Being closely related to the history of northern India, Delhi has many historical monuments. Some of these monuments are have managed to bear the vagaries of time but many have perished. Close to Delhi is Agra. The Moghuls had this place as their capital before they shifted to Delhi. Agra is famous for the greatest monument fo love the Taj Mahal. This white marble structure is an architectural marvel and is the most photographed monument in the world.
Close to Agra are twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan. These two places are important pilgraimage for Hindus. In Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of holy river Ganga is located Varanasi. Varanasi or Banaras as it is known has been very sacred for the Hindus as they consider this place to be abode of Lord Shiva. While Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir have numerous hills stations, the dry Thar desert of Rajasthan holds historic cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur. The palaces, forts and gardens & lakes add colour to this otherwise barren area. The cities of Rajasthan spell Royal grandeur in their structure and have been attracting a major chunk of foreign tourists.
While the lofty Himalayas have been gaurding the northern frontiers of India, the southern plateau has been washed by genetle waves of the oceans. The people here are from the Dravidian race and are very protective about their culture and traditions. But strangely it is the southern region which has been attracting most of foreign investment in the recent times. Infact it was on Malabar coast of Kerala that first foreigner from the West landed in India.
From the back waters of Kerala to exotic coral islands and lush green hill stations in Tamil Nadu all have a charm of their own. The Capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore can match any other city in the west. Recently this place has come up as the software hub of the world. Popularly called the garden city, Bangalore is one of most jazzy places in India. On the line of Bangalore is coming up Hyderabad. A quite city known for the Nizam rulers, Hyderbad is the second place in India which has a cyber city.
From the back waters of Kerala to exotic coral islands and lush green hill stations in Tamil Nadu all have a charm of their own. The Capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore can match any other city in the west. Recently this place has come up as the software hub of the world. Popularly called the garden city, Bangalore is one of most jazzy places in India. On the line of Bangalore is coming up Hyderabad. A quite city known for the Nizam rulers, Hyderbad is the second place in India which has a cyber city.
Going further south there are excellent beaches and temples. Who can forget the ever beautiful chinese nets along the coast in Cochin. Or the spicies which are grown here. The coconut on the beaches give a pleasure which can not be described in words. The state capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai formely known as Madras is another historical place in the south.
The golden Marina beach in Chennai is one of the longest beach in the world. In south India one can enjoy crashing breakers on the shores or can enjoy the peace and greenry of places like Otty. One can visit the historical places of Karnataka or worship in the temples of Tamil Nadu. Southern India had many things to offer, what you need is to explore the region.
The golden Marina beach in Chennai is one of the longest beach in the world. In south India one can enjoy crashing breakers on the shores or can enjoy the peace and greenry of places like Otty. One can visit the historical places of Karnataka or worship in the temples of Tamil Nadu. Southern India had many things to offer, what you need is to explore the region.
The Buddhist pilgraimages of Bihar or the temples of Konark, Bhubaneswar, Puri in Orissa are visited by pilgrims as well as the tourists. The Chillika lake is the largest lagoon and watching sunset over the lake has its own pleasure. Visit the beaches of Digha in West Bengal and Puri in Orissa, their beauty is sure to hang in your mind for years to come.
One of the major tourist destination in East has been the Calcutta. Calcutta came up as a major city of the region when it was made the capital city by the East India company. Calcutta has retained the historical splendour which is reflected in the buildings of the place. Today Calcutta is the capital of West Bengal and one of the major port in east.
In this region only one can visit Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda and Patna etc. These places are part of Buddhist tourist circuit. Most of them are closely related with the life of Buddha and at some places last remains of this great preacher is kept. Thus, trhe eastern region also has many things to offer, iteneries for some have already been made and some wait for their turn to come.
The Arabian Sea gaurds the western region of India. The places on the western coasts are usually regarded gateway to the western countries particularly the Gulf region. Maharastra, Gujarat, Goa are few states which form the coastal belt of west India. On Arabian sea is Mumbai, the commercial capital of India. Also, known as the dream city Mumbai has attracted people from all walks of life. The star attraction of Mumbai is Bollywood, one of the largest film industries. The beaches and skyscrappers are part of the topography of this place. The gateway of India welcomes every one to this land of dreams.
