Famous Destinations

Delhi

Multifaceted metropolis, the capital of India is full of gems: remarkable historical monuments, museums, high-quality cultural entertainment in number and some of the best restaurants in the subcontinent. From the architectural point of view, it consists of two dissimilar worlds: the former (old) and new (new). Old Delhi, the bustling, was the capital of Muslim India. Large and well designed; New Delhi was built to be the capital of the British Raj. Visitors will get a glimpse of both worlds by spending half a day exploring the Red Fort ( Lal Qila ), the Jama Masjid and the bazaars of Old Delhi before recuperate in a bar or a trendy restaurant the center of New Delhi, which extends around the famous Connaught Place. From there, Janpath, an avenue lined with shops and emporiums of different states, and where stands the sumptuous Hotel Imperial. It is at the east end of Rajpath that rises India Gate Memorial. Delhi is one of the main gateways to the country. It is well connceted numerous road, rail and air links. It is also close to Agra and the Taj Mahal (2 hours by train) and bus to Jaipur, Rajasthan door (there are also air connections).

 

Agra & Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Agra needs no introduction. The timeless Taj Mahal makes it to almost every must-visit list, and deservedly so. The white marble structure and the sprawling campus around it are simply magnificent. And while the Taj will be the highlight of any visit to the city, there are quite a few other architectural delights the city offers visitors. The Agra Fort is another majestic construction, bearing plenty of evidence of the regalia of Mughal times. Some other attractions include the Sikandra complex, Swami Bagh and Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb. Varanasi (formerly Benares) is one of the holiest cities. In eastern Uttar Pradesh (577 km east of Agra) , it extends on the west bank of the Ganges , where pilgrims come to wash their sins or make the cremation of their relatives. Push here his last breath would be free from the cycle of reincarnation. Some 80 ghats (steps or stages in the river), pivotal spiritual life, used for baths and several cremations. The Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation ground, and it is not unusual to see a funeral procession through the neighboring streets. Go sit in Dasawamedh Ghat, the most lively and colorful Varanasi. It is the ideal place to soak up the atmosphere and watch the crowd. Then stroll through the winding streets, bustling markets at random, and admire the Golden Temple (temple of Vishwanath), the most popular Hindu temples of Varanasi. The city is also a teaching of various aspects of Indian civilization center.

 

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur, magical and serene, is one of the most attractive cities of India. Founded in 1559 by Maharaja Udai Singh II, it quickly became a symbol of patriotism of the princes of the region and their desire for independence. Today, shimmering white buildings lining the Lake Pichola, the center of which floats the fabulous Lake Palace (palace of the lake) . The Aravalli mountains complete the picture of this city that attracts visitors from around the world. The city dotted with temples, havelis (traditional mansions richly decorated) and palaces, evoke the whole princely grandeur and extravangance Rajput. The huge City Palace, with balconies, towers and cupolas, overlooks the lake and is the largest palace in Rajasthan. A centre for all arts: theater, dance, painting and crafts, Udaipur boasts of its cultural heritage and organizes the famous festival Mewar festival in April.

 

Mumbai (Bombay)

Capital of finance and fashion, Mumbai is also the focal point of religious movements in the country. Its film industry is now the most prolific in the world, but the city is also distinguished by its gigantic slums - and its rainforest in the urban area. Fantastico - between fanciful buildings past and modern skyscrapers, chic restaurants and streets bustle frenetic center hideous and attractive suburbs, madness and destruction, weaves a spellbinding urban landscape. Mumbai is an island connected to the mainland by bridges. The east coast is dominated by the docks of the port of Mumbai. The bulk of economic and cultural activities of the city is concentrated in the southern end of the island called South Mumbai. The Colaba center of tourism, which includes most of the major sites, occupies the southern tip of the peninsula. The authentic atmosphere of the city is much more present in the Fort, a shopping district stretching immediately north and where once stood the old British fort. The Fort is bordered to the west by large expanses of grass, called maidan.

