OOTY - Blue Mountains - Majestic hills add charm to this quaint hill-station

The Nilgiris, which basically signifies ‘blue mountains’, are a range of around 24 mountain peaks jogging through Tamil Nadu and around Karnataka as well as Kerala. The pretty hill station of Ooty, short for Ootacamund also now officially Udhagamandalam, lies surrounded by 4 peaks — Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill, and Club Hill. When you chug with the magnificent landscape in the toy train, the beautifully positive scent of eucalyptus fills up the mind

The fairly hotel or resort city of Ooty was invented by the British Collector of Coimbatore , John Sullivan , around 1820 to allow the sahibs to avoid the searing heating of the plains . Sullivan's legacy is the best hill stations in India today, attracting everybody from families to honeymooners to wildlife fans. Ooty's moving green hills, substantial landscapes, lake and waterfalls allow it to be an ideal environment for certain invigorating.

Located 7, 500 ft. above sea level, the climate in Ooty is perennially pleasurable. Eucalyptus trees and tea and coffee plantations are plentiful, filling up the atmosphere with a gentle heady spicy aroma. Although tea and coffee are the town’s major produce, essential herbal oils of eucalyptus, lemon grass, geranium, clove, and also camphor prepared from local plant harvests are also highly appreciated.

Sullivan established Ooty Lake between 1823 and 1825, and introduced vegetation such as potato and barley and the idea of horticulture in Ooty. The city slowly developed as the summer time capital of the Madras Presidency of the British. Although, the unique residents of Ooty are the Todas, a tribal community popular for handicrafts such as shawls with their brand name red, black, and white embroidery.

The most important visitorsattractions all around Ooty are the Ooty Botanical Gardens, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, tea and coffee plantations, Ooty Lake, the amazing Doddabetta (highest peak of the Nilgiris at 8,652 feet), and mile after mile and miles of conifer, eucalyptus, pine, and wattle jungle.

Getting Around

Auto rickshaws , taxis and tourist cabs can be found commonplace around the bus station , the train station and marketplaces . The auto rickshaw price ranges have to be negotiated every time while the taxis require a meter fare . A tour from the Ooty railway station to the Charring Cross Junction , a large market area with streets leading to Coonoor and Commercial Road , costs approx . Rs .30 . The taxi fare will certainly range between Rs . 40-50 for the same . For more info , communicate with the Government Tourist Office : 0423-2443977 .

HOW TO REACH

By Air

IA and Jet have every day flights to Coimbatore from Mumbai. Airport: The nearest airport terminal is Coimbatore, it is 105 km away.

By Rail

The narrow gauge service connects Ooty to neighboring areas. The Swiss Classic Mountain train runs from Mettupalayam via Coonoor. It leaves at 7.45 am and comes in Ooty at 12 pm. The journey is unquestionably essential if you need to experience an excellent view of the place. Nilgiri Express is available from Chennai. Mettupalayam railway station, serves as a lowland railhead for Ooty, while Coimbatore is the leading rail junction. The narrow gauge services links Ooty to neighboring spots.

By Road

Many state bus services operate from the Main Bus Stand, Dr Nanjappa Road, Gandhipura. You can find a fantastic bus facilities from Ooty to Bangalore (298 km) via Mysore and tea growing region of Gudalur-Naduvattam-Pykara, or via the steeper but prettier route via Masinagudi-Kathati. Personal bus services also conduct from Charing Cross.

Kodaikanal- Princess Of The Hill Stations

Kodaikanal- the most popular and beautiful hill station is situated at the Palani hills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu of India. This hill station is located 7,200 feet above sea level. This city is counted on as an well known tourist destination of India as well as it has a great history as retreat.

Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in South India. The scenic beauty of this place has the capability and charm to mesmerize the nature lovers.

How to reach?

Kodaikanal is accessible both via rail and air ways. The nearest railway station located to this hill station is Kodai road, 80 km away from Kodaikanal. Another major rail station which is connected with Kodaikanal is the Coimbatore junction.

This city is also connected with the other states of India via airways. Madurai airport is located 120 km away from this hill station and it connects both Coimbatore and Chennai. Coimbatore is another major airport, located 180 km from Kodaikanal.

