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Rajasthan |
| Is the land of royal elegance, gorgeous women, warriors
and vibrant colors. Place of majestic forts & palaces that rise
from the sands. Here the mood and rhythm can overpower even a seasoned
traveler. Rajasthan has something for every kind of traveler, for
an action packed holiday, you can choose trekking, horse and camel
safaris through the desert sands or along the Aravallis - oldest mountain
range in India, for a great outdoor experience. A peaceful quiet holiday
in one of the historic places or a tryst with tigers and other wildlife
in various Wildlife sanctuaries. |
| ~ Top Sights ~ |
- Udaipur
Better known as City of Lakes, it is one of the most romantic
cities of Rajasthan. The marble palaces, the beautiful gardens
and the placid blue lakes enhance the beauty of the city.
The City Palace having several carved balconies, arches
and decorated pillars is the land mark of Udaipur. Close
to the City Palace is Jagdish temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
The Ahar village and museum is of great archaeological importance.
On the outskirts is Shri Eklingji Temple complex that houses
108 temples. More temples can be found at Rajasamand and
Kankroli located close to Udaipur.
Haldighati lies 27 kms north of Udaipur, where the armies
of Emperor Akbar and Maha Rana Pratap met in 1576.
Jaisamand, Nathdwara, Dungarpur, Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh
are other places of interest around Udaipur.
- Mount Abu
The only hill station in Rajasthan is a major pilgrim center.
The Jain temples here draw millions of visitors every year.
The Dilwara temples are the best Jain temples in the country
with unmatched beauty. Other places to visit are Gaumukh
temple, Achalgarh
Fort, Toad's Rock, Sunset Point and Trevor's Tank.
- Shekhawati
It is known as the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan and
comprises districts of Jhunjhunu & Sikar in the northeastern
region of the state. Nowhere else in the world is there
such a profusion of wall paintings, so intricate and finely
executed, in hundreds of havelis,
temples, cenotaphs, well and forts as in this region. This
region has been the home of the Marwari community, which
for more than a century has been the backbone of commercial
entrepreneurship in India.
Some of the best towns for fresco-seeing are Jhunjhunu,
Mandawa, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Churu, Mahansar, Mukundgarh,
Dundlod, Nawalgarh, Lakshmangarh and Sikar.
- Mandawa
The fort of Mandawa on the horizon rises like a mirage.
There are many havelis and notable among them is Chokhani,
Saraf, Goenka & Ladia havelis. From the terrace of the
Castle Mandawa you can have a breathtaking view of the town.
- Desert Triangle
Rajasthan forms part of Thar, the Great Indian Desert. This
sea of tawny golden sand is best experienced in what is
popularly referred as "Desert Triangle" - Jaisalmer,
Bikaner & Jodhpur. Apart from visit to the forts you
can have a "Desert Safari" in the middle of a
desert in Swiss Cottage Tents with local music and dance
filling the desert air and a choice of buffet meals from
Indian, Continental and local Rajasthani sit-down buffet.
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Nepal |
| This Himalayan kingdom is a great destination for a
family holiday or adventure alike. |
| ~ Top Sights ~ |
- Kathmandu
Emerald Buddha stupas, tranquil pagoda temples, ornate grand
palaces and royal Mansions - Kathmandu is a city with endless
sight-seeing. The beauty of its natural landscape and traditional
temple architecture and shrines is a testimony to its rich
heritage. A beautiful landscape stretches around the capital
with a variety of
getaways.
- Pashupatinath Temple
This is the country's pre-eminent Hindu temple on the banks
of Bagmati River, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the
most significant Shiva temples on the subcontinent. The
ghats (river steps) in front of the temple are reserved
for the cremation of royalty.
