Sunday, November 18, 2012

MUST SEE 101 places in India

If you are visiting India, you must see following places to complete your expedition to India/Bharat


 

SPIRITUAL INDIA:::

1 - Amarnath
Amarnath is one of the most famous Hindu temples located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is believed to be over 5000 years old and houses an naturally formed ice shivling and attracts thousands of devotees during the 45 days of annual pilgrimage.
"OM NAMAH SHIVAYY" - Amarnath Cave


2 - Badrinath
Situated 297 kms from the holy town of Rishikesh at an altitude of 3,133 m above sea-level, Badrinath is considered to be amongst the most pious of the eternal Hindu shrines of Kedarnath , Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Badrinath is located in the lap of Nar-Narayan Parvat, with the picturesque Neelkanth peak in the background.

Hari OM - Shri Hari Vishnu - Badrinath


3 - Benaras or Varanasi
Also known as Varanasi, Benaras is the most visited pilgrimage in all of India. One of the seven holy cities, it is the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. A bath in the holy waters of the Ganges is believed to wash away the sins of a person.
Hri "OM" - Banaras - Varanasi ke Ghat


4- Dwarka
Dwarka, on the west coast of Gujarat on the shores of the Arabian Sea, features in most of the legends surrounding Lord Krishna. It is from here that Lord Krishna is supposed to have ruled over his kingdom. Dwarka is a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindus.

Kanhaa ki Nagri - Dwarka - Jai Dwarkadhesh


5 - Gangotri
Couched in the magnificent Garhwal hills, Gangotri is at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level. It is on the northernmost part of the state of Uttaranchal and is located close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Gangotri is believed to be the place where Goddess Ganges descended from the heavens.

Jai ma Gange "Gaumukh - Gangotri"


6 - Golden Temple
The Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, located in Amritsar in the state of Punjab is the most sacred shrine of Sikhism. Considered to be a symbol of freedom and spiritual independence, devotees come to the temple from all over the world to enjoy the serene environs and offer their prayers.

Jo Bole So nihal , sat sri akal - Golden Temple - Amritsar


7 - Haridwar

Haridwar is a holy Hindu city located in the state of Uttaranchal in Northern India. Haridwar, according to Hindu mythology, is one of the four places where the drops of the elixir of immortality, Amrita accidentally spilled over from the pitcher in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu.

Har ki Podi - Haridwar


8 - Kedarnath
The most remote of the four sites, Kedarnath is located in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, about 3584m above sea level. Kedarnath is the abode of one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims from all over the world.

Bam Bam Bhole "Shri Kedarnath Temple"

9 - Kanya Kumari
Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters.

Vivekananda Smaraka - Kanyakumari


10 - Kanchipuram
Situated in the southern part of India, Kanchipuram is famed for the beautiful Ekambareswara Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was constructed in the mid of 9th century by the Pallavas. It has a 200 ft gopuram with more than 10 stories of intricate sculpture.

Kanchipuram Temple of Ekambreswara


11 - Puri
Situated in the east Indian state of Orissa, Puri is one of the oldest cities in India. The city is famous for its Jagannath Temple as also a popular beach resort. The temple was built in the late eleventh century.

Jagannath Temple in Puri - Oddisa


12 - Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India. It is also known as the gateway to Himalayas and is considered an access point for the cities of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, together known as the Char Dham. Rishikesh also translates to mean - The land of the Rishis (Saints).

Lakshman Zhoola in Rishikesh


13 - Ujjain
Ujjain is an ancient city of central India, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, and the Kumbh Mela religious festival is held there every twelve years. It is also home to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Mahakaal & Chipra river in Ujjain


14 - Vrindavan
Vrindavan in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the place where Lord Krishna spent the days of his youth, thousands of years ago. The city, visited by thousands of devotees is famous for its numerous beautiful temples and ghats built on the banks of river Yamuna.

Birla Temple - Mathura Vrindavan


15 - Yamunotri
One of the Char Dhams according to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the origin place of the sacred river Yamuna. Famous for its thermal springs and glaciers, it is one of the most important stopovers on the itinerary of the Hindu pilgrim. According to a legend, Asit Muni, a revered sage, used to reside here.

Yamunotri a sacred River in Hindu Religion


INDIAN WILDERNESS:::

16 - Bandhavgrah National Park
This is a small National Park, compact, yet full of game. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. This is also White Tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years.



17 - Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park), is located in the state of Rajasthan. The park is said to house over 400 species of birds, including a number of rare migratory birds which arrive here during the winter season.

Woodcutter "Katfodwa" in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary


18 - Corbett National Park
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Uttaranchal is the majestic Corbett National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, it is most famous for its wild population of , Leopards and .

Tiger with Prey in Crobett National Park - Himalayan Valley


19 - Dandeli Wildlife Scantuary
The calm and peaceful Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is reputed to be the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. Housing some of the rarest animal and bird species, it is an unspoilt, untouched and unexplored treasure of wildlife that is sure to leave you spellbound.



20 - Kanha National Park
Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park cum Tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. Besides being home to the tiger, the other major feature of the region is the horseshoe shape valley and the large open areas infested by spurs of Mekal.



