Even though Hyderabad is often thought of as one of India’s most technologically advanced cities, and is known for its forward thinking, eco-friendly urban initiatives, it is also overflowing with significant historical sites and amazing temples. So, for travellers with an interest in architecture or spiritual matters, it should be definitely be on the itinerary. What’s more, there are many hotels in Hyderabad India that make for a lovely stay.

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Birla Mandir

Of all the sacred places in the city, the Hindu temple Birla Mandir is arguably the most renowned. Completed in 1976, it took ten years and two thousand tonnes of white marble to complete. Dravidian, Utkala and Rajasthani architectural influences combine in the various rooms and features, the most striking features being a 13-metre tall flagstaff, made of brass, and a 3.4-metre high sculpture of Lord Venkateswara, made of granite. Birla Mandir was constructed by the Birla Foundation, a Hindi organisation responsible for constructing several other temples in India. You’ll find it perched on top of the Kala Pahad, a stunning hillock, which has a nearby twin by the name of Naubat Pahad. Opening hours are 7am to midday and 3pm to 9pm every day of the week.

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Hanuman Temple, Karmanghat

For a contrast, take a visit to this temple. While Birla Mandir is one of Hyderabad’s newer additions, the Hanuman Temple at Karmanghat is one of the city’s oldest temples. It was built around 1143 AD, when the Kakatiya Dynasty wielded power over the region, and is devoted to Lord Hanuman, whose spiritual presence is believed to be exceptionally powerful. In fact, thousands of devotees visit the temple every day to experience it, and the name of the area – ‘Karmaghat’ – translates as ‘Make your heart strong’. Opening hours are 6am to midday and 4pm to 8pm every day, except for Tuesday and Saturday, when they extend to 5:30am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm.

Sanghi Temple

For one of the most beautiful views in the Hyderabad area, head to Sanghi Temple. Located about 35 kilometres out of the city, it requires at least a few hours to visit, but it’s absolutely worth it. Its special location atop Paramanand Giri hill offers panoramas of the surrounding region and sunsets are particularly spectacular. The building itself is heavily influenced by South Indian architecture and pretty much every important Hindu god is represented. Opening hours are 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm every day.

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Peddamma Temple

The best time to visit Peddamma Temple is during June or July, when the colourful Bonalu Festival is in swing. For two months, Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad become devoted to worshipping the Hindu goddess Mahakali and Peddamma Temple is the centre of much of the action. Expect music, flowers, bucket loads of incense and delicious feasts. That said, Peddamma is interesting to visit at any time of year – there’s a constant stream of devotees visiting to make offerings to the ‘Supreme Mother’ to whom the temple is dedicated. Located in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills, Peddamma is open between 6am and 1pm and 3pm and 8pm daily.

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Shyam Temple

Another temple that really comes to life during special occasions is Shyam. On the 11th and 12th days of every ‘bright month’ of the Hindu calendar, thousands of devotees come to pay respects to Lord Shyam, also known as Barbarika and considered to be a reincarnation of Lord Krishna in Kalyuga. The temple stays open all night long with devotional singing sessions. You’ll find Shyam at 3-4-1079 Kachiguda, just opposite the police station.

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I recount some of my India adventures with you again today, Kerala! Kerala is a wonderful adventure destination, be is trekking the hills, cruising along the kayal (backwaters), climbing the rugged rocks, spice scented plantations, unending coconut trees, misty mountains, sun-kissed golden beaches, the God’s Own Country has lot to offer the travellers. The state is adorned with panoramic beaches and exquisite interconnected water bodies, providing a fantastic treat for anyone who visits the land. Listing here are the popular beaches at Kerala which should not be skipped in your next visit.

Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha, the Venice of the East, is a famous hotspot on the map of Kerala.The town draws tourists worldwide to experience scenic spots and adventures; calm backwaters, beautiful beaches edged with coconut palms, coir industry and snake boat races. The picnic spot is a relaxation destination for the tourists. Besides natural lagoons, fresh water lakes, rivers, the picturesque beach towards the west has the mesmerising Arabian Sea and dense coconut palms on the other end. The pier, stretching into the sea is 140 years old. Vijaya Beach Park is an added entertainment for the tourists. The beach offers variety of fun-sports like beach volleyball, swimming, surfing and parasailing. If you are planning to visit Alappuzha beach, don’t miss cruising along backwaters in ‘Kettuvallam’ or houseboat.

Varkala Beach

Varkala beach is located 51km North of Thiruvanathapuram and 37km South of Kollam. The serene Varkala beach is one among the top ten seasonal beaches of the world. About 10km away from Varkala beach is the Papanasam beach, a well-known destination for natural spring. The silvery sand Varkala beach landscaped with oscillating coconut palms is the only beach in Kerala that has beautiful cliffs running parallel along the fullstretch of the beach. Tourists can engage in interesting activities like scuba diving, swimming, parasailing, sailing, sun-bathing and surfing. A 2000 year old SreeJanardhana Swamy Temple (on the cliff of the beach), Sivagiri Mutt Ashramam, Ayurvedic resorts, mineral springs are some of the fascinating attractions around the place.

