a safe sanctuary for the lesser known and endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins.<br /><br />The highest mountain peak in the state is Deomali (1672 m), which is situated in Koraput district in southern Orissa. It is also the tallest peak of the Eastern Ghats. It is part of the Chandragiri-Pottangi mountain system. Location: 18°40'3"N 82°58'59"E (Deomali on Wikimapia).<br />Physiography<br /><br />On the basis of homogeneity, continuity and physiographical characteristics, Orissa has been divided into five major regions:<br />The coastal plains in the east<br />The middle mountainous and highlands region<br />The central plateaus<br />The western rolling uplands, and<br />The major flood plains<br />Orissa Coastal Plains<br /><br />The Orissa Coastal Plains or Utkal Plains are the depositional landforms of recent origin and geologically belong to the Post-Tertiary Period. The 75 metre contourline delimits their western boundary and differentiates them from the Middle Mountainous Region. This region stretches from the West Bengal border, i.e. from the River Subarnarekha in the north to the River Rushikulya in the south.<br /><br />This region is the combination of several deltas of varied sizes and shapes formed by the major rivers of Orissa, such as the Subarnarekha, the Budhabalanga, the Baitarani, the Brahmani, the Mahanadi, and the Rushikulya. Therefore, the coastal plain of Orissa is called the "Hexadeltaic region" or the "Gift of Six Rivers". It stretches along the coast of the Bay of Bengal having the maximum width in the Middle Coastal Plain (the Mahanadi Delta), narrow in the Northern Coastal Plain (Balasore Plain) and narrowest in the Southern Coastal Plain (Ganjam Plain). The North Coastal Plain comprises the deltas of the Subarnarekha and the Budhabalanga rivers and bears evidences of marine transgressions. The Middle Coastal Plain comprises the compound deltas of the Baitarani, Brahmani and Mahanadi rivers and bears evidences of past 'back bays' and present lakes. The South Coastal Plain comprises the laccustrine plain of Chilika lake and the smaller delta of the Rushikulya River.<br />Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region<br /><br />The region covers about three-fourth of the entire State. Geologically it is a part of the Indian Peninsula which as a part of the ancient landmass of the Gondwanaland. The major rivers of Orissa with their tributaries have cut deep and narrow valleys. This region mostly comprises the hills and mountains of the Eastern Ghats which rise abruptly and steeply in the east and slope gently to a dissected plateau in the west running from north-west (Mayurbhanj) to south-west (Malkangirig). This region is well marked by a number of interfluves or watersheds. The Eastern Ghats is interrupted by a number of broad and narrow river valleys and flood plains. The average beight of this region is about 900 metres above the mean seal level. The highest peak is Deomali.<br />Central Plateaus<br /><br />The plateaus are mostly eroded plateaus forming the western slopes of the Eastern Ghats with elevation varying from 305–610 metres. There are two broad plateaus in Orissa : (i) the Panposh – Keonjhar -Pallahara plateau comprises the Upper Baitarani catchment basin, and (ii) the Nabrangpur – Jeypore plateau comprises the Sabari basin.<br />Western Rolling Uplands<br />These are lower in elevation than the plateaus having heights varying from 153 metres to 305 metres</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Forests"><span style="font-size: large;">Forests</span></span></h3>
<b><br />Almost one-third of Orissa is covered by forests which make up about 37.34% of the total land area of the state. These forests cover most of southern and western Orissa. The eastern plains adjacent to the coast are covered by farmlands.The forest cover of Orissa extends over an area of 58,136.869 square kilometres out of which reserve forests make up an area of 26,329.12 square kilometres (10,165.73 sq mi), demarcated protected forests make up 11,687.079 square kilometres (4,512.406 sq mi) and undemarcated protected forests make up 3,638.78 square kilometres (1,404.94 sq mi). Other types of forests make up 16,261.34 square kilometres (6,278.54 sq mi) while unclassed forests make up 20.55 square kilometres (7.93 sq mi) of the total forest cover. The State Government of Orissa also classifies forests based on their density. About 538 square kilometres (208 sq mi) of land are classified as very dense forests with a canopy density of over 70 percent, 27,656 square kilometres (10,678 sq mi) of forests are classified as moderately dense cover with a canopy density of 40 to 70 percent and 20,180 square kilometres (7,790 sq mi) of land are classified as open forest with a canopy density of 10 to 40 percent.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Rivers"><span style="font-size: large;">Rivers</span></span></h3>
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<span class="mw-headline"><b>There are four groups of rivers which flow through Orissa into the Bay of Bengal (Table-2). They are :</b></span></div>
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<b>(i) Rivers that have a source outside the State (the Subarnarekha, the Brahmani the IB and theMahanadi).</b></div>
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<b>(ii) Rivers having a source inside the State (the Budhabalanga, the Baitarani, the Salandi, and the Rushikulya).</b></div>
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<b>(iii) Rivers having a source inside the Orissa, but flow through other states (the Bahuda, the Vamsadhara River, and the Nagavali River).</b></div>
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<b>(iv) Rivers having a source inside Orissa, but tributary to rivers which flow through other states (the Machkund, the Sileru River, the Kolab, and the Indravati River).</b></div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>River Mahanadi: It is the major river of Orissa and the sixth largest river in India. It originates from the sihawa hills of the Bastar Plateau in Raipur district of [Chhattishgarh]. It is about 857 km Long (494 km in Orissa) and its catchment area spreads over 141,600 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>. (65,580 km².) in Orissa. The river carries on an average about 92,600 million m of water.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>River Kathajodi: Around Naraj Bridge which is approx. 10 K.M. from Cuttack City there are following villages:- Naraja Marthapur (Local Railway Station), Godi Sahi, Sandhapur, Bidyadharapur, Nua Sahi & Ratagarh. All these villages are rich in ancient heritage. Ratagarh, there is an ancient Shiva Temple of Chola Dynasty. It is 15 K.M. (approx.) distance from the City of Bhubaneswar & 6 K.M. (approx.) from Nandan Kanan, the Zoological Park. A canal arises from the Main Mahanadi River at Naraj Bridge is running besides which is the main source of water system.In Ratagarh there are 3-4 small hills which connects to the Chandaka-Damapada elephant reservoir. The main cultivation of the people of these villages are paddy besides vegetales also. The railway line running between the above villages connects Bhubaneswar with Talcher, the thermal power station, Sambalpur, Athagarh and then run into the states of Madhya Pradesh.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Brahmani: It is the second largest river in Orissa. It originates as two major rivers like the Sankh and the Koel from the Chota Nagpur Plateau of Bihar and both join at Veda Vyasa nearRourkela of Sundargarh district of Orissa forming the major River Brahmani. It flows through the Eastern Ghats in Sundargarh, Deogarh, Kendujhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Jajpur districts into the Coastal Plains and enters into the Bay of Bengal along with a combined mouth with the Mahanadi known as the Dhamara. The Brahmani is 799 km long (541 km In Orissa) and its catchment area spreads over 39,033 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>. in Orissa).</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Baitarani: It originates from the Gonasika hills of the Kendujhar district. It is 365 km long and its catchment area spread over 12,790 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>. It entres into the Bay of Bengal after joining of the Brahmani at Dhamara mouth near Chandbali, Bhadrak.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Subarnarekha: It originates from the Chhotanagpur plateau of Bihar. It is 433 km (70 km in Orissa) and has a catchment area of 19,500 km (3,200 km in Orissa) with a mean annual flow of 7,900 million.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Budhabalanga: It originates from the easterns slops of the Similipal massif. It is about 175 km long having a total catchment area of 4840 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup> with an annual flow of 2177 million. It is major tributaries are the Sone, the Gangadhar, the Catra etc.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Rushikulya: It originates from the Rushyamala hills of the Eastern Ghats in Kandhamal district. It is 165 km long with 8900 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup> of catchment areas. Its tributaries are the Baghua the Dhanei Badanadi etc. It has no delta at its mouth.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Bahuda: It originates from the Ramgiri hills of the Eastern Ghats in Gajapati districts and joins the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh. Its length 73 km having a catchment area of 1250 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Vanshadhara: It originates from the Flanks of the Durgakangar hills (Lingaraj hills) of the Eastern Ghats in Kalahandi districts. It is 230 km long out of which only 150 km in Orissa. It entres in to the Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It has a catchment area of 11500 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Nagavali: It originates from the Bijipur Hills of the Eastern Ghats near Lanji Garah. It is 210 km long out of which 100 km is in Orissa. It has a total catchment area of about 9410 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Salandi: It originates from the Meghasani Hills of the Similipal Massif in Keonjhar district. It is 144 km long with a catchment areas of 1793 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Indravati: It originates from the Eastern Ghats in Kalahandi districts. It is 530 km long with a catchment area of 41700 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup> as a tributary it flows into the Godavari river.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Kolab: It originates from the Sinkaran hills of the Eastern Ghats in Koraput districts. It has catchment areas of 20400 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>.</b></li>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Tel River: It is one of the largest river of Orissa originating in Nabaramgpur district and touching Chhattisgarh, Kalahandi, Balangir, Sonepur districts of Orissa and finally falling in Mahanadi.</b></li>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Springs"><span style="font-size: large;">Springs</span></span></h3>
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There are a number of Mountain springs and hotspring in Orissa. The Badaghagara and Sanaghagara in Keonjhar districts Saptasajya in Denkanal districts the Chandikhole in Jajpur distrcts the Barunei in Khorda districts, the Narayani and Nirmalajhar in Ganjam district, the Patalaganga in Kalahandi districts, the Nursinghanath in Bargarh distrcts and the Harisankar in Bolangir distrcts.</b><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: auto;">
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Waterfalls"><span style="font-size: large;">Waterfalls</span></span></h3>
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<b>Most of the rivers, either at the point of origin or over the mountainous bed, have waterfalls. The Barehipani and Joranda (Similipal) in Mayurbhanja districts, Sanaghagara and Badaghagara in Keonjhar district, Pradhanpat in Deogarh district, khandadhar (Banei) in Sundargarh district, Koilighugar in Jharsuguda district, Phurlijharan, Khandabaladhar, and Rabandhara in Kalahandi district, Kentamari and Putudi in Boudh and Phulbani district Duduma in Malkangiri district and Bogra in Koraput district are some of the major waterfalls of Orissa. "Chota Ghagra" and "Bada Ghagra" in the Keonjhar dist., "Bhim Kund" and "Deb Kund" in Mayurbhanj dist. are among the major water falls. There are many more water falls in Dhenkanal dist</b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">.</span></span></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Lakes"><span style="font-size: 17px;">La</span><span style="font-size: small;">kes</span></span></h3>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>The Chilika Lake is brackish water lagoon located in the southern part of the Orissa coastal plane. It areas varies 780 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup> and 144 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>; during the two monsson months it is 71 km long and 32 km wide. It salinity decleans to a minimum during the monsson. However in winter, due to the overflow of the tidal water through the narrow opening from the Bay of Bengal, it is maximum.</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Anshupa is a sweet water lake located in Athagarh of Cuttack district. It is 3 km long and 1.5 km wide. Sara is another sweet water lake located near Puri. It is 5 km long and 3 km wide. Kanjia is another sweet water lake with about 134 acres (0.54 km<sup style="line-height: 1em;">2</sup>) of area located in Nandankanan of Cuttack district near Bhubaneswar.</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Pata is another sweet water lake located alongside the town of Chatrapur. It is 4 km long and 0.5 km wide.</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Hirakud Dam: Artificial Lake in Sambalpur and Jharsuguda largest in Asia.</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Indravati Dam: Artificial Lake in Kalahandi and Nabarangpur.</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Kolab Dam: Artificial Lake in Koraput. And khandadhar at Rourkela.</b></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Economy</span><br /><br />Macro-economic trend<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">This is a chart of trend of gross state domestic product of Orissa at market prices </span></span>estimated<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> by </span></span><i style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation</i><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.</span></span></span></h2>
<table class="wikitable" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><th style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f2f2f2; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">Year</th><th style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f2f2f2; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">Gross State Domestic Product</th></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1985</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>37,080</b></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1987</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>68,230</b></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1990</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>109,040</b></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>1995</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>271,180</b></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>2000</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>387,280</b></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>2005</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 0.2em; padding-right: 0.2em; padding-top: 0.2em;"><b>670,900</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>The state's debt is estimated at almost 59 per cent of its GDP in 2005</b><span style="font-size: 13px;">.</span></div>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: auto;">
<span class="mw-headline" id="Industrial_growth">Industrial growth</span></h3>
<br /><b>Orissa has abundant natural resources and a large coastline. It contains a fifth of India's coal, a quarter of its iron ore, a third of its bauxite reserves and most of the chromite. Rourkela Steel Plant was the first integrated steel plant in the Public Sector in India. It receives unprecedented investments in steel, aluminium, power, refineries and ports. India's topmost IT consulting firms, includingMahindra Satyam, TCS (Tata Consultancy Services), MindTree Consulting, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Infosys have large branches in Orissa. IBM, Syntel and Wipro are setting up development centers in Orissa. So far, two of the S&P CNX 500 conglomerates have corporate offices in Orissa, for example, National Aluminium (2005 gross income <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Indian_Rupee_symbol.svg/7px-Indian_Rupee_symbol.svg.png" />.51,162 million) and Tata Sponge Iron (2005 gross income <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Indian_Rupee_symbol.svg/7px-Indian_Rupee_symbol.svg.png" />.2,044 million).<br /><br />Orissa is notable as one of the first Indian states to have tackled its structural problems during the post-1994 Indian economic reforms. Orissa was also the first state in India to begin to privatise its electricity transmission and distribution businesses. Over the period between 1994 and 2000 Orissa's former state electricity board (SEB) was restructured to form Gridco. This corporation was then divided into Transco and a collection of distribution companies. Attempts were then made to sell the distribution companies to the private sector. Like many other states, in 1996 Orissa was losing over 50% of the electricity it was delivered. The scale and importance of these reforms is notable and an important milestone in India's dramatic economic development.<br /><br />Recently the number of companies who have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to set up steel plants in the state has gone up to 50, includingPOSCO of South Korea which has agreed to construct a mammoth $12 billion steel plant near Paradip port, named POSCO India. It would be the largest single investment in India's history. Arcelor-Mittal has also announced plans to invest in another mega steel project amounting to $10 billion. Russian major Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Company (MMK) plans to set up a 10 MT steel plant in Orissa too. The state is attracting an unprecedented amount of investment in aluminum, coal-based power plants, petrochemicals, and information technology as well. In power generation, Reliance Power (Anil Ambani Group) is putting up the world's largest[citation needed] power plant with an investment of US $13 billion at Hirma in Jharsuguda district. Vedanta Resources’ 1.4 million tonne alumina project in Kalahandi district is the largest investment in aluminium. Vedanta has also announced a $3.2 billion dollar huge private University project on the lines of the Ivy League Universities, which is unprecedented in the history of education in India. Bandhabahal is a major area which consist of Open Cast Coal Mines.<br /><br />The Central Government has agreed to accord SEZ (Special Economic Zone) status to eight sites in Orissa, among which are Infocity at Bhubaneshwar and Paradip. But all these plans are facing massive resistance from the people of the state who mainly depend on agriculture for livelihood.<br /><br />In the year 2009 Orissa was second top Domestic Investment destination with Gujarat first and Andhra Pradesh in third place according to an analysis ofASSOCHAM Investment Meter (AIM) Study on Corporate Investments. Orissa's share was 12.6 percent in total investment in the country. It received investment proposal worth <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Indian_Rupee_symbol.svg/7px-Indian_Rupee_symbol.svg.png" />. 2,00,846 crore during the last year. Steel and power were among the sectors which attracted maximum investments in the state.<br /><br />Flood and cyclone are the major hurdles in Orissa's development as the important districts are situated near to the Bay of Bengal. In the five-year period between 2004–05 and 2008–09, Orissa's GDP has grown by a stunning 8.74% way beyond the definition of 7% growth. It should be noted that the all-India growth during this period was 8.49%.In this period, Orissa is the fourth fastest growing state, just behind Gujarat, Bihar, Uttarakhand.</b><br /><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; font-size: 17px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: auto;">
<span class="mw-headline" id="Infrastructure_development">Infrastructure development</span></h3>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<b>Although Paradip is home to Orissa's only large port, the coastal towns of Dhamra and Gopalpur are also undergoing major port development. The government of India has selected the coastal region of Orissa, stretching from Paradip in the north to Gopalpur in the south, to be developed into one of five or six Special Economic Regions (SERs) of the country. The government of India and the state government of Orissa are working together to erect world-class infrastructure in this region to match that of Rotterdam, Houston, and Pudong. This is aimed at further private investment in petrochemicals, steel, and manufacturing. A recent Morgan Stanley report forecasts that Orissa would be flooded with massive investments for manufacturing related activities in the same manner thatBangalore had attracted software investment in the 1990s. The scale of the investments in Orissa would, however, be much higher. As of July 2006, total planned investment in the state is $90 billion. This includes investment in research, education, hospitals, roads, ports, airports, and hotels. There are many multi-state irrigation projects in development, including the Godavari River Basin Irrigation Projects. 14 locations have been identified on Orissa coast to be developed as port. These locations are Gopalpur (Ganjam district), Bahuda Muhan (Sonepur) in Ganjam district, Palur (Ganjam), Bali Harchandi (Puri), Astaranga (Puri), Jatadhari Muhan (Jagatsinghpur), Barunei Muhan (Kendrapara), Dhamra (Bhadrak), Chudamani (Bhadrak), Inchuri (Balasore), Chandipur (Balasore), Bahabalpur (Balasore), Subarnarekha mouth (Kirtania) in Balasore district and Talsara (Balasore). Most of the locations among them already been developing as port in the public private partnership</b>.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Transportation</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="mw-headline"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="mw-headline"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span class="mw-headline"><b>Orissa has a network of roads, railways, airports and seaports. Bhubaneshwar is well connected by air, rail and road with the rest of India. The Biju Patnaik airport is being expanded to accommodate wide bodied aircraft. Some highways are getting expanded to four lanes.</b></span></div>
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<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: auto;">
<span class="mw-headline" id="Regular_airports">Regular airports</span></h3>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Biju Patnaik Airport</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Jharsuguda Airport </b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Birsa Munda Airport Rourkela</b></li>
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<b>In addition to the above, there are numerous air strips in the state of Orissa.</b></div>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: auto;">
<span class="mw-headline" id="Seaports">Seaports</span></h3>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; list-style-image: url(data:image/png; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Port of Paradip</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Port of Dhamara</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Port of Gopalpur (Commenced Operation From January 2007 As Seasonal Port)</b></li>
</ul>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<b>Dists of Orissa</b></div>
<b>1:Balasore 2:Bhadrak 3:Anugul 4:Baragarh 5:Bauda 6:Cuttack 7:Deogarh 8:Dhenkanal 9:Gajapati 10:Ganjam 11:Jagatsinghapur 12:Jajapur 13:Jharsuguda 14:Kalahandi 15:Kandhamal 16:Kendrapara 17:Kendujhar 18:Khordha 19:koraput 20:Malkangiri 21:Mayurbhanj 22:Nabarangpur 23:Nayagarh 24:Nuapara 25:Puri 26:Rayagada 27:Sonepur 28:Sundergarh 29:Balangir 30:Sambalpur</b></span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Demographics</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<b>According to the 2011 census of India, the total population of Orissa is 41,947,358, of which 21,201,678 (50.54%) are male and 20,745,680 (49.46%) are female, or 978 females per 1000 males. This represents a 13.97% increase over the population in 2001. The population density is 269 per km².<br /><br />The dominant ethnic group are the Oriya people and Oriya (Oriya) is the official language of Orissa and spoken as a native language by about 73% of the people.Other linguistic minorities in the state are Bengali, Hindi, Telugu, Santali. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes form 16.53% and 22.13% of the state population, constituting 38.66% of the State population. Some of the important tribes are Santhal, Bonda, Munda, Oraon, Koraand Mahali.<br /><br />The literacy rate is 73.45% with 82.4% of males and 64.36% of females being literate,according to 2011 census.<br /><br />The proportion of people living below the poverty line in 1999–2000 was 47.15% which is nearly double the all India average of 26.10%.<br /><br />Data of 1996–2001 showed the life expectancy in the state was 61.64 years, higher than the national value of years. The state has a birth rate of 23.2 per 1,000 people per year, a death rate of 9.1 per 1,000 people per year, an infant mortality rate of 65 per 1000 live birth and a maternal mortality rate of 358 per 1,000,000 live births. Orissa has a Human Development Index of 0.579 in 2004.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Literature</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b>Main article: Oriya literature<br /><br />The history of Oriya Literature has been mapped by historians and linguists along the following stages, Old Oriya (900–1300 AD), Early Middle Oriya (1300–1500 AD), Middle Oriya (1500–1700 AD), Late Middle Oriya (1700 AD – 1850 AD) and Modern Oriya (from 1850 AD till the present). But this rude categorization could not skillfully draw the real picture on account of development and growth of Oriya Literature. Here, we split the total periods in different stages such as: Age of Charya Literature, Age of Sarala Das, Age of Panchasakha, Age of Upendra Bhanja, Age of Radhanath, Age of Satyabadi, Age of Marxism or Pragati yuga, Age of Romanticism or Sabuja Yuga, Post Independent Age.<br /><br />The beginnings of Oriya poetry coincide with the development of Charya Sahitya, the literature thus started by Mahayana Buddhist poets. This literature was written in a specific metaphor named "Sandhya Bhasha" and the poets like Luipa, Kanhupa are from the territory of Orissa. The language of Charya was considered as Prakrita.<br /><br />The first great poet of Orissa is the famous Sarala Dasa who wrote the Mahabharata, not an exact translation from the Sanskrit original, rather an imitation of the same. Among many of his poems and epics, he is best remembered for his Mahabharata. Chandi Purana and the Vilanka Ramayana are also two of his famous creations. Arjuna Das, a contemporary to Sarala Dasa, wrote Rama-Bibha, a significant long poem in Oriya.<br /><br />Towards the 16th century, five poets emerged, though there are hundreds year gap in between them. But they are known as Panchashakhas as they believed to same school of thought, Utkaliya Vaishnavism. The poets are: Balaram Das, Jagannath Das, Achyutananada Das, Ananta Das and Jasobanta Das. The Panchasakhas are very much Vaishnavas by thought. In 1509 Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came to Orissa with his Vaishnava message of love. Before him Jaydev had prepared the ground by heralding the cult of Vaishnavism through his Geetagovinda. Chaitanya’s path of devotion was known as Raganuga Bhakti Marga, but the Panchasakhas differed from Chaitanyas and believed in Gyana Mishra Bhakti Marga, which has similarities with the Buddhist philosophy of Charya Literature stated above.<br /><br />The Panchashakhas, however, are the direct disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Along with another seer Shri Arakhsita Das, they are called also as sada-goswami (six Lords). These five saints primarily believed in Vaishnavism and also additionally cultured and developed Gyana Mishra Bhakti Marga as stated earlier (beliefs about the body, the mind, the soul, and the Parambrahm). They have composed numerous manuscripts, mâlikas, devotional poems, Sadhana descriptions, and other religious scriptures. Also, many prophecies are described by these seers in there numerous literature. Most of the literature were written in hand on palm-leaves using the Devanagari or the Oriya script.<br /><br />The two prime works from the five writers are the Bhâgavata by Jagannath Das and the Jagamohana Râmâyana by Balarâm Das. Till today Jagannath Das’s Bhâgavata is the most valued book in Oriya literature. Besides this great work he (Jagannath Das) also composed Artha Koili, Darubrahma Geetâ, Shunya Bhâgabata, Dhruba Stuti etc. Balaram Das, apart from Jagamohana Râmâyana, has also composed various works such as the Lakshmi Purâna, Vendântasâra Guptagitâ, Nâma-mâhatmya, Bhâva samudra, Sisu Veda, Kamalalochana Chautisâ, Kânta Koili. Shri Ananta Das, also known as Shishu Ananta Das has composed various devotional literature, e.g., Chumbaka malikâ, Nilagiri charita, Hetu Udaya Bhâgabata, Artha Târeni Prasnottara, Anâkâra Samhitâ, Bhaktimuktipradâyaka Geetâ. Similarly, Shri Jasovanta Das composed Shiba Shirodaya, Premabhaktibrahma Geetâ, Âtmaparatey Geetâ, Gobindachandra.<br /><br />Acyutananda was the most prolific writer of the Panchasakhas and has written numerous books (called as pothi's), believed not in one life but in many successive lives. He is known as the Mahapurusha, which means - a great man. A few works of him are: Shunya Samhita, Chaurashi Yantra, Gurubhakti Geeta, Khila Haribamsa, Gupta Bhagabata, Kaivarta Geeta, Kaala Nirghanta, Tera Janma Sharana, Brahma Ekahshara Geeta, Gopala Ogâla, Bhava Samudra, Garuda Geeta, Brahma Shankuli, Ananta Bata Geeta, Kali Kalkpa Geeta, Asta Gujjari, Gujjari Raasa, Brahma Kundali, Mahagupta Padmakalpa, Chausathi Patala, Chayalisha Patala, Chabisa Patala, Dasa Patala, Neetya Raasa, Manmatha Chandrika, Shiva Kalpa, Achyutananda Janma Sharana, Chitta Bodha, Raasa Maala, and Panchasakhaa Bhajana. The Shunya Samhita dealt with spiritual knowledge as well as physical sciences like solar science, atomic and molecular concepts, and aerospace concepts. The term Chauraashi Yantra describes '84 yantras' embedded within the human body, the later itself is ~84 fingers in length and each Yantra is located for each finger-length space. However, the most popular one seems to be an "Oracle of Prophecies" named as Bhavishya Malika. Among prophecies also are Aagata bhabishya lekhanaa and Bhavishya Paraardha. About the Identification of his disciple and the primary devotees, he had composed the Jaiphula Malika. Also his copper oracle (Tamrapothi) which appears to mysteriously read the mind and provide suitable answers is still available today, operated by a priest in Kakatpur. Shri Arakhsita Das, the seer of Olasuni, had written the Mahimandala Geeta, the Bhakti Tikaa, the Saptaanga Abadhuta Samhita, and the Tatvasara Geeta.<br /><br />At the end of age of Panchasakha, the prominent poets are Dinakrushna Das, Upendra Bhanja and Abhimanyu Samanta Simhar. Verbal jugglery, obscenity and eroticism as the characteristics of Shringara Kavyas, became the trend of this period to which Upendra Bhanja took a leading role. His creations were Baidehisha Bilasa, Koti Brahmanda Sundari, Lavanyabati were proved landmark in Oriya Literature. Upendra Bhanja was conferred with the title Kabi Samrat of Oriya literature for the aesthetic poetic sense and verbal jugglery proficiency. Dinakrushna Das’s Rasokallola and Abhimanyu Samanta Simhara’s Bidagdha Chintamani are prominent kavyas of this time.<br /><br />The first Oriya printing typeset was cast in 1836 by the Christian missionaries which made a great revolution in Oriya literature. Instead of palm leaf inscription, the books were being printed and the periodicals and journals were published. The first Oriya Magazine of 'Bodha Dayini' was published from Balasore in 1861. The main object of this magazine was to promote Oriya literature and to draw attention to the lapses in government policy. The first Oriya paper, 'The Utkal Deepika' made its appearance in 1866 under the editorship of late Gouri Sankar Ray with the help of late Bichitrananda. The publication of these papers during the last part of the 19th century encouraged the modern literature and acted as a media to provide a wide readers range for the writers, The educated intellectuals came in contact with the English literature and got influenced. Radhanath Ray (1849–1908) is the prime figure, who tried to write his poems with the influence of Western literature. He wrote Chandrabhaga, Nandikeshwari, Usha, Mahajatra, Darbar and Chilika wee the long poems or Kavyas. Fakir Mohan Senapati (1843–1918), the prime figure of modern Oriya Fiction Prose is the product of that generation. He was considered the Vyasakabi or founder poet of Oriya language. Fakir Mohan Senapati is well known for his novel Chha Maana Atha Guntha. It is the first Indian novel to deal with the exploitations of landless peasants by the feudal Lord. It was written much before the October revolution of Russia or much before the emerging of Marxist ideas in India.<br /><br />With rise of freedom movement, a literary though was emerged with the influence of Gandhiji and idealistic trend of Nationalism formed as a new trend in Oriya Literature. Much respected personality of Orissa culture and history, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Dash (1877–1928) has founded a school at avillage Satyabadi near Sakshigopal of Orissa and an idealstic literary movement influenced the writers of this age. Godabarisha Mohapatra, Kuntala-Kumari Sabat the other renowned name of this age.<br /><br />With the emergence of Soviet Russia in 1935, a Communist party was formed in Orissa and a periodical named "Adhunika" was published by the party. Bhagawati Charan Panigrahi and Sachidananda Routray were the founder members and writer/poets of the party. Bhagwati turned to fiction writing and though Sachidananda Routray (who is better known as "Sachi Routra" or Sachi Babu) has written some short stories is actually remembered for his poems. Influenced by the romantic thoughts of Rabindranath Tagore, during the thirties when the progressive Marxist movements was in full flow in Oriya Literature, Kalindi Charan Panigrahi, the brother of Bhagabati Charan Panigrahi, the founder of Marxist trend in Orissa, formed a group circa 1920 called "Sabuja Samiti." Mayadhar Mansingh was a renowned poet of that time though he was considered as a romantic poet, but he kept the distance away from the influence of Rabindranath successfully.<br /><br />As the successor of Sachi Babu, two poets Guruprasad Mohanty (popularly known as Guru Prasad) (1924–2004) and Bhanuji Rao came with T.S. Eliot and published their co-authored poetry book "Nutan Kabita". Later, Ramakanta Rath modified the ideas. Sitakanta Mohapatra, Soubhagya Kumar Mishra, Rajendra Kihore Panda, Brajanath Rath, Jayanta Mahapatra, Kamalakant Lenka, J.P. Das, Brahmotri Mohanty, Mamata Dash, Amaresh Patnaik, Hrushikesh Mallick, Sunil Kumar Prusty, Sucheta Mishra, Aparna Mohanty, Pritidhara Samal, Basudev Sunani, Gajanan Mishra, Bharat Majhi are some poets of this contemporary age. In the Post-Independence-Era Oriya fiction assumed a new direction. The trend which Fakir Mohan has started actually developed more after 50’s of last century.Gopinath Mohanty (1914–1991), Surendra Mohanty and Manoj Das are considered as three jewels of this time. The other significant fiction writers are Chandrasekhar Rath, Dr Jagannath Prasad Das, Shantanu Acharya, Mohapatra Nilamani Sahoo, Rabi Patnaik, Debraj Lenka, Krushna Prasad Mishra, Akhil Mohan Patnaik, Jagadish Mohanty, Kanheilal Das.<br /><br />Satya Mishra, Ramchandra Behera, Padmaja Pal, Binapani Mohanty, Prativa Ray, Yashodhara mishra and Sarojini Sahoo are a few writers whose writings have created a new age in the field of fiction. Jayanti Ratha, Susmita Bagchi. Paramita Satpathy, Hiranmayee Mishra, Chirashree IndraSingh Supriya Panda, Gayatri Saraf, Mamata Chowdhry are few fiction writerw in this period. In the field of drama, the traditional Oriya theatre is the folk opera, or Jatra, which flourishes in the rural areas of Orissa. Modern theatre is no longer commercially viable. But in the 1960, experimental theatre made a mark through the works of Manoranjan Das, who pioneered the new theatre movement with his brand of experimentalism. Bijay Mishra, Biswajit Das, Kartik Rath, Ramesh Chandra Panigrahi, Ratnakar Chaini, Ranjit Patnaik continued the tradition. As a whole, Oriya literature is a strong wing of Indian Literature to represent in world forum.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Culture</span></b></div>
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<b>Main article: Orissi culture<br /><br />The language spoken by the majority of the people is Oriya. English is widely used for official purpose and Oriya is used as regional language. Oriya belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family, and is closely related to Bengali and Assamese. A few tribal languages belonging to the Dravidian and Munda language families are spoken by the Adivasis (original inhabitants) of the state. The state has a very opulent cultural heritage, one of the richest in India. The capital city of Bhubaneshwar is known for the exquisite temples that dot its landscape. The classical dance form Odissi originated in Orissa. Contemporary Orissa has a proud cultural heritage that arose due to the intermingling of three great religious traditions – Hinduism, Buddhism andJainism. The culture of the Adivasis is an integral part of modern Oriya heritage.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Dance">Dance</span></h3>
<b>Main article: Odissi dance<br /><br />Odissi (Orissi) dance and music are classical art forms. Odissi is the oldest surviving dance form in India on the basis of archaeological evidence. Odissi has a long, unbroken tradition of 2,000 years,and finds mention in the Natyashastra of Bharatamuni, possibly written circa 200 BC. However, the dance form nearly went extinct during the British period, only to be revived after India's independence by a few gurus, such as Guru Deba Prasad Das, Guru Mayadhar Raut, Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Mahadev Rout, Guru Raghu Dutta, and Guru Kelu Charan Mahapatra. Odissi classical dance is about the love of Krishna and his supposed consort Radha, mostly drawn from compositions by the notable Oriya poet Jayadeva, who lived in the twelfth century AD.<br /><br />Ghumura Dance (or Ghumra Dance) is one of the most sought and leading folk dance form in Orissa. It is classified as folk dance as the dress code of Ghumura resembles more like a tribal dance, but recent researchers argue different mudra and dance form present in Ghumura bear more resemblance with other classical dance form of India. The timeline of Ghumura dance is not clear. Many researchers claim it was a War dance in ancient India and used by Ravana in Ramayana. Ghumura dance is depicted in Konark Sun Temple confirming this dance form is since the medieval period. In the Madhya Parba of Sarala Mhabharata Ghumura has been mentioned as: "Dhola Madala Gadi je Ghumura Bajai Ghumura je Ghumu Ghumu Hoi Garajai" InChandi Purana mentions: "Biratwara Biradhola Daundi Ghumura Kadamardala Bajanti Mari Galatura" Ghumura was also used as a Darbari dance in the princely state of Kalahandi and played by the earstwhile Kalahandi state during war times. The typical mixed sound that comes out of the musical instruments like Ghumura, Nishan, Dhol, Taal, Madal etc. and the expressions and movements of the artists make this dance to be a Heroic Dance.Since thousands of years Ghumura dance has evolved from a war dance to a dance form for cultural and social activities. The dance is associated with social entertainment, relaxation, love, devotion and friendly brotherhood among all class, creed and religion in the present days. Traditionally this dance is also associated with Nuakhai and Dasahara celebration in Kalahandi and large parts of South Western Orissa. Ghumura dance is still hidden in the village level in South Western Orissa and some parts of bordering Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Kalahandi region has taken a leading rule in popularizing and retaining its unique identity of Ghumura dance. Kalahandi is mainly known as land of Ghumura. Ghumura dance has got the opportunity to represent the nation in various international events Delhi, Moscow, Kolkata, and various other cities in India. Ghumura dance is also one of the most researched folk dance form in Orissa.<br /><br />Chhau dance is a form of tribal martial dance attributed to origins in Mayurbhanj princly state of Orissa and seen in the Indian states of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Orissa. There are three subtypes of the dance, based on the original places where the subtypes were developed. Seraikella Chau was developed in Seraikella, the administrative head of the Seraikela Kharsawan district of Jharkhand, Purulia Chau in Purulia district of West Bengal and Mayurbhanj Chau in Mayurbhanj district of Orissa.<br /><br />Mahari Dance is one of the important dance forms of Orissa and originated in the temples of Orissa. History of Orissa provides evidence of the 'Devadasi' cult in Orissa. Devadasis were dancing girls who were dedicated to the temples of Orissa. The Devadasis in Orissa were known as 'Maharis' and the dance performed by them came to be known as Mahari Dance.<br /><br />It was during the reign of Chodagangadeva, Maharis were employed in the temples of Puri. After Chodagangadeva's death, Ananabhimadeva built Natyamandapa in the Jagannath temple for the dance performances inside the temple. Moreover, in those days, the Mahari dancers belonged to different categories namely, the 'Nachunis' (dancers), the Bahara Gauni, the Bhitara Gauni and the Gaudasanis.<br /><br />The Mahari Dancers of Orissa are supposed to follow certain restrictions, such as:<br />They cannot enjoy.<br />They should dance on the ceremonies connected to Jagannath.<br />They should adhere to the specifications made by the Sastras.<br />They must always wear clean cloths.<br />The dancer cannot be physically handicapped.<br />At the time of the performances, the dancers are not supposed to look at the audience.<br />The Maharis are married to the Lord at the age of nine.<br />Before their performances, the Mahari dancers pay their obeisance to the Lord.<br /><br />In Orissa, one can also come across another type of Mahari dancers, who are known as 'Samarpada Niyoga'. The duty of the 'Samarpada Niyoga' is to dance during the ceremonial procession of the deities. These dancers perform during the Ratha Yatra, Jhulana Yatra, Dola Yatra, etc.<br /><br />The Western Orissa has also great variety of dance forms unique to Orissa culture. The children's verses are known as "Chhiollai", "Humobauli" and "Dauligit", the adolescent poems are "Sajani", "Chhata", "Daika", "Bhekani" : the eternal youth composes "Rasarkeli", "Jaiphul", "Maila Jada", "Bayamana", "Gunchikuta" and "Dalkhai". The work-man's poetry comprises "Karma" and "Jhumer" pertaining to Vishwakarma and the "Karamashani" deities. The professional entertainers perform Dand, Danggada, Mudgada, Ghumra, Sadhana, Sabar – Sabaren, Disdigo, Nachina – Bajnia, Samparda and Sanchar. They are for all occasions, for all time with varieties of rhythm and rhyme.<br /><br />Pala is a unique form of balladry in Orissa, which artistically combines elements of theatre, classical Orissi music, highly refined Oriya and Sanskrit poetry, wit, and humour. The literal meaning of pala is turn. It is more sophisticated than the other Oriya ballad tradition, Daskathia. Pala is presented in three ways. The names can be mentioned as baithaki or `seated`, in which the performers sit on the ground throughout. The other one is thia or `standing`. This is more popular and aesthetically more satisfying, in which they stand. Badi is a kind of thia in which two groups vie for excellence. This is the most entertaining, as there is an element of competition.<br /><br />Gotipua dance is another form of dance in Orissa. In Oriya colloquial language Gotipua means single boy. The dance performance done by a single boy is known as Gotipua dance. When decadence and declination came in to Devadasi or mahari tradition due to various reasons this Gotipua dance tradition evolved as sequel as these performance were practiced to please the gods. It is totally unknown that when exactly this danced form came in to practice. Still some historians say that this dance tradition appears to have originated during the region of Prataprudradev (1497 AD to 1540 AD) and gained popularity in the subsequent Muslim Rule. Ray Remananda the famous Vaishnavite Minister of King Pratapruda and ardent follower of Sri Chitanya is the originator of this boy dancing tradition. As Vasishnavs were not approving of the females in to dance practices so it possible that the dance tradition must have come after Sri Chaitanya came to Orissa. The Gotipua Dance Tradition is now seen in the village Raghurajpur situated 10 km away from Puri town, situated on the banks of river Bhargabi. It is otherwise known as the Crafts Village as various Oriya handicrafts’ craftsmen reside in this village contributing their expertise in Patta Painting and other handukrafts.<br /><br />Prince Dance Group, a dance group based in Berhampur, Orissa, India led by Krishna Mohan Reddy. It has won a reality show India's Got Talent on an Indian TV channel "Colors". The group is unique that the members are from a remote part of India and most of them are from disadvantaged sections of different parts of Ganjam district. Two of them, Padmanabha Sahu and Telu Tarini are physically challenged. They have won the hearts of all Oriyas, including chief minister Naveen Patnaik, and even outsiders with their performance in the programme "India's Got Talent". The group, comprising 26 artistes held the audience and the judges engrossed with their act from the mythological Mahabharata and Vande Mataram.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Music"><span style="font-size: large;">Music</span></span></h3>
<b>Main article: Orissi music<br /><br />Sixteenth century witnessed the compilation of literature on music. The four important treatises written during that time are Sangitamava Chandrika, Natya Manorama, Sangita Kalalata and Gita Prakasha. Orissi music is a combination of four distinctive kinds of music, namely, Chitrapada, Dhruvapada, Panchal and Chitrakala. When music uses artwork, it is known as Chitikala. A unique feature of Oriya music is the Padi, which consists of singing of words in fast beat.<br />Being a part of the rich culture of Orissa, its music is also as much charming and colorful. Orissi music is more than two thousand five hundred years old and comprises a number of categories. Of these, the five broad ones are Tribal Music, Folk Music, Light Music, Light-Classical Music and Classical Music. Anyone who is trying to understand the culture of Orissa must take into account its music, which essentially forms a part of its legacy.<br /><br />In the ancient times, there were poets who wrote the lyrics of poems and songs that were sung to rouse the religious feelings of people. It was by the eleventh century that the music of Orissa, in the form of Triswari, Chatuhswari, and Panchaswari, underwent transformation and was converted into the classical style.<br /><br />Folk music like Jhumar, yogi gita, kendara gita, dhuduki badya, prahallad natak, palla, sankirtan, mogal tamasa, gitinatya, kandhei nacha, kela nacha, ghoda nacha, danda nacha and daskathia are popular in Orissa. Almost every tribal group has their own distinct song and dance style.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Structural_art">Structural art</span></h3>
<b>Other cultural attractions include the Jagannatha Temple in Puri, known for its annual Rath Yatra or Car Festival, the unique and beautiful applique artwork of Pipili, silver filigree ornamental works fromCuttack, the Patta chitras (palm leaf paintings), famous stone utensils of Nilgiri (Balasore) and various tribal influenced cultures. The Sun temple at Konark is famous for its architectural splendour anderotic sculpture, while the 'Sambalpuri textiles' equals it in its artistic grandeur. The sari of Orissa is much in demand throughout the entire world. The different colors and varieties of sarees in Orissa make them very popular among the women of the state. The handloom sarees available in Orissa can be of four major types; these are Ikat, Bandha, Bomkai and Pasapalli. Orissa sarees are also available in other colors like cream, maroon, brown and rust. The tie-and-dye technique used by the weavers of Orissa to create motifs on these sarees is unique to this region. This technique also gives the sarees of Orissa an identity of their own.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Sand_art">Sand art</span></h3>
<b><br /><br />A unique type of art form was developed at Puri, but it has spread all over the world. To carve a sand sculpture, the raw material is clean and fine-grained sand mixed with water. With the help of this type of sand and by the magic of fingers, an artist can carve a beautiful and attractive sculpture on the beach. Sudarshana Pattanaik is one of the major world-class artists in this sculpture.<br /><br />Although not historically proved, there is a story in the Oriya myths regarding the origin of sand sculpture: "Poet Balaram Das, the author of Dandi Ramayan was a great devotee of Jagannath. Once during Ratha Yatra (Car Festival), he tried to climb the chariot of Jagannath to offer his prayer. He wasn't allowed by the priests of the chariot to climb it and was also insulted by them. With great frustration and humiliation he came to the beach (Mahodadhi) and carved statues of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on the golden sand.</b><br />
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Religion">Religion</span></h3>
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<span class="mw-headline"><b><br /><br />The majority (over 94% of people in the state of Orissa are Hindu and there is also a rich cultural heritage in the state. For example, Orissa is home to several Hindu figures. Sant Bhima Bhoi was a leader of the Mahima sect movement. Sarala Dasa, an adivasi, was the translator of the epic Mahabharata in Oriya. Chaitanya Dasa was a Buddhistic-Vaishnava and writer of the Nirguna Mahatmya. Jayadeva was the author of the Gita Govinda.<br /><br />The Orissa Temple Authorisation Act of 1948 empowered the Government of Orissa to have Hindu temples open for all Hindus including the Harijans.<br /><br />Perhaps the oldest scripture of Orissa is the Madala Panji from the Puri Temple believed from 1042 AD. Famous Hindu Oriyan scripture includes the 16th centuryBhagabata of Jagannatha Dasa.In the modern times Madhusudan Rao was a major Oriya writer, who was a Brahmo Samajist and shaped modern Oriya literature at the turn of the 20th century.<br /><br />About 2.4% of the population is Christian and 2.1% is Muslim</b>.</span></div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Cinema">Cinema</span></h3>
<b>Main article: Oriya cinema<br /><br />The Oriya film production in the initial years was very slow. After first Oriya film Sita Bibaha in 1936, only two films were produced till 1951. A joint consortium of landlords and businessmen who collected funds after 1948 produced those two movies. The first film 'Sita Bibaha' was directed by Mohan Sunder Dev Goswami and was released in Laxmi Theatre, Puri. The 1951 production Roles to Eight was the first Oriya film having an English name. It was released after 15 years of the first Oriya film Sita Bibaha. It was the fourth Oriya film produced by Ratikanta Padhi. The eleventh Oriya filmSri Lokenath was the first Oriya film, which got National Award in 1960 directed by Prafulla Sengupta.<br /><br />One of the major trail blazers and pioneers of the Oriya film industry were Gour Prasad Ghose and his wife, Parbati Ghose. They introduced and mastered innovative ways of technical story-telling. Over the years, some of their most notable films such as Maa and Kaa brought them national fame and numerous awards, including many National awards and lifetime achievement awards for their contribution to cinema as directors, producers and actors.<br /><br />The same year, Prasant Nanda won a National Award as best actor for the film Nua Bou with his debut film. The name of Prasantha Nanda would always come while dealing with Oriya Film Industry. He was present in Oriya films since 1939, but he became active only after 1976. Nanda served Oriya Film Industry as an actor, director, screenplay writer, and lyricist and even as a playback singer. Such a versatile genius is quite rare in Indian cinema history. Nanda alone carried Oriya films into the national honor list by winning National Awards three times in 1960, 1966 and 1969 for his acting inNua Bou, Matira Manisha and Adina Megha. Uttam Mohanty, whose debut film Abhiman won accolades all over, is now the veteran actor of the Oriya Film Industry. His wife Aparajita Mohanty is also a renowned actress. Sarat Chandra Pujari was one of the most popular actor of the 60S era. His popular films are Nua Bou, Jeevan Sathi, Sadhana, Manika Jodi, Naba Janma, Matira Manisa, Arundhati, Ghara Sansara, Bhookha, etc. His films portrayed the general condition of the state of Orissa with a strong social message. Sarat Chandra Pujari is a prominent figure till now. Apart from being an actor he was also a successful director and an academician. He still continues to act in a few selected films. Currently he is enjoying his retired life and writes columns in the newspapers as his hobby. Raju Mishra is another rising star in Oriya film industry. He is an international award winning photographer, director, choreographer and lyricist of Oriya film industry. Other well known actors are Bijaya Mohanty,Utam Mohyanty, Sriram Panda, Mihir Das, Sidhhant, Aparajita, Maheswata, Tandra Ray, Anubhav Mohanty and many more.</b><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; font-size: 17px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: auto;">
<span class="mw-headline" id="Cuisine">Cuisine</span></h3>
<b>Main article: Oriya cuisine</b><br /><br /><b>Orissa has culinary tradition spanning centuries if not millennia. The kitchen of the famous Jagannath temple in Puri is reputed to be the largest in the world, with a thousand chefs, working around 752 wood-burning clay hearths called chulas, to feed over 10,000 people each day</b><br /><br /><br /><b>The famous Indian sweet "rasogolla" has its origin from this state. Salepur Rasogolla is famous and it is mainly prepared by Kar and Brothers (Bikalananda Kar) of salepur. Its branches are also present in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. Pahala, located on the Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar road, is famous for its variety of Rasgullas. The well-known rice pudding, kheeri (kheer) that is relished all over India, also originated in Puri two thousand years ago. Chhenapoda is also a major Orissa sweet cuisine originated in Nayagarh, it is made by caramelizing cottage cheese with sugar, cardamom and other ingredients and then burning it over a chula (wood-burning clay hearths). Chhena Jheeli and malpua are other famous sweet deserts. One of the most famous delicacies of Orissa is Kakara Peetha (made of sooji or finely grained wheat) especially with coconut filling sauteed with pepper, cardamom, sugar and ghee and sometimes cottage cheese (chhena). Its one of the major delicacy during the festival occasions. Arisha is another delicacy. The sweet aroma of powdered rice and Gud being deep fried in Ghee is mesmerizing. Poda Pitha, Haladi Patra Pitha (enduri pitha), Manda Pitha, Chitou Pitha are more examples of Oriya specialitites. Mudhi (puffed rice) is an integral part of every Oriya household. Baripada is famous for its Mudhi. Mudhi serves the purpose of an instant snacks. It perfectly blends with any thing. Be it Chenachur (mix salty fried snacks), milk, tea, curries, peanuts or mango pulp.</b><br /><br /><b>Pakhala, a dish made of rice, water, and yoghurt, that is fermented overnight, is very popular in summer, particularly in the rural areas. Oriyas are very fond of sweets and no Oriya repast is considered complete without some dessert at the end. A typical meal in Orissa consists of a main course and dessert. Typically breads are served as the main course for breakfast, whereas rice is eaten with lentils (dals) during lunch and dinner. The main course also includes one or more curries, vegetables and pickles. Given the fondness for sweet foods, the dessert course may include generous portions of more than a single item. Oriya desserts are made from a variety of ingredients, with milk, chhena (a form of ricotta cheese), coconut, rice, and wheat flour being the most common.</b><br /><br /><b>Also one of the most famous veg dishes are Dalma (made of lentils and vegetables boiled together and then fried with other spices) and Santula. Even the former Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam introduced these into the Rashtrapati Bhavan Menu. Ghanta and Posta curries are also some of the signature dishes.</b><br /><br /><b>Orissa food habit is pretty balanced between the non-vegetarian and vegetarian habits. Due to its vast shoreline and number of rivers flowing across, fish is a very important part of the diet. Orissa also expertises in sea food cuisines like Prawn and Crab. The famous Chilika Lake is particularly famous for offering best sea food cuisines that are one of a lifetime experience.</b><br /><br /><b>Orissa's food habit is actually the horizon between the South Indian food habit and the North Indian food habits. One can easily find Dosas, Vadas and idlis being served as breakfast and snacks which are typically south Indian food and also can find Poori- Chole, Samosa's (locally called Singada), and other north Indian delicacies in the menu. One of the best combination of both the North and South of India is Dahibara-Aludum-Ghuguni especially in the city of Cuttack. Dahibara (vadaa dipped and soaked in curd), aludum (a spicy curry made from potato) and Ghuguni (chickpea curry) really go well together and is one of the best fusion of the Indian recipes.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Education</span></b></div>
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<b>The ruins of a major ancient university and center of Buddhist learning, Ratnagiri, were recently discovered in the Jajpur district of Orissa. Scholars from far away lands, such as Greece, Persia and China used to study philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and science at this famed university. Taxila, Nalanda and Ratnagiri are amongst the oldest universities in the world. The ruins ofRatnagiri University have not been fully excavated yet.</b></div>
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<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Recognized Universities or Deemed Universities</b></dt>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Berhampur University at Berhampur</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Biju Patnaik University of Technology at Rourkela</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Central University of Orissa, Koraput.</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>C. V. Raman College of Engineering, Bhubaneshwar</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Fakir Mohan University at Balasore</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>IIT Bhubaneshwar at Bhubaneshwar</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>KIIT University in Bhubaneshwar</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>National Institute of Science and Technology at Berhampur</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>National Institute of Technology Rourkela at Rourkela</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>National Law University, Orissa in Cuttack</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>North Orissa University at Baripada,</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) at Bhubaneshwar</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Ravenshaw University in Cuttack</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Sambalpur University, Sambalpur</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Siksha O Anusandhan University</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Silicon Institute of Technology</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Sri Jagannatha Sanskrit University, Puri</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Government Ayurvedic College, Bolangir</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>M.K.C.G. Medical College, Berhampur</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>SCB Medical College in Cuttack</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>SCB Dental College in Cuttack</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Sri Sri University in Cuttack</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Veer Surendra Sai Medical College, Burla</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Utkal University (at Bhubaneshwar)</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Utkal University of Culture at Bhubaneshwar</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Vedanta University</b></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla</b></li>
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<b><br />Entry to various institutes of higher education especially into engineering degrees is through a centralised Joint Entrance Examination, conducted by the Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT), Rourkela where seats are provided according to order of merit<br /><br />One of the prestigious institutions of India, NIT Rourkela, National Institute of Technology was upgraded from Regional Engineering College and is an Institute of National Importance. Another premier college of Orissa is the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, which is the first engineering college in Orissa and is famous for its excellent infrastructure and state-of-art teaching methodology. Orissa is also home to one of the two Indian Institute of Mass Communication IIMC situated in Dhenkanal. This is a premier institute for mass communication and journalism</b></div>
<b><br /><br />The Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB) is a premier business school of national and international significance located in the state capital. The National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar is another premier educational cum research institution that is located in the state capital. The government of Orissa has provided 935 acres (3.78 km2) of land at Arugul near Jatni Railway Station for IIT Bhubaneshwar. Classes have already started from 2008 batch.IIT BBSR The plans of setting up of an AIIMS is also in advanced stages. Meanwhile Vedanta UniversityProject, a not-for-profit initiative by the Anil Agarwal Foundation, is an epoch-making dream to have a world class centre for learning and research on the picturesque Puri-Konark marine drive in Orissa. It will have about 100,000 students with an international mix of students pursuing around 95 diverse streams of learning in a sprawling campus of around 56,000,000 sq ft (5,200,000 m2) built up area supported by state of the art, IT and Communications systems. Even more recently, Reliance industries has expressed its intention of establishing a new Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DA-IICT), as well as a health city for medical education and research in Bhubaneshwar. Some of the research institutes of Orissa includes Institute of Physics at Bhubaneshwar, Institute of Life Sciences at Bhubaneshwar, Central Rice Research Institute at Cuttack, Central Institute of Fresh water Aquaculture (CIFA)at Bhubaneshwar, Regional Medical Research centre at Bhubaneshwar, Institute of Minerals and Material Technology at Bhubaneshwar and Regional Plant Resource Centre at Bhubaneshwar. As of now, Orissa receives the lowest per capita investment of all 28 states from the central government towards human resource development.<br /><br />Orissa also boasts of many renowned medical Colleges such as SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Veer Surendra Sai Medical College, Burla and MKCG Medical College, Berhampur. These colleges have been able to produce excellent doctors who have gone on to head various top posts in the Union Medical Departments. Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneshwar and Hi-tech Medical College, Bhubaneshwar are some of the private world-class medical colleges and hospitals serving the state of Orissa. Many students from the neighboring state of Jharkhand, Bihar and Chattisgarh come to Orissa for better education and expertise. Various International and National Universities have signed MoUs with top colleges for various seminars and workshop to be conducted within the campuses. The elite IIT have started its classes in Bhubaneshwar and for which the plans have already been laid out and is already taking shape.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tourism</span></b><br />