21 - Melghat Tiger Reserve
A prime habitat of the striped predator, Melghat Tiger Reserve is located on southern offshoot of the Satpura Hill Range in Central India, also known as Gavilgarh hills. The high ridge running East-West forms the South Western boundary of the Reserve.



22 - National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
The National Chambal Sanctuary, founded in 1979 is famous for the rare gangetic dolphin. The sanctuary is part of a large area co-administered by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh with its other residents being the magar (crocodile) and gharial (alligator), chinkara, sambar, nilgai, wolf and wild boar.

Deer's looking in Chambal Wildlife park


23 - Periyar National Park
Periyar or Thekkady is a protected area, and a Project Tiger nature reserve in the South Indian State of Kerala. Amongst the wild residents of the park are over 62 mammal and and 320 bird species.

Elephants in Periyaar Wildlife National Park - Kerala


24 - Ranthambore National Park
The former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park is situated in Eastern Rajasthan at the confluence of the Aravali hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau. The park is known for its population of tigers and leopards.

Deer's in Ranthambore National Park - Rajasthan


25 - Sariska Wilflife Sanctuary
Situated in Rajasthan, the landscape of Sariska is dominated by sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravallis. Besides the numerous animal and bird species, within the wildlife sanctuary are the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor, belonging to the 10th and 11th centuries.

Deer in Sariska National Park - Rajasthan


26 - The LittleRann of Kutch Sanctuary
The Little Rann of Kutch Sanctuary also known as Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Gujarat is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India. The sanctuary is one of the last places on earth where the endangered wild ass sub-species Khur (Equus hemionus khur) belonging to species Onager (Equus hemionus) can be spotted.

Donkey "ASS" in Rann of Kutch


27 - Van Vihar National Park
Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, spans over an area of about 445 hectares. Although it has the status of a national park, Van Vihar is developed and managed as a modern zoological park, following the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority.

Van Vihar National Park - Bhopal


ADVENTURE PARADISE:::

28 - Arunachal Pradesh
The 'Treasure trove of Nature', Arunachal Pradesh is a picturesque state in India. Famous for its varied landscape, the state is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts. Some of the opportunities available are trekking, mountain climbing, camping and mountain biking.

Arunachal Pradesh beautiful


29 - Auli
Auli in Uttaranchal is one of the major tourist destinations, famous for its beautiful slopes covered with oak and coniferous trees. The miles of white snow laden mountain slopes make Auli every skier's dream come true.

Auli , a beautiful hill station in Uttranchal


30 - Billing
Sheltered by gigantic mountains and surrounded by lush tea gardens, Billing a small village with a Tibetan Colony and monasteries in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. The place has long served as a landing ground and a base for Hang and Para gliders.

Billing a small village in Tibet


31 - Cauvery
The Cauvery Fishing Camp, situated on the banks of the River Cauvery, has Surroundings ideal for an eco-tour. Dry deciduous forests dominate the vegetation. The picturesque and the tranquil location make the Cauvery Fishing Camp an unforgettable experience.

Cauvery River in Southern India


32 - Dodital
Situated at an altitude of 3024 mts above sea level, Dodital, in Uttaranchal is famous for its crystal-clear lake, that make it a perfect spot for those enjoy the sport of trout fishing. The place also offers exciting opportunities for trekking and mountain climbing.

Dodital in Uttaranchal


33 - Gulmarg
Gulmarg, which means the "Meadow of Flowers," was discovered as a tourist destination by the British during the 19th century. The place with its varied landscape and snow covered mountain slopes makes an ideal base for adventure sports like trekking and snow skiing.

Gulmarg Kashmir


34 - Leh
Famous for its barren beauty and Buddhist monasteries, Leh is a wonderful destination for adventure sports lovers. The town offers some magnificent trekking trails as also exciting opportunities for jeep safari.

Leh


35 - Manali
Manali is a place of immense natural beauty, situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The place has recently shot to fame as a most favored spot for adventure sports enthusiasts with exciting opportunities of trekking, snow skiing and mountain climbing.

Hidimba Temple Manali


36 - Zanskar
The adventure destination of Zanskar is an isolated and scantily inhabited Himalayan Valleys. Dotted with high hills and gorgeous gompas, Zanskar offers fun filled opportunities of river rafting and trekking.


Zansker Valley



BEACHES IN INDIA:::

37 - Beypore
Situated at the mouth of the Cheliyar river in Kerala, Beypore beach is an ideal heaven to provide a welcome break to your jaded urbanised souls. The clean waters of the beach are ideal for practicing such sports as swimming, para sailing ans sea surfing.

Beypore Beach in Kerala


38 - Bogmalo
A former fishing village in the state of Goa, Bogmalo beach sports a mixture of serenity and commercialism, splashed with simple beauty where one can happily lose oneself. The beach is known for its immense natural beauty.

Bogmalo Sports Beach in Goa


39 - Calangute
One of Goa's busiest and most commercialised beaches, Calangute is a serene fishing village which became a favourite hideout of the hippies in the 70's and 80's. Today, Calangute beach symbolise Goa's reputation as a haven for beach and coastal splendour.

