Monday, October 6, 2008

Indonesia

BALI

  • Beach
  • Temple
  • Hotel

JOGJAKARTA

  • Beach
  • Temple
  • Hotel
JAKARTA
  • Beach
  • Temple
  • Hotel
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Thursday, October 2, 2008

Vijayawada Excursions

Vijayawada is enchanting with its ancient temples and new developments. It is definitely the place for you want to spend quality time amidst the city of hoary charms. To keep you engaged in its exotic beauty, Vijayawada has many tourist places near its boundaries. It seems that this temple town has spread its divine aura in the suburbs too. Though modern facilities have touched these places, they have kept their traditional values intact. Scroll down to get more information about Vijaywada excursions.
Sited on the banks of River Krishna, Amravati is a sacred place known for Amareswara Temple. The town has been mentioned in the Indian epics as Dhanyakataka and Andhranagari. Located about 66 km to the south of Vijayawada, Amaravati is an excavation site of an earliest Buddhist Stupa.
Manginapudi Beach revives the times of the yore, when its port used to serve as a gateway of India. Located near Machilipatnam, this spectacular beach falls along the coastline of Andhra Pradesh. Apart from its natural splendor, the coast also has historical significance.
Kuchipudi
Located at a distance of 60 km from Vijayawada, Kuchipudi is the same place after which the State's dance has been named. Kuchipudi, being the hometown of Siddhendra Yogi (instigator of Kuchipudi dance), is known for its artistic and literary pursuits. In the present day, a full-fledged dance school is still reviving the memories of the great artiste.
Gudivada
Also known as 'Vidarbhapuri', Gudivada is prominent for its historical temples. This place is believed to have been existed for over 2000 years, though it was popularized during the time of the Satavahanas. Sited about 45 km from Vijayawada, Gudivada was named after the numerous temples it had. The site has got ruins of age-old temples and is worth-visiting.
Mogalrajapuram Caves
Located at a distance of 5 km from Vijayawada, Mogalrajapuram Caves actually are three cave temples that date back to the 5th century. Though in ruins, these caves present a wonderful sight. The fresco of Ardhanareeshwara found here, is said to be an exclusive one in South India. Other deities depicted are Lord Nataraja and Lord Vinayaka.
Mangalagiri
Known for Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri is a small town about 12 km from Vijaywada. The rock-cut shrine is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, who is also referred as Panakala Narasimha. The reason behind the name 'Pankala' is that the Lord is offered 'Panaka', a dish made of jaggery. It is a very old temple and various eminent personalities are believed to have visited this shrine. An interesting fact about the temple is that you can trace no fly or ant in its premises though mounds of jaggery and sweets are stored inside.
Kondapalli
Kondapalli is a small village, situated at a distance of 16 km from Vijayawada. This hamlet has the distinction of making amazing toys out of the light-weight wood. With their interesting color scheme and designs, Kondapalli toys are popular in both national and international markets. Besides wooden toys, the village is also known for embracing a fort, dating back to the 7th century. Perched on a hill, Kondapalli Fort was built by King Krishna Deva Raya. It still reminds one of the days of the royalty, with its notable three storeyed rock tower.
Chandavaram
Chandavaram, an important Buddhist site, is located about 50 km from Vijayawada. The highlight of the place is formed by a remarkable double terraced stupa, which is to be found on the top of Singarakonda Hill. There are no less than 30 carved limestone panels that were excavated and once had been the grace of domes, drums and railings of Stupa. Chaityagrihas, Viharas and numerous minor stupas are other attractions on the hill.
How to Reach This Place
Road : Vijayawada is located 275 Kms from Hyderabad. It is well connected by Road.
Rail : Vijayawada Railway Station.
Air : Hyderabad Airport.
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Travel India

Welcome to India
Taj Mahal - Pride of India

India will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity - but if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload, then it is one of the most intricate and rewarding dramas unfolding on earth, and you'll quickly develop an abiding passion for it.Nothing in this country is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected, which comes in many forms and will always want to sit next to you. India is a litmus test for many travelers - some are only too happy to leave, while others stay for a lifetime.
Map of Tourist locations in India