 

Goa

The intense green vegetation, sand, crystal clear waters, traditional huts and Susegad (a term derived from the Portuguese can be translated as "nonchalance") annually attract two million visitors to Goa. However, treading the hot sand is not the only pleasure. Goa is a small state as beautiful as rich, which has three major regions: the North, Centre and South. In the north, across the Mandovi river is the heart of the action, shops, activities and last vestiges of legendary raves of Goa. Sublime almost deserted beaches alternate with sophisticated resorts welcoming restaurants, hotels and water sports clubs. The center of the state, between the Mandovi and Zuari river houses the cultural soul of the region. Panaji (Panjim), the charming capital of Goa, lounging on the banks of the Mandovi . Farther inland, waterfalls and spice plantations alongside the testimonies of the past grandeur of the state: colonial mansions, temples and cathedrals. In the South, the pace slows down: the beaches are less crowded and more spaced chairs. Revelers refrain: visitors come to seek peace and rustic charm. We're here to relax and sometimes see turtles lay their eggs.

 

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Home of the Tamil culture and renowned place of pilgrimage for centuries, Madurai is one of the most vibrant cities and the oldest of Tamil Nadu. A crowd of pilgrims, beggars, businessmen and rickshaw - wallahs share the streets of this city of over a million inhabitants. At the heart of the old town, the Sri Meenakshi temple attracts a constant stream of devotees. Abode of Goddess Meenakshi Amman with three breasts and fish eyes (synonym of perfect poetry in classical Tamil eyes), it is for many the epitome of sacred architecture of South India, a heritage as capital the region as the Taj Mahal North India. It forms a set of 6 ha surrounded by 12 gopuras, the highest peak at 52m, all carved countless gods, goddesses, demons and heroes. Madurai is situated south of Tamil Nadu. It is reached by air from Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore, or bus or train from the major cities of the South.

 

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Second largest city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur (1 million inhabitants) has two opposite faces: the old city of blue houses with its labyrinthine alleyways and modern city with wide avenues. The old Jodhpur is nestled at the foot of a fortress of unparalleled majesty, probably one of the most beautiful and imposing of India. Jodhpur is one of the sunniest cities in India. It is also close to Pakistan's largest city: 10% of its population is made up of military personnel.

 

Leh, Jammu & Kashmir

This mountain town in Ladakh is quickly rising to the top of must-visit lists. Not surprising when you consider the sheer natural beauty of the place. The towering Himalayas supply a dramatic backdrop and plenty of opportunity for adrenaline junkies to get their fix. Rock climbing, white-water rafting and skiing are all on offer, and if you're looking for something a little tamer, short trekking jaunts can be arranged. For a glimpse into the town's culture and rich history, visit the Shey Palace and the many Buddhist monasteries.

 

Manali

One of India's prettiest hill stations, Manali has long been a honeymooner's paradise. But the little town nestled in the mighty Himalayas offers plenty of entertainment for adventure seekers. The Beas river has whitewater rafting and there's skiing, trekking, paragliding and zorbing to be done all along the hilly terrain nearby. Rohtang Pass has mesmerizing views of the great mountains, the Vashisht hot water springs has bathhouses for visitors to soak in the bubbling water and then there are large and small waterfalls at short drives all around Manali. So make sure you pack your outdoor gear. The town does not have an airport or railhead, the closest being the Bhuntar Airport (50 km away) with flights coming in from Delhi and some from Chandigarh, and the railheads at Ambala Cantonment or Chandigarh roughly about 250 km away, trains starting from Delhi.

 

Darjeeling

This little tea town came into prominence during the British Raj. It was then that Darjeeling was developed as a hill station and tea plantation area, thanks to its cooler temperatures. Today, Darjeeling's tea estates are world-renowned, but there's more to it than its picturesque rolling hills sheathed in green. Nestled in the Lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling offers breath-taking views of the great mountains including Mt Everest. Tiger Hill, at an altitude of 2,590 meters gives visitors a glimpse of the Kanchen Junga range. Plus there's plenty of rock-climbing and trekking opportunities for the adventurous. The ropeway and cable car rides, the natural history museum, the zoological parks and botanical gardens all give tourists a flavour of the natural wealth of the Himalayas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway with its toy train is also worth a visit, being named a World Heritage Site. The toy train is quite an experience and being quite slow, offers travellers to hop off take a little walk and hop back on en route.

 

Jaiselmer, Rajasthan

The 'Golden City' has long been a tourist hotspot thanks to its royal history. The desert town boasts of the Jaisalmer Fort (that houses the Raj Mahal), a number of havelis, the most impressive being the Amar Sagar, Patwon-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, and ornate Jain temples. Tourists can explore the Thar desert perched atop camels, visit the Desert National Park for a gander at the fauna, or the Akal Wood Fossil Park. Of course, there's plenty of shopping to be done for traditional Rajasthani art, clothes and jewellery.