Calangute Beach - Famous for busiest beach in Goa with Local and Foreign people


40 - Dona Paula
Situated in Goa, the beach is named after Dona Paula de Menzes, the daughter of a former Indian viceroy. The beach is known for its numerous exciting water sports opportunities.

Dona Paula Beach - Fmous for Beach Sports in Goa


41 - Juhu
Juhu Beach is the most famous beach in Mumbai city. It is situated on the shores of Arabian Sea in Juhu suburb and famous for its Mumbai 'street food', notably bhelpuri, pani puri, shevpuri, chaats, and of course pav bhaji.

Most famous beach in India - Heart of Bollywood - JUHU Beach - Busy with fun 24x7


42 - Kovalam
On the Malabar coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village known as Kovalam. This sleepy town suddenly came on the tourist map when its fabulous beaches were discovered and has today become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India.

Light House at most famous Kovalam Beach in Kerala


43 - Varkala
Varkala beach, is the best spot along the coast of Kerala for watching the sunset. The sight of the sun melting into the sea would blossom your poetic sense. The mineral springs gushing from the hill is believed to have medicinal properties.

Quite to relax meditation beach Varkala in Kerala


MAGNIFICENT FORTS & PALACES:::

44 - Agra Fort
Built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. the fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including the Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment.

Agra Quila - Agra


45 - Amber Fort, Jaipur
The magnificent Amer Fort was built by Raja Man Singh. The major attractions are Sheela Devi Temple and Sheesh Mahal ( Hall of mirrors). The museum here houses one of the world`s biggest cannon on wheels and a rich collection of arms and weapons.
Amber ka Quila - Jaipur - Rajasthan


46 - City Palace, Jaipur
The historic City Palace has carved arches supported by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two elephants carved in marble guard the entrance, where retainers whose families have served generations of the rulers are at hand, to serve as guides.

City Palace - Jaipur - Rajasthan


47 - Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. The five storeyed crown shaped structure was conceived to provide an adequate vantage position behind delicate stone-carved screens for the palace women to watch the royal processions passing through the Bazar below.

Hawa Mahal - Jaipur Rajasthan



48 - Jaisalmer Fort
The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis, three beautifully sculptured Jain Temples and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through four towering gateways.

Jaiselmer Fort - Jaiselmer Rajasthan


49 - Lake Palace, Udaipur
In the middle of lake Pichhola is the Lake palace or Jag Mandir where prince Khuman Singh, later known as emperor Shahjahan who built the world famous Taj Mahal, sought refuse from his father emperor Jahangir. This three story building was completed by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1652 A.D.

Lake Palace - Udaipur - Rajasthan


50 - Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner
Located 3 km north of the city centre, the red sandstone palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum.

Lalgarh Palace - Bikaner - Rajasthan


51 - Red Fort, Delhi
One of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture is the Lal Quila or the Red Fort. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it has walls extending up to 2 kms. in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side...a truly amazing construction.

Laal Quila - Red Fort - Delhi, India


52 - Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Built during the 20th century to provide work to the famine struck people, Umaid Bhawan is one of the largest private residence in the world. A part of the palace is used as residence by the royal family while the other part has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Most Expensive hotel in India - Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur - Rajasthan, India

 

HILL STATIONS IN INDIA:::

53 - Dalhousie
Located in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is one of the most popular hill stations and a honey mooner's paradise. The place offers numerous exciting adventure sports opportunities including snow sports during winters.

Dalhouie Winter - Himachal Pradesh


54 - Darjeeling
Originally just a cluster of villages that was administered intermittently by Nepal and Sikkim, Darjeeling grew in prominence when the British discovered the suitability of the area for growing tea. The town was subsequently annexed by the British Indian Empire and a small railway was constructed linking the town with the lowlands.

Tea plantation in Darjeeling - Sikkim,


55 - Dehradun
Besides being a popular hill station in India, Dehradun is also home to the famed schools of the order of Doon School and Welhams as elite centers of learning in India. Apart from being a much sought after hill station in India, they qualify Doon valley to be a star class educational center.

Dehradun Railway Station - Dehradun - Uttaranchal


56 - Dharamsala
Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamsala is perched on the high slopes in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley. Today, Dharamsala has become the synonymous to the Tibetan government in exile and the home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama.

Beautiful Dharamsala


57 - Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim with a population of approximately 50,000 has emerged into the mainstream of the Tourism Industry, with more and more tourist visiting this little Himalayan state every year. Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan flavour where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the Internet Age.

Colorful Town of Gangtok


58 - Kasauli
Kasauli is a beautiful hill station located just 77 kms from Shimla in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The small town was founded during the 19th century by Britishers as a summer retreat and still retains the old charm, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Quite and beautiful - Kasauli , Himachal Pradesh


59 - Khandala
Khandala is a hill station, which dazzles the visitors with its spectacular scenery, verdant hills, deep green valleys, beautiful lakes and cascading waterfall. Situated at an altitude of 625 mt in the Sahyadri hills, this hill resort is a popular weekend gateway from the hectic life of Mumbai.