On the western coast is Goa. The colour, festivals, beaches and churches that is what Goa is all about. Goa is very popular haunt for the foreigners. Not long ago this place was notoriously infected by the Hippies and drug peddlars. They have not been totally eliminated but their presence is almost nil today. Goa is land where people are celebrating all the year round. Folk songs & music combined with the local brew Fenni produces an effect which is felt no where else.
On the western coast is Goa. The colour, festivals, beaches and churches that is what Goa is all about. Goa is very popular haunt for the foreigners. Not long ago this place was notoriously infected by the Hippies and drug peddlars. They have not been totally eliminated but their presence is almost nil today. Goa is land where people are celebrating all the year round. Folk songs & music combined with the local brew Fenni produces an effect which is felt no where else.
The numerous wild life sancturies and national parks sustain a variety of flora and fauna. Cities like Sanchi had been center of Buddhism but now only the stupas remain to tell the story of the past. But there are places like Nagpur, Gwalior and Bhopal which are still alive and growing.
They are called the seven sisters. They are the seven beautiful states of Northeast India. These states have not come up as tourist destination on the tourist map. But they have emmence potential for travel and tourism. The small but densely covered hills of these states are a mystery which await to be discovered and explored. The tradition, culture, festivals everything has remained covered and is slowly opening up.
The Buddhist pilgraimages of Bihar or the temples of Konark, Bhubaneswar, Puri in Orissa are visited by pilgrims as well as the tourists. The Chillika lake is the largest lagoon and watching sunset over the lake has its own pleasure. Visit the beaches of Digha in West Bengal and Puri in Orissa, their beauty is sure to hang in your mind for years to come.
One of the major tourist destination in East has been the Calcutta. Calcutta came up as a major city of the region when it was made the capital city by the East India company. Calcutta has retained the historical splendour which is reflected in the buildings of the place. Today Calcutta is the capital of West Bengal and one of the major port in east.
The Buddhist pilgraimages of Bihar or the temples of Konark, Bhubaneswar, Puri in Orissa are visited by pilgrims as well as the tourists. The Chillika lake is the largest lagoon and watching sunset over the lake has its own pleasure. Visit the beaches of Digha in West Bengal and Puri in Orissa, their beauty is sure to hang in your mind for years to come.
One of the major tourist destination in East has been the Calcutta. Calcutta came up as a major city of the region when it was made the capital city by the East India company. Calcutta has retained the historical splendour which is reflected in the buildings of the place. Today Calcutta is the capital of West Bengal and one of the major port in east.
The sunderban deltas are also a major tourist attraction. The great Sundari tree (Mangrove) thrive on the silts deposited by the Ganges before it meets the ocean. These trees form a part of the Sunderban National park where the Royal Bengal Tigers are found. Also, the crocodile and mighty pythons have made these deltas as their home.
In this region only one can visit Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda and Patna etc. These places are part of Buddhist tourist circuit. Most of them are closely related with the life of Buddha and at some places last remains of this great preacher is kept. Thus, trhe eastern region also has many things to offer, iteneries for some have already been made and some wait for their turn to come.
In this region only one can visit Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda and Patna etc. These places are part of Buddhist tourist circuit. Most of them are closely related with the life of Buddha and at some places last remains of this great preacher is kept. Thus, trhe eastern region also has many things to offer, iteneries for some have already been made and some wait for their turn to come.
Buddhist and Hindu form a symphony of religions.
Once among the poorest states of the Indian Union, it's transformation to one of the most industialized states has been slow but steady. The state stands on the high Deccan plateau, sloping down to the low-lying coastal regions in the the east where the Godavri and Krishna meet the Bay of Bengal.
The capital Hyderabad, was built by the Qutb Shahi Kings in 1590. Once here visit the Char Minar literally meaning the Four Quartets was built in 1591 to commemorate the end of a plague in Hyderabad. At the Safdar Gunj Museum are on display art , artifacts and trinkets of a wide variety.Also worth visiting are the Golconda Forts and the Qutb Shahi Tombs and the Mecca Masjd Mosque.
Hyderabad's answer to Victoria and Albert Museum is the Salar Jung Museum ,built by Mir Yusaf Ali. It has more than 35,000 exhibits including works of sculpture, wooddrawing, religious objects , armoury and weaponry.