Besides, one can reach to Kodaikanal by taking cab from Coimbatore and Madurai.

What to see?

There are various popular tourist destinations located in Kodaikanal. To name a few: Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View or the Suicide Point, Devil's Kitchen, Bear Shola Falls, Dolphin's Nose, Bryant Park, Silver Cascade Falls and more.

Apart from that, there are various Internationally well known educational institutions located in Kodaikanal. These are- Kodaikanal Christian College, Kodaikanal International School, Mother Teresa University. Kodaikanal is also affected by the Christian sculptures and culture. So, the churches of Kodaikanal are a must visit.

Summer festivals are very famous in Kodaikanal with various cultural programs, fruit and flower shows, adventure sports and boat races are too attractive and various tourists come to visit this hill station during the festival season.

Kodaikanal is also well known for homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oil, pears and plums. Apart from that Kodaikanal is also famous for the Kurinji flowers, that blooms once in every twelve years. Woolen clothing is also available in Kodaikanal at cheaper rates.

Activities within Kodaikanal

The term Kodaikanal in the local language means gift of forest. The thick forest with various kinds of trees, enchanting waterfalls, huge rocks in wilderness-all of these things have made the area a real gift for those people who come to visit it. The tourists can indulge themselves in several activities like horse riding, cycling, trekking, boating and various other types of adventurous activities.

Best time to visit Kodaikanal

The best time to visit Kodaikanal is all around the year, specially during the winters and the summers. Avoid the monsoon timing.

Mahabaleshwar- The Queen Hill Station Of Maharashtra

Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani

Mahabaleshwar is a hilly picturesque resort located at the lap of the majestic ranges of the Western Ghats. The place boasts of some invigorating ambiance and it offers some prettiest and panoramic view of imposing sloppy mountain peaks, green plains and surrounding woods.

The hill station achieved the glory after the gorgeousness and magical charm of this place was discovered by the English men. Therefore, the innovative outlook of these people changed the sleepy terrain into the most beautiful tourist destination. In 1829-1830 it was the summer capital of Bombay presidency.

How to reach?

MAHABALESHWAR BUNGALOW FOR RENT

Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible from Mumbai through Mahad. Another way to reach Mahabaleshwar is to reach through Pune. The Pune airport is the nearest airport of this hill station. Travelers can also reach this place by boarding the train from Pune. Apart from the flight and rail service, travelers can also reach Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai by hiring a private car or AC buses.

Where to see?

Mahabaleshwar is the base of five rivers. Apart from that, the scenic beauty of this place offers some mesmerizing and  awesome scenery.

Tapola Lake, Mahabaleshwa

 The unparallel beauty of Mahabaleshwar with marvelous streams, meandering cascades, the charming peaks and overall the rejuvenating climate enthrall the visitor. People treat this place as a tranquil holiday destination as well as the great devout's serenity.

The hill station offer the tourists a revitalizing and quite ambiance where the tourists can enjoy the nature's delightful vistas at a full bloom. Mahabaleshwar is the best place for those people who love to enjoy the sizzling part of the nature in some unruffled environment.

Places one must visit in Mahabaleshwar are: pratapgarh fort, kate's point, elephant's head point, rajpuri caves, connaught peak.

 

Traveling within the city:

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station

Traveling in the hill town is an amazing experience, as there are several beaches situated along the rocky coastline. You can roam around the beaches or can take a hilly trip. Going around Mahabaleshwar is easy as there are a number of public transport system like buses, autos or taxis. These public transport systems connect this hill station with its outskirt regions.

Best time to visit: 

The hotels of Mahabaleshwar remains open all around the year. So, the travelers can visit the hill station anytime. Best times to visit this place is during the summer days, in October, or in Diwali or Xmas time.

Nandan Kanan- The Garden Of God

Nandan Kanan is a beautiful natural forest situated in the Kanjia lake region and it is adjacent to the Chandaka-Dampara conservation area of Orissa. The forest covers an area of the Jujhagarh and Krishnanagar Demarcated Protected Forests (DPF). Nandan Kanan is the place where one can watch the panoramic glimpses of the nature and can appreciate the allure which exists in the external morphology of the flora and fauna of this forest.

