Golden Pearl Holidays

26/12/2015

Leh – A Paradise on Earth

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Few places in India are at once so traveller-friendly and yet so enchanting and hassle-free as mountain-framed Leh. Leh is the heart of the Leh district and capital of Ladakh in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Leh is located in the Indus river valley at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir. Its importance as a trading town slowed down with the partition of British India, and ended with the closure of the border in 1962 during the Sino-Indian war. Since opening to tourists in 1974, it has become a bustling tourist town, with large numbers of Kashmiri traders.

It's a small town, easy to get most places by foot. The old town is a compact area of mud brick houses and narrow lanes directly to the east of Main Bazar. Changspa is the agricultural "suburb" northwest of the center, with many guesthouses.
The main Bazaar's elevation is 3505 meters, so take it easy on your first few days there or risk possible altitude sickness. Even experienced high altitude travellers (Andes) might have some trouble.

District Leh is situated roughly between 32 to 36 degree north Latitude and 75 to 80 degree East longitude and altitude ranging from 2300 mtrs to 5000 mtrs above sea level. District Leh with and area of 45100 Sq. Kms. makes it one of the largest District in the country.The District is bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the west and China in the North and eastern part and Lahul Spiti of Himachal Pardesh in the south east. It is at a distance of 434 Kms from State capital Srinagar and 474 Kms from Manali (HP).

Topographically, the whole of the district is mountainous with three parallel ranges of the Himalayas, the Zanskar, the Ladakh and the Karakoram. Between these ranges, the Shayok, Indus and Zanskar rivers flow and most of the population lives in valleys of these rivers.

Leh has a cold, arid climate with long, harsh winter season that is, from October to early March. The winter temperature in Leh dips down at maximum to -29 degree Celsius and during summers the mercury rises to a high of 33 degree Celsius.

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19/09/2015

Harishchandragad: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.
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Harishchandragad fort is quiet ancient, with its origin dating back to the sixth century. There are caves situated all over the fort, believed to be carved out in the eleventh century. The various temples and carvings in the caves indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period, since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later, the fort was under the control of the Moguls. And by 1747, the Marathas captured it.The cave of Kedareshwar hosts a big Shivlingam, which is surrounded by water. The lingam is surrounded by four pillars that essentially represent the four yugas of life on earth. The general belief is that the current phase is the Kali Yuga. The day the fourth pillar breaks down will be considered the end of this era.

The fort is very popular to trekkers and nature lovers as it is one of the best forts to trek. Konkan Kada is a challenge for trekkers as it is at a height of 3,500 feet. Rohidas, Taramati and Harishchandra are the three peaks in Harishchandragad. Taramati peak is the highest one in the fort. Many peaks, fort and other beautiful places such as Malshej Ghat, Jivdhan, Nane Ghat, Ratangad, Kalsubai, etc. can also be seen from here.

What to see on the fort:
1. KEDARESHWAR CAVE - This temple is marvelous example of the fine art of carving sculptures out of stones that prevailed in ancient India. The river Mangal Ganga is said to originate from one of the tanks located close to the temple.
2. KONKAN KADA - A huge cliff at Harishchandragad which offers spectacular view of Konkan and also the sunset.
3. OTHER CAVES - There are many caves on this fort.
4. KEDARESHWAR CAVE: In this cave there is a Shivlinga which is surrounded by ice cold water. During rainy season this cave is not accessible as there's lot of water in the surrounding area.
5. TARAMATI PEAK: Also known as Taramanchi. This is the topmost point on the fort. It is the 2nd highest peak in Maharashtra. Leopards are seen in the forests beyond this peak. From here we can have a glimpse of the whole range of Naneghat and the forts near Murbad.

19/09/2015

Gowalkot Fort: Maharashtra, India.
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The Gowalkot Fort is located on the Southern Bank of Vashishti River near Chiplun in Maharashtra, India. Gowalkot Fort was constructed by Siddi Habshi of Janjira in 1690.
This fort is guarded by river on three sides and a trench on the forth side. It is an island situated around 10 km from Chiplun surrounded by the Vashishti River. In 1660 Shivaji Maharaj won this fort and renamed as Govindgad. Sambhaji Maharaj lost this fort to Siddi.In 1736 Chimaji Appa won this fort by killing Siddi Sat in battle. Tulaji Angre in 1745 captured it from.Later in 1755 Angre lost it to the Peshwa and eventually in 1818 East India Company took control from the Peshwa. Portuguese ships attacked this fort during the Siege of Dabhol.
The fort is almost ruined and at present is dilapidated. There is a temple of goddess Karanjeshwari at the foot hills of the fort. However from within the fort there are trees, buildings and dwellings and a dry well which is approximately 22 feet deep,Located on top of the small hill on the fort.The Vashisthi River,offers the most beautiful and stunning glimpse of the smoothly flowing Vashisthi River and the undulating valley. Nature enthusiasts can indulge themselves by setting out on a trek around the areas near the fort and soak in the atmosphere at the fort.