- Pokhara
This lake city is renowned for its great setting. It's location
by the lake and proximity to the mountains make it an ideal
place for honeymooners, a quiet family holiday, trekking
adventure or simply a peaceful holiday by yourself. There
are Tibetan settlements nearby, a hilltop monastery, magnificent
views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Mchhapuchchhre and the pretty
Devi Falls nearby. Day walks can be taken to Sarangkot (1592m),
the limestone caves at Mahendra Gufa or Rupa and Begnas
Tals lakes. Another option is the three to four-day Annapurna
Skyline Trek.
- Royal Chitwan National Park
This magnificent park was once the hunting ground for British
and Nepalese aristocrats. Today elephant, rhinoceros, tiger,
leopard and deer in the park are all protected, not shot.
The greatest thrill here is to go for an "Elephant
Safari" & scout for wildlife on the back of
an elephant. You have an option to go for a safari in the
Jeep or canoe or go jungle walking with trained & experienced
guides.
- Sagarmatha
This is a world heritage site. Mount Everest on the right
-- along with several other famous peaks, this park features
extremely high mountains, deep gorges, and amazing bird
and animal life.
- Bodhnath
The huge stupa of Bodhnath, which is the largest in the
country and among the largest in the world. It's also the
centre for Nepal's considerable population of Tibetans.
Late afternoon is a good time to visit. This is when prayer
services are held and the locals turn
out to walk around the stupa (if you want to join in, do
walk in a clockwise direction). Surrounding Bodhnath are
a number of monasteries, it is advised to be discreet and
respectful when visiting them.
- Trekking
Nepal is a trekker's paradise. During a trek, the Himalaya
disappears behind Nepal's continual hills, but dominates
the northern skyline at each pass. Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang,
Gauri Shankar and Everest will become familiar names. Your
idea of the Himalaya alters as you turn from peaks famed
only for their height to gaze on far more picturesque summits
that you may never have heard of - Kantega, Ama Dablam,
Machhapuchhare and Kumbhakarna. Everest, Annapurna, Central,
Western and Eastern
regions offer exciting trekking opportunities.
Trekking Permits are required and issued by the Department
of Immigration located at Tridevi Marg, Thamel, for the
tourists who intend to trek any part of the country.
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Kashmir |
It is the principal region in the state of Jammu &
Kashmir and a favorite destination of the whole world. Nestling in
the lap of the dazzling snow capped Himalayas; the Kashmir valley
is indeed "Heaven on earth" as described by Mughal Kings.
It is an inspiration for art, music and poetry; a honeymooner's paradise,
a nature lover's wonderland and a shopper's dream come true, in one
word - a "Paradise".
Kashmiri's look after their tourists, reason you find them everywhere,
soaking up all that Kashmir has to offer - the pony treks, walks,
cable car rides in Gulmarg or a serene Shikara ride at the sun-set
on Dal lake.
It is situated at an altitude of 1,730 meters above the sea level.
The lush greenery of the valley, with its terraced rice fields, fruit
orchards, and swirling waterways spill into the city of Srinagar via
the Dal Lake. You can see avenues of poplar and chinar trees. And
the water world of the two lakes in the middle of the city - Dal &
Nigin lakes can be explored in the decadent comfort of Shikaras and
Houseboats. A gorgeous river Jehlum flows through the heart of the
city dividing the city into two which are linked by seven bridges. |
| Top Sights |
- Nagin Lake
A beautiful circular drive through apple orchards and
rice fields connects Shalimar with Nagin Lake and the old
city of Srinagar. Visitors take this drive to visit the
white marble mosque of Hazratbal, which possesses the hair
of Prophet Mohammed. Just beyond Hazratbal and separated
from Dal Lake by a causeway, is the Nagin Lake. Nagin Lake
is popular with tourists searching for a quiet vacation.
Four swimming boats anchored in the deepest part of the
Lake offer facilities for swimming, water skiing and surf-board
riding.
- Hari Parbhat
Behind Nagin Lake looms the Hari Parbat fortress, atop a
small hill built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Across the combined
lakes from Hari Parbat, on the Takht-e-Suleiman (throne
of Slomon) hill is the temple of Sankaracharaya. A motor
road leads up the hill to this ancient Shiva temple.