How to reach?

Nandan Kanan zoo is situated in 20 kilometer away from Bhubaneswar and 17 kilometer away from Cuttack. The nearest railway station of this forest is the Barang railway station which is located at 1 kilo meter away from the forest. Travelers can reach here by air through Bhubaneswar airport and after that by taking a hired car or can reach in this forest through road by hiring a car or can avail the railway service till Barang, Cuttack or Bhubaneswar railway station

About Nandan Kanan:

The Nandan Kanan zoo is embellished with 101 enclosed areas with 202 sub-enclosed areas at Nandan Kanan. This forest have both open moat surrounding areas as well cages for the animals. There are 47 open moated surrounding areas and 54 cages in the forest. There are 120 types of animals in the zoo which includes: 40 types of mammals, 24 species of reptiles and 56 species of birds.

Animals which can be seen in this jungle are:

• White Tiger
• Patas monkey
• Gharial
• Open-billed Stork
• Eastern Rosella
• Indian Pangolin
• Orang-Utan
• Burmese Python
• Spotted Munia
• Green-winged Macaws
• Nicobar Pigeon
• Cinereous Vulture

Nandan Kanan is counted as one of the active breeding ground of animals like Gharials, white tigers, mouse deer, Indian Pangolin, Malayan giant squirrel, mugger, sloth bear, Brow-antlered deer, Lion-tailed Macaque, Indian porcupine, Caiman crocodile, White necked stork, Swamp deer, Water monitor lizard, Chimpanzee, Siamese crocodile, Grey heron and many free living animals like Open-billed Storks.

When to visit?

The forest is open for the tourists everyday except Mondays and in summer it remains open from 7.30am to 6pm and in Winter the forest remains open from 8am to 5pm. Best season to visit this forest is from the month of October to March.

Simlipal- The Red Silk Cotton Jungle

Simlipal national park or Simlipal national forest is an elephant reserve park situated in Mayurbhanj district of Orissa. The name of the forest has derived from the red silk cotton trees, that bloom here vividly.

Mode of transport:

Tourists can reach to this park by road, or by rail. The travelers can reach here by road through NH 5 and 6 from the Baripada entry point. Another entry point is Jashipada. All the roads are well connected by daily jeep, taxi and bus services. Tourists can also reach in this reserve forest by rail. The nearest rail station of this forest is the Balasore station, which is 60 km away from Baripada.

About Simlipal:

The core forest area of the Simlipal reserve park is 845.70 square kilometres and has several beautiful waterfalls in this area such as barehipani and loranda. Simlipal reserve park is enriched with its flora and fauna. It has 96 species of orchids and 1076 varieties of plants. Because of the wide variety of vegetation, the forest is also known as “the semi evergreen forest of Orissa”. The savannas and the grasslands are the grazing grounds of the herbivores. Beside that, there are a variety of tropical broadleaf and deciduous trees in the forest.

The tiger reserve project of simlipal was started in the year 1973, then in 1979, the mugger crocodile project was started. The core forest area of Simlipal is a home of 42 types of mammals, including 99 Royal Bengal Tigers and around 440 wild elephants 30 varieties of reptiles and 242 types of birds. The forest is also known for the chausingha, Gaurs, leopards, barking deers, sambars, wild boars, jungle cats, common lengurs and giant squirrels.

The birds, which are commonly seen in this forest are: red jungle fowl, peacock, hill mynah, Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey horn bill, Indian Trogon. Apart from these mammals and birds, there are a great population of the reptiles like turtles and snakes.

Popular tourist destinations:

The thick green forests, extensive meadows and grassy lands, sparkling and precipitous waterfalls, cloud kissing hill peaks, meandering rivers, trumpeting elephants and roaring tigers, flying squirrels and fleeing deer, dancing peacocks and talking myna- are the features of this forest. All these features has made the reserve forest of Simlipal an irresistible tourist destination and a nature dreamland.

The essence of the fascinating beauties of this jungle, Simlipal reserve forest lures the tourists with the amazing interiors, clean and cool air, free and fresh fragrance, soothing visuals for the eyesight. A trip to this reserve forest will fill the ears with reverberating sounds and the heart with hypnotic throbs. As a whole the trip will rejuvenate your body and soul.