Once among the poorest states of the Indian Union, it's transformation to one of the most industialized states has been slow but steady. The state stands on the high Deccan plateau, sloping down to the low-lying coastal regions in the the east where the Godavri and Krishna meet the Bay of Bengal.
The capital Hyderabad, was built by the Qutb Shahi Kings in 1590. Once here visit the Char Minar literally meaning the Four Quartets was built in 1591 to commemorate the end of a plague in Hyderabad. At the Safdar Gunj Museum are on display art , artifacts and trinkets of a wide variety.Also worth visiting are the Golconda Forts and the Qutb Shahi Tombs and the Mecca Masjd Mosque.
Hyderabad's answer to Victoria and Albert Museum is the Salar Jung Museum ,built by Mir Yusaf Ali. It has more than 35,000 exhibits including works of sculpture, wooddrawing, religious objects , armoury and weaponry.
The Nehru Zoological Park is on an area of more than 1.2 square k.m and is home to many exotic ,rare species.
The Hussain Sagar Lake separates Hyderabad from its twin city of Secunderabad. Vishakapatnam is one of the fastest growing port cities in India Its best known sight is the Dolphin's Nose which is a rocky promontory jutting out into the harbor.
At Nagarjunasagar is Nagarjunakonda where Buddhist ruins have been found from the waters of the dam and re-sited from the island.
The Hussain Sagar Lake separates Hyderabad from its twin city of Secunderabad. Vishakapatnam is one of the fastest growing port cities in India Its best known sight is the Dolphin's Nose which is a rocky promontory jutting out into the harbor.
At Nagarjunasagar is Nagarjunakonda where Buddhist ruins have been found from the waters of the dam and re-sited from the island.
Thousand-Pillar Temple - The famous thousand-pillar temple, built in 1163 AD, by king Rudra Deva is a significant monument situated near the Hanamkonda-Warangal highway. One thousand richly carved pillars and a magnificent black basalt Nandi are unique to this temple which is dediated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.
Warangal Fort - was built during the 13th century by the Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma. Some of the remains that stand here to this day include four huge stone gateways and several exquisite pieces of sculpture.
Warangal Fort - was built during the 13th century by the Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma. Some of the remains that stand here to this day include four huge stone gateways and several exquisite pieces of sculpture.
The gracious Red Fort, the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), the Qutab Minar complex with its soaring tower - all are waiting to be explored. Allows some time to wander round the inexpensive modern shops and handicraft centres. Magicians and dancing bears entertain crowds in the marketplaces, while fortune tellers may offer glimpses of the future. The heat of the day gives way to balmy evenings; enjoy a meal in one of the many splendid restaurants, the exotic music of sitars and veenas and the subtle rhythms of the tabla accompanying the delicious cuisines from throughout the country. Flights and trains and buses run from Delhi all over north India, so it is always easy to reach the next destination
British Monuments
India Gate, The Secretariat Complex, Rashtrapati Bhavan & Mughal Gardens, Parliament House, Teen Murti House and Connaught Place (Son-et-lumiere show) Timings : 1800 to 1900 hrs (Hindi) 1930 to 2030 hrs (English) Bahai (Lotus shaped) temple, a marble structure of remarkable beauty
India Gate, The Secretariat Complex, Rashtrapati Bhavan & Mughal Gardens, Parliament House, Teen Murti House and Connaught Place (Son-et-lumiere show) Timings : 1800 to 1900 hrs (Hindi) 1930 to 2030 hrs (English) Bahai (Lotus shaped) temple, a marble structure of remarkable beauty
Walk leisurely on the sun kissed beaches, listen to the murmuring winds, watch the sun drawing patterns in the sand through the shades of the trees, let the cool seas wash your feet or simply lie back and enjoy the Goan drink- Feni. The tiny piece of paradise- Goa, lies in the West Coast of India and is spread over an area of 3,702 sq. kms. With a coastline of 105 kms it is washed by the Arabian Sea. Goa's outstanding attractions are its serene and scenic beauty, diverse landscape- wide, sandy, palm - fringed beaches, clean waters, delicious food and hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu.
Goan culture is a confluence of many religions, faiths and traditions. People from various religions live in absolute communal harmony and participate wholeheartedly in the religious festivals of others. The Portuguese invaders destroyed many temples and mosques. As a result most of the temples are relatively new, though some date back to over 400 years.