Bekal Beach

Kasaragod district owns the renowned destination of Kerala, the beautiful Bekal Fort beach. Surrounded by the undulating and roaming sea stands the famous Bekal Fort. One of the ancient and largest (around 40 acres) forts, Bekal Fort is a souvenir of the past memories. The vastbeach stretching near the fort to the expanse of sea is a beautiful location for tourists. You can trek along the seaside fort; climb the tiny hills, explore the fishing village and Bekal Fort park, cruise across the backwaters and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the coconut palms. On the beach there are two sculptures of Theyyam made of laterite. The beach is illuminated after sunset, allow tourists to spend more time relaxing on the beach.

Shangumugham Beach

The beach is located 8km away from Thiruvanathapuram. Expanse of white sand lined with coconut palms and the breezy atmosphere offers a pleasurable time for tourists. The beach is known as Sunset Beach because it offers a soothing experience with photographic shots ofthe sunset – a favourite hangout for people to see sunsets. Swimming is not much advisable due to the rough tides, but other than that beach volleyball, badminton, are activities which tourists enjoy. MatsyaKanyaka (a huge 35m sculpture by the famous sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman on the hilly terrain), Star Fish Restaurant, Indian Coffee House, are other hideouts at Shangumugham.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam beach is located 16km South of Thiruvananthapuram. The beach has black sand with coconut palms on one end and Arabian Sea on the other end. With the arrival of hippies during the seventies, the beach which was once a small fishing village is now the most popular beaches of the world. It is the favourite haunt for European tourists. The entire stretch of coastline is divided into three crescent shaped beaches; Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. The leisure activities at Kovalam are many; Ayurvedic Spa resorts, yoga centres, swimming, sun-bathing, surfing, kayaking, skiing, etc.

This article is authored by Ajith Thomas who is one of the authors of the blog Ayurveda, you can find him at Google+

Dargah Ajmer Sharif is one of the most sacred Muslim sites in the whole world. That’s because it’s home to the tomb of the famous Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, also known as the ‘Protector of the Poor’ (Gharib Nawaz), who spent his entire life comforting and assisting the poor and underprivileged.

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Getting to Dargah Ajmer Sharif

The shrine is located in Ajmer, which lies about 135 kilometres (or two hours’ drive) west of Jaipur and 390 kilometres (or nine hours’ drive) from Delhi. A major rail line connects these three cities, as well as Ahmedabad and Mumbai. If you’re travelling in Delhi and would rather avoid a long ride, you can catch a plane to Jaipur and take a train or bus from there.

Once you’re in Ajmer, you can choose to travel around by taxi, rickshaw or tonga (a light horse-drawn carriage). Dargah Ajmer Sharif is not difficult to find – it’s right in the centre of town. If you need to pick up any supplies – from food to worship materials to handicrafts – before or after your visit, you won’t have any trouble. The shrine is surrounded by colourful markets, selling every item imaginable.

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What to expect

Not only is Dargah Ajmer Sharif spiritually important, it’s also interesting from an architectural point of view. Mughal construction styles are the primary influence and the stunning Nizam Gate is one of the building’s most outstanding features. It was built in 1915, under the instruction of Mir Osman Ali Khan (the last Nizam of Hyderabad). Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti’s tomb is found within an internal chamber. Outside, a series of small portraits depict both him and disciple Qutb ud-Din Bakhtya Kaki.

When to go

Given Dargah Ajmer Sharif’s global significance, it’s busy pretty much all year round. If you’re not keen on crowds and don’t fancy negotiating your way around loads of people, your best bet is to visit in the evening. Don’t expect things to be utterly tranquil, but do expect them to be quieter than during the day.

In contrast, if you’re hoping to maximise people watching opportunities and experience being a part of something much bigger than yourself, you should definitely plan your trip during the annual Urs Festival. Every year, in the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar, hundreds of thousands of Muslims make the pilgrimage to Dargah Ajmer Sharif. Drumming, praying and brilliant, coloured cloths take over the streets. Some of the most well-known of the pilgrims are the Qualanders or Kalanders – ascetic sufis who walk all the way to Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti’s shrine from Delhi (every single one of the 390 kilometres).

Where to stay

It’s usually a really good idea to reserve accommodation in advance – especially during the Urs Festival. The atmosphere can become rather chaotic, so do consider spending your stay in an Ajmer Hotel. That way, you’ll have a tranquil oasis to escape to, where you can find refuge from the crowds, and enjoy the convenience of high-end facilities, like luxurious spas, fully-equipped gyms, on-site restaurants and spacious rooms.