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Over 100 years, Nilgiri's Heritage train still an attraction 
by Jehova G

     Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu): Running through the high mountains and thick forest cover of Nilgiri Hills the Heritage train in Tamil Nadu remains the cynosure of tourists , particularly foreigners. They cherish the thought of travelling on this more than a century-old train. Operated by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), the Heritage train is southern India's main tourist attraction. Commissioned in June 1899, it is one of the oldest mountain railways in India commissioned in June 1899. Located in the Nilgiri Hills, the metre gauge rail-line links the town of Mettupalayam in the plains to the high altitude tourist destination, Ooty, situated at a height of 7,228 feet (2200 meters) the train passes through some of the most breathtaking tropical forests of western Ghats. Covering a distance of 47 kilometres, Heritage train is one of the few trains in the country which is powered by a steam locomotive. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a 107-year-old orgnaisation, was recently granted World Heritage Status by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Rangaiah, President, Nilgiri Cultural Welfare Association said that they are all pleased with the decision, which will help promote improvements in services. "We are happy that the Nilgiri Railway has been given Heritage status. We have been asking for this status for a very long time as it will help us bring about improvements," says Rangaiah.

     A unique feature of NMR is that it is the only railway system in the world using the technology of Alternate Biting Teeth (ABT) of racks and pinion system, by which a locomotive engine at the rear pushes up the rakes while climbing up and holds the train firmly while descending. With an average gradient of "1 in 12.5 feet", the NMR is the steepest mountain railway in Asia. The train is a delightful little blue and cream affair with wooden coaches and large windows. It is hauled by smart steam engines, designed and built by the Swiss Locomotive Works, of which 12 still survive today. The journey that takes about 5 hours winds through steep curvy rocky hills, stretches of thick green rain forests, open fields and its magnificent views is a visual treat for the passengers.It's fame spread through the grapevine brings many foreign tourists to the State to take a ride on the train and experience the beautiful journey. "I knew about this train from a friend who told me it was a really nice trip and she went in India last year. She told me you have to take the blue mountain railway because it's a great experience.I loved it," said Enoha a foreign tourist. "It's a beautiful journey among the mountains with great views of the valley and there are nice people on the train, it's a very nice travel," said Ciril, another tourist from abroad. Among other mountain railways, NMR compares with Swiss Mountain Railway System of the Alps in terms of technology and ruling gradient.The steam engine puffs its way through 208 curves, 16 tunnels and 250 bridges during its 45 km journey.NMR would be the second rail track, after Darjeeling in West Bengal, to bag the rare honour in India. Nilgiris gets its name from a shrub, which blooms once in every 12 years, giving the hills a shade of rare blue.
-Sept 3, 2005

15th century Ranakpur Jain temple stands on 14,444 pillars (Go to Top)

     Ranakpur (Rajasthan): The 15th century Jain temple of Ranakpur in Rajasthan's Aravalli hills, dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Teerthankar (saint), is famous for its uniqure architecture and attracts large number of foreign tourists. Situated 60 kms north of Udaipur in Pali district, Ranakpur is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. The temple has four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns.Every year lakhs of tourists from across the world visit this temple to offer prayers and see the unique architechture of the temple. " This temple is 600-year-old and around fifteen crore rupees were spent to construct it. It has 14,444 pillars, 350 idols of deities among which eighty four are underground. Lakhs of tourists visit this temple. Among them are the foreigners who come here to see the unique sculptures," said Jai Prakash Sharma, chief priest of the temple. Teh temple measures 48,000 square foot area and showcases unique carvings. There are 14,444 pillars built in the temple intricately carved. "It's great and very beautiful. It's different from an Italian Church. The sculptures are very particular and beautiful. We liked the temple and people living around.When we will go back to our country we will try to transit every thing we got to known from here," said Valaria, a tourist from Italy. Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha. During the 15th century Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman approached monarch Rana Kumbha to ask for the land for construction of a temple. After the construction the temple was gifted to the monarch.
-Aug 23, 2005

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