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Major Touristic Destination In India

The Metropolitant Cities
Regions & States
South India
Central India
Ladakh
Sikkim & Darjeeling

 

The Metropolitan Cities

Delhi

Delhi is the capital city of India. It has been ruled by a series of Hindu and Muslim dynasties and later the British. Who imparted their style to it. Delhi abounds in architectural wonders. Every part of Delhi every building is worth looking at, it includes wonders like.

Qutub Minar (A 73 meter high tower)

Jantar Mantar (An ancient observatory)

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Standing on the Yamuna, the red sandstone palace complex extends for 2 kms The fort gardens and palaces still offer a heaven of peace away from noise and confusion of the city.

Jama Masjid (The largest Mosque in India)

This imposing structure of vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble can house 20,000 devotees at a time.

President's House (Rashtrapati Bhawan)

Topped by a huge dome and has the most beautiful garden of India. The Mughal Garden which sprawls over 130 hectares.

Bombay

The capital city of the state of Maharashtra is commercial capital of the country. It is a constellation of seven islands, and is the busiest metropolis in India. It has an intriguing

mixture of extremes-richness poverty, traditions & modernity urban & suburban. Bombay

is the home of prolific Indian Film Industry and generates most of the wealth from it. The city

offers places like.

Gateway of India

Built to commemorate the visit of King George V. Prince of Wales Museum – Commemorates George V's first visit to India. It houses collection of Indian sculpture, miniature paintings and Nepalese & Tibetan art.

Elephanta Caves

Famous for rock-out cave temples the cluster of islands earlier known as Gharapuri (the Fortress City), was renamed Elephanta after the imposing sculpture of an

elephant at the landing place.

Madras

India's fourth largest city, Madras was the site of East India Company's first settlement.

Centre of the South Indian film industry, culture, art and education. Attractions in the city

include Fort St. George built in 1653 by the British Government and High Court Buildings.

The Marina Beach, a sandy stretch often said to be the longest in the world. Ice House near

the Aquarium on the beachfront, where blocks of ice from the Great Lakes in USA, was

shipped for refrigeration purposes by the British. Guindy National Park which hosts the

world's only collection of Black Buck (Indian antelope).

CalcuttaVictoria Memorial, Calcutta

Another busy metropolis of India is located on the west Bank of Holy river. It houses an enormous establishment with a seemingly permanent population living on the platforms.

It offers:

Victoria Memorial

Huge marble museum built in 1921 is a combination of classical European architecture and Mughal motifs

The Indian Museum

Founded in 1814 on the basis of the collection of Asiatic Society, is one of the largest and most impressive museums in India. It has superb collection of stuffed crocodiles, archaeology and sculpture items.

St. Paul's Cathedral – Built between 1839 and 1847 was the first Church of England cathedral

to be built in British Empire.

Kali Temple

Also known as Kalighat is an important centre of Hindu pilgrimage

The Marble Palace

Presents an eccentric collection of statues and paintings, including work by Reubens and Sri Joshua Reynold.

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Regions & StatesCamel Safari In Rajasthan.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a land where the past still lives on the on - and it is a glorious past too. It has something for almost everykind of traveller - for those looking for an active, action - packed holiday there are several places which allow one to enjoy the great outdoors, there is trekking, there are horse and camel safaris through desert stands or along the Aravalls - the oldest mountain range in India. Take a royal tour and live like Maharaja or spend a peaceful and quite holiday in one of the several off - beat destinations in historic towns, wildlife lovers can spot tigers and other rare species in various wildlife sanctuaries.

Jaipur

The rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts. The Maharaj's palace stands in the centre of the city amidst lovely gardens. Jaipur is aptly called the "Pink City of India". It takes its name from the famous Maharana Sawai Jai Singh, who founded the city in 1728. Jaipur is noted for its craftsman skilled in art of cutting precious

stones and famed for its garnets and rubies. It is equally well known for brass inlay work, lacquer work and printing of muslins. Jaipur's main attractions are Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Central Museum & Amer Samode – Among the magnificent edifices that adorn the region of Rajasthan Samode Palace stands apart in serene splendour.

Mandawa

The medieval fort of Mandawa gradually rise on the horizon like mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. It prides in the collection of arms with jade handles & traditional ceremonial costumes.

