Visakhapatnam Port

 

Visakhapatnam Port has played a prominent role in fostering accelerated growth in the region and significantly contributing to the country's trade & development. The Port was originally conceived in 1933 as an outlet for Manganese Ore Exports. It progressed from strength to strength through planned infrastructural development in successive five-year plans and evolved itself to the everchanging requirements of sea transportation systems. The Port comprises (i) Inner Harbour with 15 Berths and one mooring, (ii) Outer Harbour with 5 (including one mooring) Berths to accomodate deep drafts vessels. The LPG Berth for handling LPG/LNG Tankers and a Multipurpose Berth in the Outer Harbour are under the construction stage.

The Port has three harbours viz., outer harbour, inner harbour and the fishing harbour. The outer harbour with a water spread of 200 hectares has 6 berths and the inner harbour with a water spread of 100 hectares has 18 berths. Bestowed with natural deep water basins, the outer harbour is capable of accommodating 150,000 DWT vessels and draft upto 17 meters. The inner harbour is capable of accommodating vessels upto 230 meters LOA and draft upto 11 meters.

OOTY

Ooty is a town, a municipality and the district capital of the Nilgiris district in theIndian state of Tamil Nadu. Ootacamund is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills. Originally occupied by the Todas, the area came under the rule of the East India Company at the end of the 18th century. Today the town's economy is based on tourism and agriculture, with manufacturing of medicines and photographic film also present. The town is connected to the rest of India by road and rail, and its historic sites and natural beauty attract tourists.

Tourist spots around Ooty

Ooty is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Many of the forested areas and water bodies are off-limits to most visitors to protect this fragile ecosystem. Some areas of the Biosphere Reserve have been earmarked for tourism development, and steps are being undertaken to open these areas to visitors whilst conserving the area. Much of Ooty has already been damaged by rampant commercialization as a result of tourism. Some of the most prominent tourist spots around Ooty are as follows:

• Doddabetta Peak: It is the highest peak (2,623 m) in the Nilgiris, about 10 km from Ooty. It lies at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats and offers beautiful vistas of the Nilgiri Hill ranges. It is surrounded by dense sholas. One can have a panoramic view of the landscape through the TTDC telescope. TTDC restaurant caters the needs of tourists.

• Pykara is a river located 19 km from Ooty.^[43] The Pykara is considered very sacred by the Todas.^[44] The Pykara river rises at Mukurthi peak. It passes through hilly tract, generally keeping to North and turns to West after reaching the Plateau's edge.^[44] The river has a dam and power plant. The river flows through a series of cascades; and the last two falls of 55 meters and 61 meters are known as Pykara falls.^[44] The falls are approximately 6 km from the bridge on the main road. There is a forest rest House at Pykara. A boat house by the Pykara falls and Dam is added attractions to the tourists.Pykara boasts of well protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements, undistributed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists.^[43] Being one of the oldest plants in south India, the Pykara station still functions, generating about 60 megawatts. The first unit of 6.65 MW was commissioned in October 1932.^[45]

• Pine forest: Situated between Ooty and Thalakunda, this tourist destination was once featured in a song sequence in the Tamil movie "Dheena". It is a small downhill region where pine trees are arranged in an orderly fashion.

• Wenlock Downs: This is a grassland area typical of the original bioscape of the Nilgiris. It has gently undulating hills and is often compared with areas in the British isles such as the Yorkshire Dales. This is a popular film shooting area, particularly two areas situated approximately six and nine miles (14 km) out of Ooty on the main Ooty to Pykara road (also known as Mysore Road). These locations are accordingly named "Sixth Mile" and "Ninth Mile".

• Kamaraj Sagar Dam (also known as Sandynalla reservoir)^[46] is located at a distance of 10 km from the Ooty bus stand.^[47][48] It is a picnic spot and a film shooting spot on the slopes of the Wenlock Downs.^[49] The various tourist activities the dam include fishing and studying nature and environment.^[50]

• Mudumalai National Park, now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District.^[51] Mudumalai, which means 'first hills’, is one of the first wildlife sanctuaries established in India.^[52] The sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges - Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota. Here one can often spot herds of endangered Indian elephants, vulnerable Gaur, and Chital. The sanctuary is a haven for Bengal Tigers^[53] and Indian Leopards and other threatened species.^[54] There are at least 266 species of birds in the sanctuary, including critically endangered species like the Indian White-rumped Vulture and the long-billed vulture.^[55] The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000 km² (2,300 sq mi)), including all of Mudumalai National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.^[56]

• Mukurthi National Park is a 78.46 km² protected area located in the south-eastern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau west of Ooty. The park was created to protect its Keystone species, the Nilgiri Tahr.^[57] The park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's first International Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000⁺ km²), including all of Mukurthi National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.^[56]

• Needle hill viewpoint is situated between Coodalore and Pykara.

• Parsons Valley Reservoir: This is the primary water source for the town and is mainly in a reserved forest and is thus largely off-limits to visitors.