<b><br /><br /><br /><br />The landscape of Orissa is dotted with a large number of temples. The temples of Orissa conform to the Indo Aryan Nagara style of architecture, with distinctive features specific to this region. The best known of these are the Lingaraja temple at Bhubaneshwar, Jagannath Temple at Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark. The temples of Orissa exhibit a majestic grandeur. An Oriya temple (deula) usually consists of a sanctum, one or several front porches (jagamohana) usually with pyramidal roofs, a dancing hall (nata mandir) and a hall of offerings (bhog mandir).<br /><br />'The Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneshwar boasts of a 150-foot (46 m) high deul while the Jagannath Temple at Puri is about 200 feet (61 m) high and it dominates the skyline of the town. Only a portion of the Sun Temple at Konark, the largest of the temples of the Golden triangle exists today, and it is still staggering in size. It stands out as a masterpiece in Orissa architecture. Orissa is also well known as a Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage destination. North-east of Cuttack, about 10 km from Bhubaneshwar, there are Buddhist relics and ruins at the three hilltop complexes of Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, which still bear witness to Buddhism's fruitful tryst with this region until well into the 13th century.<br /><br />Orissa's varying topography – from the wooded Eastern Ghats to the fertile river basin – has proven ideal for evolution of compact and unique ecosystems. Thereby creating such treasure troves of flora and fauna that even seem inviting to many migratory species of birds and reptiles. Bhitar Kanika National Park is famous for its second largest mangrove ecosystem. The bird sanctuary in Chilika (Asia's biggest brackish water lake) and the tiger reserve and waterfalls in Simlipal National Park are integral part of any eco tours in Orissa, arranged by Tourism of Orissa.<br /><br />The Gharial Sanctuary at Tikarpada and the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in Gahirmatha turtle sanctuary also feature on the list of avid nature watchers. The city wildlife sanctuaries of Chandaka and Nandan Kanan are a must visit for the lessons they teach is conservation and revitalization of species from the brink of extinction.<br /><br />Orissa is blessed with around 500 km long coastline and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Chilika, Asia's largest brackish water lake, not only provides a haven for millions of birds, but is also one of the few places in India where one can view dolphins. The lush green forest cover of Orissa plays host to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the famed Royal Bengal Tiger. Amidst the picturesque hills and valleys nestle a number of breathtaking waterfalls and rivulets that attract visitors from all over. Orissa beaches include Puri, Gopalpur-on-Sea, Chandipur, Ramachandi Beach, Balighai Beach, Astarang Beach, Paradeep Beach. The famous Shiva Temple is near Dhenkanal.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-80211761930499751782012-02-28T22:17:00.001-08:002012-02-28T22:17:15.321-08:00Karnataka<div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Kannada is a state in the southern part of India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as the State of Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka in 1973.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Karnataka is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Goa to the northwest, Maharashtra to the north, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the southwest. The state covers an area of 74,122 sq mi (191,976 km²), or 5.83% of the total geographical area of India. It is the eighth largest Indian state by area, the ninth largest by population and comprises 30 districts. Kannadais the official and most widely spoken language.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Though several etymologies have been suggested for the name Karnataka, the generally accepted one is that Karnataka is derived from the Kannada words karu and nādu, meaning elevated land. Karu nadu may also be read as Karu (black) and nadu (region), as a reference to the black cotton soil found in the Bayaluseeme region of Karnataka. The British used the word Carnatic (sometimes Karnatak) to describe both sides of peninsular India, south of the Krishna River.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With an antiquity that dates to the paleolithic, Karnataka has also been home to some of the most powerful empires of ancient and medieval India. The philosophers and musical bards patronised by these empires launched socio-religious and literary movements which have endured to the present day. Karnataka has contributed significantly to both forms of Indian classical music, the Carnatic (Karnataka Music) and Hindustani traditions. Writers in the Kannada language have received the most number of Jnanpith awards in India. Bangaloreis the capital city of the state and is at the forefront of the rapid economic and technological development that India is experiencing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIT2kdd6-1zjjUl3rMXHTgzKkm-qbP6WmkG5LOmot9qhiRaBAXM3A235OGvAcp2fiPpAsCynbDkeBFDCx8EJva5aaXlSt_dGA8adFcQvRhyUaIP_xSB5BhJOCb3Bd7OIwTpWFSANHgniW2/s1600/karnatakamap1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIT2kdd6-1zjjUl3rMXHTgzKkm-qbP6WmkG5LOmot9qhiRaBAXM3A235OGvAcp2fiPpAsCynbDkeBFDCx8EJva5aaXlSt_dGA8adFcQvRhyUaIP_xSB5BhJOCb3Bd7OIwTpWFSANHgniW2/s400/karnatakamap1.JPG" width="272" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>history of Karnataka</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The history of Karnataka can be traced back to a paleolithic hand-axe culture evidenced by discoveries of, among other things, hand axes and cleavers in the region[citation needed]. Evidence of neolithic andmegalithic cultures have also been found in the state. Gold discovered in Harappa was found to be imported from mines in Karnataka, prompting scholars to hypothesize about contacts between ancient Karnataka and the Indus Valley Civilization in 3000 BCE. Prior to the third century BCE, most of Karnataka was part of the Nanda Empire before coming under the Mauryan empire of Emperor Ashoka. Four centuries of Satavahana rule followed, allowing them to control large areas of Karnataka. The decline of Satavahana power led to the rise of the earliest native kingdoms, the Kadambas and the Western Gangas, marking the region's emergence as an independent political entity. The Kadamba Dynasty, founded by Mayurasharma, had its capital at Banavasi;the Western Ganga Dynasty was formed with Talakad as its capital.<br />Hoysala Empire sculptural articulation in Belur.<br />Statue of Ugranarasimha atHampi (a World Heritage Site), located within the ruins ofVijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.<br />These were also the first kingdoms to use Kannada in administration, as evidenced by the Halmidi inscription and a fifth-century copper coin discovered at Banavasi.These dynasties were followed by imperial Kannada empires such as the Badami Chalukyas, the Rashtrakuta Empire of Manyakheta and the Western Chalukya Empire which ruled over large parts of the Deccan and had their capitals in what is now Karnataka. The Western Chalukyas patronised a unique style of architecture and Kannada literature which became a precursor to the Hoysala art of 12th century.<br />Parts of modern-day Karnataka were occupied by the Chola Empire between 990-1210 AD. This process started under Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014) and continued under his son Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044). Initially "Gangapadi, Nolambapadi and Tadigaipadi' all parts of modern Mysore, were conquered and annexed' under Raja Raja Chola I. Rajendra Chola I "marched up to Donur, he also captured Banvasi, a good part of the Raichur doab and sacked Manyakheta" itself, which was the Western Chalukyan capital. During the time of the Chalukya rulerJayasimha after his defeat by Rajendra Chola I, the Tungabhadra river was recognized tacitly as the boundary between the two kingdoms. During the rule of Rajadhiraja Chola I (1042–1056), Dannada, Kulpak, Koppam, the fortress of Kampili, Pundur, Yetagiri and the Chalukyan capital Kalyani were sacked. In 1053, Rajendra Chola IIafter defeating the Chalukyans in war advanced to Kollapura where he erected a pillar of victory before returning to his capital at Gangaikondacholapuram. In 1066, the Western Chalukya ruler Somesvara's forces were defeated by the next Chola ruler Virarajendra, who then again defeated the Western Chalukyas at Kudalasangama, and set up a pillar of victory on the banks of the Tungabhadra. In AD 1075Kulottunga Chola I won a victory against Vikramaditya VI at Nangili in Kolar district and made himself the master of Gangavadi. The Cholas eventually lost Gangavadi in 1116 to the Hoysalas under Vishnuvardhana.<br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRSvZcwVw6PExBYRHw3ow-Ar8XfGpNLZFkgp6Tq2WUdhyt6gHxHlPwIRhEsym6OOvtAe_2Q4KU5F4XRvporq-KYqSGKrjpARXsWbTWi_Bug9O-_iRK-nsXtIvVa9dcI7-XWmKyBXUGQc/s320/2007+0930+Karnataka+130.jpg" width="320" /><br />At the turn of the first millennium, the Hoysalas gained power in the region. Literature flourished during this time, which led to the distinctive Kannadaliterary metres and the construction of temples and sculptures adhering to the Vesara style of architecture. The expansion of the Hoysala Empire brought parts of modern Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu under its rule. In the early 14th century, Harihara and Bukka Raya established the Vijayanagara empire with its capital,Hosapattana (later named Vijayanagara), on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the modern Bellary district. The empire rose as a bulwark against Muslim advances into South India, which it completely controlled for over two centuries.<br /><img height="239" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/24/0d/26/karnataka.jpg" width="320" /><br />In 1565, Karnataka and the rest of South India experienced a major geopolitical shift when the Vijayanagara Empire fell to a confederation of Islamic sultanates in the Battle of Talikota. The Bijapur Sultanate, which had risen after the demise of the Bahmani Sultanate of Bidar, soon took control of the Deccan; it was defeated by the Moghuls in the late 17th century. The Bahamani and Bijapur rulers encouraged Urdu and Persian literature and Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Gol Gumbaz being one of the high points of this style.During the sixteenth century, Konkani Hindus migrated to Karnataka, mostly from Salcette, Goa, while during the seventeenth and eighteenth century, the Mangalorean Catholicsmigrated to South Canara, in Karnataka, especially from Bardes, Goa, as a result of food shortages, epidemics and heavy taxation imposed by the Portuguese.<br /><img height="219" src="http://www.tourisminkarnataka.com/images/shivanasamudra-waterfalls-karnataka.jpg" width="320" /><br />An inveterate enemy of the British, Tipu Sultan of Mysore Kingdom was one of the most powerful rulers in India before the advent of the British Raj.<br /><br />In the period that followed, parts of northern Karnataka were ruled by the Nizam of Hyderabad, the British, and other powers. In the south, the Mysore Kingdom, former vassals of the Vijayanagara Empire, was briefly independent. With the death of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II, Haidar Ali, the commander-in-chief of the Mysore army, gained control of the region. After his death, the kingdom was inherited by his son Tippu Sultan. To contain European expansion in South India, Haidar Ali and later Tippu Sultan fought four significant Anglo-Mysore Wars, the last of which resulted in Tippu Sultan's death and the incorporation of Mysore into the British Raj in 1799. The Kingdom of Mysore was restored to the Wodeyars and Mysore remained a princely state under the British Raj.<br /><br />As the "doctrine of lapse" gave way to dissent and resistance from princely states across the country, Kittur Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna and others spearheaded rebellions in Karnataka in 1830, nearly three decades before the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Other uprisings followed, such as the ones at Supa, Bagalkot, Shorapur, Nargund and Dandeli. These rebellions which coincided with the 1857 war of independence were led by Mundargi Bhimarao, Bhaskar Rao Bhave, the Halagali Bedas, Venkatappa Nayaka and others. By the late 19th century, the freedom movement had gained momentum; Karnad Sadashiva Rao, Aluru Venkata Raya, S. Nijalingappa, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, Nittoor Srinivasa Rau and others carried on the struggle into the early 20th century.<br /><br />After India's independence, the Maharaja, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, allowed his kingdom's accession to India. In 1950, Mysore became an Indian state of the same name; the former Maharaja served as its Rajpramukh (head of state) until 1975. Following the long-standing demand of theEkikarana Movement, Kodagu and Kannada speaking regions from the adjoining states of Madras, Hyderabad and Bombay were incorporated into the Mysore state, under the States Reorganization Act of 1956. The thus expanded state was renamed Karnataka, seventeen years later, in 1973. In the early 1900s through the post-independence era, industrial visionaries such as Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya born in Muddenahalli, nearKanivenarayanapura, Chikballapur District played an important role in the development of Karnataka's strong manufacturing and industrial base.<br /><br /><b>Geography</b><br />Geography of Karnataka and Rainfall in Karnataka<br />Jog Falls are the highest plunge waterfalls in India, </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">formed by Sharavathi River.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The state has three principal geographical zones: the coastal region of Karavali, the hilly Malenadu region comprising the Western Ghats and theBayaluseeme region comprising the plains of the Deccan plateau. The bulk of the state is in the Bayaluseeme region, the northern part of which is the second largest arid region in India. The highest point in Karnataka is the Mullayanagiri hills in Chikkamagaluru district which has an altitude of 1,929 metres (6,329 ft). Some of the important rivers in Karnataka are Kaveri, Tungabhadra, Krishna, Malaprabha and the Sharavathi.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="240" src="http://im.rediff.com/getahead/2010/feb/26slide_horanadu_karnataka.jpg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Karnataka consists of four main types of geological formations the Archean complex made up of Dharwad schists and granitic gneisses, theProterozoic non-fossiliferous sedimentary formations of the Kaladgi and Bhima series, the Deccan trappean and intertrappean deposits and the tertiary and recent laterites and alluvial deposits. Significantly, about 60% of the state is composed of the Archean complex which consist of gneisses, granites and charnockite rocks. Laterite cappings that are found in many districts over the Deccan Traps were formed after the cessation of volcanic activity in the early tertiary period. Eleven groups of soil orders are found in Karnataka, viz. Entisols, Inceptisols, Mollisols,Spodosols, Alfisols, Ultisols, Oxisols, Aridisols, Vertisols, Andisols and Histosols. Depending on the agricultural capability of the soil, the soil types are divided into six types, viz. Red, lateritic, black, alluvio-colluvial, forest and coastal soils.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Karnataka experiences four seasons. The winter in January and February is followed by summer between March and May, the monsoon season between June and September and the post-monsoon season from October till December. Meteorologically, Karnataka is divided into three zones coastal, north interior and south interior. Of these, the coastal zone receives the heaviest rainfall with an average rainfall of about 3,638.5 mm (143 in) per annum, far in excess of the state average of 1,139 mm (45 in). Agumbe in the Shivamogga district receives the second highest annual rainfall in India. The highest recorded temperature was 45.6 °C (114 °F) at Raichur and the lowest recorded temperature was 2.8 °C (37 °F) at Bidar.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="207" src="http://photos.igougo.com/images/p24849-Halibid_-_Karnataka_State-A_view_of_the_decorated_walls.jpg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">About 38,724 km2 (14,951 sq mi) of Karnataka (i.e. 20% of the state's geographic area) is covered by forests. The forests are classified as reserved, protected, unclosed, village and private forests. The percentage of forested area is slightly less than the all-India average of about 23%, and significantly less than the 33% prescribed in the National Forest Policy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Government and administration<br /><br />Karnataka, like other Indian states, has a parliamentary system of government with two democratically elected houses, the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Legislative Assembly consists of 224 members who are elected for five-year terms. The Legislative Council is a permanent body of 75 members with one-third (25 members) retiring every two years.<br /><br />The government of Karnataka is headed by the Chief Minister who is chosen by the ruling party members of the Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister, along with the council of ministers, drives the legislative agenda and exercises most of the executive powers. However, the constitutional and formal head of the state is the Governor who is appointed for a five-year term by the President of India on the advice of the Union government. The people of Karnataka also elect 28 members to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. The members of the state Legislative Assembly elect 12 members to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.<br /><img height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9vPNlqoYUtY/SojaO25FYUI/AAAAAAAACl0/6ZQ9gh7YkeQ/s320/Udupi+Krishna+Temple+in+Karnataka.jpg" width="320" /><br />For administrative purposes, Karnataka has been divided into four revenue divisions, 49 sub-divisions, 29 districts, 175 taluks and 745 hoblies/revenue circles. The administration in each district is headed by a Deputy Commissioner who belongs to the Indian Administrative Service and is assisted by a number of officers belonging to Karnataka state services. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, an officer belonging to the Indian Police Service and assisted by the officers of the Karnataka Police Service, is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order and related issues in each district. The Deputy Conservator of Forests, an officer belonging to the Indian Forest Service, also serves the government. Sectoral development in the districts is looked after by the district head of each development department such as Public Works Department, Health, Education, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, etc. The judiciary in the state consists of the Karnataka High Court (Attara Kacheri) in Bangalore,district and session courts in each district and lower courts and judges at the taluk level.<br /><br />Politics in Karnataka has been dominated by three political parties, the Indian National Congress, the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Politicians from Karnataka have played prominent roles in federal government of India with some of them having held the high positions of Prime Minister and Vice President. Three cabinet levels ministers in the current United Progressive Alliance government are from Karnataka. Notable among these is Former Chief Minister and Honorable Union Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs,Veerappa Moily. Border disputes involving Karnataka's claim on the Kasaragod and Sholapur[60] districts and Maharashtra's claim on Belgaum are ongoing since the states reorganisation. The official emblem of Karnataka has a Ganda Berunda in the centre. Surmounting this are four lions facing the four directions, taken from the Lion Capital of Asoka atSarnath. The emblem also carries two Sharabhas with the head of an elephant and the body of a lion.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="239" src="http://www.karnataka-colleges.com/Karnataka-Universities/images/Karnataka-Veterinary-Animal-Fisheries-University-Campus.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Economy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Karnataka, which had an estimated GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) of about US$ 58.23 billion in 2008-09 fiscal year. Karnataka recorded the highest growth rates in terms of GDP and per capita GDP in the last decade compared to other states.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The state registered a GSDP growth rate of 7% for the year 2007-2008. Karnataka's contribution to India's GDP in the year 2004-05 was 5.2%. Karnataka was the fastest growing state over the past decade in terms of GDP and per capita GDP. With GDP growth of 56.2% and per capita GDP growth of 43.9%, Karnataka now has the sixth highest per-capita GDP of all states.[65] Till September 2006 Karnataka received a Foreign Direct Investment of Rs. 78.097 billion ($ 1.7255 billion) for the fiscal year 2006-07, placing it third among the states of India.[66] At the end of 2004, the unemployment rate in Karnataka was 4.94% compared to the national rate of 5.99%. For the fiscal year 2006-07, the inflation rate in Karnataka was 4.4%, compared to the national average of 4.7%. As of 2004-05, Karnataka had an estimated poverty ratio of 17%, less than the national ratio of 27.5%.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nearly 56% of the workforce in Karnataka is engaged in agriculture and related activities. A total of 12.31 million hectares of land, or 64.6% of the state's total area, is cultivated. Much of the agricultural output is dependent on the southwest monsoon as only 26.5% of the sown area is irrigated.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Karnataka is the manufacturing hub for some of the largest public sector industries in India, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, National Aerospace Laboratories, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Indian Telephone Industries, Bharat Earth Movers Limited and Hindustan Machine Tools, which are based in Bangalore. Many of India's premier science and technology research centers, such as Indian Space Research Organization, Central Power Research Institute, Bharat Electronics Limited and the Central Food Technological Research Institute, are also headquartered in Karnataka. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited is an oil refinery located in Mangalore.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="210" src="http://aidindia.org/main/images/AndhraKarnatakaFlood_2009/karnataka_flood_source_hindu.jpg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since the 1980s, Karnataka has emerged as the pan-Indian leader in the field of IT (information technology). As of 2007, there were nearly 2,000 firms operating out of Karnataka. Many of them, including two of India's biggest software firms, Infosys and Wipro are also headquartered in the state. Exports from these firms exceeded Rs. 50,000 crores ($12.5 billion) in 2006-07, accounting for nearly 38% of all IT exports from India. The Nandi Hills area in the outskirts of Devanahalli is the site of the upcoming $22 Billion, 50 square kilometer BIAL IT Investment Region, one the largest infrastructure projects in the history of Karnataka. All this has earned the state capital, Bangalore, the sobriquet Silicon Valley of India.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="320" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/61/1f/8d/karnataka.jpg" width="265" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Transport</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Air transport in Karnataka, as in the rest of the country, is still a fledgling but fast expanding sector. Karnataka has airports at Bangalore,Mangalore, Hubli, Belgaum, Hampi and Bellary with international operations from Bangalore and Mangalore airports. Airports at Mysore,Gulbarga, Bijapur, Hassan and Shimoga are expected to be operational by the end of 2007. Major airlines such as Kingfisher Airlines andAir Deccan are based in Bangalore.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Karnataka has a railway network with a total length of approximately 3,089 kilometres (1,919 mi). Until the creation of the South Western Zone headquartered at Hubli in 2003, the railway network in the state was in the Southern and Western railway zones. Several parts of the state now come under the South Western Zone, with the remainder under the Southern Railways. Coastal Karnataka is covered under the Konkan railwaynetwork which was considered India's biggest railway project of the century. Bangalore is extensively connected with inter-state destinations while other important cities and towns in the state are not so well-connected.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="180" src="http://www.wallpaperweb.org/wallpaper/Nature/1920x1080/Satoddi_Falls_Yellapur._Karnataka_India.jpg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Karnataka has 11 ports, including the New Mangalore Port, a major port and ten other minor ports.[86] The New Mangalore port was incorporated as the ninth major port in India on 4 May 1974. This port handled 32.04 million tonnes of traffic in the fiscal year 2006-07 with 17.92 million tonnes of imports and 14.12 million tonnes of exports. The port also handled 1015 vessels including 18 cruise vessels during the year 2006-07. The inland water transport within the state is not well developed.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="213" src="http://www.pazhs.com/gallery/Hampi/krishna-temple.jpg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The total lengths of National Highways and state highways in Karnataka are 3,973 kilometres (2,469 mi) and 9,829 kilometres (6,107 mi), respectively. The KSRTC, the state public transport corporation, transports an average of 2.2 million passengers daily and employs about 25,000 people. In the late nineties, KSRTC was split into three corporations, viz., The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, The North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation and The North-East Karnataka Road Transport Corporation with their headquarters in Bangalore, Hubli and Gulbarga respectively.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Language</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Kannada language is the official language of the state, the native language of approximately 65% of its population and one of the classical languages of India. Kannada played a crucial role in the creation of Karnataka since linguistic demographics was a major criterion chosen to create the state in 1956. Tulu, Kodava Takk and Konkani are other major native languages that share a long history in the state. Urdu is spoken widely by the Muslim population. Less widely spoken languages include Beary bashe and certain dialects such as Sankethi. Kannada features a rich and ancient body of literature covering topics as diverse as Jainism, Vachanas, Haridasa Sahitya and modern literature. Evidence from edicts during the time of Ashoka the Greatsuggest that the Kannada script and its literature were influenced by Buddhist literature. The Halmidi inscription, the earliest attested full-length inscription in the Kannada language and script, is dated to 450 CE while the earliest available literary work, the Kavirajamarga, has been dated to 850 CE. References made in the Kavirajamarga, however, prove that Kannada literature flourished in the Chattana, Beddande and Melvadumetres during earlier centuries.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, a doyen of 20th century Kannada literature.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="250" src="http://www.templenet.com/Karnataka/virupa.jpg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kuvempu, the renowned Kannada poet and writer who wrote Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate, the state anthem of Karnataka was the first recipient of the "Karnataka Ratna" award, the highest civilian award bestowed by the Government of Karnataka. Contemporary Kannada literature is well recognized in the arena of Indian literature, with seven Kannada writers winning India's highest literary honour, the Jnanpith award, which is the highest for any language in India. Tulu is spoken mainly in the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. Tulu Mahabharato, written by Arunabja in Tulu script, is the oldest surviving Tulu text. The Tulu language now uses the Kannada script due to the gradual decline of the Tulu script, which was in use until a few centuries ago. The Kodavas who mainly reside in the Kodagu district, speak Kodava Takk. Two regional variations of the language exist, the northern Mendale Takka and the southern Kiggaati Takka.Konkani is mostly spoken in the Uttara Kannada district and in some parts of the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. Both Kodava Takk and Konkani use the Kannada script for writing. English is the medium of education in many schools and widely used for business communication in technology-related companies and BPOs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All of the state's languages are patronised and promoted by governmental and quasi-governmental bodies. The Kannada Sahitya Parishat and the Kannada Sahitya Akademi are responsible for the promotion of Kannada while the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi, The Tulu Sahitya Akademi and the Kodava Sahitya Akademi promote their respective languages.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Education</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="256" src="http://www.indiavideo.org/thumbimages/karnataka/images/architecture-pattadakal-temple-karnataka--1887.jpg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Indian Institute of Science, one of the premier institutes of India located in Bangalore.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As per the 2001 census, Karnataka had a literacy rate of 67.04%, with 76.29% of males and 57.45% of females in the state being literate.The state is home to some of the premier educational and research institutions of India such as the Indian Institute of Science, the Indian Institute of Management, the National Institute of Technology Karnataka and the National Law School of India University.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="239" src="http://photos.igougo.com/images/p416509-Bijapur_Karnataka-Juma_Masjid.jpg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As of March 2006, Karnataka had 54,529 primary schools with 252,875 teachers and 8.495 million students, and 9498 secondary schools with 92,287 teachers and 1.384 million students. There are three kinds of schools in the state, viz., government-run, private aided (financial aid is provided by the government) and private unaided (no financial aid is provided). The primary languages of instruction in most schools are Kannada and English. The syllabus taught in the schools is either of the CBSE, the ICSE or the state syllabus (SSLC) defined by the Department of Public Instruction of the Government of Karnataka. However, some schools follows NIOS syllabus. The State has one Sainik School in Bijapur also.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="240" src="http://www.holidayiq.com/uploadimages/Karnataka-3111_0.JPG" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In order to maximize attendance in schools, the Karnataka Government has launched a mid-day meal scheme in government and aided schools in which free lunch is provided to the students. Statewide board examinations are conducted at the end of the period of secondary education and students who qualify are allowed to pursue a two-year pre-university course; after which students become eligible to pursueunder-graduate degrees.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="217" src="http://www.access-india.com/karnataka-hill.gif" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are 481 degree colleges affiliated with one of the universities in the state, viz. Bangalore University, Gulbarga University, Karnatak University, Kuvempu University, Mangalore University and Mysore University. In 1998, the engineering colleges in the state were brought under the newly formed Visvesvaraya Technological University headquartered atBelgaum, whereas the medical colleges are run under the jurisdiction of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. Some of these baccalaureate colleges are accredited with the status of a deemed university. There are 123 engineering, 35 medical and 40 dental colleges in the state. Udupi, Sringeri, Gokarna and Melkote are well-known places of Sanskrit andVedic learning. An Indian Institute of Technology Muddenahalli has been approved by the central government as part of the 11th 5 year plan. This will be the first IIT in Karnataka State. In addition, a 600 crore Visvesvaraya Institute of Advanced Technology (VIAT) is being constructed in Muddenahalli-Kanivenarayanapura.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tourism</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="200" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01127/0000010445_list_jp_11277491.jpg" width="320" /><br />By virtue of its varied geography and long history, Karnataka hosts numerous spots of interest for tourists. There is an array of ancient sculptured temples, modern cities, scenic hill ranges, unexplored forests and endless beaches. Karnataka has been ranked as the fourth most popular destination for tourism among the states of India. Karnataka has the second highest number of nationally protected monuments in India, second only to Uttar Pradesh, in addition to 752 monuments protected by the State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Another 25,000 monuments are yet to receive protection.<br /><br />Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, has the second largest pre-modern dome in the world after the Byzantine Hagia Sophia.<br /><img height="215" src="http://www.vii.in/Images/Karnataka-Housing-Board/Karnataka-Housing-Board-5.jpg" width="320" /><br />The districts of the Western ghats and the southern districts of the state have popular eco-tourism locations including Kudremukh, Madikeri and Agumbe. Karnataka has 25 wildlife sanctuaries and five national parks. Popular among them are Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta National Park andNagarhole National Park. The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi and the monuments of Pattadakalare on the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The cave temples at Badami and the rock-cut temples at Aihole representing the Badami Chalukyan style of architecture are also popular tourist destinations. The Hoysala temples at Belur andHalebidu, which were built with Chloritic schist (soap stone) are proposed UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Rauza are famous examples of the Deccan Sultanate style of architecture. The monolith of Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola is the tallest sculpted monolith in the world, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival.<br /><br />Mysore Palace at Night, Mysore, Karnataka.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The waterfalls of Karnataka and Kudremukh National Park are listed as must-see places and among the "1001 Natural Wonders of the World". Jog Falls is India's tallest single-tiered waterfall with Gokak Falls, Unchalli Falls, Magod Falls, Abbey Falls and Shivanasamudra Falls among other popular waterfalls.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="240" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/467265608_e2e8a463c1.jpg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Several popular beaches dot the coastline including Murudeshwara, Gokarna and Karwar. In addition, Karnataka is home to several places of religious importance. Several Hindu temples including the famous Udupi Krishna Temple, the Marikamba Temple at Sirsi, the Sri Manjunatha Temple at Dharmasthala, Sri Subramanya Temple at Kukke and Sharadamba Temple at Sringeri attract pilgrims from all over India. Most of the holy sites of Lingayats, like Kudalasangama and Basavana Bagewadi, are found in northern parts of the state. Shravanabelagola, Mudabidri andKarkala are famous for Jain history and monuments. The Jaina faith had a stronghold in Karnataka in the early medieval period withShravanabelagola as its most important center.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="209" src="http://www.indiaexploring.com/india-packages/india-tourism-guide/gifs/karnataka-tourism.jpg" width="320" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recently Karnataka has emerged as a hot spot for health care tourism. Karnataka has the highest number of approved health systems and alternative therapies in India. Along with some ISO certified government-owned hospitals, private institutions which provide international-quality services have caused the health care industry to grow by 30% during 2004-05. Hospitals in Karnataka treat around 8,000 health tourists every year</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="206" src="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/2223449-belur-State_of_Karnataka.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-91213372264626369452011-01-10T00:51:00.000-08:002011-01-10T03:38:50.493-08:00Maharashtra<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img height="305" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:yNFeTZAU0abWLM:http://www.indianrealtynews.com/wp-content/uploads/maharashtra_map.gif&t=1" width="400" /><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Maharashtra is a state located in West India. The word Maharashtra comes from Sanskrit words Maha meaning Great and Rashtra meaning Nation, thus rendering the name Maharashtra . It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India. It is the richest state in India, contributing to 15% of the country's industrial output and 13.2% of itsGDP in 2005-06.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Maharashtra is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Gujarat and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Havelito the northwest, Madhya Pradesh to the northeast, Chhattisgarh to the east, Karnataka to the south, Andhra Pradesh to the southeast, and Goa to the southwest. The state covers an area of 307,731 km2 (118,816 sq mi) or 9.84% of the total geographical area of India. Mumbai, the capital city of the state, is India's largest city and the financial capital of the nation. Marathi is the language of Maharashtra.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img height="192" src="http://www.travelmadeeasy.in/maharashtra-main.jpg" width="400" /><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In the 17th century, the Marathas rose under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji against the Mughals who were ruling a large part of India. By 1760, Maratha power had reached its zenith with a territory of over 250 million acres(1 million km²) or one-third of the Indian sub-continent. After the third Anglo-Maratha war, the empire ended and most of Maharashtra became part of Bombay state under a British Raj. After Indian independence, Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti demanded unification of all Marathi speaking regions under one state. At that time Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was of opinion that linguistic reorganizaion of states should be done with - "One state - One language" principle and not with "One language - One state" principle. He submitted a memorandum to the reorganization commission stating that, " Single Government can not administer such a huge state as United Maharashtra". The first state reorganization committee created the current Maharashtra state on 1 May 1960 (known as Maharashtra Day). The Marathi-speaking areas of Bombay state, Deccan states and Vidarbha (which was part of Central Provinces and Berar) united, under the agreement known as Nagpur Pact, to form the current state.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img height="251" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/Rural-Maharashtra.jpg" width="400" /> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Early History</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Although some Paleolithic remains have been discovered, Maharashtra enters recorded history in the second century BC, with the construction of its first Buddhist caves. These lay, and still lie, in peaceful places of great natural beauty, but could never have been created without the wealth generated by the nearby caravan trade routes between north and south India.</span><br />
<img height="296" src="http://ganapati.free.fr/voyage/maharashtra/photos/3030217s.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Origins</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The name Maharashtra first appeared in a 7th century inscription and in a Chinese traveler's account. Its name may have originated from rathi, meaning "chariot driver" and referring to builders and drivers of chariots who formed a maharathis, a "fighting force." This region seems to have attained prominence as early as 90 A.D., when king Vedishri made Junnar the capital of his kingdom, thirty miles north of Pune. For the 900 years ending in the early fourteenth century, with the overthrow of the Devgiri Yadavs by the northern Muslim powers, no historical information in this region is available. In 1526, first Mughal king, Babar, established his prominanace in Delhi and soon the Mughal power spread to the southern India. The Mughals were to dominate India till the early eighteenth century.</span><br />
<img height="266" src="http://www.indiatravelbuddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Maharashtra-Tourism-Packages.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Poet-Saints</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The regions's first Hindu rulers, based in Badami, appeared during the sixth century, but the eighth-century Rashtrakutas achieved a greater authority. Buddhism was almost entirely supplanted throughout the entire country by the twelfth century, in what has been characterized as a peaceful popular revolution attributable largely to the popular poet-saints. Maharashtra was one of the main channels that helped the emotional and emotional bhakti school of Hinduism spread from southern to northern India, thanks here to work of Jnanesvara (1271-1296) whose commentary on the Bhagwad Gita, the Jnanesvari, was significantly written in the day-to-day spoken language, Marathi, as opposed to classical Sanskrit. The most famous of his contemporary poet-saints was the tailor Namdev (1270-1350), whose passionate devotional hymns caught the popular imagination. The tradition they established continued to flourish, even when forced underground by Islam, reaching its zenith in the simple faith of the anguished Tukaram (1598-1650), whose wife and son died in a famine, and Ramdas, the "Servant of Rama" (1608-1681). Ramdas, both ascetic and political activist, provided the philosophical underpinning behind the campaigns of Maharashtra's greatest warrior, Shivaji.</span><br />
<img src="http://www.planetware.com/i/photo/maharashtra-ind709.jpg" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Maratha Reign</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In the sixteenth century, regional Muslim powers like Nizamshahi, Adilshahi, and Qutubshahi established their prominence in the Deccan region. They basically served the Mughal empire but were autonomous to an extent. One of them, Nizamshahi was located in Ahmednagar, a town 95 miles east of Pune. Maloji Bhosle, Grandfather of Shivaji served for the Nizam as a Sardar. In 1595, Bahadur Nizam II honored him as 'Raja' for his courage in a battle with Mughals and gave him the estates of Pune and the fort of Chakan, near Pune. This is generally considered as the starting point of the Maratha history.</span><br />
<img height="267" src="http://www.planetware.com/i/photo/maharashtra-ind712.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Reign of Shivaji (1627 - 1680)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Shivaji Bhosle, founder of the Maratha empire, was born in 1627, in the fort of Shivneri, 40 miles north of Pune. In 1629, Shivaji's father Shahaji, who had succeeded his father Maloji, in Pune and Chakan, disengaged himself from the service of the Nizamshahi. Consequently, in 1635 the Nizam's army attacked Pune. Shahaji surrendered and his estates were returned to him. Soon, Shahaji put Dadaji Kondadev in charge of Pune,and as a caretaker for the Shivaji while he joined the Adilshahi in Vijapur, aprox. 400 miles south of Pune, which was soon to emerge as the most important power in the region as the other local powers slowly diminished.</span><br />
<img height="286" src="http://legislativebodiesinindia.nic.in/States/Maharashtra/maharashtra.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In Pune, Dadoji built a palace 'Lal Mahal', for Shivaji and his mother Jijabai. At the age of sixteen (1643 AD), Shivaji took great delight in stirring up his friends' hopes and nursed the thought of becoming independent. He took the oath to make the land free at the fort Torna at the age of sixteen. This was the start of his lifelong struggle against Mughals and other Muslim powers. By 1647, Shivaji had captured two forts and had the complete charge of Pune. In 1657, he committed his first act of hostility against the Adilshahi by plundering a large booty in Ahmednagar. Thus, began a sequence of attacks on the Adilshahi.He slowly started capturing forts in the region, Purandar, Rajgad, Torna being most notable of his first achievements.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Disturbed by his continuing success, Adilshahi sent a famous Sardar, 'Afzalkhan' to destroy Shivaji. Afzalkhan knew that Shivaji's army, which was much smaller than his huge force would be unable to fight him on open land. He tried all the tricks in the book to make him fight on plains, but Shivaji was no less clever. He convinced Khan that he was very much afraid of him and requested him for a meeting at a place near Vai ( 100 miles south of Pune) which was densely wooded, mountainous region, and ideal for his army to fight. Khan still had plans to kill him in the meeting and Shivaji knew it well. Ultimately it was Khan who was killed and his unsuspecting army was completed washed out by Shivaji. After this, Shivaji went on a winning spree and spread his reach till Panhala near Kolhapur.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, Aurangzeb got concerned by Shivaji's rise to power. It was now clear that local Muslim Powers were unable to stop him. So he sent a huge Army, led by Mirzaraje Jaisingh to defeat Shivaji(1666). Jaising's army was much stronger than Shivaji and soon he lost most of his important forts. Realising that he was fighting a losing battle, he signed a treaty with Mirza and agreed to serve Aurangzeb, his young son, Sambhaji being made a sardar. He went to Delhi with Mirza to meet Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb gave a humiliating treatment to Shivaji and soon put him under house imprisonment under some excuse. It looked certain that Shivaji will be killed sooner or later by Aurangzeb. But this was not to happen, fortunately, for Maratha kingdom. Shivaji made a clever plot to escape and escaped with Sambhaji to south.</span><br />
<img height="300" src="http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/data/504/vinchukaata_lohgad_maharashtra.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">After this turning point, Shivaji never looked back and slowly regained his lost glory. By 1673, he had control over most of western Maharashtra and had made 'Raigad' ( Dist. Raigad , 150 miles southwest of Pune) his capital. He was ceremeniously enthroned as a sovereign king in 1673. By 1680, the year of Shivaji's death, nearly whole of the Deccan belonged to his kingdom. He had developed an efficient administration and a powerful army. He also encouraged a spirit of independence among the Marathas that enabled them to withstand for 150 years all attempts to conquer them. Shivaji's achievements amongst monumental difficulties were really spectacular and that is why he holds the highest place in Maratha history.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Period of Unstability - 1680 to 1707</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Shivaji was succeeded by his son Sambhaji. He showed the same vigor as his father, but was taken prisoner and executed by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, in 1689. Rajaram, Sambhaji's younger brother then took the throne, since Sambhaji's son, Shahu was still a minor. The death of Rajaram in 1700 seemed to end the power of the Marathas, but Tarabai, the elder widow of Rajaram, put her young son Shahu on the throne, at the tender age of ten, and continued the struggle against Aurangzeb who had come to south with the sole purpose of destroying Maratha kingdom. Between 1700 and 1703, Aurangzeb captured the fort of Sinhagad, near Pune. During the siege, his son prince Muhuil-Mulk died; so Aurangzeb changed Pune's name to Muhiabad, in the prince's honor. Shahu continued to fight against the Mughals and captured Rajgad, the former capital of the Maratha territory. The fight against the Mughals ended with the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 which was another turning point in Maratha history. After Aurangzeb, Mughal power never regained its status as main power in India and Balance of power shifted towards Marathas, which was soon to be controlled by Peshwas.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Peshwe Dynasty - 1712 to 1818 </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Balaji Vishwanath - 1712 to 1721</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In 1712, Shahu died of smallpox and his minister or peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath took over the throne.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Negotiations between the Mughal court of Delhi and Balaji Vishwanath enabled him to send a large Maratha delegation to Delhi to assist the Mughals. The year 1718 marked the beginning of the Maratha influence in Delhi, to which they remained closely acquainted, till 1803. Balaji Vishwanath's health had suffered considerably, and he died in 1721.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Bajirao Peshwa ( Pahila Bajirao ) - 1721 to 1740</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Bajirao, his elder son was awarded the title of peshwa after the death of his father . It was Bajirao's dream to extend the Maratha empire to North India. By this time, Pune had regained its status as capital of Maratha Kingdom from Rajgad. Rajgad was made capital by Shivaji beacuse it was a safe place, high in the moutainous, wooded area. As Pune was in plains, it always had a threat. By 1720's, Maratha power was spreading in large areas and the threat of local battles fought over forts did not exist much. Pune remained the capital till the end of Maratha empire in 1818.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In 1734, Bajirao captured the Malwa territory in the north, and in 1739, his brother Chimnaji drove out the Portuguese from almost all their possessions in the northern Western Ghats. Bajirao diedi in 1740 and left three sons behind him. It was Bajirao who built the 'Shanivarwada', the residence and ruling place for the Peshwas.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Nanasaheb Peshwa - 1740 to 1761</span><br />
<img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXZBoAfJNAarAYHvFd35VJBA7ml8j2TJWrHIwiDQrTSdzN4vL4lV9k604uJbj8k5GmmSIg9AEumulizxf38XtcF67gqDo7h6jtydPudAJkJxLHmYuxbAQHI1CAvYWZ5Hr_nFfpMb1/s400/3291520494_da75bdb069.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Nanasaheb succeeded Bajirao as Peshwa in 1740. He had two brothers, Raghunathrao, who later betrayed the Marathas and joined hands with the British, and Janardan, who died in his early youth.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Nanasaheb was ambitious and a multifaceted person.In 1741, when his uncle Chimnaji died, he returned from the northern districts and spent nearly a year improving the civil administration of Pune. The period between 1741 and 1745 was of comparative calm in the Deccan. Nanasaheb encouraged agriculture, protected the villagers and brought about a marked improvement in the state of the territory.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The scene changed in 1751, when the Mughals, supported by the French, advanced towards Pune, totally destroying every village in their way. The Marathas fought with great determination, and nothing but the French artillery saved them from total defeat. In 1754, Raghunathrao, Nanasaheb's brother started on an expedition to conquer Gujarat, the state north of Bombay. In 1756, Nanasaheb marched south to attack Karnatak. In the meantime, news spread that the war had broken out between the English and the French, in Europe.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In 1756, the fall of the formidable navy formed by Shivaji gave British their chance to regain importance in the region. The navy was headed by Kanhoji Angre and its destruction was a cruical blow to Maratha sea power. It was a sad outcome of neglect of navy by Marathas which turned out to be a horrible mistake. Marathas never regained control of the sea after that.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In 1761, the Marathas were defeated at the third Battle of Panipat against Ahmadshah Abdali , a great warrior from Afganistan. Marathas were fighting to save Delhi Sultanat and consequently their power in the north. NajibUddowla was the person responsible for calling Abdali. 14th January, 1761 was the D-Day. This was a cruical blow to the rising Maratha power from which they never recovered. They lost more than 100,000 men and dozens of important Sardars in the battle. Nanasaheb Peshwe ( Balaji Bajirao ) lost his brother, Sadashivrao ( After whom the Sadashiv Peth in Pune is named ), and also his first son, Vishwasrao, in this battle. This news shattered Balaji Bajirao, who died shortly afterwards, in the temple on Parvati hill in Pune. The Maratha power was at the zenith of its glory during Balaji Bajirao's (also called Nana Saheb Peshwa) reign. It never fully recovered from the crushing defeat at Panipat.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">'Thorale' Madhaorao Peshwa - 1761 to 1772</span><br />
<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_vJukoX1TF5AwcNN6DU3VQZ40-5Tgu4XUa5vQVDa8VHOB7YRO_-f3GCrjQNhGzAUBeFF0mLIn9hGhIxpixZFiN7VFbBW6mGwpld7_QwiUMQUegqn3ljuI-jwQbTTg5LNeUw3d2yGf4lb/s400/madhavrao+peshwa.jpg" width="246" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Madhavrao, his second son then took over, but had to constantly face administrative disputes with his uncle, Raghunathrao. Despite of this, he achieved many remarkable victories and restored the shattred Maratha kingdom to a large extent. His outstanding achievements included defeat of Nizam (Hyderabad), Hyder (Karnataka) and Bhosle of Nagpur. He also had to fight wars with Raghunathrao whose greed for power never waned. Ultimately, Madhavrao took Raghunathrao prisoner in 1768; the same year when the Nizam attacked Pune.He was eventually defeated. Madhavrao, also called 'Thorale'or Greatest Madhavrao, is entitled to special praise for supporting the poor and for his sense of justice. Ramshastri Prabhune, the chief justice, has become a legend for his work. The people who rose to power in his rule were Mahadji Shinde, Nana Phadnis and Haribhau Phadke who became the key figures in the power structure after his death. He took ill in 1771 and died in 1772 at an early age of 27, causing yet another blow to recovering Maratha power.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Narayanrao Peshwa - 1772 to 1773</span><br />
<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ3Fr3ukPpVBGxnUahxNl0KZuHRVStBEbfR7OQOqPGrTArHsmaT7GMP1VOwSb-LreMMnIVqbRo23oVvDmccKInGtPku0UNcCg2-xbDwpBY3kKEOgmET-Lk2zDbN9kNCNLmEQXCjuPbI2Y/s400/narayanrao.prince+of+wales+museum+mumbai.jpg" width="262" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Narayanrao, Balaji Bajirao's third son succeeded the throne at Shaniwarwada as the next Peshwa. He neither had the courage to take any bold decisions nor administrative skills and soon became very unpopular among the people. In 1773, Raghunathrao, who had been imprisoned by Madhavrao, in a room in the palace in Pune, escaped with the help of the Gardi people . Narayanrao was murdered at the Shaniwar wada , owing to a conspiracy by Anandibai, Raghunathrao's wife.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">'Sawai' Madhaorao Peshwa - 1774 to 1795</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Raghunathrao was proclaimed the next peshwa, although he was not heir to the title. Narayanrao's widow gave birth to a son, Sawai Madhavrao, who was legally the next peshwa. Raghunathrao tried to maintain his kingdom by signing treaties with the English , and relied on them for manpower in exchange for money and territory. However his plans did not succeed. Raghoba was displaced from power by a clever plot by the 12 Maratha sardar's " Barambhainche karasthaan" ( Plot by 12 people ) including Nana, Holkar, Phadke Shinde . Sawai Madhavrao was then </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/Madhu_Rao_Narayan_the_Maratha_Peshwa_with_Nana_Fadnavis_and_attendants_Poona_1792_by_James_Wales.jpg/180px-Madhu_Rao_Narayan_the_Maratha_Peshwa_with_Nana_Fadnavis_and_attendants_Poona_1792_by_James_Wales.jpg" width="281" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">declared the next Peshwa. As he was only one year old at that time, Nana Phadnis became the main administrator with Phadke,Shinde,Holkar taking care of Military duties. These people handled the Peshwai well and with great unity till the premature death of Sawai Madhaorao in 1795. They defeated the rising British Power in 1784, near Pune and halted their advancements, temporarily. Sawai Madhaorao's death was the last blow to the Maratha empire and all the unity among its leaders vanished after his death causing a downfall of Peshwai in a short time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">'Second' Bajirao Peshwa - 1795 to 1802</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Raghunathrao died in 1782, leaving behind him, two sons; Bajirao, who in 1817 confronted the British at the Battle of Kirkee, in Pune; and the younger, Chimnaji Appa. Bajirao became the next Peshwa after Madhaorao's death. Nana was still the administrator and the Peshwai remained in stable condition till his death owing to his superb administrative skills. Nana died in 1800 and Pune fell into the hands of the Sindia's ( Shinde) ; the former chiefs of Nana's army. They remained in power for a short while and in 1802, Bajirao reestablished himself in Pune, by signing the treaty of Bassein with the British. This essentially ended Peshwai , establishing British supremacy in the region. The capturing of the Ahmednagar fort in 1803, proved British supremacy in the Deccan. In 1804, General Wellesly proclaimed the Deccan in a state of chaos, established military rule and the Peshwas remained rulers for name's sake.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The British Raj - 1818 to 1947</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Towards the end of 1805 Sir James Mackintosh, the Chief Justice of Bombay (1804-1811), came from Bombay to visit Colonel Close, the Resident at Pune. The Residency on the 'Sangam'(confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers) Mackintosh describes as a set of bungalows, fitted conveniently and luxuriously. Pune city had its principal streets paved with stone, and was reckoned one of the best built native towns in India. The Peshwa's residence, that is the Shaniwar wada, added to Pune's glory. Between 1805 and 1811, under Colonel Close and for a short while under Mr. Russel, affairs went smoothly in Pune.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In 1811, Mr. Russel was succeeded by Lord Mountstuart Elphinstone. Bajirao was very disloyal to the British, and in November of 1817, he declared war against them. This battle was fought at Kirkee, that is the Cantonment area, in the east of Pune. The Peshwa fled and the power of the country passed from the Peshwas to the British by 1819. The rest of the nineteenth century witnessed a few minor uprisings in and around Pune, but the British established their supremacy. As the Maratha's were the key power in India at this time, their fall clearly marked the begining of British Rule in India.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The first step towards establishing a municipal government in the city of Pune, was taken in 1856, when the Pune Municipality came into existence under the Act of 1850. The fact that Pune is not recognized as a major tourist center, is probably because it cannot boast of outstanding artistic specimens of architecture, like those of Delhi or Agra. Yet, it is rich in its associations with the past.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In the early 20th century, the whole of India was in revolt against the British; yearning for freedom. Mahatma Gandhi launched his movement of nonviolence, and people participated by the thousands in the 'Chale Jao' ('go away') struggle. Paradoxically, Pune witnessed violence when the Chaphekar brothers killed a British police officer by the name of Mr. Rand. On one hand, as the violence overrode the city, improvements were made in the education of women and the abolition of child labor. Independence was attained in 1947, but that was not the end of violence.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Modern Maharashtra - 1947 to Present</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">At Indian Independence in 1947, western Maharashtra and present-day Gujarat were joined as Bombay state. The eastern districts were then part of Hyderabad State, but were later added to Bombay in 1956. The present state was formed in 1960 when the Marathi and Gujarati linguistic areas of former Bombay state were separated. Bombay city became the capital of the new state. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Geography</b></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Located in the north centre of Peninsular India, with a command of the Arabian Sea through its port of Mumbai, Maharashtra has a remarkable physical homogeneity, enforced by its underlying geology. The Sahyadri Range is the physical backbone of Maharashtra. Rising on an average to an elevation of 1000m. it falls in steep cliffs, to the Konkan on the west. Eastwards, the hill country falls in steps through a transitional area known as Mawal to the plateau level. The Konkan, lying between the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri Range is narrow coastal lowland, barely 50 km. wide. Though mostly below 200 m., it is far from being a plain country. Highly dissected and broken, the Konkan alternates between narrow, steep-sided valleys and low laterite plateaux. The Satpudas, hills along the northern border, and the Bhamragad-Chiroli-Gaikhuri Ranges on the eastern border form physical barriers preventing easy movement, but also serve as natural limits to the state.<br />