Train Entering Tunnel in Khandala - Maharashtra


60 - Kodaikanal
Situated at an altitude of 2133 mts amidst the verdant Pali hills, Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill stations in India. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station, and one of the favourite getaways in South India.

Beautiful Lake of Kodaikanal


61 - Kullu
The serene little town of Kullu is famous for its colourful Dussehra festival. Decorated palanquins and processions convey Gods and Goddesses from temples all over the valley to Kullu. A Fair springs up during the festival which is celebrated with a great deal of singing, dancing and festivity.



62 - Khajjiar
A small picturesque saucer-shaped plateau surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests is one of the 160 places throughout the world to have been designated “Mini Switzerland". Khajjiar is a place of immense natural beauty, situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Mini Switzerland in India - Khajjar


63 - Mahabaleshwar
At 1,372 meters above sea level, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most spectacular and the largest of Maharashtra's hill-stations. The place is known for its immense natural beauty as also a popular getaway from the hectic city lives.

Sunset Point - Mahabaleshwar


64 - Manali
Manali is a picturesque city situated in the Kullu valley. The place remains thronged by visitors, especially during the winters for its charming snow sports. Some of the major attractions of this hill resort are Rohtang Pass, Rahala waterfalls and numerous Buddhist monasteries.

Beautiful Manali


65 - Mount Abu
Mount Abu was founded by the British as a relaxation place to rewind along with the royalties. The place sways in an interesting contrast of British style bungalows, the holiday lodges of the royals, with the presence of the various tribal communities.

Cool Mount Abu


66 - Munnar
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. This once summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India, Munnar is known for its sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities that make it a popular resort town.

Mystical Munnar with Tea plantation


67 - Mussoorie
Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora & fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley & Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town presents a fairyland atmosphere to the tourists.

Raods of Mussoorie


68 - Nainital
The hill resort of Nainital has since long been a refuge for the sun scorched souls of the plains. The British made it there summer headquarter. The natural beauty and especially the Lake has made Nainital one of the favourite summer destinations and a reason why people throng this hill resort.

Lake Nanital - Romantic Place


69 - Ooty
The serene hill station of Ooty draws swarms of tourists every year. The weather is quite pleasant at a mean of 15-20 C year round, dropping to lows of 0 C during winter. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees.

Green Garden of Ooty


70 - Simla / Shimla
Shimla or Simla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a very popular holiday-retreat during the summer months and is well-known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and The Ridge.

Winter in Shimla - Best time to ski in India


71 - Srinagar
Located in the center of the Kashmir valley, the district of Srinagar towers at a height of 1,730 m above sea level. The city is well known for its lush gardens and the Dal Lake, where the tourists can enjoy a shikara (house boat) ride.

Shikara in Dal Lake - Srinagar

 

 

CITIES OF INDIA:::

72 - Agra
Situated in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra houses the most magnificent monument of love on the planet, the Taj Mahal. Besides, there are other historical structures as well as the famous Mughlai cuisine.

Parchooniya (Spice Vendor) in Old Agra Market


73 - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is the sixth largest city of India and the commercial hub of the state of Gujarat. The city is certainly worth a visit for people who like to be away from hectic activity while relishing on the few available tourist attractions.

Ahmedabad on the bank of sabarmati


74 - Ajmer
Ajmer is a little town situated in the northern state of Rajasthan. Famous for its religious attractions, the chief objects of interest in Ajmer are Pushkar, and the Dargah (tomb) of the most revered Muslim sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, the Gharib Nawaz.

Ajmer City


75 - Allahabad
Located at the Sangam (confluence) of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, Allahabad is one of the oldest cities of India and a pilgrimage centre of utmost importance, also famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas held every twelve and six years respectively.

Kumbh Mela - snaan in Allahbad


76 - Alleppey
This fairly pleasant market town is built on canals and surrounded by coconut trees. With the Arabian Sea on its west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alleppey (Alappuzha) is a district of immense natural beauty.

The canal running through Alleppey city


77 - Amritsar
Amritsar is the spiritual capital of the Sikh religion. The city houses the holiest place for the Sikhs, the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). The people are nice and friendly and it is great to sit for a few hours in the shade of the temple and relax.

78 - Bangalore
Bangalore, officially known as Bengalooru, is one of the most hip and happening cities in India and also a major center of the I.T. industry. Some of the major landmarks of the city are Vidhan Soudha, Bangalore Palace, Bull Temple and Cubbon Park.

79 - Bikaner
Lying in the north of Rajasthan state, Bikaner is dotted with scores of sand dunes. The city beautifully retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. The city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel research and breeding farm in the world.

80 - Bodh Gaya
In the state of Bihar, Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and thus laid the foundations of Buddhism. Amongst the prominent attractions of the place are the Bodhi tree and the Mahabodhi temple.

81 - Bhopal
Bhopal, the city of lakes, is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, old historic city and modern urban planning. The capital of Madhya Pradesh, the city with its lush gardens, excellent upper and lower lakes and a beautiful pink mosque, is definitely worth spending some time.