There is no sea food like the Goan sea food. The shoreline stretched over miles, numerous river streams and the ponds produce the most amazing variety of fishes and other sea food. Delicious tiger prawns, oysters, shellfish, and black river crabs are available in plenty. The variety in fishes includes king fish, tuna, shark, rock fish and sardines. You can never have enough of the delectable Squids, cuttlefish, sea prawns, lobsters and mussels available here.
Donot miss out on the fabulous Feni, an alcohol produced only in Goa from the coconut and cashew tree.
Goan churches are absolutely peaceful and beautiful. The Church of St Francis of Assisi, with its gilded and carved woodwork, murals and a floor made of grave stones, it is one of the most interesting buildings of Goa. The Church of St Monica is as old as the 17th century. Se Cathedral is the largest church of Old Goa. Built for the Dominicans in 1562, it still retains its old splendor.
Donot miss out on the fabulous Feni, an alcohol produced only in Goa from the coconut and cashew tree.
Goan churches are absolutely peaceful and beautiful. The Church of St Francis of Assisi, with its gilded and carved woodwork, murals and a floor made of grave stones, it is one of the most interesting buildings of Goa. The Church of St Monica is as old as the 17th century. Se Cathedral is the largest church of Old Goa. Built for the Dominicans in 1562, it still retains its old splendor.
Old Goa - is located nine km east of Panajim and is famous for its churches and cathedrals. The Archaeological Survey of India has given some of the old buildings a facelift by converting them into museums maintained. The spiritual heart of Christian Goa, Old Goa has been given World Heritage Status by Unesco for its extraordinarily grand churches and convents.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls- Measuring a mighty 600m from head to foot, the famous waterfalls at Dudhsagar on the Goa-Karnataka border, are some of the highest in India, and a spectacular sight. It attracts a steady stream of visitors from the coast into the rugged Western Ghats. After pouring across the Deccan plateau, the headwaters of the Mandovi River form a foaming torrent that fans into three streams, then cascades down a near-vertical cliff face into a deep green pool. The Konkani name for the falls, which literally translated means "sea of milk", derives from clouds of foam that gathers at the bottom when the water levels are at their highest. Overlooking a steep, crescent-shaped head of a valley carpeted with pristine tropical forest, Dudhsagar is also set amid breathtaking scenery that is only accessible on foot or by train.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary - 60 km from Ahmedabad is a 116 sq. km lake that is the homr of a bird sanctuary. This lake attracts numerous migratory and indigenous birds that flock here throughout the year. One can take a taxi or bus to watch the ducks, geese, pelicans and flamingos at the sanctuary.
The Shankaracharya Temple, provides excellent views of the valley of Kashmir. Other places of tourist attractions are the Mughal Gardens of Shalimar where flowers, fountains, streams can be seen as well as the beautiful Mosque of Hazrathal. Pahalgam is a pleasant little, single street town full of streams. The site of the start to the shrine of Amarnath begins here. Gulmarg also has great scenic beauty to offer.
Bahu Fort - The original fort was built by Raja Bahulochan but was modified and improved by Dogra rulers. This fort, perhaps the oldest edifice in Jammu, is located 5 km from the city. The fort is built on rocks facing the Tawi river. A temple dedicated to Goddess Kali is also inside the fort. Exquisitely laid-out gardens surround the fort on all sides.
Set against the Arabian Sea with the Deccan plateau in the background, the state consists of a narrow coastal strip backed by the monsoon drenched Western Ghats and a drier, cooler interior plateau that turns arid in the far north.
Bangalore, the capital city is a thriving metropolis dotted with lush gardens, beautiful flowered lined avenues and stately buildings. The atmosphere is more Western than traditional Indian. Pubs, beer bars, discos are the major happening places in the town. Dubbed the 'Silicon Valley of India' it is a major industrial and commercial center well known for its scientific and research institutions.
