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Golden Triangle - Delhi / Agra / Jaipur |
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It comprises three historically immortal cities of Delhi, Agra
and Jaipur - traversing three northern states of Delhi, Rajasthan
and Uttar Pradesh. No visit to the northern part of India will be
complete without an encounter with history through the famed Golden
Triangle.
Delhi - Old & New
The capital of India and a major gateway to the country, contemporary
Delhi is a bustling metropolis that presents a vast panorama of
fascinating images. The city combines in its folds - ancient with
the modern. Amidst the vast spiraling skyscrapers, remnants of a
bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders
to the region's ancient legacy. It is a city where forts, tombs
and ruins share the skyline with high-rise buildings, stately homes
and temples & mosques. For any visitor the wide tree-lined avenues
of New Delhi give an impression of a garden city that gives way
to the crowded narrow lanes of old Delhi - presenting the contrast
in lifestyle, which is the legacy of the city.
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| ~ Top Sights ~ |
- Purana Quila
The centuries old Purana Quila or the "Old Fort"
was built by Sher Shah, which was the earlier seat of the
Mughals. The Light & Sound show here captures the highlights
of the historic past of India.
- India Gate
A memorial to the soldiers who died in the first World war.
- Rashtrapati Bhawan
The official residence of India's President is worth seeing.
It serves as the arena for the colorful spectacle of the
Republic Day celebrations on 26th Jan every year.
- Connaught Place
One of the many business districts it also serves as one
of the shopping areas for handicrafts and textiles from
different regions of India.
- Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
It is a famous architectural landmark built by one of the
leading industrial groups from India.
- Qutab Minar
Qutbu'd Din built this minaret as a memorial to victory
and as an accessory to the adjoining mosque to call the
faithful to the prayer.
- Bahai Temple
An Ashokan rock-edict was discovered in South Delhi, where
the present Bahai temple stands. It is a breathtaking pure
white marble structure depicting a lotus in full bloom.
- Red Fort
It stands on the west bank of Yamuna River, built as royal
residential and official complex by Shah Jahan.
- Chandni Chowk
Is the commercial heart of old Delhi with many wholesale
markets - especially silver Jewelry and handicrafts.
- Jama Masjid
A "Congregational Mosque", constructed on natural
elevation by Shah Jahan during 1651-56 - impressive and
one of the largest mosques in Asia.
- Rajghat
On the banks of the legendary Yamuna River that flows past
Delhi is the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, which
has become an essential point of call for all visiting dignitaries.
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Agra
In terms of ambience the city is still associated with Moghul
period. Taj has not only become synonymous with Agra but India as
a whole. Majority of the buildings in the modern areas of the town
date back over a hundred years. The city has immense wealth of architecture,
handicrafts and jewelry.
Worth a visit is Tansen's Baradari, Caravanserai, Naubatkhana,
The Karkhanas, The Astrologers seat, The Panch mahal, Place of Jodha
Bai, house of Birbal, The Jama Masjid, and Bulund Darwaza. In the
courtyard of the Masjid is the famous tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti,
built in marble with beautiful marble jali screen.
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| ~ Top Sights ~ |
- Taj Mahal
A greatest monument to love built by Shah Jahan for his
beloved Noor Jehan.
- Agra Fort
The imposing citadel of Akbar is made of red sandstone.
- Sikandra
It is 12 Kms from Agra, where the mighty Akbar lies interred.
- Itmad-ud-Daula
Opposite the Taj, is the mausoleum of Ghiyas Beg, father
of Noor Jehan.
- Fatehpur Sikri
The founding of the place reads like a fairy tale. When
all else had failed, Emperor Akbar came here in search of
Sufi mystic, Sheikh Salim Chisti, to ask the blessing of
a son. His prayer was heard and soon a son was born who
created a history!
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Jaipur
The origin of the city dates back to eighteenth century, when Jai
Singh II ascended Amber throne in 1699. In 1727 he set about building
the palace city. It is called the Pink City due to extensive usage
of locally abundant pink stone in forts, places, temples and gardens.
