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| Agra |
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Agra was once the capital of the Mughal empire and even today it seems to linger in the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with their passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world.Akbar's grandson ornamented the city with that masterpiece of Mughal architecture -the Taj Mahal and built several other beautiful buildings within the Agra Fort.
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| Ahmedabad |
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Ahmedabad, the city of Ahmed Shah (Medieval ruler of Gujarat), is known for its rich past and its association with the Mahatma (Great Soul), also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Ahmedabad city offers the traveler a unique style of architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles (Indo-Saracenic style of architecture). Presently Ahmedabad is famous for its textile mills and is often referred to as the 'Manchester of the East'.
Ahmedabad is a colorful city where one can enjoy the better things of life, be it food or amusement. The Walled City in Ahmedabad takes one down the memory lane, making one aware of the city's glorious past. Ahmedabad has got numerous places of interest for tourists, ranging from monuments to amusement parks. The charm of the various museums, mosques, and forts complements the simplicity of the Ahmedabad city. |
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| Ajmer |
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Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer ( According to Lunar Calendar ): Held in the memory of the revered Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, it is an occasion for thousands of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several programmes are organized to mark the festivals
The lakeside city of Ajmer is located in central Rajasthan, and is held in great reverence by devotees of all communities who call it 'Ajmer Sharif' (Holy Ajmer). It is here that the mortal remains of the highly respected Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti lie buried.
The Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishtia order of fakirs in India. He is popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (protector of the poor) because he dedicated his entire life to the service of mankind. His spartan life spanned almost a hundred years and he embraced death in solitude while he had withdrawn to his cell for six days, asking not to be disturbed.
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| Amritsar |
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Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travellers coming to India on the overland route from central Asia it soon became the centre of various commercial activities. There are various historical and religious sites - see Amritsar City Map. The most famous of them all in the Golden Temple which was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev.
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| Aurangabad |
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The city of Aurangabad was founded in 1610, on the site of a village, Khirki by Malik Ambar - the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son succeeded him in 1626, he gave the city the name 'Fatehpur'. Later in 1653, when Prince Aurangazeb became Viceroy of the Deccan, he made the city his capital and called it Aurangabad. The walls, which enclose the central part of the city, were added by Aurangazeb in 1686 in order to withstand attacks from the Marathas. There are four principle gateways to the city - the Delhi Darwaza, the Jalna Darwaza, the Paithan Darwaza and the Mecca Darwaza. Nine secondary gateways also formed a part of the defences of the city.
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| Bangalore |
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The capital of the state of Karnataka is located around 2000 km southwest of the capital of India, New Delhi. It is the 5th Metropolitan City in the country and is graced by a heady blend of history and technology.
Bangalore has been called by many names. At first it was the "The Garden City of India", then, "The Neon City", "The Pub City of India", "Fashion Capital of India" and lately it has been known as "India's Silicon Valley". Bangalore is also known as "Stone City" thanks to its huge granite deposits. It is famous for fine silk, flowers and fruits such as grapes, guava and mangoes.
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| Bhubaneshwar |
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Bhubaneswar traces its history back to the 4th century BC, when it was the capital of the Kalinga Empire. In the 7th century, it became the capital of the Sailodbhava kings, and that is when its Golden Age began. Over the next 500 years, over 7,000 temples were built around the Bindu Sagar, or Ocean-drop Tank. This great architectural tradition, encouraged by the sects that evolved here, flourished right up to the 17th century. In contemporary times Bhubaneswar has became the capital of Orissa, a state with considerable hydro-electric power resources
Bhubaneswar is famed as a temple town, noted for its numerous temples built in the exuberant Oriya style. Once there were believed to be over 7,000 temples, but today approximately 500 survive, the most interesting being the Lingaraja Temple, one of the most important temples in India.
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| Bikaner |
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This city lies on the northern point of the triangle of desert cities. Bikaner is another royal walled city dating back to 1486 AD. It was, however, a major trade centre as it stood on the ancient caravan route which linked central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports. While other cities of Rajasthan are rich in lakes and pleasure pavilions, Bikaner seems quite bare in that respect. Given its severe climatic conditions, the wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples.
This desert town in the north of the state was founded on 1488 by Rao bika, a descendant of Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. Like many others in Rajasthan, the old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall and like Jaisalmer, it was once an important staging post on the great caravan trade routes. Bikaner is now becoming more and more popular with travellers. Bikaner has a superb fort, camel safaris and 30 kms to the south is the extraordinary Karni Mata temple where thousands of holy rats are worshipped.
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| Chandigarh |
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Chandigarh, the capital of the states of the Punjab and Haryana set at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, was planned by the French architect Le Corbusier after India’s independence. The young-at-heart, fast-growing and progressive city is striking for its urban planning, impressive buildings with brise-soleil facades, well-organized sectors and broad tree-lined avenues
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| Chennai |
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Chennai (formerly known as Madras), is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is the fourth largest metropolis in India. Modern Chennai grew out of a small fishing village called Madraspatnam, when the East India Company chose the location for a new settlement way back in 1639.
