NORTH INDIA
DELHI:
Delhi is the ideal place to start your exploration of northern India. The Tomar king, Anangpal, was the founder of the first city of Delhi.
Delhi was ruled by a series of muslim dynasties, each of whom imparted a different artistic style to the city - Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyeds and Lodhis. Shahjahan, the famous mughal emperor, made Delhi his capital and embellished it.The capital of India and a city of fascinating contrasts, Delhi's monuments and structures take you through the centuries past seven older cities that existed here. So go sight seeing -Qutub Minar, the tall victory tower built in 1199, the splendid. Red Fort and the majestic Jama Masjid with its striped domes and tall minarets. Other architectural delights include the Humayun's Tomb, the Jantar Mantar, the Purana Qila and the magnificent government complex on Raisina Hill the Rashtrapati Bhavan framed by the Secretariats and the circular Parliament House.
Delhi is a marvellous place for shopping. So visit its hustling bazaars and don't forget to have a taste of the best of Indian cuisine at its fine restaurants.
JAIPUR:
Jaipur- Known as the Pink City, Jaipur's buildings have a pink tinge to them, being built of the local sandstone. Built by Jai Singh II, it is now one of the world's major gem centres. Places of interest are the city palace or Chandra Mahal - Converted as a Museum, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds),Jantar Mantar - The Royal Observatory built by the Maharaja Jai Singh.
Excursion to Amber fort (The Massive citadel on the hill) Highlighted by an elephant ride upto the entrance of the fort. The fort is a living example of the grandeur and majesty of the Rajput Kings.
JAISALMER:
Jaismaler a land of "Havelis", its rulers were known for their valour, their beautiful havelis and glorious temples for close to ten centuries Jaisalmer has assumed the air of a virtual art museum. Places of interest are Jaisalmer fort - which house royal apartments and a palace as well as the famous Jain temples. Gadisar lake - A rain water lake, a picinic spot ideal for boating, havelis - intricately latticed with conspicuous facades.
JODHPUR:
Jodhpur the city is known for its striking forts, stately palaces and gracious buildings. Some of these are now India's finest hotels. The city was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha of the Rajput clan. Places of interest are Meharangarh fort - The most impressive fort in entire Rajasthan, was built by the city's founder five centuries ago. All rulers of the city were crowned here.
Jaswant Thada, A memorial built in pure white marble is for the exclusive use of the royal family, as a crematorium. Umaid Bhawan Palace, built in this century, resembles the Taj Mahal, but in rose coloured sandstone. Old fort museum and Mandore Gardens.
UDAIPUR:
Udaipur city of lakes and palaces, the enchanting lake city of Udaipur nestles in a valley among lush hills of the Aravalis, on the banks of the shimmering Lake Pichola. The main part of the palace converted into Museum, Lake Palace now converted into a luxury hotel. Pratap Samarak - Hilltop garden with the statue of Maharana Pratap, Saheho ki Ban, brings to the fore the unique life style of the royal ladies who once strolled in these gardens.
VARANASI:
Varanasi one of the India's oldest and holiest cities. The river front, seen at dawn, is a spiritually uplifting sight. it is also a famous centre for silk and cotton weaving.
A boat ride on river Ganges enables one to observe the rituals being performed by the devotees on the banks. Places of interest are the Ghats - Sacred steps running down into Ganges river, Bharat Mata Temple is unique and is dedicated to the nation. Instead of deities's statues, it houses one of the most perfect relief maps of India carved out of marble. Yishweshwara Temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Benares Hindu University - A centre of education in Indian art, Culture and music. Sarnath is an important pilgrimage point for all buddhists.-
It was in the deer park at Sarnath, 10 kms from Varanasi, that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It was at Sarnath he set forth, for the first time, the wheel of law.
PUSHKAR:
Pushkar located 11 kms west of Ajmer. Pushkar is sacred to the Hindus. The lake at Pushkar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself and has the same sanctity for Hindus as Mansarover in Tibet. For most believers it is essential to visit pushkar at least once in their lifetime. Today there are as many as 400 temples in Pushkar and the lake is surrounded by ghats built over the years by several kings. Pushkar holds one of the largest cattle fairs in the world. For 12 days in the month of Kartik which falls some time in November, the sleepy town is taken over by the lakh of animals and visitors.
NEEMRANA FORT:
Neemrana fort palace is situated on a majestic plateau concealed in a horseshoe formation of the Aravali ranges, considered the oldest fold mountains in the world. The beginnings of this rugged Architectural Jewel which rises to nine levels, dates back to 1464 Ad, making it India's oldest
heritage resort.It is one of very beautiful fort.
SARISKA BIRD SANTUARY:
Sariska or Sariska bird santuary is in the fascinating valley of the Aravallis. It offers an opportunity to see a variety of animals from a close range. Within the sanctuary are several interesting spots like Pandu Pol, temple of Buddha and Hanuman and old temple of Nilkanth Mahadev.