   
Mentioned here some list of animals found in Simlipal wildlife sanctuary with their numbers:

Tiger       98

Leopard 115

Elephant 449

Spotted deer 2500-3500

Barking deer 4000-4500

Mouse deer 1500-1800

Sambar 7000-9000

Gaur 850-950

Wild boar 10000-10500

Langur 250 Troupes

Wild Boar 2900

Rhesus macaque 75 Troupes

Simlipal also offer its visitors an awesome glimpse of the life of the tribal people and the tribal culture. It would be a bonus for all the tourists.

Ideal time to visit Simlipal:

The forest remains open for the visitors from 1^st October to 15^th June. This is the ideal time to visit the park. Tourists can enter in the forest between 6AM to 12 Noon.

Pelling:Spending Days with Lord Buddha

Pelling is a hill town of West Sikkim and located at the altitude of 7,200 feet or 2,150 meter. Besides, this hill town is situated around 135 km away from Siliguri and 115 km away from Gangtok. Majority of the inhabitants of Pelling are Buddhists and the languages used here are Nepali, Sikkimese, English and bengali.

Mode of transport:

A regular bus service connects the town with Gazing, the district headquarter. Another mode of transport in Pelling is the jeep service. This service joins Pelling with kalimpong, Jorethang and Namchi. Now a days, with the huge increment of tourists footfall, the town is going through a metamorphosis with setting up new hotels and repairing roads. The nearest airport of this town is the Bagdogra airport. Tourists can reach in this hill town through flights too.

About Pelling:

From the quarters and guest houses of Pelling, the mighty views of Kanchenjunga and Himalayas are seen. Sometimes, tourists can also experience the magnificent view of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayan range such as the Koktang, Rathong, Kumbhakarna, Zopuno, Narsing, Dom, Kabru and many more. Pelling also works as a base of the peripatetic adventurers and the trekkers, who undertake a arduous and strenuous treks in the other parts of West Sikkim. The adjacent area of Pelling are still a virgin territory and this part is enriched with numerous hillsides and alpine vegetation. In the winter season, Pelling gets covered with a snow blanket. 

 

Tourist destinations in Pelling:

Pelling is not well known for the tourist destinations. Rather, this town is known for its silent beauty. If you are tired of the city's hustle and bustle, and want to relax your mind, then Pelling can be the best place. It is not that there are no places to visit in Pelling. The popular tourist destinations are:

• Pemayangtse Monastery: It is one of the most important and oldest monasteries of Sikkim. It was founded in the year 1705, and have a great collection of sculptures and wall paintings in it. Every year, in January or February, a traditional religious dance “cham” is performed in the premises.
• The Khechuperi or Khecheopalri lake: Covered by the rich forests at every side, this lake is considered as the most sacred lake of Sikkim.
• Sangachoeling Monastery: located behind the pelling town, this monastery is enriched with a great view of the surrounded mountains. Thisw monastery was built in the year 1697, and considered as one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim.

Other known tourist locations are: rock garden, the local monastery, waterfall near Rimbi, Singshore bridge-the archaic quaint, Chhange bridge, Kanchenjunga falls, Rinchenpong, Yuksom, Hee Burmiok and Dzongri.

Ideal time to visit Pelling:

Pelling is ideal for the tourists at anytime of the year except the monsoon. Tourists should carry warm cloths in the winter seasons and light woolen clothes during the summer days. Carring an umbrella can be helpful.

Rajasthan is a desert jewel historical, cultural, custom, traditional, royal & imperial state of India

Rajasthan is a desert jewel, cultural, historical, traditional, custom, imperial and royal state of India. The heritage tradition of hospitality of Rajasthan is really unforgettable. People are helpful and kindhearted and they assist the tourists in all possible ways. Precious custom and culture has made this state one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. The heritage and royal state of Rajasthan has loads of attractive things to offer the tourists. Idealistic stylish palaces, amazing forts, marvelous architectural antique temples, marvelous havelis with chromatic, murals,and miniature paintings, colorful festivals and fairs etc. are the prime assets of Rajasthan. Every year a large number of tourists comes to this state from all over the world visit this this state.