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Kolkata Travel

Kolkata - The City of Joy
Victoria Memorial

Calcutta now known as Calcutta, is a city of Joy that brings different ideas, memories & experiences for different section of people. It is mostly a place to be felt rather than just seen. Having undergone a sea change as far as the metropolitan scenario is concerned, Kolkata, the city on the banks of River Hooghly, is now also becoming one of the important IT hubs (mostly at Salt Lake and Rajarhat Area) in India.
Kolkata is one of the four chief metro of India along with Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, the city of Kolkata was a mere village in the 17th century. Then, it developed thus largely due to the influence of the European powers, particularly during the British Raj. It is natural that Kolkata has some of the fantastic edifices with British architectural styles.In Kolkata city you must visit some of the places of interest like the Victoria Memorial, (pic shown above) Botanical Gardens, and Raj Bhavan. Victoria Memorial is huge white-marble structure built as a paean to the Grand Empress and reflects the influence of the British culture to a large extent. However, more specifically, it is a cross between classical western and Mughal style. Opened on 1921, it contains massive oil paintings in the Royal Gallery, depicting episodes from Queen Victoria’s long, eventful life and reign, a remarkable collection of the British colonial era.
Howrah Bridge 272 acres of lush greenery on the outskirts of Kolkata – that is what Botanical Gardens is all about. Home to several species of flora, ranging from 250 year old Banyan tree to a large variety of aquatic plants, particularly the Victoria Amazonica, Sicilian double coconut tree, bamboo trees, the multi-branched Palmyra tree and a huge variety of cactus, orchids and other flowering plants, the place is hugely visited by tourists and residents alike.
Indian Museum is the oldest museum in India, constructed in 1874, the , housing one of the exclusive collections of archeological artifacts. Apart from this Academy of Fine Arts, Birla Planetarium, and Dalhousie Square are other tourist attractions in Kolkata. The tram ride in this city on your Kolkata tour is a special interest and walks in the Maidan area can be really romantic.
Tourists have a huge range of accommodation options to choose from as there are budget hotels, economy hotels, and star category hotels as well, catering to the different needs of different people. They are mostly convenient and provide all the contemporary facilities.
Area : 1,380 sq km
Population : 12 million
Altitude : 17 ft above sea level
Best time to visit: October to March
Languages : Bengali, Hindi, and English
STD Code : 033

Belur Math Temple

Dakhineswar Temple

History : The 1st capital of the British in India, Calcutta- Kolkata does not have an ancient history like New Delhi. The city was established in year of 1686 when British moved to the small villages of Govindpur, Sutanati, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. The city got its name from the last of the settlements mentioned above. The city progressed well until 1756 when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove away the British. Lord Clive retook Calcutta- Kolkata and until 1911, Calcutta- Kolkata remained the capital of the British government in India. Being the center of power for so long created a unique culture and heritage of the city, totally unlike any other city of India. The people here are proud of their culture and can go to any length to defend it. The humanity of the city can be felt only through visiting the place and not by reading.

Best Season, Climate, and Clothing

As Calcutta- Kolkata is near the sea, the city has uniform temperature throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 12-27°C in the winter and 24-38°C in the summer. Annual rainfall is around 160 cm. Humidity level can be very high in the summers and can make one's life difficult. Cotton clothing is ideal for the summer months whereas light woolens are required for the winters.