82 - Chandigarh
Situated 270 km north of Delhi, Chandigarh is a serene city lying in the valley surrounded by Shiwalik Hills that hem the great Himalayas. Besides its numerous tourist attractions, Chandigarh also serves as an access point for the hill resorts of Kulu, Manali, Dharmashala and Dalhousie.

83 - Chennai / Madras
Chennai, also known as Madras, is the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The city was one of the first outposts of British East India Company and is known for its numerous beautiful colonial structures.

84 - Delhi
A city of great character, of contrasts and convolutions, Delhi is the capital of India. A city with antiquity dating back over 2,000 years, it is also a modern metropolis with fast cars and neon lit shopping malls. So varied are the shades of Delhi's different faces, it is difficult to grasp it in a short span of time.

85 - Goa
Goa is often sobriquet the 'Beach Capital of India', however, there's much more to it than sun, sand and psychedelia. The allure of Goa is that it remains quite distinct from the rest of India and is small enough to be grasped and explored in a way that other Indian states are not.

86 - Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim with a population of approximately 50,000 has emerged into the mainstream of the Tourism Industry, with more and more tourist visiting this little Himalayan state every year. Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan flavour where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the Internet Age.

87 - Hyderabad
The capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is a big, lively and traditional city, which offers travellers fascinating glimpses of a four hundred years old legacy. Also known as the Istanbul of India, here, in every corner of the city, you will see its dualistic character, the coming together of Muslims and Hindus.

88 - Jaipur
Jaipur, the largest city in Rajasthan, offers several massive forts such as the Hawa Mahal and the Amber Fort. Besides, the city also serves as a stepping stone to the enchanting desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Jaipur is called the "pink" city because of the color of its historical buildings built by Maharajah Jai Singh.

89 - Jaisalmer
The city of Jaisalmer shimmers like a mirage amidst the desolate beauty of the hot barren deserts of Rajasthan. The Jaisalmer Fort, perched atop the triangular-shaped Trikuta Hills, contains some gems of Jain temple buildings, while beautifully decorated havelis are scattered throughout the town. The city is also famous for its beautiful embroidery.

--> 90 - Jammu
Jammu is situated at the footsteps of the Himalayas. The city is also known as the City of Temples for its numerous temples built around the city and also in the province. The immense natural beauty of the surroundings also make it a favored spot for nature lovers.

91 - Jodhpur
Situated in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is mainly known for its impressive Mehrangarh Fort, located on top of a hill, from where a panoramic view of the surroundings can be had. There are other numerous opportunities for sightseeing and camel safari into the desert.

92 - Kanpur
Kanpur, the industrial centre of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its cotton and woollen textile industries as well as the Indian Institute of Technology, one of the premier educational institutes in the country. The city also boasts of numerous tourist attractions.

93 - Khajuraho
Situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a small village, known the world over for its temple architecture and exquisitely carved rotic sculptures. The annual fair held here is a popular attraction for the tourists.

94 - Kolkata / Culcutta
Called Calcutta in British times, Kolkata still conjures up images of squalor,poverty and urban disaster. But don't believe the hype, for India's third-largest city is defined not by its poverty but by the energy, imagination and zest for life of its people.

95 - Lucknow
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is a city of Nawabs and friendly people. The city is best known for its elaborate cuisine and 'chikankaari' or exquisite shadow work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.

96 - Mumbai / Bombay
Mumbai is charactersied by the glamour of Bollywood cinema, shopping malls full of designer labels, cricket on the streets and promenading families eating bhelpuri on the beach at Chowpatty. Some of the famous tourist attractions of the city are the Gateway of India, Marine Drive and Elephanta Caves.

97 - Pune
Pune is a historic city with a past of nearly 600 years, both illustrious and romantic. Fast emerging as a metropolitan of Maharashtra state, some of the most important tourist attractions in Pune are the Aga Khan's Palace, Appu Ghar, Bund Garden and Osho Commune.

98 - Pushkar
According to the Padma (Lotus) Purana, Pushkar, 15km northwest of ajmer, came into existence when Lord Brahma, the Creator, dropped his lotus flower (pushpa) to earth from his hand (kar) to kill a demon. Pushkar remains a holy Hindu city as also the site for the only Brahma temple in the world.

99 - Shirdi
Situated in Maharashtra, Shirdi is famous for saint Saibaba. A special aarti is performed at the Saibaba temple every Thursday, which is attended by numerous devotees. Other places of tourist interest are Gurusthan, Khandoba Temple, Shani Mandir and Sakori Ashram.

100 - Surat
Surat is an industrial town, situated in the west Indian state of Gujarat. Surat is the main textile market of India as also the centre of various multinational companies involved in the field of petrochemicals, steel and cement.

101 - Udaipur
One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage. Surrounded by ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, Udaipur is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Rajasthan in 7 days - how


Every city in Rajasthan makes a tourist want to camp for at least three days, and explore its forts, havelis, lakes, shopping districts and nearby getaways in luxury. But if you’ve got a week off from work, and want to sample every part of the state, the good news is you can do it in a single, exhausting but delightful, week.