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| Cochin |
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More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake.
Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world.
It is this natural advantage that has made Lochi a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land.
The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish have all left their mark here.
The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese Fishing nets, and other remnants of European and Asian architecture merge smoothly into the traditional fabric of the seaport city.
Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local several quaint spots.
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| Corbett |
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Corbett National Park is also quite rich in avian population, perhaps one of the richest in India. According to a survey conducted by the Zoological Survey of India team, there are about 600 birds species in Corbett National Park, comprising of both domestic as well as migratory birds. Some of the most prominent birds found in the Corbett National Park are Cormorants, Darter, Grey Heron, Egrets, Cattle Egret, White-necked and Black-necked Storks, Large Pied Wagtail, Parrots, Mynas to name a few. The exciting and rewarding wildlife safaris are another major attractions in Corbett National Park. You can enjoy a unique and unforgettable elephant safari in Corbett to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the park. The savannah grassland locally known as maidan, provide refuse to Chital, Sambar and other deer species, attracting the majestic Tigers and if you are lucky you can spot a tiger in its own natural habitat. Jeeps Safari is another big attraction for the wildlife lovers visiting Corbett National Park. This is the safest and the most convenient way to explore the verdant jungles even deep inside the Park. In addition, there are many watchtowers and machans at Dhikala, Phulai and Jhirna, which provide an excellent platform for the wildlife viewing in Corbett. The park also houses a Visitor Centre and a Museum, displaying the exhibits and models relating to the history and biodiversity of Corbett National Park.
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| Darjeeling |
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It is said that the best tea in the world comes from India. It will not be too much of an exaggeration to say that the best tea in India comes from Darjeeling. Indeed to most of the dedicated tea drinkers in Britain, Darjeeling is synonymous with `Orange Pekoe' tea. For the senior generation,
Darjeeling will also evoke memories of the sahibs of the Raj spending the unbearably hot summers of the Indian plains in the cool and pleasant surroundings of hill resorts like Darjeeling. For today's Indians, among other hill stations, it is a place where the heroes and heroines of Indian masala films chase each other, singing romantic songs, amidst breath-taking scenery
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| Delhi |
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The city of Delhi has a majestic and imperial past, which is evident of the rise and fall of many empires before the dawn of history. The history of Delhi started with the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas and the transformation of this city of the Kauravas.A history, which still remembers the various kings and emperors who established their royal citadels of Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, and Shahjahanabad.All these cities were altogether called Delhi. India tours and travel takes you on a tour to Delhi where you can visit the ancient monuments which bring alive the history of the past. The history of Delhi is 5,000-year-old and the eternal Jamuna River bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous history. The city of Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial influence. The historic structure of the Old Fort or Purana Qila has stood witness to the restoration of the city of Delhi, the periods of anarchy, and the rise & fall of empires, which bring alive history of Delhi. After Shah Jahan built Red Fort the attention of administration shifted to gorgeous palaces of the fort. The Old Fort still reminds us of the splendors and lavish life style of the bygone era. The history of Delhi has seen the death of many empires and resisted bloody attempts to eliminate her. Nadir Shah who had ordered his soldiers to plunder and massacre Delhi.
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| Ernakulam |
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Tourism in Kerala, offers travel tours and on line booking opportunities to places of tourist interests in Ernakulam, located in Kerala, South India. Tourism in Kerala, and a travel tour to tourist sites in Ernakulam, Kerala, South India, provides the tourist with an in depth look into the prime travel destinations in Kerala, and Ernakulam or the Kerala beaches, located in South India. Kerala backwaters, as a travel tour to Kerala, South India, would showcase, have Kochi or Ernakulam as their prime beaches in the whole network of streams, lakes, lagoons and the attendant keelawi like golden beaches.
As a travel tour to Ernakulam, located in Kerala, South India, would showcase that one of its major areas of real significance is the Kuttanad region, which is known all across the country as the rice bowl of Kerala, South India. Kuttanad, located in Kerala, South India, is also one of those areas, which have initiated cultivation by limiting the sea to man-desired boundaries.
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| Goa |
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Goa - a place where you can see sun, sand and sea, all creating a rare picture of beauty. Here you can explore countless beaches, which offer a sense of joie de vivre to all the visitors. Go to Goa once and you are in for a repeat journey. The coastal splendor of Goa can be felt in its sun kissed sea beaches, which are haunted for their tranquil yet fascinating setting. Ideal for perfect holidaying, Goa beaches are sure to make an irresistible impact on your mind.
The beaches of Goa are the highlights of travel in this state, making Goa the premier beach vacation destination. The first beach stop over in Goa is Anjuna beach also famous for its flea market and rave parties, then visit Baga and Dona Paula beaches that can make any beach holiday a memorable one. All in all Goa's 100-km long coastline gives an enthusiastic beach lover an opportunity to discover new secluded beach sites every day.
