Which are some must-visit temples as a Shiva Bhakt?

 God Shiva is omnipresent so He resides in each and every element in this universe, there is no such place where Shiva doesn't exist.

When you have Shiva in your thoughts, your mind, then you see Shiva in the Panchabhootas( five elements of the nature) and in every living being. When you see a Shiva linga, you can see the Mahadev in it, else it would be a mere stone to you, when you don't believe and love God Shiva.

Coming to the question what are the must visit temples as a Shiva Bhakt, I feel every Shiva temple which has a Linga is a must visit.

But if you want to grow spiritually and realise that this materialistic things are all perishable and the only one who is Nityamu(forever) and Satyamu (truth) is Shiva, then the must visit temple is Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

The Kashi temple visit for me was a life changer. I can't describe in words, the wonderful spiritual experience I felt in the holy and favourite place of Shiva.

• Foremost, seeing the beautiful Ganga River I was spellbound, since I don't consider Ganga as just a water body, but as a mother who provides life and helps you to wash away few sins. When I touched the water, I could feel a mother cuddling a baby, could see her beautifully flowing and take a permanent place in God Shiva’s hair. Ganga stretches to a massive 2500 kms, I thought Oh Shiva, Ganga which is in Kashi is just a part of the huge River, how could you hold such massive River in your hair ?? My Mahadev, I bow to you.
• The Ganga Aarti which is performed daily in the evening is a must watch to feel the spiritual bliss.

• The various temples like Kalabhairava, Annapurna, Vishalakshmi, the Shakti Peetas, Vyasa Lingam ( the linga which was installed by Sage Vyasa) etc. around the main Kashi Vishwanath temple are amazing.

• The boat ride in the holy Ganga which covers all the 64 Ghats is beautiful ( Ghat means the steps which lead us to the river Ganga).
• The most important thing which will lead us to vairagya and self questioning is when we see the dead bodies which people bring from across the country to perform last rites here in the Harishchandra Ghat. Seeing the continuous burning of the bodies ( at once six pyres are lit), make us realize that the beautiful physical body which we always boast of, will turn into a pile of ash one day.

• And according to Shiva Purana, Mahadev daily at afternoon 12 comes to take a dip in the holy Ganga at the Manikarnika Ghat, smearing the cremation ash on His body.
• You can find many sanyasis in Kashi wearing the Saffron clothes, vibhoothi smeared on their entire body, Rudraksha mala around their necks, holding a trishul, having matted hair and chanting the mantra “ Namah Shivaya “. Mahadev is present in every atom of this holy city Kashi, which is believed to be created by Himself as the city rests on Mahadev's trishul.

I conclude by saying that, Kashi is a holy place, which is to be visited at least once in your lifetime. If I have another birth, then I would pray Shiva I be born in Kashi , the moksha provider place.

Om namah Shivaya

Om Kashi_Vishwanathaya Namaha

Om Kashi Annapurneshwari Namaha

Om Kashi Vishalakshi Namaha

What places are unsafe to visit?

 Death Valley in the United States

Death Valley isn't called that for nothing. It's one of the hottest places on Earth, registering temperatures that reach 56.7°C. No one has survived more than 14 hours there.

Boiling Lake on the island of Dominica

Don't expect to find a natural hot spring in this lake! The temperature recorded on the shores is 90 degrees Celsius, and to make matters worse, the rocks surrounding the water are extremely slippery, increasing the risk of accidents for anyone who dares to get too close.

The poison garden of Alnwick, England

The Alnwick Poison Garden opened in 2005 and, despite its high danger, it is possible to take guided tours led by professionals who not only provide scientific information about each plant, but also tell interesting — and macabre — stories to visitors.

Afar Depression in Africa

The Afar Depression lies between two tectonic plates, and the rift between them is widening. And if you think the danger is in the rift itself, know that it's the smallest of them. Below it, there's magma, and if you're feeling even more anxious, the area has 12 active volcanoes that could erupt at any moment. Not to mention that earthquakes are frequent in the region.

Lake Nyos in Cameroon

The location described above may appear to be an ordinary lake, but it has already caused the deaths of many people. Lake Nyos is situated next to an active volcano, and because of this, its waters contain a high concentration of carbon dioxide. When this gas is released in large quantities, the entire area surrounding the site becomes toxic and can lead to asphyxiation.

Isla Queimada Grande, Brazil

This place is located on the coast of Sao Paulo, and the danger lies in the large number of venomous snakes that live there: around five per square meter.

Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands

Despite the idyllic scenery, the place is highly dangerous, and not for natural reasons. After the United States conducted nuclear tests there, the entire island had to be evacuated, and to this day it has high levels of radiation.

Bolton Battle, England

The narrow river appears harmless. However, according to local legend, none of the people who tried to bathe in it survived. This is because its depth is unknown, and to make matters worse, the rapids are extremely strong.