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Except around Mumbai, and along the eastern limits, the State of Maharashtra presents a monotonously uniform, flat-topped skyline. The state area, barring the extreme eastern Vidarbha region, parts of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg, is practically co-terminus with the Deccan Traps. The State of Maharashtra has rivers such as the Krishna, Bhima, Godavari, Tapi-Purna and Wardha-Wainganga river.<br />
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The state enjoys a tropical monsoon climate; the hot scorching summer from March onwards yields to the rainy monsoon in early June. The rich green cover of the monsoon season persists during the mild winter that follows through an unpleasant October transition, but turns into a dusty, barren brown as the summer sets in again. The seasonal rains from the western sea-clouds are very heavy and the rainfall is over 400 cm., on the Sahyadrian crests. The Konkan on the windward side is also endowed with heavy rainfall, declining northwards. East of the Sahyadri, the rainfall diminishes to a meagre 70 cm. in the western plateau districts, with Solapur-Ahmednagar lying in the heart of the dry zone. The rains increase slightly, later in the season, eastwards in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.<br />
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Forests comprising only 17% of the state area cover the eastern region and the Sahyadri Range, while open scrub jungle dots the plateaux. The soils of Maharashtra are residual, derived from the underlying basalts. In the semi-dry plateau, the regur (black-cotton soil) is clayey, rich in iron, but poor in nitrogen and organic matter; it is moisture-retentive. Where redeposit along the river valleys, those kali soils are deeper and heavier, better suited for rabi crops. Farther away, with a better mixture of lime, the morand soils form the ideal Kharif zone. The higher plateau areas have pather soils, which contain more gravel. In the rainy Konkan, and the Sahyadri Range, the same basalts give rise to the brick-red laterites productive under a forest-cover, but readily stripped into a sterile varkas when the vegetation is removed. By and large, soils of Maharashtra are shallow and somewhat poor.<br />
Water is the most precious natural resource of the state, greatly in the demand, and most unevenly distributed. A large number of villages lack drinking water, especially during the summer months, even in the wet Konkan. Barely 11% of the net sown area is irrigated. Perched water tables in the basalt aquifers have contributed to increased well irrigation, which accounts for approximately 55% of the irrigable water. The granitic-gneissic terrain in the eastern hilly area of Vidarbha accounts for all tank irrigation. Tube-wells in the Tapi-Purna alluvium and shallow wells in the coastal sands are the other main sources of water.<br />
Water is the most precious natural resource of the state, greatly in the demand, and most unevenly distributed. A large number of villages lack drinking water, especially during the summer months, even in the wet Konkan. Barely 11% of the net sown area is irrigated. Perched water tables in the basalt aquifers have contributed to increased well irrigation, which accounts for approximately 55% of the irrigable water. The granitic-gneissic terrain in the eastern hilly area of Vidarbha accounts for all tank irrigation. Tube-wells in the Tapi-Purna alluvium and shallow wells in the coastal sands are the other main sources of water.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Places of scientific significance</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Main article: Lonar crater lake</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">A crater lake is situated on the outskirts of Lonar town in district Buldhana, Maharashtra. The impact of a huge meteor that descended on earth from space carved out a bowl roughly 1.8 kilometre in diameter believed to be formed 50,000 years ago. The size and age make it the largest and oldest meteoric crater in the world. It precedes its nearest rival, the Canyon Diablo in Arizona in the United States, by a clear 2.30 centuries. Today, Lonar Lake is the third largest natural salt-water lake in the world. The peculiarity about the Lonar crater is that it is almost perfectly circular in shape. Apart from scientific significance Lonar also occupies a place of prominence in ancient Indian scripts. According to Sanskrit literature, Lonar was called ‘Viraj Kshetra’ in ancient times</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
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</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Protected areas of Maharashtra</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Several wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and Project Tiger reserves have been created in Maharashtra, with the aim of conserving the rich bio-diversity of the region. As of May 2004, India has 92 national parks, of which five are located in Maharashtra. A large percentage of Maharashtra's forests and wildlife lie in the Zadipranta (Forest rich region) of far eastern Maharashtra OR eastern Vidarbha.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img height="283" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:noKd_C_9HckwSM:http://www.justfoodnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Ellora-Caverns-Maharashtra.jpg&t=1" width="400" /><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Lions at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the world's largest national park within city limits.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Navegaon National Park, located near Gondia in the eastern region of Vidarbha is home to many species of birds, deer, bears and leopards.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Nagzira wildlife sanctuary lies in Tirora Range of Bhandara Forest Division, in Gondia district of Vidarbha region. The sanctuary is enclosed in the arms of the nature and adorned with exquisite landscape. The sanctuary consists of a range of hills with small lakes within its boundary. These lakes not only guarantee a source of water to wildlife throughout the year, but also greatly heighten the beauty of the landscape.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tadoba Andhari Tiger Project, a prominent tiger reserve near Chandrapur in Vidarbha. It is 40 km away from Chandrapur.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Pench National Park, in Nagpur district, extends into Madhya Pradesh as well. It has now been upgraded into a Tiger project.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Chandoli National Park, located in Sangli district has a vast variety of flora and fauna. The famous Prachitgad Fort and Chandoli dam and scenic water falls can be found around Chandoli National Park.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Gugamal National Park, also known as Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in Amravati district. It is 80 km away fromAmravati.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as Borivali National Park is located in Mumbai and is the world's largest national park within city limits.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, a man made wildlife sanctuary situated 30 km from Sangli. Ancient temples of Lord Shiva and Jain Temple of Parshwanath located in Sagareshwar are a major attraction.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Maldhok Sanctuary, situated in Solapur district. Some of its part is in Nagar district. The sanctuary is for a bird which is sometimes known as The Great Indian Bustard.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img height="266" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:nNgk67uvXUtf1M:http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7444/kasaraghatbridge.jpg&t=1" width="400" /><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Apart from these, Maharashtra has 35 wildlife sanctuaries spread all over the state, listed here. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuaryare the important ones.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Apart from the above, Matheran, a Hill station near Mumbai has been declared an eco-sensitive zone</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Economy</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Favourable economic policies in the 1970s led to Maharashtra becoming India's leading industrial state in the last quarter of 20th century. Over 41% of the S&P CNX 500 conglomerates have corporate offices in Maharashtra. However, regions within Maharashtra show wide disparity in development. Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Aurangabad and western Maharashtra are the most developed. These areas also dominate the politics and bureaucracy of the state. This has led to resentment among less developed regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, Konkan and Khandesh .</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Maharashtra's gross state domestic product for 2008 is forecast to be at 673,700 crore (US$146.19 billion) at current market prices. The state's debt was estimated at 36 per cent of GDP in 2005.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In 2007 Maharashtra reported a revenue surplus of 810 crore (US$175.77 million).Maharashtra is the second most urbanised state with urban population of 42% of whole population.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Maharashtra is India's leading industrial state contributing 15% of national industrial output and over 40% of India's national revenue. 64.14% of the people are employed in agriculture and allied activities. Almost 46% of the GSDP is contributed by industry. Major industries in Maharashtra include chemical and allied products, electrical and non-electrical machinery, textiles, petroleum and allied products. Other important industries include metal products, wine,jewellery, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, machine tools, steel and iron castings and plastic wares. Food cropsinclude mangoes, grapes, bananas, oranges, wheat, rice, jowar, bajra, and pulses. Cash crops include groundnut,cotton, sugarcane, turmeric, and tobacco. The net irrigated area totals 33,500 square kilometres.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Mumbai, the administrative capital of Maharashtra and the financial capital of India, houses the headquarters of almost all major banks, financial institutions, insurance companies and mutual funds in India. India's largest stock exchangeBombay Stock Exchange, the oldest in Asia, is also located in the city. After successes in the information technology in the neighboring states, Maharashtra has set up software parks in Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Aurangabad, Nagpur and Nashik, Now Maharashtra is the second largest exporter of software with annual exports of 18,000 crore (US$3.91 billion) and accounts for more than 30 per cent of the country's software exports, with over 1,200 software units based in the state.Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Navi Mumbai is the busiest port in India. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is the busiest airport in South Asia as per passenger volume.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The coast of Maharashtra has been a shipbuilding center for many centuries. The expertise and the manpower available in the local area make this business more attractive.This is reflected by the number of companies operating shipyards in the state such as Bharati Shipyard at Ratnagiri and the upcoming Rajapur Shipyards at Rajapur, apart from the state owned Mazagon Dock Limited at Mumbai.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Mumbai is the home for the world's largest film industry- Bollywood, Hindi filmmaking industry. Maharashtra ranks first nationwide in coal-based thermal electricity as well as nuclear electricity generation with national market shares of over 13% and 17% respectively. Maharashtra is also introducing Jatropha cultivation and has started a project for the identification of suitable sites for Jatropha plantations.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Ralegaon Siddhi is a village in Ahmednagar District that is considered a model of environmental conservation.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">An international cargo hub (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur, MIHAN) is being developed at Nagpur. MIHAN will be used for handling heavy cargo coming from South-East Asia and Middle-East Asia. Project will also include 10,000 crore (US$2.17 billion) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) forInformation Technology (IT) companies. This will be the biggest development project in India so far.</span><br />
<img height="222" src="http://www.travelwithacouple.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/dsc_01401.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Prominent Indian and foreign automobile makers such as Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Skoda Auto, Fiat, General Motors andVolkswagen are also either based in or have a manufacturing presence in Maharashtra.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Government</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Like all states in India, the nominal head of state is the governor, appointed by the Union Government. The Governor's post is largely ceremonial. The Chief Minister is the head of government and is vested with most of the executive powers. Maharashtra's legislature is bicameral, one of the few states in India to have a bicameral type. The Vidhan Sabha(Legislative Assembly) is the lower house consisting of directly elected members. The Chief Minister is chosen by the members of the Vidhan Sabha. The Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) is the upper house, whose members are indirectly voted through an electoral college. Maharashtra is allocated nineteen seats in the Rajya Sabha and forty-eight in the Lok Sabha, India's national parliament.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The capital city Mumbai is home to the Vidhan Sabha – the state assembly and Mantralaya, the administrative offices of the government. The legislature convenes its budget and monsoon sessions in Mumbai, and the winter session in Nagpur, which was designated as the state's auxiliary capital.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">After India's independence, most of Maharashtra's political history was dominated by the Indian National Congress. Maharashtra became a bastion of the Congress party producing stalwarts such as Y.B. Chavan, one of its most prominent Chief Ministers. The party enjoyed near unchallenged dominance of the political landscape until 1995 when the right wing Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured an overwhelming majority in the state to form a coalition. After a split in the Congress party, former chief minister Sharad Pawar formed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), but formed a coalition with the Congress to keep out the BJP-SS combine. The 2004 elections saw the NCP gaining the largest number of seats to become the state's largest party, eroding much of the Shiv Sena's base. Under a pre-poll power sharing agreement, the Chief Minister would be from the Congress while the deputy Chief Minister would be from the NCP. Prithviraj Chavan is the current Chief Minister and Ajit Pawar is the Deputy Chief Minister. Now new parties emerging in Maharashtra's politics specially Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)(Marathi: महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण सेना) based regional political party operating on the motto of "Sons (of)for the Soil"[27] founded on the March 9, 2006 in Mumbai by Raj Thackeray after he left the Shiv Sena .</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The 2009 elections saw the Congress-NCP alliance winning with clean sweep to the BJP-Shivsena alliance.</span></span><br />
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<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>ART AND CARFTS</b></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ART</span><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><img height="400" src="http://www.4to40.com/images/Coloring_Book/lavani_dance_of_maharashtra.gif" width="357" /></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">The growth of crafts in society is a sign of the cultivation of sensitivity and the stirring and mellowing of humanism. It stands for man's endeavour to bring grace and elegance into an otherwise harsh and drab human existence. Actually, man's elevation from gross animal existence is marked by his yearning for something beyond the satisfaction of mere needs and creature comforts. It is the yearning that found natural expression in crafts.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Crafts do not grow in isolation. They are basically in the service of the society. Society's culture can be measured from the arts and crafts it lived with. Arts and crafts find unhindered patronage and wide appreciation in a society that has been elevated to great cultural heights. Such society establishes values and norms that give the guidelines of life to all its members, rich and poor. Artists and craftsmen in such society exist as an integral part of it and crave to achieve excellence and reach to perfection in their work.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><img height="354" src="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/14/images/2004091401031701.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">From the law-books, the Niti-Shastra, from the writings of Manu and Kautilya, we learn the responsibility of the state and the public to protect and patronize the artists and craftsmen. The system of taxation makes it compulsory for society to foster and support the artist and craftsmen Matsya Purana mentions that every home should have a door frame in carved wood as a sign of welcome to visitors.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">This tradition of carved wooden frames and carved wooden balconies supported by brackets of animals, birds, and human forms is a part of architectural design of homes, palaces and temples as well as other community places built all over India.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">There are many palaces, temples and private homes in Maharashtra, in which we see plenty of intricate and charming woodwork. In places like Pune, Wai, Satara, Nasik Chandwad, Palshi, Paithan there ar Wadas (havelis) full of excellent wood carvings. Several temples in Konkan (Sindhudurg), in places like Achre, Kunkeshwar, Sawantwadi, Aakeri have pillars and projected beams very intricately carved by the local craftsmen.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Since our contemporary architecture is totally changed and has no place for any carvings or others crafts, the craft of wood carving gradually disappeared and with that vanished all our craftsmen.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">When we probe into the cultural history of Maharashtra of the last three hundred years, we come across very interesting accounts of our crafts and craftsmen which have been meticulously recorded in gazetteers and reports of various collectorates during the British rule. Our crafts were shown in several exhibitions in the Western counties and they were highly praised. George C. M. Birdwood published his book, 'The Arts of India' in 1880, in which he had given plenty of information about, the then prevailing crafts in Maharashtra. Several crafts mentioned by him are not being executed today. But some major which have survived or have been revived and handed down to the present generation of craftsmen were also going through a difficult period due to lack of patronage, because under the British rule, the lifestyle of patrons of arts and crafts was also undergoing a great change.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">George Birdwood had paid high tributes to the craftsmen of Maharashtra as he had given several examples of their crafts in great detail. It is very interesting to know that the Thakurs and Katharies of Matheran Hill were imaginative craftsmen who could design ornaments. Birdwood records. "Mr. W.G.S.V. Fitz Gerald sent to the Annual International Exhibition of 1872 a collection of grass ornaments worn by the wild Thakurs and Katharies of Matheran and the Western Ghats of Bombay, which had been made by Dr. T. Y. Smith, the accomplished Superintendent of that hill station, and by the side of these grass collars, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and girdles, were exhibited also examples of the gold jewellery of thick gold wire, twisted into girdles, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and collars worn all over India and which are fashioned in gold exactly as the Matheran ornaments are fashioned in grass."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Writing about the gold jewellery, Birdwood has mentioned that, "the repousse gold jewellery of Sawantwadi in mythological design is the best in Western India." He has also stated that "the hemispherical golden ornament worn by women, both at Bombay and Cairo, on top of their heads, of which ones sees in collection such fine specimens from Sawantwadi and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Vizianagram". No goldsmiths in Sawantwadi make such ornaments today.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Some reference about wood carving in Maharashtra has already been made. From the documentation of Birdwood we come to know that the craftsmen from Sindhudurg (Ratnagiri) were experts in designing and executing carved articles for various purposes. They used Sinsapa (Shisam) or Bombay black wood and teak for various carving purposes. According to Birdwood, "teak for the beams and pillars, brackets, and door-posts and doors of native houses is carved in</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Rajapur and Deogarh talukas of the Ratnagiri Collectorate."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">A good deal of inlay work was being conducted in Bombay in the latter part of the 19th Century. This inlay was made up of tin wire, sandal-wood, ebony, sappan (Brazil) wood, ivory, white, and stained green, and stag horn. "Bombay inlaid work" was familiar for ornamental furniture such as book-stands, work-boxes, blotting- cases, ubiquitous glove, boxes and card cases, which go by the name of "Bombay boxes".</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Crafts</b></span><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img height="400" src="http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/images/ArtsCrafts/Crafts_Maharashtra_jeweller.gif" width="395" /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Metal work in copper, brass and other alloys was being conducted in several places in Maharashtra for centuries. Old records reveal that there was a large manufacture of idols in all the metals at Nasik & Pune. Good brass utensils were also made at Kelshi and at Begmandli in the Ratnagiri Collectorate. Bombay Copper Bazaar was also equally known as recorded by Birdwood. He had observed that: "The most active industry in the town of Bombay is the manufacture of brass and copper pots and other untensils in universal use among natives of India. The Cooper Bazaar opposite Mombadevi Tank is the busiest and the noisiest, and one, of the most delightful streets in all the native town. Mr. Terry states (Maclean's Guide to Bombay) that, there are 1,069 coppersmiths, and 1,536 blacksmiths in Bombay."<br />
That Copper Bazaar of Bombay does not exist now. In today's stainless steel age', hand made metal crafts cannot survive. But in Nasik, even today there are hundreds of craftsmen who have their workshops and shops in a particular lane known as Tambat Ali. Some of the craftsmen can still execute untensils and vessels with traditional designs.<br />
Objects such as ghangal, abhishek patra, ghagar (water pot), pan-patra, laman-diwa (hanging oil lamp), samai etc are today collected by art loving people as decorative objects and not as objects of utility. Several highly artistic craft objects such as kalamdan, pan-dan, nutcracker (adkitta), foot scrubbers, toilet box, pali (spoon) for rituals and various types of oil lamps, which we see in Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune and in other collections may have been executed in Nasik and Pune. Murbad is also known for copper and brass work. Along with other utility vessels Murbad produces miniature kitchen vessels and utensils as toy objects for girls to play with and get education for becoming future housewives.<br />
Diemaking craft of Parola in Jalgaon district is one of the surviving crafts of Maharashtra. In Parola there lives a family name Jade who have been practicing the craft of diemaking for the last four generations.<br />
Some diemaker families have also settled in Virar and Sopara near Bombay. They make dies, fully hand carved, without the use of a pantograph. They have also developed their own carving instrument out of hard steel, which are numbering about two hundred.<br />
Dies are carved on thick bronze plates and the bronze is obtained from South India in the form of old traditional utensils especially the thick serving plates.<br />
Images of Gods and Goddesses are carved into dies, negative and positive and the print is taken on relatively thick silver or copper foil. The icon is known as take and used for worshiping. It is sold in the shops situated near temples.<br />
Maharashtra can boast of producing a variety of textiles. The Marathas extended their patronage to industrial and other textile activities after they succeeded the Mughals. They adopted some forms of Islamic fashions. But their special regard for traditional Hindu garments encouraged the development of textile centres.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Following is the list of centres along with their products:</span></b></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paithan- asavali or paithani saris pitambara, kinkhab.<br />
Yeola- paithani, jamdani, pitambara<br />
Aurangabad- himroo and mashru<br />
Balapur & Sangamner- chandrakala saris<br />
Daulatabad- muslin<br />
Ter- muslin, cotton<br />
Shahugad- shahugadi<br />
Nasik & Pune- brocade<br />
Nagpur- Silk bordered dhotis<br />
Amravati & Bhir- pasodi saris<br />
Solapur Kolhapur & Tuljapur- khanas, cotton<br />
Ahmednagar- all types of cotton<br />
Dharwad- khanas, dharwadi saris<br />
Pandharpur- ghongodi, pasodi, pitambara<br />
Akola- pasodi, shela<br />
Out of all these products, paithani, himroo, mashru and brocade are the special types of textiles and they are rich in both, the material and craftsmanship. However, in brocade, Banaras excels, hence Pune and Nasik cannot compete with it.<br />
Mashru is a mixed variety of striped cotton and silk weave. It was generally used by the ladies as an undergarment. The basic warp is of silk and the weft is of various colored<br />
cottons. The term mashru is derived from share, meaning "legal". The weaving of pure silk fabrics at prayers was prohibited among the Muslims and hence this pattern was introduced. Paithan and Aurangabad were the famous centres of mashru production. Himroo is a similar variety of mixed silk and cotton but with a texture that is almost as fine as muslin. It is used as veils, head-dresses, bridal robes and saris. It is costlier than mashru. Paithani is the most costly high quality silken gold embroidered textile which has an interesting history. Paithani is called as Mahavsatra.<br />
Against this broad historical backdrop we can now see which crafts of Maharashtra have overcome the dark periods and once again re-established their vital existence to arrest the attention of the art lovers and connoisseurs of the present times.<br />
Some crafts have inevitably disappeared because of the changing environment and the life style of contemporary Indian society. Some crafts were totally neglected and forgotten.<br />
But some traditional craftsmen who used to produce their craftsmen who used to produce their crafts with high degrees of excellence patiently suffered the isolation when their craft lost patronage. However they preserved their technique in the lean period and waited for things to change. Things did change after Independence and new opportunities were offered to them. Once again they rose to the occasion and produced their art objects with the same dexterity and aesthetic vision which was once considered as a hall mark in the world of specialized crafts. This is a story of the revival of Paithani- the rich silken gold embroidered sari of Paithan.<br />
Another example is of a traditional goldsmith applying his technique to produce the imaginative silver jewellery. Today the silver jewellery of Hupri (near Kolhapur) is considered the best in the country.<br />
Revival of lacquer work and other crafts of Sawantwadi is another interesting story. The rich traditional craft of Chitaris (painters) of Sawantwadi had almost vanished a few years ago. Today this world famous crafts has been revived and the new generation of craftsmen are engaged in creating their craft objects with the same traditional skill.<br />
Maharashtra can take pride in these three revived crafts which we shall now study in depth.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Festival Of Maharashtra</b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><img height="297" src="http://www.all-indiatravel.com/maharashtra/images/maharastra-festival.jpg" width="400" /> </b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Maharashtra is the canter of many religious and cultural traditions. In Maharashtrian villages, life revolves around fairs and festivals.<br />
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Each festival comes with its own colors and Cuisine. People do up their houses and surroundings and there is an air of celebration. The festival time is surely a must visit time in India.While the most hugely visible festival maybe the Ganesh Chaturthi, due to the large processions and the colourful images of Lord Ganesha, there are many festivals celebrated with as much enthusiasm and spirit.<br />
<img height="400" src="http://www.indianpublicholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/bail-pola-festival-2010.jpg" width="300" /><br />
Each festival signals the passing of old and beginning of new, and this in most cases is signifies by the victory of good over evil. Each festival has a significance and its mark is always felt in the daily lives of the people in India, specially in rural India.</span></b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">tourism</span><br />
<img height="346" src="http://www.maharashtra-tourism.com/i/raigad.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Maharashtra - The most fascinating region of India. It is the state with rich cultural heritage and is a land of intense spirituality and religious faith. Maharashtra has to its credit pilgrimage centers with great landmarks in the evolution of Indian Temple architecture.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Maharashtra has 720 km. long sea face extending from Dahanu and Bordi in the north up to Goa proceeding southwards. If you have liking for sand, sea and surf, this State has a great many interesting options in store. You could arrange trips or get away on a weekend or during holidays. You could indulge in adventurous water sports or relax on golden sands. If you are interested in forts and their history, Maharashtra is the perfect place for your tour and a memorable holiday. It offers you a vast choice of majestic forts like Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Vishalgad,Panhala, and sea forts like Murud, Sindhudurg.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Places like Ajanta, Verul near Aurangabad are the ancient proofs of rich art-works of India. All festivals, in Maharashtra are a tribute to its rich culture and legacy. Ganesh Pooja, Gokul Ashtami, Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, Padwa etc. provide a common platform for people from all walks of life to interact with one another.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Maharashtra-Tourism Guide helps tourists with a detailed 'leaflet' of the place with a map and other details like 'best time to visit' and 'how to go'</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Caves</span><br />
<img height="320" src="http://www.indiatourismpoint.com/tours/images/stories/hill_stations/lonavala-tourism-carla-caves.JPG" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Artistically built over a few centuries the Caves of Maharashtra have an extraordinary appeal and aura. They date back to the 2nd BC. Nestled in the remote Sahayadri Mountain Range, these caves have provided a place of residence to monks of different religions.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The paintings in the Ajanta caves or the sculpture of the Ellora caves, or the divine presence in the Elephanta caves, the visitors have always attracted the visitors all around the world. A visit to these caves induces a sense of discovery, a discovery of the self, and of the divine. Needless to say these are the favorite places of people interested in this subject to spend their holidays.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ajanta</span><br />
<img height="266" src="http://www.gloriousindia.com/unleashed/gallery/photos/ajanta_caves/ajanta_caves12.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ajanta caves are located at about 107 kms. from the city of Aurangabad. The rock-cut caves of Ajanta nestle in the form of a gigantic horseshoe.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">For almost 700 years, the caves of Ajanta seem to have been abandoned abruptly. They remained cloaked in obscurity for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British army officer, accidentally stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The 'View Point' from where John Smith first glimpsed the caves, provides a magnificent sight of the U-shaped gorge and its scenic surroundings. A spectacular waterfall cascading down the cliff feeds a natural pool called the Saptakunda.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ajanta caves have been designated as a World Heritage Site.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The caves of Ajanta can be classified into two distinct phases: the earlier Hinayana phase (1), in which the Buddha was worshipped only in the form of certain symbols. And the later Mahayana phase (II), in which the Buddha was worshipped in the physical form.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">They are among the finest examples of earliest Buddhist architecture, caves-paintings and sculptures. These caves comprise Chaitya Halls, or shrines, dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas, or monasteries, used by Buddhist monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Typically, the paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the caves depict incidents from the life of the Buddha and various Buddhist divinities. Paintings of the Jataka tales, illustrating various stories relating to the previous incarnations of the Buddha as Bodhisattva, are the more interesting.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Aurangabad</span><br />
<img height="300" src="http://delhi.click.in/classifieds/images/14_11_2008_9_27_5819_ellora%20aurangabad.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Aurangabad Caves are artificial caves. They are dug out of the rather soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. These caves are found on two separate locations, called Western Group Caves (caves 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (caves 6-10). Each group has five caves. The architecture and iconography is influenced by Tantric Hinduism.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Western Group Caves:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Cave 4 of the Western Group Caves is the oldest cave. It is a Hinayana Chaitya with a ridged roof like the Karla Cave near Lonawala. Chaitya (Sanskrit) is the word for a funeral monument. There is a stupa in front of it, which is now partially collapsed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The other four Western caves are viharas, which are an early type of Buddhist monastery. It consists of an open court surrounded by open cells accessible through an entrance porch. The viharas in India were originally constructed to shelter the monks. Cave 3, the most fascinating cave of the Western Group. It is supported by 12 finely carved columns. They show sculptures portraying scenes from the Jataka tales.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Eastern Group Caves:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Cave 6 belongs to the Eastern Group Caves, and shows very well preserved sculptures of women, which are notable for their exotic hairstyles and ornamentation. There is also a large Buddha figure and an idol of Ganesh located in this cave.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Cave 7 is the most interesting of the Aurangabad caves. Most impressive are the sculptures, figures of women which are scantily clad and ornately bejewelled. They show the rise of Tantric Buddhism during this period. To the left of Cave 7 is a huge Bodhisattva praying for deliverance from the 8 dangers: fire, the sword of the enemy, chains, shipwreck, lions, snakes, mad elephant and demon (representing death)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Elephanta</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Elephanta was formerly known in ancient times as "Gharapuri" or The Place of Caves. The Portuguese named it Elephanta after the great statue of elephant which they found on the seashore. They found monolithic stone elephant at the place where they landed and also named this a ilha do elephanta, island of the elephant. There was a stone horse too, a little further, which has vanished without a trace.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">There are seven caves of which the Mahesha-Murti Cave is the most important. The main body of the cave, excluding the porticoes on the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27 m square and is supported by rows of six columns. The gigantic figures of Dvarapalas, or doorkeepers are remarkable.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The cave temple is spread over an area of approximately 5000 square metres. It can be reached by climbing a flight of more than 100 steps. Inside the temple, is a large pillared hall with rows of columns that hold up the roof of the cave.</span><br />
<img height="299" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/7b/33/35/elephanta-island.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Cross beams create the illusion of a ceiling. The series of marvelous sculptured panels, nine in all, which are set like tableaux on the walls, draw our attention. Very little is known about the architects and sculptors, who worked on this ancient architectural wonder. Each of the panel captures the volatility of Shiva's essentially paradoxic nature, and the magical interplay of light and shade, only intensifies the overall effect.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ellora</span><br />
<img height="224" 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zyzukbDfy/piO/mHK09V5NLCL7lQTa2Ef4ZodTbL1LqJbV0Jvbbh4YBmVl6pUb/ADVGl+9M8wk/rgnSc2xZyRTsxx9Nzp1njc9L/ofngSluvZWUHWJCn4xJum9wf1wQRMoebEdlIbEKokWSq1kKP7fXAeVvLcijrTVaC/rZPNN/kR+x9MWbLNXp+dILtLq6UtTW06W3iO8B0PUfp8sV6BOqeTn/AHOrDtae53SpQ1ADy5j+xiTmagBpDWY8uOENiylBJB7Mnr1SeuKlMLZn+z6v2dCxEdI1gHl+ZJ6jBDPFIC2Wcz0ZaUKBSp3sj8KuSvI4MUh2N7QMsmFKUG6hHTZClfEDbgfD9vLEL2eylwqhLytWE7FJQlCuBTzT+hHh5YqCFHnsZ/yxKhSWQ3LjAad72UBxHgTg77LXFLy89SpaT2kFxUdSD0Tw+aVD5YrmUKW7lTPr9PdN481s9ks8CAeHnZRxc6PH+zc7zmkpKWp8ZL1+riDpV8wofLGozUvLFITQaS9DZdLjSX3HUEiwbSSSEDy/fGAe0OpJrGapaoinzHS4W2GljdJ52Hiq5xv9OkvOPVVMxbSEqkONRY4RoUsJ4m5N1KV+2MrouWZSMxDMdUQ1HQJK33YZTdTCCSAfCxPTlfC1qK/7PqhUmZn2O3G1MSXB2xUk3bTayj8h87YTmSMikzJMOMAqLI0rTZPwEE7g9bC3ri756oDimRKoqG/e3VJLpLugpFr8Od9vpjNJ76XXCuWoEoHZbKJF/wAfDxOMqEylFCikDs1cxe4X5YGqVdR6csTpr90ADYnn1GIGA6+Ox2OwH0GmnrhZfdZpjSJMecns1uCyezQvYqIV4G+KbQck1nLuaafOchrlQA4butqF0gJvqIvtbj6YPKRVa5KpzpU0qEErEgLNkixOlWk7X28bXxbqa48qZJeanoepyWQ002B30uarq1HyTsed8OuQaqNRdqHubNKkRX4jznZyn23blva4022O9gb77jDWfZZpmUZzjSO+GShpP86rJSPHcjGOezzNSaLnGTCUp1ymvyVpZaQBZLhVZKreWN9q7MR2EVTmmnWW1BwBzcAg3SR440lih1ts5W9k/uiSEPIhhs3PFRG/1OBeSqajKeQZFUkdyTKaK1KPFKLXG3lc/LBj2lqNSXRaICAubMR2iQNwhIK1bdNk4h+1wLVl+DR4SbOTJDbLaQbbf0sMW/WVR9nENuRMnZxrdgyypXYdoO7qtt6JFvlfAimNv53zG/UZ7hRT4/eUsj4UX5dVH++GLH7QUKpdIpGTaYklx4JSoJ/ELj6qV9MC8zrTSokbKlH70hz/ANQ43xWo7E7deA8L4xWog1WXMzbV2qNR0dnTWPu22kGyT1Kjz8T/AExKqFZi5YimkZf0uzlJ0vSkHh4J6D6nwwmoy28p09yg01vXVn2x72+m1mr/AOnby4+njj2JRIeXaeiqV1d5SxqQyoXJJ4E87npiKhwMujshVcyyyhtR1BKjcq9MeuZkmySKflWCWmz3QpKbqV44bQ1KzTKM6pqLFOb4DlYcAOp2w69mduGn3HLMJKTw7QJuVHrthSPDlGa60l/MFTDSVKupGq58T0x4teVKMohtsTHUb3UdVz5DDKaJOmL96zDUi22VXWgq3tz24YQ3MyvTFEsxVyXkk2UrvA+PpgpZzKZj4ZYp7ceO5sXeyAKB12wk12NT3UNux0TkJQO8psWOHWsw1SW8hDdOQmOpYQVBjgg8/THkqdOpj6UR4SJUYjVfsb73P1xAlutZanlQm0lpnbi1dH/bDK6DS5rfa0eYtCiD924RfyvjnK3SZYU3U6SllZPxoRpV62w2qkU6Se2o85TavylVzfz5YokoqFaoDqW5yC/HsAO7dJA8LWvib9m0zM6VP0pSY0tNilnhqPQdDgexXanTGhCqrXvMYkghQvt4HE9FGi1Vs1DKrym5DYuuMdiPLrhgepVXW0Rl7NrS1xVHQ24pPfZV1F+XDbE+I/MyVV0Q5DiX6JL+FZ3QpJ479P0wiI9HzhCVTqnoYq7Is2+oW19Ar+uEUZ5c9l/KeYLpdBIYcc4oWOHr16jFiJdQhnJteg12lBxNKmEFaFi3Z9UqHUcfK+LFn6nBbELN9FbSqRFIU8BwWjgb/ofA4gZMH2jTallCvEiQwdLRXuQPwqHkf2wa9nTjpgT8uVO5diKUwtKtwUWsD8tvLGmUqrrU5S6VV1oT2rLrTyik7C9krA8LHF0ZYjOyGpCkIXJQklCr7i4sf0xXKZTHHMqrpjg+8ZSphKldR8JP0wmrumhy4lYq6mRFjRbKUgEKQ5+IDqCOH+0YEAazVm5PtNQlLrgTTGA8GlW0uuKITqT5JNsHMySJUCS7MhNOP3QHmWQLodFjrFhwJCha/McOOMUVmdU32hKriO0EZbpGlQ+FgjTvboCD542GQXKhRoZdcCYkZS0SUayFEAHQQR/MRfwwq+1Rz3XSqKezSY8hX3Xb3KU6uYselxxHO+M8ktONtlztWm5DIDabDdSLWJt1BJ36A+GDWY5DNerjuh5KGY33aNZslxRBF7/8eWKzXXtJDJCNRFiU793a2/jb6YyoPIX2jqj+EnbDWFHHhwR5jsdjsBq9AlsTAl5K3veIjWlSNWoKQDqGw5ki3zxZFq+zaTJespcl9CpC2xxC1iwbT5D9cZ6208tImR3HghtOgFhoNBSutwdt978ib4uFTnPSWKeuluJW/IebIWo7Ksnck+mFVQKtGGVczxfdSS9HDUgoctYLPe0+I4fPG4f45h1OitKy9IRIkpSlbzK2ypSNX4SDbe2r5DrjI63R2VZXl1achfv7ko6Fl0qKk6tITY8Rb9MC8hS5NOzTCVHsHX3AyQrYHX3eHhe48Ri+N9D6GmUFmdman5gVIUgssqbSwpGxUre4V/d8QKvGTOz/AEltY1ohxnn9+StkJP8A9lYNLnsIzHEppK1LsotpS2dKQlO9yOHEcfLEF1nsMx1me4lQS3GZaQSON9SlEHzUPljUZqiuFMnOVezJIKRHpLXYMhXDWUkkjyBxXcuL91i1HOU4FTpWpMNKhzPMeQwarUZ1eRadGim0nMM4uK1cdLhKh6BIGIOa4vaVak5PgOfcMhPaqHhuSf75YlhEPLcFhmK9muuKBCll1pCt9ahzPgD88DNErNU16r1NxTMFpW2r8I8PHE2uH/EFbYoFNV2cCEPvFfhSE739OPnhCWl5hlfZtPV7vRYW77ylWSbG5JPn8zjDRlQkZkd92grMWjRxcuK2GnqfP5n6YiNz2ILoh5djh9++kyFC9z1HQYISXXK+4ml0NHutHYPfXwLnVSjz54YVLahPCm5XYD0gHSuUBffw6YBiXR3OzD+ZaoUKO6GOe3hwGGmqrTmVdjR6P25HB5Y1KJ625YVJhwYut6vTlTJhF+yQokg9DhbdSnvJS3R6eiGyNg4oBPqTgqQX82SxrTHWywSLp1Abc7cOWOaVmBbI+y3kBlKiNK1i97+fTAyQh0upVVa2EqVuA3dVsIMWI43rfqhjKBuiyD3x12xFEJFQrDF/tOlNvp4KUUavriGhNHqC7srVAf5JNwL88KYbq7fegVVuUgciv9jjx+Y08eyrtPLTtv4yEccVDjialR1WlJ99hrAuT3r+RxLEKzSKzll8hSDdxkGykW526YYjuP0tntoLqahTlW1IJvp6jwxNisBDa6xl1V20byYpNikc7D+/XBEpwt5nYNSpyRGrkbvOsp2Ei3Egdeo54mTEKzNRxVIqC3WKefvAn4lAcz1tgVICkKTmGiK0lBBeaTxSRxP98MEotURCqUfMEIaYslQbnNBNglZ528f6+GLEqZKlqn02Dm+notLp5Dc5pPNA4+drn5jF4jqYVmOm1uMR2VSjBl1Q4KUnvJPyuPTFYpkdGXs4mDpC6RWm7IB+G5HD62+XTB+PC+yssFhSb/ZMnuqI37ILvf8A4K+mNRFrSluE3UnXNZR/GNjY7JsbE7csUj21y3TkyIhNm0SHkXbuFFQAuN/DGjlKXmFh3SEKSUquNiLb74xdkyPaDmKVFqTyhS6ehwxUNp7urZIGrxtfBqcRXqTlObTIsepy2g/CqUYtFCCdSA5wJHha/hg0zmZcLLkiK8ECRKQmMlaj3UuBQSVE8rp3+WLRREzfsqfTHWgIlN0tRXnCbqUBe/8A/NwL898UKpe7Knyn2VRJLPbBwtrukNrcAKVAWvtYAjxxKBKXGmqcG5sVC3Ug9u6FgltOkhKr+O/zGKk+6XlqUQADYBI5AcBgxmGouuK90eIW+2bPvJt3uBCRb8I228MAr7YiOOE88cceYD3HY8x2AstFQzMkGQ8o9ikEuJUr4b7BKfPFmjodQytuGXXXNKlB11d+yUpJA5cxcbct8Z5CmOwng60qyh3SCLBQOx4eGL3Q5qJcZsOMvPuyF21FAJUN7Ng/hTcK9Bc7WwVfAxT6/VqRHPckQ27Oak6kruk2QeV73Ppiq50ytPrGaHZNGT2KUuBiy/u1ApHx7DgeR9cG8rVWVFmtJZZcVd09oHVWW4AnQlXQcNx0AOLZHfYdEqUp9Up2MwsLf0hKCVcNhsSAALjkcM03FK9lFckrmqoktT7spL2zqie62NRUCeJOojjyxomZqiw/RqlHhzWnX2WlpW0hYUtKlXA1dO8eGMKytmhWWs5SKspkPNrU4Fsg2Kkk3FieHLGuZXqMKp1r7cQNEaZC1kLTZKFJXpJUetyQPLGpdQ+9BQc9UinNoHYUemF23RSrIA/4gnFIbeQ0/mfNMkWV2qo8W/hsf2HzxqEdts1Ks1UCxXHbaClJtskE/qcZ9WaMqRRMs0lvuiZJL8jxTYrNzhUU5hmTFpUemxwo1WuK7Rwj4ktE7D144ny2QOwylRnkhq4XOfH4iOJJ5JG/064cVPaamVavLSShkmJEA2AAG9vPh64haX4dMbp7LZXXayQp837yEHgLcv8AxjCvX3VVBwUPLyuxprB/zMk93tOpJ5J8PDEQPD7ym5ZSpDINnpqhbUB06YkyG0un7BpToap8XeoTeS1Djc9B0xCklh+ItEN0w6QxZJdIst9XgP2xKqIFwohU3Ab9+mFVu1Um4B5kYakIudVWqJRbcMtbm/S3AYWh5/3QIZCIMMcVkWWv15+mHIrseMo/Z1NLy+KpEg7DyvtiqRDdhCxi0KRMVwK3lkgnnsMPuOpLoSuke9FJ2Zvu2LcNvliJKqstSlKVPQ0CbluN19MRBIKnFEPPIvxWkXUo+OJgmP8A2KTdcWdTnCbixJSDhxHvXZ/5aWzUGyL9m7uoDxB3GEN1GSpOlFQZfH/tyE8T03wytURbv+aaVEc4h1k90+PliiVCZS48VU1Sok3iqO4dl+A5EeGHYbsuJNXLgJVHmMkl2Pfukc7Dphl1ooS3744FtEfdTGt9Pngg4t6qqQ2VhFXZspp3YCQi22/M4CbFltoX9tU1ooYPcmxLfwzwuBzH9bYdTGjw5ZjJUFUqqICUkb6FcR6g7j0xCbdSlsVWI2U6fu6jFIIFjxIGCtPhtyWX6O2s6FoMmnOnfccB6cPXFZWCnR5NSynKgvp/6nQ3tba/zBO4t5i+NGpyG5Ud51xIWiQ0lageCgRuPlip5OUl+XBlkW+0Iy2Hrm1nG9x9NQ9MXFcd1qkuRqers3UMaEOH8O2x4YpgHWa9Hy2uoLrMm7UjuQ0N3N+78NuVrfF4jEYM0qg0llIbQinurQtZBI1Ok2F7dbcTxvbFC9rjceVXIcenyveXnG7uthespdNk7gfiISL+mLwxIaapkeLM7JT60aNKzcK0gE7eh9cUQM2dqxWPtOnSFuupAYfhBQABO6SRfmbceXS2KDVHHqfEkO1CHELg1J1arlxJN1HblrtYctgcWaoOtu16UpoBUkrR2naHQCFJCTbbfTdW/U2xSM/1J5x5uEsONnSlx5rWClKrC1rcjscRdUpZJcUpQGom5OEqthSt9+uEXwR4eOO5Y74txj3liDzbHY6+OwHlxg1lysrp7zjbrp7FxBTYn4fI76Tyv0OAhGOGxGA1uiyn5EdqS+CmYQFaG0AaEWsN73AIHkL264tMypRYmT3w+4lERT3ZEIt3RbgR1KjsPLGYZVrqVhmIsKVJBsntHbIUniUnqSeu258MWdbMyYHy77u1FQEvLcdVZrtEqB0DrudN+HpgqrZhpCpipk+IERokJtLbbKjc6AARdQ21WV89sHvZdmhmmMP0ZbZD050Fh5W4Su1kgi3Ekjfwwdm5XQ9RqdFdcRHPaASENlLbbqfiKSLcenr4YrtTyX72uTJoKUtJjrDIYuoa1JTdSgo+BHnhLlRpUGbMqWTEoM0PyHoKitSVbqJHxBPmRvibmNj3PU43b/JUt0oPQ7D9MVzLFag1WqRKjGbXBYhtuR3ooAvqGkIuQN7knbqD0xaMwJdepsuSFtuNvx2WhoN7lTne9LFON9jLFUzs3KLSJH8CO175NF/DUb+ZVbDEWYpCZuZlnVKlrUxT2yLnfYHyH9cH8ytOBzMchmwW861AZJ5A2vb/AJfTAWoNsQpg7hTFosQWSD8TpFrn++JxikRX4TCGhSkvlMKI2JFUkA7rUeQ8+AGBc1YLLUycxoZtaBAHTko/qTz4YlNk9mliebNNj36pWO61H+G36Dl1UcC6tOkyZLz8kaZJtew2jotshI62xAyZRekF2QBJkJASEn+G14emG1iRNVfUt8J46O62nww0WlKUG+yKl2ulhJ4eKz1xIDSXQPenS4E/6DNglPmeGDRokNmypDDFuHYt6j88eIeDTnaJlvIv/qJR8XmOmJOplrUG2W27jgBqPzOOS72SSU6Tq43FzhoaceU+LuOR5KRw7ulZ/TCGFNpUExzo1cWnTdKvI4ecdbc3fix1W2vp0k+owyezuOzRdsn+Evl5HAEIRU0txMRO5/iwnN9Q8PHDuhpxKFoUpuIV6Qoq70VzofDEFld2woFa20HYj+Kyf3GCIJkgvo0mSG7utj4JTfMj+YD1xUTWXHo0tUl5AU80Ame3a4fZOwdHXbjg3SEKi62GFlblOWmXEWk/xY6j3h8uPlgNCdSWUW+/VFb7Rkn/AF4xHfQfED6jFpy6w02Yzjh1NwnuwWr88V4d0+hI+uESrdleH7tmGakKJjKWiTGtsE9okhQ+YOLNKmqbky4zlmmmowdQ8TYDjsfG4+WBVPjqg0xoNWVLYjKQ0VC4Kk3tf5DFbq8ibVJWVBMU049L0Pzo6PhQlAKrkcgCr1IHTGlinZFob9QqcqrvtvlUJXbtoQjeQ5e5T+m3U+GLMZbUwPJfYWuelQU2vswlTCtzqG/wgXHHe2LNWqlDiXgFl1tS2FPJeYRs0bC5J9b2xU5SmgmRMkJKXnCFPBRKS0kEarW4i4HDxxAEzHWRS6Y2tClGStJbZbWQvs0kbpvzCePmfDGYSHFvOrccWpa1EkqUbk+eJ9bqLlRmrfWEoTchDaBYJTe+2BajghCsIVhRx5bAJOEk49PG2OtYYg8vjsdjsBxx4cLsDhKk28sB6hRSq4tcb740nLlYkzaUHJWgx+10W16lpWQUhQSTw72/z5YzQYmUya5T5rUlmxUg95J/Ek8QfPhgNgpdSTT3kMPxlyklgJYSo6h3lCxKj+IJF9uItbgcXClsR0xUONkSBGYWkSl7EKOxAF99rccUSnyIM+JFkNJSEuqPZBCN2eA0k3sClINifH1uESppi0J4ra7N2yQWwbAiwWbfMC9t7YpVYm1djLlemrgU5TMSehDM5xzZLZ1EBSf9wF/ri8UqbFK6fQnI72pEVLyXNQIKEkEEjjvyJ53xR4UL7SZdVOQl2lS3XZkh0vkrToHdSOiASfliVRZU1pubUqolJn0lkMEDYuNEgpNhxsB+uKixzaUlT0VtxOoOT35Sr8Dp1W/UYzeatcp9BkW7J2S9Ok24KabNkg+BsPnjXNMhVGalSEpQuPEdJCOGopGwxnlYphdbMdOxV7vDUoH4UAdov5gb4zVVGW8+qO2z2YVLfcEyQCN1LWbNN+QG9vDEOLDU86kNr7R03KFHcXv33l+A3t5YfqMoguyR3XFBTqbcQXO4geYQD88OqKYsIwr9m4tCVzVp4obHwtD6eZOMiAtCFOGLTyeyN0rdJsp4jiSeSRhpLACUhF1BeyEjbWeZA5J8eeCKIQ94Uw6LJabC5VjwH4Wr/K/rhkLWphyYQA5I+6Y2+FPL++gwVDNkqIQQslWlKgNlKHG3gMcU6uHU4ltx0pf0jbsUWSOmxwtaG/d2nEixIseHPhiqghsFA1nYm1/ynrh1lhG4c7pT8e1x4G3NPhyxJYaSptAcTcO9035YW2w8Qp0d6REuFJt8YHH6YJqEqMpp4qBLSx+Lkm/C55pPC/ocOoR2agLKjkLGr/46zwWP5TzwTbjofLTbawlty5jKXwSSN21eBx57i+Sl8BJYbStstlV12A7zR623KT5YaFU91bU0hbSW32HC8GwNk2/ip8invDGkZfo1or0W5CFNOMJPIoH3jf8A9VH/AIjGd05A96Yc3WuMEjXx7ZmxKPM6QtPyxtNMIiQoqlJKtDaUAjnYKT+lsWIVLckxmqcoaEhx/Q8tw2CEFN1K8TtjPKBEmpzvMloKjAeaUlmQncLbSUhAB6EJIv0354s1W7JVQciTlSVIrCGWmEIJGkp1FxVj8Pd0C/jh+rtpbp59zAZcaN2lNbBspFw2oDiDwt1PhjQRXnC/DbDzYLdgWXwrgsHcEDlY+ovjN/aHWkNRm6ZDWfvUBTigvUNBJtY+NvkBi3yqmYdPflzpDagykkoSgi9+PH823DrjFqlMdqE16U+olbqtRA4Dw/bEoilXHqcNnHp88JwHYSce3x4cQNq43x5fHqhhOA6+Ox2OwDlscdxbCb49F74BJFsepwq18JI3wBzLGYH6K+6hI7SO8khbSrWudgrfmMaJGqEiqhaoy0lDZCkPJOzxG5FzyBG/nYXxkGLBlyvu091ph9ZMMOBR6oPG4/pvijTqa4wuYiEtsrCgG0lAsGkJUklJHXUrbz8LYF5smJpuZIE/QtLDZDchlJ1Hsyb2PUnf/jiTEnxoshiSl0kSSSoIPwjjqHMA8j1vx2xONMZqsp6Q+4nsn1BoNrTw0AAKBPCwKvnfA9rfQZcR2ira7bS3NcWqOlw3UtCgOAwKrtOcjxnClJDi/enT4XIQkj0OANUi/ZMuBR2p9vd2ffIiJABKVgn7odb3HyxeWj9rUllwpR7yqOmyEC1iSFKFvTArGpUDTWmmlp+5bdW8q/5G7JT/APk/PDOjTHcmONlQRaU8Cd1LWbNp342G+LbVoXauPlKQlxbWgG241K/74GuRtTcZISbSZ6lKF/wN90endOMUBZbDrNLZjrH+bmr1PAcd+XysPXC5zATVIcLVZEdALnS9r/pf54KLbQ9mppkJKg03YE77/wBkYjijSajWKkqOw4tshxKFePAbn+9sQRkqhRXnHY496ddv3lCwFxtYcPDzxLVUSGg4I7YRpHd0C3ht15YK0/KMv3dPvJaQvQNQCr97b9wcEjlUlFllrje1j1xTlTFyIziEoeaLZuSVIGyf7OJBW2zKZkpv9+my9I24cR/fPBOpZRlOMK910LXpskBVt+XHzOBU+lzYEGI47HcQGLtqTx25EW5bDEplLbjD3h+EvYOkutK/IoH+pBwtRWpCZIJQXSAofkfR8JPmRpPmMOzHUJDElsWKiNyOm9vUE/TBF+MhbrzBF2n20vJI5qFt/wD84sHlIhpcns9mjQyCFJFvwGykj0IWnF9qVRch0lD0ZAUpBaRZQIBJVY7+uAVEaQlZV/p3JAO+x737kYG5prL0V2dJ06o8dn3X3cqKUrU6BZQTzKRfcfy41B7Dkz5ucY77shtdLpchxlLgcGi6kk3ueN7i3ThixVpJVKSyPu9a0vJRb+KbcT4pVY/LocQMrNwYVEiw5CmtRShS1KHcWpR7pvwJuk+Q9MD88V77JT76Vdo6U6IyP0PkOJxo9qd7RaxrfbpUdYDTOlbgTcjVbZPoDfzOKKs7nDj8hx51TzxK1uErWpR4k88MKOo7YgSeOOJsMcdsIvfAe3vjr4RfCk4g7jhKhhwtkb34YQcAnHY9x2A//9k=" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora are excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment. They are 26 kms. north of Aurangabad. They extend in a linear arrangement. The 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas, or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jian temples.</span><br />
<img height="266" 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" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Spanning across 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena. The most magnificent excavation is that of the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest single monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly, Ellora, unlike the site of Ajanta, was never 'rediscovered'. It was known as Verul in ancient times. It has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries to the present day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ellora has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire of generations to come.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">FORTS</span><br />
<img height="331" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQBKrixGrhRkqGoTyN9ssoJxUfPJbrhlE5c8Qsz2ypfDOFYgcSa" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Standing as silent sentinels to history are the 350-odd forts of Maharashtra. Beaten by the sea waves, lashed at by the torrential Deccan rains, or scorched in the blazing sun, stand imposing ramparts and crumbling walls . the last lingering memories of Maharashtra's martial times. Nowhere in the country would you encounter such a profusion of forts. And such variety. Sited on an island, as at Murud-Janjira or guarding the seas as at Bassein, or among the Sahyadri hills, as at Raigad, whose zig-zag walls and rounded bastions sit like a sceptre and crown amidst hills turned mauve.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Most of the forts in Maharashtra whether up in the hills or near the seas are associated with Shivaji --the great Maratha warrior and an equally great fort builder. Moreover, these forts were treated as mini-cities, such as Panhala, which is now a hill station. The concept of the fort-city was, however, not peculiar to Shivaji alone. The Portuguese who came to India as traders and missionaries, built within a century of their coming, Bassein, a garden city to rival many a European capital.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Today, these forts numbed by sun and sleet, have not only been witness to changing times, but have also shaped them and within their walls throb the heart-beat of history.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Devagiri Daulatabad Fort</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Devagiri (Daultabad of the later period), 11kms north-west of Aurangabad, is a famous for its formidable hill fort. The fort is situated on an isolated cone-shaped hill rising abruptly from the plain to the height of about 190 metres. The fortification constitutes of three concentric lines of defensive walls with large number of bastions. The noteworthy features of the fort are the moat, the scarp and the sub-terranean passage, all hewn of solid rock. The upper outlet of the passage was filled with an iron grating, on which a large fire could be used to prevent the progress of the enemy. The Chand Minar, the Chini Mahal and the Baradari are the important structures within the fort.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Chand Minar, about 63 metres in height, was erected by Alauddin Bahman Shah in 1435 AD to conquest of Daulatabad. Opposite the Minar is the Jumma masjid, whose pillars originally belonged to a temple. Close to it, there is a large masonry tank. The Chini Mahal at the end of the lower for is the place where Abdul Hasan Tana Shah, the last king Golconda, was confined by Aurangzeb in 1687 AD. Nearby is a round bastion topped with a huge canon with ram’s head, called Kila Shikan or Fort breaker. The Baradari, octagonal in shape, stands near the summit of the fort. The principal bastion at the summit also carries a large canon.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Though the city of Devagiri was founded in 1187 AD by the Yadava king Bhillan V, the fort was constructed during the reign of Singhana II (1210-46 AD). It was captured by Ala-ud-Din Kalji in 12 94 AD, marking the first Muslim invasion of the Deccan. Finally in 1318 AD, Malik Kafur killed last Yadava Raja, Harapal. Then in 1327 AD, Muhammed-bin-Tughluq sought to make it his capital, by transferring the entire population of Delhi and changing the name from Devagiri to Daulatabad. Then it was in the possession of the Bhamanis till 1526 AD. The fort remained in Mughal control till Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 AD., when it passed on to the Nizam of Hyderabad. The famous Ellora Caves are just 16kms away from Devagiri-Daulatabad.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pitcures: View of Devagiri for and its citadel (top left) from the top of its entrance gate (above), and the Chand Minar (inset). Country of the Jumma masjid, with old carved pillars (below, left), and the Kila Shikan canon with ram’s head (below, right)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Murud-Janjira Fort</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Situated on a rock of oval shape near the port town of Murud, 165kms south of Mumbai, Janjira is one of the strongest marine forts of India (the word ‘Janjira’ is a corruption of the Arabic word Jazira for island). The forts is approached by sailboats from Rajapuri jetty. The main gate of the fort faces Rajapuri on the shore and can be seen only when one is quite close to it. It has a small postern gate towards the open sea for escape. The fort has 19 rounded bastions, still intact. There are many canons of native and European make rusting on the bastions. Now in ruins, the fort in its heyday had all necessary facilities, e.g., palaces, quarters for officers, mosque, a big fresh water tank, etc. On the outer wall flanking the main gate, there is a sculpture depicting a tiger-like beast clasping elephants in its claws. This sculpture, its meaning difficult to interpret, appears on many fort-gates of Maharashtra.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Originally the fort was small wooden structure built by a Koli chief in the late 15th century. It was captured by Pir Khan, a general of Nizamshah of Ahmednagar. Later the fort was strengthened by Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian Siddi regent of Ahmednagar kings. From then onward Siddis became independent, owing allegiance to Adilshah and the Mughals as dictated by the times. Despite their repeated attempts, the Portuguese, the British and the Marathas failed to subdue the Siddi power. Shivaji’s all attempts to capture Janjira fort failed due to one reason or the other. When Sambhaji also failed, he built another island fort, known as Kansa or Padmadurg, just 9kms north of Janjira. The Janjira state came to an end after 1947. The palace of the Nawabs of Janjira at Murud is still in good shape.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Raigarh Fort</span><br />
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</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Raigarh was Shivaji’s capital, the hill fort where he was crowned (1674 AD) and where he died (1680 AD). Strategically situated on an irregular wedge-shaped mass of rock, detached from the main body of Sahyadri Mountains by a deep valley and inaccessible from three sides, Raigarh is 210kms south of Mumbai and 27kms north of Mahad. The fort’s 5.12sq.kms hill-top plateau has three main points Hirakani in the west, Takamak in the north and Bhavani in the east. There is only one pathway to Raigarh, probably in keeping with Shiviaji’s strategy “the fort’s approach should be easy for friends and impossible for foes”. A motorable road leads to Chit Darwaja, about 2kms from Pachad, the village at the base, where lies the Samadhi of Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother. A long climb from Pachad takes one to the Mahadarwaza, flanked by two massive bastions and a high curtain wall.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The top plateau is covered with a large number of remains of buildings and reservoirs. Behind the Ganga Sagar reservoir are two high towers, in Muslim style. Behind the towers is the Balekilla or citadel, entered by the Palakhi-darwaza. On way to the right are remains of chambers of women of Royal families and on the left those of the Darbar of Shivaji. On a low mound in the centre is the site of Shivaji’s throne. Further north is the two-row market place, the Jagadishwar temple in an enclosure and the Samadhi of shivaji, and also that of his favourite dog, Waghya.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The history of Raigarh, earlier known as Rairi, is obscure. In the 12th century Rairi was a seat of the Shirke-Palegar family. After changing several hands, it was captured by Shivaji from Chandrarao More in 1656 AD. Shivaji chose Rairi for his capital and renamed it as Raigarh. The gigantic construction work was entrusted to Abaji Sondeve and Hiroji Indulkar. In its heyday Raigarh had more than 300 houses, and structures. After Shivaji, the fort remained in the hands of Sambhaji till 1689 AD, when it was captured by the Mughals. Reverted to the Marathas in 1735 AD, Raigarh was surrendered to the British in 1818 AD.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sindhudurg Fort</span><br />
