AUAP 17th General Conference 2024
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AUAP 17th General Conference 2024
Bhojpur is a historical site in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, where a huge Shiva temple and a dam were built by King Bhoj in the 11th century. The temple, called Bhojeshwar, is a simple square with a 66-foot lingam in the centre, surrounded by four pillars and three balconies. The temple is unfinished but has a majestic appearance and a richly carved doorway. The lingam and its platform are made of massive limestone blocks and show a balance of solidity and lightness. The temple is a fine example of medieval temple architecture.
Distance from Bhopal to Bhojpur Temple : 28 KMs (1 Hr. 15 Min. by Road)
Cave paintings dating back approximately 30,000 years and Rock shelters that were home to humans, millennia ago. The rich flora and fauna surrounding these, indeed, make Bhimbetka a gift to us from our earliest ancestors. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelter has the oldest-known rock art in India, as well as is one of the largest prehistoric complexes to be seen.
An archaeological treasure, Bhimbetka has around 243 rock shelters and has earned the honour of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The paintings found in the rock shelters here have a striking resemblance to the ones discovered in Kakadu National Park in Australia; to the cave paintings of Bushmen in Kalahari Desert and Upper Palaeolithic Lascaux cave paintings in France.
Distance from Bhopal to Bhimbetka : 46 km (2 Hr. 25 Min. by Road)
Sanchi is a small town situated in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is renowned for its ancient Buddhist site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. Sanchi is located about 50 km northeast of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, and is easily accessible by road or rail.
The probable reason for the establishment of Buddhist monuments at Sanchi is the city of Vidisha. This erstwhile capital of ancient Eastern Malwa happened to be the populous and rich city of central India. The interest of the great Mauryan emperor Ashoka in Vidisha and around was because his wife Devi belonged to Vidisha. In addition to this fact, the Sanchi hilltop was an ideal place for the establishment of a monastery having a suitable atmosphere for meditation and other spiritual activities.
The Udayagiri Caves are one of the most interesting complexes of rock-cut cave temples dating back to the Gupta period (4th-6th centuries CE). Located 58 km/90 min. from Bhopal, Udayagiri Caves is a group of 20 Gupta-era temples and
monasteries carved out of a rocky hill, out of which one is dedicated to Jainism and the rest to Hinduism.
These caves are renowned for their intricate architectural details and historical significance. With twenty caves dedicated to Hindu deities, Jainism, and Buddhism, they offer a fascinating glimpse into India’s rich religious heritage. Notable among them are the Rani Gumpha and Bada Gumpha, showcasing exquisite carvings of Hindu deities.
From Agra, following trains pass through Bhopal. The travel time from Agra to Bhopal by train is
Train No. & Name | Agra Cant | Bhopal | 1st AC | 2nd AC | 3RD AC | Exe.CC | AC CC |
CSMT RAJDHANI (22222) | Dep.18.47 Hrs. | Arrival 00:35 Hrs. | 2565/- | 1965/- | 1550/- | NA | NA |
VANDE BHARAT EXP (20172) | 16:20 Hrs. | 22:16 Hrs. | NA | NA | NA | 2630 | 1420 |
SBC RAJDHANI (22692) | 21:47 Hrs. | 3.45 Hrs. | 2320 | 1780 | 1275 | NA | NA |
SHATABDI EXPRESS (12002) | 7:55 Hrs | 14:12 Hrs. | NA | NA | NA | 2165 | 1125 |
Bengaluru (also called Bangalore) is the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state. Bangalore has evolved from being the Garden City to the Silicon Valley of the country! It is one of the largest cities in India and has people migrating over from all across the country. The tourist places in Bangalore have always been swarming with hordes of people who appreciate art, corporate culture, parks, heritage buildings, and busy markets! There are many places to visit in Bangalore for all the travelers who want to get the best of this city
Here are the top destinations that attract the most attention and are the best places to visit in Bangalore:
The magnificent Bangalore Palace has retained all the charm of its regal anciency. Built in 1879, the vast palace is spread across 45,000 square feet, and holds an astounding blend of Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture within its walls! Legend has it that King Chamarajendra Wadiyar gleaned the inspiration for building the palace from the Windsor Castle of London. It also plays the host to a plethora of cultural events, rock shows, and even weddings, making it to the list of the top places to visit in Bangalore.
Visitation period : 10:00am – 5:30am
Built sometime between 1781 and 1791, Tipu Sultan’s palace was known as ‘Rash-e-Jannat’, translating to the abode of happiness and the envy of heaven. It is now a museum maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, and one of the best Bangalore tourist places.