Day 1: Arrive at Jaipur
There’s a lot to see in the Pink City – so called because its old districts were painted pink to welcome Prince Albert in 1876 – and most tourist attractions close their gates by early evening, so it’s important to reach the capital as early as you can. The spacious, well-ventilated airport has the soothing atmosphere of a resort, and the soft, Hindustani classical music playing on the speakers is a welcome change from the hoarse yells and frequent announcements of busier airports.
Fortunately for tourists, some of the city’s key monuments – the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Govinddevji Ka Mandir – are located within walking distance of each other.
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The imposing facade of Hawa Mahal, made of pink and red sandstone and decorated with quicklime, is used on the cover of most tour guides on Rajasthan. The stunning architecture of the interior unfolds over five levels. The courtyard where the autumn celebrations were held is the Sharad Mandir. Right above is the exquisite Ratan Mandir, with beautiful stained glasswork on its walls. The third storey, where the king used to worship Lord Krishna, is the Vichitra Mandir. As you climb to the fourth storey – Prakash Mandir – your clothes begin to flap about in the wind. With open terraces on both sides, this level offers great views of the city below. The top storey, Hawa Mandir, from which the monument draws its name, is an open roof. You may want to cling on to the walls for support, as the height and breeze can have a rather vertiginous effect.
If you want to visit the Govinddevji Mandir, keep an eye on the clock. The shrine opens for about fifteen minutes at select windows through the day. It would be a good idea to make enquiries about the next darshan before scheduling your trips to the other attractions nearby. The temple is several centuries old, and emanates an aura of peace.
Nearby is the City Palace, part of which is occupied by the royal family. Photography is not permitted in most of its galleries, so unless you’re into aerial vistas, you may want to leave your camera behind. Overpriced souvenirs can be bought at the museum shop as well as the Palace Atelier. The exhibition-sale at the palace is a good place to purchase art and handicrafts directly from their creators.
Depending on how much time you have left, you can head to the Albert Hall Museum and Doll Museum next, before starting off on the 11-kilometre journey to Amer Fort (Amber Fort). Or, you may want to switch the order. Keep in mind that the Albert Hall Museum shuts by 5:30 pm, and the guards start shooing out visitors by about 5:15 pm, so you should get there at least by 4:00. The main attraction at the museum is an Egyptian Mummy, but it houses a formidable collection of antique porcelain vases, idols, miniature paintings and artefacts. The beautiful sandstone-and-marble building is quaintly draped with nets to keep pigeons out, but you may be startled every now and again by a feathered visitor fluttering across a gallery. The Doll Museum, located near the Police Memorial on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, boasts a collection of dolls from all over the world.
Whatever else you miss in Jaipur, don’t leave out Amer Fort. The sprawling, sturdy structure exudes elegance even from the outside, its red sandstone walls bright against the green water of the natural moat formed by Maota Lake, and its white marble domes glowing in the sun. The interior of the fort has exquisitely carved walls, roofs and terraces, separated by manicured garden mazes. Combining Islamic and Rajput architectural styles, the construction of the fort began in 1592. The most beautiful part of the fort is the Sheesh Mahal. It is said a single ray of light could illuminate the entire hall, because of the clever placement of the tiny mirrors within. The precious jewels that once decked the inner walls of the palace have been lost in raids.
If you have time to spare, you can accommodate visits to Gaitore – the cremation site of the Maharajas of Jaipur, containing beautiful cenotaphs – and the Kanak Vrindavan temple, whose verdant gardens are especially lush right after the monsoon rains. Both are located just off the Amer-Jaipur road. This road also offers a view of the Jal Mahal lake palace.
Most hotels offer overpriced night tours of the city, but the more economical option is to book a cab and take it around the city at night.