Vidhana Soudha - is one of the most imposing landmarks of Bangalore. The entire edifice is built of Bangalore granite and is a tribute to temple architecture. Housing the Legislative Chambers of the State Government, this 46-m high seat of the government is one of Bangalore's most important buildings. Mr. Kengal Hanumanthaiah the then chief minister of Mysore decided to construct the Vidhana Soudha entirely along Indian style of architecture. There are four domes on all the four corners. The main entrance is overshadowed by the four-headed lion, the symbol of Indian sovereignty. It houses 22 departments and 300 rooms.
Kovalam - is one of the most popular beaches in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promises a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories makes Kovalam a beach paradise.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - lies 60 km away from Idukki, 190 km from Kochi. The sanctuary is the natural habitat of elephants, deer, bison and wild boar. It is also a tiger reserve. There are opportunities for trekking, elephant rides and boating.
M.P. is a vast plateau surrounded by the Vindhya and Satpura mountains that make a rugged descent into the valleys of the Narmada and Tapti rivers which have long served as a passageway connecting east and west India.
The people are proud of their culture. The men here are of the marital type, the women proud and graceful; those married recognizable by their vermilion and green glass bangles. The state is home to a large number of aboriginal tribes like the Bhils, the Baigas, Maria and the Murias. 40% of India's aboriginal population-the Adivasis live here. Apart from Hindi, the locally spoken dialects include Malwi, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhandi etc.
Khajuraho - Of all temples of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique in its depiction of sexual architecture. One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, were built on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time.
Sandwiched between states on all sides, on its western border lies the Arabian Sea. The principal languages spoken are Marathi, English, Hindi, Gujrati.
The capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai owes its name to Mumba Devi, the guardian deity of the city. It is the most cosmopolitan city with a pace of its own - which is often breakneck. It is exciting - jostling crowds, pot-holed roads, rattling suburban trains, pollution, traffic jams, high rise, beautiful people, Dharavi, the largest slum in the world et al.
A lot of excitement is because Bombay is "Bollywood", the 2nd largest producer of films in the world. The Marine Drive, the Mahalakshmi Temple, Fire Temple, the Victoria Temple, Gateway of India, are some of Mumbai's best places. You can go shopping in Bombay at Colaba Causeway, Chor bazaar, or Zaveri Bazar if you are on the lookout for some exquisite jewelry.The Elephanta Caves in Mumbai are a must see.
Closeby is the city of Pune where the famous Indian Film and Television Institute and the Max Mueller Center for German Studies is situated. At nearby Nasik, considered to be one of the 7 most sacred cities of the Hindus, the Kumbh Mela is held to commemorate the churning of the ocean by the Gods and demons.
The capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai owes its name to Mumba Devi, the guardian deity of the city. It is the most cosmopolitan city with a pace of its own - which is often breakneck. It is exciting - jostling crowds, pot-holed roads, rattling suburban trains, pollution, traffic jams, high rise, beautiful people, Dharavi, the largest slum in the world et al.
A lot of excitement is because Bombay is "Bollywood", the 2nd largest producer of films in the world. The Marine Drive, the Mahalakshmi Temple, Fire Temple, the Victoria Temple, Gateway of India, are some of Mumbai's best places. You can go shopping in Bombay at Colaba Causeway, Chor bazaar, or Zaveri Bazar if you are on the lookout for some exquisite jewelry.The Elephanta Caves in Mumbai are a must see.
Closeby is the city of Pune where the famous Indian Film and Television Institute and the Max Mueller Center for German Studies is situated. At nearby Nasik, considered to be one of the 7 most sacred cities of the Hindus, the Kumbh Mela is held to commemorate the churning of the ocean by the Gods and demons.
Gateway of India - is the icon of Mumbai. It was designed by Wittet and is built in the 16 th century architectural style of Gujarat. The structure was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and
Queen Mary to India in 1911. The Gate was formally opened in 1924. Today it is a famous haunt for residents of Mumbai.
Ajanta Caves - Till the 19th century, these caves were hidden under thick forest growth. These caves are the representation of Buddhist philosophy which were etched on the walls of the caves. The caves were built between 2nd century B.C to 7th century A.D. The 30 Chaityas and Viharas have paintings which illustrate the life and incarnations of Buddha.
Each morning the sun breaks over the Konark temple, bringing to life one of the most beautiful states of India- Orissa. The Sun Temple, also known as the black pagoda, was constructed in the 13th century AD. It was conceived as a celestial chariot of the Sun God, drawn on 12 pairs of elaborately ornated wheels, driven by seven spirited horses.