Howrah Bridge
Eden Gardens : In the North-West corner of the Maidan are small & pleasantly laid out Eden Gardens.The gardens were created in 1840 and named after the sister of Lord Auckland, the former governer general. The idea was to make a Biblical - style garden of Eden in India. The expanse dotted with beautiful trees and shrubs is intersected by winding paths, and there is a large artificial lake. Alongside the gardens, is the world famous Eden Gardens cricket stadium. The stadium is supposed to be the largest in Asia with a seating capacity of more than a lakh spectators. The calcutta cricket ground, where International test & one day matches are held, is also with in the gardens. Near the gardens you can take a pleasant walk along the bank of hoogly river
Saheed Minar
Vidyasagar Setu : Vidyasagar Setu a golden Gate Bridge look alike, 2kms downriver, was completed in 1994. It is a modern day engineering marvel and is the largest cable stayed bridge in Asia. The bridge connects the twin cities of Calcutta and Howrah. It was built at a cost of Rs. 388 crores. Unfortunately it is not making the big difference that was envisaged, as the approaches are too narrow to to handle the amount of traffic that use bridge, and plans for widening the road are slow in implementation
Birla Planetarium : This planetarium, near the government of India tourist office, is one of the largest in the world and is located on Calcutta's Eastern metropolitan bypass. There are shows in English everyday. This 21st century marvel of science, communication and environment is the first and only institution of its kind in India. Set amidst trees and lawns, here one finds science out of doors and alive
Science City : It is located on Calcutta's Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. This 21st century marvel of science, communication and environment is the first and only institution of its kind in India.The pioneering effort of NCSM, in setting up open air Science Parks has now added a new dimension to science teaching through a process of discovery in the outdoor setting. Set amidst trees and lawns, here one finds science out of doors and alive
Indian Museum : This museum was established in 1878 on Jawaharlal Nehru Road. The museum is built in Italian architectural style and is considered as the largest museum in the country and one of the best in Asia. The largest museum in the country, the museum has six sections: Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Industry (economic botany). From the Egyptian mummy to the skeleton of the whale and some rare statues; the museum has every thing. One of the rooms has a collection of meteorites. The museum also has a unique fossil collection of prehistoric animals which includes a giant crocodile and a huge tortorise.The art collection has many fine pieces from Orissa and other temples and superb example of Buddhist Gandharan art.
Zoological Gardens : Calcutta's interesting zoo-the oldest in India-was the creation of Sir Richard Carnac Temple who was Governor of Bengal from 1874 to 1877. It was opened on Jan 1st 1876, by the Prince of Wales. The 16 hectare grounds house a wide species of animals & birds including the rare white Bengal Tiger. There is a separate reptile house and a children's zoo. Migratory birds find sanctuary on a small lake in the zoo every winter. The gardens are open from 6 a.m. To 5 p.m. daily. The Zoological Gardens at Alipore opened to the public in 1876, have one of the finest collections of birds, animals, and reptiles. Within the Gardens, there is also a childrens' Zoo. The aquarium in front of the Zoological Gardens contains sea-fishes of rare varieties.
Rabindra Sadan
Botanical Gardens : The extensive Botanical Gardens, on the west bank of the Hoogly river, strech forever 1 km along the river and occupy 109 hectares. The gardens were originally founded in 1786 and administered by Colonel Kyd. It was from these gardens that the tea now grown in Assam and Darjeeling was first developed. Trees of the rarest kinds, from Nepal, Brazil, Penang, Java and Sumatra can be found here. There are towering Mahogany trees, an avenue of Cuban Palms and an Orchid House. Mango and Tamarind trees shade the grassy lawns. But the main attraction of the garden is the 200 year old Banyan Tree, claimed to have the second largest canopy in the world. It is the world's largest, having a circumference of 330m. The Palm House in the centre of gardens is also well worth a visit.The gardens are over the Howrah Bridge, 19Km by bus from Chowringhee. The gardens are open from sunrise to sunset, and although they tend to be very crowded on Sunday, on other days they are peaceful and make a pleasant escape from the hassles and crowd of Calcutta.
Birla Mandir
Tagore House
Nalban
Nicco Park : Nicco Park is situated at Salt Lake. This Amusement park is the Disneyland of West Bengal, with a variety of unusual games and rides. The Cave Ride is the latest addition and is the only of its kind in this part of the world. The park is open to the public from 10.00 A.M to 8.00 P.M everyday during the winter and 11.00 A.M to 9.00 P.m everyday during the rest of the year
Kankinara : Why Kankinara? Becuase it's my hometown. Come to my small town. Here, you will get Phuchkas (Paani puri), Aalu (Potato) Kaat, Kachuri and many more fast food. Bhatpara is Bengali oriented area where you can see Bengali culture and Kachari Road is the main market at Kankinara.

Calcutta Travel Tips

In this article, we will provide you with some safety guidelines for Calcutta travel. Going haphazardly without proper planning doesn't give satisfaction and also leads to chaos. We will give you a couple of Calcutta travel tips that will help you plan your tour in a systematized manner.

Dos & don'ts for Kolkata travel:
For the international tourists, it is always advisable to carry their Indian visa, as it is cumbersome to get one after arriving
Carry all your important documents and money
If you are traveling alone, don't publicize it.
In case you happen to lose your passport, immediately lodge a complaint at the police station and also inform your country's embassy.
It is advisable to carry adequate photocopies of your passport, traveler's checks and insurance.
Beware of touts and agents.
Make sure that your hotel reservation is done and it is confirmed.
To secure your belongings, use a combination lock.

Hotels in Calcutta
Circular 177 A, Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Road, Calcutta 700 014 Ph 22441533
Jagannath VIP Road Kaikali More, Kolkata 700 052 Ph 22528863
Kunga Hotel 18, Black Burn Lane, Calcutta 700 073 Ph 22372970
VIP International 51, Mirza Galib Street, Calcutta 700 016 Ph 22293774
YMCA 25, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Calcutta 700 087 Ph 22492192

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Kerala Travel Guide

Welcome to Kerala, God's Own Country. You are surfing 'the place to visit' in India, besides the Taj Mahal. Kerala is one of the ten 'Paradises Found' by the National Geographic Traveler, for its diverse geography and overwhelming greenery. It is a land much acclaimed for the contemporary nature of its cultural ethos, and much appreciated for the soothing, rejuvenating paradise that it is.
With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate.A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil streches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments.An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers. SEA BEACH
Kerala, India's most advanced society : A hundred percent literate people. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life
expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest State.Have a look at the geographical location and other facts on Kerala.
Location: Southwestern tip of India.
Area: 38, 863 sq km.
Population: 3,18,38,619
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Language: Malayalam, English
Religion: Hinduism, Christianity and Islam
Time: GMT +5:30
Currency: Indian Rupee
Climate: Tropical.
Summer: February - May (24 - 330C)
Monsoon: June - September (22 - 280C)
Winter: October - January (22 - 320C)