- Mughal Gardens
The famous Boulevard Road circles the Dal Lake and leads
out towards the magnificent Mughal Gardens. The first two
gardens - Chashma Shahi & Pari Mahal - are to the right
of the boulevard, set into the slope of the circling hills.
Two larger gardens, Nishat and Shalimar are located much
further down the Boulevard. Nishat is the larger of the
two and has an impressive plantation of huge chinar trees
on the highest terrace, planted in all likelihood by the
great Mughals themselves. The Shalimar is more famous because
of the celebrated romance between its builder, Emperor Jahangir,
and his queen Nur Jehan.
- Mosques
Foremost among the mosques is the Jami Masjid, a massive
congregational mosque. The wonderful mosque of Shah Hamdan
is built on the banks of Jhelum River. As with many mosques
in Kashmir, a screened verandah running around it is used
by women for their prayers, since they can not enter the
central hall.
Other places to visit are Makhdoom Sahib, Akhund Mulla Shah,
Old city, Zaina Kadal, Rozabal, Patthar Masjid, Jama Masjid,
and Pratap Singh Museum.
- Pahalgam
It is one of the premier resorts in Kashmir, cool even during
the height of summer. It is a staging point for the famous
pilgrimage to the sacred ice lingam in Amarnath, dedicated
to Lord Shiva. A large number of tourists go there as the
surroundings compare with the famous Swiss Alps. You can
play golf on the rough little nine-hole course or go for
the treks into the high altitude meadows.
It spreads along the banks of Lidder River, the focal
point of interest for the fisherman looking for delicious
trout fish. There are many popular treks to the surrounding
mountains. Trek to Kolahoi Glacier via Aru, Satlanjan &
Dudsar Lake and to the high altitude lakes that dot the
meadows & mountain ridges between Pahalgam and Sonmarg.
- Gulmarg
Meaning "meadow of flowers" is a huge cup-shaped
meadow that is lush green, with slopes where the silence
is broken only by the tinkle of cow bells. The place looks
like a fantasy set in a film and no wonder so many Indian
films have been shot here. All around are snow capped mountains
and on a clear day you can see Nanga Parbat in one direction
and Srinagar in the other. From here is Alpather Lake, a
picturesque alpine lake, frozen till late June.
Gulmarg has one of the world's highest green 18-hole golf
courses which attract golfers just as its ski runs make
it India's premier skiing centre in the winter.
- Sonamarg
It is a quiet valley at an altitude of 3000 meters. 80 Kms
northeast of Srinagar, the road leading to Sonamarg is like
heading for an enchanted journey into wonderland of nature.
Sonamarg, which means "meadow of gold", has in
the backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The
river Sindh meanders along here and abounds with tasty trout
and mahaseer fish.
- Dachigam National Park
Located 22 Kms from Srinagar Dachigam National Park offers
splendid forests and magnificent scenery. This park is home
to endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only species
of red deer to be found in India. Other inhabitants of this
park include the Himalayan black bear, species of wild goat
and varieties of exotic Himalayan bird.
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Andhra Pradesh |
Andhra Pradesh is an unexplored endless journey. It
has witnessed many civilization and dynasties from 300 BC onwards.
The Mauryas, Satavahanas, Ishvakus, Pallavas, Eastern Chalukyas, Cholas,
Kakatias, Vijayanagar Kings, Qutb Shahis, Mughals, the Asaf Jahis
and even the Dutch, French and the British have left a mark on this
land. Such influences have given birth to a synthesis of cultures
set against a beautiful natural
backdrop. You will see a perfect blend of history and modernity. |
| ~ Top Sights ~ |
- Hyderabad
The capital city is a blend of old and new - modern buildings
and fascinating 400 year old Edifices - the remains of the
city's Islamic roots. The tourist enjoy the sight of the
picturesque sight of Hussain Sagar Lake which has a huge
monolithic statue of Lord Buddha near it. On the outskirts
of the city is the HI-TEC City, a techno-park that
symbolizes the software revolution sweeping Andhra Pradesh.