Unforgettable Goa, a heady blend of serenity and excitement down a 100 km coastline, studded with some of the world's most beautiful beaches - Calangute, Colva, Baga, Dona Paula, Bogmalo. Idyllic seaside stretches where you create your own kind of holiday. Sun bathing in quiet secluded spot or choosing the exhilarating thrills of parasailing, speed boating, water skiing, wind surfing and deep-sea diving. For the Goans, life is a celebration to the melody of guitars and mellow songs. A feast of its famous cuisine and a spirit of joyous fun.
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| Gurgaon |
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Gurgaon is the most rapidly developing colonnade of Greater Delhi. Gurgaon located in the National Capital Region. It's lies close to the International and the Domestic Airport. Gurgaon has emerged as the hub of IT and other new-age businesses. Its proximity to the national capital of Delhi is an added advantage. Gurgaon enjoys all the facilities available in Delhi. Gurgaon is home to offices of several MNCs. The Gurgaon district of Haryana has several places of tourist interest like the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Damdama Lake and Shama. Gurgaon is well linked by rail and road to Delhi, Faridabad and Jaipur.
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| Gwalior |
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In the extreme north-west of Madhya Pradesh, only a few hours from Agra by train or road, Gwalior is famous for its very old and very large fort. Within the fort walls there are a number of interesting temples and ruined palaces. The dramatic colourful history of the great fort certainly goes back over a thousand years.
Gwalior's legendary beginning stems from a meeting between Suraj Sen and the hermit Gwalipa, who lived on the hilltop where the fort stands. The hermit cured Suraj Sen of leprosy with a drink of water from the Suraj Kund, which still remains in the fort. Then he gave him a new name, Suhan Pal, and said his descendants would remain in power so long as they kept the name Pal. His next 83 descendants did just that but number 84 changed his name to Tej Karan and, you guessed it, goodbye kingdom.
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| Hyderabad |
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Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh is a bustling 400-year-old metropolis with an urban population of 4.2 million people approximately. The city is cosmopolitan, and is richly endowed with a variety of cultures. The city presents an attractive amalgam of old world charm together with ebullience of growth and enterprise. Beautiful old edifices built in the medieval, large glass and chrome temples of commerce.
The history of Hyderabad begins with the establishment of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Quli Qutub Shah seized the reins of power from the Bahamani Kingdom in 1512 and established the fortress city of Golconda. Inadequacy of water, and frequent epidemics of plague and cholera persuaded Mohammed, the fifth Quli Qutub Shahi ruler to venture outward to establish the new city with the Charminar at its center and with four great roads fanning out in the four cardinal directions
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| Jaipur |
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The history of the Pink City of Jaipur dates back to the 18th century, during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It was after it became difficult to accommodate the increasing population at Amber (which is about 11 kilometres from Jaipur), Sawai Jai Singh was in search of safe and secure place to built a new city. The paucity of water at Amber further aggravated the problem of increasing population.
It was in 1727, Swai Jai Singh with his architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya founded the Jaipur city. The city was built adhering to the principles of Shilpa Shastra and thus become the first planned city of India. The city follows grid system with wide straight roads, streets and lanes. One can find uniform rows of shops on either side of main roads. As a security measure from external aggression, the city was en-circled with a strong wall with seven gates.
Jaipur is still one of the beautiful cities in India with most of its forts and palaces perfectly in shape. Forts and palaces in and around Jaipur are what attract tourists to the Pink City. Jaipur has a number of fine hotels that provide best hospitality service to guests touring Jaipur. Jaipur Hub offers complete information on Jaipur and online booking for hotels in Jaipur. Discover the architectural wonders of Jaipur with Jaipur Hub.
Jaipur Hub offers a number of tour packages to Jaipur and provides online booking facility for tours to Jaipur. For online booking or more information please fill up the form given below.
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| Jaisalmer |
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The history of spectacular Jaisalmer can be traced back to 1156 A.D., when Rawal Jaisal established his kingdom in the middle of the massive and arid Thar Desert.
A descendant of the Yadu Vamsi clan, Rawal Jaisal was a Bhatti Rajput. The Bhatti Rajputs were more than courageous; bards still sing praises of their inimitable courage and valor. According to historical records, one Gaj Singh of the Bhatti Rajput clan established his supremacy in Ghazni, Afghanisthan, though he lost it to Khorasan forces in the later years. One of his grandsons recaptured Ghazni, embraced Islam and came to be known as the Chagatta clan. Babar, a descendant of the Chagattas established the Mughal dynasty in India.
According to a popular legend, Lord Krishna had prophesized that a descendant of the Yadav clan would establish his bastion atop the Trikuta hill and true to his prediction Rawal Jaisal built the massive Jaisalmer Fort on top of the Trikuta hillock.
Jaisalmer became an important city on the Rajasthan map during the medieval era as it lay on a crucial and flourishing foreign trade route that connected India to Egypt, Persia, Arabia, Africa and the West. The kingdom of Jaisalmer supposedly amassed riches by imposing heavy tariffs on passing camel caravans carrying silks, spices and other precious items for trade from one continent to the other.