AYURVEDA (SPA) IN KERALA

Feel the Secret of Eternal Youth at the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Centres in all Kerala.The exclusive Namaste programs are based on the VEDIC Science - Ayurveda and are directed towards strengthening your immune system and preventing disease. The Ayurvedic physician draws out the rejuvenation program for each individual after a thorough evaluation. Get to know more of this majestic, mysterious land. Set off on a fascinating tour experience with visits to palaces, monuments and spice gardens and national parks of Kerala. Well-qualified and highly experienced doctors and personnel handle our Recommended Ayurvedic Treatment and Massage Centres, which are added attraction of the Tours.The ayurveda tour packages of Kerala worked out and available are mentioned below. You can either take a combination of therapies or any one depending on your need. If you are not sure as to which one to take, please keep 14 days on an average for a total treatment and our panel of specialists will take it up once you check in at the Centre.
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Goa Tour

Welcome to Goa
Welcome to Goa! The land where the flow of heady feni never ceases and revelry pays no heed to day or night. The land of hectic activity and soporific marijuana calm. The land of warm blazing days and cool soothing nights. The land of wild rave parties and long lazy afternoon siestas. A land also of endless stretches of soft sand, nut-brown friendly people and excited busy bazaars. Goa, mother to seven rivers of the Sahyadri range and full of perfect contradictions.
Capital : Panjim or Panaji
Main Attractions : Beaches, Churches & Seafood
Best Time to Visit : October to February
Languages Spoken : Marathi, Konkani, & English

For a first visit to India, travel in Goa is highly recommended as it offers diversity and the elements that are too many, the very essence of India - superb sights, reins of Portuguese culture, sun, sand and beaches and above all a great, carefree and warm travel experience.Goa is a land known for its atmosphere, its wonderfully fresh seafood cuisine, its sense of joie de vivre, its people, its churches and temples, and last but not the least for its beaches. Pale gold sand stretching for miles on end, fringed with coconut palms, isolated coves separated by cliffs reaching into the sea. The sun, the sand and the surf create an enchanting wonderland, which is too hard to resist. Beauty can be quite inebriating and here you have so much of it - in the golden sands, the blue waters, the sylvan forests and the lakes. Goa is about mood and that too a joyous one and an experience that can simply be defined as memorableBeauty can be quite inebriating and in Goa you have so much of it - in the golden sands, the blue waters, the sylvan forests and the lakes. Visiting Goa usually covers the normal tourist circuits including one or two beaches, shopping / hopping at Mapusa, and Madgoan or Panajim. But there is more. In Goa, you have to put in more days to fully savor the place, the pleasure of discovering a crab under a stone, churches of Old Goa, temples in small villages, and the peace of watching a quiet sunset on a beach. The whole experience is miraculous in distressing oneself. Such is the beauty and magic of Goa, which has more than 100 km of coastline and the sea has different shades to offer at various places. One can rest assured that the mood of the sea will not be repeated in Goa.

When To Visit:
The best time to visit Goa is from October to March

Beaches in Goa
Goa is blessed with a long and smooth coastline and that makes for great beaches. North Goa is laden with miles and miles of sandy beaches to enjoy a host of beach bumming activities like water sports, beach parties, and hanging out at beach shacks with a cold beer. Must visit beaches in Goa are Calangute, Baga, Vagator, Benaulim, and Anjuna, to name a few. Don’t miss the flea market on Wednesdays at Anjuna!

Culture of Goa
One can observe Portuguese, Konkani, Islamic and Hindu influences in the culture of Goa. Goan culture is happily laidback enabling travelers to relax and unwind. The merry pace of life enjoyed by the Goans is surely something to envy. On the other hand, Goans also like to let their hair down to party like there is no tomorrow!
Festivals of Goa
Goa is quintessentially the land of celebrations. There is a wide variety of fairs and festivals that the Goans take part in. These include Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Dutch celebrations. Some of the most popular fairs and festivals of Goa are Feast of Three Kings, Christmas Carnival, Goa Carnival, and Bonderam Festival.

Temples of Goa
As much as Goa is known for its churches, Goa is also famous for its temples. With a substantial Hindu population, it is but natural for Goa to have some gorgeous temples. Some of these are Temple of Shri Mahadeva, Shri Ramnath Group of Temples, Shri Gomanteshwar Devasthan, Bhagwati Temple, and more.

Wildlife in Goa
Even the birds and animals love Goa! Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy a wonderful time in Goa as they visit the parks and sanctuaries it has to offer. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a must visit. Other wildlife hotspots worth a dekko are Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and Catigao Wildlife Sanctuary.