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</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sindhudurg fort stands on a rocky island, known as Kurte, barely a km, from the Malavan is 510kms south of Mumbai and 130kms north of Goa. Sindhudurg was built in 1664-67 AD by shivaji when all his attempts to take the island fort of Janjira proved futile. The construction was done under the supervision of Hiroji Indulkar, an able architect. Shivaji had invited 100 Portuguese experts from Goa for the construction of the fort. It is also recorded that 3000 workers were employed round the clock for three years to build Sindhudurg. It was the body from the Sack of Surat that went into the building of Sindhudurg.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">One of the best preserved forts of the Marathas, the 48 acre Sindhudurg fort has a four kms long zigzag line of 9 metres high and 3 metres wide rampart with 42 bastions. Apart from the huge stones, the building material involved 2000 khandis (72,576kgs)of iron erecting the massive curtain wall and bastions. A notable feature is that the foundation stones were laid down firmly in molten lead.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The fort is approachable from the Malavan pier by a boat through a narrow navigable channel between two smaller islands of Dhontara and Padmagad. The main gate, flanked by massive bastions, faces the city. On the parapet, close to the entrance, under two small domes Shivaji’s palm and footprint in dry lime are preserved. Also, in thefort there is the Shivaji temple - the only one of its kind in the country – where the image of Shivaji is without a beard! Inside the fort there are some temples, tanks and three wells. It also houses some twenty Hindu-Muslim hereditary families. On a rocky island between Sindhudurg and the coast stood the small for of Padmagad, now in ruins. It acted as a screen for Sindhudurg and was also used for ship-building.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">After Shivaji, Sindhudurg passed through the hands of Rajaram-Tarabai, Angres, Peshwa and the Bhosales of Kolhapur. It was briefly captured by the British in 1765 Ad And was renamed by them as ‘Fort Augustus’. Later in 1818 AD, the British dismantled the fort’s defence structures.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panhala Fort</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panhala or Panhalgarh, about 19kms north-west of Kolhapur, is possibly the largest and most important fort of the Deccan. Roughly triangular in shape, the hill fort stands at a height of about 850 metres and has a circumference of approximately 7.25kms. Half of its length is protected by a natural scarp reinforced by a parapet wall and the remaining half is surrounded by a strong stone wall strengthened with bastions. The fort had three magnificent double walled gates, out of which two have survived. The Teen Darwaza to the west is an imposing and powerful structure. There are a number of ruined monuments in the fort. The most impressive among them are the three huge granaries. The largest among them, the Ganga Kothi, cover nearly 950 sq m space and 10.7 metres high. In the north-east corner there is a double story building, called Sajja Kothi, where Shivaji had imprisoned his errant son, Sambhaji.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panhala was the capital of the Shilahara king Bhoja II during 1178-1209 Ad. It was successively held by the Yadava and Bahamani Kings. In 1489 AD, the fort and the territory was taken over by the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. Shivaji seized the fort in 1659 AD. It was from here that Shivaji, when encircled by the forces of Siddi Johar, escaped one rainy night to Vishalgarh. Later, the fort remained with the Marathas, except for a short period in between, when it went to the Mughals. The fort remained with the Kolhapur State till India achieved independence.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The famous Marathi poet Moropanta (1729-94Ad) was bron and brought up at Panhala. There is also the Samadhi of Ramachandra Amatya, the author of Ajnapatra, an important work on statecraft, including for construction. Today, Panhala is a sort of hill station and provides all the necessary facilities for tourists.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vijayadurg Fort</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vijaydurg, situated 48kms south of Ratnagiri, is one of the strongest marine forts on the west coast of India. It is also an excellent harbour. Built on a hill on the mouth of Vaghotan River, the fort was protected on three sides by the sea and on the east side by ditch, now filled up. After crossing the front gate on the east, the path, skirting round the massive middle wall, enters the hidden inner gateway. The strong triple line of fortifications had 27 bastions, some of them two-storeyed. Within the citadel there were many buildings and storehouses, now all in ruins except a structure called Rest House. For the supply of water there were several wells and large tanks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">In recent years a submerged wall 100metres east of the fort has been discovered. The under-sea wall is 3 metres high, 7 metres wide and 122 metres long. How and why this sea-wall was built is not clear. On the bank of the Vaghotan River, about 3kms from the fort, there was a wet dock where the Marathas used to build and repair their ships.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vijayadurg is an ancient site. Initially known as Gheria, it was enlarged by the Bijapur rulers and then strengthened and enlarged in the mid-17th century by Shivaji, to whom it owes its triple line of fortifications, towers and also its new name, Vijayadurg – Victory Fort. During the time of Kanhoji Angre (1667-1729 AD), the naval chief of the Marathas, the fort was so strong and firmly held that it successfully withstood assaults of the European maritime powers. Later in 1756 AD it fell to the combined operations of the English and the Peshwas. However, it remained in the hands of the Peshwas till 1818 AD when finally it was surrendered to the English.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Hill Stations</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Away from the pollution of cities, these towns offer a clean, calm and thoroughly refreshing environment, these are probably, the only places in India, where you can observe the fall of the land right up to the sparkling sea.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The hills, sometimes approaching the seashore and sometimes withdrawing miles away, seem to be playing an endless game with the sea. Situated in these mountains, some at an altitude of 2000 meters, are the hill stations of Maharashtra. Spreading along north to south, throughout its length are the rising Sahyadris also known as Western Ghats. Naturally hill stations falling in this region have become favorite holiday destinations. Many tourists agencies are involved in serving best possible holiday destinations. Also these hill stations are closer to big cities like Mumbai and Pune and are reachable within couple of hours. People are simply crazy to spend their holidays at these places.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Amboli</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Amboli is one of the hill resorts in Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 690 mtrs, the place offers great respite from drudgery and routine boredom. It is perched on one of the peaks of the Sahyadris in the southern end of Maharashtra state. The place is within 10 kms from Sawantwadi railway station and 64 kms from Belgaum Airport. State transport buses going to Sawantwadi from Belgaum and Kolhapur halt at Amboli. Known for its greenery, the place boasts of serene and clean weather throughout the year. It receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon and so it is an enchating spot for young people. This is the birth place of the river Hiranyakeshi. It is hidden in the thick jungle of the Sahyadris. During summer cool breezes comming from the top of the mountain not only cool your body but also envigourate your spirit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Holiday homes are available. One can visit this place for one day picnic, if living nearby. You canwatch from here the green Konkan and the golden beaches if you have binoculars. Watching sunset from here is a treat for one's eyes. Bauxite mines and excavation nnearby is another spot one can visit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Points</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">One can visit the numerous view points for a pleasant view of the lush green hills. Sea view Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the Konkan coast.spend hours by yourself angling for fish at Hiranya Keshi or picnic at the Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gadh and Narayan Gadh.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Bauxite Mines, around 8 kms. away, is a pleasant outing. Amboli has a cool and revitalizing climate - a perfect relief in summer.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">If you are looking to spend a few days in seclusion with your family, Amboli is an ideal choice.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transport Facility</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">For transport taxis and auto-rickshaws are available you also have the option for horseback and bicycles could add to the feeling of getting away from it all.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting There</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Belgaum 64 kms. away, is the nearest airport and the convenient railhead is Sawantwadi, Ratnagiri and Belgaum.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Chilkhaldara</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">This is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a bout and threw him into a valley. It came to be known as Keechakadara. Chikhaldara is a corruption. There is lot to enjoy in Chikhaldara.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Located at an height of 1117 m. Chikhaldara has an annual rainfall of 155 cms. The temperatures vary from 39°C in summer to 5°C in winter.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">It is the only hill resort in the Vidarbha region, It is the only coffee growing area in Maharashtra. It has plenty of wildlife- panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, even the rare species like wild dogs.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Near by is the world famous Melghat Tiger Project. The charming beauty of Chikhaldara can be enjoyed from Hurricane Point, Prospect Point and Devi Point.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Other interesting junkets include Gawilgadh and Narnala fort, the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal Museum and the Semadoh Lake.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">When to Visit:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The best time to visit is October to June.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Jawahar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The picturesque beauty of the Dadar Kopra Falls, the captivating Hanuman and Sunset Points are the just some of the many reasons why Jawahar is known as the 'Mahabaleshwar of Thane District'.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Close by is Shirpamal, where Shivaji Maharaj camped on his way to Surat.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The temperature in Jawhar stays between 26°C to 30° C at an altitude of 520 m..</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Jawhar is famous for the lively Warli paintings. It is one of the few tribal kingdoms in Maharashtra. It's famous for plentiful of flora and fauna and a wonderful climate. Jai Vilas, the palace of the tribal lords, and the relics of Bhupatgad are worth visiting.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting There:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nashik is the nearest airport. Three convenient railheads are Nashik, Igatpuri and Dahanu. From Mumbai it is 180 kms. away by road; from Nasik 80 kms., from Kasa 39 kms., and from Trimbakeshwar 56 kms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Lonawala, Khandala and Karla</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Lonawala and Khandala are two delightful little hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5.5 kms. apart, situated between Mumbai and Pune, at an altitude of 620 m.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">They are quite popular as health resort, there are a number of sanatoria spreading across the hills in the towns.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Khandala is smaller and calmer of the two. But, taking a stroll through Lonawala's market could yield some wonderful surprises. Both towns offer picturesque views of the surrounding hills. In the monsoon, with a myriad waterfalls, it is really worth visiting.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Karla is a quiet place situated at about 13 kms. from Lonawala, It is the site of the largest Chaitya caves in India, built in 89 B.C. It is amongst the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India. They represent the peak, in terms of design purity, of this style of temple architecture.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mahabaleshwar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra, with abundant of natural beauty. it meanders leisurely for 5 kms. at an altitude of 1372m. It was the summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">While away the hours boating at the placid Venna Lake. Explore the walks or the thirty points that offer panoramic views of the valley. Bathe in the clear waters of the numerous waterfalls.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Also, one can visit, Pratapgadh Fort, 25 kms away, where Shivaji dramatically beat Afzal Khan. And the elegant nine hole golf course built on the edge of a cliff worth visiting. Linger through the tiny lanes of the market shopping for everything from shoes to delicious strawberries, blackberries, jams and jellies.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transport Facility:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Taxis and rickshaws are easily available though a bicycle, which you can hire by the hour or for the day, is the best way to get around.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Temperature vary from 13oC in winter to 29 oC in summer with a yearly rainfall of 663 cms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">When to Visit:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The best time to visit is October to June.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting there:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune is the nearest airport, 120 kms. away.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune is also the most convenient railhead, though Wathar at 62 kms. is the nearest.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mumbai is 290 kms. away by road via Pune and 247 kms. via Mahad.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Matheran</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls dreamily at an altitude of 810 m. The journey involves an enthralling 2 hrs ascent in a toy train.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">With monkeys jumping on and off, the valley glides by serenely or a tough 10 km. hike through thick forests.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Cliffs of Matheran with steep drops to the plains below offer eye-catching viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day and night, leave you feeling appalled. The Hart Point offers a view of the glittering lights of Mumbai at night.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Interesting Points:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Around all the Matheran is a series of such exquisite points that are popular sides of picnic and partying at night. Louisa Point, Sunset point, Charlotte Lake, the Panther's Caves, Rambag Point, Garbut Point, onetree hill, Alexander point, cilia point, Panorama Point, lords point and Paymaster Park are other attractions, especially for children. The charm of the British and Parsi homes is an alluring draw.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The main marketplace offers a diversity of items such as cane and leather articles, hats, chappals and the sweet delicacy - CHIKKI!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vehicles are not permitted in the town, which makes it a very quiet, serene place free of pollution.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Temperatures vary from 14°C in winter to 30°C in summer, with an annual rainfall of 525 cms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">When to Visit:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">October to May is the best time to visit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting There:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mumbai, 100 kms. away is the nearest airport. Neral 21 kms. away, is where you transfer to the toy train. Mumbai is 108 kms. away by road, via Karjat and Neral. Pune is 120 kms. away.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Popular Hotels in Matheran:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Following is list of popular hotels in Matheran shared by our readers:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Anand Ritz - good place to stay and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Khan's Hookahs and Tikkas - famous for food</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Rugby hotel</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Usha Ascot</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">rangoli resort</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Richie Rich</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Gujarat Bhavan</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kumar Plaza</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Lords</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Brightland Resorts</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Byke</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Hotel Cecil</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panchgani</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panchgani is named after the five hills around it. At an altitude of 1330 m it is just 40 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 35m lead to a breathtaking 18 km approach, that swoops around bends, offering outstanding views of the River Krishna on one side and the coastal plains on the other.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Temperatures vary from 15°C in winter to 35°C in summer, with an annual rainfall of 215 cm.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panchagani is the perfect residential hill-station, with the Raj marked ineradicably all over it. It can be seen in the architecture of the old British buildings. The Parsi houses and the boarding schools of the area have been around for a century or more.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">For glimpses of a vanished era, one must visit to some of the old British and Parsi houses. Saunter along the walkways, thickly covered by lush trees and vegetation.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Things to Enjoy:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Krishna, running through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines, hundreds of meters below. Must visit is the Table Land, a flat mountain peak and relish your eyes on the coastal plains, looking like miniature water colors.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pick a horse from one of the numerous stables and canter along unexplored routes through hidden lovers' lanes, to the caves and Kamalgadh Fort.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panchagani is the one of those rare places that doesn't crowd anyone, yet in its own dawdling way deeply touches every visitor.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transport Facility:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Taxis are easily available, bicycles (and horseback) are recommended for traveling long distances.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">When to Visit:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">September to May is the best time to visit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting there:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune 98 km away, is the nearest airport and the most convenient railhead. Panchgani via Mahad is 266 km. There is another route to this beautiful place via Pune.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Malshej </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Malshej Ghat holds special value for hikers, trekkers and adventure lovers. The nature here is at its best. No wonder then that the most exotic migratory flamingoes choose it as their monsoon abode. Close at hand is Shivneri Fort (approx 40 kms.)., birthplace of the legendary Shivaji. The unusual hill has Buddhist Caves dating to the 3 rd century and is surmounted by an important historic fort.Nearest airport is Mumbai, 154 kms. Nearest railhead is Kalyan. Mumbai-Malshej Ghat, 154 kms. via Murbad. Pune-Malshej Ghat via Alephata, 164 kms. Alephata-Malshej Ghat, 39 kms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Maharashtra Pilgrimage</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The most fascinating region of India - Maharashtra. It is the state with rich cultural heritage and is a land of intense spirituality and religious faith, which is reflected in the profusion of temples presented here. A pilgrimage is a term primarily used in religion and spirituality of a long journey. Sometimes, it is a journey to a sacred place or shrine of importance to a person's beliefs and faith. Pilgrims are those people of every religion who participate in journey to pilgrimages.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Karavir Kshetra (Kolhapur)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mythologically it is said that Kolhapur was founded by Daitya called Kolhasur (fox demon), who then was troubling people, so Deity Mahalakshmi came to rescue and killed him. The city was named after him, honouring the dying demon's last wish. Hence the name Kolhapur. It is said that no one counts pillars of the Mahalakshmi temple, anyone who tries, calls himself death.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kolhapur was a princely states of British India, during the British Raj under the Deccan division of the Bombay Presidency, and later the Deccan States Agency. Kolhapur was considered the fourth most important Mahratta principalities, the other three are Baroda, Gwalior and Indore. The state flag was a swallow-tailed orange pennant.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Many of the old palaces hae been converted into corporation offies and schools.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kolhapur is also known as 'Dakshin Kashi' [Kashi in South] and the city is situated at the banks of River Panhaganga.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Places to visit</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bhavani Mandap, Temple of Ambabai (Shri Mahalaxmi), Rankala lake, Shalini Palace, Juna Rajwada (Old palace), Papachi Tikti (Chappal lane), gujri (jwellers' lane), Keshwrao Bhosale theatre, Deval Club for music lovers, Khasbag.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bhimashankar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bhimashankar is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. Bhimashankar is a beautiful black rock structure built in the Nagara style of architecturei. Important thing is this temple dates back to the mid 18th century. A small path behind this temple goes to a natural Shivlinga in the riverbed, only visible when the water level is low.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bhimashankar is 128 kms. away from Pune. The route to Bhimashankar is via Manchar. One can go to this place, full of natural beauty and lovely scenery, and be back to Pune in one day. Bhimashankar is a good paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, jungle lovers and bird watchers. It is recommended to visit the place for at least 2/3 days. The best seasons to go to Bhimashankar are monsoon and winter. There is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Lord Shankara after getting angry, killed Rakshas Tripurasura. The heat generated from their war caused the origin of river Bhima. That is why it is called 'Bhimashankar'.</span><br />
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" 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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Interesting Points</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Besides the temple, the two picturesque lakes, Kamalja Devi and Hanuman and the highest point, Nagphani is the special interest of tourists. It is exactly shaped as the hood of the snake. Tungi Padar and Peth forts just below and the Matheran Range is visible in the distance.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">When to go</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">While thousands gather in this temple during Mahashivratri and Tripuri Purnima.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kunkeshwar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kunakeshwar is a small sea-side pilgrimage centre in Devgad taluka of Sindhudurga district in Maharashtra. It is about 6-7 kms from the taluka headquarter. It is famous not only for its scenic beauty, but also for the ancient temple said to have been built by some unknown sea-farer. The temple is of Shiva or Ishwara. It is facing East and the background of the Arabian Sea increases its serene and solemn atmosphere. The village by the same name is typical Maharashtrian konkani village having coconut and betelnut palms in plenty, and so calm and quiet one.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to go</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The nearest Railway Station:-Kankavli, on Konkan Railway route. There are regular state transport buses from Devgad. If one wants to avail of air service facility, one has to land at Panaji (Goa) airport and take train to Kankavli.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">When to visit</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The best season is winter i.e.from October to March,when the climate is cool. In summer the climate is hot and due to humidity, may cause uneasiness.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Where to stay</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">There are some good lodgings available at Kankavli. Private accommodation is also available at Kunakeshwar itself.It is more convenient as well as cheaper than regular lodgings.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Thing to enjoy</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Away from the polluted city air,inhalation of serene and cool air will be a matter of enjoyment. The scenic beauty of green mangroves,the gentle ,calm and cool breezes to soothe the tired city lungs,clean golden beach and fine sunshine.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Those who love fish, may find this place a perfect sea-side resort.In summer plenty of world famous alphonso maangoes and Solkadhi to satisfy your desire and thirst for perfect drink. Kokam is another Ayurvedic drink for those who love Indian food and drink instead of Cola or Pepsy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">So visit Kunkeshwar once and you will find yourself fascinated by it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Jyotiba</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Jyotiba is a pilgrimage centre 8 kms from Panhala. The hill is named after the deity Jyotiba. Thousands of pilgrims visit this temple every week. The ancient temple is situated on the top of the hill. There are plenty of state transport buses from Kolhapur.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">A nearby place, Girawali is a peacock bay ! One gets a beautiful view of the farm pond from the top and picturesque journey to this place colors the mind. Refresh yourself in these green valleys !</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ghrishneshwar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the holiest and ancient shrines of India. This temple is the holy abode of one of the 12 jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The temple is located at a distance of 11km from Daulatabad near Aurangabad in Maharashtra and less than half a kilometre from Ellora. Aurangabad is well connected with all the places in the state as well as country. There is an airport and also a railway station. It has regular bus services connecting it with all major places. Tourists can also take taxis from Auragabad.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Ghrishneshwar temple was constructed by Ahilyabhai Holkar, who also re-constructed the Kasi Viswanatha temple at Banaras and the Vishnu Paada temple at Gaya. Grishneshwar is also known as Ghushmeswara, Kusumeswar, Grushmeswara. It is said that a woman named Kusuma worshipped the Shiva Linga everyday by immersing it in a water tank. Envious of her piousness, her husband’s first wife murdered her son. Mourning with pain Kusuma continued worshipping the Shiva Linga. When she dipped the Linga in water Lord Shiva appeared in front of her and gave life to her son. Since then Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Jyotirlinga Ghusmeshwar.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The temple is made up of red sand stones built in 18th century and is a fine example of medieval architecture. The idols of God Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha and Shiva are placed inside the temple. Devotees of Hindu rush to the place during Maha Shivratri to get blessings since it enshrines a jyotirlinga. The best time to visit Grishneshwar is during the Maha Shivratri.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pandharpur</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pandharpur hosts the "Kuladivat" of Maharashtra State- Shree Vitthal and Rukmini. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. It is located 65 km west of Solapur, on the banks of the river Bhima, which is also known as Chandrabhaga. Well connected by roads to practically every city in Maharashtra, railway track also exists. Pandharpur falls on Miraj-Kurduwadi-Latur track. From Solapur numerous local level transport buses commute to Pandharpur.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">This temple, covering a vast area, has a total of six gates. The eastern entrance to this temple is known as the Namdev gate. The sanctum enshrines a standing image of Vithoba. In the temple of Vithoba, 'Pad-Sparsha-Darshan', is a special ceremony. Irrespective of caste any devotee can enter the sanctum sanctorum and can place his/ her head at the feet of Vitthal. The worship of Vishnu-Vitthala at Pandharpur is derived mainly from the puranas and has been augmented by the contribution of the great Vaishnava saints of Maharashtra and Karnataka from the 13th through the 17th centuries like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Sant Eknath, Tukaram, Purandara Dasa, Vijaya Dasa, Gopala Dasa, Jagannatha Dasa, Chokhamela, Janabai and many others.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Four major festivals - Ashadhi, Kartitki, Magh and Chaitra Ekadashis are yearly celebrated. Out of these, Ashadhi and Kartitki Ekadashis attract a crowd of about 8 to 10 lakhs. That is why, Pandharpur is known as the greatest centre of attraction for the masses. The palanquins (Palkhis) of various saints from different locations come together at Wakhri, 5 kilometers away from Pandharpur. And then, the pilgrims take holy bath in river Bhima and usually stand in queues 3km long in order to take "Darshana" of Lord Vitthala.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Tuljapur</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Known for the holy temple of Tulja Bhawani (Goddess Durga). It is said that before venturing on a military expedition, King Shivaji always sought her blessings. Legend has it that the Goddess gifted him a sword - the Bhawani Talwar-for success in his expendition. According to the legend prevailing a demon by name Matanga, created havoc upon the devas and the humans who approached Bhrahma for help were advised to request Mother Goddess Shakti, who then took up the form of the destroyer, and powered by the other (Sapta) Maataas Varaahi, Bhrahmi, Vaishnavi, Kaumaari, Indraani and Saambhavi vanquished him to enable to peace to reign again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Tuljapur is one of the four Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra where mother Goddess, Shakti is worshipped. The temple is located on a hill known as Yamunachala, on the slopes of the Sahayadri range in Maharashtra near Sholapur. Nearest railhead is Solapur on South Central Railway. Nearest airport isAurangabad 257-km.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Road: Tourists can take bus from Osmanabad 19-km away from Tuljapur or Solapur, which is 40-km away from Tuljapur.Mumbai-Tuljapur, 452 kms via Solapur. Aurangabad-Tuljapur, 257 kms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The important festivals celebrated are Gudi Padva in the month of Chaitra, Shriral Sashti, Lalita Panchami, Makara Sankranti and Rathasaptami. The deity is taken out in procession on Tuesdays. Navaratri is also celebrated with great fanfare.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Historic records speak of the existence of this temple from as early as the 12th century. The temple is on the eastern side of the lower fort. As one enters from the gateway one has to descend nearly some fifteen feet to reach the first stage of the temple Prakara. This stage consists mainly of the large tank known as the Kallola tirth.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The image of Bhavani is three foot high made of granite. The idol worshipped has eight arms holding weapons, bearing the head of the slain. This image is supposed to be swayambhu'-selfborn, created without the medium of human agency. The lowermost right hand holds a trident, the next one a dagger, the one above this an arrow and the uppermost right hand wields the chakra. In the uppermost left hand is a shankh, next is a bow, the third one carries a bowl and the lower most left band holds the knot of bair on the head of the asur. The right leg is planted firmly on the body of Mahishasur, the left one is on the ground, between the two is the head of the asur gripped by the lower left arm.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nashik</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nashik is a city in the state of Maharashtra in Western India. It is a city of pilgrimage for many Hindus. The banks or Ghats on the Godavari at Nashik are considered to be sacred. It is believed that all the Sins are washed out by taking Holy dip in the Kundas (Ponds) constructed in the river. Also by performing the last rites, Moksha is attained by the deseased soul. The river in the Ramkunda (Pond) flow from North to South, hence the river becomes Dakshin Wahini i.e. flowing towards South. This gives the Ramkunda a unique place or religious importance. Almost daily 3 to 5 thousand pilgrims come and take Holy dip on the ghats.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nashik is 180 kms from Mumbai as well as 200 Km from Pune. There are frequent buses to Nashik from Dadar in Mumbai and Pune station Bus terminus. It takes 4 to 5 hours by road. A train called 'Panchavati' express also plies daily between Mumbai and Nashik. A rented car is the best option to move around the city. There is also a Nashik Darshan bus every day which shows you around the important tourist attractions in Nashik otherwise regional public transport service is also a good option. It lodges a great diversity of tourist attractions, religious domains and the nature at its bountiful and beautiful best. This land of exquisite grandeur witnessed 14 years of exile suffered by Lord Rama. The Lord spent his years of exile in the forests of this land.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Places to visit</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panchavati, Muktidham, Sundarnarayan Temple, Gondeshwar Temple, Kalaram Temple: in Panchavati</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sita Gufaa: Caves where Ram and Sita worshipped Lord Shiva during their exile. The shivlinga is still present at the same spot.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ganga Ghat: Ramkunda, Panchavati, Veda Mandir: Trimbak road, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Triambakeshwar: one of the 12 Jyotirlinga's of Lord Shiva, 30 kms from Nasik via Trimbak road.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pandava leni: Pandav Caves, Nasik Mumbai highway.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Phalke Smarak: Water Park, located at the foot of Pandava Caves.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Jain Mandir: located at Vilholi on Nasik - Mumbai highway.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bhaktidham: located in Peth Naka.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sula Wines: Winery offers and wine tasting.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Chambharlena: Dindori road.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Someshwar: Gangapur road.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">There are good restaurants all over the city. Coffee Shops/Cafes on College Road. A delightful town, usually bustling with fervent crowds, Nashik is a classic melange of the past and the present. It plays abode to most of the industries located in Maharashtra, including the Security Printing Press of the government, the nation's currency printer. The core of commerce and trade, it was earlier the country's largest market arena. Widely held as the land that produces the maximum varieties of fruits and vegetables, it is rightly labelled as the green belt area</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shirdi</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shirdi is on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, 250 km from Mumbai, 205 km from Puneand 75 km from Nashik. You can fly into Nashik and then take a bus, taxi or train to Shirdi. Shirdi is accessible on the Central Railway line; get off at Manmad (65 km from Shirdi) or at Kopergaon (18 km). MTDC runs buses from all major destinations.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shirdi is not only the famous place in Maharashtra but is well known place all over India and pilgrims come to Shirdi to worship the saint Sai Baba. The temple is a huge one and is recently renovated in 1998-99.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shirdi was the abode of the saint Sai Baba, who lived here for 80 years - and died here over eighty years ago. It is said that Sai Baba himself calls his devotees to Shirdi and that his blessings can heal even the deepest wound. The town is tiny - just 2 square km of main street and a labyrinth of by-lanes - but packs in much passion.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Saibaba is believed to have arrived at the village of Shirdi when he was about sixteen years old. He took up residence in a Khandoba temple, where a villager (Mahalsapathi) at worship first called him Sai ("saint"). Bearing an extremely simple and ascetic life, Sai Baba lived in the village as a mendicant monk. His inherent charisma soon began attracting followers. He has been attributed numerous miracles which still live expanding the list of his devotees. Today Saibaba temples are all across India and even beyond. Devotees have established Sai temples in countries like Canada and Cuba.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Samadhi Mandir: The Mandir is built with stones and Baba's Samadhi is built with white marble stones. In front of the Samadhi are two silver pillars full of decorative designs. Just behind the Samadhi is Sai Baba's marvelous statue made of Italian marble which shows him seated on a throne. This idol was made by late Balaji Vasant. A railing is built in marble around the Samadhi and is full of ornamental decorations.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The routine of the temple starts at 5 o'clock in the morning with Bhoopali, a morning song, and closes at 10 o'clock in the night after Shejarati is sung. Only on three occasions the temple is kept open overnight. i.e. On Ramnavami, Gurupoornima and Dassera(Navaratri/Vijaya Dashami). Every Thursday and on each festival, a palkhi with Baba's photo is taken out from the temple.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pilgrims throng for a brief "darshan" at Samadhi Mandir, the shrine of Sai Baba where his mortal remains were interred. The queues outside the mandir are endless, the throng inside is maddening, and the devotion intense. Pilgrims flock to Shirdi at any time of the year. Shirdi has a dry climate that swings to extremes, from a high of 40° C in May, to a low of 7° C in January. But the monsoon months - June to August - are pleasant, with scanty rains. Though the shrine is open through out the week, Thursday is Sai Baba's special day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Masjid: where Sai Baba spent most of his life. The sacred fire called "dhuni" still burns here and its ash or "udhi" is smeared on devotees.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Chavadi: The Chavadi is a small building where Sai Baba used to spend every alternate night.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Guru Sthan: The Guru Sthan is the shrine where the Baba's spiritual leader took samadhi (gave up his body). The neem tree at the Guru Sthan where Sai Baba first sat when he came to Shirdi, is said to have absorbed miracle powers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Lendi Gardens: where Sai Baba went for a walk and sat in meditation is a spot where devotees come to pray.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Khandoba Temple: is the oldest temple in Shirdi near the STA bus stop</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Siddhivinayak Prabhadevi</span><br />
<img height="400" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQFiRWEHi6PmxmE3BsOPkXZ-cTir0QeaHD5lWjlYQR5D8DJqnNsDZCAsLhhIg" width="298" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Siddhivinayak temple is located in the Prabhadevi area of Mumbai and is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. This 200 year old temple is one of the most popular Ganesha temples in the city. Every Tuesday devotees throng this temple in the firm belief that their wishes will be fulfilled. The temple was recently renovated in 1994, to accommodate the huge crowds that throng the temple everyday and especially during Ganesh Chaturthi festival. There are television sets installed outside for those who do not have time to wait in the long serpentine queues that lead to the temple inside.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">It is one of the most popular Hindu temples of Mumbai city. The idol of Lord Ganesh is two and a half feet in height and two feet in width. An interesting feature of the Ganesh statue at the Siddhivinayak temple is that the trunk turns to the right, usually not often found on Ganesh idols.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">On auspicious Tuesdays, the serpentine queue of worshippers is over 2kms long. People stand for several hours with offerings of flowers and coconut, waiting patiently for a two minute "Darshan" or meeting with the Lord. The path to the divine is never easy, but it is said that those who tread it with true devotion will always have their wishes fulfilled.</span><br />
<img height="270" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjznrxTkXn6E7gKWJjd8zrmwzIPeVqrNTvlUFpkeSAin4EV8erw1bbc6y7" width="400" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Alandi</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Alandi is 20 km from Pune off the Pune-Nasik Road, Popularly known as Devachi Alandi (God's place). Situated on the banks of river Indrayani, is known for the samadhi of the saint poet Dnyaneshwar, who authored Dnyaneshwari, the Marathi commentary on the Gita. Regular buses from various points in the Pune city. Samadhi temple is worth to see and creates a pleasant atmosphere. This temple was built in 1570. You can also see the famous wall in Alandi on which Dnyaneshwar sat and flew the wall to meet Changdev.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Saint Dnyaneshwar spent his short life here. He inspired the entire Maharashtra to worship Lord Panduranga. The Palakhi in the month of Ashadh is very popular and many people walk almost 150 kms. from Alandi to Pandharpur. Two fairs are held annually here: one on Ashadhi Ekadashi and the other on Kartik Ekadashi. The other famous places in Alandi are Muktai temple, Ram temple, Krishna Temple, Math of Swami Hariharendra, Vitthal-Rakhumai temple and the famous wall.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Also situated on the banks of the river Indrayani, 31 kms away, is Dehu, the birthplace of Tukaram, the great 17th century poet-saint of Maharashtra. He lived here and taught people how to pray the god. He and Sant Dnyaneshwar were the popular saints and both worshiped Lord Vitthal. The 'Palakhi' in the month of 'Ashadh' from Dehu is one of the main attractions of Dehu. Many people are taking part in it from so many years till now.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transport is easy with a number of State Transport buses from Pune. One can also find 'Dharmashalas' for a comfortable stay, but prior booking is necessary</span><br />
<img height="264" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSVqTBXlyacsvonYgVuOiJTtMVWAOVjCCqkN9C0gI6BgAI0ig8bQ9CJQx9H" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Trimbakeshwar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple is located in the town of Trimbak at a distance of about 30-km from Nashik in Maharashtra near the mountain named Brahmagiri from which the river Godavari flows. Trimbakeshwar Temple is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva and as the source of the river Godavari. Just as Ganga is known as Bhagirathi and is one of the most important river in North India, in the same way, Godavari is also known as Gautami Ganga and is the most sacred river in South India.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is that it has three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra (Shiva). All other Jyotirlingas have Shiva as the main deity. The entire black stone temple is known for its appealing architecture and sculpture. The construction of the temple was done in the Nagara style of architecture. It is surrounded by a massive stone wall and adorned with many sculptures. The structure today is a result of reconstruction done during the 18th century by the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">According to Shiva Purana, it is because of the earnest request of Godavari, Gautam Rishi and other Gods that Lord Shiva agreed to reside here and assumed the famous name Trimbakeshwar. Interestingly, locals refer to the river here as Ganga and not as Godavari. All the heavenly Gods promised to come down to Nasik, once in twelve years, when Jupiter resides in the zodiac sign of Leo. On this a grand fair is organized at this place(kumbha Mela). Devotees take a holy bath in the Gautami Ganga and then seek the blessings of Trimbakeshwar.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">This Jyotirlinga named Trimbak, is the one which fulfills everyones desires. It emancipates all from their sins and miseries.The place is known for its scenic beauty in rainy season and is surrounded by lush green hills untouched by pollution. Anjaneri mountain, the birth place of Lord Hunuman is just 7 Km. form Triyambakeshwar.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">According to historical records, Nashik is one of four places(Prayag, Nashik, Ujjain and Haridwar) where the elixir of immortality, the 'amrit'(nectar), fell to earth from a pitcher as gods and demons were engaged in the tussle to gain the ownership of the jar full of 'amrit'. The Kumbh Mela rotates among the four holy sites every three years.</span><br />
<img height="299" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ_-E9BR-PIxlQa0Dn42QfDvv0_iJiWLDQvfOgwD0f-9yxSq35qn6zVtr5e" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Kumbh Mela is marked by millions of devotees' plunge into the river Godavari that is believed would cleanse their souls leading to salvation. A ritual bath at a predetermined time and place is the major event of the festival. The annual festival of Shivratri is also celebrated with great pomp and show inviting thousands of pilgrims.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ashtavinayak</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pali - Shri Ballaleshwar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">One of the "Ashtavinayak" Shri Ballaleshwar is at Pali in Raigad district. Pali is around 115 kms. from Pune and 38 Kms. from Khopoli. The idol is believed to be "Swayambhu" as was found or not sculpted by human hands. The temple was named after devotee Ballal as Ballaleshwar to whom Ganpati revealed himself at this sacred spot. There are diamonds in the eyes and naval of Shri Ganesh's idol. The temple is made up of wood.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Theur - Shri Chintamani</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Theur is 26 kms away from Pune, also known as Shri. Chintamani. The village is along the river Mulamutha. Ganesh as Chintamani is god who brings peace of mind and drives away all perplexities of the mind. The idol is believed to be "Swayambhu" ( Self Created ) as was found or not sculpted by human hands. It is believed that Brahma the creator once felt tharva that is restive. To still his mind he called upon Lord Ganesh. The place where Brahma achieved the quietude he was looking for is known as the Sthavar region or as Theur.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Lenyadri - Shri Girijatmaka</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Lenyadri is 96 kms away from Pune. Lenyadri is also known as Shri Girijatmaka. Shri Girijatmaka situated on a hill on the banks of Kukdi river at Lenyadri. Girijatmaj Vinayak refers to the Ganesh as the son of Parvati. Girija is another name for Parvati and Atamaj means son. This is the only temple of the Ashtavinayak which is on a mountain and is set in a Buddhist cave-temple. There are 283 stairs to climb to reach the temple. The idol is believed to be "Swayambhu" as was found or not sculpted by human hands. Ganpati's tread ceremony was performed here. All the caves of Lenyadri are being taken care of by the Archeological Department of Govt. of India. The steps are not so easy to climb and hence recommended not to go in the evening.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ranjangaon - The Maha Ganpati</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ranjangaon is one of the eight places associated with Lord Ganesha, popularly known as "Ashtavinayak". Ranjangaon is around 55 kms away from Pune. The original idol was very big but was hidden to prevent its destruction and now a days smaller idol was installed instead. Maha Ganpati is depicted as having eight, ten or twelve arms. It is after invoking this form of Ganpati that Shiva vanquished the demon Tripurasur and so he is also known as Tripurarivade Mahaganpati.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Morgaon - Shri Moreshwar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">One of the Ashtavinayak, Shri Moreshwar is at Morgaon. Morgaon is at the distance of 64 kms from Pune, situated in the Baramati Taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra. The temple was built in 14th century by Moraya Gosavi. According to the legend Ganpati took birth as Mayureshwar riding a peacock to kill Sindhu ( who was son of Chakrapani ) also had powerful by worshipping Surya and was attacking Gods and imprisoned them. This is the place where head of Sindhu fell. It is believed that one Should start the "Ashtavinayak" yatra from Morgaon. This region is also known as the Bhuswananda. Shaped as a peacock, this region has in the past seen an abundance of peacocks and is therefore known as Morgaon (Mor - peacock).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Siddhatek - Shri Siddhi Vinayak</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">One of the "Ashtavinayak" Shri Siddhi Vinayak is at Siddhatek along the river Bhima in the Ahmednagar district and Karjat tehsil in Maharashtra.It is believed that it was here on the Siddhtek Mountain, that Vishnu acquired Siddhi. Lord Brahma once created a world with Ganpati's blessings and while this was going on, Vishnu woke up and two fierce demons Madhu and Kaitaba escaped from his ears. Vishnu fought with them for 5000 years, then Lord Shiva pointed out that Vishnu had started without worshipping Ganpati, so Vishnu invoked Ganpati on Siddhatek hill and , destroyed the demons successfully and consecrated the spot.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mahad - Shri Varad Vinayak</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shri Varad Vinayak is at Mahad, set in the hilly region of Konkan in the Raigarh district and the Khalapur Taluka of Maharastra.Mahad is at the distance of 80 kms from Pune and 20 kms. from Khandala. A nandadeep has been lit in this temple which has been continuously lit since the 1892 Ganesh as Varad Vinayak fulfills all desires and grants all boons. This region was known as Bhadrak or Madhak in ancient times.</span><br />
<img height="300" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScOJGmrEtX1NwfLo4jmq32nHPZujdtjY9iKoxRLzisfosVNeltdC8BTg3zfw" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ozar - Shri Vighneshwar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shri Vighneshwar situated at Ozar near Junnar town. Ozar is around 102 kms from Pune and 10 kms. from Junnar. The Shri Vighneshwar temple was built in 1833. The temple is famous for its Deepmala's and its Golden dome. Lord Ganesh is known as Vigneshwara or the remover of all obstacles, this he achieved by vanquishing the demon Vighnasura. According to legend King Abhinandana performed many sacrifices to become Indra, Indra after hearing this sent Kala ( Time as destroyer) himself in form of Vighnasura to obstruct he sacrifices. At this all the world also halted and suffered. All Vedic rites also halted so the gods prayed to Ganpati. Ganpati defeated Vighnasura Making him one of the Gana's, Vighnasura requested Ganpati to use his name as prefix and stay at Ozar to which Ganpati agreed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Khidrapur(Kopeshwar)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Kopeshwar, Ancient & artistic temple situated on the bank of Krishna is an example of ancient sculpture. It was built in 11-12 century by Shilahar. In the interior you first see Vishnu (Dhopeshwar) and Shivling facing north. There is no Nandi. Nandi has a separate Mandir here. Separate Actor-Pendal, hall, old pillars, sculptures of gods & male-female artists in various poses are attractive. The ceiling is semicircular with matchless engravings. On the outside complete 'Shivaleetamrit' is carved.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">When sati Parvati jumped into Daksha's sacrifice, Lord Shiva was upset. He got peace of mind in this temple. From entrance to Shivaling, we feel peace, coldness and dark. In Shravan, on Monday & Shivratri the mandir is crowded. The palanquin celebration is simply spectacular!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Wildlife in Maharashtra</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Wild life parks in Maharashtra are home for a large number of animals and bird species, like the tiger, Crocodile, Bison, Gawa, Neelgai, Wild Deer, Sambar and rare migratory birds. Maharashtra has taken adequate steps towards setting up many wildlife parks and sanctuaries to protect these regions and promote them as tourist attractions. We have splendid opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in a spectacularly natural setting due to these parks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Maharashtra is rich in natural beauty and is a paradise for nature lovers. There are many wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife parks within the state, having a wide range of vegetation. These wildlife parks are equipped with jeep rides, night safaris, comfortable accommodation and efficient transport. They can turn out to be your favorite holiday destinations. They offer an outstanding opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat. Apart from the existing wildlife sanctuaries, steps are taken by the state government to set up many new sanctuaries and parks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bhimashankar is situated in the main Sahyadri Range, over 2500 feet above sea level, this region is gazetted as a reserved forest. The area of just 100 sq km, is densely forested with majestic towering trees festooned with numerous old trees, and is richer in fuana as compared to the rest of penensular India.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary has barking deers, sambars, leopards, wild boars, Hanuman langurs and Rhesus macaques wandering freely amidst the rich variety of flora is a nature lover's paradise. Perennial creepers - Jyotivanti trees, which glow in the dark during monsoon, add to the charm of the mist laden chilly atmosphere.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Giant Squirrels live only in forests and keep to the summits of higher trees. They move from tree to tree taking leaps as long as 20 feet.These animals build large globular nests of twigs and leaves, among slimmer branches of trees. They are very shy animals and are sooner heard than seen. You can often hear its loud rattling call, that usually reveals its presence. The Malabar Grey Hornbill gliding amoung the trees are usually seen here. Here is helathy population of leopards and we can frequently spot pugmarks of these big animals.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mahim Nature Park</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mahim Nature Park is situated near Dharavi which is Asia's largest slum. Mahim Nature Park comes across as a breath of fresh air. This educational park was the great idea of Shanta Chatterji, a busy corporate lawyer and the chairperson of World Wildlife Fund (WWF).</span><br />
<img height="299" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmPxdIv6AR5loGi-a6CdprkjPlFq2VGijKUzCCyWRe1FqYxEK9" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mahim Creek is the place where we find bird and marine life thrives. The park covered an area of 450 acres, main purpose behind this brainchild of Chatterji is to preserve the natural beauty and estuarine ecosystem of the region. The streams of the park allow the bird and marine life to flourish and wide range of life is sheltered due to the saline marsh land shaded by the Mangroves as it holds soil together.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Melghat Tiger Reserve</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Melghat means 'meeting of the ghats' which is just what the area is, a large tract of unending hills and ravines scarred by jagged cliffs and steep climbs. Melghat area was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1974. Presently, the total area of the Reserve is around 1677 km². The core area of the Reserve, the Gugarnal National Park with an area of 361.28 km², and buffer area of the Reserve, the Melghat Tiger Sanctuary with an area of 788.28 km² (of which 21.39 km² is non-forest), were together re-notified by the state government in 1994 as Melghat Sanctuary.Two historic forts called Narnala and Gawilgarh guard the main east-west ridge. In 1803, in the Second Maratha War, Colonel Arthur Wellesley, who later became the Duke of Wellington, captured the Gawilgarh fort from the Marathas. Melghat was an automatic choice when Project Tiger was launched in 1973.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Best time to Visit: January to June.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Location: The Gaurilagarh Hills in Amaravati, Maharashtra.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Main Attraction: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Beer</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Borivli National Park</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mumbai is the only metropolis in the world with 104 sq kms of virgin forest within its borders, just waiting to be explored. The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, or as commonly known, the Borivili National Park. A miraculously preserved natural oasis in the heart of an urban sprawl, this park is very much within the city limits, yet far removed from its crowds and clamour.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Borivli is one of the few national parks that can be visited all year round. In the hot, dry summer months the jungle is a riot of colour as gulmohor, flame-of-the-forest and the flowering silk cotton enfold the otherwise brown forest in a crimson blush. Borivli in the rains has a charm of its own. The floor of the forest is a carpet of green. Streams, swollen with rain, tumble over boulder-strewn water courses. The rains draw trekkers, bird-watchers and nature lovers of all ages to this verdant paradise.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The ideal season to visit the National Park is from Nov. to Feb., when temperatures are below 30'C. The relative humidity is always above 60% very often exceeding above 80% during the monsoons.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to get there?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Rail: Borivli is a 40 minute train ride from Churchgate Station in South Mumbai.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By road: Borivli is accessible by road. Depending on the traffic, the trip could take around 75 minutes from Churchgate, driving along the Western Express Highway.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Karnala National Park</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Just a short drive outside Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune Highway to Goa, is the densely forested Karnala Bird Sanctuary, a pleasant surprise away from Mumbai's concrete jungle.Between Pen and Panvel lies Karnala bird sanctuary. Karnala is 120 k.m. away from Pune and 13 k.m. away from Panvel.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The whole area is lush green and rich with natural habitation of various birds like Red Vented, Bulbul, Horn Bill, Myna, Owl, Robin McPie and many others. Best time to visit for bird watching is from October to April. However if one wants to enjoy the greenery, it has to be during the monsoons. Karnala forest was declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1962.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The latest wildlife census proved the sanctuary to be a refuge for more than 140 species of resident and over 40 migratory bird species.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to get there</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">From Panvel regular buses and autorickshaws(6 sitters) going towards Pen will drop you at Karnala, but the frequency is very less after 6.00-7.00 PM. The fare is around Rs.10.00.</span><br />