What are the best places to visit in Karnataka, India?

 

One state Many Worlds

Karnataka might not be as developed as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa , Telangana, North East states Gujarat or Uttar Pradesh but it is a beautiful state with very rich biodiversity and ecosystem and natural vegetation.

In my opinion Karnataka is the most beautiful state in Southern India and one of the most beautiful in entire India after Kashmir, Jammu, Uttarakhand and other North East states.

Places to visit

Mandya is the capital of Karnataka and cultural capital of Karnataka.

Hassana

• Hubballi Dharwada
• Davangere
• Chikkamagaluru

• Gadaga
• Gulbarga
• Raichuru
• Western Ghats

Hence Karnataka is called one state many worlds.

What are some of the best places to explore in Odisha with minimum budget?

 It actually does not cost much to travel in Odisha, only issue is that of good accomodation and facilities. Anyway outside the standard Bhubaneshwar-Puri-Konark-Chilika circuit, there are some places that are worth a visit, and which do not cost too much. Again these are places I have been to, don’t really have much idea about Western part of Odisha.

Koraput-Jeypore-Gupteshwar

Southern part of Odisha is quite an unexplored beauty. You have beautiful valleys, thick forests, hills, lakes waiting to be discovered. Unfortunately poor infrastructure and add to it Naxal issue has meant the region has not really tapped it’s potential. You can catch a bus to Koraput, or even go on a road trip from Vizag, or Vizianagaram. Till Saluru it’s pretty much plain area. From Salur, you have a very steep ghat road, runs through thick forests.

And then you reach Sunki right on the Andhra-Odisha border.

From there on to Pottangi, which has the Gali Gabdar waterfalls

From Pottangi en route to Koraput, you pass Sunabeda, lovely route with rolling meadows, valleys and lakes.

And the neatly maintained HAL Township here

Koraput is a sleepy small town, very picturesque with hills and all. Has some decent hotels too.

Jagannath Temple here is worth a visit

You can also check out the Kolab Dam hydro electric project between Koraput and Jeypore.

But the best part is Gupteswar temple, around 90 km from Koraput. The main attraction is the Shiva Linga in a limestone cave. Located near the Kolab river, it involves a trek through a dense forest.

And this is how it is in the cave.

This is one trip I would reccomend to any one in Odisha.

Which are the must-visit places for a student staying at Pune?

 1. Sinhagad

2. Lohagad

3. Taljai Hills

4. Mulshi Dam

The other places one 'should' visit:

1. Shaniwar Wada

(Esp. during Diwali)

2. Pataleshwar

3. Saras Baug

And last but not the least(not exactly a place)

a drive on Mumbai Pune Expressway :D

Which are some best places to visit in or around Jodhpur?

Jodhpur is often referred to as “the blue city of India”, due to the many blue-painted houses surrounding Mehrangarh fort. The second largest city of Rajasthan is divided into two: the old city and the new city. This city is also known as the “Sun City” as it experiences the bright, sunny weather for most of the year. Jodhpur is located on the edge of the Thar Desert, because of which the temperature peaks very high and dry during the summer.

Jodhpur is also famous for its handicrafts, artifacts, and Jodhpuri jutties. Tourists buy famous jutties during their visit and also try the famous Rajasthani cuisine.

These are some of the best places to visit in and around Jodhpur.

Mehrangarh Fort

One of the largest and most famous forts of Rajasthan was built in 1459. There are a number of things to see within the fort complex - several palaces, courtyards, gardens, galleries, a museum, and temples, and so on. Mehrangarh is a mesmerizing experience.

Umaid Bhavan Palace

The palace was constructed by King Umaid Singh in the 20th century and has been partially converted into a hotel and museum. The Palace Museum has some fantastic collections of rare clocks, exotic furniture, stuffed leopards, and amazing trophies.

Mandore Gardens

The former capital of the Marwar kingdom has now been converted into a sightseeing place. The fort has been dedicated to various deities and Rajput heroes. The garden is constructed with well-planned greenery and a well-designed rock landscape garden.

Jaswant thada

With thin and highly polished slabs, this mausoleum lies on the left of the Mehrangarh fort. The grounds are filled with a beautiful multi-tiered garden, carved gazebos, and a small lake. The main memorial has been built like a temple.

Balsamand Lake

The Balsamand Lake is located 5km from Jodhpur. The beauty of the lake is enhanced by the Balsamand fort situated on the banks of the lake. The peaceful environment and the well-built garden around the lake make the lake a peaceful place to sit and relax.

Visiting Jodhpur will draw you closer to the Rajasthani rich culture. Along with the forts and monuments, you can learn a lot more about the kings of Rajasthan. You can interact with the locals and try the famous Rajasthani cuisine too. This journey will be a long-lasting memory for someone who loves the ancient heritage.