Tourist offices: Directorate of Tourism
Tourist Home,
Patto, Panaji
Phone:+91-083-225583,+91-083-225535,+91-083-224757
Fax : +91-083-228819

Few Hotel Details in Goa:
Nanu Resorts
Category : 3 Star
Address :Betalbatim Beach , Salcette, Goa 40 37 13
Access : 19 Kms from Airport, 07 Kms from Railway Station & 06 Kms from Downtown Area.
Rooms : 72, All Double, Baths Attached Nanu Resorts in Goa, Goa Resorts, Tours to India, India Tours, India Tour
Amenities: Centrally Aircon, Swimming Pool, Restaurnat & Poolside Bar.
All Major Credit Cards Accepted
Sarovar Park Plaza Resort
Category : 5 Star
Address : P O Bogmalog, Goa 403806
Access : 04 Kms from Airport, 09 Kms from Railway Station & Downtown Area
Rooms : 121, Single / Double 114, Suites 07, Baths Attached Sarovar Park Plaza Resort, Tours to India, India Tours, India Tour
Amenities: Centrally Aircon, Health Club, Restaurant & Bar.
All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Majorda Beach Resort
Category : 5 Star
Address : Majorda, Salcette, Goa 40 37 13
Access : 18 Kms from Airport, 02 Kms from Railway Station, 08 Kms from Downtown Area.
Rooms : 120, Single 38, Double 68, Suites 04, Cottages 10, Baths Attached. Majorda Beach Resort Goa, Goa Resorts, Tours to India, India Tours, India Tour
Amenities: Centrally Aircon, 2 Swimming Pool (Indoor & Outdoor), Health Club, Restaurant & Bar.
All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Holiday Inn Resort Goa
Category : 5 Star
Address : Cavelossim, Mobor Beach, Salcete, Goa 403731
Access : 40 Kms from Airport, 17 Kms from Railway Station & 15 Kms from Downtown Area
Rooms : 144, Double 143, Suite 01, Baths Attached. Holiday Inn Resort Goa, Resorts in Goa, Tours to India, India Tours, India Tour
Amenities: Centrally Aircon, Swimming Pool, Health Club, Restaurant & Bar.
All Major Credit Cards Accepted.

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Museum and Monument in Jogjakarta

Affandi Museum, Visiting the Palace of a Maestro
Affandi museum is all part of Affandi's life as a painting maestro. At the bank of Gajah Wong River, Affandi used to live, work, and transform his knowledge and now he lives in his eternal home there.


A recording of Indonesian history in the form of a replica signing each scene of its development can bee seen in Kekayon Museum. Included in it is the history of the world-known puppet leather.


In six hours time the Dutch troop fled in disorder. An attack serves as the return point of the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.



Samudraraksa ship succeeds to make a history in Samudraraksa Ship Expedition when it sails to reroute the marine exploration in the eight century.


Of aristocratic class, direct descendant of the Yogyakarta King, but he prefers to live humbly with lay people. Pangeran Diponegoro is one of the strugglers to whom the Dutch colony is afraid.


Sudirman is fatherly; holds to principle and conviction; always puts the interests of community and nation. He is the first General as well as the youngest Commander in the Republic of Indonesia.


As many as around 1,200 keris from all parts of Indonesia can be seen in Sonobudoyo Museum. They range from the keris from Yogyakarta, Solo, Madura,to the ones from Kalimantan (it is called Mandau) and Sulawesi or celebes.

Tugu Jogja or the Jogja Monument becomes the landmark that is closely linked to Yogyakarta. There is a tradition to hug and kiss this monument after finishing the study in a university.


Poem, batik, clothes and paintings of the ladies of Yogyakarta Kingdom, Surakarta, Mangkunegaran and Pakualaman, are all presented beautifully in Ullen Sentalu museum. A museum seemingly becomes the reflection of the kingdom ladies' beauty.
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Monumen Jogja Kembali