Courage, valor and regal determination turned Jaisalmer into one of the most powerful Rajasthan states that survived inspite of being a waterless land. In fact entire Jaisalmer had just one water source in the olden days and that was the manmade Gadi Sagar Tank.
The history of Jaisalmer is marked by royal intrigues, wars and desert romances. Jaisalmer lost its importance as an important caravanserai after the development of Mumbai ports. Jaisalmer was a lost chapter till two crucial Indo-Pak wars that reinforced Jaisalmer's importance as a border state.
Come and explore this enchanting land with Rajasthan Holiday and discover for yourself the secret of Jaisalmer's undying spirit.
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| Jodhpur |
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In 1459, Rao Jodha of the famous Rathore clan of the Rajputs moved the capital of the Marwar principality several kilometers from the vulnerable site of Mandore to a gigantic steep-sided escarpment, where he named his new capital after himself. Thus was born Jodhpur. He built a highly barricaded fort which proved virtually impregnable, and the city soon become a great center of trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the Delhi - Gujarat trade route. As a result prosperity reigned supreme in the region.
However, the ecstasy was not without agony. The progress and prosperity invited the jealousy of the Mughals who also coveted the riches and the territory of the once largest Rajput state in Rajasthan. But given the impregnability of the fort and his policy of maintaining harmonious relations with the Rajputs, the Mughal Emperor Akbar thought it prudent not to attack the principality and instead entered into marriage alliance with the Rathores. A marriage alliance between Udai Singh's sister and Akbar in 1561 ensured the most friendly of terms.
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| Khajuraho |
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The Ancient dynasties are often covered in a veil of mystery, largely because written records are rare and, as is often the case in India, myth and legend weave their way over time into the history of their origin and their reign. And when the dynasty leaves a legacy as contradictory as the Khajuraho temples, with their mix of the religious and the sensuous, the web is woven of brighter threads, the accompanying legends more colourful. Khajuraho or 'Khajur-vahika' (bearer of date palms), also known as 'Khajjurpura' in ancient times, evidently derives its name from the golden date palms (khajur) that adorned its city gates and, if the different legendary versions are to be believed, it owes its existence to an enchanting maiden named Hemvati.
According to the account of the medieval court poet, Chandbardai, in the Mahoba-khand of his Prithviraj Raso, Hemvati was the beautiful daughter of Hemraj, the royal priest of Kashi (Varanasi). One summer night, while she was bathing in the sparkling waters of a lotus-filled pond, the Moon god was so awestruck by her beauty that he descended to earth in human form and ravished her. |
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| Kodaikanal |
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Kodaikanal has a history as old as time. Imprinted in the dolmens are the prehistoric stories of this ancient land. There are references to Kodaikanal in the Tamil Sangam literature of the early Christian era. In the historic times, the primitive tribes of Paliyans and Pulyans resided near the Palani Hills and their descendants still live here in scattered villages.
In 1821, the British Lieutenant Ward surveyed the Palani Hills. The survey revealed that the first inhabitants, the dolmen-builders, have left several visible artifacts of the ancient times. There are traces of the primitive tribes… the Pulyans were the aborigines and settled in the Palani Hills as agriculturists. They followed the Tamil culture. The Paliyans dwelled in the Kukkal caves.
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| Kolkata |
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We at India tours and travels take you on a tour to Kolkata, the city that has been the main center of British rule. The archaeological evidences which form a part of the history of Kolkata tell us that the city had a sophisticated civilization dating back 2000 years. In 1686 the British abandoned Hooghly and moved downriver to three small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur and Kalikata.
The Kolkata city continued to grow steadily until 1756, when Siraj-ud-daula, the nawab of Murshidabad, attacked the town. Most of the British inhabitants escaped, but those captured were packed into an underground cellar where, known as `the black hole of Calcutta'. In 1757 the British recaptured the city and made peace with the nawab. After Fort William was built in Kolkata the town became British India's capital. Much of Kolkata's most enduring development took place between 1780 and 1820. In the 19th century, Bengal became an important center in the struggle for Indian independence. In 1911 the capital was transferred from Kolkata to Delhi. The city of Kolkata is over 310 years old. When the Britishers ruled the earlier capital of Kolkata, it was known as the 'Jewel Of The East'.
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| Kovalam |
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The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. But the real fame as an ideal beach resort was won later for the Kovalam beach in the early Seventies with arrivals of the masses of 'Hippies'. It was a debut of the transformation of just a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in the world- the Kovalam beach. Now some foreign companies are bringing chartered tourists in a large number to Kovalam beach apart from the usual travelers, most of them are repeating travelers. |
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| Kufri |
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Some great Hiking, some skiing, some beautiful scenes and a cool environment that's what Kufri is all about. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure-seeking travelers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. The Skiing season spreads between November to February and the tourist inflow is at its peak during winters.
Kufri is a tiny hill station located 19-kms from Shimla on the National Highway No.22. It has a Himalayan Nature park and close by is the Indira Tourist Park with HPTDC's Cafe Lalit. Indira Park provides some great views of the nearby places. Here one can enjoy a Pony or a Yak Ride.