The Film City here is another self contained world, equipped
to make about 100 films at one time. Charminar is a landmark
of Hyderabad. The historic gateway has four graceful minarets
each 56 mts. high. Medak Church is a gothic structure largest
in the country. The huge stained glass windows recapture
the story of the Bible in blazing colored pictures.
- Golconda Fort
Located at a distance of 13 Kms. from Hyderabad this structure
reflects the genius of its builders. A clap at the foot
of the fort can be heard at the top of the citadel at a
height of 61 meters. The significant features of the fort
include 87 bastions and over eight 69 feet high gates that
can withstand elephants battering them during a siege. The
Golconda rulers were rich and the world famous Kohinoor
diamond stands as evidence of their property. The sound
and light show held daily is worth a visit.
- Palaces and Museums
Royalty has always been a part of Hyderabad. There were
fourteen palaces and among the big ones, Chowmohala has
been described as a part of Arabian Nights by the Prince
of Wales. Faluknuma Place has a priceless collection of
jade, statues and more. The Paigah Tombs, Hill Fort Place
and State Buildings are also remarkable.
The Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad is the repository of
the artistic achievements of diverse European, Asian and
Far Eastern countries of the world. Nawab Salar Jung III's
passion for rare objects of art can be seen here. The 35
rooms of the museum display 35, 000 objects! It is the largest
one-man collection of priceless antiques, giving a glimpse
of Nizam's royal life.
- Temples
Temples galore in Andhra like in Tamil Nadu. Tirumala and
Tirupati are visited by millions daily. The Lord Venkateswara
temple on Tirumala hills is one of the most venerated shrines
in India. The main temple is the epitome of Indian temple
architecture. In Tirupati, the Govindaraja Swamy Temple
and Sri Mangapuram temple are famous. Close to Tirupati,
is the sacred shrine of Vayu, the wind God, at Sri Kalahasti.
- Wildlife sanctuaries and Parks
In the state of Andhra Pradesh there are twenty sanctuaries
and four National Parks. Around Tirupati, the backwaters
of the Pulicat Lake, serve as a feeding ground for flamingos,
grey pelicans, terns, herons, ducks, storks, teals and a
number of waders. Around 20 kms from here is the Nelapattu
Bird Sanctuary, an ideal nesting spot for open bill storks,
cormorants, the white ibis and the night heron. Near Warangal,
the Eturnagaram sanctuary is another haunt for the gaur,
tiger, spotted dear, black buck sambar, panther, nilgai
and the chowsingha.
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North East |
Embarking on a journey of India's remote eight states
of the North East is a tumultuous but rewarding one. The infinite
variety of its geographical setting, its topography, its varied flora
and fauna, and bird life, the history of its people and the variety
of its ethnic communities and their rich heritage of ancient traditions
and lifestyles, its festivals and crafts make it a holiday wonderland.
Spread over an expanse of 265, 000 sq kms, north eastern states comprises
the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The raw natural beauty, rare orchids
& butterflies, brightly painted monasteries, mighty rivers, indigenous
sports and crafts - each one has its own special message, as one passes
from one state to another.
The North East's amazing diversity makes it a holiday destination
for all seasons. However, it is best to avoid period between June-September
due to torrential monsoons. October to March is the finest months
to explore this diversity at leisure. There are plenty of good hotels
to choose from in big towns, but you will also find forest rest houses
in most places.
Entry formalities
Restrictions are in place for entry of foreign tourists to
visit some places in the following areas: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur,
Mizoram, Nagaland & Sikkim.
Permits for the foreign tourists can be obtained from all the Indian
Missions overseas and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Regional
Registration Offices and the Immigration Offices at the airports
in New Delhi, Kolkatta, Mumbai and the Chief Immigration Officer,
Chennai.
Foreign tourists are allowed to visit the above places for a maximum
period of ten days and in groups of 4 or more persons with the exception
of married couples.
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