1 March 1949, 06.00 a.m.Yogyakarta City Center
The sound of serene signaling break time sounded from the Dutch defense post. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Suharto, Commander of Brigade 10 of Wehrkreise III area, an attack to the Dutch defense was started after getting an agreement from Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX as initiator of the attack. The Dutch troop that since the Dutch Military Aggression II in December 1948 was distributed to small posts was separated and weakened. During six hours, Indonesian National Army succeeded in occupying Yogyakarta, after hitting the Dutch troop. Right at 12.00 in the afternoon, as it was planned, all Indonesian army drew back from the city center when the Dutch support came; total loose at the Dutch side.
Indonesia Had Been Independent
This battle known as Serangan Umum 1 Maret was initial authentication to the international world that Indonesian National Army still had power to fight and to state that the Republic of Indonesia still existed. This was triggered by the capture and the exile of Bung Karno and Bung Hatta to Sumatera setting propaganda that the Republic of Indonesia had not existed.
This news about the six-hour attack was then sent to Wonosari, continued to Bukit Tinggi, then Burma, New Delhi (India), and finally in the main office of the UN in New York. With this news, the United Nations that considered Indonesia to have been independent compelled the execution of KTN (Komisi Tiga Negara / Commission of Three Nations). The meeting held in Des Indes Hotel Jakarta on 14 April 1949, where Indonesia was represented by Moh. Roem and representatives of Netherlands led by Van Royen, resulted in an agreement signed on 7 May 1949. This agreement was later called Roem Royen Statement. In this agreement Netherlands was compelled to withdraw its troop from Indonesia, and to return President and the Vice President, Soekarno-Hatta to Jogja. Finally on 27 December 1949 Netherlands officially handed over the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.
Implied and Explicit Meaning of History Hallmark
In order to commemorate the struggle history of the nation, Yogya Kembali monument was built on 29 June 1985. The placement of the first stone of the 31.8 meter-high monument was done by HB IX after planting buffalo head as traditional ceremony. Four years later, on 6 July 1989, this building was finished. The opening was done by President Soeharto by signing the inscription.
The monument that is located in Jongkang village, Sariharjo Sub-District, Ngaglik District of Sleman Regency is of a mountain shape, symbolizing fertility and preservation of pre-historical ancestor's culture. The location of the monument was based on local culture that is located on imaginary axis connecting Merapi, Tugu, Sultan Palace, Panggung Krapyak, and Parang Tritis. "Macrocosmic Axis or the Great Axis of Life", as Gunadi told YogYES. The imaginary point in the building standing on 5.6 hectare land can be seen on the third floor where the flag pole is standing.
The name Yogya Kembali that means Yogya Returns symbolizes the return of the function of Indonesian Republic Government and historical hallmark of the Dutch troop withdrawal from Yogyakarta as the capital on 29 June 1949 and the return of President Soekarno, Vice President Mohammad Hatta and other officers on 6 July 1949 to Yogyakarta.
From Aircraft Replica to Quiet Room
Entering the monument area that is located about three kilometers north of Jogja city center visitors will be welcomed by replica of Cureng Aircraft close to the east gate and replica of Guntai Aircraft close to the west entrance. Stepping up the podium at west and east sides, visitors can see two wheeled-machine guns complete with the seats, before stepping down to the open space in front of the foot of the monument mountain. At the south end of the yard stands a wall containing 420 names of the strugglers who died between 19 December 1948 and 29 June 1949 and the poem entitled Karawang Bekasi by Chairil Anwar that is intended for unknown patriots.
The monument is surrounded by fish pond that is divided by four alleys going to the main building. West and east alleys connect to the entrance of the first floor that consists of four rooms presenting at least 1,000 collections of the attack on 1 March, the struggle before the independence until Yogyakarta became the capital of Indonesia. Uniform of Student Military and the sedan chair used to carry the Great General Sudirman are kept there. There is also the main meeting room, which is located adjacent to room I. This rounded room of 25 meter diameter is a functional room that is rented for seminar of even feasts.
North and south alleys are connected to the stairs leading to the second floor at the outdoor wall that circles the building that is carved with 40 reliefs picturing the struggle of Indonesian nation from 17 August 1945 until 28 December 1949. Some historical events such as physical struggle and diplomacies since the proclamation of Indonesian independence, the return of the President and Vice President to Yogyakarta and the formation of People's Security Army are pictured in the relief. While in the building, there are 10 dioramas encircling the building and picturing situations when the Dutch troop attacked Maguwo on 19 December 1948, 1 March attack, Roem Royen Statement, and ceremony of Independence Day on 17 August 1949 in Gedung Agung Yogyakarta.
The uppermost floor is a round, quiet room with a flag pole with the red and white flag on it at the center of the room, and relief of a fist on the west wall symbolizing physical struggle and diplomacy struggle on the east wall. The Garbha Graha room functions as a place to say prayers for the heroes and remember their struggle.
By far, the history of the nation struggle is heard only from the history teachers at school, or from the story told by the grandfather to his children in law. Yogya Kembali monument gives clearer description of how the independence was achieved by looking at the dioramas, carved reliefs or collection of clothes and weapons used by the strugglers of the independence. One place that will satisfy your desires of knowledge about the road that Indonesian nation had to take to get its independence.

Monumen Yogya Kembali
Ring Road Utara, Yogyakarta
Phone: +62 274 868225.
Visiting Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 08.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m.
Monday: closed
Entrance fee:
Adult: IDR 5,000;
Foreign Tourist: IDR 7,500
Group (more than 30 persons), reduced by 10%.
Kindergarten students: 50% reduction per person.