<img height="299" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRatXIFMVZlU7VivVPTy64GCh262pZMQINIVQ1-fRGQzEohhNbAONxBHmA1uw" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">From Vashi (New Mumbai) - 32km. (one Way)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">State Transport buses run from Mumbai Central to Karnala. You can hire an Taxi from Mumbai or Pune and shouldn't be very expensive.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nagzira sanctuary</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nagzira wildlife sanctuary is located in the Bhandara district of Maharashtra. The sanctuary is enclosed in the arms of the nature and adorned with exquisite landscape. The sanctuary consists of a range of hills with small lakes within its boundary. These lakes not only guarantee a source of water to wildlife throughout the year, but also greatly heighten the beauty of the landscape.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">This sanctuary has a number of fish, 34 species of mammals, 166 species of birds, 36 species of reptiles and four species of amphibians. The invertebrate fauna includes, besides a number of insects and ant species. Wild animals found here are the tiger, panther, bison, sambar, nilgai, chital, wild boar, sloth bear and wild dog.there is also ten tigers, panthers and one elephant. its an awesome tourist place</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to get there</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Road: Nagzira Wildlife Santuary is about 170 km away from Nagpur. Sakoli 22 kms,Tirora 22 Kms and Gondia 50 Kms. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Rail : Nearest rail head is Tiroda 19 kms.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Air : Nearest airport is Nagpur 122 kms.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nearby Attractions - Nawegaon National Park at 50km, Itiadoh Dam at 65km,Tibetian camp at Gothangaon at a distance of 60km, Pratapgad 70km, Tadoba 210km,Pench (Maharashtra) 140km, Pench (Madhya Pradesh) 160km and Kanha National Park 120km.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Navegaon national park</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Navegaon National Park is one of the most popular forest resorts in the Vidarbha region. It is located in the Navegaon area of Maharashtra, at a distance of approximately 150 km from Nagpur city.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Navegaon National Park consists of a deer park, an aviary and three beautifully landscaped gardens. Covering an area of 135 square kilometers, Watch Towers are located at suitable points to enable to proper view of wild life. Tigers, panthers, bison, sambar deer, nilgais, chital, wild boars, sloth bears, and wild dogs dominate the park. Jungle safari and boat riding on the lake are the other points of interest. The weather remains pleasant around the year. But the best time to visit the park is either in the months of April and May or during winter.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to get there</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Air: Nearest airport is at Nagpur, 142-km away from the park.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Rail: Deulgaon on Chandrapur-Gondia railway line is the nearest railway station, 2-km away from the park.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Road: The nearest bus stand is Navegaon 10-km away from the park.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Timings: 4 am to 7 pm</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Best Time to Visit: April and May (wildlife) and October to June (birds)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Highlights: Deer Park, Aviary, Three Landscaped Gardens and Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Dajipur Bison Sanctuary</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Dajipur Bison Sanctuary is situated on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, it is located at a height of 1200 mt. Dajipur is an isolated jungle and is home to many spectacular wild animals and birds. The main attraction here is the Indian bison, locally known as the Gava. Apart from that several species of deer and monkeys, wild boar, smaller mammals, and the occasional bear are seen. The watchtower near the Manora watering hole, gives good sightings of animals.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">One gets a good view of dense forest and backwaters of Radhanagari dam while in a bus.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to get there?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Summer is the best time to visit Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Air : Nearest airport is Belgaum</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Rail : Nearest railhead is Kolhapur on South Central Railway.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Road : Mumbai-Dajipur: 490 kms. Kolhapur-Dajipur: 80 kms. Radhanagari-Dajipur: 30 kms. Phonda-Dajipur: 20 kms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Tadoba National Park</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Tadoba National Park is the oldest national park of the State of Maharahtra and since 1993, a Project Tiger Reserve. Tadoba-andhari Tiger reserve has an area of 625.40 sq. km. This includes Tadoba National Park, created in 1955 with an area of 116.55 sq. km. and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1986 with an area of 508.85 sq. km.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Along with around 50 tigers, Tadoba Tiger Reserve is a home for rare Indian wildlife like, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Gaur, Wild Dogs, Hyenas, Civet and Jungle cats, and many species of Indian deer like Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgai, and Barking Deer. The Tadoba lake sustains the Marsh Crocodile, which were once common all over Maharashtra. Tadoba is also an ornithologist's paradise with a varied diversity of aquatic birdlife and Raptors.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to get there?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Best Season : Summer District : Chandrapur</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Airport : Nagpur (91 km)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Railway Station. : Warora (51 km)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">From Mumbai : 936 km via Nagpur</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kalsubai Harishcandragad National Park</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Kalasubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the Ahmednagar district of Maharshtra. The Kalasubai Harishchandragad Wildlife sanctuary spreads from Kalasubai to Harischandragad in Akole Tehsil of Ahmadnagar district.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">In the ancient times, a lady named "Kalsu" came to nearby Indorey village to work. However, having faced indignation at the hands of her employers, she left the place and eventually died at this spot. Therefore, the name Kalasubai. A small temple is built here, in her memory.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The area is part of Sahyadri hill ranges. The Kalsubai sanctuary is challenge to trekkers as it is most rugged, hilly area and difficult to get accessibility. Kalasubai is the highest (1646 m) peak of Western Ghats in Maharashtra. It is also a paradise for nature lovers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The mammals found here are Leopard, Jungle cat, Palm civet, Mongoose, Hyena, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Sambar, Hare, and Bats. The most attractive animals are Indian Giant Squirrel and Porcupine. The reptiles found in this sanctuary are Monitor Lizard, Fan-Throated Lizard, Turtles and many species of snakes. Among the birds are the common hill and grass land birds. One can also spot water birds such as White Necked Storks, Black Ibis, Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Water hens.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to get there?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Best Time To Visit: August To December </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Air : Nearest Airports from the sanctuary are situated in Pune and Mumbai.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Rail :Nearest Railway Station is Ghoti on Mumbai - Bhusaval rail line and is on the Mumbai Agra National Highway No - 3. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Road : The nearest bus station is situated at Bhandardara.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Konkan</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Maharashtra has 720 km. long sea face extending from Dahanu and Bordi in the north up to Goa proceeding southwards. If you have liking for sand, sea and surf, this State has a great many interesting option in store. You could arrange trips or get away on a weekend. You could indulge in adventurous water sports or relax on golden sands. If you are interested in forts and their history Maharashtra is the perfect place for your tour. It offers you a vast choice of majestic forts like Khanderi, Undheri, Malvani, Goa, Murud, Sindhudurg and Suvarnadurg.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">There's so much you can do during beach holidays. Study temple and churches. Stroll through whispering coconut groves, hills and valleys. Look for tiny, picturesque villages. Acquaint yourself with different people and their lifestyle. Savor the flavor of Konkan cuisine Solkadhi, bangda, pomfret, curry, modak, rice, chapattis, dishes with jackfruit, kokam sherbet and the world famous Devgad alphonso mangoes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Beaches</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bassien</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">In the beginning of the seventeenth century Bassein used to be a place for ship-building. It was here that the Marathas besieged the Portuguese in 1739.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Hidden by brushwood and palm groves, the ruins of the Portuguese Fort still stand here. It's 10 kms. to the north-west lies Nalasopara village, the capital of the Konkan.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nalasopara is believed to have been Gautama Buddha's birthplace in one of his previous life. Many Buddhist relics were discovered here.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">To the north of Nalasopara is the the Agar of Bassein.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">One can visit Vajreshwari temple and Akloli hot springs which are at about an hour by bus from Bassein station.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Also, worth watching is Ganeshpuri with the Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir, the Bhimeshwar temple and the other ashrams.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">There are several beautiful churches in Bassein, a reminder of the Portuguese presence.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting there: Bassein Road, on Western Railway, is the nearest railhead.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By road, Bassein is 77 kms. along the Mumbai- Ahmedabad highway.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Dahanu Bordi</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Dahanu, is a quite seaside town with a virgin, uncluttered beach. It's situated in Thane district.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Dahanu-Bordi stretch is 17 kms. This once-barren land was developed under Iranians.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Dahanu is full of fruit orchards. It isa famous for its chickoos.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">From Dahanu one can visit Udwada - with a large, beautiful temple of Zoroastrians. It's a special place of attraction for Zoroastrians.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">And amazingly, this fire has been kept alive for almost a thousand years.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting there :</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Dahanu Road is the nearest railhead, which is just 2 ½ hours from Mumbai. By road Mumbai is 145 kms. away.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ganapatipule</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ganapatipule has always been one of most famous tourist spots in Maharashtra , especially for those who crave for silversand, gentle breeze and murmuring sea. It's also famous for the 400 - year old Swayambhu Ganapati. Set along the western coast of maharastra, is a small little village called Ganapatipule. It is known for it's scerene beach. Unlike most beaches, the Ganapatiphule beach is as natural and pristine as ever.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Travelling to Ganapatipule by road is a sheer ride of joy. Here you can see the real beaty of 'konan' region. Narrow roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit- bearing trees (including mango, banana, jackfruit, etc.) and casuarinas lining the cost greet you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Besides the beach Ganapatipule is also an important pilgrimage spot. The temple of the 'Swayambhu Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati. Swayambhu' or self originated, not manmade, 'Ganapati' or the lord of 'ganas' or army. 'Pule' or sand dune. That's why the name Ganapatipule. The temple is 400 years old and is situated at the side of see and at the foot of a hill. Most piligrims believe in taking a 'pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple. Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein devotiees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Geographic location :</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Approximately 375 kms south of mumbai, along the 'konkan' coast.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Climate:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The climate is hot and humid. In summer the temprature is around 38 C.May is the hottest month. Monsoon is between June and October. Rains are usually plentiful and regular. The winter season is perhaps the most pleasant with temperatures dropping at nights.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Languages spoken :</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Marathi is the most widely spoken language along with local dialect of 'konkani'.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to get there :</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">BY ROAD : Mumbai to Ganapatiphule ( via Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune to Ganapatiphule (via satara) is 331 kms. Kohlapur to Ganapatiphule is 144 kms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">BY RAIL : The nearest railhead is ratnagiri 50 kms on the Konkan railway</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mandwa Kihim</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Just Eleven miles north of Alibag and easily accessible from Mumbai, Mandwa is a beautiful, serene beach.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">One can enjoy a long view extending right up to the Gateway of India. with its beautiful of coconut groves Mandwa village has a charm of its own.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">One can enjoy wonderful tent holiday, at the nearby Kihim beach.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Unspoilt and isolated, this beautiful place has a soothing effect on all city dwellers. For a nature lover Kihim has lot to offer. Woods are full off thousands of rare species of flowers, butterflies and birds. This was one of favorite retreats of Dr. Salim Ali, a renouned birdwatcher.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Near from the shore is the Kolaba Fort. Just a. 15 kms. from Alibag is Chaul, an historic place where one can spot Portuguese ruins, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana, a church, a temple and even a synagogue.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting there: The nearest railhead is Pen, 85 kms. by road, Kihim is 136 kms. from Mumbai. The distance by sea between Gateway of India and Mandwa (Rewas) is 10 nautical miles</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Marve Manori Gorai</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Away from crowds and pollution of Mumbai, are these three beaches that have become popular tourists spot for Mumbai's fun lovers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Marve, is the closest and the quietest are a lovely little fishing village.Low hills along the beach offer you spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. Gorai and Manori, a little further away, are more crowded with revelers. They are famous for all night beach parties.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">A fifteen-minute ferry ride from marve or Borivali takes you to Gorai and Manori.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting there: Malad, a station on the suburban section of WR, is the nearest railhead.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By road, Marve is 40 kames. From Mumbai via Malad.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The longer route, via Bhayander, is 85 kames</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vengurla Malvan</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Further south to Mumbai lies Vengurla well known for its for long stretch of white sands, and hills covered with cashew, coconut, jackfruit and mango groves.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The town has two well - known temples : the Shri Devi Sateri temple and the Rameshwar Mandir.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vengurla is historically known as a trade centre.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">To the west-north-west lie the Vengurla Rocks, also called the Burnt Islands.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">On what was once an inner island, and is now part of the mainland, lies the old town of Malvan, almost hidden by palms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The rocky terrain of Malvan holds two Ports : the Sindhudurg and Padmagad .</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Malvan is known for its salt pans. Formerly it was a trading zone. It is famous Chinese clay pottery and the special 'Malvani cuisine' which is quite distinct from Konkan food.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting there : The closest railhead is Kudal on Konkan Railway. By road, Malvan is 514 kms. away from Mumbai, 200 kms. from Ratangiri. Vengurla is 522 kms. from Mumbai</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vijaydurg Sindhudurg</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Visit Sindhudurga, a district having tourism potential. This district is being developed by the govt. of Maharashtra as a tourism district. Sindhudurga district is situated in the southern butt end of Maharashtra. Situated between the Sahyadri mountain ranges on the east and the Arabian sea in the west, this district boasts of its natural beauty.</span><br />
<img height="299" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQcCWVpuyg_-oR1peDOvzS64BHPCD9UJZAimkBdllWu1L_viQa7qQk0kcHhTQ" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">It is abundant with dense green forest and coconut & arica nut palms. Houses with steeple shaped red roof tops add to the natural beauty of the region. Thi sdistrict is famous for many tourist attractions. One can enjoy the pleasures of hill stations and glories of sea-shore in this district.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg were naval bases during the rule of Maratha King Shivaji</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vijaydurg or Fort Victor was build around the seventeenth century by Shivaji. The triple line of walls,the numerous towers and the massive interior buildings makes it almost invincible.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">It was once seized by the British and renamed Fort Augustus, Sindhidurg or the Ocean Fort at the Malvan port.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Within its precincts are temples holding shrines of Maruti, Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai and Mahapurush, and of Shivaji. It is the only such shrine in the country.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">As for Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg beaches, they offer the visitor one of the most serene and beautiful coastal views in India.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to go</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">This district is accessible from Panaji, the capital city of Goa, Belgaum, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Road: National highway No. 14 winds through this district touching important places like Kankavali, Sawantwadi and Kudal. State transport buses are available to many spots in the district.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Train: The world-famous Konkan railway, one of the miracles achieved by Indian Railways, by itself is worth ti call a beautiful thing. This railway, woth its modern amenities, has centered to the taste of tourists. This tailway halts at three important stations vis. Kanakavli, Kudal and Sawantwadi. Rajapur and Kudal respectively are the nearest railheads on Konkan Railway. Sindhudurg by road is 510 kms. and Vijaydurg 425 kms. from Mumbai vis the Goa highway.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Air: The nearest airprt is at Panaji in Goa from where one can visit Sindhudurga by bus or train.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Accomodation</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Good accomodation is available in the town. A typical Malvani fish curry and solkadhi are special items you should not miss. Different fish dishes are available for fish lovers. One can visit cashew nut processing factory and taste the cashew. if you happen to visit this place during summer (April, May and June), you'll surely like to taste the king of fruits, Alphonso Mango & jack fruit, purple jamun and such other fruits.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Murud Janjira</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Formerly it was the capital town of the Siddis of Janjira. Murud is today popular for its alluring beach, whispering casuarinas, coconut and betel palms, and an ancient fort.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">On a small hill to the north is the shrine of Lord Dattatraya. The 300-years old fort of Janjira is an architectural marvel. It was considered to be invincible. The palace of the Nawab and the Janjira caves are also a must see. And just a few kilometers away are two pristine beaches : Nandgaon and Kashid.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nandgaon is famous for its Ganapati temple and the annual fair held in honor of this Hindu god every February.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting there:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Roha on Konkan Railway is the nearest railhead. Mumbai is 165 kms. by road.</span><br />
<img height="299" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRG9DxPbRT4zxYOavAMOLdq7SPK_qE-z6jeQaEGH2TKChGgXoyq3Hq5Bg4vaQ" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Velneshwar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">To the North of the Shastri river lies the serene village of Velneshwar.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The quiet, coconut beach offers the visitor the perfect place for swimming or just relaxing.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">There is an old Shiva temple which is often attracts pilgrims.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Velneshwar is the focus of attention in March, when the Maha Shivaratri fair is held in honor of the God Shankar or Shiva.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting there:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The nearest railhead is Chiplun on Konkan Railway.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By road, Mumbai via Chiplun and Guhagar is 370 kms. away</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shriwardhan Harihareshwar</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Tender winds, soft sands and inviting waters make Shriwardhan Bay tempting to beach lovers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">And if one cares for sea-food, there is no end of mouth-watering delicacies to sample here.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">And if you like adventurers you can even take a small boat to the north side of the bay and explore a land where the 'Peshwas' or the Prime minister of Maratha Kingdom, originally resided.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The 'Peshwa Smarak' is of interest to most people who visit Shriwardhan. The town of Harihareshwar is known for its serene and charming beach and is also famous for the temple of Harihareshwar.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Getting there:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The nearest railhead is Mangaon on Konkan Railway. Mumbai by road is nearly 200 kms. away. The nearest Mumbai - Goa highway point is about 60 kms., at Goregaon, which is about 170 kms. from Mumbai</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Tarkarli</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Tarkarli is a favourite spot with creek and sea-shore. Blue sea, silver moonlight and unpolluted atmosphere have attracted tourists from all over India.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to go</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">State transport buses are available from Malvan (10 kms). Accomodation: MTDC tents are available. private paying guest accomodation is being developed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">What to see</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Clean and long beach, blue sea and coconut palm and arica nut palms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Cuisine</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">All varities of fish fresh from the sea and creek available. Solkadhi one should not miss!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Dhamapur</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Dhamapur is a typical Konkani village. It is a paradise for the lvers of serene atmosphere and virgin natural beauty. Situated among small hills and dense green trees and coconut and arica-nut palms, this had become a favorite tourist spot.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">One can get state transport buses from Malvan. It is accessible by road only:13 kms from Malvan.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">What to see</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">A beautiful lake with blue, unpolluted, crystal-clear water is a pleasure for eyes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Temples: Temples of Bhagawati and Bharadi Devi are worth visiting. Kokani folks are staunch believers and they have maintained there holy places well. Calm and quiet atmosphere of konkani village, with cow-dung polished yards give you full satisfaction, physical conforts and mental peace.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Accomodation is available at Malvan.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kondura</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kondura has become famous because a novel of the same name in Marathi has been written by C.T. Khanolkar. The place has gained enigmatic characteristics. It is a cave in a small hill named Kondura.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to go: One can get state transport buses from Vengurla (a taluka place). It is accessible only by road. Fishery is the main business of the people in the surrounding area.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Accomodation: Lodging and boarding facilities are available.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Cuisine: Fish fantacy- all varities of fish available.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">What to see: 1) Kondura cave </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">2) Mango, cashew, coconut research center.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kashid Beach</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kashid is an offbeat destination which is growing in popularity in travellers' itineraries. Sandwiched between two rocky hillocks, Kashid Beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea is one of the most beautiful stretches in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It is located 30km from Alibag and 135km from Mumbai on the Alibag-Murud road.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kashid is popular mainly because of its white sand, blue seas, green mountains, paddy fields, and rivulets. Kashid has a 3 km stretch of beach tucked in between two rocky hillocks with Casuarina groves all around the seashore.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to get there</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">140 Km from Mumbai</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">135 KM from Thane</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">110 KM from New Bombay (Vashi)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Buses plying regularly between Mumbai central - Murud halt at Kashidbr </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Buses plying regularly between Thane - Murud halt at Kashid</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Frequent service available for Alibaug from Mumbai, Thane. From there buses are available for Murud which halt at Kashid village.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Driving down to Kashid itself is a rejuvenating experience. Its around 140 Km from Mumbai / Thane. The road is quite good in condition except for few patches. The journey itself is very rewarding. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Best season to visit : Oct to March</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Major Cities of Maharashtra</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Maharashtra is divided into thirty-five districts, which are grouped into six divisions: Aurangabad Division, Amravati Division, Konkan Division, Nagpur Division, Nashik Division, and Pune Division. Those divisions are Geographically, historically and according to political sentiments Maharashtra has five main regions:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vidarbha (Nagpur and Amravati divisions)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Marathwada (Aurangabad Division)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Khandesh and Northern Maharashtra (Nashik Division)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Desh or Western Maharashtra (Pune Division)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Konkan (Konkan Division)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Maharashtra State in west central India; with area 307,762 sq km. Mumbai which is capital of Maharashtra(formerly Bombay), and other towns and cities include Pune, Kolhapur, Sangli, Nasik, Nagpur, Solapur, Ulhasnagar, Thana, Aurangabad and Amravati. The state is divided by the heavily forested Western Ghats into the Konkan coastal plain and the Deccan plateau. The plain is subject to the southwest monsoon from June to September. The Godavari and Krishna rivers rise in the Western Ghats and flow eastwards across the Deccan. Marathi is the official state language and spoken by vast majority of its populace. Nearly 50% of the population speak Marathi. 80% of the population are Hindu, with Parsee, Jain, and Sikh minorities. The state was formed in 1960.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mumbai and Pune combined is the major industrial area in Maharashtra. Pune is occupied by most of the IT companies with Mumbai producing about one-third of India's tax revenues. State's present economic importance originates from the trading role of Mumbai and a cotton-growing hinterland. In the 1970s, decentralization initiatives led to the rapid growth of other centres such as Aurangabad. Mumbai has the biggest international airport in Maharashtra. The big cities are always been attractions for relatively smaller cities nearby. Specially during holidays, weekends and festive season big cities attract crowds for shopping.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Maharashtra Industries include cotton processing at Mumbai, Nagpur, and Solapur, oil refining at Vasai, electrical goods, agricultural machinery, chemicals, and plastics; manganese ore, coal, iron ore, bauxite, and copper ore. India's first nuclear power plant is at Tarapur, which is 112 km/70 mi north of Mumbai. Agriculture products include rice (on the coastal plain), cotton, millet and wheat on the Deccan, dairy farming, groundnuts, sugar, and fruit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mumbai</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mumbai, formerly Bombay, the capital of state of Maharashtra, is the most populous city in India. Along with the neighbouring suburbs of Navi Mumbai and Thane, it forms, at 19 million, the world's fifth most populous metropolitan area. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbour. Its port handles a large proportion of her maritime cargo.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment center of India, accounting for 25 per cent of industrial output, forty per cent of maritime trade, and seventy per cent of capital transactions to India's economy. Mumbai is one of the world's top ten centers of commerce by global financial flow, home to such important financial institutions as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India and the corporate headquarters of many Indian companies and numerous multinational corporations. The city also houses India's Hindi film and television industry, known as Bollywood. Mumbai's business opportunities attract migrants from all over India.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Places to Visit</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mahalaxmi Temple, Mahalaxmi</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nariman Point</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Juhu Choupaty</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Girgaon Chaupaty</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sahar International Air-Port</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Gate Way Of India</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Walkeshwar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Elephanta Caves</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nehru Planetorium, Worli</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">VT (Victoria Terminus) / CST Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus [World Heritage Property]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Tsarapore Aquarium</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Jahangir Art Gallery, Fort</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">BARC [Bhabha Atomic Research Center]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Hajiali (Dargah)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Film City, Aare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Borivli</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Prince of Wales museum, Fort</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Hanging Garden</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Queen's Garden/ Jijamata Udyan,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to Reach</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Air: Many International (Sahar Airport) and domestic airlines (Santacruz) connect Mumbai with all major tourist centres in India and rest of the world.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Rail: Regular trains connect it with all major cities like Aghamedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Calcutta, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Madras, Nagapur and Trivandrum.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">By Road: Mumbai is connected by good motorable roads with all major tourist centres. Major IT hub of India, Pune (180 km away) is connected by express high-way which is one of the remarkable events that has lead to speedy transportation in state.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune is located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Pune is the 7th largest city in India, it is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra. It is situated at the eastern edge of the Western ghats on the Deccan plateau.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune is widely considered the cultural capital of Marathi-speaking Maharashtrians. Pune is known as Oxford of India as it has a reputation for its several esteemed colleges and educational institutions. It has a very strong presence in the automobile sector and is on its way to consolidate its position as the 'Detroit of India' too. Pune city once referred as 'pensioner's paradise' and now Pune is fast emerging as an important Information technology hub of India. Its cosmopolitan population speaks several other languages like English and Hindi.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune's Fame began when king of Maratha Empire 'Chhatrapati Shivaji' came to stay here with his great mother Jijabai in 1635-36. They lived in Lal Mahal. Kasba Ganpati Mandir was built by Jijabai. In the early 18th century, prime minister of Chhatrapati Shahu, Peshwe Baji Rao wanted to make Pune his home. He built his palace on a ground near the Mutha river which is now known as Shaniwar Peth. The palace built in Shaniwar Peth is known as Shaniwar Wada.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">In 1817 the Peshwas were defeated and the British forces took over the town. The British built a large cantonment to the east of the city. The city passed into British rule after the defeat of Marathas in the Battle of Ashti in 1818. Army bases established by the British on the outskirts of the city were later converted into cantonments of Pune and Khadki. The Pune Municipality was established in 1858. A number of esteemed educational institutes also came up here in the latter half of the 19th century.</span><br />
<img height="299" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQUppCxLQ6hb2ppw75gJUyioZRfQEFuPsYn3skthktUTtV7eJ69AdPpqjrc" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">During the struggle for Indian independence the presence of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar dominated the political scene for six decades. It was the home to some reformers who were stalwarts of the national movement, like Mahadev Govind Ranade, R.G Bhandarkar, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde and Jyotirao Phule. Pune's reputation as an educational and research node grew after independence with the establishment of University of Pune, National Defence Academy (NDA), National Chemical Laboratory, College of Engineering, Pune, SP College, Fergussan College.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Points of Attraction</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Aga Khan Palace, the tribal museum, old central market, the osho ashram and the Shaniwarwada Palace are the main tourist attractions of Pune. The most interesting place to look out for is the Raja Kelkar Museum, which houses an interesting collection of artifacts and antiques belonging to the 17th, 18th and the 19th century. The old central market consists of a large octagonal central tower with Gothic features and arms radiating from it. The Central market is a reminder of the colonial period. A Jewish merchant, Sir David Sassoon, built it in the year 1867. The David Synagogue is an important heritage site and one of the finest synagogues in India.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Aga Khan Palace is a historical monument where many freedom fighters were imprisoned during the Quit India movement of 1942. Another tourist attraction of Pune is the Shaniwarwada Palace. It is known for its light and sound show. The light and sound show at the Shaniwarwada Palace takes you back to the days of the mighty Maratha Empire.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">There are many other places to visit in Pune</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Lonawala and Khandala</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sinhagad</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Aalandi and Dehu</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Theur</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Jejuri</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bhimashankar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mahabaleshwar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Matheran</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panchgani</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Purandar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shivaneri</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transportation</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The city has two main railway stations, Pune and Shivajinagar. Pune local/suburban trains connect Pune Railway Station to the industrial towns of Khadki, Pimpri and Chinchwad. Local trains run from Pune up to Lonavala and from Mumbai up to Karjat and Khopoli, the authorities are trying to connect Lonavala and Karjat by local rail so that travel between all the stations becomes seamless. Road travel between Pune and Mumbai has improved significantly with the construction of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Inter-city luxury buses, both state owned and private ones, also connect Pune with other major cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. A brand new International Airport for the Pune metropolitan region is going to start and the Govt of Maharashtra has entrusted responsibility for the Pune International Airport project to MIDC. PMT and PCMT together form the backbone of Pune's public transport service. Within the city, auto rickshaw is a common mode of transport. Air-conditioned taxis, operating mostly on pre-paid fare basis, are only at the Pune Airport or at the Pune Railway Station.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Economy</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune is the major industrial center. Pune has world famous companies like two-wheeler manufacturers, Bajaj Auto, automobile majors are Tata Motors, India's largest passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturer, DaimlerChrysler, it has an assembly line for its Mercedes-Benz brand, Kinetic Engineering, Force Motors Ltd (previously known as Bajaj Tempo) Then other engineering goods industries situated in pune are Bharat Forge Ltd, world's second largest forging company, Cummins Engines Co Ltd, has its Research & Technology India center, Thermax Limited a global player providing sustainable solutions in energy and environment, Alfa Laval, Sandvik Asia, Thyssen Krupp (Buckau Wolff), KSB Pumps, Finolex, Greaves India, Forbes Marshall, etc.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune has electronic companies like Whirlpool and LG have appliance manufacturing plants. Food majors like Frito Lay and Coca Cola. The international air connectivity had helped many volume produce growers in the surrounding districts to export their goods conveniently.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune has achieved additional reputation because of the presence of IT parks like</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Rajiv Gandhi IT Park at Hinjewadi</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Magarpatta Cybercity</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">MIDC Software Technology Park at Talawade</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Marisoft IT Park at Kalyaninagar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">International Convention Center (ICC)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Global majors: BMC Software, NVIDIA, HSBC Global Technology, IBM, Red Hat, Siemens, EDS, UGS, I-Flex, Cognizant, Symantec, SunGard Data Systems, Versant Inc., Zensar Technologies, T-Systems and SAS Research and Development India Pvt Ltd have a major presence in Pune. New Entry: IPdrum, which is a new entrant in the Voip business, has also established a branch office in Pune. Pune is also emerging as a prominent city for Business Process Outsourcing due to the availability of skilled English speaking manpower. BPO companies: Convergys, WNS, Infosys BPO, EXL, Wipro BPO and Mphasis have started operations in Pune. Software companies: Infosys, Sasken, Fluent, Tata Elxsi, Xansa, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Wipro, Patni, Satyam, Cybage, KPIT Cummins, Aztecsoft (Disha), Persistent Systems, Geometric Software Solutions Limited, Neilsoft and Kanbay Software have their major presence in Pune.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pune is known as The Oxford of the east because of wellknown institutions in the city and its popularity amongst students. Pune is the largest center for Japanese learning in India and the JLPT exams are held in Pune annually (December). The Japanese language training is provided by the University of Pune among others. Some schools in Pune also train students in other languages like German, French, Russian. Pune has several colleges offering bachelor and masters courses in engineering and technology.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sawaai Gandharva Sawaai Gandhrava is the biggest classical music festival in Pune. Every year it is celebrated in New English School, Ramanbag Pune. In December Pune hosts the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival. It is dedicated to the classical forms of music — both Hindustani and Carnatic. Many renowned artists perform through 3 consecutive days creating a hype unique to this city. It is eagerly awaited festival in the city, and it attracts music lovers from Pune and other parts of Maharashtra and India.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Food Pune is famous for quality in food. Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale and Kaka Halwai are famous for their sweets and bakarwadi. Pune has its own speciality of Mastaani, Thick milk-shakes with ice-cream scoops topped with chopped dried fruits called Mastaani, Sujata mastani and Kaware cold drinks are famous for this. Pune residents are known for their liking for food. Light snacks like wafers fresh potato chips, a fried spicy snack called Chiwda a fried potato pattie and bun sandwich called wada pav are available everywhere Joshi Wadewale is famous for wada pav. Another type of Maharashtrian food is, Misal - a mixture of sprouted cereals, puffed rice flakes, lots of spices and special Tarri (soup) with bread, is available in almost all restaurants. Besides this, Pune has many places serving south indian food, available at Vaishali Restaurant at F.C. Road and Gujarati and Rajasthani food, available at Rajdhani, Sukanta, Rutugandh.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nagpur</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nagpur is the third largest city in the western Indian state of Maharashtra after Mumbai and Pune. Nagpur is one of the major industrial cities of Maharashtra. Nagpur is important geographically as it lies practically at the centre of India with the country's geographical centre (Zero Mile) being situated here. Nagpur is well-known throughout India as a trade centre for high-quality oranges grown in the surrounding region and hence the city is also known as Santra Nagari.</span><br />
<img height="271" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2IX-dZm2EQLs3i_cHRkYg1lYqSSqOMVnNkVb05Mjbqi41i22zXaG4C3V5" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">In Nagpur, cool environment of Gavilgad Fort, which is 200-300 years old attracts visitors. Lonar Lake is the third largest natural salt-water lake in the world. Marbat and Ramjanam rath yatra are the local festivals, which are enjoyed by the millions every month. Visiting the city during this time is really enjoying. Tourists can also organized excursions for Adasa, Khekranala, Ramtek, Pavnar, Markanda, Dhapewada, Nagardhan and Nawegaon Dam.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Points of Attraction</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Deekshabhoomi : It is the largest hollow supta in the world. It is famous throughout India as the site where Dr. B. R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism to promote his efforts to overcome discrimination against lower-caste and untouchable Hindus. Dalits and Buddhists from all over the country converge to Deekshabhoomi every year on Ashoka Dashmi.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sitabuldi fort: It is the near Kasturchand Park which is the site fierce battle between the British and the Bhonsle Empire in 1817.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Sri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir in Ram Nagar is the most popular religious spot in the city. The ancient Shri Mahalaxmi Devi temple 17km from the city is the town of Koradi draws devotees to its doors throughout the year, especially during annual Navratri festival. Prominent places of worship for other religions are also situated in the city. The Catholic Seminary located at Seminary Hills is one of the finest in the state. A Buddhist Dragon Palace Temple located on the outskirts of the city has become popular tourist spot in recent times due to its exquisite architecture and serene environment.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Magnificent Forts of Balapur: The forts of Balapur are named after goddess Baladevi. Balapur has turned into a seat of pilgrimage and a tourist spot over the years. It is located between the two rivers of Mana and Mhais. This place is at a distance of 6 km from the railway station.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Gavilgad Fort:It is located near the hill station of Chikhaldara in Amravati district. The Hindu rulers originally constructed Gavilgad fort. It is located at a height of about 370 ft above sea level (MSL). Historians believe that it is 200-300 years old, although the fort's history is not known till date.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Vidarbha Pandhari Kundinpur: It is located on the banks of Wardha River in Tiwsa Tehsil of Nagpur. It is about 120 km from Nagpur. There organize an annual ten-day fair during Karthik Purnima that attracts not less than 50000 devotees.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Markandeya Temple: It is located in Chamorshi Tehsil in Gadchiroli district. The shortest route is via Milswali-Sakhri, which is about 183km. Markandi can be also reached by taking Nagpur - Chandrapur - Mul Road.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The city also contains a many lakes that are popular recreation spots - Telangkhedi (which underwent major renovation recently), Ambazari Lake, Gandhisagar, Gorewada, and Sonegaon to name a few. With its scenic gardens and recreation facilities, the Ambazari Lake has historically been one of the most popular spots in Nagpur, a status that it retains to this day. The Zoo contains several rare species of birds and animals. Pench forest reserve, which is the setting for Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, is 45 miles to the north of Nagpur. The Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground (VCA) in Nagpur is one of the nine test venues in the country. A new stadium of VCA having capacity of 80,000 people is coming up on Wardha road.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transportation</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">This city is well connected by road with major cities and villages in and out the state of Maharashtra. Bombay Calcutta NH-6 and Kanyakumari Varanasi NH-7 pass through the city. Nagpur is connected with domestic flights with the cities of Mumbai, Calcutta, Delhi Hyderabad, Pune, Bhubaneswar and Raipur. Sonegaon airport in Nagpur is nearly 8 km south of the city. Two flights arrived Nagpur daily from Mumbai. Electrified broad gauge railway track connects Nagpur to all four major cities and villages of India. Nagpur railway station is an important rail junction on the Central and Southeastern lines.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nagpur is an important city for the scientific community as it is home to the headquarters of a number of national level scientific and governmental establishments like the National Environmental Engineering and Research Institute (NEERI), Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR), National Research Centre for Citrus, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Aluminium Research and Development Centre, the Indian Bureau of Mines, India's Intellectual Property Training Institute, the National Academy of Direct Taxes, the Chief Controller of Explosives of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, and the South Central Zone Cultural Centre in addition to a regional office of the Indian Meteorological Department.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nagpur is known throughout India as the birthplace and headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization. Nagpur is also an important city for the Indian armed forces as the headquarters of Maintenance Command of the Indian Air Force. Staff College for the Indian Armed Forces are located here. Nagpur suburb named Kamptee is home a neatly laid out cantonment of the Regimental Centre of Indian Army's Brigade that is made up of the National Cadet Corps' Officers' Training School, Institute of Military Law, and other establishments of Indian Army. National Civil Defence College in Nagpur provides civil defence and disaster management training to pupils from all over India and abroad. The city is also the home for Indian Air Force's giant IL-76 transport planes, Gajraj.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nashik</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Nashik is in the northwest of Maharashtra, 185 km. This city is known as Grape City. Nashik is located o th ebanks of Godavari river and is important mythologically, historically, socially and culturally. Known for the temples on the banks of the Godavari, it has historically been one of the holy sites of the Hindu religion. It is one of the four cities that hosts the massive Sinhastha Kumbh Mela once every twelve years. Nashik was known as the city of roses (Gulshanabad). Now known as the city of Grapes. Efforts are on the growth of export quality rose farming and wine industries. This city is the third most industrialised city in Maharashtra after Mumbai and Pune.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Points of Attraction</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panchavati: River Godavari flows through Nashik and its Northern part is called as Panchavati. There are five Banyan (Vad) trees and hence the area is called Panchavati. Nearby is Sita Gumpha (cave) where Sita is said to have stayed for some time. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ramkund/Gandhi Memorial: It is believed that Shriram has taken bath here in this kund so this kund is called as Ramkund. It is situated near Gandhi Lake. A dip in this kund is considered pious. Near kund a memorable monument is made out of white marble, in memory of the Father of the Nation. His ashes were dropped in Ramkund after Gandhiji passed away on 30th January 1948. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kalaram Mandir: This temple was built by Peshwas. It was built with black stones. There celebrated great utsav on Ramnavami, Dasara and Chaitra Padwa. The stones of this temple were brought from Ramshej. It took 12 years to build the temple with 2000 workers. The apex of the temple is made up of 32 tons of gold. In 1930, Dr. Ambedkar performed Satyagraha, to allow the entry of Harijans into the temple. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Muktidham: Muktidham temple is situated on Nashik road. This mandir is the magnificient piece of architecture. It is built with marble form Makran in Rajastan, and by Rajastani scluptors. Speciality of this temple is that 18 chapters of Geeta written on the walls. After visiting this temple every Hindu feels that he has visited all four dhams. One cn see replicas of all twelve Jyotirlingas over here. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">There are many ganapati temples in Nashik like Navshya Ganapati, Dholya Ganapati, Tilya Ganapati, Varad Vinayak, Khandave Ganapati , Main Road Ganapati. Many more temples.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transportation</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Reaching Nashik is easy as the Nashik railway station is one of the major stations of the Central Railway. Nashik is 220 km away from Pune. Nearest airport is Mumbai or Pune with a distance of 175 km.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">There are five "Industrial Zones" in the Nashik area and its outskirts (Satpur, Ambad, Sinnar, Igatpuri and Dindori). These estates house corporations like Mahindra and Mahindra, MICO (Bosch), VIP Luggage, Crompton Greaves, GlaxoSmithKline, Graphite India Ltd. (Formerly Carbon Everflow Ltd), Larsen & Toubro, ABB Group, Siemens, Samsonite, Ceat and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Software companies like Aress Software, WNS. It is home to an important thermal power plant (Eklahare) and a National Treasury Printing Press India Security Press at Nashik Road.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Tourists can also organize trips to Shirdi, Trimbakeshwar, Dudhasagar Waterfalls, Saptashringi Devi Temple, Nandurmadhmeshwar, Bhandardara Jawhar and Nandur Madhameshwar Bird Sanctuary, which are not so far the city.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Solapur</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Solapur is in south eastern Maharashtra, India. Solapur is one of the biggest cities in Maharashtra, situated near the borders with Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Gramdiwat of Solapur is Siddharameshwar. Solapur is located on the major road and rail routes between Mumbai and Hyderabad, on banks of river Sina. It is famous as a center of Jains.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Points of Attraction</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Siddheshwar Lake, Pandharpur, Mangalwedha, Machnur, Akklakot, Ground Fort, Siddheshwar Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Parasnath Temple, Adinath Temple, Masjids, Churches and Agyari are the attractions of this place. Bhui-Kot Castle - castle of 15th century and under the Bahamani period, Hutatma Garden, Tuljapur - Tuljabhavani Temple (45 km away), Naldurg Fort (approx. 45 km towards Hyderabad). Hipparga Lake - a scenic nature area.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pandharpur is the holiest place in Maharashtra for Hindus, with its Vitthal-Rakhumai temple on the banks of the Bhima river. This river is called as 'Chandrabhaga' because of its shape is like half moon. It is only 70 km from Solapur.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Akkalkot is only 38 km from Solapur which is a holy place due to the shrine of Akkalkot Swami. Akkalkot is considered to be an important center of Datta. The Vatavriksha Temple of Shri Swami Samartha and Akkalkot Swami math are important religious places, which are visited by many devotees.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Tuljapur is in Osmanabad District, 40 km from Solapur has goddess Tulja Bhavani. She is known as the family deity of Maharashtra and especially Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The slogan of the Maratha warriors is "Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Across the border in Gulbarga District of Karnataka, is Ganagapur, another place of pilgrimage. The city of Bijapur in Karnataka, 109 km from Solapur, is widely known for its 'Gol-Gumbaj', a highly regarded piece of architecture.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transportation</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Local Municipal Bus Service is available for local trasportation. Solapur is 433 km away from Mumbai and 244 km from Pune. Solapur is well-connected with metro-cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore with rail and roads.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Solapur has many educational institutes. Government Polytechnic Solapur, Dr. Vaishampayan Memorial Medical College, College of Architecture, Dayanand Institutions Founded in 1940, Solapur University, Walchand Institute of Technology these are some educational institutes in Solapur.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Solapur has some great personalities like Dwarkanath Kotnis, Walchand Hirachand Doshi, Sushilkumar Shinde, Minister of Power (Delhi), Former Chief Minister (Maharashtra), Atul Kulkarni, Suresh Gupta, SEBI.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kolhapur</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kolhapur is situated in the south west corner of Maharashtra, India and on the banks of the river Panchganga. Hills and forts like Panhala fort and Jyotiba temple hill surround the city. The city is also famous for Kolhapuri Chappals. There is national stadium for a form of wrestling known as Khasbag.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Points of Attraction</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Rankala Lake, Panhala, Mahalakshmi Temple, Bhavani Mandap, Jyotiba Temple, Town hall Museum, Gaganbawda, Dajipur, Ramling, Bahubali, Radhanagri Dam, Katyayani Mandir, Narsinha Wadi.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transportation</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">KMT (Local Municipal Bus Service) is available for local trasportation. The Kolhapur Railway Station has daily train service to Mumbai via Pune. Trains connect Kolhapur to Tirupati, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. There runs a weekly train every Tuesday to delhi viz. Nizamuddin Express. The city has an airport, near Ujlaiwadi, 13 km from the city and there is a flight daily from Mumbai to Kolhapur. State transport to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nasik etc. is also available from the Central Bus Stand. Private buses also available from Kolhapur to Pune every night with very affordable rates. Daily Volvos are available for important cities like Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, etc.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kolhapur has many educational institutes. University, Autonomus Institutes, Engineering Colleges, Medical Colleges etc. Shivaji University, Kolhapur Institute of Technology [KIT], Kolhapur, D.Y. Patil College of Engineering and Technology, Kolhapur, Tatyasaheb Kore Institute of Engineering and Technology Warnanagar, Dr. J.J. Magdum College of Engineering [Jaysingpur], Bharati Vidyapeeth's College of Engineering these are main Engineering Colleges. D.Y.Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, Yashwant Ayurvedic Medical College,Kodoli, R.C.S.M Govt. Medical College these are medical colleges.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">For entertainment Kolhapur has Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha, Shahu Smarak Bhavan. This city has two main industrial areas, Gokulshirgaon and Shiroli. The Shivaji Udyamnagar area is famous for electrical and other metal fabrication workshops. Kolhapur has many Co-Operative Sugar Industries.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Kolhapur has many well known personalities like Chattrapati Shahu Maharaj, Jayant Narlikar (astrophysicist), V. Shantaram (Marathi movie director/producer), Lata Mangeshkar, Dr. Vasant Gowarikar, Asha Bhonsle, Suresh Wadkar, Suryakant Mandare (Marathi movie actor), Chandrakant Mandare (Marathi movie actor), Dr. Satish Patki (national award-winning gynecologist, medical research founder), Ganpat Patil (Marathi movie actor), Tejaswini Sawant (Shooter), Rajnikanth (famous actor from south film industry), V.A. Alias Tatyasaheb Kore (Sahakar Maharshi, creator of Warananagar).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sangli</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sangli is situated in west-central part of India. Sangli District is located in the western part of Maharashtra. It is bounded by Satara and Solapur districts to the north, Bijapur District to the east, Kolhapur and Belgaum districts to the south, and Ratnagiri District to the west. Sangli has total 8 talukas. Sangli, Miraj, Tasgaon, Aatpadi, Kawathemahankal, Vita, Jat, Aashta. The city name Sangli is devised after it's six lanes (Saha -Gallies). Sangli is the administrative headquarters of Sangli District.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Points of Attraction</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ganpati Temple, Haripur Sangmeshwar Temple, Tasgaon Ganapati Temple, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandoba Hills Forest Preserve, Audumbar, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Famous Tasgaon Ganesh Temple, Bagetil Ganapati Temple, Haripur, Mahatma Gandhi Vachnalay.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transportation</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Railway Stations: Sangli, Miraj, Bhilavadi, Kirloskarwadi, Takari all are central railway stations. Mumbai is about 390km from Sangli, Pune 220km, Banglore 630km. Buses are avilable for local transportation. State transport to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nasik etc. is also available from the Central Bus Stand. Private buses also available from Sangli to Pune with very affordable rates.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sangli is the biggest trade market place for turmeric powder in the entire country, also the Asia's biggest sugar plant is situated here. Today, more than 90% of the turmeric trade in India takes place in Sangli. City is known as 'Sugar Belt' of Maharashtra. The district has more than thirty sugar factories, which makes it among the highest sugar-producing districts of India. It also has oil seeds, commodities and fruit market. Sangli is also known for high quality grapes. Krishna Valley Wine Park of Sangli has been recognized as an Agri-Export Processing Zone by the Indian government.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The city derives its name from "Saha Galli" ("Six Lanes" in Marathi). Sangli city is known as Natyapandhari, the birthplace of Marathi drama. A historic Ganpati temple built in the 18th century by ruling Patwardhan dynasty of Sangli, appointed by Peshwas of Pune. The temple attracts thousands of devotees year around. Sangli is a well known place for its lok kala, cultural activities, Educational facilities and its very own Co-operative principles.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">City has educational institutes like Walchand College of Engineering, Padmabhushan Vasantro Patil Institute of Technology Budhgaon, Rajarambapu Institute of Technology Islampur, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Latthe Education Society polytechnic. Government Medical College Miraj, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Wanlesswadi, Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College, Wanlesswadi, Annasaheb Dange Ayurvedic Medical College, Ashta, Rajarambapu Patil Ayurvedic Medical College, Islampur these are some of medical colleges. Miraj and Sangli together has more than 800 hospitals.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Deccan Education Society Institute of Management Vishrambaug, Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Management Rajawada Chowk, CSM Institute of Management KWC College these are some of the management colleges. Appasaheb Birnale College of Pharmacy, Govt. College of Pharmacy Miraj, Miraj Medical Center College of Pharmacy these are pharmacy colleges. Law College, Bharati Vidyapeeth New Law College. Appasaheb Birnale College of Architecture, SNDT Women's College, Kasturbai Walchand College, Willingdon College, Chintamanrao Commerce College, Garware Women's College, LGR Purohit Kanya Prashala, Rani Saraswati Kanyashala, city high school.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Aurangabad</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb named this city as Aurangabad. Before Aurangabad it was called Fatehpur. This city is gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves. Aurangabad developed as a modern city, provides all comforts and modern facilities, several luxury budget and star hotels, which caters the tourists of the city.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Points of Attraction</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Aurangabad Art Emporium and Madilgekar Art Studio are some of the important art galleries in Aurangabad.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Aurangabad Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Himroo Factory, Panchakki</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Daulatabad, Khuldabad Anwa Temple, Pitalkhora Caves, Lonar Crater, Paithan</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Sunheri Mahal Museum, University Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Caves</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Aurangabad caves are few kilometers away from the famous Bibi Ka Maqbara. These caves are excavated between 2nd and 6th century AD. Aurangabad caves are a fine piece of architecture and carved out of the hillside. Viharas are the major chunk of caves in Aurangabad. Total number of caves is twelve; out of which cave number 3 and 7 are the most fascinating ones. Cave number 1 to 5 are in the western group and caves from 6 to 10 are in the eastern group. Tantric influences are noticeable in Aurangabad caves.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panchakki</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Panchakki is situated at a shrine of a saint, Baba Shah Musafir. Panchakki (Water Wheel) derives its name from the mill that was used at the early days. This mill is driven with the water brought through earthen pipes from the river 6km away.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Bibi Ka Maqbara</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Prince Azam Shah, son of Aurangazeb built Bibi Ka Maqbara in 1678 in the memory of his mother Begum Rabia Durani. Bibi Ka Maqbara is situated 5 km away from Aurangabad. This mausoleum is a replica of the famous Taj Mahal. It is very much similar to Taj Mahal, somehow the architecture fails to produce the magic of the Taj. Hence, it is considered to be a poor imitation of the Taj Mahal.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Festivals</b></span><br />
<img height="400" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcTjV8y_-SYUKdirRPCwj_PMsY-Ey2Z3OwlQ07D-70g4zs9HDy" width="300" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The Aurangabad Festival Committee orgnizes festivals. These festivals promote the rich local culture, talent, art and heritage of the city. Festivals are organized to explore the hidden talents and to increase the vibrancy of this historic city. Generally festivals fall in December. The festival has programmes of culture, local art and heritage, through classical dance performances, folk songs, popular songs, Mushaira, Ghazals and Qawalli. The festival also exhibits local handlooms and handicrafts like Paithani Himroo, Bidri and Paperwork. Festivals include, traditional bullock cart race, heritage walk for senior citizens, marathon, inter-school and inter-college competitions, etc.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Dussehra is celebrated for ten days. On the tenth day, a fair is held when people greet each other with offerings of 'Apta' leaves that symbolize good luck. Thousands of devotees visit Bhavani Temple in Karnapura locality of Aurangabad on this day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Buddha Jayanti is organized in the city as an important festival. Community halls and public places are remained crowded for mass prayers. Religious processions are also taken out on this day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important festival in Maharashtra; this festival is celebrated in Aurangabad as well with great zeal. Ten day long celebrations are organized. On the last day, the clay images are taken in a procession and immersed in the river.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Khultabad Urs on this festival Muslims gather at the tomb of Khawaja for five days each year during the month of Rabi-Ul-Awal. This festival is known as the Khultabad Urs.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Mahashivratri is celebrated during the months of February or March every year. Worshipers throng to at Grishneshwar temple to worship Lord Shiva on this day.</span><br />
