Superb Collection Sudha! Thank you so much for sharing. I was searching for such a collection from long time. I m really impressed by your thought of sharing the places with picture and info on their significance. Very good work. Please keep them more coming in. And I m wondering (proud too) of India, with such wonderful places. Not many would know all these places (atleast I m not aware of all these you listed). Take care.
Sudha, wow!! superab collections of placed. wonderful. thanks for sharing information with beautiful photos.
"Goa Biggest man-made water storage", Salaulim Dam, Selaulim River, Goa, India * The Salaulim Dam is located on the Salaulim River, a tributary of the Zuari River in Goa, India. * The Selaulim dam lies on the Selaulim river at about 5 km from the Sanguem town. * It is Goa's biggest man-made water storage source that is also a favourite picnic spot for locals. * It is an integral component of the Salaulim Irrigation Project which envisages benefits of irrigation and drinking water supply. * The dam is a composite earth-cum-masonry dam of 42.7 metres (140 ft) height with a water spread area of 24 km2 (9.3 sq mi). * The initial cost of the project when approved in 1971 was Rs. 9.61 crore, which, as of 2007, is estimated to cost Rs 170 crores. * Construction of the project was however started in 1976, the dam was completed in 2000 and the irrigation component is under final stages of completion having achieved an irrigation potential of 9,537 ha, as of 2007. * During the monsoon the Selaulim dam looks beautiful with all the lush greenery surrounding it. * The backdrop of Western Ghats Mountains enhance the beauty of the place. One can spend hours here in its scenic beauty. * For accommodation, an irrigation department rest house and a private resort are located nearby. * The tourist department cottages lie unused and there is also a restaurant located in Chinchant. * To get to the Selaulim dam one can enjoy a 35 km picturesque drive from Margao. Once you cross Curchorem and reach Sanguem, the dam lies on Selaulim river.
Victoria Terminus suburban railway station. This heritage building was built in 1887 and looks more of an old castle than a railway station. It has been renamed to Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Kalindi Pass, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttranchal, India * At 18,046 feet, Kalindi Pass is one of the most difficult treks in the Himalayas. * This trek is for the most adventurous and fit trekkers only who possess a fundamental ability of high altitude trekking and mountaineering. * Best time to do trekking over it is from July to September. * One has to cross two holy shrines of Gangotri and Badrinath to cov er this. * Along the way, you will witness many breath-taking sights like the source of the Holy River Ganges, Holy Ganga temple, big crevices and one of the Asia's longest Gangotri Glacier that is 28 kms long, along with the Holy Badrinath Temple. * The walk is mostly over the ground and the snow fields with deep cracks and gives great opportunities to view the high altitude wildlife and camp by some small glacial lakes. * Walking at an average altitude of 4500m for about 10 days and sleeping at freezing temperatures during this trip is a lot more than a trek. * The highest point in the Kalandi Pass trek reaches upto 5947m. * On this trek, trekkers have a chance to see a large number of mammal species: Snow leopard, Black bear, Brown bear, Musk deer, Bharal, Himalayan Thar. * The endangered birds are Monal pheasant, Koklas pheasant, Western Tragopan, Himalayan Snow cock, Golden eagle, Bearded vulture, cuckoos, owls & bulbuls etc.
Cherrapunji, East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, India * Cherrapunji, which means ‘the land of oranges’, is at an elevation of 4290 ft. * It is the second wettest place on the planet and the only place in India to receive rain throughout the year. * The town of Cherrapunji is nestled in the East Khasi Hills about 50 km southwest of state capital Shillong. * It is the traditional capital of a hima (Khasi tribal chieftainship constituting a petty state) known as Sohra or Churra. * Cherrapunji was the old administrative headquarters of the Khasis. * The settlement in 1820 was used as a sanatorium for European pensioners in the East India Company’s service. * One can see the plains of Bangladesh from the cliffs of Cherrapunji. * Despite receiving excess rain, the town faces acute water shortage and the locals have to travel great distances to get fresh water. * Cherrapunji is also famous for its live bridges, a result of bio-engineering practiced by the locals. The bridges can bear 50 people at a time and are spectacular to watch. * Besides, enjoying the rains, Cherrapunji is also a good place for trekking. * The most popular trekking route is that leads to Double Decker Living Root bridge in Nongriat village. * It is advisable to hire a guide on your treks. * Other activities to do in Cherrapunji are river canyoning from Nongthymmai to Mynteng steel rope bridge. * Rock climbing and camping can also be indulged in Cherrapunji. * Cherrapunji is known for its handicrafts, especially items made from cane and bamboo. * It is also the best place to buy good quality orange flower honey. * The best time to visit Cherrapunji is between September and October. The rainfall is the least during these two months and you can enjoy clear skies most of the day.