Visitation period : 8:30am – 5:30pm
Vidhan Soudha houses the legislature and the Secretariat of Karnataka. It is also the largest legislative building in the country! The impressive building completed its Dravidian style of architectural construction in 1956, and has been a must-visit destination ever since.One of the popular tourist places in Bangalore, the Vidhan Soudha is an emblem of Republic India, standing erect in the beautiful town of Bangalore.
Visitation period : 9:00am – 5:00pm
The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is nationally and internationally well-known centre for botanical artwork, the scientific study of plants, and the conservation of plants. The garden is spread across an area of 240 acres and is home to close to 1854 species of plants. One of the most interesting things about the garden is the Lal Bagh Rock which is estimated to be over 3000 million years old! Thus, Lal Bagh is one of the best places to visit in Bangalore.
Visitation period : 6:00am – 7:00pm
Nature lovers swear by the Cubbon Park in Bangalore as it is a major sightseeing attraction, being the green belt region of the city. It hosts more than 6000 trees and a vibrant ecosystem, and is spread over 300 acres. Listed among the good places to visit in Bangalore, the Cubbon Park is yet another green destination that should not be missed Other major structures surrounding the park include Attara Kacheri, Cubbon Park Museum, and Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Park.
Visitation period : 6:00am – 6:00pm
Lumbini Gardens is a public park on the banks of the Nagawara Lake in Bangalore. It boasts of an eco-friendly boating park, a 12,500 sq. ft. artificial beach and a children’s pool! Dedicated to Lord Buddha, it definitely holds a semblance of peace for visitors, making it one of the most calmest tourist places in bangalore.
Visitation period : 11:00am – 7:00pm
Located at a comfortable distance of 22km from Bangalore, the Bannerghatta National Park hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park was established in 1971, and is spread over a gigantic area of 104.27 sq. km. It also boasts of the country’s first butterfly park. Other tourist-worthy attractions include ten Reserve Forests of Anekal Range of the Bangalore Forest Division, an aquarium, a zoo, a children’s park, a crocodile farm, a snake park, a prehistoric animals’ park, and a museum! If this isn’t enough to get your travel spirit grinding, the park also has the feather of adventure sports such as trekking and hiking in its cap!
Visitation period : Butterfly park and boating 9:30am – 5:00pm, Safaris 10:00am – 4:30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
The impressive Chunchi falls descend from a height of almost 50 feet. There is a power station installed ahead of the falls that supplies electricity to the areas nearby. Listed among the best places to visit in Bangalore, these waterfalls are a perfect spot to get an Instagram-worthy picture!
Visitation period : Day hours after monsoons
Ulsoor Lake has a colourful history, considering it was constructed by Kempe Gowda II in the 2nd century! The lake was initially known as Halsur or Alasur. It is one of the biggest lakes in the city and has several islands within it. It is known for its boating services. This charming lake in the silicon valley of India is a treat for all the nature lovers.
Visitation period : Day hours in favourable seasons.
Established in 1983, this is the second largest aquarium in the country! It is home to various local, ornamental, and exotic fish. It is one of the most preferred exploring spots and one of the best things to do in Bangalore.
This aquarium is one of the famous tourist places in Bangalore that attracts travellers from everywhere.
Visitation period: 10:30am – 5:30pm (except Mondays and second Tuesdays)
The ISKCON temple, in Rajajinagar, is a shrine to Lord Krishna. It is also a cultural temple, and one of the top places to visit in Bangalore. The ISKCON Temple occupies a special place in the silicon city of India.
Visitation period : 4:15am – 5:00am, 7:15am – 1:00am, 4:00pm – 8:30pm
Of mythological and religious significance, the Bull Temple is a shrine of Nandi Bull, the vahana of Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples of the city and has a large idol of Nandi Bull, said to be carved out of a single rock. This religious tourist place in Bangalore attracts the devotees of Lord Shiva from various parts of the country.
Visitation period : 6:00am – 8:00pm
A spacious gothic-style Church, the St. Mary’s Basilica is the oldest church in Bangalore. It is constructed in the form of a thatched hut in the 17th century. The St. Mary’s Basilica is the most famous tourist places in Bangalore among all the photographers, owing to its gothic-style architecture.