The region around Shimla including Kufri was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal. This region remained obscure from the rest of the world until the British 'discovered' it in 1819. The British made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and it remained so until 1939. As Shimla gained importance, Kufri also began to be recognized as an important place to visit near Shimla. |
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| MANALI |
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Once called the "end of the habitable world," Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief, Manali-the veritable "valley of the Gods"-is an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort. The Kulluis in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetan women wearing ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, Nepali porters, Buddhist monks, and even the odd party of Zanskaris, swathed in fusty woolen gonchas, muddled together with souvenir-hunting Indian and Western tourists-all add up to the welcoming hubbub of Manali. |
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| Kumarakom |
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The city of Kumarakom forms a small water world in the Kuttanad region. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, which makes it a popular backwater destination. Kumarakom also offers Ayurvedic centers and resorts providing good rejuvenation programs to relax your body. While on tour to Kumarakom you can visit the bird sanctuary, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian storks that live there in flocks are a fascination for visitors. |
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| Ladakh |
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From the middle of the 10th Century, Ladakh was an independent kingdom, its dynasties descending from the Kings of Old Tibet. Its Political fortunes ebbed and flowed over the centuries, and the kingdom, was at its greatest in the early 17th century under the famous king Sengge Namgyal, whose rule extended across Spiti and Western Tibet up to the Mayumla Beyond the sacred sites of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. It recognized as the best trade route between the Punjab and Central Asia, for centuries it was traversed by caravans carrying textiles and spices, raw silk and carpets, dyestuffs and narcotics. Heedless of the land's rugged terrain and apparent remoteness , merchants entrusted their goods to relays of pony transporters who took about two months to carry them from Amritsar to the Central Asian towns of Yarkand and Khotan. On this long route, Leh was the half way house, and developed into a bustling entrepot, its bazaars thronged with marchants from far countries.
Laddakh together with the neighboring province of Baltistan, was incorporated into the newly created state of Jammu & Kashmir, just over a century later, this union was disturbed by the partition of India , Baltistan becoming part of Pakistan, while ladakh remained in India as part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
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| Lucknow |
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No city-except Bombay, the queen of all-was more beautiful in her garish style than Lucknow," wrote Rudyard Kipling in Kim. Located on the banks of the Gomti River, Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. From ancient times, the city is known for its silks, perfumes, jewellery, mouth-watering cuisines, and nawabi etiquettes. In fact, Lucknow could be termed the cultural centre of northern India where people are so polite that anyone would feel at home. The classic example of 'pehle aap' (after you) shows how etiquette or tehjib runs in the blood of the people of Lucknow. But the city is very much able in accommodating the modernity, keeping the tradition and culture alive altogether. |
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| Ludhiyana |
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Ludhiana is a city of contrasts. It is a fast growing industrial center, surrounded by a fertile agricultural region. This creates a population of both the very wealthy and the very poor.
Ludhiana is a city trying to meet the needs of a diverse people. Christian Medical College and Hospital is working to help meet those needs.
The Christian Medical College and Hospital is located in the "old section" of the city.
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| Madurai |
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Madurai is one of south India's oldest cities and has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. The Shree Meenakshi temple, in the heart of the old town, is a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture. The city is one huge non-stop bazaar, full ofshops, street markets, temples and restaurants. Excursions include Rameshwaram, a major pilgrimage centre, in South India;Kodaikanal, a popular hill station in the region; Tanjore, the ancient capital of the Chola kings and famous for metal, copper and bronze craft and the Kanya Kumari temple.
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| Mangalore |
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Mangalore has thousands of years of it - enough to fill volumes. But don't let the city's prodigious history get in your way of enjoying the place.
Despite this depth and complexity of history, Mangalore is pretty much below most travelers' radar, being mostly a way station along India's west coast. The Portuguese knew enough about it, though, to occupy it two hundred years before the British relieved them of the city. Although it's a fairly busy town commercially, you get a curiously rural impression of the place when you arrive, due to the coconut plantations that thickly speckle the landscape. It's active as a manufacturing center as well, producing (among other things) ceramic tiles and coir (coconut fiber). In fact, the tile and coir factories should be on your list of sights to see.
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| Mount Abu |
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Mount Abu was described by someone in the 1930s as "a sort of Shimla of Rajputana", a small colonial hill station set, surprisingly, in the deserts of Rajasthan.
It has a history that goes back, layer by layer, into the deepest antiquity. Once the tranquil hilltop retreat of meditating rishis, it was considered to be a holy spot, inhabited by no less than 330 million different gods and goddesses. Then in the early 1800s it was developed into a hill station where British officials from the hot, dusty plains of Rajasthan could seek refuge during the summer months, among the eucalyptus forests and oleanders.
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| Mumbai |
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India tours and travel takes you to Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, which originally consisted of seven islands called Colaba, Mazagaon, Old Woman's Island, Wadala, Mahim, Parel, and Matunga-Sion.It was these islands which were later joined together for the formation of the city. A tour to Mumbai would let you have an insight into the history of Mumbai, which is ancient yet modern.