Bikaner

Stands on the northern tip of the desert triangle. Junagadh Fort, is the main attraction of Bikaner. It houses a museum of valuable miniature paintings and other rare items that several centuries old.

Jaisalmer

It is a city of sheer magic & brilliance of the Desert. The places of interest include Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli each famous for its intricately latticed & conspicuous facades.

Jodhpur

Stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded by a strong wall. Dominating the city is a massive fortress. Sightseeing of Jodhpur includes visits to the Fort, Palaces, Armoury & Jaswant Thada.

Ranakpur

160 kms from UdaiPur is the remarkable complex of Jain Temple consists of 29 hills & 426 pillars full of sculptural decoration. No two pillars are alike.

Udaipur

Stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the Banks of the Lake Pichola. Among the shores of the lake is the palace of the Maharana. The places of Interest are-City Palace, Sahelion Ki Bari, Ekilingji & Nagda Temples, Jagdish Temple, Boat Ride on Lake Pichola & Gulab Niwas Garden.

Mount Abu

It is famous for the celebrated Dilwara Temples sacred to the Jains. Containing some of the finest sculptures & carvings in India.

Chittaurgarh

The Chittor Fort reposes on a rocky hill which rises steeply from the town. Behind every stone is some tale of Heroism and Romance. Bundi – It has most picturesque location isolated & independent that it appears like a miniature. It presents one of the finest example of Rajput Architecture.

Pushkar

It is a town of Religious activity. On full moon thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake. Colourful bazaars are set up, camels are paraded & also bought & sold.

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South India

The cradle of Dravidian civilization, South India is a sharp contrast to North, with distinct differences in its people, lifestyle, architecture, culture and language. Comprising the states

of Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it has everything for everybody. Quaint temple cities, beautiful places, misty hill stations and un-spoilt beaches.

Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu)

This 7th century city was the flourishing port and second capital of the Pallava Kings. Th e five rathas and the Shore Temple are some of the most beautiful edifices to ancient architecture at Mahabalipuram.

Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)

The city of thousand temples. Considered the second holiest place in India. It is also renowned for its silk fabrics and sarees.

Pondicherry (Tamil Nadu)

Formerly a French colony, this union territory has the world famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram & contains the Matri Mandir, designed to be the spiritual centre of Auroville.

Tanjore (Tamil Nadu)

Capital of the Chola Emperors. It holds one of the finest temples in India. The Brihadeeswarar Temple dedicated to Shiva with a massive Shivalinga.

Madurai (Tamil Nadu)

One of the most ancient cities in India it is renowned for the Meenakshi Temple.

Periyar (Kerala)

Originally called the Nellikampatty sanctuary has wonderful collection of animals and birds.

Kovalam (Kerala)

Situated 13 kms south of Trivandrum, it is one of the best beaches in India. This peaceful health resort has a beauty of its own with small palm fringed bays separated by rocky headlands, pale sands, gentle surf and lush greenery.

Cochin (Kerala)

The 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' it has an ancient maritime history. Now the commercial capital of Kerala, the city is famous for its natural harbour.

Kumarakom (Kerala)

This tourist complex has unique house boats, trains, motor boats & water sport facilities. Here, visitors can hire house boats for cruises.

Bangalore (Karnataka)

This city gets its name from Banga-Luru meaning the "Village of boiled beans". Well planned gardens, cool avenues, shopping arcades, pubs, discotheques and pleasant climate are its hallmarks.

Mysore (Karnataka)

The 'sandalwood city' of India. This city still retains the quiet aura and grandeur of the Wodeyar royalty which ruled from here. The most resplendent time in Mysore is during the Dusserah festival.

Hassan (Karnataka)

It makes the perfect base from which to explore the riches of the temples of Belur, Halebid and Shranvanbelagola.

Hampi (Karnataka)

The ruling seat of the Vijaynagar Empire. Its ruins give a very good idea of the power and glory of this 14th century dynasty.

Badami (Karnataka)

Cradled in a canyon, it was the Chalukyan capital in the 6th & 8 th century. Five cave temples cut into the redsandstone cliffs and overlooking the 5th century Agasthyathirtha tank form the chief attraction here.