Visitation period : 6:00am – 8:00pm
Flight | Dep. From Bhopal | Arrival in Bengaluru | Travel Time |
Indigo Airline | 10:00 AM | 12:00 P.M | 2 Hours |
Indigo Airline | 20:45 Hrs. | 22:45 Hrs. | 2 Hours |
Flight | Dep. From Bengaluru | Arrival in Delhi | Travel Time |
Air India | 5:50 AM | 8:35 AM | 2 Hr. 45 Min. |
Air India | 7:20 AM | 10:10 AM | 2 Hr. 50 Min. |
Vistara | 8:00 AM | 10:40 AM | 2 Hr. 40 Min. |
Air India | 9:50 AM | 12:40 Hrs. | 2 Hr. 50 Min. |
Air India | 11:45 AM | 14:35 Hrs. | 2 Hr. 50 Min. |
Vistara | 11:30 AM | 14:10 Hrs. | 2 Hr. 40 Min. |
Air India | 13:15 Hrs. | 15:55 Hrs. | 2 Hr. 40 Min. |
Akasa Air | 15: 05 Hrs. | 17:50 Hrs. | 2 Hr. 50 Min. |
Air India | 17:15 Hrs. | 20:10 Hrs. | 2 Hr. 55 Min. |
Indigo | 17:45 Hrs. | 20:20 Hrs. | 2 Hr. 35 Min. |
Air India | 19:30 Hrs. | 22:20 Hrs. | 2 Hr. 50 Min. |
Vistara | 19:40 Hrs. | 22:45 Hrs. | 2 Hr. 45 Min. |
Air India | 21:10 Hrs. | 23:55 Hrs. | 2 Hr. 45 Min. |
Vistara | 21:10 Hrs. | 23:45 Hrs. | 2 Hrs. 35 Min. |
Mumbai is known across the world as a city that never stops, even to rest for a while. The indomitable spirit of Amchi Mumbai (Our Mumbai) has been immortalized in various books, movies and short series. The financial hub of India, Mumbai is also the capital of the state of Maharashtra. There are numerous places to visit in Mumbai – from museums and gardens to shopping hubs and seafronts.
This city enjoys an enviable coastline, adorned with paved promenades and areas to cruise and sail. Mumbai is also home to Bollywood – the country’s Hindi film industry, which is one of the largest film industries in the world. One is bound to come across a bit of stardust as one strolls through Mumbai’s posh neighbourhoods such as Bandra, Colaba or Pali Hills.
Some of the most popular places to visit in Mumbai are near its glittering coast. Marine Drive, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Worli Sea Face, Juhu Beach, and a plethora of other beaches such as Gorai, Versova, Manori, Vasai, Marve and Aksa are perfect for beach lovers. Apart from these, there are plenty of other attractions to see and activities to pursue in the Maximum City.
Marine Drive remains one of the most famous places to visit in the state capital. Located in a posh suburb of South Bombay, this renowned promenade stretches on for about 3.6 km.
Marine Drive is also fondly called Queen’s Necklace as it looks like a string of elegant pearls from the top at nightfall, when the lights come up along the C-shaped esplanade. Evenings and early mornings are the best times to stroll about this walkway that kisses a part of the Arabian Sea.
Distance from Chhatrapati International Airport : 22.3 KM/54 Min. via Western Express Way.
The Gateway of India is a majestic arch that stands on the waterfront of the Arabian Sea, overlooking the Mumbai Harbour. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911, and it also witnessed the departure of the last British troops from India in 1948.
The Gateway of India is an impressive structure that measures 26 metres in height and 15 metres in width. It is made of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete, and it has a distinctive Indo-Saracenic style that blends elements of Hindu, Islamic and European architecture. The gateway has four turrets on its corners, and a large central dome that rises to a height of 48 metres. The dome is decorated with intricate latticework and floral motifs, and it is supported by four pillars that have carved elephants on their bases.
Distance from Chhatrapati International Airport 1 hr 4 min (22.3 km) via Eastern Express Hwy
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, or CST, is not just a railway station. It is much more. Built in 1888, this legendary station was previously known by names such as Bori Bunder Railway Station and Victoria Terminus, often shortened to V.T.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, CST flaunts a mix of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and Indo-Saracenic styles. During the British Rule, this structure cost USD 23,000 to be completed, which would presently amount to USD 28 million.
Located in South Bombay’s Fort area, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, or CSMT, named after the courageous erstwhile Maratha ruler. Often featured in Bollywood movies, CSMT is worth a visit for its opulent central dome, arched entrances and exits, and 18 platforms that service local and long distance trains.