The city of Mumbai soon developed as a trading port because of its fine harbor and the number of merchants who were attracted from other parts of India. Migrants to Mumbai included sizeable communities of Parsis and Gujaratis, and south Indian Hindus fleeing Portuguese persecution in Goa. Their arrival, and that of later immigrant groups, laid the basis for city's celebrated multicultural society. Within 20 years, the presidency of the East India Company was transferred to Mumbai from Surat, and the town soon became the trading headquarters for the whole west coast of India.
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| Mussoorie |
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Mussoorie, like other hill resorts in India, came into existence in the 1820s or thereabouts, when the families of British colonials began making for the hills in order to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Small settlements grew into large stations and were soon vying with each other for the title of "queen of the hills." Mussoorie's name derives from the Mansur shrub (Cororiana nepalensis), common in the Himalayan foothills; but many of the house names derive from the native places of those who first built and lived in them. Today, the old houses and estates are owned by well-to-do Indians, many of whom follow the lifestyle of their former colonial rulers.
MUSSOORIE - THE MALL
The main artery of Mussoorie, the Mall certainly responds to the influx of visitors in the same manner as a person fighting for life-sustaining breath revives after receiving oxygen.
Running through Kulri Bazaar, on towards Library Chowk, the Mall, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, offers an amazing variety of pastimes. Haggling, bargaining with rosy-cheeked Tibetans over the prices of 'imported' goods and Tibetan metalware; browsing through a bookshop; searching for antiques in the curio-shops; choosing hand-carved walking sticks or handmade cane baskets and other wares. There are embroidered wall hangings, dry pinecones, hill jewelry, garments and a dozen knick-knacks besides.
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| Nainital |
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The names of two Englishmen must always be linked with the discovery of the Lake at Nainital. One of them G. W. Traill, Commissioner of Kumaon and Garhwal, was the first European to set eyes on it in 1823. Nevertheless, the lake had been known for quite some time to herdsmen from villages nearby and held in great reverence as an abode of gods and spirits. Traill had great respect for the traditions and beliefs of the hill folk. To his way of thinking, crowds would violate the sanctity of the place, so he kept the discovery strictly to himself.
On the other hand, P. Barron, a trader in sugar from Shahjahanpur and an intrepid traveler, had no sooner caught a glimpse of the lake in its sylvan setting than he realized its potential as a hill resort and went full steam a colonizing it. The year was 1839. Barron first reached the lake through a trick, a fact mentioned in his book Wanderings in the Himmala. He knew there was a large lake in the heart of Kumaon. He also knew that local guides deliberately misled Europeans who wished to go there, in order to keep the location a secret. Sure enough, Barron's guide declared he had never heard of the lake, at which Barron placed on the guide's head a large stone and told him to carry it till they managed to find the lake. He said there were reputedly no stones near the lake and he needed come to build a house. Desperate to be rid of the load, the guide soon confessed he knew the lake well enough and there was no scarcity of stones in the general area. Barron says that other Europeans also resorted to the same trick till such time that Nainital found a place on the map.
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| Neemrana |
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Built since 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is among India's oldest heritage resorts. Neemrana became the third capital of the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who was killed in battle by Mohammad Ghori in 1192 AD. This picturesque site was chosen by Raja Rajdeo and Neemrana derived its name from a brave local chieftain Nimola Meo, who when defeated by the Chauhans, pleaded that his name be given to his lost kingdom.
Location : It is Rajasthan's closest palace from New Delhi, situated at 122 kms. on the Delhi-Jaipur highway - only 100 kms from Delhi's international airport. Sited on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the billion year old Aravalli ranges.
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| Noida |
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Noida tops Uttar Pradesh in employment generation while Ghaziabad is at fifth place. UP as a whole is at fifth slot in setting up industrial units in the country. The state is the most populous in the country. |
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| Ooty |
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Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is popularly known as the "Queen of hill stations' among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore. The height of the hills in the Nilgiri range varies between 2280 and 2290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2623 metres.
Couched amidst those gorgeous blue mountains of southern India, there is something special about the erstwhile British township of Ooty. Year after year, it draws tourists, adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners and the film industry like bees to nectar. Sure, many wise travelers believe that Ooty is a dumpyard, a degraded, over-rated hill station, and so on. Nevertheless, the wiser one will see how Ooty can soothe strung-up nerves and become the backdrop for a wondrous holiday.
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| Parwanoo |
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Along the National Highway No.22, as one crosses the state border of Haryana into Himachal, there comes the town of Parwanoo. A couple of decades ago, this was a sleepy little village but today, it is a pulsating industrial town. Fruit based products, plastics, motar parts and watch components roll out of Parwanoo's factories. For a tourist, Parwanoo is a convenient base station to see and visit a number of nearby areas.