KASHMIR:
Kashmir is called "Paradise on Earth". by almost all the great
writers and poets through the ages, being endowed with rivers, lakes and gurgling streams with Hills and Mountains reflected in their waters, both names are well deserved. Srinagar the capital of Kashmir is the centre stone in the state crown of beauty and also take off point for excursions to other places of interest.
SHIMLA:
Shimla the former summer capital of the British India and the present capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is ideally located and though there is an air service to the town, it is best reached by road that takes in the charms of the Himalayan country side at its best. It has a big Mall Road where one can get local produced goods.
CHANDIGARH:
Chandigarh capital of both Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh is India's most modern and well planned city. The architect was Le corbuster. Despite its recent vintage, Chandigarh packs in a host of places to see, and is just the right launching pad for a visit to the hills. Places of interest are Anandpur Sahib, Pinjore Gardens, Rock Garden - constructed almost entirely out of city garbage, Rose gardens has 30 landscaped acres containing a variety of 1600 roses. Sukhna Lake the artificially created lake is ideal for water sports.
AJMER:
Ajmer situated inthe green oasis wrapped in barren hills has been a witness to an intresting past.The city was founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan in 7th century A. D. and continued to be a major centre of the chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left- leaving behind indelible marks of thier culture and traditions on the city's history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism & Islam.
BIKANER:
Bikaner is a Royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Once a major trading post between Africa , West Asia and Far East. The city's deity is Karni Mata. The temple dedicated to her provides sanctuary to mice in the belief that those who serve the goddess are reborn as mice. Places of interest are Junagarh Fort - Built around 1593 AD having 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within, it is one of its kind. Lallgarh palace - Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.
BUNDI:
Bundi one of unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth.. Bundi is a dream remembered - named after Bunda, a Meena chieftan. A Rajput town so ancient that one gets the feeling of having stumbled upon a page of history Bundi town nestles in a narrow valley, enclosed by huge walls and fortified by four gateways. In the centre of the township lies a lake. Places of interest are Chattar Mahal or palace of towers, eighty four pillared cenotaph, the palace and Naval Sagar.
ALLAHABAD:
Allahabad is at the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna, Allahabad is amongst the oldest cities in India and also one of its most prominent pilgrim centres. In mythology its origin is traced to a Yagna, Prakrista Yagna, performed here by Lord Brahma, the creator God of Hindu trintity from that it received its ancient name Prayag. Allahabad is the premiercentre for the Kumbh Mela performed every 12 years for which people and sages from all over the country and abroad congregate at the confluence for a holy dip in the sacred waters
CHITTAURGARH:
Chittaurgarh is pride & glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chatris.This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was ' Jauhar' - when women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of matyrdom rode out of the fort towards certain death.
Alauddin Khilji was first to sack Chitaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to posses the regal beauty, queen padmini. Legend has it he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesemering beauty. But the noble queen preffered death to dishonour and committed 'Jauhar'.
AMRITSAR:
Amritsar also known as city of golden temple.Amristar located in state of Punjab in northern part of India.The city has golden temple which is most sacred place for sikhs on earth. The golden temple as name sugests is outer made of wafer thin gold plate.This temple has been a major attraction to the city and offers tourists a rich cusine of punjabi foods to cherish with The city is very near to pakistan border just 40 Kms from Wagah post.
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK:
Corbett National park, the oldest in India lies partly in Garhwal and partly in the Kumaon Districts of Uttar Pradesh. It extends along the banks of the Ramganaga River. This is one of the richest areas for the typical big mammals of northern India. Popularly known as the tiger country, the park was etablished in 1936 by the governor Sir Malcom Hailey and named Hailey National Park. After independence it came to be known as Ramganga National Park. It was finally rechristened Corbett National Park after the renowned naturalist Jim Corbett who spent a major parts of his life in this region.It is a paradise to the animal lovers &adventure tourists.
MANDAWA FORT:
The Medieval fort of the Mandawa Emerges on the Horizon like a Mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaars. The terrace of castle Mandawa presents a breathtaking view of the town and the semi arid plains beyond. The havelis of the Chokhanis, Goenkas Nevatia and Ladia and the Sarafs are extravagantly painted. One of the oldest frescoes is within the fort itself.
MOUNT ABU:
Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station and a major pilgrim centre. Till about 11th century, Mount Abu was an important Vaishnav and Shiv Pilgrim centre but is today recognised more as a Jain Pilgrim centre. The Dilwara temples are the best Jain temples in the country. Nakki Lake surrounded by hills and overlooks the enormous toad rock. This artificial lake is believed to be dug out by the Gods themselves with their nails hence its name Nakki.
LUCKNOW:
Lucknow is an enchanting city. A Mixture of down at heel elegance, fascinating charm and unique culture gives it an irresistible appeal. This is a legacy that it inherits from more gracious times when the kingdom of Avadh saw the last great flowering of a civilization that began with the Mughal advent in India. Places of interest are Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and Chota Imambara. The Jama
Masjid , Lucknow's great mosque, La Martinere, one of the Lucknow's first, large European style buildings. The state Museum House has a valuable collection of Gupta and Kushan period finds.