Yamuna-Nagar
Hariyana
Spread over an area of 1756 sq. km, Yamuna-Nagar is a fast emerging industrial district in the state of Haryana. Towards the north, this district is bounded by Himachal Pradesh and towards the south by Karnal District. Uttar Pradesh bounds the district of Yamuna-Nagar from the eastern side. The districts of Kurukshetra and Ambala surround the district of Yamuna-Nagar from the south-west and west, respectively. The district of Yamuna-Nagar comprises of three tehsils and six development blocks. Jagadhri, Chhachhrauli and Bilaspur are the three tehsils of this district, while Bilaspur, Sadhaura, Mustafabad, Radaur, Jagadhri and Chhachhrauli are the development blocks. The headquarters of this district are based at Yamunanagar town, which is known for the cluster of plywood units. Before the district was constituted on 1st November, 1989, it was popularly known as Abdullapur. Earlier, when India was under the British rule, this region of Yamuna-Nagar was nothing but a small village with the population concentrated around its railway station. Post India's Independence in 1947, many refugees from Punjab in Pakistan settled in the region. The culture of the region has been greatly influenced by Pakistan refugees who inhabit the region. Characteristic of saangs, dramas, ballads and songs, the culture of Haryana is predominant in Yamuna-Nagar. Located at the Shivalik foothills, this region is known for cultivation of sugarcane, wheat and rice. The major attraction of the district is Kalesar Wild Life Sanctuary, which is situated in the eastern part of Yamuna-Nagar. Another major attraction of the district is Adi Badri, which is a pilgrimage centre. Chandigarh Airport, which is located around 80 km away from the district centre, is the nearest airport. International passengers can use the Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi, to reach the destination. Yamuna-Nagar Railway Station is the main railhead serving the district. Yamuna-Nagar bus stand is the main bus stand serving the district. Buses from Delhi, Ambala, Saharanpur and Kurukshetra serve this bus stand. The best time to visit Yamuna-Nagar is from October to March, when the weather is suitable for sightseeing.
Tourist Spots
Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the prominent tourist attractions, is located in the Yamuna-Nagar District of Haryana. Spreading over an area of around 11,570 acres, the wildlife reserve is located on the lower hills of the Shivaliks that lies in the eastern part of Yamuna-Nagar.
Located at an elevation ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 feet, the area is covered with trees of sal, khair, shisam, tun, sain and amla. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of River Beas which enters the state from Haridwar.
Tourists visiting the sanctuary can see animals like sambar, chital, barking deer and gorals. Nilgai or blue bull, wild boar, Rhesus macaque monkeys, red jungle fowls, panthers, leopards and tigers can be spotted in the sanctuary. Elephants belonging to Rajaji National Park also visit the sanctuary as it has sustainable amount of water bodies.
The sanctuary has a 100 years old colonial Dak bungalow which has been transformed into a forest rest-house. Located at the centre of the sanctuary, the bungalow offers beautiful views of the Yamuna and its adjoining areas.
The ancient building has a colonial style of architecture with high ceiling rooms, beautiful flooring and teak panelling. The old bungalow also has a fireplace and antique furniture which represent the British rule.
Chaudhary Devi Lal Herbal Nature Park is a popular research centre which is located on the Yamuna Nagar-Paonta Road near Chuharpur village. Rich in a variety of medicinal plants, the research centre is developed close to the mountainous belt of the Shivaliks in Haryana. Established on 6th November 2001, the centre supplies medicinal plants and herbs to various parts of the world.
Sprawling over an area of around 184 acres, various trees like khair, teak, shisham and simbal can be seen in the park. It was developed for popularising the use of local medicinal and aromatic plants. The park has more than 300 species of medicinal trees, herbs, shrubs, climbers and aquatic plants.
It also comprises plants that are used in ayurvedic medicines such as ashwagandha, safed musli, sarpagandha, vach, brahmi, chitrak and isabgol. Tulsi, pippali, makoy, bhumi amalaki, bahera, gwarpatha, harad, amla, bael, kalihari, haldi, lemon grass, liquorice, jatropha and palmarosa are also available in the park.
A demonstrative herbal garden has been made near the entrance gate which displays around 200 varieties of medicinal plants. There is a separate path for visitors which has description boards providing information about the medicinal properties of the plants.
Irrigation systems like drip, sprinkler and rain guns have been installed in the park to offer proper care and water to the plants. Tourists can also visit the bamboo cottage that serves as an information centre. There is also a small children's park within the premises.
Bilaspur and Kapal Mochan towns are located in the vicinity of Yamuna-Nagar and are known for their mythological and historical significance. The Bilaspur town is named after Maharishi Ved Vyas, the writer of the Mahabharata, who resided at the site and constructed a holy pond.
Kapal Mochan is known for the ancient statues of Uma Mahadev that were constructed between the 9th and the 10th centuries. It also has an old Ganesha statue which was made during the 11th or the 12th century. Some of the historical remains of the Gupta dynasty can also be traced in this town.
These towns attract large number of devotees for taking a holy dip in the Rinmochan Kund, the Kapal Mochan Kund and the Surya Kund. Tourists can also offer prayers at a Hindu temple and a gurudwara of Dasam Padshahi that are located in the vicinity of the town.
How to Reach
Air |
The best way to reach Papi Kondalu is from Rajhamundry. There is one road from Rajhamundry to Papi Kondalu that goes through the Ghats. The nearest airport is located at Hyderabad. For those who are arriving by air the best option is to take a taxi from the city of Hyderabad. Hyderabad is also well connected to the rest of the country and also receives many international flights. The distance from Hyderabad to Rajhamundry is around 390 km and taxis charge around Rs 3,500 for the trip. Travelers can take a taxi from Hyderabad directly to Papi Kondalu as well.
Road |
There are many buses that are available from Hyderabad to Rajhamundry. Buses are cheap and the travel time takes around 7 hours. Government bus tickets cost around Rs 150. Buses may not be comfortable as the seats are cramped. They also may not be frequent. Taxis are available from Rajhamundry to Papi Kondalu. These taxis charge around Rs 7 per km. however this may vary depending on the type of vehicle and number of kilometeRs travelled.
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