All through Jaipur has retained strong Rajputana flavor tempered with
prominent Mughal influence. |
| ~ Top Sights ~ |
- Hawa Mahal
It is the signature building of Jaipur. A delicate looking,
multi-layered Palace with a profusion of windows and stone
screens.
- Jantar Mantar
It is an open-air observatory of out-sized astronomical
instruments raised in the 8th century by an astronomer-king.
- Amer Palace
The majestic fort is a landmark you can not miss. The experience
of visiting the palace is simply fascinating. You ride up
on the elephants to the former capital of the royals, set
to the backdrop of wooded hills.
- Jaigarh & Nahargarh
These are two fortresses overlooking Amer Palace.
- Birla Mandir
A newly built temple is a unique monument with exquisite
marble carvings. For best effect must be seen on a moonlit
night.
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Kerala |
| An enchanting piece of land in the south-west of India!
It is said the land derived its name from "Keram" - the
coconut palm. Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters - forty four
rivers cut across the state with many tributaries and branches forming
backwaters. It is a verdant paradise with many natural splendors -
mountains & valleys, lush paddy fields & lazy lagoons and
beautiful beaches & backwaters. Last but not the least it is land
of Ayurveda, evolved 600 BC in India and practiced ever since, Kerala
is supposed to have an ideal climate for Ayurveda therapy! |
| Top Sights |
- Thiruvananthapuram
Commonly called as Trivandrum, is the capital city of the
state of Kerala. The city is named after "Anantha"
- the thousand headed serpent of mythology. The Padmanabhaswamy
Temple is worth a visit. Here the main idol rests on the
reclining Anantha serpent. Entry is restricted to Hindus.
- Sri Chithra Art Gallery
- in Trivandrum, apart from housing miniature paintings,
has a great collection of paintings by one of India's world
famous artist - Raja Ravi Varma of Travancore.
- Kovalam
One of the best beaches in the country is barely 12 Kms
from Trivandrum. Kovalam curves a silver crescent around
a sheltered bay, and tall palms afford it privacy. You can
choose a variety of water sports available here.
- Ponmudi
It is an hour's drive from Trivandrum and its deep forests
have exciting trekking trails and picnic spots.
- Kollam
One and half hour drive from Trivandrum, this ancient seaport
received ships from around the world. There is a beautiful
Astamadi Lake and plenty of ancient churches and Hindu shrines.
A backwater cruises can be organized from here to Allepy.
- Cochin
Kerala's commercial capital spreads over several islands
- Willingdon, Bolghatty, Ernakulam, Gundu and Vypin. It
has a cosmopolitan character with one of finest harbors
in the country.
A visit to the Dutch Palace built by Portuguese is a must.
Its interiors are decorated with murals from Ramayana &
Mahabharata.
A Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town built in 16th century decorated
with copper plates bearing the Hebrew script.
Fort Cochin, a typical English suburb, complete with charming
bungalows set amidst leafy gardens. There are Chinese fishing
nets that line the sea-front for mechanical method of catching
fish, introduced by Chinese traders to this coastal town.
- Munnar
A hill resort, which is three hour ride from Kochi. Tea
plantations abound in its salubrious climate. There are
two Wildlife sanctuaries, lakes and streams making it a
perfect resort to relax.
- Thekkady
One of the finest game sanctuaries in the country - Periyar
National Park & Tiger Reserve, is housed here. You can
view herds of playful wild Elephants frolicking here in
the lake Periyar. Apart from Elephant the sanctuary has
leopard, wild dog, wild boar, bison, barking deer, mouse
deer, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque and tiger.
- Alappuzha
More commonly Allepy, has often been called - the Venice
of the East. Built along the Vemband Lake, it is the heart
of the backwaters in Kerala. The spectacular "snakeboat
racing" events are held here every year during the
monsoon months of July and August. It is 64 Kms from Kochi.
- Thrissur & Guruvayoor
Both the towns are known for temple celebrations. A ten
day festival is held every year in February-march in Guruvayoor.
North of Thrissur is Cheruthuruthy - home to tradition of
Kathakali dance form. Thrissur Kerala Mandalam here has
given best Kathakali performers to the country. It also
specializes in other dance forms - Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam
and Ottamthullal.