Goa

A former Portuguese domain which retains much of its colonial flavour. The white churches and ruins, the Goan carnival the laid back way of life, the white sandy palm fringed beaches everything lends a special touch of the exotic to this place.

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Central India Sign Of Love.

This is really the heart of India. Through the mysticism of Varanasi, the eroticism of the Khajuraho Temples and the opulence of Agra's Taj Mahal. This tour definitely takes one

through varied experiences, from the exotic to the most enchanting.

Agra (Uttar Pradesh)

The city of architectural magnificence. The capital of Mughals in the 16 th and the 17th century, Agra still remains the ambience of rich and elegant past. Immortalised by Taj Mahal, the world's most famous monument of love.

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)

Described as the 'Pearl in he necklace of the castles' of India, it has played a great role in the history of India. Gwalior played an important part under the leadership of Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi.

Orcha (Madhya Pradesh)

Had the distinction of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. Its one of the finest examples of Bundela architecture.

Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)

Known for its elaborately sculpted temples depicting every aspect of Indian life ten centuries ago. Well preserved, the sculptures depict Gods, Goddesses, Warriors, Animals and Amorous couples. It is also an host to the increasingly popular annual Khajuraho dance festival.

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

The eternal city, the most sacred pilgrim centre in India and a major tourist attraction. Varanasi is at its best at break of dawn and at dusk when chanting ring through the air and sacred lamps afloat light up the water. The city is well known for its silk and cotton handlooms.

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LadakhLadakh "Little Tibet".

Sometimes referred to as "Moon land" it derives its name from "La Tags" in Tibetan. Enshrined in glorious history and abounding in monasteries, Ladakh is among the most beautiful places in the world and also among the most elevated regions at 3513m above sea level. Situated on the western end of Himalayas, Ladakh has four major mountain ranges—The Great Himalayas, Zanskar, Ladakh and the Karakoram. A maze of enormously high snow capped peaks and the largest glaciers outside the polar region dominate the terrain where valley heights range from a mere 8,000 feet to 15,000 feet while passes of up to 20,000 feet and peaks reaching above 25,000 feet can be seen all around. The world's largest glacier (72 km) Siachen is here.

Shey

Situated on a hillock 15 km upstream from Leh. It was one of the residences of the Royal family.

Thiksey

19 kms from Leh and spectacularly sighted, it is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas.

Hemis

40 kms from Leh it is the wealthiest best known and biggest gompa of Ladakh. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held in summer.

Alchi

70 kms from Leh on the banks of the Indus is the Alchi Gompa. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attractions.

Lamayuru

The oldest holy city in Ladakh, it was a bon shrine prior to the advent of Buddhism. Also known as Yung Drug (swastika). For sheer spectacle value no other gompa can match Lamayuru.

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Sikkim & Darjeeling Monastry In Sikkim.

The town of Darjeeling is famed for its tea and tea gardens. Valley away from Sikkim, It was under Sikkimese Raja until the beginning of the 18th century. The British East India Company acquired concession of the area after the invasion of Gurkhas from Nepal and set up a sanitarium for its troops. Darjeeling flourished rapidly with its tea gardens. It still retains the Victorian charm of the bygone British era.

Discerning traveller’s delight, Sikkim remains one of the exclusive destinations in the world. Nestled between Bhutan and Nepal in the Himalayas, its soaring peaks, plunging valleys and varied bio-diversity have much to offer to the visitors. Sikkim was an independent Kingdom till 1974. Then after , it was seized by India.

With special permits visit to Gangtok for two weeks trekking trip up to Drongri for 10-12 days is

permitted. Best trekking time is from April to December. Worth a visit is the 200 year old Enchey

Monastery approximately 3 kms away from Gangtok town specially during the religious dances that are performed in the December. Other monasteries are Pemayangtse and Tashiding monastery, the second oldest monastery in Sikkim which belongs to Nyingmapa sect. Other places visit worthy include Tsuk La Khang, the royal chapel, a repository of a large collection of scriptures. Institute of Tibetology and one of world’s duct research on languages and traditions of Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. It houses one of the world’s largest collection of books and rare manuscripts, religious works of art and silk thangkas.

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