<img height="400" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXaJp2cyaF8N5jnY2HJSOpKu7uYj97nhUe8yRL1hA7JFgQ0HT-PQ" width="350" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated in May. This is the birth anniversary of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha ruler. A procession with lezims, a traditional musical instrument and floats is taken round to the city.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Paithan Fairis celebrated in the months of March or April every year. Pilgrims gather to pay homage to saint Eknath Maharaj at Paithan on the banks of the river Godavari. This fair runs for 10 days with great enthusiasm.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to Reach</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Aurangabad airport is located at a distance of around 10 km east of the town. This is directly air-linked to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur. Aurangabad is known to be the gateway to the region, as most of the visitors who are coming from outside reach Aurangabad once just after the arrival or before leaving the state.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Several luxury and state run buses too are running between Mumbai and Aurangabad that extends up to Ajanta/Ellora Caves. Two trains leave daily from Mumbai for Aurangabad. Tapovan Express departs Mumbai early morning that arrives Aurangabad by late afternoon, while the Devgiri Express is an overnight train.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Aurangabad is rich in its culture, heritage, its art and crafts. Whenever we think of Aurangabad, himroo shawls, mashroo and kimkhab weaves click on one's mind, The silver inlay craft of Bidri ware and the well-known fine paithani silk sarees too are world famous. All these things not only relate to the rich art and craft of the region but also reflect the expertise and dedication of the artistes on their works. Many outsiders come to this city to shop these world famous crafts.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Amarawati</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Amaravati is situated in the right centre of the northern border of the Maharashtra State. Cotton, jowar and tur (lentil) and oranges are the main productions of this city, lying at the Tapi basin. In this city there are many tourists attractions listed here.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Points of Attraction:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Satidham Temple</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ambadevi Temple</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shri Bhakti Dham Temple</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Chatri Talao</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Wadali Talao</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Melghat Tiger Reserve</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Wan Sanctuary</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Satidham Temple:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Satidham Temple is situated in the heart of the city at Rallies Plot, the temple has beautiful idols of Lord Krishna and Radha, Lord Ram and Sita, Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Satiji. A fair is organized on the occasion of Krishna Janmashthami every year. Huge devotees attend the fair.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ambadevi Temple:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">It is believed that Lord Krishna abducted Rukmini from this temple. This temple is situated in the heart of the city.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Chatri Talao:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Chatri Talao was built in the year 1888 on a small spring called Kali Nadi. This talao is situated 1 km away from Dasturnagar Square on the Malkhed Railway Road. This small reservoir was built to supply drinking water to Amravati city now it gets water from Upper Wardha Dam. A small garden and boating facility is also available here.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Wadali Talao:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Talao is situated 3 km away from the Amaravati Camp on Chandur Railway Road. This Wadali Talao was built for clean and fresh water supply to Amravati Camp. There is a small garden with a zoo here. This is one of the best places for kids. People usually come here during weekends and enjoy boating.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Shri Bhakti Dham Temple:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Temple is situated at Amravati Badnera Road and has beautiful idols of Lord Krishna and Radha. There is also an idol of Shri Sant Jalaram Bappa. There is a small park for children behind this temple.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">This is one of the coffee-growing areas in Maharashtra. This hill resort in the Vidarbha region is situated at an altitude of 1118 meters above the sea level. Chikhaldara has a wildlife sanctuary with abundance of wildlife, viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls, it is a very popular summer retreat.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Melghat Tiger Reserve:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Melghat area was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1974. the total area of the Reserve is 1676.93 sq. km. It is located in Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of on the Satpuda hill range. It spreads over an area of 1676.93 sq km. It is one of the last remaining habitats of Indian tiger in Maharashtra.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Wan Sanctuary:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Wan Sanctuary is situated at Melghat area of Amravati district. Mainly it is an extension to the Melghat Sanctuary on the southeastern part. This hilly rugged terrain has tropical dry deciduous forests. This area is rich in floral and faunal biodiversity.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">This sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region is situated at an altitude of 1118m above the sea level. This is one of the coffee-growing areas in Maharashtra. Chikhaldara is full of deep valleys with full of velvet mist and majestic trees. Having a wildlife sanctuary with abundance of wildlife, viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls, it is a very popular summer retreat.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">How to Reach:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">To reach Amarawati, Nagpur is the nearest airport (155 km). Nagpur is the terminus of the branch line of Central Railway on Mumbai-Kolkotta main line. It is well connected by road with the important towns and cities within the state and outside the state.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ratnagiri</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">This city has the distinction of being the native place of three Bharat Ratna awardees, namely Maharishi Karve, Dr. Pandurang Vaman Kane and Dr.B.R. Ambedkar. Ratnagiri is the district place. Great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born here. In 1731 Ratnagiri came under the control of Satara kings; in 1818 it was surrendered to the British. A fort was built during the Bijapur dynasty and strengthened in 1670 by the Maratha king Shivaji, which is located on a headland near the harbour. It is one of the ports of the Konkan coast. It has a palace where the last king of Burma, Thibaw, and later Veer Savarkar, were confined.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ratnagiri has nine talukas. Mandangad, Dapoli, Khed, Guhagar, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Sangameshwar, Lanja and Rajapur. The chief rivers in Ratnagiri are the Shastri, Bor, Muchkundi, Ratnagiri river.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Points of Attraction</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ganga of Rajapur: This is the natural phenomenon. But it is just like a miracle because every 3 years the well forms 14 small pools of water of different temperatures about 3 ft apart. People believed that the holy Ganga Mata appears to the devotees there. Geologists have theorized that this is a rare case of a large natural syphon from a nearby mountain.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Temples/caves: Visitors meet frequently Parashuram Temple near Chiplun, Ganapatipule and Pavas. Caves in the Chiplun, Khed, Dabhol, Sangameshwar, Gauhani Velgaum and Vade Padel are also worth visiting. The Buddhist legend in the Papanch, Sudan and Srath Appakasini record the conversion of Konkan to Buddhism as early as the lifetime of Gautama (BC 560-481). Shivsamarth gad at sawarde near chipalun is also worth visiting with all sculptures from Shivaji Maharaj era.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Malgund: Great poet Keshavsoot born in Malgund. This is small village about 1 km away from Ganpatipule. Marathi Sahitya Parishad has constructed Keshavsoot Smarak a beautiful monument in memory of great poet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Pawas: Swami Swaroopanad a spiritual leader made this place his abode. So Pawas achieved prominence, besides its natural beauty and serenity. Now the place where Swami Swaroopanand is used to reside is converted into Ashram.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Jaigad Fort: Jaigad fort is 35 km from Ganapatipule and at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river. This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea. Jaigad fort is situated at a sheltered bay. Its beach is small and safe.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ratnagiri Fort: Fort built during the Bahamani rule. The fort is horseshoe shaped, with a length of 1300 metres and width of 1000 metres. Surrounded by sea on three sides, with land touching it on the fourth side. On one of the sea facing sides, part of the cliff has collapsed to reveal a cave. The 'Siddha Buruj', still has a lighthouse, that has stood here for years. A picturesque temple of The Goddess Bhagwati is one of the important places of worship in the area of the fort.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Transportation</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The way to go to Ratnagiri by road is, ideally from Bombay, which is 373 kilometres away, or also from Goa, which is closer at 200 kilometres. State transport to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nasik etc. is also available from the Bus Stand. Private buses also available with very affordable rates.</span><br />
<img height="299" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSAP_7O_EABrQyNtfA266hsYqpA3m3iFeZoAFNE5EFg7SrqvP9Et3M1Rh_8GQ" width="400" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Speciality</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Ratnagiri Mangoes (Ratnagiri Hapus Aambe) are very popular in all over India. Mangoes from Devgad are also very famous.</span></span></span></div><br />
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</tbody></table></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-46721073649648688982010-10-08T05:22:00.000-07:002010-10-09T03:27:47.769-07:00Andhra Pradesh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Y3gUl1h5tJeL3n30M6MNbN23yp5rKoEPvd52kSnGOJfY1pu_orZAF5kQfE1sinyWxdpqyeVZfRX6GFdjMZStp4kDgGIe7Cfb6ZsHA_-A1smEUV8GPhAeG5gxLmJInmV-KECFAsGUtns/s1600/Andhra+Pradesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Y3gUl1h5tJeL3n30M6MNbN23yp5rKoEPvd52kSnGOJfY1pu_orZAF5kQfE1sinyWxdpqyeVZfRX6GFdjMZStp4kDgGIe7Cfb6ZsHA_-A1smEUV8GPhAeG5gxLmJInmV-KECFAsGUtns/s320/Andhra+Pradesh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6666;">Andhra Pradesh,</span> the third largest state in India is said to have been the home of the Pre- Dravidian inhabitants. Andhra region witnessed the rule of Chandragupta Maurya during which it established itself as an independent kingdom. The state located in South India, is bounded by Tamil Nadu in the south, Maharashtra in the North and North-West, Madhya Pradesh in the North-East, Karnataka in the West, and the Bay of Bengal in the East. The medieval city of Hyderabad is its capital.<br />
The main languages spoken here are Telugu, English, Urdu and Hindi.<br />
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<b>LAND</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhafTwZP5kuB_IUKEruCCxT94dhm7eZ_VVFeOOfe7gaZdf50B5kqCtI2g0gBdwQI-3k6i92RUpm2ovwqEEuNBmbb0cAWtb2N45XP-P8VmvN4_9L_H3eyCCvV9u7-HM-_33g907K7GwMFN/s1600/land-for-sale-varakavipudi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhafTwZP5kuB_IUKEruCCxT94dhm7eZ_VVFeOOfe7gaZdf50B5kqCtI2g0gBdwQI-3k6i92RUpm2ovwqEEuNBmbb0cAWtb2N45XP-P8VmvN4_9L_H3eyCCvV9u7-HM-_33g907K7GwMFN/s400/land-for-sale-varakavipudi1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Andhra Pradesh lies between 12o41' and 22o longitude and 77o and 84o40' latitude. It is bounded by Madhya Pradesh and Orissa in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the south and Maharashtra in the west. Andhra Pradesh is the third largest state in India and it forms the major link between the north and the south of India. It is the biggest and most populous state in the south of India.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnZX2A4ChZXx91JX4VriUe_OMoMqsUmWycthSM3r5Zl0P4tpsYnFV1ZFRgh0OWu20JKy_rHEADlYdqlx3VfSNJHzpNQew1UCUhQFS_vY5jylK_PMDzkqoqcg_Q1_au0zN8HinUQTL-uPw/s1600/Srisailam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnZX2A4ChZXx91JX4VriUe_OMoMqsUmWycthSM3r5Zl0P4tpsYnFV1ZFRgh0OWu20JKy_rHEADlYdqlx3VfSNJHzpNQew1UCUhQFS_vY5jylK_PMDzkqoqcg_Q1_au0zN8HinUQTL-uPw/s400/Srisailam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There are three main regions in Andhra Pradesh -<br />
1. Northern Circars or coastal Andhra comprising Srikakulam,Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Ongole and Nellore districts;<br />
2. Rayalaseema or Ceded districts comprising Kurnool, Cuddapah, Chittoor and Anantapur districts;<br />
3. Telangana comprising Khammam, Nalgonda, Warangal, Karimnagar, Medak, Nizamabad, Aadilabad, Mahbubnagar and Hyderabad districts. The Circars or Coastal districts are well developed and enjoy a greater degree of affluence than the other two regions; Rayalaseema is close to the coastal districts and here rainfall is less than in the coastal districts and drought conditions prevail sometimes, and the Telangana region is of the former princely state of Nizam's Hyderabad, which is close to Maharashtra's Marathwada region and some parts of Karnataka.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvPjKLACdQQKnTVaeyLXvSR3i8DZR1qVm_ARpGTB52TAeCAKi0qEyuFqx7M7ITaqkdFEHLcDuTASYQPw7NcLec61fbsV0CfJKCUB_b4FGxeS0vBJlwGKrZtT_ACl4NEepLUNO3h1DSP-w/s1600/Srisailam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvPjKLACdQQKnTVaeyLXvSR3i8DZR1qVm_ARpGTB52TAeCAKi0qEyuFqx7M7ITaqkdFEHLcDuTASYQPw7NcLec61fbsV0CfJKCUB_b4FGxeS0vBJlwGKrZtT_ACl4NEepLUNO3h1DSP-w/s400/Srisailam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The state is dotted with hill ranges from the north to the south, running erratically down the middle of the country dividing it into western and eastern or coastal Andhra. These hills form integral geographical entities of Andhra life and history. In the north, there are Simhachalam and Annavaram hills, in the middle country there are the Srisailam hill ranges and in the south are the Tirumalai-Tirupati hills. early 75% of the state territory, is covered by the basins of three big rivers - Godavari, Krishna and Pennar and their tributaries. In addition, there are 17 short rivers like Sarada, Nagavali, Musi and other streams. The two great perennial rivers of the state, Godavari and Krishna spring from the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and flow eastward and joins the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari enters the state of Andhra Pradesh direct from Maharashtra, but the Krishna first goes to Karnataka where it flows for a considerable distance before entering Andhra Pradesh. Besides these two big rivers, there are the Tungabhadra, the Pennar and many other small rivers and rivulets. Pennar originates in the Karnataka plateau. Like all the peninsular rivers and even those which arise in central India, like the Narmada, Sone and Chambal, all these are rain fed rivers as there is no snow below the Himalayas. Andhra Pradesh has considerable topographical variations with dense forest in the north east, flat paddy lands in the coastal plains, several noteworthy beaches along the Bay of Bengal and the stark boulder-strewn region around Hyderabad.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>PEOPLE</b><br />
</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq5zLxbKyZ_v1DH3TWdifcP5D15mOfUbgZR5etzOG8PCZOlMEydRErpVar877ySZjqTe-7NJ7JSDheY9GE4lEEvJYYlUlEvb_rp7zSzPuk_EfJLK_1JHxay0yw2GTB2UyBTxLaLV1ZVgK/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq5zLxbKyZ_v1DH3TWdifcP5D15mOfUbgZR5etzOG8PCZOlMEydRErpVar877ySZjqTe-7NJ7JSDheY9GE4lEEvJYYlUlEvb_rp7zSzPuk_EfJLK_1JHxay0yw2GTB2UyBTxLaLV1ZVgK/s400/images.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The general physical traits of the people of Andhra Pradesh are tall, round-headed, broad-faced, with a long arched forehead, thick and protruding noses, with straight hair and yellow skin. Certain castes of Brahmins and Kapus of Vizag district, in Andhra Pradesh have the following features which accords with the description of the sub-races of the Mediterranean belonging to the main division of Caucasoid; short of medium height, with long and elevated or medium-sized heads, normal eyebrows, with short broad faces, prominent but medium-sized noses, straight hair and wavy tufts. The general colour of the skin is wheat-gray.<br />
The other inhabitants of the Andhra are divided into two classes. The first of them belong to the forests and hill area of the Deccan Plateau. The others belong to the extended areas of the doab between the rivers Krishna and the Godavari. The foresters answer to the description of the Australoid sub-race. The Chenchus of Srisailam hills belong to this class. They are short, with elevated long heads and possess clear and well-defined eyebrows, with protruding mouths and snub flat noses. The general colour of the skin is wheat-gray and the hair is black and crinkled.<br />
Gadabas, Savaras and Koyas belonging to the Bhadrachalam and Simhachalam hilly areas, bear the complex features of Mongolids and Australoids. From the earliest times, the Telugu land included among its inhabitants foresters and hill-men and other tribals. Some tribals inhabited the sea-board region. Today there are nearly 32 lakh tribals and 50 lakh nomads and other backward people in Andhra Pradesh. Their habitat spreads along the coastal and mountain strip of the Bay of Bengal from the Bhadragiri agency in Srikakulam district to the Bhadrachalam agency in Khammam and Godavari districts. From there it spreads north-east wards to the Adilabad region. This tribal area is contiguous to the tribal areas of Bastar, Dandakaranya and Vidarbha. There are about thirty-three kinds of tribals in eight districts of Andhra Pradesh. Important among them are the Khonds, Kolamis, Nayakpods, Koyas, Kondadoras, Valmikis, Bhagatas, Savaras, Jatayus, Gadabas, Yanadis and Chenchus.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_O-nWS8FhB1eYuDQZwKBRuBisoQVYJkSapHNJwj4dfMeSUi6z5P82zB_bZVR78vflf4ODLLP-B7E7ULsVAFCDh6GvMV8uY_HZ871d1NYrbgHtDqIZ27l0Of1rj4aA9-ZEjdCHQQAQAxYK/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_O-nWS8FhB1eYuDQZwKBRuBisoQVYJkSapHNJwj4dfMeSUi6z5P82zB_bZVR78vflf4ODLLP-B7E7ULsVAFCDh6GvMV8uY_HZ871d1NYrbgHtDqIZ27l0Of1rj4aA9-ZEjdCHQQAQAxYK/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These tribes have absorbed elements of Hinduism. The tribal people worship their own pantheon of nature gods and goddesses and continue to revel in their ancient customs and manners. Their languages do not have scripts and are essentially verbal. Tradition has a firm grip on them. The laws of tradition are always obeyed scrupulously and any breach is strictly censured. Their social life is obedience to the leader who commands immense respect and holds sway over all aspects of tribal life. They do not hesitate to participate in the feasts and festivals of the community. They sing and dance. The Yanadis along the coastline, the Chenchus of the Srisailam hill area, the Koyas and Savaras of Godavari and Srikakulam forest areas, and the Khonds of Adilabad forests are typical in ancient habits. Their beliefs are simple and seek direct uninvolved expression. They are honest and frailties in character.In Andhra Pradesh there are certain nomadic tribes. Piccukaguntlu, Balasanta, Saradakandru, Viramushtivaru, Bavanilu, Birannalavaru, Gollasuddulu, Davaluru, Jangamulu, Kommuvaru etc are Telugu nomads whose main occupation is ballad singing. They are favoured by particular castes for maintaining their family records and singing their past glory. Some of them are occupied in itinerarytrade and commerce, while their womenfolk are engaged in cottage industries like making toys, baskets, mats, beads and cosmetics. They are always on the move, subject to the changes of weather and this state of living is traditional. These nomadic tribes have their own forms of recreation and pastimes which go a long way in making their life less rigorous and even contended. They take suffering in their stride but they know how to seek refuge from life's worries in a native and pleasant manner.<br />
Among non-Telugu nomads, Lambadis also called Sugalis are very prominent. Originally they were Rajasthani's who took to a nomadic way of life and moved in batches towards the south of the sub-continent. Some of them are found in rural areas. They are itinerant traders. Besides the Lambadis, mercenary soldiers of Maharashtrian stock have settled down mostly in Telangana. They are called 'Are' and they speak a dialect which is a mixture of Marathi and Telugu. Their occupation is agriculture. They have only a spoken language. Their manners and customs are different from those of the country of their domicile. Cultural complexities have arisen due to historical circumstances. Many foreigners of different faiths have entered Andhra Pradesh and some of them made cultural conquests through fire and sword. Others prevailed in the guise of spiritual uplift. Both these foreign elements have disrupted the continuity and peaceful life of the people and affected their tradition and culture. The Tribal Welfare and Social Welfare departments are trying to better the lot of the tribals and backward classes with educational and economic plans. Free education,hostel facilities, cottage industries, housing societies, agricultural facilities, bank loans and cooperative corporations for the marketing of forest produce like honey and herbs, are some of the ways by which it has sought to better the lives of these simple people.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>HISTORY</b><br />
</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4pUcT1t81CZPAD_9bh7SQjKhw9P7YqxtJ1o4iFQRyErb4zEIiGf5XX_WpJpLNrHi9THitxIiXOKDEefihKTb8JXpKCqr7-AMsLNIXQoKMgJYtQupUMQBAxYIhtfShT4pgvXrJrvkzYyx/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4pUcT1t81CZPAD_9bh7SQjKhw9P7YqxtJ1o4iFQRyErb4zEIiGf5XX_WpJpLNrHi9THitxIiXOKDEefihKTb8JXpKCqr7-AMsLNIXQoKMgJYtQupUMQBAxYIhtfShT4pgvXrJrvkzYyx/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Andhra Pradesh is said to have been the home of the Pre- Dravidian inhabitants. Andhra region witnessed the rule of Chandragupta Maurya during which it established itself as an independent kingdom. After Ashoka, the Mauryan empire declined giving opportunity to establish smaller kingdoms. In about the third century BC the Satavahanas ruled for about five centuries. The Satavahanas established a strong rule with their territories extending upto Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The Satavahanas were overpowered by the Ikshvakus by the third century AD. During this period Brahmanism is said to have been revived. This reduced the influence of the Buddhist which was fostered by the Satavahanas. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsyoNm1LXrveGVxQfL1mE9n-uxcZMbHruX7Ox_P9isey2eFu2tpeYTHPxP6qGZSTpQBIDA44r0hFcZoZNJ7AtZZMgfQU0lY9Au0g9BFNW-xtYPfCSftQQ9qyGl2isa_c6wqsqyWSsJSMT/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsyoNm1LXrveGVxQfL1mE9n-uxcZMbHruX7Ox_P9isey2eFu2tpeYTHPxP6qGZSTpQBIDA44r0hFcZoZNJ7AtZZMgfQU0lY9Au0g9BFNW-xtYPfCSftQQ9qyGl2isa_c6wqsqyWSsJSMT/s400/images.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">By the end of the third century AD the Pallavas of Kanchi put an end to the rule of the Ikshavakus. Art and Architecture advanced during their rule. By 4th century AD the Anandas established their rule which lasted till 6th century. During the 7thcentury the Eastern Chalukyas exercised their power for about four centuries. Literature was advanced during this period with promotion of the Telegu script. The Kakatiyas who were the feudatories of the Eastern Chalukyas became independent in about the 12th century. During the rule of Delhi Sultanate, Muslims repeatedly attempted intrution into Andhra. In 1332 AD Ulugh Khan established themselves. The Reddi Kingdom of Kondavidu; the Velama kingdom, the Vijayanagar Kingdom also ruled independently . The rule of Muhammad Tughlag witnessed the rise of the independent Muslim Power at Bijapur. This was under the Bahamani Sultanate. In 1518 the Sultan Qili Qutub Shah declared himself independent and founded the Qutub Shah dynasty which existed till 1687. During this period literature, art and architect are advanced. The city of </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMchCXll0rR5LW1ryJ3qnisCGZvaPBOhEY5tnRvdkTmeyN3GhnILD7_y-aADd3yZOtdrFsGXYGn6mFBGSU7th5W08wNu0LwdUvkX3pnTZrySrYzBB2fa-G7GOHiZ-PvkdGM__iF6mNYui/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMchCXll0rR5LW1ryJ3qnisCGZvaPBOhEY5tnRvdkTmeyN3GhnILD7_y-aADd3yZOtdrFsGXYGn6mFBGSU7th5W08wNu0LwdUvkX3pnTZrySrYzBB2fa-G7GOHiZ-PvkdGM__iF6mNYui/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hyderabad was laid in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. The Mughals put an end to the Qutub Shahi rule in 1687. After this the Asafjahis called Nizams emerged. They influenced Andhra Pradesh till the 18th century till Andhra Pradesh was ceded to the East India Company. Gradually the whole of Andhra Pradesh except Hyderabad was under the British till 1947. In 1956 Andhra Pradesh was declared as a state.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>FESTIVAL</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZselh9yKh5vf-d-xRh_HcEFlL1d7Cj-aBxqBmQH_EdlqcYnOSp52efiuzFn2PTkC8_Xwwia-8J8cWzhVFYjrG06djqXO2J3qjoiGmYRz8lAPvKX0rZoaFBtfiApnuLF4sln0UJ6HyenR/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZselh9yKh5vf-d-xRh_HcEFlL1d7Cj-aBxqBmQH_EdlqcYnOSp52efiuzFn2PTkC8_Xwwia-8J8cWzhVFYjrG06djqXO2J3qjoiGmYRz8lAPvKX0rZoaFBtfiApnuLF4sln0UJ6HyenR/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Andhra Pradesh is famous for its varied culture and tradition. One of the highlights of its culture are the numerous festivals celebrated here. Most of these festivals are religious and some are organized by the government of Andhra Pradesh state. These festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety.<br />
Of the religious festivals and fairs, Brahmotsavam at Tirupati and the Sri Rama Navami Festival at Bhadrachalam are quite popular. Lumbini Fair, Vishaka Utsav, Deccan Festival are popular fairs highlighting the culture of the state.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjZYepLsjJ3DMcYazX4ZU8wTN4D5VtMCEEeuD2CqDypnK00b19ifFL0AFo7FdCblEJrwP_53A5onBDomlwOkiHZ5h7ITQuYr9D8HIlNBADFleG3g6xoVhXD0ccHreOv-tXtdlwyFhQeBq/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjZYepLsjJ3DMcYazX4ZU8wTN4D5VtMCEEeuD2CqDypnK00b19ifFL0AFo7FdCblEJrwP_53A5onBDomlwOkiHZ5h7ITQuYr9D8HIlNBADFleG3g6xoVhXD0ccHreOv-tXtdlwyFhQeBq/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hindu festivals such as Dussehra, Deepavali, Sri Ram Navami, Krishna Janmashtami, Vinayaka Chavithi or Ganesh Chaturthi and Maha Shivratri are celebrated in the state. Similarly, Muslim festivals such as Bakr Id and Id-ul-Fitr and Christian festivals like Christmas, Easter and New Year's Day are also celebrated with gaiety. However, the celebrations of Ugadi (Telugu New Year's day in March-April) and Sankranti (in January) are unique in the state. Bathakamma is special to the Telengana region. In the month-long festival, Goddess Bathakamma's idol is worshipped and is made to float on the rivers and lakes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbIPwhTcYfpjevkbf9mUgxZzdxT47M85d9DjAcb2KQZiz9bhDRmNyWiEy-X62gIO4_Wc64QjTn9tar70_JNVoIRf0jVNwRjWy2kF3e1jMk6OwtDXRmSvfXGh4jupq9gDKEuUhhRi7F3zQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbIPwhTcYfpjevkbf9mUgxZzdxT47M85d9DjAcb2KQZiz9bhDRmNyWiEy-X62gIO4_Wc64QjTn9tar70_JNVoIRf0jVNwRjWy2kF3e1jMk6OwtDXRmSvfXGh4jupq9gDKEuUhhRi7F3zQ/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The annual tourism events include the Visaka Utsav (from the third Friday to Sunday of January), Deccan Festival (on the 25th of February, of which the Pearls and Bangles Fair is a part), Rayalseema Food and Dance Festival (in October, at Tirupati) and Lumbini Festival (from the second Friday to Sunday of December, at Nagarjunasagar and Hyderabad).<br />
Arts and Crafts of Andhra Pradesh<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4R2ihGfcGLooRKYf9OcnsqfRph81MZrnx4q_1-L33PREwNPQrIErmznt85yHypUK911Z_76qAz5ngslSdTx9lg8Es7t7vfbmhZy7u_GfpiItDTO3U4cs4Oyus909OvrY7TwLVIajptp7/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4R2ihGfcGLooRKYf9OcnsqfRph81MZrnx4q_1-L33PREwNPQrIErmznt85yHypUK911Z_76qAz5ngslSdTx9lg8Es7t7vfbmhZy7u_GfpiItDTO3U4cs4Oyus909OvrY7TwLVIajptp7/s400/images.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There is no dearth of exuberant culture and traditions in andhra Pradesh. Here you can find many forms of performing arts, handlooms and curios. The range of handicrafts is absolutely fantastic at Andhra Pradesh. They hold a special place in the culture and tradition of the state.<br />
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<b>¤ Handicrafts </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some of the most exquisite handicrafts are found in Andhra Pradesh. Many of them evolved from within the state whereas some were brought by the people coming to this magnificent state.<br />
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<b>¤ Banjara Needle Crafts (Embroidery) </b>This art form belongs to the nomads and gypsies of Andhra Pradesh. The embroidery of this form is live and vibrant. Banjaras in Andhra Pradesh display their colorful lifestyle through their exuberant clothes.<br />
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<b>¤ Bidri Craft</b>This craft belongs to the the city of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh. It basically involves silver inlay on metal, which is very exquisite. There are many legends related to its entry and exit into the country and then to Andhra Pradesh.<br />
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<b>¤ Bronze Castings</b>The famous bronze idols were based on the verses from the Shilpashastra. These verses were called dhyana. These verses instruct the craftsmen about the physical measurements, proportions, description of the deity, characteristics, symbolism and above all, aesthetics.<br />
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<b>¤ Budithi Brassware </b>The Budithi Brassware originated from a small village called Budithi in central Srikakulam, a district in Andhra Pradesh. This place is famous for creating beautiful shapes out of alloys. These shapes are also available in modern as well as antique style.<br />
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<b>¤ Pembarthi Metal Crafts</b>Pembarthi is a small village located in the state of Andhra Pradesh at about 100 kms from Hyderabad. The village is famed worldwide for its unmatched brassware tradition. This meticulous brass work art flourished during the reign of Kakatiyas empire.<br />
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<b>¤ Durgi Stone Craft</b>The famous Durgi stone craft originated in the Durgi. It is situated 10 Kms from Macherla in Andhra Pradesh. There is a school of sculpture and stone carving located here, which imparts this ancient skill. Some of the masterpieces of Durgi Stone Craft is found at the Nagarjunakonda museum.<br />
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<b>¤ Kondapalli Toys</b>The famous Kondapalli toys are made of softwood, known as Tella Poniki. These toys are also made up of sawdust, tamarind seed powder, enamel gums and watercolors. After the toy is carved on the wood, a paste made of tamarind, wood and sawdust is applied for giving further shapes and attaching limbs etc., to the toy. This art form belongs to the Kondapalli district of Andhra Pradesh.<br />
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<b>¤ Lacquer Ware</b>The Lacquer craft is widely found in Etikoppaka in Andhra Pradesh. This place is one of the major centers of this craft. The Lacquer craft involves the application of lacquer on wood in pleasing shades to create a distinguishing appeal.<br />
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<b>¤ Nirmal Arts - Paintings & Toys</b>The Nirmal art is generally found in the Nirmal town, Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh. Here, many craftsmen known as Nakash reside. They are involved in Niramal arts, in which scenes from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana are painted.<br />
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<b>¤ Veena Manufacturing</b>At Bobbili in Andhra Pradesh, the oldest musical instrument, Saraswati Veena is manufactured. This instrument is even mentioned in almost all ancient texts. It is an integral part of Carnatic music, famous all over the world for its melody and harmony.<br />
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<b>¤ Handlooms</b>The handlooms of Andhra Pradesh are of excellent quality. It is also famous for its fine saris all over the world. Every region of the state has its own style and weave.<br />
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<b>¤ Chirala Textiles</b>The textiles of Chirala are quite famous. The Chirala textile is made by using a large quantity of oil, which is used in preparing yarn for weaving. After the fabric is ready, it is wrapped with wax & clay before being dyed in selected colors .<br />
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<b>¤ Dharmavaram Saris</b>The Dharmavaram in Andhra Pradesh is famous for silk saris all over the world. These saris are specially worn on functions. They have simple, plain borders without much contrast. The borders of these saris are commonly broad having brocaded gold patterns. The borders also have butta and the pallus of the saris have exclusive designs.<br />
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<b>¤ Eluru Carpets</b>The Eluru in Andhra Pradesh is famous for its woolen pile carpet industry. This art from was brought to India by the Persians who migrated to Andhra Pradesh during the Muhammaddin regime. Later, they developed the carpet industry here.<br />
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<b>¤ Gadwal Saris</b>Gadwal located in Andhra Pradesh is famous all over the world for its beautiful saris. The body of the Sari is cotton whereas the border and pallu are in silk. The cotton and silk fabrics are woven separately and then attached together.<br />
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<b>¤ Ikat Weaving Handlooms </b>This is a skill that requires a lot of intricacy. It is a style of weaving, where the yarn is randomly dyed in natural zigzag or geometric patterns. The Ikat weaving originated in Nalgonda district of andhra Pradesh. This internationally acclaimed weaving form, is now practiced mainly in Puttapaka, Pochampalli and Chautuppal villages of andhra Pradesh.<br />
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<b>¤ Kalamkari Fabrics</b>The Kalamkari is a fabric famous all over the world for its beautiful vegetable colors used on the clothes. These fabrics include a range of special mythological designs for Hindus, prayer carpets for Mohammadans, tent lining cloth, chintz, table clothes and curtain clothes printed in attractive colors. This art form is found at Machilipatnam in andhra pradesh.<br />
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<b>¤ Mangalagiri Sarees </b>The Mangalagiri saris and dress materials are made from Mangalgiri cotton, which is quite popular here. Mangalagiri, located 12 Kms from Vijayawada is also an important pilgrimage center in Andhra Pradesh.<br />
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<b>¤ Uppada Sarees Handlooms </b>The Uppada saris are produced in Uppada, a beach town located 20 kms from Kakinada. It is famous for attractively designed cotton saris. At Peddapuram, 20 kms from Kakinada one can buy delicately designed silk saris created by local artisans.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY</b><br />
</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrNsS5LDzLiDkDehEWb21pGTVxRqwXYHdjTuPHNR0tD7OghKwC8DsMIRc3C6cWUY0uqkVloOqoD8jxrCCS3KMWZcoMbj7hGfbmyIPTBJTE9VnZtAmTWOUFZ9RmF5HrUnCT0VSc7-_0rtX/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrNsS5LDzLiDkDehEWb21pGTVxRqwXYHdjTuPHNR0tD7OghKwC8DsMIRc3C6cWUY0uqkVloOqoD8jxrCCS3KMWZcoMbj7hGfbmyIPTBJTE9VnZtAmTWOUFZ9RmF5HrUnCT0VSc7-_0rtX/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Agriculture </b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyZi6DkfySZ7FuUXJOXHkqxptiJbiuh1oR4hSLLMuVIL6utWmxBWqca6T8bNYMs_xFu9POAKULra1wN81AIcSUFIXVhL0L_JSagmlQv5tPr652ZXhyphenhyphenBEXXl3QzTymDrFn4j4jzeaEP2g2/s1600/3412057915_d14e097821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyZi6DkfySZ7FuUXJOXHkqxptiJbiuh1oR4hSLLMuVIL6utWmxBWqca6T8bNYMs_xFu9POAKULra1wN81AIcSUFIXVhL0L_JSagmlQv5tPr652ZXhyphenhyphenBEXXl3QzTymDrFn4j4jzeaEP2g2/s320/3412057915_d14e097821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Andhra Pradesh is one of the agriculturally rich and food grains surplus states of the country and it makes its surplus rice available for consumption in other states. The state is the largest producer of rice in India. It is also the leading producer of cash crops like Tobacco, Groundnut, Chillies, Turmeric, Oilseeds, Cotton, Sugar and Jute. Its tobacco is noted for its high quality and much of it is exported, although there is a world wide movement against smoking. Millets, groundnuts, cotton, jowar and ragi are the principal crops of the state. Pulses of all kinds are also widely sown in the state. The state also produces some of the finest varieties of Mangoes, Grapes, Guavas, Sapotas, Papayas and Bananas. About 70% of the workforce in the state is dependent on agriculture and more than a third of the state's gross domestic product is derived from the out put of the earth through agriculture. Land holdings are small and this led to a violent communist movement in the year around independence. The states forest cover accounts for 24% of the total landmass of Andhra Pradesh, although it is unevenly distributed. Teak is the most important forest product in the Telengana region and this is in plenty in the Kurnool forest too.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Industry.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2QjGiyGGuMS-NY3BcYnsloRCXLNUe41QK2Hiyc_4F4tPS97hs_r9ONIXw_3ze6HW08ujzlutNS13hDWdoWnUOI49tZl9czW71BOJNm0JJq3EA5BoPKydkPiZ_VRvfyScvR6Z2iPA7sZi/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2QjGiyGGuMS-NY3BcYnsloRCXLNUe41QK2Hiyc_4F4tPS97hs_r9ONIXw_3ze6HW08ujzlutNS13hDWdoWnUOI49tZl9czW71BOJNm0JJq3EA5BoPKydkPiZ_VRvfyScvR6Z2iPA7sZi/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The recent growth in Andhra Pradesh's Industry is evidence to Former Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's achievements. With a friendly investment atmosphere, the State has become an attractive choice for investment. One of the main Industrial area in Andhra Pradesh is HITEC city, a technology township in Hyderabad. The Hyderabad Information Technology Engineering Consultancy City (HITEC City) the largest Information Technology park in India, spread in 151 acres, offers world class state-of-the-art IT infrastructure under one roof to companies operating in the field of IT services, IT enabled services, Telecom, Engineering Consultancy and related services. Shilparamam, also in Hyderabad, located in Madhapur 14 km off the city HITEC city is an arts and crafts village, which plays host to the countless traditions of arts and crafts of India. It stands to preserve the dying art forms.<br />
The other industries in the large scale sector consist of sugar mills, spinning and textile mills, electrical, paper and cement manufacturing units. In the small scale sector there are pesticides and insecticides production, engineering workshops, automobile units and repairs, chemical industries, utensils manufacturing, wooden furniture, electrical items, cotton ginning and edible oil etc.<br />
<b>Mineral Wealth</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2tN5TUt7LMt4sMjSOuHE1MIKgZEkeysSKxcxspdvoA2twftLIrMrs6F0P-SLdyixEBiOPFX4p08lh3kDbARStmCd-1v12nlfP-C5_1vySANTel0l55Et_eq9xhELcYkW42rQYzj8nuK0/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2tN5TUt7LMt4sMjSOuHE1MIKgZEkeysSKxcxspdvoA2twftLIrMrs6F0P-SLdyixEBiOPFX4p08lh3kDbARStmCd-1v12nlfP-C5_1vySANTel0l55Et_eq9xhELcYkW42rQYzj8nuK0/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b>The mineral wealth of Andhra Pradesh consists mainly of asbestos, barytes, coal, chromite, iron ore, kyanite, mica and chinaclay. There occurs other minerals in small quantity in some areas although limestone occurs extensively. The crysotite kind of asbestos is found only in Andhra Pradesh. It is spun into yarn and woven into fireproof cloth. This mineral occurs mainly in Cuddapah. Coal occurs in a broad belt in the Godavari basin covering Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Warangal and West Godavari districts.<br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>TOURISM</b><br />
</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnefybhsOqOdGp-9bQXLDOQZO7Rc_tb1IhNmYI0pAuA78Vf8ZWbzAdp-V9DNoqy4NsbrgnsYUx-CEwKraxTqOQK6gXqEWjz275H-5yWRSEhIHmWwsAp66buXguYtJD9W9FKEyElYLafHVT/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnefybhsOqOdGp-9bQXLDOQZO7Rc_tb1IhNmYI0pAuA78Vf8ZWbzAdp-V9DNoqy4NsbrgnsYUx-CEwKraxTqOQK6gXqEWjz275H-5yWRSEhIHmWwsAp66buXguYtJD9W9FKEyElYLafHVT/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hyderabad, the fifth largest city in the country, is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and has several prominent places in and around it. It has a Hindu-Muslim culture with a number of monuments of historical importance like Char Minar, Golconda, Salar Jung Museum, Mecca Masjid, Osman Sagar and Osmania University. The capital is in reality the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad linked together by the Hussain Sagar Lake.<br />
The sites of historical importance include Warangal, Palampet, Vemulavada, Bhadrachalam, and Lepakshi. Andhra Pradesh is known for pilgrimages, not only for Hindus, but also for followers of other religions like Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. The state has a rich heritage of temples, mosques, churches and viharas. The state is known for the famous Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati, Birla Mandir at Hyderabad and Bhadra Kali temple at Warangal, Mecca Masjid at Hyderabad, the Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar, and the Sai Baba Ashram at Puttaparthi. The Hindu pilgrimage sites include Tirupati, Srisailam, Basara, and Srikalahasti. The state was once the site of a flowering Buddhist culture. The Salivahanas, who were Buddhists by religion, followed the Satvahana dynasty. Several Buddhist stupas and viharas were built during their reign, and Buddhist centers flourished at Nagarjunakonda, Amravati, Sankara, Bhattiprolu, Guntupalli, Gantasala, Salihunda, Panigiri, Nelakondapalli, and Bahvikonda.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are waterfalls at Ettipothala, Kuntala, and Gandipet. The caves at Undavalli and Borra are also major tourist attractions. Two large and world famous dams are located at Nagarjunasagar and Nizamsagar.<br />
Many wildlife sanctuaries can be found in the state, namely, Kawal, Sivaram, Pakhal, Pranahita, Eturnagaram, Kinnerasani, Papikonda, Nagarjunasagar, Srisailam, Pocharam, Gundlabrahmeshwaram, Shri Venkateshwara, Srilanka Malleswara, and Kaundinya. There are four bird sanctuaries in the state at Kolleru, Rollapadu, Nelapattu, and Manjira.<br />
The state has nearly 1,000 km of coastline, with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea with azure water caressing golden sands, which accounts for the presence of so many beaches. Starting from Bheemunipattnam near Vishakhapatnam down to Mypad in Nellore district, the coastline of Andhra Pradesh offers unalloyed joy to the sun worshippers and sea bathers. Apart from the Ramakrishna beach, Lawson's bay and Rishikonda beach at Vishakhapatnam and Bheemunipattnam beaches there are other famous beaches such as Manginapudi, near Machilipattnam, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam and Mypad.<br />
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</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>How to get there</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Air</b>: </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_D50ZatbvNzWt04qA8jYJQqTTmXqsJ4eRjINx5hUTKEQwAQ-_6o7R-QgRl2bLv03_g3Sgx5igj2oGlXm6ZTAwSmW8Z5hFsGzujNmcZrci8OY1oPBZXohdfh6CpxHiVboYLFe-onC8EWq/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_D50ZatbvNzWt04qA8jYJQqTTmXqsJ4eRjINx5hUTKEQwAQ-_6o7R-QgRl2bLv03_g3Sgx5igj2oGlXm6ZTAwSmW8Z5hFsGzujNmcZrci8OY1oPBZXohdfh6CpxHiVboYLFe-onC8EWq/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Begumpet Airport at Hyderabad, also known as Hyderabad Airport, is currently the only international airport in Andhra Pradesh. It is well connected to most major Indian cities and some overseas. Other important airports of the state include Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Vishakapatnam.<br />
Sea: Major Sea Port of Andhra Pradesh is at Vishakapatnam which have regular cruise to Andaman &is also connected with other major ports. Gangavaram deep water port is under development. Minor Sea ports include Kakinada, Krishnapatnam, and Machilipatnam.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Rail:</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCsOApEKAU_rDiexElEw0KX2kmokCyzaSy7ny7R5fU8CcSeJdKRDV_unbNP8e3WdKwk1WXWdVWq0LIclVPGkTeFY6Dlb9z0qTbBmbHZRoqJ1znC9SVqYbB7p_OXKWGe8bIjGp_njxoqHd/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCsOApEKAU_rDiexElEw0KX2kmokCyzaSy7ny7R5fU8CcSeJdKRDV_unbNP8e3WdKwk1WXWdVWq0LIclVPGkTeFY6Dlb9z0qTbBmbHZRoqJ1znC9SVqYbB7p_OXKWGe8bIjGp_njxoqHd/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Andhra Pradesh is well connected with around 620 Railway stations. In which three main train stations include Hyderabad or Nampally, Secunderabad and Kacheguda. Secunderabad is the main station from where one can get trains to all major towns/cities of the country. It has a Total Rail network of 5107 kms<br />
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</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Road:</b> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjLFe6NQ-zGlmuYguvs3zXScUoE5ZY_miY-VgSXP418lLluZsflChaFXITAA6IwdudkkX2yEceTQY9Kk_pVSu8aVH_Khzj0A7o2neioVr6STbhQyR4utN4q7X9h52PPGaH8svmyQfWmEy/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjLFe6NQ-zGlmuYguvs3zXScUoE5ZY_miY-VgSXP418lLluZsflChaFXITAA6IwdudkkX2yEceTQY9Kk_pVSu8aVH_Khzj0A7o2neioVr6STbhQyR4utN4q7X9h52PPGaH8svmyQfWmEy/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="276" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Andhra Pradesh has a total road network of 178,474 Kilometers with about 12 National Highways of 4014 Kms. and State Highways of 8763 Kms. Andhra pradesh state road transport corporation, considered as the largest state transport undertaking in the world provides transit facility in the state of Andhra pradesh. APSRTC runs intercity and inter district buses within the state of Andhra pradesh. It also runs interstate routes connecting to the adjacent states of Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Geography and climate</b></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHPiVw1UOvpvZhzeRUk9AlbUSJ71-l24mpndfTC7Kyuk6RuEKIckDSHoTzzyw3ZnyAV6y46F62cgPV6SKAH9CONf0RhmdFeMkq9TLZLZhoYE3M3BhMW174Le7qryRBi3V_Fu-miNiPkyW/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHPiVw1UOvpvZhzeRUk9AlbUSJ71-l24mpndfTC7Kyuk6RuEKIckDSHoTzzyw3ZnyAV6y46F62cgPV6SKAH9CONf0RhmdFeMkq9TLZLZhoYE3M3BhMW174Le7qryRBi3V_Fu-miNiPkyW/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Geographically, Andhra Pradesh is composed of most of the eastern half of the Deccan plateau and the plains to the east of the Eastern Ghats. It is the fourth largest state in India. The northern part of the plateau is the Telangana region and the southern part is known as Rayalaseema. These two regions are separated by the River Krishna. The plains to the east of Eastern Ghats form the Eastern coastal plains. The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and individual sections have local names. The Kadapa Basin formed by two arching branches of the Eastern Ghats is a mineral rich area. The coastal plains are for the most part delta regions formed by the Godavari, Krishna, and Penner rivers. The Eastern Ghats are a major dividing line in the state's geography. The Ghats become more pronounced towards the south and extreme north of the coast. The Eastern Ghat region is home to dense tropical forests, while the vegetation becomes sparse as the Ghats give way to the Deccan Plateau, where shrub vegetation is more common. Most of the coastal plains are put to intense agricultural use. The west and southwest parts of Andhra Pradesh have semi-arid conditions.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xtvkZJb1gPd3LaeJxX5NUlO0Eo6GRMHpA4H0kbNiZnrDJB4riGfd0fdtcLCtm0AYyQsJvOEKIS8KxhWJ5qtuuUsRtonj1gAkShB3406I7gLU9xLNAP7w2EmJLNboGpBvwGSIGH6AerDY/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xtvkZJb1gPd3LaeJxX5NUlO0Eo6GRMHpA4H0kbNiZnrDJB4riGfd0fdtcLCtm0AYyQsJvOEKIS8KxhWJ5qtuuUsRtonj1gAkShB3406I7gLU9xLNAP7w2EmJLNboGpBvwGSIGH6AerDY/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The climate of Andhra Pradesh varies considerably, depending on the geographical region. Monsoons play a major role in determining the climate of the state. Summers last from March to June. In the coastal plain the summer temperatures are generally higher than the rest of the state, with temperature ranging between 20°C and 41°C.<br />
July to September is the season for tropical rains in Andhra Pradesh. The state receives heavy rainfall during these months. About one third of the total rainfall in Andhra Pradesh is brought by the Northeast Monsoon. October and November see low-pressure systems and tropical cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal which, along with the Northeast Monsoon, bring rains to the southern and coastal regions of the state. November, December, January, and February are the winter months in Andhra Pradesh. Since the state has a long coastal belt the winters are not very cold. The range of winter temperature is generally 12°C to 30°C.<br />
Hyderabad is the capital and, along with the adjoining twin city Secunderabad, is the largest city in the state. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh's main seaport, is the second largest city and is home to the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command. Due to its location and proximity to major rail and road routes, Vijayawada is a major trading center and the third largest city. Other important cities and towns are Kakinada, Warangal, Guntur, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Srikakulam, Machilipatnam, Tenali, Ongole, Kurnool, Anantapur, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Nellore, Bhimavaram, Narsapuram, and Eluru.<br />
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<b>Cultural institutions</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wVuFYK8f4s0VbhOlEUhOvuivEhfyGZinxdppsNIQK68Yev9zb7eo_Z82tGNYeaoHVdYpfdhx3mmjtV3gYmAY1OFm6TBHIoMDAjIYHGE5fK1MJcW-AbWVleBoDfPDDe9XRPWW_EHc1N9i/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wVuFYK8f4s0VbhOlEUhOvuivEhfyGZinxdppsNIQK68Yev9zb7eo_Z82tGNYeaoHVdYpfdhx3mmjtV3gYmAY1OFm6TBHIoMDAjIYHGE5fK1MJcW-AbWVleBoDfPDDe9XRPWW_EHc1N9i/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Andhra Pradesh has many museums, including the Archaeological Museumat Amaravati near Guntur City that features relics of nearby ancient sites, the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, which features a varied collection of sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, and the Visakha Museum in Visakhapatnam, which displays the history of the pre-Independence Madras Presidency in a rehabilitated Dutch bungalow. Victoria Jubilee Museum in Vijayawada has a good collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery and inscriptions. Other ancient sites include dozens of ancient Buddhist stupas in Nagarjunakonda which is now an island in Nagarjuna Sagar, an artificial lake that formed after the construction of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. The Island has a large museum that houses many Buddhist relics.<br />
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<b>Cuisine</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfNRbZznK9-vCtGwSi62nSuokJqOxZ32DZgWxAQdIuFYNU9csp_XaWg6dIxi6fzaiVQwvq8PRrx-5NpnWrLKpHcVImsyhSm8NxJWAim5-hKiNcDj40jBcT46x7TfBv1KNGojG3416Dh37/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfNRbZznK9-vCtGwSi62nSuokJqOxZ32DZgWxAQdIuFYNU9csp_XaWg6dIxi6fzaiVQwvq8PRrx-5NpnWrLKpHcVImsyhSm8NxJWAim5-hKiNcDj40jBcT46x7TfBv1KNGojG3416Dh37/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is one of the spiciest of all Indian cuisines. There are many variations to the Andhra cuisine (all involving rice) depending on geographical regions, caste, and traditions. Pickles and chutneys, called pachchadi in Telugu, are particularly popular in Andhra Pradesh and many varieties of pickles and chutneys are unique to the State. Chutneys are made from practically every vegetable including tomatoes, brinjals (eggplant), and roselle (Gongura).Avakaya (mango) is probably the best known of the Andhra pickles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSlzNcA6xW-2ZueHHxNcM6hU0whvdQiqwN1LjeOnPybU_EGpDy51ezmmEkCKVQuQRGTYnEGhn6m28RDcdPWvu_vH8xWUZXG28FZfhoMcJlXa5s5R_O8mRfiFfgZInJzDXxU_QXkRFLBYW/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSlzNcA6xW-2ZueHHxNcM6hU0whvdQiqwN1LjeOnPybU_EGpDy51ezmmEkCKVQuQRGTYnEGhn6m28RDcdPWvu_vH8xWUZXG28FZfhoMcJlXa5s5R_O8mRfiFfgZInJzDXxU_QXkRFLBYW/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rice is the staple food and is used in a wide variety of ways. Typically, rice is either boiled and eaten with curry, or made into a batter for use in a crepe-like dish called attu (pesarattu is made of a mixture of this batter and mung beans) or dosas, a crepe filled with black beans or lentils.<br />
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Meat, vegetables and greens are prepared with different spices (masala) into a variety of strongly flavored dishes such as Nellore fish curry, mango brinzal curry, and Gunturu Gongura pachadi. Hyderabadi cuisine is influenced by the Muslims who arrived in Telangana in the 14th century. Much of the cuisine revolves around meat. It is rich and aromatic, with a liberal use of exotic spices and ghee (clarified butter). Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most widely used meats in the non-vegetarian dishes. Biriyani is perhaps the most distinctive and popular dish of Hyderabadi cuisine.<br />
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<b>Dance</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinTgJeH7z4RRThM4_hNQDx53s8PqYgiNocU7kr5j0ZvUR2djm3HKqcf4R_wfdXAYI9WLx6IhYP6RbtQpz_EvxwvgqkpykTj36yo4SvLlgIV055c3a9_pK9TOoNh_9xG0gwCguxXp-dkZr/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinTgJeH7z4RRThM4_hNQDx53s8PqYgiNocU7kr5j0ZvUR2djm3HKqcf4R_wfdXAYI9WLx6IhYP6RbtQpz_EvxwvgqkpykTj36yo4SvLlgIV055c3a9_pK9TOoNh_9xG0gwCguxXp-dkZr/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="368" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Classical dance in Andhra can be performed by both men and women; women tend to learn it more often.Kuchipudi is the state's best-known classical dance form. The various dance forms that existed through the state's history are Chenchu Bhagotham, Kuchipudi, Bhamakalapam, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Burrakatha,Veeranatyam, Butta bommalu, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Bonalu, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dhimsa, Kolattam and chindu. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jaanapadam is a popular folk dance.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sksxvk0J96f485S_eepRrcbsHiH7jyqxuKdGo736VTMPsnDJFzg8bTl_eIzQLj_bql4wuDZo9-ewbqMj5Y3gyppszu1_smZE4n9Z8598K2_K3UBfZZeym8cqf2OD-HJ4Uu6obIMFYsGp/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sksxvk0J96f485S_eepRrcbsHiH7jyqxuKdGo736VTMPsnDJFzg8bTl_eIzQLj_bql4wuDZo9-ewbqMj5Y3gyppszu1_smZE4n9Z8598K2_K3UBfZZeym8cqf2OD-HJ4Uu6obIMFYsGp/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jayapa Senani was the first person to write about the dances prevalent in Andhra Pradesh.Both Desi and Margi forms of dances are included in his Sanskrit treatise Nrutya Ratnavali.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-30041548595199401942010-07-24T23:57:00.000-07:002010-10-09T05:46:52.106-07:00Goa<a href="http://www.krisresortgoa.com/images/goa_map.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.krisresortgoa.com/images/goa_map.jpg" width="366" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>G</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">oa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located on India's west coast in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole. It was ranked the best placed state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best quality of life in India by the National Commission on Population based on the 12 Indicators.<br />
<img height="301" src="http://www.prlog.org/10205648-goa-beach.jpg" width="400" /></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of thePortuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants, and conquered it soon thereafter. The Portuguese overseas territory existed for about 450 years, until it was annexed by India in 1961.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="265" src="http://www.tourotravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Palolem%20beach,%20Goa,%20India.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as abiodiversity hotspot.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">HISTORY</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">G</span>oa's known history stretches back to the 3rd century BC, when it formed part of the Mauryan Empire, ruled by the Buddhist emperor, Ashokaof Magadha. Buddhist monks laid the foundation of Buddhism in Goa. Between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE, Goa was ruled by the Chutus of Karwar as feudatories of the Satavahanas of Kolhapur (2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE), Western Kshatrapas (around 150 CE), the Abhiras of Western Maharashtra, Bhojas of the Yadava clans of Gujarat, and </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="300" src="http://www.indiacultureblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/goa.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">the Konkan Mauryas as feudatories of theKalachuris.The rule later passed on to the Chalukyas of Badami, who controlled it between 578 to 753, and later the Rashtrakutas ofMalkhed from 753 to 963. However from 765 to 1015, the Southern Silharas of Konkan ruled Goa as the feudatories of the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas. Over the next few centuries, Goa was successively ruled by the Kadambas as the feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyani. They patronised Jainism in Goa.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">In 1312, Goa came under the governance of the Delhi Sultanate. However, the kingdom's grip on the region was weak, and by 1370 they were forced to surrender it to Harihara I of the Vijayanagara empire. The Vijayanagara monarchs held on to the territory until 1469, when it was appropriated by the Bahmani sultans of Gulbarga. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="300" src="http://www.thehomefoundation.com/Goa2.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">After that dynasty crumbled, the area fell to the hands of the Adil Shahis of Bijapur who established as their auxiliary capital the city known under the Portuguese as Velha Goa.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">In 1510, the Portuguese defeated the ruling Bijapur kings with the help of a local ally, Timayya, leading to the establishment of a permanent settlement in Velha Goa .The Portuguese converted a large portion of their subjects in Goa to Christianity. The repeated wars of the Portuguese with the Marathas and the Deccan sultanate, along with the repressive religious policies of Portuguese led to large migrations of Goans to neighbouring areas. Goa was occupied by the British between 1812 and 1815 during the Napoleonic Wars.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">In 1843 the capital was moved to Panjim from Velha Goa. By the mid-18th century the area under occupation had expanded to most of Goa's present day state limits. Simultaneously the Portuguese lost other possessions in India until their borders stabilised and formed the Estado da India Portuguesa, of which Goa was the largest territory.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="300" src="http://www.leeabbamonte.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/goa-beach1.bmp" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">After India gained independence from the British in 1947, Portugal refused to negotiate with India on the transfer of sovereignty of their Indian enclaves. On 12 December 1961, the Indian Army commenced with Operation Vijay resulting in the annexation of Goa, Damman and Diu into the Indian union. Goa, along </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="346" src="http://www.colonialvoyage.com/GoaSe.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">withDaman and Diu was made into a centrally administered Union Territory of India. On 30 May 1987, the Union Territory was split, and Goa was made India's twenty-fifth state, with Daman and Diu remaining Union Territories.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">G</span>oa encompasses an area of 3,702 km² . It lies between the latitudes 14°53′54″ N and 15°40′00″ N and longitudes 73°40′33″ E and 74°20′13″ E. Most of Goa is a part of the coastal country known as the Konkan, which is an escarpment rising up to the Western Ghatsrange of mountains, which separate it from the Deccan Plateau. The highest point is the Sonsogor, with an altitude of 1,167 meters . Goa has a coastline of 101 km .<br />