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Mumbai |
| Rudyard Kipling extolled her as the 'Mother of cities'.
The history of Bombay or Mumbai as it is now known is the story of
an incredible transformation of 7 low-lying swampy islands to the
present modern metropolis British built expressly for trade. Originally
inhabited by Koli fisher folk, through the Portuguese conquest became
a part of dowry to Princess Catharine Braganza of Portugal when she
married Prince Charles II of England. Mumbai was and still is the
Gateway to India, commemorated by a monument of that name built to
mark the visit of King George and his consort, Mary.
Today, Mumbai is India's premiere commercial and financial city.
It is the only city in the world with a reserve forest in the middle
of the megapolis. It is a melting pot of various races and cultures
as such you will see many churches, temples, mosques, gurudwaras,
agyaris & synagogues. It is home to Bollywood - one of the largest
movie production centers in the world. Truly a city of dreams and
reality, a city that never sleeps & ever on the move!
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| ~ Top Sights ~ |
- Gateway of India
Built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911,
it is a magnificent structure overlooking the Arabian Sea
in south Mumbai.
- Prince of Wales Museum
Is a five minute walk from Gateway of India, designed in
the Indo-Saracenic style that combines Gothic and Moorish
architectures. It boasts of a significant collection of
Indus valley artifacts some of them dating back to more
than 5000 years. Most impressive are the miniature paintings
- nearly 2000 of them - from various stylistic schools of
India.
- Mumbai University
It is the high seat of learning in the city & an architectural
piece. It houses the Rajabai Tower with a huge 100-year
old clock, akin to London's Big Ben.
- Mumbai High Court
One of the heritage buildings of the city over 100 years
old where the justice is expedited.
- Marine Drive
It runs along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea from Nariman
point to Malabar hill. Also called Queens Necklace as the
breeze from the Sea comes over the street lights in the
evening and the sight from the south Bombay skyscrapers
is that of a Queens Necklace!
- Chowpatty Beach
This place comes to life when the sun goes down. Eating
"Bhelpuri" and various "chats" from
the various food stalls is a ritual here.
- Malabar Hill
It is one of the posh residential areas from where you get
a lovely view of Arabian Sea. Tower of silence - a round
construction, where Parsis leave their dead to be eaten
by vultures and Kamla Nehru Park is in the vicinity.
- Haji Ali
A beautiful mausoleum situated at the culmination of a causeway
jutting out into the Arabian Sea. It is the tombstone of
the famous Muslim saint Haji Ali. It can be reached only
at low tide.
- Mani Bhavan
It was Mahatma Gandhi's temporary residence converted now
into a museum housing artifacts concerning Father of the
Nation.
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park
110 sq. Kms of protected area - this is the largest forest
reserve in the midst of a sprawling metropolis anywhere
in the world, with leopards, peacocks, deer, monkeys, birds
and reptiles all sharing space in their natural habitat.
The main draw of the park is the lion safari and a toy train
for children / adults.
- Kanheri Caves
These are the glorious examples of rock-cut Buddhist architecture
found in ancient caves that are a marvel by themselves.
- Essel World & Fantasy Land
Huge theme parks having numerous and exciting rides and
games. It is highly popular amongst children.
- Elephanta Caves
Ancient caves situated 9 Kms adrift of Mumbai harbor in
the Arabian Sea. Carved from rock face, these caves are
a tribute to Maurya Dynasty which ruled here. The caves
depict Lord Shiva in various forms and facets.
- Siddhivinayak Temple
Is a famous temple of Lord Ganesha, where people from all
over the state come to worship on Tuesday, when long serpentine
queues can be seen from wee hours of morning.
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Goa |
| Over the last 500 years conquerors, travelers, poets
and evangelists have described Goa variously: Goa Dourada (Golden
Goa), Perola Do Oriente (Peral of the East), and Roma Do Oriente (Rome
of the East)!!!