• Emerald Lake: This lake is near the town of the same name. There is a viewpoint near the dam. The rest of the area is mainly in a reserved forest and is largely off-limits to visitors.

• Avalanche Lake: Adjacent to Emerald Lake, this picturesque lake is mainly situated in a reserved forest and is largely off-limits to visitors

• Porthimund Lake: This is mostly in a reserved forest and is largely off-limits to visitors. Shooting of the blockbuster Tamil movie Roja was done here.

• Upper Bhavani: This lake is in the Mukurthi National Park and largely off-limits to visitors.

MADIKERI

 Madikeris a hill station town in Karnataka state, India. Also known as Mercara, it is the headquarters of Kodagu district.Madikeri lies on the Karnataka State Highway 88 that runs from Mysore to Mangalore.^[6] It is 120 km from Mysore and 136 km from Mangalore. From Bangalore, the state capital of Karnataka, one can take the State Highway 17 (Bangalore - MysoreHighway) and take a deviation just after the town of Srirangapatna to join State Highway 88 towards Madikeri. From Bangalore, Madikeri is at a distance of 252 km.^[7] Nearby towns are Hassan (115 km) in Karnataka state and Kannur and Thalasseryin Kerala state (each around 114 km away).

Places to see

• Raja Seat: This is a small square mantapa in brick and mortar of four pillars bridged by arches, enhanced by beautiful surroundings. This spot was a favourite place of recreation for the Rajas and hence was permanently associated with them. It is built on a high level ground with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys to the west.

• Madikeri Fort: This fort was first built by Mudduraja in the last quarter of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan who named the site as Jaffarabad. In 1790, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. The British who added to the fort in 1834. The palace was renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814. In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants and a church is present in the south-east corner. There is a famous Lord Ganesha temple known as "Kote ganapathi" just at the main entrance of the fort.

• Omkareshwara Temple: Located at the heart of the Town,Omkareshwara temple was built by king Lingarajendra in 1820. The temple has both Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture, built around a central pool. It is said Lingarajendra killed an honest and pious Brahmin to fulfill his political ambitions. That Brahmin became a "Brahmarakshasa" and started troubling the king. In order to purify himself for the killing of a Brahmin, he was advised to construct a temple to Lord Shiva. He brought a Shivalingafrom Kashi, and the temple was built and named "Omkareshwara".

Talacauvery

 Talacauvery is the place that is generally considered to be the source of the Cauvery River. It is located in the Brahmagiri hill (not to be confused with the Brahmagiri range further South) near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district,Karnataka, 1,276 m. above sea level. However, there is not a permanent visible flow from this place to the main rivercourse except during the rainy season.

A tank or kundike has been erected on a hillside, at the place that is said to be the origin. It is also marked by a small temple, and the area is frequented by pilgrims. The Kaveri River originates as a spring feeding this tank, which is considered to be a holy place to bathe on special days. The waters are then said to flow underground to emerge as the river some distance away. The temple has been renovated extensively by the state government recently[2007].

On Tulasankramana day (the first day of Tula Masa month, according to the Hindu calendar, which normally falls in mid October) thousands of pilgrims flock to the river's birthplace to witness the rise of the fountainhead, when water gushes up from the spring at a predetermined moment. The tula snanam (Sacred bath in the Tula month) is observed across pilgrim towns in Kaveri's banks.^[1]

Talacauvery is about 8 km away from Bhagamandala and 48 km from Madikeri.

This is the origin of river Kaveri on the eastern slopes of Brahmagiri peak at 1350 metres altitude, about 8 km by road from Bhagamandala.

An enclosure around the spring called Gundige is connected to a small pond beside. The water from the pond goes underground and comes out after about one kilometer down the hill. There are three shrines above the spring and birds eye view of west-coast from the hill range.

On a predetermined date and time of Tulasankranthi every year the spring from Gundige overflows called Thirthodbhava. This holy water is carried home by all pilgrims when they go back after paying the last rituals to their parent or spouse departed during the preceding year.

There is a shrine near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before offering prayers. There are 2 temples here, a Shiva temple with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another Lord Ganesha’s temple. According to legend, the Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave darshan to sage Agastya at the holy Ashwantha tree near the temple.

Legends also has it that every year on Tulasankramana day which falls approximately on 17 October Goddess Parvati appears in the Kundike as the sacred teerthodbhava. This occasion is marked by the sudden spring of water in the kundike and is considered very auspicious.

From Talakaveri, steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak. It is believed that the 7 great sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna here. From the peak, as well as on the drive to Talakaveri, you can enjoy a good view of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills

GOA

 Situated on the Konkan region Goa is the smallest state in India. Synonymous with tourism in India Goa is the favorite tourist destination for millions across the globe. Bordered by the Arabian Sea on its west Goa is blessed in terms of topographical beauty. The state of Goa is divided into two districts North Goa and South Goa Goa is situated on the western coastal region of the Indian Peninsula. Geographically Goa bears a striking resemblance to Maharashtra and Karnataka . The state of Goa lies between 15°48'00" north to 14°53'54" north latitudes and 74° 20'13" east to 73° 40'33" east longitudes. The one unique feature about the geography of Goa is that it is a seamless concoction of Mountainous, Plateau Regions and coastal plains.