History of Rajasthan

During the period of 700 AD Rajput clans emerged in Rajasthan and began to hold their control and to spread their influence over various parts of Rajasthan. Before the emergence of the Rajput clans, the city was a part of various small states. It was also a part of the Mauryan Empire. Hunas, Malavas, Guptas, Saka, Kushans, Satraps, Yaudhyas, Malavas and Arjunyas are some of the other republics which ruled this region.

In the history of Rajput clans, the dominance was during the period of 8th-12th century AD. At this period of 750-1000 AD, Rajasthan and most part of the northern India was governed by the Pratihars. During 1000-1200 AD, the ancient land of Rajasthan witnessed the dominance struggle between Chlukyas, Parmars and Chauhans.

During 1200 AD the most parts of Rajasthan was under the Muslim rulers. Ajmer and Nagaur were the main centers of powers. Ranthambhor was under their control too. From the very beginning of 13th century, Mewar came out as the most prominent and powerful state of Rajasthan.

Before the control of Mughal emperor Akbar, Rajasthan was never been politically united. Akbar first established a united part of Rajasthan. The Mughal power started to drop after 1707. After the declination of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas became the rulers of Rajasthan.

In 1755 Marathas took their control over Ajmer. In this period Rajasthan was also attacked by the Pindaris. After that, the British Government finished the alliance agreements with about all the territories of Rajputana in the year 1817-18.and from that time Rajasthan was known as Rajputana till the pre independence time. After being independent in the year 1947, the state attained its present name Rajasthan.

Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Ajmer

The city was found by Raja Prithviraj Chauhan in the 7th century and it is located 120 km or 78 miles west of Jaipur..

Ajmer is famous for the “Dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti” (1142-1236) and “Ana Sagar Lake”. The city is also well known for the famous Sophia college boarding schools and Mayo college .

Alwar

Alwar is a beautiful city located 143 km from Jaipur, 164 km from Delhi,.160 kms from Udaipur.

 

Banswara

Located 160 kms from Udaipur and 527 km from Jaipur, Banswara is a small town which is famous for the Baneshwar Festival.

Bharatpur

Located at 175 kilometer from Jaipur & 185 kilometer from Delhi, the city is known for the base on the way of Agra as well for the Keoladeo Ghana National Park or bird sanctuary. Bharatpur used to be ruled by the Jats. The museum and old fort are also there.

Bikaner

The city of Bikaner is situated in the way of Jaipur to Jaisalmer and it was founded by Rao Bika in the 15^th century. The city is well known for carpets, durries, mojari slippers and hand printed lamp shades. Tourists can visit the Junagarh Fort located in the city and can ride the camel ride.

Bundi

Bundi is located at 40 km from Kota and 206 km from the city of Jaipur. the city is enclosed by the Aravalli hills on the three directions and also confined by a huge wall with four entrances.

Chittorgarh

The city of Jaipur was found by Bappa Rawal in the 8th century. The city is located 110 km away from the city of Udaipur and 300 km away from the city of Jaipur. Chittorgarh is famous for the huge 495 feet high and three mile long fort. Mirabai, the saint and poet of the 16^th century was from this city. This city is also known for Rani Padmini, kirtistambha and Vijaystambha. The fort of Chittorgarh has also witnessed jauhars and three brutal seizes.

Dungarpur

Dungarpur also known as the city of hills. The city was found in the 13^th century and it is situated at 110 km south of the city Udaipur. Juna Mahal is one of the reknowned tourist destinations of this city and it is adorned with beautiful paintings, frescoes, glass inlays and mirror works. The government of this state runs the Somnath temple and the Rajmata Devendra Kanwar Museum.

Jaipur

Jaipur is known as the "Pink City". Located 250 km away from Delhi, the city the capital of Rajasthan as well the starting point of the tour to Rajasthan. The city is famous for Jantar mantar, Amber Fort, Hawa mahak, Sisodia Rani's bagh and City Palace. The place is also famous for the block prints for the textiles, handicraft items, semi precious jewelry and Man dhir.

Jodhpur

Situated at 250 km away from Jaipur, the city of Jodhpur is also known as the “Blue City”. Jodhpur was found by Rao Jodha and it is well known for Umed Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, handicrafts and museums.