 

Jaipur, Rajasthan

It is Jaipur's rich history and culture that have made it one of the three major tourist centres in the state. Imposing forts, awe-inspiring palaces and exquisite temples are all there and plenty of them. Visit the Jaigarh and Amber Forts and catch the Amber sound and light show for a glimpse of the city's history. The City Palace and Jal Mahal are must-sees. There are also a number of gardens that are perfect for long walks in beautiful surrounds.

 

Munnar, Kerala

This sleepy little tea town is best known (apart from its tea blends) for its rolling green hills and scenic beauty. There's not much to do in town except for relax and take in the beauty of the place, but there are a number of attractions short distances away. Some of these include the Atukkad Falls, Mattupetti Dam, Kundala Lake and the Eravikullam National Park, where you can spot the endangered Nilgiri Thar. There are also elephant tours that can be organised from the town for the more adventurous.

 

Hampi, Karnataka

The ancient uins of Hampi have been drawing tourists for decades thanks to the legendary tales of the prosperity under the Vijayanagar empire. The ruins have been recognised as a World Heritage Site and continue to delight visitors with its stark, rocky contrast to the surrounding green. Apart from the ruins, there are a number of significant temples that include the Virupaksha Temple, the Hazara Rama Temple and the Vitthala Temple. And if it's stunning scenery you're after, hike up the Matanga Hill for panoramic views of the city.

 

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Once a very popular holiday destination, political conflict in recent years has lost the city much of its tourism. But the beauty of the place still remains, and travellers are sure to catch some beautiful scenery and delicious Kashmiri culinary delights on a trip there. The Mughal Gardens, Shalimar Bagh and Pari Mahal are well-worth a visit. Take a shikara ride on the Dal Lake for some peace and tranquility and shop for exquisite Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri rugs and carpets in the city.

 

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Another important centre of Hinduism, Rishikesh lies along the Ganga river and the Char Dham Yatra, one of the faith's most holy pilgrimages, typically begins here. Apt from its religious significance, it is also a major centre for yoga and the town is dotted with yoga and meditation schools. For travelers looking a little adventure can opt for whitewater rafting, kayaking on the river and rappelling, trekking and even bungee jumping along the Himalayas nearby.

 

Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

One of the most popular centres of Buddhism, the little town draws a number of celebrity tourists every year. McLeod Ganj, a suburb within the town, is home to the Dalai Lama and is a major tourist draw. While actually meeting or even seeing the spiritual leader is a tough ask, most tourists try their luck when they visit the place. If luck isn't on your side, there are a number of other tourist attractions in and around town to make it well worth the trip. The Bhagsunag Falls and Pong Dam lake are ideal for picnics. Monasteries and temples dot the town and most are open to tourists. For those looking for a thrill try the paragliding at Bir or the many treks that start from town. There is also plenty of meditation and rejuvenation centers if you're looking for a little peace and tranquility.

 

Amritsar, Punjab

The spiritual centre of Sikhism, the Golden Temple, is situated at Amritsar and draws tens of thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The temple has a sprawling complex with the central building housing the Harmandir Sahib situated in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar pool. Apart from the temple, there are a few other places of interest as well. The Jallianwala Bagh, where over 1570 unarmed people were killed by British Indian Army soldiers, still stands and a memorial has been erected in remembrance. The Summer Palace and Mata Temple are both worth a visit as well. Visitors can also travel to the Wagah border (27 km away), where there is a flag raising ceremony on both the India and Pakistan border every day.

 

Kanyakumari

Though there are several places of tourist-interest in the town and district, Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea – makes the sunrise and sunset even more special. On balmy, full-moon evenings, one can also see the moon-rise and sunset at the same time – on either side of the horizon.

 

Kolkatta, West Bengal

Often called the cultural capital of the country, Kolkata has a lot to offer tourists who are open to new experiences. The Victoria Memorial and Birla Planetarium are definite must-sees as are the famous Howrah Bridge and Tagore House (where the great poet was born). Of course one of the highlights is the food. Drop by Chowringhee Lane for a taste of the street food and make sure you're not on a diet when you come to Kolkata, because turning down the juicy Bengali sandesh would simply be a shame.