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| Pune |
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Pune is a cultural city of the state of Maharashtra that wears a rich historical legacy characterised with the glorious period of Marathas. The city of Pune is situated near the western coast of India, about 115 miles south-east of Mumbai (Bombay). It is one of the many cities situated on the Deccan plateau, which forms the triangular portion of India. 'Punaka' is the name by which Pune was known in the ancient times.
Pune contributed significantly to the freedom movement and produced heroes like Lokmanya Bal Ganga Dhar Tilak, Sane Guruji and the Chapekar brothers. Pune comprises a cosmopolitan community and a broad range of economic and social populace. Pune is the seat of North Indian Classical music and it continues to be one of the eminent centers of education in India. Being the cultural hub of western India Pune attracts tourists throughout the year from all around. |
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| Ranthambore |
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Ranthambore, situated in the desert state of Rajasthan is one of the popular National Parks of India. Ranthambore lies between Bharatpur and Kota townships. The Ranthambore National park spread in 1300 sq kms is famous for the rich presence of tigers that can be spotted in their natural uninhibited and unrestricted state. The National Park is a home to other wild animals like panthers, sambhars, nilgais, chitals, jackals, porcupines, wild bears, foxes, mongooses and leopards. The park also boasts of 264 species of birds.
Ranthambore has numerous sites that are worth visiting like the Ranthambore Fort that has many temples, tanks and gates built by the Chauhan rulers. One can also visit Bundi that houses some excellent historical monuments, which reminds of royal splendor of the bygone days.
Hotels in Ranthambore
It is a well-connected destination that is visited by tourists in large numbers. Ranthambore offers decent accommodation facilities, which make the stay of tourists comfortable.
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| Rishikesh |
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Rishikesh is located in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh. It is 238 km northeast of Delhi and 24 km north of Haridwar and spreads on the right banks of the Ganges, at its confluence with the Chandrabhaga stream. It is surrounded by hills on three sides and is perched at an altitude of 356 meters above sea level. The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an association of five distinct sections encompassing not only the town but also hamlets and settlements on both sides of the river.
These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and communication hub; the sprawling suburban Muni-ki-Reti or the "sands of the sages"; Shivananda Nagar, north of Rishikesh; the temple section of Lakshmanjhula, a little further north; and the assorted ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the east bank. In Rishikesh, the winters last from November to March, when temperatures fall below 0°C. The monsoons are generally experienced in the months of July and August.
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| Sariska |
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Alwar has been among the historic cities of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by pre-historic as well as historic sites that are an archaeologist's delight. This area is protected from the desert sands by the Aravali range that also provides Alwar with a lot of picturesque locations. The entire region is rich in lakes and wooded hills that provide shelter to a large variety of flora and fauna. The most important of these being the Sariska National Park, known for its rich variety of animal and plant species.
Places to visit
The City Palace
It is an 18th century palace harmoniously blending the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. It has an almost ornate profusion of arches, balconies and pavilions. Today, the palace houses a museum, which exhibit wonderful collections reflecting the eclectic tastes and the personal wealth of the Maharajas of Alwar.
Alwar Fort
The Alwar fort is an imposing structure with its ramparts stretching 5 kms, north to South and stands 300 Mts. above the city. It is a forbidding structure with over 60 large and small towers and 450 openings for musketry.
Excursions
Sariska National Park
Once, the hunting reserves of the Maharaja of Alwar, Sariska is now a protected area that houses many species of birds, animals and vegetation. Sariska's forests are typical of the Aravalis with their undulating terrain of low hills, steep escarpments, wide valleys and hill plateaus.
A natural habitat for the tigers, the park holds large number of wildlife including the deer species (chital, sambhar, nilgai etc) and leopard, jungle cat, wild dogs. The thickly wooded jungles of Sariska also have variety of bird life that includes gray partridge, white-breasted kingfisher, and golden backed woodpecker and many more.
Package Tours featuring Alwar
A Trail Through the Wild - 5 nights & 6 days
Wild Things - 2 nights & 3 days
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| Shimla |
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Shimla (also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla Devi', which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. Shimla is one of the few places in the world where an enormous amount of history and heritage has been distilled into such a small place in so short a time. Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era create an aura, which is very different from other hill stations.
Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, among them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. Apart from its natural beauty, Shimla is also famous for its architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples.
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| Shirdi |
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Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi was established in the year 1922 to carry out the noble service of Shri Sai Baba. From the year 1922 to August of 1989 the establishment staff provided various facilities for the devotees. On May 4, 1990 Bhoomi Pujan of 'Sai Baba Bhakta Niwas' was performed. A building to accommodate 3500 devotees, having 560 self-contained rooms and two spacious halls has been constructed.