<img height="282" src="http://watchtravel.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/goa-tour.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Goa's main rivers are the Mandovi, the Zuari, the Terekhol, Chapora River and the Sal. The Mormugao harbour on the mouth of the River Zuari is one of the best natural harbours in South Asia. The Zuari and the Mandovi are the lifelines of Goa, with their tributaries draining 69% of its geographic area. These rivers are one of the busiest rivers in India. Goa has more than forty estuarine, eight marine and about ninety riverine islands. The total navigable length of Goa's rivers is 253 km . Goa has more than three hundred ancient tanks built during the rule of the Kadamba dynasty and over a hundred medicinal springs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="292" src="http://worldnewspage.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/hotels-in-goa.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Most of Goa's soil cover is made up of laterites which are rich in ferric aluminium oxides and reddish in colour. Further inland and along the riverbanks, the soil is mostly alluvial and loamy. The soil is rich in minerals and humus, thus conducive to plantation. Some of the oldest rocks in the Indian subcontinent are found in Goa between Molem and Anmod on Goa's border with Karnataka. The rocks are classified as Trondjemeitic Gneiss estimated to be 3,600 million years old, dated by the Rubidium isotope dating method. A specimen of the rock is exhibited in the Goa University.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Goa, being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. The month of May is the hottest, seeing day temperatures of over 35 °C coupled with high humidity. The monsoon rains arrive by early June and provide a much needed respite from the heat. Most of Goa's annual rainfall is received through the monsoons which last till late September.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="320" src="http://www.jackypeng.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/GOA.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Goa has a short winter season between mid-December and February. These months are marked by nights of around 20 °C and days of around 29 °C with moderate amounts of humidity. Further inland, due to altitudinal gradation, the nights are a few degrees cooler. During March 2008 Goa was lashed with heavy rain and strong winds. This was the first time in 29 years that Goa had seen rain during March.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ECONOMY</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">G</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">oa's gross state domestic product for 2007 is estimated at $3 billion in current prices. Goa is one of India's richest states with the highest GDP per capita and two and a half times that of the country as a whole, and one of its fastest growth rates: 8.23% (yearly average 1990–2000).Tourism is Goa's primary industry: it handles 12%[15] of all foreign tourist arrivals in India. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the splendid climate. In the summer time (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.<br />
<img height="285" src="http://www.indialine.com/travel/images/fortaguada-goa.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The land away from the coast is rich in minerals and ores and mining forms the second largest industry. Mining in Goa focuses on ores ofiron, Bauxite, manganese, clays, limestone and silica. The Marmagao Port handled 31.69 million tonnes of cargo last year, and accounts for over 39% of India's Iron Ore exports. The leaders in the Goan Iron Ore industry include Sesa Goa (now owned by Vedanta Resources) and Dempo. Rampant mining in areas rich in Iron Ore and other minerals is now threatening the forest cover as well as posing a health hazard to the local population. Mining corporations are also indulging in illegal mining in some areas without proper permits.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="300" src="http://www.book-goa-hotels.com/images/goveia-holiday-homes-goa-pool.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Agriculture, while of shrinking importance to the economy over the past four decades, offers part-time employment to a sizable portion of the populace. Rice is the main agricultural crop, followed by areca, cashew and coconut. The fishing industry provides employment for about forty thousand people, though recent official figures indicate a decline of the importance of this sector and also a fall in catch, perhaps coupled with the fact that traditional fishing has given way to large-scale mechanised trawling.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Medium scale industries include the manufacturing of pesticides, fertilisers, tyres, tubes, footwear, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, wheatproducts, steel rolling, fruits and fish canning, cashew nuts, textiles, brewery products.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="301" src="http://boutiquehotelsgoa.com/images/goa.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Goa government has recently decided to not allow any more special economic zones (SEZs) in Goa. This is in stark contrast to policy followed by other states of India. SEZs are known to bring tax revenues for the government and employment option for local citizens since industries flock there for lower tax rates as compared to other areas. Currently there are 16 planned SEZs in Goa. This decision was taken by state government after strong opposition to SEZs by political parties and Goa Catholic Church.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="300" src="http://blogs.bootsnall.com/miss/archives/Goa%20705%20065.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Goa is also notable for its low beer, wine and spirits prices due to its very low excise duty on alcohol. Another source of cash inflow into the state comes from many of its citizens who work abroad and remit money to their families.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>TRANSPORT</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">G</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">oa's sole airport, the Dabolim Airport, is both a military and civilian airport catering to domestic and international airlines that stop en route to other Indian destinations. The airport also handles a large number of chartered flights. Goa receives international flights </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="300" src="http://sites.google.com/site/arieslady/Konkantrip075.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">from Dubai,Sharjah and Kuwait in the Middle East and from Britain, Germany and Russia during the charter flight tourist season. Dabolim Airport is serviced by the following carriers – Air India,Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, Go Air, SpiceJet, Jet Airways besides Charter flights from the UK, Russia, Germany operated by Thomas Cook, Condor, Monarch Airlines etc.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Goa's public transport largely consists of privately operated buses linking the major towns to rural areas. Government-run buses, maintained by the Kadamba Transport Corporation, links both major routes (like the Panjim–Margao route) and some remote parts of the state. In large towns such as Panjim and Margao, intra-city buses ply. However, public transport in Goa is less developed, and residents depend heavily on their own transport, usually motorised two-wheelers. Goa has two National Highways passing through it. NH-17 runs along India's west coast and links Goa to Mumbai in the north and Mangalore to the south. NH-4A running across the state connects the capital Panjim to Belgaum in east, linking Goa to cities in the Deccan. The NH-17A connects NH-17 to Mormugao Harbour from Cortalim, and the new NH-17B, is a four lane highway </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="266" src="http://www.pictureninja.com/pages/india/goa-coastline.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">connecting Mormugao Harbour to NH-17 at another location, Verna, via Dabolim airport. Goa has a total of 224 km of National highway, 232 km of state highway and 815 km of district highway.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Hired forms of transport include unmetered taxis, and, in urban areas, auto rickshaws. A unique form of transport in Goa is the Motorcycle taxi, operated by drivers who are locally called "pilots". These vehicles transport a single pillion rider, at fares that are usually negotiated. River crossings in Goa are serviced by flat-bottomed ferry boats, operated by the river navigation departments. Goa has two rail lines..........one run by the South Western Railway and the other by the Konkan Railway. The line run by the South Western Railway was built during the colonial era linking the port town of Vasco da Gama, Goa with Hubli, Karnataka via Margao. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="297" src="http://www.theodora.com/wfb/photos/india/leela_hotel_goa_india_photo.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Konkan Railway line, which was built during the 1990s, runs parallel to the coast connecting major cities on the western coast.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Mormugao harbour near the city of Vasco handles mineral ore, petroleum, coal and international containers. Much of the shipments consist of minerals and ores from Goa's hinterland. Panjim, which is situated on the banks of the Mandovi, also has a minor port, which used to handle passenger steamers between Goa and Mumbai till the late 1980s. There was also a short-lived catamaran service linking Mumbai and Panaji operated by Damania Shipping in the 1990S.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>LANGUAGES</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="400" src="http://image.absoluteastronomy.com/images/encyclopediaimages/g/go/goauld_alphabet.gif" width="387" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act, 1987 makes Konkani in the Devanagari script the sole official language of Goa, but provides that Marathi may also be used "for all or any of the official purposes". The Government also has a policy of replying in Marathi to correspondence received in Marathi. Whilst there have been demands for according Marathi and Konkani in Roman script co-equal status in the state, As of October 2008, Konkani remained the sole official language.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="276" src="http://www.indianetzone.com/photos_gallery/9/goa-university_1484.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Konkani is spoken as a native language by about 61.21% ~~~of the people in the state. Other linguistic minorities in the state as of 1991 are Marathi <27.12%>, Kannada <3.41%>, Urdu<2.81%>, and Hindi <2.09%>. The Portuguese language, which was used during the colonial era is less popular now.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>TOURISM</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img height="300" src="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/2507595-Local_bungalow_near_Querim_North_Goa-Goa.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tourism is generally focused on the coastal areas of Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the splendid climate. In the summertime (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
<img height="266" src="http://www.whatahotel.com/hotels/1889/Park_Hyatt_Goa_Resort_and_Spa-view.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">With the rule of the Portuguese for over 450 years and the consequential influence of Portuguese culture, Goa presents a somewhat different picture to the foreign visitor than other parts of the country. The state of Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, churches, and temples. The Bom Jesus Cathedral, Fort Aguada and a new a wax museum on Indian history, culture and heritage in Old Goa are other tourism destinations.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-21810000646208944862010-07-04T05:33:00.000-07:002010-10-09T05:49:26.392-07:00Karnataka<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="381" src="http://www.travelindia-guide.com/maps/south/karnataka_map_s.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kannada is a state in the southern part of India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as the State of Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka in 1973.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karnataka is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Goa to the northwest, Maharashtra to the north, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the southwest. The state covers an area of 74,122 sq mi (191,976 km²), or 5.83% of the total geographical area of India. It is the eighth largest Indian state by area, the ninth largest by population and comprises 30 districts. Kannadais the official and most widely spoken language.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though several etymologies have been suggested for the name Karnataka, the generally accepted one is that Karnataka is derived from the Kannada words karu and nādu, meaning elevated land. Karu nadu may also be read as Karu (black) and nadu (region), as a reference to the black cotton soil found in the Bayaluseeme region of Karnataka. The British used the word Carnatic (sometimes Karnatak) to describe both sides of peninsular India, south of the Krishna River.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="266" src="http://churumuri.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/09dec09kpn74.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With an antiquity that dates to the paleolithic, Karnataka has also been home to some of the most powerful empires of ancient and medieval India. The philosophers and musical bards patronised by these empires launched socio-religious and literary movements which have endured to the present day. Karnataka has contributed significantly to both forms of Indian classical music, the Carnatic (Karnataka Music) and Hindustani traditions. Writers in the Kannada language have received the most number of Jnanpith awards in India. Bangaloreis the capital city of the state and is at the forefront of the rapid economic and technological development that India is experiencing.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">history of Karnataka</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7kC5IhmhiE1xuWmpz5thyphenhyphenrIM3TsX-7kq7iis-ojMP0n_6IMIJtZrJ_b7pQOP_fSQp_k1kp4UEfr3jilUBpL-OmkFPyCe_9cNdKkdokooz4P5oAfYyLgAj8mCSuX2WeuL9uVt2DKwphg/s400/Gol+Gumbaz,+Bijapur,+Karnataka.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The history of Karnataka can be traced back to a paleolithic hand-axe culture evidenced by discoveries of, among other things, hand axes and cleavers in the region[citation needed]. Evidence of neolithic andmegalithic cultures have also been found in the state. Gold discovered in Harappa was found to be imported from mines in Karnataka, prompting scholars to hypothesize about contacts between ancient Karnataka and the Indus Valley Civilization in 3000 BCE. Prior to the third century BCE, most of Karnataka was part of the Nanda Empire before coming under the Mauryan empire of Emperor Ashoka. Four centuries of Satavahana rule followed, allowing them to control large areas of Karnataka. The decline of Satavahana power led to the rise of the earliest native kingdoms, the Kadambas and the Western Gangas, marking the region's emergence as an independent political entity. The Kadamba Dynasty, founded by Mayurasharma, had its capital at Banavasi;the Western Ganga Dynasty was formed with Talakad as its capital.<br />
Hoysala Empire sculptural articulation in Belur.<br />
Statue of Ugranarasimha atHampi (a World Heritage Site), located within the ruins ofVijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.<br />
These were also the first kingdoms to use Kannada in administration, as evidenced by the Halmidi inscription and a fifth-century copper coin discovered at Banavasi.These dynasties were followed by imperial Kannada empires such as the Badami Chalukyas, the Rashtrakuta Empire of Manyakheta and the Western Chalukya Empire which ruled over large parts of the Deccan and had their capitals in what is now Karnataka. The Western Chalukyas patronised a unique style of architecture and Kannada literature which became a precursor to the Hoysala art of 12th century.<br />
Parts of modern-day Karnataka were occupied by the Chola Empire between 990-1210 AD. This process started under Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014) and continued under his son Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044). Initially "Gangapadi, Nolambapadi and Tadigaipadi' all parts of modern Mysore, were conquered and annexed' under Raja Raja Chola I. Rajendra Chola I "marched up to Donur, he also captured Banvasi, a good part of the Raichur doab and sacked Manyakheta" itself, which was the Western Chalukyan capital. During the time of the Chalukya rulerJayasimha after his defeat by Rajendra Chola I, the Tungabhadra river was recognized tacitly as the boundary between the two kingdoms. During the rule of Rajadhiraja Chola I (1042–1056), Dannada, Kulpak, Koppam, the fortress of Kampili, Pundur, Yetagiri and the Chalukyan capital Kalyani were sacked. In 1053, Rajendra Chola IIafter defeating the Chalukyans in war advanced to Kollapura where he erected a pillar of victory before returning to his capital at Gangaikondacholapuram. In 1066, the Western Chalukya ruler Somesvara's forces were defeated by the next Chola ruler Virarajendra, who then again defeated the Western Chalukyas at Kudalasangama, and set up a pillar of victory on the banks of the Tungabhadra. In AD 1075Kulottunga Chola I won a victory against Vikramaditya VI at Nangili in Kolar district and made himself the master of Gangavadi. The Cholas eventually lost Gangavadi in 1116 to the Hoysalas under Vishnuvardhana.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRSvZcwVw6PExBYRHw3ow-Ar8XfGpNLZFkgp6Tq2WUdhyt6gHxHlPwIRhEsym6OOvtAe_2Q4KU5F4XRvporq-KYqSGKrjpARXsWbTWi_Bug9O-_iRK-nsXtIvVa9dcI7-XWmKyBXUGQc/s400/2007+0930+Karnataka+130.jpg" width="400" /><br />
At the turn of the first millennium, the Hoysalas gained power in the region. Literature flourished during this time, which led to the distinctive Kannadaliterary metres and the construction of temples and sculptures adhering to the Vesara style of architecture. The expansion of the Hoysala Empire brought parts of modern Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu under its rule. In the early 14th century, Harihara and Bukka Raya established the Vijayanagara empire with its capital,Hosapattana (later named Vijayanagara), on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the modern Bellary district. The empire rose as a bulwark against Muslim advances into South India, which it completely controlled for over two centuries.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="298" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/24/0d/26/karnataka.jpg" width="400" /><br />
In 1565, Karnataka and the rest of South India experienced a major geopolitical shift when the Vijayanagara Empire fell to a confederation of Islamic sultanates in the Battle of Talikota. The Bijapur Sultanate, which had risen after the demise of the Bahmani Sultanate of Bidar, soon took control of the Deccan; it was defeated by the Moghuls in the late 17th century. The Bahamani and Bijapur rulers encouraged Urdu and Persian literature and Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Gol Gumbaz being one of the high points of this style.During the sixteenth century, Konkani Hindus migrated to Karnataka, mostly from Salcette, Goa, while during the seventeenth and eighteenth century, the Mangalorean Catholicsmigrated to South Canara, in Karnataka, especially from Bardes, Goa, as a result of food shortages, epidemics and heavy taxation imposed by the Portuguese.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="273" src="http://www.tourisminkarnataka.com/images/shivanasamudra-waterfalls-karnataka.jpg" width="400" /><br />
An inveterate enemy of the British, Tipu Sultan of Mysore Kingdom was one of the most powerful rulers in India before the advent of the British Raj.<br />
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In the period that followed, parts of northern Karnataka were ruled by the Nizam of Hyderabad, the British, and other powers. In the south, the Mysore Kingdom, former vassals of the Vijayanagara Empire, was briefly independent. With the death of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II, Haidar Ali, the commander-in-chief of the Mysore army, gained control of the region. After his death, the kingdom was inherited by his son Tippu Sultan. To contain European expansion in South India, Haidar Ali and later Tippu Sultan fought four significant Anglo-Mysore Wars, the last of which resulted in Tippu Sultan's death and the incorporation of Mysore into the British Raj in 1799. The Kingdom of Mysore was restored to the Wodeyars and Mysore remained a princely state under the British Raj.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="290" src="http://www.indianpublicholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/2909993-The_modern_look-State_of_Karnataka-300x218.jpg" width="400" /><br />
As the "doctrine of lapse" gave way to dissent and resistance from princely states across the country, Kittur Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna and others spearheaded rebellions in Karnataka in 1830, nearly three decades before the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Other uprisings followed, such as the ones at Supa, Bagalkot, Shorapur, </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nargund and Dandeli. These rebellions </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which coincided with the 1857 war </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of independence were led by Mundargi Bhimarao, Bhaskar Rao Bhave, the Halagali Bedas, Venkatappa Nayaka and others. By the late 19th century, the freedom movement had gained momentum; Karnad Sadashiva Rao, Aluru Venkata Raya, S. Nijalingappa, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, Nittoor Srinivasa Rau and others carried on the struggle into the early 20th century.<br />
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After India's independence, the Maharaja, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, allowed his kingdom's accession to India. In 1950, Mysore became an Indian state of the same name; the former Maharaja served as its Rajpramukh (head of state) until 1975. Following the long-standing demand of theEkikarana Movement, Kodagu and Kannada speaking regions from the adjoining states of Madras, Hyderabad and Bombay were incorporated into the Mysore state, under the States Reorganization Act of 1956. The thus expanded state was renamed Karnataka, seventeen years later, in 1973. In the early 1900s through the post-independence era, industrial visionaries such as Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya born in Muddenahalli, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nearKanivenarayanapura, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chikballapur District played an </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">important role in the development of Karnataka's strong manufacturing and industrial base.<br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Geography</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Geography of Karnataka and Rainfall in Karnataka<br />
Jog Falls are the highest plunge waterfalls in India, </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">formed by Sharavathi River.<br />
The state has three principal geographical zones: the coastal region of Karavali, the hilly Malenadu region comprising the Western Ghats and theBayaluseeme region comprising the plains of the Deccan plateau. The bulk of the state is in the Bayaluseeme region, the northern part of which is the second largest arid region in India. The highest point in Karnataka is the Mullayanagiri hills in Chikkamagaluru district which has an altitude of 1,929 metres (6,329 ft). </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the important rivers </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in Karnataka are Kaveri,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Tungabhadra, Krishna, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Malaprabha and </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Sharavathi.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://im.rediff.com/getahead/2010/feb/26slide_horanadu_karnataka.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Karnataka consists of four main types of geological formations the Archean complex made up of Dharwad schists and granitic gneisses, theProterozoic non-fossiliferous sedimentary formations of the Kaladgi and Bhima series, the Deccan trappean and intertrappean deposits and the tertiary and recent laterites and alluvial deposits. Significantly, about 60% of the state is composed of the Archean complex which consist of gneisses, granites and charnockite rocks. Laterite cappings that are found in many districts over the Deccan Traps were formed after the cessation of volcanic activity in the early tertiary period. Eleven groups of soil orders are found in Karnataka, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">viz. Entisols, Inceptisols, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mollisols,Spodosols, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alfisols, Ultisols, Oxisols, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aridisols, Vertisols, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andisols and Histosols. Depending on the agricultural capability of the soil, the soil types are divided into six types, viz. Red, lateritic, black, alluvio-colluvial, forest and coastal soils.<br />
<br />
Karnataka experiences four seasons. The winter in January and February is followed by summer between March and May, the monsoon season between June and September and the post-monsoon season from October till December. Meteorologically, Karnataka is divided into three zones coastal, north interior and south interior. Of these, the coastal zone receives the heaviest rainfall with an average rainfall of about 3,638.5 mm (143 in) per annum, far in excess of the state average of 1,139 mm (45 in). Agumbe in the Shivamogga district receives the second highest annual rainfall in India. The highest recorded temperature was 45.6 °C (114 °F) at Raichur and the lowest recorded temperature was 2.8 °C (37 °F) at Bidar.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="258" src="http://photos.igougo.com/images/p24849-Halibid_-_Karnataka_State-A_view_of_the_decorated_walls.jpg" width="400" /><br />
About 38,724 km2 (14,951 sq mi) of Karnataka (i.e. 20% of the state's geographic area) is covered by forests. The forests are classified as reserved, protected, unclosed, village and private forests. The percentage of forested area is slightly less than the all-India average of about 23%, and significantly less than the 33% prescribed in the National Forest Policy.</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Government and administration<br />
<br />
Karnataka, like other Indian states, has a parliamentary system of government with two democratically elected houses, the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Legislative Assembly consists of 224 members who are elected for five-year terms. The Legislative Council is a permanent body of 75 members with one-third (25 members) retiring every two years.<br />
<br />
The government of Karnataka is headed by the Chief Minister who is chosen by the ruling party members of the Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister, along with the council of ministers, drives the legislative agenda and exercises most of the executive powers. However, the constitutional and formal head of the state is the Governor who is appointed for a five-year term by the President of India on the advice of the Union government. The people of Karnataka also elect 28 members to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. The members of the state Legislative Assembly elect 12 members to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9vPNlqoYUtY/SojaO25FYUI/AAAAAAAACl0/6ZQ9gh7YkeQ/s400/Udupi+Krishna+Temple+in+Karnataka.jpg" width="400" /><br />
For administrative purposes, Karnataka has been divided into four revenue divisions, 49 sub-divisions, 29 districts, 175 taluks and 745 hoblies/revenue circles. The administration in each district is headed by a Deputy Commissioner who belongs to the Indian Administrative Service and is assisted by a number of officers belonging to Karnataka state services. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, an officer belonging to the Indian Police Service and assisted by the officers of the Karnataka Police Service, is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order and related issues in each district. The Deputy Conservator of Forests, an officer belonging to the Indian Forest Service, also serves the government. Sectoral development in the districts is looked after by the district head of each development department such as Public Works Department, Health, Education, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, etc. The judiciary in the state consists of the Karnataka High Court (Attara Kacheri) in Bangalore,district and session courts in each district and lower courts and judges at the taluk level.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="285" src="http://buzz7.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/karnataka-puc.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Politics in Karnataka has been dominated by three political parties, the Indian National Congress, the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Politicians from Karnataka have played prominent roles in federal government of India with some of them having held the high positions of Prime Minister and Vice President. Three cabinet levels ministers in the current United Progressive Alliance government are from Karnataka. Notable among these is Former Chief Minister and Honorable Union Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs,Veerappa Moily. Border disputes involving Karnataka's claim on the Kasaragod and Sholapur[60] districts and Maharashtra's claim on Belgaum are ongoing since the states reorganisation. The official emblem of Karnataka has a Ganda Berunda in the centre. Surmounting this are four lions facing the four directions, taken from the Lion Capital of Asoka atSarnath. The emblem also carries two Sharabhas with the head of an elephant and the body of a lion.</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="298" src="http://www.karnataka-colleges.com/Karnataka-Universities/images/Karnataka-Veterinary-Animal-Fisheries-University-Campus.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Economy<br />
<br />
Karnataka, which had an estimated GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) of about US$ 58.23 billion in 2008-09 fiscal year. Karnataka recorded the highest growth rates in terms of GDP and per capita GDP in the last decade compared to other states.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
The state registered a GSDP growth rate of 7% for the year 2007-2008. Karnataka's contribution to India's GDP in the year 2004-05 was 5.2%. Karnataka was the fastest growing state over the past decade in terms of GDP and per capita GDP. With GDP growth of 56.2% and per capita GDP growth of 43.9%, Karnataka now has the sixth highest per-capita GDP of all states.[65] Till September 2006 Karnataka received a Foreign Direct Investment of Rs. 78.097 billion ($ 1.7255 billion) for the fiscal year 2006-07, placing it third among the states of India.[66] At the end of 2004, the unemployment rate in Karnataka was 4.94% compared to the national rate of 5.99%. For the fiscal year 2006-07, the inflation rate in Karnataka was 4.4%, compared to the national average of 4.7%. As of 2004-05, Karnataka had an estimated poverty ratio of 17%, less than the national ratio of 27.5%.<br />
<br />
Nearly 56% of the workforce in Karnataka is engaged in agriculture and related activities. A total of 12.31 million hectares of land, or 64.6% of the state's total area, is cultivated. Much of the agricultural output is dependent on the southwest monsoon as only 26.5% of the sown area is irrigated.<br />
<br />
Karnataka is the manufacturing hub for some of the largest public sector industries in India, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, National Aerospace Laboratories, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Indian Telephone Industries, Bharat Earth Movers Limited and Hindustan Machine Tools, which are based in Bangalore. Many of India's premier science and technology research centers, such as Indian Space Research Organization, Central Power Research Institute, Bharat Electronics Limited and the Central Food Technological Research Institute, are also headquartered in Karnataka. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited is an oil refinery located in Mangalore.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="262" src="http://aidindia.org/main/images/AndhraKarnatakaFlood_2009/karnataka_flood_source_hindu.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Since the 1980s, Karnataka has emerged as the pan-Indian leader in the field of IT (information technology). As of 2007, there were nearly 2,000 firms operating out of Karnataka. Many of them, including two of India's biggest software firms, Infosys and Wipro are also headquartered in the state. Exports from these firms exceeded Rs. 50,000 crores ($12.5 billion) in 2006-07, accounting for nearly 38% of all IT exports from India. The Nandi Hills area in the outskirts of Devanahalli is the site of the upcoming $22 Billion, 50 square kilometer BIAL IT Investment Region, one the largest infrastructure projects in the history of Karnataka. All this has earned the state capital, Bangalore, the sobriquet Silicon Valley of India.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="400" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/61/1f/8d/karnataka.jpg" width="331" /></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Transport<br />
<br />
Air transport in Karnataka, as in the rest of the country, is still a fledgling but fast expanding sector. Karnataka has airports at Bangalore,Mangalore, Hubli, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Belgaum, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hampi and Bellary </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with international operations from </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bangalore and Mangalore airports.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Airports at Mysore,Gulbarga, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bijapur, Hassan and Shimoga </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">are expected to be operational </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by the end of 2007. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Major airlines such as Kingfisher </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Airlines andAir Deccan are based in Bangalore.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://j.b5z.net/i/u/2044088/i/Karnataka.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Karnataka has a railway network with a total length of approximately 3,089 kilometres (1,919 mi). Until the creation of the South Western Zone headquartered at Hubli in 2003, the railway network in the state was in the Southern and Western railway zones. Several parts of the state now come under the South Western Zone, with the remainder under the Southern Railways. Coastal Karnataka is covered under the Konkan railwaynetwork which was considered India's biggest railway project of the century. Bangalore is extensively connected with inter-state destinations while other important cities and towns in the state are not so well-connected.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Karnataka has 11 ports, including the New Mangalore Port, a major port and ten other minor ports.[86] The New Mangalore port was incorporated as the ninth major port in India on 4 May 1974. This port handled 32.04 million tonnes of traffic in the fiscal year 2006-07 with 17.92 million tonnes of imports and 14.12 million tonnes of exports. The port also handled 1015 vessels including 18 cruise vessels during the year 2006-07. The inland water transport within the state is not well developed.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="266" src="http://www.pazhs.com/gallery/Hampi/krishna-temple.jpg" width="400" /><br />
The total lengths of National Highways and state highways in Karnataka are 3,973 kilometres (2,469 mi) and 9,829 kilometres (6,107 mi), respectively. The KSRTC, the state public transport corporation, transports an average of 2.2 million passengers daily and employs about 25,000 people. In the late nineties, KSRTC was split into three corporations, viz., The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, The North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation and The North-East Karnataka Road Transport Corporation with their headquarters in Bangalore, Hubli and Gulbarga respectively.</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="320" src="http://www.meconlimited.co.in/SmallImage/BridgeinKarnataka.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Language</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
The Kannada language is the official language of the state, the native language of approximately 65% of its population and one of the classical languages of India. Kannada played a crucial role in the creation of Karnataka since linguistic demographics was a major criterion chosen to create the state in 1956. Tulu, Kodava Takk and Konkani are other major native languages that share a long history in the state. Urdu is spoken widely by the Muslim population. Less widely spoken languages include Beary bashe and certain dialects such as Sankethi. Kannada features a rich and ancient body of literature covering topics as diverse as Jainism, Vachanas, Haridasa Sahitya and modern literature. Evidence from edicts during the time of Ashoka the Greatsuggest that the Kannada script and its literature were influenced by Buddhist literature. The Halmidi inscription, the earliest attested full-length inscription in the Kannada language and script, is dated to 450 CE while the earliest available literary work, the Kavirajamarga, has been dated to 850 CE. References made in the Kavirajamarga, however, prove that Kannada literature flourished in the Chattana, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beddande and </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melvadumetres during </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">earlier centuries.<br />
<br />
Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, a doyen of 20th century Kannada literature.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="312" src="http://www.templenet.com/Karnataka/virupa.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Kuvempu, the renowned Kannada poet and writer who wrote Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate, the state anthem of Karnataka was the first recipient of the "Karnataka Ratna" award, the highest civilian award bestowed by the Government of Karnataka. Contemporary Kannada literature is well recognized in the arena of Indian literature, with seven Kannada writers winning India's highest literary honour, the Jnanpith award, which is the highest for any language in India. Tulu is spoken mainly in the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. Tulu Mahabharato, written by Arunabja in Tulu script, is the oldest surviving Tulu text. The Tulu language now uses the Kannada script due to the gradual decline of the Tulu script, which was in use until a few centuries ago. The Kodavas who mainly reside in the Kodagu district, speak Kodava Takk. Two regional variations of the language exist, the northern Mendale Takka and the southern Kiggaati Takka.Konkani is mostly spoken in the Uttara Kannada district and in some parts of the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. Both Kodava Takk and Konkani use the Kannada script for writing. English is the medium of education in many schools and widely used for business communication in technology-related companies and BPOs.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
All of the state's languages are patronised and promoted by governmental and quasi-governmental bodies. The Kannada Sahitya Parishat and the Kannada Sahitya Akademi are responsible for the promotion of Kannada while the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi, The Tulu Sahitya Akademi and the Kodava Sahitya Akademi promote their respective languages.<br />
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Education<br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="320" src="http://www.indiavideo.org/thumbimages/karnataka/images/architecture-pattadakal-temple-karnataka--1887.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Indian Institute of Science, one of the premier institutes of India located in Bangalore.<br />
As per the 2001 census, Karnataka had a literacy rate of 67.04%, with 76.29% of males and 57.45% of females in the state being literate.The state is home to some of the premier educational and research institutions of India such as the Indian Institute of Science, the Indian Institute of Management, the National Institute of Technology Karnataka and the National Law School of India University.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="298" src="http://photos.igougo.com/images/p416509-Bijapur_Karnataka-Juma_Masjid.jpg" width="400" /><br />
As of March 2006, Karnataka had 54,529 primary schools with 252,875 teachers and 8.495 million students, and 9498 secondary schools with 92,287 teachers and 1.384 million students. There are three kinds of schools in the state, viz., government-run, private aided (financial aid is provided by the government) and private unaided (no financial aid is provided). The primary languages of instruction in most schools are Kannada and English. The syllabus taught in the schools is either of the CBSE, the ICSE or the state syllabus (SSLC) defined by the Department of Public Instruction of the Government of Karnataka. However, some schools follows NIOS syllabus. The State has one Sainik School in Bijapur also.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://www.holidayiq.com/uploadimages/Karnataka-3111_0.JPG" width="400" /><br />
In order to maximize attendance in schools, the Karnataka Government has launched a mid-day meal scheme in government and aided schools in which free lunch is provided to the students. Statewide board examinations are conducted at the end of the period of secondary education and students who qualify are allowed to pursue a two-year pre-university course; after which students become eligible to pursueunder-graduate degrees.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="271" src="http://www.access-india.com/karnataka-hill.gif" width="400" /><br />
There are 481 degree colleges affiliated with one of the universities in the state, viz. Bangalore University, Gulbarga University, Karnatak University, Kuvempu University, Mangalore University and Mysore University. In 1998, the engineering colleges in the state were brought under the newly formed Visvesvaraya Technological University headquartered atBelgaum, whereas the medical colleges are run under the jurisdiction of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. Some of these baccalaureate colleges are accredited with the status of a deemed university. There are 123 engineering, 35 medical and 40 dental colleges in the state. Udupi, Sringeri, Gokarna and Melkote are well-known places of Sanskrit andVedic learning. An Indian Institute of Technology Muddenahalli has been approved by the central government as part of the 11th 5 year plan. This will be the first IIT in Karnataka State. In addition, a 600 crore Visvesvaraya Institute of Advanced Technology (VIAT) is being constructed in Muddenahalli-Kanivenarayanapura.</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tourism</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="250" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01127/0000010445_list_jp_11277491.jpg" width="400" /><br />
By virtue of its varied geography and long history, Karnataka hosts numerous spots of interest for tourists. There is an array of ancient sculptured temples, modern cities, scenic hill ranges, unexplored forests and endless beaches. Karnataka has been ranked as the fourth most popular destination for tourism among the states of India. Karnataka has the second highest number of nationally protected monuments in India, second only to Uttar Pradesh, in addition to 752 monuments protected by the State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Another 25,000 monuments are yet to receive protection.<br />
<br />
Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, has the second largest pre-modern dome in the world after the Byzantine Hagia Sophia.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="268" src="http://www.vii.in/Images/Karnataka-Housing-Board/Karnataka-Housing-Board-5.jpg" width="400" /><br />
The districts of the Western ghats and the southern districts of the state </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">have popular eco-tourism </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">locations including Kudremukh,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Madikeri and Agumbe. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karnataka has 25 wildlife </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sanctuaries and five national parks. Popular among them are Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta National Park andNagarhole National Park. The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi and the monuments of Pattadakalare on the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The cave temples at Badami and the rock-cut temples at Aihole representing the Badami Chalukyan style of architecture are also popular tourist destinations. The Hoysala temples at Belur andHalebidu, which were built with Chloritic schist (soap stone) are proposed UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Rauza are famous examples of the Deccan Sultanate style of architecture. The monolith of Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola is the tallest sculpted monolith in the world, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival.<br />
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Mysore Palace at Night, Mysore, Karnataka.</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://www.bloggersbase.com/images/uploaded/original/7eeb4ce45d293b6d3564dea77600c9f400b29acb.jpeg" width="400" /><br />
The waterfalls of Karnataka and Kudremukh National Park are listed as must-see places and among the "1001 Natural Wonders of the World". Jog Falls is India's tallest single-tiered waterfall with Gokak Falls, Unchalli Falls, Magod Falls, Abbey Falls and Shivanasamudra Falls among other popular waterfalls.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/467265608_e2e8a463c1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Several popular beaches dot </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the coastline including </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Murudeshwara, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gokarna and Karwar. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition, Karnataka is home </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to several places of religious </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">importance. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several Hindu temples including the famous Udupi Krishna Temple, the Marikamba Temple at Sirsi, the Sri Manjunatha Temple at Dharmasthala, Sri Subramanya Temple at Kukke and Sharadamba Temple at Sringeri attract pilgrims from all over India. Most of the holy sites of Lingayats, like Kudalasangama and Basavana Bagewadi, are found in northern parts of the state. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shravanabelagola, </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mudabidri andKarkala are </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">famous for Jain history and </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">monuments. The Jaina faith </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">had a stronghold in Karnataka in the early medieval period withShravanabelagola as its most important center.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="261" src="http://www.indiaexploring.com/india-packages/india-tourism-guide/gifs/karnataka-tourism.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Recently Karnataka has emerged as a hot spot for health care tourism. Karnataka has the highest number of approved health systems and alternative therapies in India. Along with some ISO certified government-owned hospitals, private institutions which provide international-quality services have caused the health care industry to grow by 30% during 2004-05. Hospitals in Karnataka treat around 8,000 health tourists every year</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="257" src="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/2223449-belur-State_of_Karnataka.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-40392939632386511902010-06-21T05:33:00.000-07:002010-10-09T00:54:30.672-07:00About Tamilnadu TourismCapital of Tamilnadu - Chennai<br />Cradle Of - South Indian Temple Architecture<br />Official State Language - Tamil<br />Best Time To Visit Tamil Nadu - December To February<br /><br /><img height="228" src="http://www.indialine.com/travel/images/meenakshi-temple.jpg" width="320" /><br />Tamil Nadu is bounded by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the north and Kerala in the west. The eastern and western tips of the Tamilnadu are defined by the Point Calimere and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries while the northern extreme is Pulicat lake and the southernmost tip is Kanyakumari, the land's end. Tamil Nadu is principally washed by the Cauvery, originating in Coorg in neighbouring Karnataka . Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is known for its beautiful beach resorts.<br /><br /><img height="228" src="http://www.tamileelamnews.com/news/uploads/tntoursim2.jpg" width="320" /><br />Tamil Nadu - A Temple State<br /><br />Tamil Nadu, the cradle of south Indian temple architecture, is a living museum of styles that originated in the 7th century and matured in the huge temple complexes studded with towering gateways-"Gopurams"-that soar above the markets of almost every town. Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Rameswaram, Palani, Srirangam, Tiruttani and Kanyakumari are some of the famous pilgrim centres in Tamil Nadu. The famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai is a must see<br /><br /><br />. The Nilgiri Panorama<br />In the west of the state, where the hill stations of Kodaikanal and Ooty are the premier travel attractions, sylvan hills offer mountain views and a network of trails winds through forests and tea and coffee plantations. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast spread of deciduous forest in Tamilnadu dominated by teak, offers a good chance of spotting elephants and dholes, wild pack-hunting Dogs, Tigers and Leopards.<br /><br />Annamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, closer to Kodaikanal in the Palani hills, is better known for its Lion-tailed Macaques (black-maned Monkeys). The wetlands of the coast provide perfect resting places for migratory birds, whose numbers soar during the winter monsoon at Vedathangal, near Chennai, and Point Calimere.<br /><br /><div><img height="240" src="http://cromos-e-cadernetas.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/mahabalipuram1.jpg" width="320" /><br /><br />History of Tamilnadu<br /><br />Tamil Nadu was ruled by three major dynasties-the Cholas in the east, the Pandyas in the central area and Cheras in the west. This was during the Sangam Age-the classical period of Tamil literature-that continued for some 300 years after the birth of Christ. The Pallava dynasty was influential particularly in the 7th and 8th centuries, the testimonies to which are the monuments at Mamallapuram.<br /><br />In the 13th century, with threats of Muslim invasions from the north, the southern Hindu dynasties combined and the empire of Vijaynagar (also spelt as Vijayanagar), which covered all of South India, became firmly established. However, by the 17th century, due to the disintegration of the Vijaynagar Empire, various small rulers like the Nayaks ruled southern India.<br /><br />By the middle of the 18th century, there were frequent conflicts between the British, French, Danes, and Dutch due to their interest in these areas. The British were finally victorious, while small pocketed areas including Pondicherry and Karaikal remained under French control. Under the British rule, most of south India was integrated into the region called the Madras Presidency. In 1956, the Madras Presidency was disbanded and Tamil Nadu was established.<br /><img height="320" src="http://www.southindiatourism.theindiancenter.com/gifs/tamilnadu-tour.jpg" width="285" /><br />An Agro-Based Land - Tamilnadu<br /><br />Although Tamil Nadu is one of the most urbanized states of India, it is still a rural land; agriculture is the mainstay of life for about three-quarters of the rural population. The principal food crops are rice, maize, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, and pulses. The cash crops include cotton, sugarcane, oilseeds, coffee, tea rubber, and chillies.<br /><br />The major industries of Tamil Nadu include cotton textiles, chemicals, fertilizers, paper and paper products, printing and allied industries, diesel engines, automobiles and parts, cement, sugar, iron and steel, and railway wagon and coaches. The state of Tamilnadu is the largest textiles producer in India and an important exporter of leather and leather products, cotton piece goods, tea, coffee, spices, tobacco, etc.<br /><img height="320" src="http://www.indiavisitinformation.com/india-tour/india-tourism/images/tamilnadu.jpg" width="197" /><br />There are a number of hydel power stations in Tamil Nadu. The atomic power plant is located at Kalpakkam, in the Chengalpattu MGR district.<br /><br />Tamil Nadu is rich in handicrafts; notable among them are hand loomed silk, metal icons, leather work, Kalamkari (hand-painted fabric, using natural dyes), brass, bronze, and copper wares, and carved wood, palm leaf, and cane articles. For the best Chola bronzes and a glimpse of the magnificent paintings that flourished under Maratha rajas in the 18th century, travellers should head for Thanjavur.<br /><img height="239" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/1c/b3/31/mamallapuram-shore-temple.jpg" width="320" /><br /><br />Capital of Tamilnadu<br /><br />Chennai (formerly, Madras), the largest city in South India and the fourth largest city in the country, is located on the Coromandel Coast. The city's British lineage is evident in the various cathedrals, buildings in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues but there is no denying its traditional Tamil Hindu culture either. This is not surprising because this region had remained a centre of Pallavan culture long before the British came here.<br /><br />The varied aspects of traditional South Indian culture existing alongside the lifestyle of a modern city complete with its plush hotels, restaurants offering a range of continental to typical South Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern shopping malls, cinema halls, etc.<br /><img height="213" src="http://travel.paintedstork.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/emerald_lake_ooty.jpg" width="320" /><br /><br />The People<br /><br />Tamil, the official state language, is spoken by most of the people. The main religions in Tamil Nadu are Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism. There is an established caste system, and the traditional differentiations here are a lot more pronounced than in many other parts of the country. The Brahmin community in Tamilnadu is very pious and people normally have a white mark on the forehead to signify caste.<br /><br /><img height="212" src="http://e-incredibleindia.com/statetourism/tn_files/circle_images_articles_0917bandi9.jpg" width="320" /><br />Performing Arts in Tamil Nadu<br /><br />Tamil Nadu is synonymous with the Indian musical maestro of the 18th century, Thyagaraja. The land of Carnatic music, Tamil Nadu, is the birthplace of many other music legends as well. The main instruments used are the Violin, Wooden flute, 'Veena', 'Gottuvadayam', 'Mridangam' (also spelt as Mridanga), 'Nadaswaram' and 'Ghatam'.<br /><br />Bharatanatyam, one of India's major classical dance forms, and Carnatic music are both widely practiced. Painting and sculpture, however, are less developed, although there are schools that teach the art of sculpture in stone and bronze. Tamil literature rapidly adapted to the Western literary forms of the novel and the short story. Since the 1940s, cinema has become the most popular form of mass entertainment. There are both touring and permanent cinema theatres; and sentimental and spectacular films, often featuring light music and dancing, are produced by the film studios situated largely around Chennai.<br /><img height="244" src="http://video.ilovekolkata.in/seyretfiles/uploads/thumbnails/user_62/madurai_vid.jpg" width="320" /><br /><br />Festivals of Tamilnadu<br /><br />The main festival of Tamilnadu is Pongal, which is a harvest festival celebrated in the month of January. Feasting, music and dance mark this festival. "Karthigai Deepam" and "Varushapirapu" (Tamil New Year's Day) are also celebrated on a grand scale.<br /><br />Several temple festivals are held throughout the Tamilnadu, of which The Mahamagam festival celebrated once in 12 years at Kumbakonam, Meenakshi Kalyanam festival at Madurai, Natyanjali Dance Festival at Chidambaram are the famous ones.<br /><br /><br />Climate of Tamilnadu<br /><br />The climate of Tamil Nadu is essentially tropical. The temperature in summer seldom 43º C and in winter seldom falls below 18º C. The lowest temperatures are recorded during December and January, and the highest in April to June. The average annual rainfall, falling mainly between October and December, ranges between 25 and 75 inches. The most precipitation falls in the Nilgiris and other hill areas.<br /><br /><img height="228" src="http://images.surveymonkey.com/_resources/13920917/6029a9d2-300e-4403-b6f6-21f558c2efc9.jpg" width="320" /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-57862687288606788542010-05-03T21:43:00.000-07:002010-10-09T00:54:30.689-07:00ALAPPUZHA<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><img height="240" src="http://www.voyagepoint.net/photo/city_images/Alappuzha-Alleppey-3770_25.jpg" width="320" /><br /><b></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>ALAPPUZHA FACTS & FIGURES</b></span><b>Language</b>Malayalam and English </b></span></span></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b><b>Best time to visit</b>August to March </b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b><b>STD Code</b>0477 </b></span></span></span></div><div><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:-4Usi11sitgBuM:http://www.keralagreenery.org/alleppey-backwaters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:-4Usi11sitgBuM:http://www.keralagreenery.org/alleppey-backwaters.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b><b>Instant Hotel Booking for Alappuzha</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />INTRODUCTION<br />Alappuzha (Alleppey) is one of the exotic backwater sites of India's southern state Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Alappuzha attracts tourists not only by its natural beauty but also through its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality.<br /><br />LOCATION<br />Separated out from the former districts of Kottayam and Quilon, Alappuzha consists of seven taluks spread over an area of 1414 sq km. It is bounded by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks on its north; Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks on its east; Kannathur and Karunagappally taluks on its south and the exotic Lakshadweep of the Arabian Sea on its west.<br /><br />BEST TIME TO VISIT<br />The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the winter season. The months from August-September and February-March are ideal for a visit to this place. The backwater cruises in the exotic houseboats, which also serve Keralan cuisine delicacies, are an eternal experience. The Nehru Trophy boat race is the major attraction of this place, which is held during Onam festival celebrated in the month of August. The festivities of the Mullakal temple during the month of December are highly recommended as some of India's finest temple musicians perform in the main hall during this festival. Besides these, the locally made coir and carpets of coconut fibers are also attracting tourists these days.<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:v951MC2sCLLu8M:http://www.theodora.com/wfb/photos/india/cana_in_alappuzha_kerala_india_photo.jpg" /><br /><br />HISTORY<br />Before the Dutch took over this place, the Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came into power and he gave ample importance to the developmental works of the place. Slowly it became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all over. This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alappuzha.<br /><br /><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:IyjIfYQcAGRuLM:http://www.houseboatskerala.org/images/Back%2520Waters_clip_image004.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS<br /><br /><br />Punnamada Kayal, the must-visit place of Alappuzha where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. During the month of August-September, the backwaters become crowded with thousands of spectators and a large number of competitors who come to participate in the famous Nehru Trophy boat <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>race. The long boats, designed to resemble snakes, can accommodate 120 people, making two rows of 60 each. The energy, coordination, and the feeling of getting ahead in the competition make this game quite engrossing. </b></span></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ayPMTvjUd1kp4M:http://www.naturemagics.com/stock-photo/albums/backwater/alappuzha-canal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ayPMTvjUd1kp4M:http://www.naturemagics.com/stock-photo/albums/backwater/alappuzha-canal.jpg" /></a></div><div><b style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:k-8WErElXthrAM:http://www.zonkerala.com/gallery/kerala/nature/alappuzha-backwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:k-8WErElXthrAM:http://www.zonkerala.com/gallery/kerala/nature/alappuzha-backwater.jpg" /></a>Krishnapuram Temple, the two-storied building, displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here.<br />Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped, is also an important place to visit. Here one can see the typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala along with the chance to taste the Keralan delicacy, payasam, which is served to the visitors during the festival times of March/April.<br />St. Andrew's Church, established by the Portuguese missionaries, celebrates the feast of St. Sebastian in a fun-filled, festive way.<br /><br />Situated in the heart of the town, Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting.<br />Surrounded by thick-green forests, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from all over India and abroad visit this place every year.<br />The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year.<br />Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alappuzha and are sites worth visiting, especially during the time of festivals.<br /><br />HOW TO REACH<br />BY AIR - Alappuzha is accessible by all the means of communication. The nearest airport is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alappuzha.<br /><br />BY WATER - This exotic place is also well connected through waterways. It is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to Cochin, Kottayam, Kevalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.<br /><br />BY ROAD - Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alappuzha. National Highway 47 goes through Alappuzha connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.<br />WHERE TO STAY<br /><br />We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Alappuzha.<br /> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-19461470546271355672010-05-03T21:34:00.000-07:002010-10-09T00:54:30.706-07:00Kerala<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #177841;"></span><br /><br /><br /><center><br /><br /><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><div class="deleteBody"><div class="postBody" style="color: #777777;"><br /><a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:YI6uC5gdNCFjuM:http://keralabackwatertour.org/images/Kerala_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:YI6uC5gdNCFjuM:http://keralabackwatertour.org/images/Kerala_8.jpg" /></a><b>Kerala</b> is located between north latitudes 8 degree 18' and 12 degree 48' and east longitudes 74 degree 52' and 72 degree 22', this land of eternal beauty encompasses 1.18 per cent of the India. The land area of kerala is about 38,863 sqkm, with a total population of 31,838,619. It is about 3 per cent of the country's population. The population density of the state is about 655 people per square kilometer, About 16 per cent of the people live in the cities. Most of the others live in large, semi-urban villages.