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Four famous forts in Tamil Nadu

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What’s the point of a day off if you can’t spend time in the great outdoors and breathe in some fresh air. Sure, with all the noise, chaos and erratic power situation, it’s best to find a nice spot away from the bustling metropolis and drive out. 

While Chennai has absolutely no dearth of charming and interesting spots to drive to, many are not aware of these. Fancy a little bit of history and other tales of yore? Then try and plan out a weekend fort drive. All situated well within a drivable radius from Chennai, these historic places and forts will give you a break from the ubiquitous off-city destinations.
Alamparai Fort: The ruins of Alamparai Fort are situated at Kadapakkam, about 50 km from Mahabalipuram. Cruising through ECR, you will have to cross Muttukadu before you hit the spot. Built in the late 17th century during the Mughal era, the Alamparai Fort also served as a bustling trading zone then. When the French were defeated by the British, the fort was captured and destroyed in 1760 AD. More recently, the structure was damaged in the 2004 Indian Oceanearthquake. It’s a picturesque spot, very placid and relaxing.
Ranjankudi Fort: This is a 17th century fortress located about 17 km north of Perambalur. The fort was constructed by a feudatory of the Nawab of the Carnatic, and is the site of the great Battle of Valikonda between the British East India Company and Chanda Sahib in 1751. The fort contains a palace, residential buildings, underground chambers, mosque and a flag mast.
Gingee Fort: The Gingee fort is one of Tamil Nadu’s most respected historic spots, situated in Villupuram, as close as a drive to Puducherry. Usually dubbed the ‘Troy of the East’, the impregnable citadel began with the construction of a small fort by the Chola dynasty in the ninth century. Since then, it has passed from the hands of the Vijayanagara Empire to the French as well as the British. Gingee fort has an interesting array of sights within its boundaries, staring from the wide moats to the Kalyana mahal and the military gymnasium. A must for photography enthusiasts, Gingee fort holds a lot more than just a shadow of the past.
Vellore Fort: The Vellore fort owes its origins to the Nayaks of Vijayanagara. Built somewhere around the 16th century, the fort is famous for having been the stronghold where Tipu Sultan’s family was held hostage. Yet another interesting fact to note is that, what we refer to as Chennai and Tirupati today were dominions that came under the Nayaks of Vellore fort. One of the mostimpressive examples of a ground fort in the south, this one houses a temple, a church as well as a mosque. The temple within the fort is famous for its detailed and magnificent carvings.

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Many trains will be terminated

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Many trains will be terminated

Many trains will be terminated due to fog. Please read this news paper report:-

dhund hind

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India Railway will help you visit Taj Mahal

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“All arrangements have been made and our systems are in place. The trial will begin December 25. It has taken us a long time to work on this project which will change the image of the ASI,” Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), N K Pathak said.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will be the service provider of the e-ticketing facility, in collaboration with the National Institute of Smart Governance, he said.

After one month trial of the e-ticketing facility at the Taj Mahal, the ASI would extend the similar facility to other monuments, managed by it.

ASI officials said the e-tickets will have security features including bar code, and bar code scanners would be installed at the entry gates.

The ASI is training its staffs for effective and efficient use of the facility, which is likely to put an end to the long queues at the ticket counters.

Tourists had to stand for long hours in queues to buy entry tickets.

Tourism circles in Agra have welcomed ASI’s initiative saying the facility would help check resale of entry tickets and fake tickets by unscrupulous elements.

It is said that the ensuing online facility would also help the ASI in managing the number of visitors.

(This article was published on December 13, 2014)
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Take a break: top 7 places for bird watching in India

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Summer is setting in, sure. But, what about taking a break from Delhi and head to Maharashtra, for there are places there that are still playing host to winged visitors. Plus, the Flamingo Festival, starting on March 29, will be an added bonus. “The peak birding season started around October and is coming to a close by May,” says Rahul Jauhari, who runs the website nopincode.com. Atul Sathe of the BNHS adds, “Mangroves in Vikhroli, wetlands in Nhava-Sheva region are good spots.” Here are some other places that the duo highly recommend.