Distance from Chhatrapati International Airport 55 min (20.4 km) via Western Express Hwy
Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the Elephanta Caves take explorers into another period of time altogether. These ancient caves are located on Elephanta Island, accessible via ferry from the mainland of Mumbai.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are a mix of Hindu and Buddhist cave temples, with rock cut architecture and Buddhist stupas. One of the best places to visit in Mumbai for history lovers, the layout of these basalt caves are spread across two hills – Cannon Hill and Stupa Hill.
There are 7 caves in all, each depicting a story from the Hindu mythology, centered around the deity of Shiva. Also on display are scenes that portray the wedding of Shiva with the female deity of Parvati. Apart from sculptures and murals, there are also 2 stupas which are built according to Buddhist architectural styles.
Distance from Chhatrapati International Airport : 1 hr 4 min (25.2 km) via Western Express Hwy
More popularly known by its former name (The Prince of Wales Museum), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is the largest and most important museum in Mumbai. Established in 1922, the place houses a whopping 50,000 artefacts, some dating way back to the 2nd century A.D.!
Located close to the Gateway of India, this museum has umpteen galleries and sprawls over 3 acres. CSMVS wears a Western Indian and Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, with a central dome and 3 storeys to add to its grandeur.
Distance from Chhatrapati International Airport : 1 hr 5 min (21.8 km) via Eastern Express Hwy
Way to these ancient caves pave through the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, situated in the hills on the vast land of this udyan, the caves are an excellent work of architecture. According to the historians the caves were carved between 200 D.C. and 600 A.D. Few sculptures excavated in these caves are amazing.
The caves comprises of about 109 Buddha Viharas, specially designed for the Bhikshus. It indicates that the kanheri was a large monastic settelment, probably established in the 1 st century A.D. The cells here are provided with stone beds, cisterns for storing water, and walkways. The caves are famous in the country for their beautiful architect displayed in its interior and exterior parts.
Distance from Chhatrapati International Airport : 1 hr 13 min (22.5 km) via Western Express Hwy
Also known as Kondivita Caves, Mahakali Caves are a group of 19 Buddhist monuments that display their ancient rock-cut architecture. These caves date back to the 1st century B.C. until the 6th century A.D.
The caves are essentially Buddhist prayer cells which are called ‘viharas’. It is here that Buddhist monks would meditate. There is also a large prayer hall, called ‘chaitya’, where the monks would gather to pray together.
The Mahakali Caves are 230 feet above the sea level, and located in Andheri East, in suburban Mumbai. For a glimpse into Buddhist mythology, head to cave-9. Although now disfigured, this cave has Buddha depictions in 7 forms from their scriptures.
Distance from Chhatrapati International Airport : 25 min (6.2 km) via Service Road
It is the most popular beach in Mumbai. Spread over five Kms long seashore along coastal line. The beach is frequently visited by tourists. The beach is generally crowded in the evening as the visitors usually come these hours for fresh air and pleasure strolling. The balmy climate at the Juhu Beach is a huge pull for tourists. The place is forever sunny except in the monsoon. The temperature generally hovers around 25 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius, offering a pleasant experience to beach walkers, picnickers, and others who stroll about.
Distance from Chhatrapati International Airport : 30 min (5.8 km) via Vaikunthlal Mehta Rd
Colloquially called Bandra Fort, this Portuguese remnant in Mumbai is also known as Castella de Aguada, which literally translates to “water castle”. Built in 1640, the fort stands at an elevation of 43 feet above the sea level.
Visitors are permitted to enter Bandra Fort between 6 AM and 6:30 PM, and the sunsets are quite alluring to watch from here! If you are a photographer looking to capture rare visuals of the Bandra Worli Sea Link, the Bandra Fort will offer a lovely vantage point for sunrise shoots. In fact, even the Bandstand area is visible from up here.
Distance from Chhatrapati International Airport : 25 min (10.7 km) via Western Express Hwy
Part of North-Western Mumbai, the suburb of Versova is a posh one, blessed with a gorgeous beach. Versova Beach has light and dark coloured sand interspersed with rocky portions. It is a great place to catch the sunrise in Mumbai or just photograph the vivid coloured fishing boats that are docked near the shore.
Distance from Chhatrapati International Airport : 40 min (7.7 km) via Bhaktivedanta Swami Rd/Gulmohar Rd
Flight | Dep. From Bhopal | Arrival in Mumbai | Travel Time |
Indigo Airlines | 10:45 AM | 12:30 PM | 1 Hr./45 Min. |
Air India | 12:35 PM | 14:10 Hrs. | 1 Hr./35 Min. |
Indigo Airlines | 21:30 Hrs. | 23:05 Hrs. | 1 Hr./35 Min. |