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16/09/2015

Gawilghur Fort (also Gawilgarh or Gawilgad): Maharashtra, India.
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The Gawilghur Fort is located in the vicinity of Melghat Tiger Reserve, Amravati District, Maharashtra. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but it was believed to have been heavily fortified around 1424. The Persian historian, Firishta, records that Ahmed Shah Wali, the ninth king of the Muzaffarid dynasty built Gawilgarh when he was encamped at Ellichpur in 1425. Likely this was the date when major fortification was carried out. This fort was in use 1426 AD to 1803AD. Until the 19th century it was in the hands of the Muzaffarid dynasty later occupied by the Marathas and lost in the 2nd Anglo-Maratha war to the east India Company. Gawilghur Fort this fort has the marks of guns and cannon firing on its walls, these are seen today also.

Gawilghur Fort Is a protected monument and a heritage hilltop fort worth seeing. This fort is one of the best fortresses in standing condition s surrounded by natural scenic environment.

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06/09/2015

Bhivgad Fort, Raigad District in Maharashtra (Near Mumbai).
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Bhivgad fort also known as Bheemgad is located in the Raigad District in Maharashtra, India. The specific history of this fort is not known. A small top, couple of water cisterns, a remnant is all that this fort offers us at the top. However, easy walk and small height, nice view of ranges around makes this nice, little one day trek. This fort is a hill fort. We can see Some fortification and two caves on the top. The height of this fort is around 800- 803 feet. Vadap is the base village which is Birthplace of Nanasaheb Peshawa. There is also a beautiful waterfall that is worth visiting in the monsoon.

14/08/2015

Balapur is a hill fort located in the Khatav taluk of the Satara district of Maharashtra.The fort was built by Singhan II (1210 - 1247 CE). The fort was repaired by Shivaji about 1676, and it sustained an attack from Fattesingh Mane in 1805 then camped at Rahimatpur. so it is usually attributed to Shivaji. The shape of the fort is just like oval. The fort rises 600 feet above the surrounding plain. The top of this fort is almost flat. The area of this fort is around 300 square yards. There is a temple of Harinai Devi, which is a form of Goddess Durga, in the premises of the fort. The fort of Bhushangad also includes a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman, also known as Maruti.

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12/08/2015

Bhairavgad Fort: Maharashtra, India.

Bhairavgad Fort is located in Satara district of Maharashtra, India. The fortress is constructed at a height of 1145m. The main attraction of the fort is the dense forest. The top of the fort is created by the geological structure known as a d**e and the final stage on the rock mass is very fascinating. Bhairavgad is to be the only fort built on a d**e, making it a must see wonder for trekkers.This fort has been declared as ‘sanctuary’. There are 2 caves near the fort and one of the caves includes a temple of Lord Bhairavnath. The site has been developed as a tourist destination. Moreover it attracts several trekkers and rock climbers as well. From the fort we can see the dense forests of Koyna and beautiful view of entire Malshej Ghat..

History of Bhairavgad Fort:.The fort was built by Rajas of Panhala and was used by Marathas. It was later captured by British on 23 May 1818. At present. Bhairavgad Fort is maintained by the Government of India.

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11/08/2015

Balapur Fort-Maharashtra, India.

Balapur Fort is located in Akola district of Maharashtra, India. It took 45 years to complete construction on the fort. The Fort is known for the famous Bala Devi Temple, situated on its southern side and for the indo Islamic architectural designs. Balapur Fort is located between two rives junction. While exploring this fort, tourists can find three wells and one mosque.

History of Balapur Fort: The construction of Balapur Fort was started in 1721 by Mirza Azam Shah, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb and it was completed by Ismaeel Khan, the Nawab of Elichpur in 1757. The fort has very lofty walls and bastions built of the best brickwork of its time. Since Balapur was an important military station during the Mughal period, this fort was constructed keeping in mind about the military position and responsibility. The entire fort is built of bricks and has huge walls along with three gateways, one within the other. For launching missiles, 3 m thick innermost walls have ramparts at different angles. In 1720 the Asaf Jahi of the Hyderabad provenance attacked this fort and ruled till they were thrown out by the British East India Company. At present, the fort is used by the government to run some of its offices.

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09/08/2015

Alang, Madan and Kulang, (also Alangad, Madangad, Kulangad), Maharashtra, India.

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08/08/2015

Akola fort (AsadGadh): Maharashtra, India.

08/08/2015

Akola fort is a land fort must to see for its architectural uniqueness and its past history and culture preserved here. This is now under the state administration and maintained by the archeological department. This fort is also famous for its Shiv Temple located inside this fort.
History: Akola Fort, which is also known as Asadgad was designed by Khawaja Abdul lathif and built by Asad Khan to protect the village in 1697CE. Initially this was built with mud blocks by Asad Khan who was one of the ministers in the Mughal Empire under the king of Aurangzeb. This fort was under the brutish rule till the period of Indian independence. It was reported in 1910 in a district gazetteer that the central part of the fort was used as a school.

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06/08/2015

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