Day 2: Pushkar, Ajmer and Jodhpur
After staying the night in Jaipur, you need to make an early start for Pushkar. The pilgrimage site is less than 150 km from the capital, but the roads are especially bad after the monsoon.
The town of Pushkar is walled in on three sides by hills, and a sandy bank rides up to the fourth. The legend goes that the lake was created when a lotus fell from Brahma’s hand. On the way to a temple that is believed to be as old as creation itself, you’ll find plenty of expat ventures – the Pink Floyd Café, advertised in the same font as the album cover of The Wall, and the Bob Marley Café.
Guides will harass you from about a kilometre ahead of the entrance to the temple. Many tend to cling on to windows and run with the car, so you may want to keep those shut. If you need information about the temple, members of the trust will speak to you within its premises, near the bathing ghat. They usually refuse to accept money, and ask tourists to donate instead at the hundi.
It is said a dip in the waters of the lake on Kartika Poornima is equivalent to undertaking penances for centuries.  But the more fastidious may want to desist, because the waters are not exactly pristine. Neither is the changing area. The more faithful can choose from more than 50 bathing ghats around the lake, each of which is said to have special powers.
The temple itself is crowded at any time of day, on any day of the year. Smaller than one would expect, the temple has only two shrines – the main Brahma shrine, and an underground shrine for Shiva. There are lockers right before the steps to the temple, to deposit cameras and mobile phones, which are not allowed into the temple.
The 12-kilometre journey to Ajmer will take you across the Nag Pahar, or the Snake Mountain of the Aravali Range, which winds around the beautiful lake.
There are several factors you must keep in mind if you intend to visit the Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti dargah in Ajmer. First, avoid the dargah at namaaz time, unless you want to do namaaz. The crowds swell, and you’ll get pushed around pretty roughly if you happen to step in just before the call to prayer.
Also, the walk from the car park – which charges between Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 an hour, depending on the vehicle – takes about half an hour.
If you’re taking children along, keep them close. The sight of children crying in corners and frantic parents calling for their kids is a common one.
Cameras are not allowed inside, but mobile phones are.
The ideal clothing for this trip would be kurtas for men and salwar kameez for women. Men wearing shorts will have to rent lungis at the dargah. Heads should be covered, and men can either rent plastic skullcaps, or buy handkerchiefs. Women simply wrap their dupattas over their heads.
The number of visitors to the dargah increases manifold during the Urs Festival, held during the month of Rajab. For 2012, this period is 22 May-20 June.
Make sure you leave early enough to finish the 216-km journey to Jodhpur by nightfall. The roads are narrow and bumpy, and the traffic heavy, so the going will be slow. If you reach Jodhpur early, you may want to catch the sound and light show at the Mehrangarh Fort, and make a trip to the Balsamand and Gulab Sagar lakes.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Jodhpur, travel to Jaisalmer
The Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur is famous for its architecture, the views on offer, as well as its museum – which has a collection of palanquins, howdahs, weapons, paintings, and clothes. The adrenaline addicts may want to swing across the skies by registering for the fort’s aerial ‘zip’ tour, which entails being strapped to a rope and, well, zipped around.
You’ll have to leave for Jaisalmer at least by 1:00 pm, if you intend to see the sunset. If you’ve got time to spare, you may want to spend some at the government museum, which is best known for its collection of stuffed animals and desert birds. This museum also contains ancient teaching materials, and an exhibition of handicrafts.
The road to Jaisalmer is a good one, and you can drive at over 100 km an hour nearly all the way through. Head straight for Khuri village if you want to catch the sunset over the sand dunes. The resorts that organise jeep and camel safaris into the desert also put up folk entertainment shows and offer a typical Rajasthani dinner.
With good planning, you can spend the night at the desert, but since the next day will involve a long journey, you may want to spend the night on a soft bed in the comfort of a hotel room.

Day 4: Sightseeing in Jaisalmer, arrival at Udaipur
Sonar Quila, whose yellow sandstone walls glitter in the sun, is the ‘Golden Fort’ made famous throughout the world by Satyajit Ray’s movie Shonar Kella. For those tourists who’ve seen the film, the actual fort can come as a surprise, drastically changed as it is from the seventies.
Aside from an intricately carved Jain temple, the fort, which is nearly a millennium old, houses an entire village within its walls. The statue of Gangaur Mata, whose annual procession is one of the most festive events in Jaisalmer, is also housed in the fort’s museum.
Jaisalmer’s famous havelis include Patwan Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli.
But make sure you leave at least by 11:00 am for Udaipur. The nearly-600-kilometre journey involves a 15-kilometre crawl through a densely forested area, and you don’t want to run the risk of dealing with a flat tyre in the dark.
If you reach Udaipur early enough, you can hop over to the Pichola Lake, which offers a spectacular view of the Jag Mandir, City Palace and Lake Palace, lit up at night.