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Ullen Sentalu Museum, Reflection of the Kingdom Ladies' Beauty

Many people say that ladies' beauty encompasses two spaces, inner and outer. Quite often, ladies emphasize only one of them; usually it is the outer beauty. What about kingdom ladies, can they show both of them?
Ullen Sentalu museum gives evidence that in addition to beautiful face, some kingdom ladies are capable of showing thought and works as symbols of their inner beauty. The museum that is located at the south foot of Merapi mountain contains photographs and paintings by the ladies from Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Mangkunegaran and Pakualaman Kingdoms.
Located in one of the beautiful corners of Kaliurang area, namely Kaswargan park meaning the heaven park on land encircled by park and forest, this museum was inaugurated by Sri Paku Alam VIII in 1997. Ullen Sentalu as the name of the museum stands for "Ulating Blencong Sejatine Tataning Lumaku" that means the real torch of life for human way of life. The museum was built with "in the field architectural" concept, without blueprint.
Entering this museum, you will be welcomed by cool weather and shady trees. A guide will greet and accompany you to explore the museum that consists of two main parts all of which were built labyrinth concept with the mountain stone as the raw material; they are Guwo Selo Giri that means the cave with stonewall and Kampung Kambang that means a kampong that is situated on water (pond).
In Guwo Selo Giri, you will see some paintings by Kingdom ladies who has pronounced character and works and photos of the center of Yogyakarta city in the early 20s. One of the prominent ladies whose works are exhibited here is Partini Djayadiningrat, the daughter of Mangkunegaran VII who wrote the novel of Ande-Ande Lumut that was published by Balai Pustaka. In the novel, she used the name of Antipurbani. There is also a painting of Retno Puoso with her hand-fan that she designed herself in combination with the clothes.
Going to Kampung Kambang, you will find some rooms; the first is Balai Sekar Kedaton that is dedicated to GRAj. Koes Sapariyam who is addressed as Tineke. This room contains photographs and her poems that were written in 1939-1947. One of her poems told about the center of happiness that is when human beings are able to share love to the surroundings, even the sinful ones.
The next room is named Paes Ageng Yogyakarta, containing batik cloths for wedding. Some patterns area Sido Mukti, Sido Asih, Sido Drajat and other motifs with "Sido" as the first name that are worn by the couples in the hope for happy life. Truntum, Wirasat Truntum and Wirasat are the motifs worn by the parents of the married couple in order for giving guidance and advice.
Vorstendlanden Batik room or Batik Jogja Solo room that you will find next contains some batik collections as specialties of Yogyakarta and Solo. One of the legendary motifs is the star motif made by one of the consorts of Surakarta King. The motif was made because every night the consort saw falling stars while being alone because the King had been with the concubine. The motif of this batik was capable of returning the King's attention to the consort.
In the room of Batik Pesisiran or batik that developed in the coastal areas such as Cirebon and Indramayu, you will see some unique batik motifs and embroidered kebaya cloth. The batik motifs in this room are richer in colors but they are lack of philosophy; they are different from the batiks of Jogja-Solo of which colors tend to be monotonous but are rich of philosophy. Meanwhile, embroidered kebaya is unique because it was made by manual machine but the quality is incomparable.
Putri Dambaan room as the end of the exploration will give you description of Nurul Kusumawardani character, a lady of the Kingdom whose hobbies were horse riding, tennis and swimming. The lady who was proposed by the past President Soekarno and the late Hamengkubuwono IX was one of the prominent ladies in the Kingdom because she was good at dancing and refused polygamy. One of the photos features her dancing in Netherlands while accompanied by gamelan played in Surakarta Kingdom and was broadcasted live in a radio in Netherlands.
After walking around the museum, you will enjoy a cup of Kusmayana Drink, special beverage recipe by Lady Kusmayana that is believed to give you long life that is made from ginger, cinnamon, palm sugar, a little salt and pandanus leaf. You can enjoy it while entering the art shop that sells various souvenirs all of which with batik motif, from mask, clothes, t-shirt and wooden batik jewelries. You can also walk around the garden that is located in the museum complex.
The package of enjoying the museum is sold at IDR 10,000 for students, IDR 20,000 for public and IDR 36,000 for foreign tourists.
Ullen Sentalu Museum
Jl. Boyong Kaliurang, Sleman Yogyakarta
Phone: +62 274 895161, +62 274 880158
Fax: +62 274 881743

Visiting hours:
Tuesday to Sunday
Open : 09.00 a.m. to 15.30 p.m.
Monday: closed

Entrance Fee: Adult IDR 20,000
Foreigner IDR 36,000
Student IDR 10,000

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Tugu Jogja, the Most Popular Landmark in Yogyakarta