<br />If there is one place in the riveting diversity of India where there is tangible beauty and a phenomenal thing like total literacy, it is in Kerala. Kerala is full of good things. This small State in the southern tip of the Indian peninsula is an easy winner owning to its great mind-blowing landscape and infinity of intriguing customs, high-intensity cultural life and educated public so often dressed in white. From Kasargode to Thiruvananthapuram Kerala is choc-a-bloc with places that attract tourists and travelers from all over the world.<br />Traditional Hindu <b>temples</b> in Kerala are simple structures made of wood, brick and laterite stone. Often, from afar, the only sign that marks the presence of old temples is a tall, ceremonial flag-mast. The main sanctum hosting the deities -the Sreekovil - is invariably a single storied building of a circular or square plan.<br />Inside the temples, use of oil lamps in contrast to electrical lights lends an air of serenity and mysticism. Walls of the Sreekovil are rarely left bare, and are instead, covered with intricate, beautiful mural paintings or wood carvings.<br /><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:G7Rh3_bZS1DG4M:http://sukhyatra.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/kerala_sukhyatra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:G7Rh3_bZS1DG4M:http://sukhyatra.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/kerala_sukhyatra.jpg" /></a>The building base is usually of granite and the walls are of laterite stone masonry covered with lime plaster. The inner framework is of wood. This timber framework supports a conical or pyramidal roof covered with copper tiles. These sloping-roof buildings cope very well with the torrential rains that are a hallmark of Kerala's climate.<br />Evolution of temples in Kerala is closely linked to her social and cultural history.<br />Almost all of the festivals in Kerala include at least one richly caparisoned elephant. <b>Elephants</b> carry the deity during annual festival processions and ceremonial circambulations in the temples. The temple elephants are decorated with gold plated caparisons (nettipattom), bells, necklaces. People mounted on top hold high tinselled silk parasols (muthukuda), swaying white tufts (venchamaram) and peacock feather fans (aalavattom) to the rhythm of the orchestra Like most South Indian cuisine, be it seafood or rice and other cereal dishes, the emphasis is on 'healthy food', less use of oil, sugar, and artificial additives, and more use of natural herbs, spices flavorings, and coconut. Spices that flavor the local cuisine of Kerala give it a sharp pungency that is heightened with the use of tamarind.<br />In the Kerala kitchens, be it of any of the various communities living there, simple methods and the locally available foodstuff are used to dish out mouthwatering delicacies. Even the ordinary tapioca root, for example, becomes a main course when boiled and sautéed with coconut and spices, a snack when sliced fine, salted and fried, and a sweet dish when steamed with coconut and jaggery.<br />Kerala has a rich repertoire of folk dances. They reflect the temperaments and moods of the localities in music and costumes and are highly developed. Religious colouring is mostly seen in almost all of these folk dances, even in those performed in connection with harvests, sowing of seeds festivals etc. Men alone, some exclusively by women, perform many of these dance forms. There are also dances in which men and women perform together. Most of the folk dances are performed to the accompaniment of songs, which are sung by the dancers themselves or occasionally by a group of musicians. Some are performed to the accompaniment of musical instruments only. In several dances the performers form a circle and clap as they dance. Sometimes, instead of clapping they strike small sticks, which they hold in their hands. The costumes and ornaments are peculiar to the places to which they belong. In these folk dances there is no difference between the performers and the audience. Almost all of these dances are simple but beneath this simplicity are a profundity of conception is a directness of expression, which are of a high artistic order.<br /><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:5D4VA4jVu_XDHM:http://www1.sulekha.com/mstore/suesinbox/albums/default/kerala%2520home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:5D4VA4jVu_XDHM:http://www1.sulekha.com/mstore/suesinbox/albums/default/kerala%2520home.jpg" /></a>Mehndi or Hina is the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration, orginated in India it is most popular in South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Somaliland as well as expatriate communities from these areas. It is typically employed for special occasions, particularly weddings. It is usually drawn on the hands and feet, where the color will be darkest because the skin contains higher levels of keratin, with which the colorant of henna, lawsone, enters a permanent bind</div></div><form action="http://draft.blogger.com/post-delete.do" id="deletePost" method="POST" name="deletePost" style="border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 1em;"><div class="errorbox-good"></div></form></span></span></div></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-72998273604077220672010-05-03T08:14:00.000-07:002010-10-09T00:54:30.719-07:00Ecotourism<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ShXTX04Q7Us7EM:http://www.costaricapm.com/pix/mountain/ecotourism/ecotourism.rancho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ShXTX04Q7Us7EM:http://www.costaricapm.com/pix/mountain/ecotourism/ecotourism.rancho.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></div>Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is a form of tourism that appeals to the ecologically and socially conscious individuals. Generally speaking, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet; typically involving travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is in the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for the local communities</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-43705696582893128912010-04-17T22:40:00.000-07:002010-10-09T00:54:30.739-07:00History of India<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" id="table6"><tbody><tr><td class="text3" style="color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; text-decoration: none;"><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/~naresh/india/images/india.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/~naresh/india/images/india.jpg" width="196" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">India's first major civilisation flourished for a thousand years from around 2500 BC along the Indus River valley. Its great cities were Mohenjodaro and Harappa (in what is now Pakistan), which were ruled by priests and held the rudiments of Hinduism. Aryan invaders swept south from Central Asia between 1500 and 200 BC and controlled northern India, pushing the original Dravidian inhabitants south.<br /><br />The invaders brought their own gods and cattle-raising and meat-eating traditions, but were absorbed to such a degree that by the 8th century BC the priestly caste had reasserted its supremacy. This became consolidated in the caste system, a hierarchy maintained by strict rules that secured the position of the Brahmin priests. Buddhism arose around 500 BC, condemning caste; it drove a radical swathe through Hinduism in the 3rd century BC when it was embraced by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who controlled huge tracts of India.<br /><br />A number of empires, including the Guptas, rose and fell in the north after the collapse of the Mauryas. Hinduism underwent a revival from 40 to 600 AD, and Buddhism began to decline. The north of India broke into a number of separate Hindu kingdoms after the Huns' invasion; it was not really unified again until the coming of the Muslims in the 10th and 11th centuries. The far south, whose prosperity was based on trading links with the Egyptians, Romans and southeast Asia, was unaffected by the turmoil in the north, and Hinduism's hold on the region was never threatened.<br /><br />In 1192 the Muslim Ghurs arrived from Afghanistan. Within 20 years the entire Ganges basin was under Muslim control, though Islam failed to penetrate the south. Two great kingdoms developed in what is now Karnataka: the mighty Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar, and the fragmented Bahmani Muslim kingdom.<br /><br />Mughal emperors marched into the Punjab from Afghanistan, defeated the Sultan of Delhi in 1525, and ushered in another artistic golden age. The Maratha Empire grew during the 17th century and gradually took over more of the Mughals' domain. The Marathas consolidated control of central India until they fell to the last great imperial power, the British.<br /><br />The British were not, however, the only European power in India: the Portuguese had controlled Goa since 1510 and the French, Danes and Dutch also had trading posts. By 1803, when the British overwhelmed the Marathas, most of the country was under the control of the British East India Company, which had established its trading post at Surat in Gujarat in 1612.<br /><br />The company treated India as a place to make money, and its culture, beliefs and religions were left strictly alone. Britain expanded iron and coal mining, developed tea, coffee and cotton plantations, and began construction of India's vast rail network. They encouraged absentee landlords because they eased the burden of administration and tax collection, creating an impoverished landless peasantry - a problem which is still chronic in Bihar and West Bengal. The Uprising in northern India in 1857 led to the demise of the East India Company, and administration of the country was handed over to the British government.<br /><br />Opposition to British rule began in earnest at the turn of the 20th century. The 'Congress' which had been established to give India a degree of self-rule, now began to push for the real thing. In 1915, Gandhi returned from South Africa, where he had practised as a lawyer, and turned his abilities to independence, adopting a policy of passive resistance, or satyagraha.<br /><br />WWII dealt a deathblow to colonialism and Indian independence became inevitable. Within India, however, the large Muslim minority realised that an independent India would be Hindu-dominated. Communalism grew, with the Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, speaking for the overwhelming majority of Muslims, and the Congress Party, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, representing the Hindu population. The bid for a separate Muslim nation was the biggest stumbling block to Britain granting independence.<br /><br />Faced with a political stand-off and rising tension, Viceroy Mountbatten reluctantly decided to divide the country and set a rapid timetable for independence. Unfortunately, the two overwhelmingly Muslim regions were on opposite sides of the country - meaning the new nation of Pakistan would be divided by a hostile India. When the dividing line was announced, the greatest exodus in human history took place as Muslims moved to Pakistan and Hindus and Sikhs relocated to India. Over 10 million people changed sides and even the most conservative estimates calculate that 250,000 people were killed. On 30 January 1948, Gandhi, deeply disheartened by Partition and the subsequent bloodshed, was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic.</span></span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-72983754220798861362010-03-24T09:17:00.000-07:002010-10-09T00:54:30.752-07:00ALAPPUZHA<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px;"></span><br /><div align="justify" class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><table align="center"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td><span class="headings1" style="color: #ea9300; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><u>FACTS & FIGURES<br /></u></span></span></span><table style="width: 300px;"><tbody><tr><td class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><u>Language</u></span></span></b></td><td class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><u>Malayalam and English</u></span></span></td></tr><tr><td class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><u>Best time to visit</u></span></span></b></td><td class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><u>August to March</u></span></span></td></tr><tr><td class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><u>STD Code</u></span></span></b></td><td class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><u>0477</u></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><u><br /></u></td><td align="right" style="text-align: -webkit-center;" valign="top"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u></span></span></b></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="headings1" style="color: #ea9300; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"></span><br /><span class="headings1" style="color: #ea9300; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><div style="text-align: auto;"><br /></div></span><img align="right" alt="Tour to Alappuzha" border="0" height="109" hspace="10" src="http://www.tourism-of-india.com/images/destinations/alappuzha/alappuzha.jpg" vspace="0" width="150" />Alappuzha (Alleppey) is one of the exotic backwater sites of India's southern state Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Alappuzha attracts tourists not only by its natural beauty but also through its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality.<br /><br /><span class="headings1" style="color: #ea9300; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">LOCATION<br /></span>Separated out from the former districts of Kottayam and Quilon, Alappuzha consists of seven taluks spread over an area of 1414 sq km. It is bounded by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks on its north; Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks on its east; Kannathur and Karunagappally taluks on its south and the exotic Lakshadweep of the Arabian Sea on its west.<br /><br /><span class="headings1" style="color: #ea9300; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">BEST TIME TO VISIT<br /></span><img align="left" alt="Houseboats, Alappuzha" border="0" height="109" hspace="10" src="http://www.tourism-of-india.com/images/destinations/alappuzha/alappuzha-backwater.jpg" vspace="0" width="150" />The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters. The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the winter season. The months from August-September and February-March are ideal for a visit to this place. The backwater cruises in the exotic houseboats, which also serve Keralan cuisine delicacies, are an eternal experience. The Nehru Trophy boat race is the major attraction of this place, which is held during Onam festival celebrated in the month of August. The festivities of the Mullakal temple during the month of December are highly recommended as some of India's finest temple musicians perform in the main hall during this festival. Besides these, the locally made coir and carpets of coconut fibers are also attracting tourists these days.<br /><br /><span class="headings1" style="color: #ea9300; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">HISTORY<br /></span>Before the Dutch took over this place, the Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came into power and he gave ample importance to the developmental works of the place. Slowly it became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all over. This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alappuzha.<br /><br /><span class="headings1" style="color: #ea9300; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><table align="left"><tbody><tr><td><u><br /></u></td></tr></tbody></table>TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS<br /></span><img align="right" alt="Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Alappuzha" border="0" height="109" hspace="10" src="http://www.tourism-of-india.com/images/destinations/alappuzha/alappuzha-temple.jpg" vspace="0" width="150" /><br /><ul class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"><li><div align="justify" class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">Punnamada Kayal, the must-visit place of Alappuzha where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. During the month of August-September, the backwaters become crowded with thousands of spectators and a large number of competitors who come to participate in the famous Nehru Trophy boat race. The long boats, designed to resemble snakes, can accommodate 120 people, making two rows of 60 each. The energy, coordination, and the feeling of getting ahead in the competition make this game quite engrossing.<br /></div></li><li><div align="justify" class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">Krishnapuram Temple, the two-storied building, displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here.<br /></div></li><li><div align="justify" class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped, is also an important place to visit. Here one can see the typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala along with the chance to taste the Keralan delicacy, payasam, which is served to the visitors during the festival times of March/April.<br /></div></li><li><div align="justify" class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">St. Andrew's Church, established by the Portuguese missionaries, celebrates the feast of St. Sebastian in a fun-filled, festive way.<br /></div><table align="right"><tbody><tr><td><u><br /></u></td></tr></tbody></table></li><li><div align="justify" class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">Situated in the heart of the town, Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting.<br /></div></li><li><div align="justify" class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">Surrounded by thick-green forests, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from all over India and abroad visit this place every year.<br /></div></li><li><div align="justify" class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year.<br /></div></li><li><div align="justify" class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alappuzha and are sites worth visiting, especially during the time of festivals.<br /></div></li></ul><br /><br /><span class="headings1" style="color: #ea9300; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">HOW TO REACH<br /></span><span class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">BY AIR - Alappuzha is accessible by all the means of communication. The nearest airport is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alappuzha.<br /><br />BY WATER - This exotic place is also well connected through waterways. It is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to Cochin, Kottayam, Kevalam, Changanassery and Chengannur.<br /><br />BY ROAD - Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alappuzha. National Highway 47 goes through Alappuzha connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.<br /></span><span class="headings1" style="color: #ea9300; font-family: verdana; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">WHERE TO STAY<br /></span><div align="justify" class="text" style="color: #494949; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Alappuzha.</div><center><br /></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-72247929669060520042010-03-01T06:24:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.775-07:00India Welcomes You….<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">India</span></i></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> or </span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Bharath</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> is the </span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Destination of the Millennium</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, a </span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Land of All Seasons</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> where beauty beckons, culture echoes, diversity delights and tradition talks. Those who reach India are greeted with a gracious Namasthe, Namaskaaram, Vanakkam or SatSriAkal denoting warmth, hospitality and respect - a tradition in tune with the country’s age-old motto “Athidhi Devo Bhava” where the guest is treated as God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></span></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Blessed with mist clad mountain ranges, deep blue seas, enigmatic deserts, golden beaches, emerald green valleys, palm fringed backwaters on the one hand and unique art forms, exciting fairs and festivals, interesting pilgrim centres, exclusive heritage sites, royal forts, majestic monuments, architectural marvels and exotic flora and fauna on the other, this legendary land is unique in all aspects - it is no wonder that India has emerged as one among the </span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Top Five Tourist Hotspots</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> of the world, with a tremendous increase in tourist traffic all through the year.<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></span></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Discover and explore this wonderful peninsular subcontinent that is</span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">India, </span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">the land that projects </span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Unity in Diversity</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> - surrounded by the grand snow capped Himalayan ranges in the North, the spectacular coastline offered by the Arabian Sea in the West, the vast Bay of Bengal in the East, and the awesome Indian Ocean in the South..</span></b></i></span></span></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><span class="normaltext" style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">People and Life Style:<br /></span></i></span></strong></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Indians are greatly bound by </span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">religion and family</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">. These ties run deep into the cultural framework of the nation. The ancient culture of South Asia, going back at least 4,500 years, has come down to India primarily in the form of religious texts. The artistic heritage, as well as intellectual and philosophical contributions, has always owed much too religious thought and symbolism. The listing of the major belief systems only scratches the surface of the remarkable diversity in </span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Indian religious life</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">. The complex doctrines and institutions of the great traditions, preserved through written documents, are divided into numerous schools of thought, sects, and paths of devotion. In many cases, these divisions stem from the teachings of great masters, who arise continually to lead bands of followers with a new revelation or path to salvation. The local interaction between great </span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">traditions</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> and local forms of worship and belief, based on </span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">village, caste, tribal, and linguistic differences</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, creates a range of ritual forms and mythology that varies widely throughout the country.<br /></span></b></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">There are many diverse ethnic groups among the people of </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">India</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">. The 6 main ethnic groups are as follows.</span></b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">1.</span></i></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></b></i></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Negrito .</span></i></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">2.</span></i></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></b></i></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Proto - Australoids or Austrics .</span></i></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">3.</span></i></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></b></i></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Mongoloids .</span></i></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">4.</span></i></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></b></i></span></span></span></b><st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Mediterranean</span></i></span></b></st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> or Dravidian .</span></i></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">5.</span></i></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></b></i></span></span></span></b><st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Western Brachycephals</span></i></span></b></st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> .</span></i></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">6.</span></i></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></b></i></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Nordic Aryans .<br /></span></i></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Negroitos/Brachycephalic: </span></i></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">The people belong to</span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> Negroitos or the Brachycephalic are </span></i></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">(broad headed) people from</span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Africa</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> were the earliest people have come to </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">India</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">. They have survived in their original habitat in Andaman and </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Nicobar Islands</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">. The Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese and the Great Andamanese are few examples and some hill tribes like Irulas, Kodars, Paniyans and Kurumbas are found in some patches in Southern part of mainland </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">India</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">.<br /></span></b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Pro-Australoids/Austrics:<br />Pro-Australoids/Austrics </span></i></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">were the next</span></b></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></i></span></b></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">group come to </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">India</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> after the Negritos and laid the foundation of Indian civilization. They cultivated rice and vegetables and made sugar from sugarcane. They are people with long headed with low foreheads and prominent eye ridges, noses with low and broad roots, thick jaws, large palates and teeth and small chins with wavy hair lavishly distributed all over their brown bodies, The Austrics of India represent a race of medium height, dark complexion with long heads and rather flat noses but otherwise of regular features. Miscegenation with the earlier Negroids may be the reason for the dark or black pigmentation of the skin and flat noses. Now these people are found in some parts of </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">India</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Myanmar</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> and the islands of </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">South East Asia</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">. Their languages have survived in the Central and </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Eastern India</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">.<br /></span></b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Mongoloids</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">These people are found in the North eastern part of </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">India</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> in the states of </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Assam</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura. They are also found in Northern parts of west </span></b></i></span><st1:place><st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Bengal</span></b></i></span></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Sikkim</span></b></i></span></st1:country-region></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, and Ladakh. Generally they are people with yellow complexion, oblique eyes, high cheekbones, sparse hair and medium height.<br /></span></b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Dravidians:</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">These are the people of </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">South India</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> having different sub-groups like the Paleo-Mediterranean, the true </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Mediterranean</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, and the Oriental Mediterranean. They have been believed to come before the Aryans. They appear to be people of the same stock as the peoples of </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Asia Minor</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> and </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Crete</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> and pre- Hellenic Aegean's of </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Greece</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">. They are reputed to have built up the city civilization of the </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Indus</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> valley, whose remains have been found at Mohenjo- daro and </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Harappa</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> and other </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Indus</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> cities. <br /></span></b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Western Bracycephals</span></i></span></b></st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">:</span></i></span></b></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></i></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">These include the Alpinoids, Dinarics and Armenoids, The Parsis and Kodavas . They are the broad headed people living mainly on the western side of the country such as the</span></b></i></span><st1:place><st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Ganga</span></b></i></span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></b></i></span><st1:placetype><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Valley</span></b></i></span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> and the delta, parts of </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Kashmir</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Kathiawar</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Gujarat</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, </span></b></i></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Maharashtra</span></b></i></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.<br /></span></b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Nordics/Indo-Aryans:</span></i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">This group was the last one to immigrate to </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">India</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> somewhere between 2000 and 1500 B.C. They are now mainly found in the northern and central part of </span></b></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">India</span></b></i></span></st1:place></st1:country-region></span></span></span></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-77764962980295550422010-02-15T06:53:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.798-07:00Daman and Diu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5YX4uknpy8Jz8hNaxWrLtiyUS9cCGD_4xC72P1FQ6BFbPphEztuXgKb8EOyqmiSyRGDrpMrqgnM5vlAiiv1LGtvhbM40fJuCXqFzV08W2CH8U8e90MzH7OUH4Lse-3P2MYrh3lwvL1XM/s1600-h/images%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5YX4uknpy8Jz8hNaxWrLtiyUS9cCGD_4xC72P1FQ6BFbPphEztuXgKb8EOyqmiSyRGDrpMrqgnM5vlAiiv1LGtvhbM40fJuCXqFzV08W2CH8U8e90MzH7OUH4Lse-3P2MYrh3lwvL1XM/s1600/images%20(3).jpg" /></a></div><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="bodytext16" colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="bodytext16" style="color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tours to Daman & Diu are really fascinating. Daman & Diu is a small still beautiful, striking and mesmerizing paradise, surrounded by Gujrat. Daman & Diu is the second smallest union territory of India. Till 1987, Daman & Diu was the part of Goa. Daman & Diu are actually two sea locations and enclosed by Gujrat. Daman is a small part in the Gulf of Khambhat (cambay) while Diu is an island joined to the mainland of Gujarat by a creek.<br /><br />Tours to Daman & Diu will take you to cities, famous for its beaches and liquor. Tours to Daman & Diu allures visitors</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> specially stressed city folks to its clam, serene and picturesque beaches. There are amusement parks to offer best recreation at Devka and Nani Daman Beaches in Daman and festive day's illuminations are special retreat to eyes.<br /><br />On tours to Daman & Diu , you can go to The amusement park on the Devka beach and Nani Daman, which rejuvenates and recreates the tourists. The illumination on festive days is a treat to the eyes. Daman &Diu have gorgeous colonial forts and churches having magnificent architecture. Nagoa Beach is a ideal place for people seeking solitude. Other beaches in Diu are Mandvi, Chakratirath, Jallandhar, and Gomtimata. Virginity & serenity of surroundings give peace & pleasure beyond words.</span></i></b></span></td></tr><tr><td class="bodytext16" colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />Proximity to Gujrat makes Dam</span></i></b></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">an & Diu easily approachable. Both places are well connected and are multilingual. On tours to Daman & Diu, tourists feel comfortable here due to availability of all the required facilities. Daman & Diu have excellent accommodation facilities. There are all classes of hotels available for all classes of tourists. Food is not an issue here as both places are inhibited by people of various religions and castes, you can find good quality multicuisine here. Shopping at the markets in Daman & Diu is a delightful experience. You can buy souvenirs from here to your back home.</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-3337749312937242312010-02-15T06:51:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.815-07:00Gujarat<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px;"></span><br /><table align="center"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="bodytext16" style="color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><img align="right" alt="Tours to Gujarat" border="0" hspace="5" src="http://www.indianholiday.com/images/gujarat/tours-to-gujarat.jpg" vspace="5" /><br /><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nicknamed the 'Jewel of the East', Gujarat state in India is located on the west coast of Ind</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ia. The coastal state of Gujarat in India boasts of the longest coastline (1290 km) in the country. Gujarat has a wealth of tourist s</span></i></b></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">pots, and with 20% of India's total industrial output being accounted for by the state, Gujarat ranks as one of the most industrialized states </span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">in </span></i></b></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">India. We at Indianholiday offer online information and bookings for Tour to Gujarat.</span></i></b><br /><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A tour to Gujarat will acquaint you with this colorful land, its ancient temples and spectacular beaches and the rich cultural heritage. Gujarat got its name from the tribe known as 'Gujjars', which inhabited the region</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> in the 1st century A.D. Excavations at various sites in Gujarat sh</span></i></b></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ow signs of civilization in the region dating back to as early as 3000 to 1500 B.C. In the 3rd century, Gujarat became part of the Mauryan Empire under Emperor Ashoka. In 1818, Gujarat came under the rule of the British Raj, who started administering the state through local princely rulers.</span></i></b><br /><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Gujarat is bordered by Pakistan and the state of Rajasthan in the north east, Madhya Pradesh in the east, and Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Dam</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">an, Dadra and Nagar Haveli in the south. The state is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west and the south west. Gujarat ranks as the highest producer of cotton, salt, milk, groundnut, and petrochemicals in India. Gujarat is also home to major electronic and textile industries.</span></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-34078364015969868962010-02-15T06:49:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.829-07:00Uttar Pradesh<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px;"></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="bodytext16" style="color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><img align="right" alt="Tours to Uttar Pradesh" border="0" height="164" hspace="6" src="http://www.indianholiday.com/images/uttar-pradesh/tours-to-uttar-pradesh.jpg" vspace="6" width="224" /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Uttar Pradesh, the name that conjures to beauty, magnificence, dominance, glory and many more offers some of the best tours to the visitors. The state <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">referred to be in the cow or the Hindi speaking </span>belt in the India has always been the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">frontrunner </span>in many movements of the country and has played a dominant role in Indian politics<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">, culture and the independence movement. The state which is nurtured by the love of river Ganges offers loads to the visitors from all over</span> the world. Tour to Uttar Pradesh is an indispensable part of the India tour as the travelers get a clear insight into the cultural implications of the lifestyle of India and its various cultures.</b></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000;">Uttar Pradesh tour offers myriad opportunities to explore the various shades of life and cultures. The various cities of the state reflect different pictures of life and lifestyle in Uttar Pradesh that makes the state a colorful and interesting proposition for the travelers.</span></b></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000;">The various languages spoken in the st</span>ate are Hindi, Urdu and English along with the various dialects of Hindi. The state has loads to offer that features the best of plain stretch for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">miles, the hill stations, the grandeur of the rivers and the legacy of the royal</span> rulers, Uttar Pradesh has it all!</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-67379191289955114182010-02-15T06:41:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.843-07:00Jammu and Kashmir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0qRhNMMlacbS1KLWqsrQqBJHk4a5uRwUbiYzRR0qHCV6ZAwK5xML3wgrQQCsL9p5JMC4k56rElIXbyZROW5XEzLuL7vufjF_5uPP9WKJThyphenhyphenGKxWO1xQu_yrXDYV0cr4ZDn3HoS_uk7RS/s1600-h/images%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0qRhNMMlacbS1KLWqsrQqBJHk4a5uRwUbiYzRR0qHCV6ZAwK5xML3wgrQQCsL9p5JMC4k56rElIXbyZROW5XEzLuL7vufjF_5uPP9WKJThyphenhyphenGKxWO1xQu_yrXDYV0cr4ZDn3HoS_uk7RS/s1600/images%20(2).jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px;"></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="bodytext16" style="color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Welcome to the page, which tells you about how, a tour to Jammu and Kashmir would be like !</span></span></b></i><br /><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The northern most state of Jammu and Kashmir offers a heady combination of imposing mountains, placid lakes mirroring the sky overhead, picture pretty gardens, not to mention the lip smacking cuisines. A tour to Jammu Kashmir is no doubt lends an experience of touring the heaven, right here on earth.</span></b></i><br /><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Pay a visit to the archaic city of Srinagar in your tour to Jammu and Kasjhmir. Every pillar in this beautiful city, adorned with magnificent lakes and gardens would tell you the tale of a glorious love affair with the Mughals. Stay at a houseboat that rim the Dahl Lake or take a ride through the tranquil waters on a gorgeous Shikara.</span></span></b></i><br /><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A tour to Jammu and Kashmir may also take you to the cold of Ladakh. Plodding across the Himalayan wilderness you come across the desert quaint hamlets, exotic tribes and monasteries with prayer flags fluttering in the air. It is a laidback, alien land far from the urban clutter and clamor.</span></b></i></td></tr><tr><td class="bodytext16" colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A tour to Jammu and Kasmir would give you the impression that nature has been ubiquitously bountiful to the land. No wonder the Greek lieutenant of Alexanbder was bowled over its beauty and exclaimed – if there is heaven on earth, it is here..!</span></b></i><br /><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">We at Indianholiday.com, your favorite tour operator in India, offer exciting tours to Jammu and Kashmir. Have a look at the packages on offer or ask us to customize one for you.</span></span></b></i><br /><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We are only a mouse-click away…. !</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-16652209907271619682010-02-15T06:37:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.856-07:00Madhya Pradesh<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000932; font-family: verdana, 'comic sans MS'; font-size: 12px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="bodytext16" style="color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top" width="75%"><img align="right" alt="Tour to Madhya Pradesh" border="0" height="160" hspace="10" src="http://www.indianholiday.com/images/new-images/mp/tour-to-mp.jpg" vspace="10" width="220" /><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Madhya Pradesh, perhaps, is the second largest state of the Indian sub continent. It is a vast plateau <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">surrounded by the Vindhya and Satpura mountains that make a rugged descent into the valleys of the</span> Narmada and Tapti rivers.</span></i></b><br /><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Madhya Pradesh has been home to the cultural heritage of Hindhuism,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> Buddhism, Jainism and Islam, since ages. Dotted with innumerable monuments, extraordinarily carved temples, world renowned stupas, exemplary forts and palaces, Madhya Pradesh is one of the most sought after destination of the tourists in India. Besides the temples and monuments, Madhya Pradesh is famous for its wonderful art, craft, music and dance. </span></span></i></b><strong><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Tour to Madhya Pradesh</span></span></i></strong><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">helps you explore the land of rugged mountains and primitive people.</span></span></i></b><br /><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">The history</span> of Madhya Pradesh :</span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The state's cultural lineage is ancient and checkered. Madhya Pradesh, because of its central location in India, has remained a crucible of historical currents from North, South, East and W<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">est. It was perhaps one of the earliest dwellings of human beings.</span></span></i></b><br /><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">The history of Madhya Pradesh goes back to the time of Ashoka, the great Mauryan ruler. Later, the Mughals ruled the state. Dynasties like that of Sungas, Andhras, Satavahanas</span>, Ksaptrapas, Nagas the Guptas also ruled over this place. After the British took over the state, Madhya Pradesh was declared as the central province.</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-57347593134444777432010-02-15T06:35:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.881-07:00Uttaranchal<b><br /></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000932; font-family: verdana, 'comic sans MS'; font-size: 12px;"></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="bodytext" style="color: #000932; font-family: verdana, 'comic sans MS'; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><img align="left" alt="Tour to Uttaranchal" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://www.indianholiday.com/images/uttaranchal/index.jpg" vspace="0" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Lofty, mountain peaks, snow-fed rivers and restless waterfalls welcome you to a land whose beauty epitomiz<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">es the word “divine”. Rightly termed “Devabhoomi” or the “abode of the Gods”, a tour to Uttaranchal reveals the exotic secrets of nature, w</span>hile enriching the visitors to the land with a culture that is one of the richest in the world. Comprising of 14 hilly districts of the state of Uttar Pradesh, the newly formed state of Uttaranchal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. A perfect destination for newly weds, planning their honeymoon in Uttaranchal as well as weekend getaways to Uttaranchal, tourism in Uttaranchal has truly much to offer the visitors to the land. A major center of pilgrimage in India, a holiday in Uttaranchal is incomplete without witnessing the mystic glory of the various temples of Uttaranchal.</span></b></td><td align="right" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-top: 8px;" valign="top"></td></tr><tr><td class="bodytext" colspan="2" style="color: #000932; font-family: verdana, 'comic sans MS'; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="middle" width="100%"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How to Reach Uttaranchal:</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">By Air :-</span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> The airports in the province of Uttaranchal are at Jolly Grant, which is located close to the state’s capital of Dehradun and another, at Pantnagar. Both Dehradun and Pantnagar are well-connected to a number of Indian cities and states by regular flights. The state is also located close to New Delhi, the capital of India, which has an international airport, well-connected to a number of cities all around the world.</span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">By Rail :-</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Uttaranchal is well connected to a number of other states of India via an efficient network of railways. The railway system is the main lifeline of this comparatively newly formed province of India, which coupled with the extensive network of roads that characterizes the state, is the predominant means of communication in Uttaranchal. The main railway stations of Uttaranchal are Dehradun, Haridwar and Kathgodam which receive and see off a number of express, super fast and passenger trains from and to a number of the cities of India.</span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">By Road :-</span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> Home to an extensive network of roads, Uttaranchal is well-connected to almost all the parts of the country, by its well-maintained roads.</span></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-13277812052030260582010-02-15T06:32:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.912-07:00New Delhi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqALgq6tBY4CcJKdwy8ckoDNKkf1Gz87Jpa2d17ceGYediQwNibKsHuMPdNeonxMPrTBHvLIG1tLOLtt_IDJhERLrwAPVzmUyOPT4LZpSuXxC-O-MsQ_m9HetVZby-U29gZTMkwGczZMcl/s1600-h/images%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqALgq6tBY4CcJKdwy8ckoDNKkf1Gz87Jpa2d17ceGYediQwNibKsHuMPdNeonxMPrTBHvLIG1tLOLtt_IDJhERLrwAPVzmUyOPT4LZpSuXxC-O-MsQ_m9HetVZby-U29gZTMkwGczZMcl/s200/images%20(2).jpg" width="200" /></span></b></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="bodytext" style="color: #000932; font-family: verdana, 'comic sans MS'; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="bodytext" style="color: #000932; font-family: verdana, 'comic sans MS'; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-right: 6px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="middle" width=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">During Your Tous to Delhi, which is the capital of India, is a city that combines history with modernity in its own unique way. As you travel through the wide roads and flyovers of Delhi, you'll come across Mughal monuments, forts and tombs in the heart of the city.</span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Known for its historic buildings such as the President's mansion, Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Parliament House and the landmark India Gate, Delhi is changing rapidly with a modern metro railway service and curving flyovers connecting different parts of this rapidly expanding city.</span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">With shopping malls, multiplexes and amusement parks springing up around Delhi, the city has left behind its image of being a sedate city of politicians and has acquired a younger and more dynamic feel, which you'll discover on your Indian Holiday in Delhi Tours.</span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">At the same time Delhi retains its age-old charm with gracious parks and gardens, an active cultural life and annual celebrations such as the Republic Day Parade, giving Delhi its unique place as the grand capital of India. You'll discover Delhi is a great place to start your tour.</span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-15169283067591566662010-02-15T06:30:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.921-07:00Orissa<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px;"></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="bodytext16" style="color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.indianholiday.com/images/orissa/main-index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Tours to Orissa" border="0" src="http://www.indianholiday.com/images/orissa/main-index.jpg" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Orissa is located on the eastern of the state of India and is the pilgrim's hub of eastern India. This quaint state flaunts 500 exquisite temples and the tempo of modern life is in sync with the glorious past of this beautiful temple state. A Tour to Orissa will surely add some unforgettable memories to the repertoire of the avid globetrotter.. The state has some of the most magnificent cities that rightly speak of their rich cultural past.<br /><br />It is a major tourist destination and ropes in a large number of tourists every year by the sheer dint of its unrivaled natural and manmade beauty. Every city of this glorious state has still kept alive its affluent and vibrant culture. If you are planning for the Orissa tour do not miss out the colourful and lively people, festivals, dance, music and the bazaars that are held in the city. The past glory of this state is experienced through the imposing forts and palaces. One of such cities in Orissa is Puri that is popular all over the world for its historic antiquities and sacred shrines.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-33647879295217608612010-02-15T06:28:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.932-07:00Tours to Mumbai - India<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 593px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left"><h1 style="color: #00172f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></span></h1></td></tr><tr><td class="sampletext" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><img align="right" alt="" border="0" height="160" hspace="15" src="http://www.indianholiday.com/images/new-images/mumbai-bomaby-index.jpg" vspace="0" width="220" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Mumbai, earlier known as Bombay, has many sobriquets- one being the city of dreams. A city filled with excitement and vigour, a holiday in Mumbai (Bombay) India definitely ignites the spark in a person, that spark which one often tends to lose in the race against time as one shuttles between office, work and a galore of responsibilities.</span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Mumbai (Bombay) India is called the city of dreams because every person who enters Bombay does so with a dream in his heart- most often the dream is to become a famous actor as this is the city which breeds aspiring as well as established stars of the Indian film industry</span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">A holiday in Bombay with a stay in any of hotels in Bombay can vary from person to person, depending on what the tourist is exactly looking for. If it is for some quiet moments with oneself while listening to the waves crashing against the rocks...it is possible in Bombay. Or if you are looking for simply letting down your hair and partying the whole night,Mumbai has all the arrangements for such parties and fun.</span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">So a holiday in Mumbai is what should definitely figure next in your tour-itinerary.</span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451061731245403671.post-28897159048324637602010-02-15T02:53:00.000-08:002010-10-09T00:54:30.944-07:00Dubai<b><br /></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>- The </b></span><st1:place><st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Golden</b></span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span><st1:placetype><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>City</b></span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> and the City of </b></span><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Gold</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNB8NRDjiDYr6ktIvA83IxzzPHCho9I1sH64ASeHEiEnZ8kBJdv8l4sxN_xP81Z4aI5lKpaJheZvqqW4LXwWMUYHaHj_jC8024X9A49Y2R0_9p9d4BOXiCgnZ3n28f8jWKfwHLoPTgXY/s1600-h/Dubai-city.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055139568035388306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNB8NRDjiDYr6ktIvA83IxzzPHCho9I1sH64ASeHEiEnZ8kBJdv8l4sxN_xP81Z4aI5lKpaJheZvqqW4LXwWMUYHaHj_jC8024X9A49Y2R0_9p9d4BOXiCgnZ3n28f8jWKfwHLoPTgXY/s320/Dubai-city.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai image courtsey: am.joneslanglasalle.com</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #333333;"></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> is one among the seven members of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the pearl of the </b></span><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Persian Gulf</b></span></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> and a show case example to prove how good governance can change the face of a state to such unseen and unheard of levels. </b></span><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> had been an el-dorado for the whole Asians and it still is. Expatriates keep on flocking to this land of of opportunities and most of them realize it right here.</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhya2aXDlGOccMLXy0qWTr2VxQwljAwCHxS3q6f96luwdAmOb8DNJp2-YyyqA004nUfWV4OVgYYJPIRSeVreQ34Ng534c-6rhd6y7YyoRpXVBv7aar6EBlAyIHUIOmnCoeZnWzsxFuynzk/s1600-h/dubai.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055138782056373122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhya2aXDlGOccMLXy0qWTr2VxQwljAwCHxS3q6f96luwdAmOb8DNJp2-YyyqA004nUfWV4OVgYYJPIRSeVreQ34Ng534c-6rhd6y7YyoRpXVBv7aar6EBlAyIHUIOmnCoeZnWzsxFuynzk/s320/dubai.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai image courtsey: atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span></span></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span></span>In fact the duty free trade allowed for gold was the beginning of the whole story, a story how a place once entirely depended upon its oil reserves for a livelihood transformed in to world’s shopping mall. Tons of gold were freely traded in </b></span><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>’s duty free markets like coal or iron ore! Still gold is traded in huge quantity but as the GDP of the nation has grown leaps and bounds, gold’s share has become less significant in comparison.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span></span></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>It is not only gold that had lost its glitter in the sparkle of this city, oil once formed the bread and butter of the nation has been reduced to a mere 6% contributor to </b></span><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>’s economy. The booming real estate market riding piggy-back on the booming financial activities IT, biotech, tourism and banking is showing only accelerations in its pace ever since. A far-sighted ruler and stable policies adopted for governance is here to lift this part of the land to the level of a paradise of the earth.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp1H8TBQiMB2-yIXjtCprA4T7ifkgaLXc7Del_qPraRYsIjQPsz7A1cqvATeO2LUwKavvLF5uKQB-0PowDGSvY808vvl7Sr5_uXgW91Bi_zTpVtbnRk_DCef1apUkbuXvtAKznZ_c59Q/s1600-h/Dubai-hydropolis.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055140392669109154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp1H8TBQiMB2-yIXjtCprA4T7ifkgaLXc7Del_qPraRYsIjQPsz7A1cqvATeO2LUwKavvLF5uKQB-0PowDGSvY808vvl7Sr5_uXgW91Bi_zTpVtbnRk_DCef1apUkbuXvtAKznZ_c59Q/s320/Dubai-hydropolis.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai hydropolis image courtsey: bulgarian-estate.net</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> has more expatriates than nationals and it has no policies for naturalization of the expatriates but allows them to buy and own properties in specially designated areas known as free-hold villas esp. in the artificial islands, Dubai Greens, Dubai Marina International-City etc. The government has set up industry specific free-trade zones like </b></span><st1:place><st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:placename><st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Internet</b></span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span><st1:placetype><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>City</b></span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> which has been combined with </b></span><st1:place><st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span><st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Media</b></span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span><st1:placetype><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>City</b></span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> as part of the Megalith “The TECOM” (Dubai Technology Electronic Commerce and Media).</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Almost all the giants of technology like Microsoft, Oracle Corporation, and the media biggies like CNN, Associated Press, Reuters, MBC, ARY etc are here to add Opportunities along with glitter and glamour. The peace and tranquility available here being rare commodity make them stick to this land and grow bigger day by day.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-AIEhQbMSY_KFNmpwRF2y24EaAty90WQSYSCTpq9iwCr2qtu6FOBKDR3UjVoWt-dwFNqs-hxPgpaaOdtASBzXb2-smLBeGDZCOXI810J0LuEaElPyu8gDip5wSrPfvbchzveIY8emRc/s1600-h/dubai-sports-city.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055140895180282802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-AIEhQbMSY_KFNmpwRF2y24EaAty90WQSYSCTpq9iwCr2qtu6FOBKDR3UjVoWt-dwFNqs-hxPgpaaOdtASBzXb2-smLBeGDZCOXI810J0LuEaElPyu8gDip5wSrPfvbchzveIY8emRc/s320/dubai-sports-city.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai Sports City image courtsey: linternaute.com</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>The sky-scrapers that stand tall throughout the designated areas are virtual goldmines for the occupants and those who have invested their fortune in them has minted money beyond their dreams, they still stick on as being there promise more and more.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span></span>Along with these expats the land also has gained, </b></span><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> gave so much for its citizens much more than any nation that has given for its people. This tremendous value addition would never have been possible but for the strenuous efforts of the expatriates. This was just a give and take situation both for </b></span><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> and the Expats! A situation no nation could ever create in such a massive scale.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>The tourism potential </b></span><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> offers is only started to bloom. It is not just the glitter that attracts tourists in flocks, being the most happening place in the world; business opportunities beckon high-flying execs along with deal makers who find it as a safe and secure place to do business. The shopping crazy families are the most contributing factor to the</b></span><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>’s wealth; they hunt for bargains and only to return when purses are empty. The almost perfect law and order that prevails offer to travel, shop, do business, live or work.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLABWgfccoNGxcTMnIU9G9QUxsbYJLjl0Y7g-eZd1KNw1MhrbboZRpW_0WZOJpdvLG_BRUh_J61nrrH21Xp-ZouGaRiDwhhmZYkU1tLOuPzgy0h6UZ6TOwAuqegGPWwffIiuwni1nx_A/s1600-h/Dubai-Fairmont-Emirates_Towers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055141870137859010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLABWgfccoNGxcTMnIU9G9QUxsbYJLjl0Y7g-eZd1KNw1MhrbboZRpW_0WZOJpdvLG_BRUh_J61nrrH21Xp-ZouGaRiDwhhmZYkU1tLOuPzgy0h6UZ6TOwAuqegGPWwffIiuwni1nx_A/s320/Dubai-Fairmont-Emirates_Towers.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai Fairmont Emirates Tower image courtsey: arabskeemiraty.com</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Burjat Arab is the tallest hotel in the world, Dubai port is the biggest man-made port in the world, the “Business Bay” which will be completed in 2008 will house 500 sky-scrapers all ultra-modern and iconic, built around the artificial extension of the Dubai-creek which is more than twice the size of Washington DC and about ten times that of Manhattan.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span></span>The dream city is not content with what it has already gained; lack of space is no problem as there is a lot of sea around! Sea is being reclaimed in scale previously unheard of. The offshre Palm-islands is shaped as a giant palm that has fallen in to the sea, with sea as the back-ground it is not just an architectural marvel but a model for the whole to see and wonder.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>World would have been a far better place to live in, if at least one or more rulers of some big nations could emulate the Sheikh of Dubai as a model. Seeing </b></span><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dubai</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> it is felt that Prosperity has no upper ceiling, it is limited only by ruler’s power to dream, bigger and more glittering his dream better the nation. Let us hope a time will come when our own rulers will start dreaming it big!</b></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400877894149949924noreply@blogger.com0