What are some must-visit places in Visakhapatnam?

 Going by the size, the port city Visakhapatnam ranks second amongst the cities in Andhra Pradesh. It owns the credit of having the oldest shipyard in India and it houses natural harbor that is one of its kind on the Indian east coast. With its location contributing to the picturesque landscapes of the city, its rich cultural past adds immense value to its name. If you look for a destination that would keep your spirits soaring with natural beauties and manmade wonders, Visakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag is the right place. Here are the 8 places to visit in Visakhapatnam that you need to include on your visit to the city.

1. Borra Caves

Image credit – Rajib Ghosh, CC BY 2.0
A stunning location 92 km away from the port city, Borra Caves is breathtaking situated 1400 metre above the sea level. The million year old caves were discovered by William King George from the Geological Survey of India in 1807. Borra Caves are the biggest amongst the caves found in India. The spectacular formation of rocks offers great views. If you like some physical activity on your tour, you will love the trek toward Borra Caves. An 80 ft. tunnel found here necessitates your going on all fours to reach the destination. Once you are inside the caves, you will feel as though you were transported to a different world. The rocks and the waterfalls make you experience the ancient element in the region. A Shivalingam and an idol of Kamadhenu are found inside the caves.

2. Araku Valley

Image credit – Raj, CC BY 2.0
Still further away from Vizag is Araku Valley, which is a favorite tourist destination. Your tour to Vizag will not be complete if you do not go some extra kilometers to visit Araku Valley and Borra Caves. Araku Valley is a hill station, which is bestowed with some of the best boons of Mother Nature. Located 3200 square feet above the sea level, Araku valley is picturesque with lush green gardens, streams and waterfalls. The strength of the place and the 19 tribes that live here is that they are not influenced by the modern world. The tribes keep their culture alive and the valley is a beauty that man has not attempted to conquer. The tribes respect nature and the nature has been kind to give them the best. The valley is serene and you will find that it offers you a challenging trekking. Overall, Araku valley elevates your senses and spirits.

3. Yarada Beach

Image credit – Rajib Ghosh, CC BY 2.0
The location of Yarada Beach is picturesque. Surrounded by magnificent hills on its three sides and Bay of Bengal on the fourth, Yarada Beach is undoubtedly the best beach in Vizag. The beach is clean and the golden sands add to its beauty. Sunrise and sunset views are mind blowing. The beach apart, your journey to Yarada beach in itself is scenic.

4. Rishikonda Beach

Image credit – Rajib Ghosh, CC BY 2.0
Rishikonda Beach is frequented by tourists as it is one of the best beaches in Andhra Pradesh. The beautiful beach is situated 8 km from Vizag. If you love water sports, you will love this beach. Swimming, wind surfing and skiing are some of the water sports available here. The beach stimulates the element of adventure in you while at the same time remains a perfect spot if you want a quiet evening.

5. Katiki Waterfalls

Katiki Waterfalls is located 4 km away from the ancient Borra Caves. Gosthani River is the source for this waterfall, which falls from a height of 50 ft. The picturesque waterfalls with lush green surroundings in Araku Valley offers excellent scope for trekking. The waterfall goes dry in summer.

6. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

Image credit – Siddhartha Lammata, CC BY 2.0
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park occupies a sprawling 625 acres of land. The location of the zoo is mesmerizing as you find hills on both the sides of the zoo and Bay of Bengal to its east. Located in such a natural setting, the zoo appears very much a home to wildlife. It was established in the year 1977. The zoo houses a wide range of animals including tigers, lions, panthers, Himalayan black bear, sloth bear, hippopotamus, jaguars, monkeys, pythons, elephants and many more.

7. Kailasagiri Hill Park

Image credit – Adityamadhav83, CC BY-SA 3.0
Kailasagiri is a famous hill station, which is surrounded by beaches and small hills.Kailasagiri Hill Park is located at the top and 360 feet from sea level. Road trains for children, ropeway trolleys and play park are some of the leading attractions here. The place is photographers’ delight as the views from hilltop are mind blowing. Seven viewpoints on the park offer glorious views of the beaches and the hills. The atmosphere is so serene that you will completely feel at peace.

8. VUDA Park

Image credit – Adityamadhav83, CC BY-SA 3.0
The lush greenery in VUDA Park is sure to elevate your spirits. The 2500 odd trees in 37 acres of land is sure to present you with rich greenery. The park measures 55 acres of land out of which, various species of plants are grown in 37 acres of land. The park does not only promote environment but it also offers various physical activities for children and elders alike. You will find children’s play area, yoga center, multi gym and a lot more.

Visakhapatnam is an ancient city that has maintained its cultural essence to this date. There are much more tourist places in Visakhapatnam.
Source: Trans India Travels - India - The Land of Memories