हे प्रभु यह तेरापंथ -1

 Ten travel destinations in India. 

India has a rich heritage and ancient civilizations. I am writing about Ten travel destinations which I have travelled & enjoyed. 

1. Lothal - considered the world's oldest port town, part of 5000 years of Harappan civilization. Excavated Dockyard, town planning, grains, storage & brickwork mesmerize visitors. An archaeological survey of India constructed a museum at the site. The site is 80 km & 135 km away from Ahmedabad & Vadodara (Gujarat). Nearest Airport is Ahmedabad.

2. Ranakpur Jain temples - 95 km away from Udaipur (nearest Airport), 14th-century Jain temples are famous for their sculpture, stone carving & pullers structure. Surrounding the Aravali mountain range adds natural beauty with spirituality. Pali Marwar is the nearest railway station. Best to go in rainy & winter /spring seasons. 

3. Chittorgarh Fort (Rajasthan) - One of the biggest habitat forts of India, with over 900 years of history. It's a symbol of Rajput's glory & bravery. Kirti Stambh, Vijay Stambha, Padmini Mahal, Meera Bai temple, and Kumbha Mahal are major attractions for visitors. Rail & Road well connected Chittorgarh. The nearest airport is Udaipur. Winter & Spring seasons are best for travellers. 

4. Gir National park & wildlife sanctuary (Gujarat) - The only Inhabitants place for Asiatic lions in India, is Sasan Gir in the state of Gujrat. Here, travellers can see how humans & lions co-exist together peacefully. The nearest airport is Rajkot & the nearest railway station is Junagadh. The best time to visit is during the winter & spring season. Somnath jyotirlinga is 58 km away. 

5. Rani Ki vav (Patan, Gujarat)- A 1000-year-old seven levels step well. The finest example of Ancient Indian sculpture & stone carving. It's a world heritage site. Patan is the old capital of Gujarat, well connected by road & rail. The nearest airport is Ahmedabad. Winter & spring seasons are the best time to visit. 

6. Nal Sarovar Bird sanctuary (Gujarat) 

60 km away from Ahmedabad, Nal Sarovar is one of the biggest wetland sites & Bird sanctuaries in India. Here one can see thousands of flamingoes, Pelicans & migratory birds. Best time to visit the winter & spring seasons. Early morning before sunrise is the best time to enter the lake. Must watch for all Bird lovers. 

7. Mahabalipuram - Also known as Mamallapuram, in the southern State of Tamil Nadu. It's a 7th -8th-century monument, built by the Pallava kingdom. Temples on the seashore of the Bay of Bengal, Elephant Reliefs, Krishna Butterball, Arjuna Penance & Panch Raths are major attractions for visitors. The nearest Airport & Railway station is Chennai. 

8. Statue of Unity - Marvelous Engineering wonder, created by Modern India.181 meters tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (the man who United Indian states), the tallest statue of the world, erected on the banks of river Narmada, in front of Sardar Sarovar Dam. The place is well connected through road & rail from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad & Vadodara. The nearest Airports are Vadodara & Surat. All facilities created here are truly international. The lesser show, Valley of flowers, Ekta mall, cactus garden, jungle safari, and water rafting are other tourist attractions. SOU is a fitting tribute by the nation to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 

9. Jodhpur (Rajasthan) - also known as Sun City / Blue City of India. The city is very famous for its fort, heritage buildings, culture & food. Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada & Ummed Bhawan place are the best examples of Marwar architecture. Turji ka Jhalra step well in the walled city built in the 17th century is one of the best places to see. Road, rail, & Air well connected jodhpur. Winter & spring seasons are best for travelling to Jodhpur.

Jinendra Kumar Kothari 

Ankleshwar