Goa is also flooded with numerous historical monuments and eye engaging sights. For the historically inclined Goa is just ethereal. There are several Churches in Goa that testify the rich historical past of the city. Some of the popular Churches in Goa are; Mary Immaculate Conception, Reis Magos Church, St. Anne Church, Church of St. Augustine, St. Paul Church etc. Goa is also home to numerous forts and museums that offer glimpses of a culturally rich state.

Goa is situated on the South Western part of India. It is the smallest state in India spreading over an area of 3,702 sq km. A perfect blend of the colonial and modern charm Goa simply manages to take your heart away. Reputed for its infrastructure, cuisine, historical monuments and unique culture Goa has become a one stop tourist spot for millions of foreign and domestic travelers. Blessed in terms of natural beauty the beaches in Goa cover almost 83 percent of its total coastline. Goa City is just not restricted to fun and enjoyment it is also a one stop pilgrimage center for millions of Christians across the globe.

The weather in Goa is summed up in one word can be termed as moderate. Since Goa lies in the tropical zone and is also bordered by the Arabian Sea on the West it experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year. Although the climate is hot and humid the one good thing about the state is that the temperature in Goa is always under control. Neither do the summers get very hot nor do the winters get extremely cold. However the best time to visit Goa would be the Monsoons. Goa should be avoided in May as this is the hottest month with the mercury shooting upto 35 °C.

Goa is one of the Indian states that remained under colonial rule for a period of 451 years. The history of Goa traces back to the 3rd century. According to history Goa was first ruled by the Mauryas, then the Satvahanas, Chalukyas and finally the Shilharas and Kadambas. Goa passed into the hands of the Mughals in 1312 and then lastly the Portuguese captured Goa in 1510. It was in 1962 that Goa attained freedom from the Portuguese and in 1987 it was pronounced an independent state in India. 

Goa by far is among the most frequented tourist's destinations in India. Considered as the hottest tourist destination in the country this beach island witnesses huge influx of travelers from Indian and abroad alike. In order to facilitate proper lodging Goa has numerous hotels that range from the luxury to the budget. The Goa hotels have managed to establish an unmatched reputation for themselves over the years. Most of the Goa hotels are situated close to the major beaches that offer panoramic views of the city. Some of the well knownGoa hotels are; Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa Dona Alcina Resort Hotel Park Plaza, The Majestic Hotels Goa, Coconut Grove Hotel Goa etc. 

Goa is connected by a broad network of roads. Traveling to Goa is extremely easy as it is connected with a number of National and state highways. The roads in Goa are pretty decent which make traveling a lot easier. The best way to travel to Goa is by bus from Mumbai or Pune . The journey is very smooth and offers some of the most enthralling visual sights. 

In India Goa has become synonymous with beaches. Goa is home to some of the finest beaches in the world. One of the major reasons behind the charm of the city is its sun kissed beaches. The Goa beaches are just not restricted to clear waters and shimmering sands but flea markets, open shacks that sell mouthwatering Goan cuisine and a whole lot of music and dance. Since Goa is divided into North and South the beaches are also divided accordingly. The beaches in North Goa are meant for the party lovers whereas the South Goa beaches are more serene and tranquil and act as ideal spots for couples in search of privacy. Some of the most stunning beaches in Goa are; Candolim Beach, Baga, Arambol, Vagator Benaulim Beach and Palolem Beach.

Panaji literally means Land that never floods. It is the capital and most popular city in Goa. Spanning across an area of 36 km sq Panaji is located on the Mandovi estuary of North Goa. It is the third largest city in Goa which is home to a population of about 65,000 people. A quaint little city that is built perfectly in Latin style Panaji City in Goa is for all those who enjoy the English charm and feel.

Named after the famous explorer Vasco da Gama, Vasco is the largest city in Goa Lying on the western edge of the Mormugao peninsula, the Vasco da Gama City dates back to 1543. It is located in South Goa at a distance of almost 30 km from Panaji. It is a major port in the state that serves as an important commercial point for numerous vessels to and from Goa. 

Goa is excellently connected to the other parts of the country by rail. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Pune share a strong railway network with Goa. There are numerous trains that travel to Goa almost daily from these cities. Some of the trains that travel frequently to Goa include; the Mas Vasco Express, Cstm Karwar Express, Cstm Karwar Spl and the Eranakulam Express. Trains from Mumbai generally take about 9 hours to Goa. Goa has two major railway stations situated at Margao and Vasco-da-gama.

The best way to travel to Goa is by flight. Almost all the important cities in India share a good air network with Goa. Most of the domestic and international flights fly to and fro Goa. Some of the popular flights to Goa include; Kingfisher, Air India, Spicejet, Jet Airways, Indian Airlines, Indigo, Air Deccan, and GO Air.