Jaisalmer

Located 275 Km away from Jodhpur, the city is also called "Golden City". The city was founded by Rao Jaisal. Jaisalmer is well known for the sand dunes, Patwon-ki-haveli and also ideal for safaris and camel rides.

Jhalawar

Situated at 87 km from Kota and 335 km from Jaipur, the princely state Jhalawar was established in the 1838 A.D.

Kota

This city is situated 131 km away from Ajmer and 240 km away from Jaipur. The city is known for the Dussehra Mela.

Kumbhalgarh

Located 85 km away from Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh is well known for Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Mount Abu

Located 27 Km away from Abu and 190 Km away from Udaipur is a hill resort of Rajasthan. The city is well known for Guru Shikar, Dilwara Temple and Nakki Lake.

Nathdwara

48 km from Udaipur in Rajasthan lies the popular relegious place, Nathdwara.

Ranakpur

Ranakpur is one of the most important pilgrimages of Jainism. The city is also the home to the beautiful temples in the Aravali ranges 

 

Rohet

The city of Rohet is famous for the local traditions and cultures. It is situated 160 km away from Udaipur and 212 km away from Indore.

Sariska

Sariska is well known for a Tiger Reserve Sanctuary and it is situated at 35 km away from Alwar and 110 km from Jaipur.

Ranthambore

Ranthambhore is well known for the Tiger Reserve Project, Ranthambore National Park. It is located at 11 km away from Sawai Madhopur and 135 km away from Jaipur.

Amer Palace

The Amer Palace was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century. The palace is an amazing blend of both Mughal and Hindu architecture. Rajputs have used the palace from 16th century till the year 1727 for both defense purposes and for the purposes of residence.

City Palace

Located at the capital of the state Rajasthan, the Jaipur City Palace is one of the chief palaces. It is a wonderful fusion of the conventional Mughal and Rajasthan architecture. The huge complex of the palace appoints one seventh part of the Jaipur city.

Dargah Sharif

Also known as 'Holy Dargah', the place is one of the most divine Muslim shrines of India. Admired by both Muslims and Hindus, the dargah is the grave of a Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, who was from Persia and donated his life for the the betterment and service of the downtrodden and poor.

Fateh Sagar Lake

The Fateh Sagar Lake is located at Udaipur and in the north part of the Lake Pichola. Maharana Jai Singh built the lake in the year 1678 by as a enduring storage reservoir. Three sides of the lake were enclosed by holls and one side was by Pratap Memorial, the lake presents a charming scenery.

Havelis of Jaisalmer

The wonderful mansions made of sandstone of the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are said as 'havelis'. In most of the elaborated homes a poem is etched out in the sandstone with various pains and details, together pieced and carved in various patterns, and they are also loud and lavish in nature,

Hawa Mahal

“Hawa Mahal” or “Palace of the Wind” was built up by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singhon 1799. The Hawa Mahal is basically an expansion of the women's chambers. Soon, the mahal has become one of the great landmarks of Punjab.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar mantar is the name of any magical device in Sanskrit. The building was named after Jantar Mantar because of the big masonry appliances, which are kept in this palace to check 'the harmony of the heavens' appreciated by the Sawai Raja Jai Singh II. The building took seven years to get completed.

Puskar

Pushkar is a great Hindu pilgrimage and it is said that a single dip in the holy lake is similar to the visit of four Hindu Shrins known as the Chaar Dhaam'. The three sides of this beautiful loke is enclosed by the hills and the other side is by sand dunes. Every year a cattle fair is held in this place in October or November.

Sahelion Ki Bari

This place is also known as the Garden of the Maids of Honor' was a beautifully planned garden along with shady walks and extensive lawns. The garden was located on the bank of Fateh Sagar Lake and it used to be reserved for those royal ladies who used to go for a stroll. Maharana Sangram Singh had constructed this garden in the 18^th century.

Shrinathji Temple

Located 48 km away from Udaipur, the Shrinathji temple is situated amidst some idyllic hills. It is basically a temple of lord Krishna and his structure hollowed out of a black marble. According to the experts, this temple is the second most prosperous temple in the world.