Ulwe and Uran
What: Both places are renowned when it comes to bird watching. However, the numbers are rapidly dropping, thanks to rampant construction in the region.

Often spotted: The list of birds seen here is endless — from Marsh Harriers, Blue-tailed Bee-eaters and Green Bee-eaters to Black-shouldered Kites and Red Wattled Lapwings. Uran is the older haunt for bird watchers, but, according to the experts, is now a shadow of its original self. However, Red-vented Bulbuls, Ashy Prinias, Asian Pied Starlings, Moorhens, Scaly Breasted Munias, Red Avadavats and Spot Billed Ducks, among others, can still be seen in these parts.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2014/3/2203citypg14a.jpg

Nagla Forest
What: One of the lesser-known spots inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), in Borivali East, Mumbai.

Often spotted: Situated to the north of Bassein Creek, this is thought to be one of the most highly rewarding walks at the SGNP. Nature lovers are in for a treat as well. Birds like the Grey Junglefowl, Indian Grey Hornbill and Rufous Woodpecker can be spotted while on the trail.

Tungareshwar sanctuary
What: Home to three types of forest — dry deciduous, moist deciduous and semi evergreen — it forms a corridor between  SGNP and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Often spotted: Species like the Rufous Treepie, Shikra, Black-hooded Oriole, Brown-headed Barbet, Red-whiskered and Red-vented Bulbul can be seen in the area.

Thane Creek and Padale Gaon
What
: These spots are frequented by birders in the area.
Often spotted: While Thane Creek is known to attract Flamingos and Waders this time of the year, Black Kites seem to favour Padale Gaon. Apart from the Raptors, Munias, Woolly-necked Storks, Drongos, Egrets, Marsh Harriers and Sandpipers are also seen the region.

Kanheri Upper Trail
What: The route involves a gradual climb through the wooded forest of the SGNP.
Often spotted: One of the few places to offer the perfect mix of nature and adventure, catch a glimpse of the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Shikra, Grey Jungle Fowl, and Indian Peafowl. Or head to the plateau near Kanheri Caves, which is excellent for viewing raptors, like the Crested Serpent Eagle. You could also visit the ancient Kanheri Caves.

Sewri 
What: The mudflats here turn into a bird watcher’s paradise as they play host to millions to pink visitors.

Often spotted: One of the best places in the city to spot Flamingos, this is a good time to head there. It is also a good place to see migratory birds such as the Broad-billed Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, and Eurasian Curlew. On a good day, one will also catch a glimpse of the Common Redshank, Little Herons, Little Egret, Brown-headed Gull, Grey Plover, Sand Plovers and Avocet, among others. The annual Flamingo Festival is also scheduled to take place on March 29.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2014/3/2203citypg14b.jpgMaharashtra Nature Park
What: Once a treeless garbage dump, this park located in the heart of the Mumbai (Dharavi) now acts as its green lung.

Often spotted: It is home to several migratory and resident species like the Black Kite, Shikra, Eurasian Wryneck, Little Green Bee-eater, Barn Swallow, Bluethroat, Purple Sunbird, Great Egret, Greater Coucal and Laughing Dove.

Bhandup Pumping Station
What: A well-kept secret, the lake near the pumping station attracts water birds. Signs put up also say that one can spot mongoose and snakes here.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2014/3/2203citypg14c.jpgOften spotted: The area is known to host water and land birds, and often, Flamingos can be seen here as well. That apart, the Clamorous Reed Warbler, Common Kingfisher, Red Avadavat,  Pond Heron, Woolly-necked Stork, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Asian Pied Starling, Painted Stork, Little Cormorant, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Laughing Dove, Red-wattled Lapwing, Green Bee-eaters and Blue-tailed Bee-eaters, among others, are common visitors.

Also Head to Airoli Creek and vashi bridge: These spots are frequented by birders looking for Flamingos and Waders.
talawe: This area on Palm Beach Road is yet another hotspot. The water body behind the NRI Complex, Seawood Estates, is a great place to observe birds.

Dombivli: Well-known birding sites here include Nilje Lake, the Bhopar area, Dombivli Creek and Khoni.

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