Tugu Jogja is the most popular landmark of Yogyakarta. This monument is located right in the center of the crossroad between the Mangkubumi, Soedirman, A.M. Sangaji and Diponegoro roads. The Tugu Jogja that is almost 3 centuries old has a very deep meaning and it keeps some history records of Yogyakarta.
Tugu Jogja was built around one year after the construction of Yogyakarta Kingdom. At the early time of its construction, it clearly described the philosophy of the unity of God's creatures that means the spirit of togetherness of lay people and authorities to fight colonials. In Javanese term, the spirit of togetherness is called golong gilig that is clearly described in the construction of the monument: the pole is of gilig (cylinder) form and the top part is golong (rounded). This monument was known as Tugu Golong-Gilig.
In details, the monument was originally constructed in the form of a cylindrical pole with conical form upwards. The base is an encircling fence while the top is rounded. The preliminary height of the monument was 25 meters.
Everything changed when on Monday, 10 June 1867, a big earthquake in Yogyakarta ruined the monument. The collapse of the monument was the transition time when the unity was not really reflected on the monument.
The situation changed totally when in 1889 the Dutch government renovated the monument. The monument was constructed as a square with each side being decorated with a kind of inscription containing the names of people who were involved in the renovation. The top portion is no longer rounded but a pointed cone. The height of the monument is also lower, namely 15 meters. Since then, this monument was also called as De Witt Paal or Tugu Pal Putih (white pole monument).
The renovation of the monument was actually the tactic used by the Dutch colonial to erase the philosophy of togetherness between lay people and the king. Learning from the result of the struggle afterwards, however, the effort did not seem to be successful.
If we want to look at the monument satisfactorily while remembering its philosophical meaning, there are benches facing the monument on the corner of Mangkubumi Street. At 05:00 a.m. - 06:00 a.m. is the right time since the air is still fresh and not much passerby yet. Occasionally, the newspaper boy will greet us politely while riding his bicycle to go to the distribution office of the biggest local newspaper, the Kedaulatan Rakyat.
In the evening, we find the seller of gudeg (traditional menu cooked from young jackfruit) at the corner of Diponegoro Road. The gudeg sold here is delicious at reasonable price. You may have it in crossed-legs seating arrangement while looking at the view of the Tugu Jogja that is bathed with lights.
Being so identical of the Tugu Jogja to Yogyakarta makes many university students from outside of Yogyakarta to express their happiness after the graduation day by hugging and kissing the Tugu Jogja. That may also express their love to Yogyakarta that they will about to leave soon and at the same time say their promise to return to this city.
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Sonobudoyo Museum, Admiring the Keris Collection

Visiting Sonobudoyo Museum is an alternative to see keris and other related items to it from all parts of Indonesia. The museum that keeps around 1,200 keris (most of them were donated by Java Institute) will satisfy your curiosity about keris since the Kingdom of Yogkarta that keeps sacred keris does not allow public to see its keris collection.
Sonobudoyo Museum is within easy reach from Yogyakarta Kingdom; it is located across the North Square of Yogyakarta. To get into it, you only have to pay the entrance ticket as much as IDR 3,000. Meanwhile, in order to see various kinds of keris, you have to go through quite long procedures because you have to get permission from the museum chief officer. This is because many of the keris collection are still kept in the collection room; they are not shown to public.
The first thing you will see that is related to keris is wesi budha (Buddha Iron); it is the main material to make keris that was used in around the year 700s AD, or during the triumphant of Hindu Mataram Kingdom. Wesi Budha can be seen in the middle room that also keeps some collections of the triumphant of Buddhism civilization in Indonesia. In addition to the wesi budha, there are various household furnishings, weapons and handicrafts of the same period.
Entering further, you can see some keris, even though the number is relatively small. Some of the exposed keris are straight keris, keris with 7 curves, 11 curves and 13 curves. Most of the keris displayed in this room are those from Jave. In addition to the keris, batik cloths with different patterns are kept there.
Another room behind the library of the museum, displays more types of keris. The museum attendant explained to YogYES that the room keeps various kinds of keris from all parts of Indonesia and it keeps collection of accessories such as pendok of Yogyakarta and Solo and the keris blade . More collection originates from outside of Yogyakarta since there was prohibition to collect keris with the quantity exceeding those of the collection of Yogyakarta Kingdom.
The Javanese keris kept in the museum are those with 7, 11, 13 curves or called luk and straight keris with various pamor (pattern), such as beras wutah / the spoiled rice (pamor that was accidentally resulted from the forging process, in the form of connectiong circles), sekar pakis (in the form of the fins flower) and so on. The keris from outside of Java that are kept there are, among others: the unique rencong Aceh, mandau from Kalimantan, keris from Madura and Bali, and keris from Sulawesi or Celebes.
In that collection room, you can also see many old keris handles with interesting designs. There are keris handles in the forms of human head, human full posture, dragon, lion, and so on. There are hundreds of pendok that are classified into two categories, namely Yogyakarta and Solo styles. Different from the keris handles with various designs, the shapes of pendok are relatively the same.
Thousands of the keris collection pay the difficulty to get in this collectio room. The museum attendant explained to YogYES that all the keris in the collection room will be displayed in an exhibition room that will be constructed in the future. You may hope that at your visit in the future time, you can see all of the collections without sophisticated permit.

Sonobudoyo Museum
Jl. Trikora No. 6 Yogyakarta
Phone: +62 274 418330
Tuesday - Thursday
Visiting hours: 07.00 a.m. to 14.30 p.m.

Friday
Visiting hours: 07.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday
Visiting hours: 07.30 a.m. to 13.00 p.m.

Entrance Fee: IDR 3,000

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