The temple, in its exceptional sense of proportion and its near perfect execution of postures of the icons, reflects the aesthetic and architectural vision of the people of the land. Blessed with the creativity of thousands of artists who have given expression to the miles of unspoilt coastline, lakes, ancient monuments, temples through their artisanship, Orissa is a land of plenty.
The beauty of Orissa unravels like a story through its monuments, landscape and the history. Kalinga, as Orissa was known in ancient times, remained unconquered till King Ashoka captured this state. Shattered by the bloodshed, he denounced the world to follow the path of Buddhism. Today, a sense of calmness and peace winds through the air, like the notes of a flute, filling one with joy.
Orissa has preserved its past in about 500 exquisitely carved temples and monuments. Pilgrims looking for peace and happiness throng Bhubaneshwar and Puri. The annual rath yatra has for years attracted devotees from India and abroad. Konark or the Black Pagoda, with its gorgeous Sun temple, is famous for the beautiful and quite explicit erotic imagery. Lake Chilika is an attraction not only to the tourists but also to the migratory birds. This lake is a treasure house of aquatic flora and fauna.
The temple, in its exceptional sense of proportion and its near perfect execution of postures of the icons, reflects the aesthetic and architectural vision of the people of the land. Blessed with the creativity of thousands of artists who have given expression to the miles of unspoilt coastline, lakes, ancient monuments, temples through their artisanship, Orissa is a land of plenty.
The beauty of Orissa unravels like a story through its monuments, landscape and the history. Kalinga, as Orissa was known in ancient times, remained unconquered till King Ashoka captured this state. Shattered by the bloodshed, he denounced the world to follow the path of Buddhism. Today, a sense of calmness and peace winds through the air, like the notes of a flute, filling one with joy.
Orissa has preserved its past in about 500 exquisitely carved temples and monuments. Pilgrims looking for peace and happiness throng Bhubaneshwar and Puri. The annual rath yatra has for years attracted devotees from India and abroad. Konark or the Black Pagoda, with its gorgeous Sun temple, is famous for the beautiful and quite explicit erotic imagery. Lake Chilika is an attraction not only to the tourists but also to the migratory birds. This lake is a treasure house of aquatic flora and fauna.
Mukteswara Temple - was built in the 10th century. It is well known for its stone arch at the entrance and is richly sculpted. With tales from the Panchatantra carved on it, the temple is a magnificent example of Orissan architecture.
Rajasthan is a place where cities pink and gold have been built over ashes of the dead. Citadels and fortresses, palaces and ramparts have sprung up in between the sands of the Thar, the great Indian desert that stretches through the western half of Rajasthan. The desert lands are framed by the 700 km craggy heights of the Aravallis, cutting the land in half. To the east of the Aravallis, Rajasthan grows its cotton in an agriculturally rich alluvial soil.
Rajasthan is a land of ornate architecture, decorative palaces, wide expanses of water and summer palaces on islands. The fortresses are steeped in memories: women who preferred mass suicide rather than fall into the hands of the enemy. Warrior clans are bound by inviolable codes of honour and chivalry; the Rajput pride and chivalry are a part of folklore.
Rajasthan is a land of ornate architecture, decorative palaces, wide expanses of water and summer palaces on islands. The fortresses are steeped in memories: women who preferred mass suicide rather than fall into the hands of the enemy. Warrior clans are bound by inviolable codes of honour and chivalry; the Rajput pride and chivalry are a part of folklore.
In Jaipur, is the enchanting Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, tier upon tier of curved arch surmounting fairy casements with ornamental screens. The imposing gate of the City Palace is guarded by stone elephants. At the entrance of the palace, stands the Jantar Mantar, the largest and best preserved observatories built by Maharaja Jaisingh. The Rambagh PalacePushkar, site of the biggest cattle fair in Rajasthan, is a brief 14 km from Ajmer. Chittorgarh fort is remembered for its association with the saint princess Mirabai and Padmini's Palace a pavilion where Alauddin Khilji saw the glimpse of the princess. Rana Kumbha's Vijai Stumbh stands in memory of a solitary victory. The Sawai Madhopur forest retreat and the Ranthanhor sanctuary are major tourist attractions once a royal home is now a fabulous hotel.