This is an unrivalled holiday destination, with azure expanse of
the Arabian Sea on one hand and leafy foothills of Western Ghats
on the other. Beautiful beaches spread over 105 Kms of coastline,
historic cities and picturesque villages, wildlife parks and bird
sanctuaries and cultural heritage which is a blend of Indian &
Portuguese traditions. Last but not the least; warm welcome of the
local people & the mouth watering local cuisine completes some
of the ingredients that makes a trip to Goa truly relaxing and memorable.
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| ~ Top Sights ~ |
- Beaches, beaches and beaches…..
Goa's crowning glory is its beautiful beaches all along
the coastline. Three most popular beaches in North Goa in
the shape of an arc and stretching for 7 kms are Sinquerim
(Aguada beach), Calangute & Baga. North of this is Anjuna
with a rocky promontory on either side. Further north are
Vagator and Chapora beaches which on a day may give you
a feel that you own it. Ideal for honeymooners or someone
wanting to spend some quiet moments or simply meditate!!
In the south, beaches extend for a stretch of 25 kms - Velsao,
Uttorda, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Fatrade and Cavellosim.
Most of the beaches have private homes offered as budget
accommodations. Cavellosim has some first class and luxury
resorts on it. Bordering Karnataka in the extreme south
is Palolem beach considered to be the best with a backdrop
of Wesern Ghats and its wooded trails offering trekking
trails.
You can simply choose to laze on a beach or have exciting
action through any of the sports - surfing, diving, snorkeling;
or parasailing and balloon rides.
- Song & dance sun-set cruise
At the sun-set Santa Monica yacht over the Mandovi river
cruises to the beat and music of an on-board band with colorful
dancers in local attires.
- Churches, Chapels & Temples
In Old Goa, 10 kms from Panjim - the city center is the
famous Basilica of Bom Jesus where the mortal remains of
Saint Francis Xavier are kept in a casket.
Se Cathedral is the most imposing church in Goa - its vaulted
interior overwhelms the visitor by its sheer grandeur. The
Church of St. Francis of Assissi has its interior illustrated
with exquisite paintings. St. Cajetan Church was built in
the style of the St. Peters Basilica in Rome. Church of
Our Lady of Rosary is one of the earliest built churches
in Goa.
There are more temples in Goa than churches. Among the most
revered are - Shri Manguesh Temple at Mangueshi, Mahalsa
Narayani Temple at Mardol, and Shanta Durga Temple at Kavlem.
In the hills safe from the depredation of the invaders is
the sole survivor - Kadamba Temple. Built in black basalt
stone is the Mahadeva Temple at Tamdi.
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Wildlife Sanctuaries
Four wildlife sanctuaries - Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
(60 kms. east of Panaji), the Bondla Sanctuary (55 Kms
from Panaji) and the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (60 Kms.
south of Panaji). The wet deciduous forests of these preserves
have abundant birdlife and are the habitat of animals
like the bison, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, chital, pangolin
etc.
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Tamil Nadu |
| Tamil Nadu is a part of India where the ancient culture
and tradition is still relevant. It is a journey into timeless India,
a place steeped in tradition where the landscape of the past - temples
& shrines, forts and palaces are at ease with the present! It
is here that you get to see temple architecture that is unparalleled
in the towering Gateways or commonly referred "Gopurams". |
| ~ Top Sights ~ |
- Chennai
This 350-year-old city can be called the "Gateway to
the South India". Among the places to visit is Fort
St. George, where most of the Chennai history was written.
Today the fort houses Secretariat and the Legislative assembly.
The St. Mary's church within its walls was consecrated in
1680 AD and is believed to be oldest Anglican Church in
the east.
The National Art Gallery contains a splendid collection
of Chola bronzes (Chola Dynasty).
Kapaleeswarar Temple is architecturally magnificent with
its massive and intricately carved Gopuram towering into
the sky. Parthasarathy Temple is a splendid 8th century
temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Marina beach is also city sea-front and also the fine Elliot's
beach.
The Kalakshetra, founded by late Rukmini Devi Arundale,
is a renowned institution that keeps alive the traditions
of Bharata Natyam and Carnatic music.
- Mamallapuram
Commonly referred to as Mahabalipuram is 58 Kms. south of
Chennai and the ancient seaport of the Pallava dynasty.