Day 5: Mount Abu
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a three hour drive from Udaipur. The road is beautiful, and the dappled hillocks are a photographer’s dream. Make sure you reach the top of the mountain early, because a mist floats down by noon and hovers over the hill for the larger part of the day. On weekends, and often during weekdays, one may come across a volley of jeeps with Ahmedabad registration numbers, carrying intoxicated visitors from the dry state.
The Dilwara Jain Temple opens at noon, so it would be a good idea to trek up to the top of the mountain and come back down in time for that. If the weather permits, you can take in some great views from the Dattattreya temple perched on the crown of the hill.
The Jain temple looks plain enough from the outside – but apparently, built at a time when raids were frequent, the dull exterior was a bid to fool the marauders. The interior of each of the temple’s five shrines and domes is a study in patience and aesthetic. The beautiful carvings can’t be photographed, though, as cameras and mobile phones are not allowed in the temple premises.
The other tourist attractions in Mount Abu are the wildlife sanctuary – which looks like a forest straight out of an Enid Blyton children’s book – and the Nakki Lake, an artificial water body 1200 metres above sea level.
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Day 6: Sightseeing in Udaipur
The City Palace of Udaipur dates back to the sixteenth century, when the city was founded by Rana Udai Singh. The story goes that Rana Udai Singh went to the Eklingji Temple on the hill after the birth of his grandson Amar Singh. He shot a hare on his way down, and headed homewards. Suddenly, he noticed fumes radiating from the spot where he had killed the hare. Troubled, he consulted a holy man, who asked him to build a palace at the spot.
With gardens, birth charts, galleries of paintings, armouries, painted tablets, decorated alcoves, and memorabilia dating back centuries, the City Palace is a tourist delight. From the palace, a part of which is the living quarter of the erstwhile royal family, the Jag Mandir – which has now been converted into a luxury hotel – is a boat ride away. From the Pichola Lake, one has a view of the incomplete monsoon palace, an eccentric structure on the edge of a cliff.
Car junkies will want to head to the vintage car collection right after. The Garden Hotel houses a collection of classic cars owned by the Maharanas of Udaipur, many still in running condition. Moris, Cadillac and Mercedes models dominate. A couple of grand chariots, used on occasion even today, are kept here too. Tickets for a viewing of the cars, followed by lunch, can be purchased both at the City Palace and at the Garden Hotel before 3:00 pm. The car collection is open for viewing until 9:00 pm.
On the banks of Lake Pichola is one of India’s few cable car ropeways. Stretching from the Doodh Talai to the Machhla Hill, the hindola, as it is called, offers spectacular views of the five lakes as well as the City Palace and Sajjangarh Fort. The ropeway is open up to 9:00 pm, and the hilltop is a vantage point to watch the sun set over the Aravali Hills.
The Maharana Pratap Memorial contains a fascinatingly realistic statue of Rana Pratap Singh. After taking a look around the memorial and Sahelion Ki Bari – a complex containing lawns, flowerbeds, ponds and fountains – you can while away the evening at the Fateh Sagar lake, whose waters lap at the roads, and cascade down steps to a canal.

Day 7: Chittaurgarh en route to Jaipur
The Chittaurgarh Fort is located about 170 kilometres from Udaipur, and just over three hundred from Jaipur. Believed to be the largest and grandest in the country, the fortress is associated with rather morbid stories. Dating back to the seventh century, the stately fort practically encapsulates the hill it is built on, spanning nearly seven hundred acres. However, its history is a tale of bloody sieges, and terrible sacrifices.
During the eight centuries it was ruled by Rajputs, till Akbar’s 1568 invasion saw the fort abandoned, Chittaurgarh became legendary for two events – the jauhar (suicide) of Rani Padmini, and the escapade of Rana Udai Singh.
The story of Allauddin Khilji’s invasion is often told, with a mixed sense of pride and sorrow. Rana Ratan Singh, the ruler of Chittaur, found out in 1303 that one of the singers in his court was a sorcerer, and banished him. The man began to sing in a forest where he knew Allauddin Khilji was hunting.
Entranced by his voice, Khilji asked him to join his court. The singer replied, “why would you want to take my voice with you, when there is something far more lovely in the court of Rana Ratan Singh?” He then told Khilji about Rani Padmini’s unparalleled beauty.
After several ploys to kidnap the queen failed, Khilji gathered a large army and invaded the fort. As the Rana’s army suffered reversals, Rani Padmini gathered the women of the palace around her. They are said to have burnt themselves alive in an enormous pyre. There are contradicting reports of who won the war – the Rana or Khilji. But the victor was greeted by the sight of a huge mound of ashes as soon as the gates to the palace were opened.
The first structure on the hill, right after the entrance gate is the Vijaya Stambha, the Tower of Victory. Thirty feet wide at the base, the ornately carved tower rises to 120 feet. Visitors can climb up to eight storeys – the last one has been cordoned off. The inner and outer walls, and even the steps and alcoves are carved with figurines of Hindu deities. Some have been defaced by invading Mughals, but most are intact.
Close to the tower is the Rana Kumbha palace, the construction of which was completed in the early fifteenth century. The palace is now in ruins, but was once a grand edifice, and the site of Maharana Udai Singh’s birth.
His nurse Panna Dhav is considered a folk hero of sorts, and hailed as the epitome of loyalty. According to the lore, the invading Banbir stormed into the palace, his sword poised to kill the heir to the throne. The maid is believed to have hidden the baby Udai Singh in a fruit basket, and dressed her own son in royal robes and placed him in the cradle instead. The fruit basket was whisked away through secret tunnels. Many of these tunnels can still be seen, overgrown with weeds.
Exploring the ruin is a thrilling experience, and one stumbles upon gardens, dungeons and canopied terraces in the least likely places!
A little further uphill is the Padmini Palace, the winter resting place on the northern margin of the lake, which overlooks the Zenana Mahal on the lake. It is said that Allauddin Khilji first saw Rani Padmini’s face in the waters. Now, companies of parrots fly back and forth between the Zenana Mahal and the palace.
The Palace of Raja Ratan Singh is towards the west, and positioned so that he could look into the Padmini Palace and Zenana Mahal.
Chittaur was also the home of the Bhakti poet Rani Mirabai, and a temple has been built at the site where she is said to have kept a shrine for Lord Krishna. A sign at the temple declares “here is the place where poison was turned into nectar”.
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The fantastic structures that make up the fort, and the museum on the hill can keep tourists transfixed for hours. But the journey from Chittaurgarh to Jaipur takes about five to six hours, so make sure you leave early enough to catch your flight!