Ranthambhor sanctuary - The Ranthambhor National Park certainly is one of the most picturesque game reserves in the world - the entire forest being dominated by the silent, ruined battlements of the Ranthambhor Fort, which is inside the sanctuary. Another interesting feature of the park is a huge banyan tree - supposedly one of the world's largest - near the graceful Jogi Mahal water palace.
The shore temple at Mahabalipuram sculpted from a single rock, shows enthralling scenes of everyday life.The circular Church of Little Mount, Theosophical Society are good examples of an amalgam of Hindu and Christian Architecture. The Government Museum and Art Gallery have a good archaeological section and an excellent selection of South Indian Bronzes.
Meenakshi temple - of Madurai is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with gopurams or multi pillared halls, covered from top to bottom, in a profusion of multicoloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The temple can be entered from any of the four sides. It occupies an area of around six hectares. The museum or the Temple Art Gallery, is located within the temple and has beautiful stone and brass images, examples of South Indian scripts and friezes.
Most of Uttar Pradesh consists of the vast Ganges plain, an area which often floods during the monsoons. In stark contrast to the plains, the scenic north-western corner has hill stations which offers some of the best trekking opportunities. The main languages spoken here are Hindi, Urdu and English.
Agra Fort - The high red sandstone ramparts of this great monument stretch for almost 2.5 km, dominating a bend in the river Yamuna, northwest of the Taj Mahal. The foundation of this majestic citadel was laid by the Emperor Akbar, and it developed as a stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations.
Bara Imambara - Built in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf ud Daula in Lucknow, it provided food to the famine-stricken subjects of the Nawab. The monument is known for its simplicity of style, sheer proportion and symmetry.
Chota Imambara - of Lucknow is also known as the Hussainabad Imambara, it was built by Mohammad Ali Shah as a mausoleum for himself. It is set inside a beautiful garden with a raised water reservoir in front of it. It is flanked by two replicas of the Taj Mahal inside which are the remains of Ali Shah's daughter and her husband. The main building is a domed structure with many exquisite turrets and minarets.
Chota Imambara - of Lucknow is also known as the Hussainabad Imambara, it was built by Mohammad Ali Shah as a mausoleum for himself. It is set inside a beautiful garden with a raised water reservoir in front of it. It is flanked by two replicas of the Taj Mahal inside which are the remains of Ali Shah's daughter and her husband. The main building is a domed structure with many exquisite turrets and minarets.
The climate is, however, hot - blame the climate for the Bengali's hotheadedness. The rains come around July. But it is hot and sweaty all the year round. However, Darjeeling, the most popular hill station of the region, and its surrounding areas, prove a respite. Wonderfully cool, its landscape is aweinspiring. Here, the Himalayan Mountaineering Museum, Ghoom Buddhist Monastery and the Singlaa bazaar are major attractions. Kalimpong is another beautiful little town. The dawn breaking over Kanchenjunga, horse riding, tea gardens and treks, all the expectations of a hilly holiday are fulfilled. West Bengal, thus promises you both plains and mountain peaks.
Calcutta, the capital, is a city not to be missed. Its varied past has a way of lingering on in unexpected corners. The Victoria Memorial at one end of Chowringhee is a marble monument to commemorate Queen Victoria's India. The Botanical Gardens is full of a wonderful variety of tropical plants. The Eden Gardens stretching over acres of lush green grass is the famous cricket field. A two-day-one-night cruise to the mangrove forests of the Sunderbans entails spending nights in a forest bungalow on stilts and the chance to see the Royal Bengal Tiger. Digha, the beach resort of Calcutta, is easily accessible by road and a wonderful getaway.
Calcutta, the capital, is a city not to be missed. Its varied past has a way of lingering on in unexpected corners. The Victoria Memorial at one end of Chowringhee is a marble monument to commemorate Queen Victoria's India. The Botanical Gardens is full of a wonderful variety of tropical plants. The Eden Gardens stretching over acres of lush green grass is the famous cricket field. A two-day-one-night cruise to the mangrove forests of the Sunderbans entails spending nights in a forest bungalow on stilts and the chance to see the Royal Bengal Tiger. Digha, the beach resort of Calcutta, is easily accessible by road and a wonderful getaway.
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