Declared the heritage centre by United Nations, the monuments
are hewn out of solid rock, though ravaged by sea and wind
bear testimony to Dravidian architecture. Shore Temple,
one of the oldest in South India, stands on the seashore
with its paved forecourts. There are beautiful beaches and
fine resorts in this historical place. Dance festival from
December to February is highly acclaimed.
- Kanchipuram
Or the land of thousand temples - is one of the seven sacred
cities in India, 71 Kms. from Chennai. The town is dotted
with soaring spires of thousand temples. A seat of learning
and a centre of culture since early times, Ekambareswarar
Temple here is famed for its thousand pillared hall.
- Chidambaram
Is home to the famous Annamalai University and temple dedicated
to Lord Nataraja. 16 Kms. from here is Pichchavaram with
serene backwaters and dense mangrove forests.
- Thanjavur
The home of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and
traditional handicrafts, is famous for its Brahadeeswarar
Temple. Nagore (85 Kms.) is a renowned pilgrim centre for
Muslims and Velanganni (90 Kms.) is sacred for Christians.
- Tiruchirappalli
Or Trichi is known for its Rock Fort and its temple at a
height of over 83 meters. Other temples are Sri Ranganathaswamy
Temple (Srirangam) and the Shiva Temple at Tiruvanaikkaval
and Samayapuram Mariamman Temple.
- Rameswaram
One of the most sacred towns of India. It is well known
for its temple corridor - the longest in India.
- Madurai
The capital city of Pandyas it is the second largest city
in Tamil Nadu. It is famous for Meenakshi Temple with Gopuram
and rare sculptures. A sound and light show at Thirumalai
Naicker Palace is worth seeing. There are several other
temples at a distance of 8 to 125 kms - Azhagar Temple,
Lord Subramanya Temple, and Palani Temple. The Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary is 146 Kms. across the border in Kerala.
- Coimbatore
Third largest city in Tamil Nadu is called "Manchester
of South India".
- Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin is India's lands end and is
unique in being surrounded by three seas - the Bay of Bengal,
the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, the confluence is
called "Thriveni Sangamam" and is a pilgrim centre.
- Ooty
Udhagamandalam or Ooty is known as the queen of hill stations.
Situated in the picturesque Nilgiri range at a height of
2268 meters has a salubrious climate and scenic beauty.
It is favorite spot of tourists to escape from oppressive
heat of summer.
- Kodaikanal
It is a beautiful hill station with a star shaped lake which
is a famous tourist destination thronged all through the
year.
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Varanasi & Khajuraho |
Or Banares as it was known previously, is the ultimate
pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Varanasi has predominated Hindu life
in every facet for the last three millennia. It derives its name from
two streams - the Varuna on the North of the city and the Assi, a
small trickle on the south. The city is also called Kashi "The
City of light" by Hindus and is one of the Seven Sacred Cities
of Hinduism. It is a belief that anyone dying within the area marked
by the Panch Kosi Road is transported to heaven.
Varanasi is also prominent centre of Sanskrit learning in India. The
Sanskrit University here has 15000 rare manuscripts. Tulsidas, the
famous Hindi poet wrote Shri Ram Charit Manas here. |
| ~ Top Sights ~ |
- The Temples
The places of interest are - Vishwanath Temple, dedicated
to Lord Vishweshwara, constructed by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar
of Indore. Tulsi Manas Temple and the Bharat Mata Temple
with an impressive relief map of India carved in marble.
Annapurna Temple & Sankatmochan Temple is other attractions.
The most fascinating aspect of Varanasi is the life at dawn.
The ghats and temples on the riverfront are filled with
pilgrims paying homage to Sun God and holy Ganga.
Religious excursions are conducted to Sarnath (8 Kms), Vindhyachal
(90Kms), Chunar (40 Kms), Allahabad (128 Kms), Jaunpur (58
Kms) and Ayodhya (209 Kms).
- Khajuraho
It lies in the state of Madhya Pradesh and the capital of
Chandela Kings; Khajuraho is famous for its magnificent
temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain
Tirthankaras. The temples of Khajuraho are divided into
three groups - Western Group, Eastern Group and Southern
Group.
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