Sai Baba used to cure many diseases. Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi built a 'Shri Sainath' Hospital to continue to provide service to patients. The Hospital is well equipped with modern machineries like 'Manojkumar Intensive Care Unit', 'Smt. Janaki Devi Suri Sonography Centre', 'Raju Batra X-ray Machine', etc
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| Srinagar |
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The history of the Kashmir valley has been turbulent. In the 3rd century BC, it was a part of the great Mauryan Empire. Later on, this region flourished under the rule of the Kushans in the 1st century AD. It was an important Buddhist center around this time. In the 6th century, it was a part of the kingdom of Vikramaditya, the ruler of Ujjain. Local Hindu rulers ruled it until the 14th century, after which Muslims invaded and ruled it. Srinagar was a part of the Mughal Empire in the medieval period. However, with the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rule of the Pathans, the fortunes of the area gradually dwindled. In 1814, it became a part of the Sikh empire, when Ranjit Singh defeated the Pathans. However, the British defeated Ranjit Singh and according to the treaty of Lahore in 1846, they installed Gulab Singh as the independent ruler of Kashmir. The descendents of Gulab Singh ruled Kashmir under the vigilance of the British till 1947. Hari Singh, the great grandson of Gulab Singh, merged this princely state into India in 1948, when Pathan marauders from Pakistan tried to overrun this state. |
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| Thikkadi |
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Thekkady, situated at 65 km from Idukki is one of finest wildlife reserves in India. Thekkady Wild life Sanctuary is located in Idukki in the beautiful and picturesque state of Kerala. It lies on the Western Ghats and is aprroximately 4000-5000 ft above sea-level. This bird sanctuary is a peninsula type land of 25 sq. km formed between the various branches of River Periyar. The Periyar river is rich in fish life and is shallow for most of the year. The fauna at this beautiful place includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. The most notable of the birds here are Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl, heron, egret, jungle myna, wood pecker, rose winged and blue winged parakeet. Rare and exotic birds like Ceylon frog-mouth, rose billed roller etc. are also seen.
One can see deers, monkeys, tigers, herds of elephants and other exotic flora and fauna here. A calm and quiet boat ride in the lake surrounding the sanctuary gives one an opputunity to see these animals playing, hunting or just resting by the lake. This lake is unique in the sense that it is a manmade wonder and one is able to see partially submerged tree-trunks in the lake. For the more adventurous guests, Thekkady offers trekking into the jungle. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. Its qulaity of being the only wild life sanctuary in India where guests can enjoy the unique and thrilling experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the drink and enjoy themselves in the lake.
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| Udaipur |
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Udaipur revels in reputation of being once the capital of the Mewar principality. It takes pride in being one of the few Rajput states, which did not owe their allegiance to the Muslim power in the name of realpolitik.
Mewar was the seat of the famous Sisodia Rajputs suzerains, which makes the Mewar household the longest lasting of all ruling powers in Rajasthan, and perhaps the oldest surviving dynasty in the world.
When Udai Singh II ascended the throne of Mewar in 1537, it was clear that the splendid for of Chittor was destined to be doomed. Udai Singh looked for a suitable place for his new capital and settled for the area around Lake Pichola, protected on all sides by outcrops of the Aravalli Range. He laid the foundation stones of the city in 1559. When Chittor fell to the marauding armies of the Mughals, he shifted to the new capital of Udaipur.
After his death in 1572 Udai was succeeded by his son Pratap, a legendary hero whose refusal to submit to the Mughal suzerainty led to the battle of Haldighati, which, though indecisive, resulted in the great misery for Maharana Pratap.
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| Varanasi |
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Varanasi, or Benaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi's prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together".
One of the earliest descriptions of Varanasi is found in the Buddhist scriptures as also in the epic, 'Mahabharat'. The 'Pali' version of Varanasi was 'Baranasi' which ultimately gave birth to the name 'Banaras'. According to the 'Vamana Purana', the Varuna and Assi rivers originate from the body of the primordial person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed to be the holiest of all pilgrimages. The holy land between these two rivers is 'Varanasi'. Varanasi, also famous as Kashi (Derived from the root 'Kas' - to shine) is called the city of spiritual light.
Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the 'original ground' created by Shiva and Parwati, upon which they stood at the beginning of time.
Varanasi is the microcosm of Hinduism, a city of traditional classical culture. Glorified by myth and legend and sanctified by religion, it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from times immemorial.
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| Varkala |
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Varkala
Varkala, 50 km from Trivandrum, is one of the famous and upcoming beaches in South India. Varkala is famous for its quiet secluded stretch of sand. The Papanasam beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy temple and the Nature care centre are the two main attractions here.
Varkala is also an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. The final resting-place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri.
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| Kasauli |
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Kasauli is a small hill town full of quaint relics of the British Raj, situated about 1950 meters above sea level and nestling in the Shivaliks , it is almost midway between the major cities of Chandigarh and Shimla . Directly below Kasauli is the spread of the vast plains of Punjab and Haryana which as darkness falls unroll a gorgeous carpet of twinkling lights. At 3647 meters the snow capped peaks of Choor Chandini powerfully dominate the lower hills and across the undulating ranges Shimla is also visible.
Kasauli's history can be traced back to the 17th century when it provided refuge and later a home to uprooted rajput families. Later, in 1842, inspired by the crispy cool climate the British converted it into a cantonment, a status it enjoys even today, thanks to which it remains clean, green and serene.
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