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Agra
Agra - Located 220 kms from Delhi, Agra is a must visit city on any Tour of India. Home of the World famous Taj Mahal, Agra provides avid glimpses of Mughal architecture. To be in Agra is like taking a walk through India's Mughal period history. Other than the Taj Mahal, Agra's attractions include the Red Fort, built by Emperor Akbar on the banks of the River Yamuna, Sikandra, the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar, the Itmad-ud-Daulah, a mausoleum built for Empress Noor Jahan's father and last but not the least and a short distance away, Fatehpur Sikri, with its very impressive architecture and interesting stories of it having been built and then abandoned. After Delhi, Agra is the most visited tourist city in North India. Getting to Agra
AurangabadAurangabad - A large industrial city in the Western Indian State of Maharashtra, serves as the Gateway to the World Heritage sites of the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Also, the city in itself, has a very rich heritage, since for a part of Aurangzeb's rule, Aurangabad had become the seat of the Mughal dynasty. The Mughal dynasty contributed to such architectural wonders as the Bibi-ka-Makbara, and the Daulatabad Fort. Getting to Aurangabad
Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh National Park, situated in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, has established a reputation as one of the best places in India to observe Tigers. The 105 square kilometers of park area, open for tourists is reported to have over 25 tigers. Like many Tiger reserves in India, the area was formerly the hunting reserve of a Maharaja and contains much evidence of its royal associations, most spectacular being the ruins of a huge hilltop fort which dominates the centre of the reserve. The Sal Forest which predominates in the Park is replaced by mixed forests at the higher elevations in the hills and there are also expanses of grassland and bamboo in the north. The core of the reserve is hilly and dominated by the ancient natural fort which towers to an impressive 800 metres above the forest. The Fort too is worth a visit. Bandhavgarh being an arid region, water is always attractive to wildlife and the presence of pools and streams in the reserve is one of the reasons it is so favoured by both game and predators. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh the list of other mammals and birds that have made Bandhavgarh their home , is very impressive too .The list of birds includes such species as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Plumheaded Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian. Other species found here in varying abundance include; Chinkara, Chowsinga, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. Getting to Bandhavgarh
BangaloreBangalore -- Bangalore is one of Asia's fastest growing cities, and India's fifth largest city. Situated at an altitude of 920 metres above sea level, Bangalore is the principal administrative, cultural, commercial and industrial centre of the South Indian State of Karnataka. Thanks to its altitude, Bangalore enjoys a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year. Tree-lined streets and abundant greenery made it the 'Garden City' of India. Getting to Bangalore
BharatpurNow known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, situated in the North Indian state of Rajasthan ( actually very close to Agra ) is without question one of the finest bird watching locations in the world. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary provides a diversity and abundance of birdlife only equalled in Africa and keen birdwatchers are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of birds present. Notable species amongst the throngs of nesting Painted Storks, White Ibises, Darters and Spoonbills are specialities such as the threatened Black-necked Stork, Comb Duck, and the elusive Spotted Creeper. Thousands of ducks crowd the marshes and pools and include, amongst the more familiar species, hundreds of Ferruginous and Lesser Whistling Ducks plus smaller numbers of Red-crested Pochards and Spotbilled Ducks. Both White and Dalmatian Pelicans may occur and large numbers of Common Cranes along with smaller numbers of Sarus Cranes use the reserve in which to winter. Bharatpur bird sanctuary in India has also been famous as the winter hideaway of the very rare Siberian Cranes, though the sighting of these has reduced considerably in recent years. Bharatpur also provides unrivalled opportunities for observing a large range of raptors, including Spotted, Imperial, Steppe and Tawny Eagles, as well as a host of vultures.Bharatpur is also known for sighting of rare bird species such as Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Dusky Warbler, Marshall’s Iora and Large-tailed Nightjar. Other wildlife inhabiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary includes the rare and beautiful Blackbuck, Indian Smooth Otter, Fishing Cat, Soft-shelled Turtle and Indian Python. Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer and Rhesus Macaques. A very interesting feature of Bharatpur is the way game rides are done -- on cycle rickshaws. You could also take a cycling or walking tour of this park. Getting to Bharatpur
Bikaner
Bikaner - Situated in the north of the desert state of Rajasthan,Bikaner is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel research and breeading farm in the world. The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Modern Bikaner is the result of the foresight of its most eminent ruler Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887 1943) whose reformative zeal set the pace for Bikaner transformation from a principality to a premier princely state. Places to visit in Bikaner include Junagarh Fort and Museum, and the Camel breeding Farm, located just a few kilometers away from the city. Getting to Bikaner
ChennaiChennai -- Chennai or Madras, as it was called earlier, is known as the Gateway of Southern India and is the capital of the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu. The fourth largest metropolis and the third important port in India, Chennai is flanked by the breathtakingly beautiful Marina beach on the eastern side and the city skyscape with its eclectic mix of temple towers, steeples, minarets and star hotels on the other. From classical concerts to trendy nightclubs, Chettinad to multi-cuisine restaurants, museums to Internet cafes, Chennai offers choices that range from the quaint to the ultra modern. Getting to Chennai
Cochin
Cochin or Kochi as it is now called, is the commercial capital of the Southern Indian State of Kerala, is sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port. Getting to Cochin
Darjeeling
Darjeeling - Perched at a height of 2134 metres with a backdrop of the mighty Himalayan peaks, Darjeeling has attracted generations of visitors to sample the joys of cool, healthy, gracious and adventurous living. Surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas on one side, and thousands of acres of Tea gardens on the other, Darjeeling holds a special interest for the botanist, ornithologist, trekker, photographer and artist, apart from the holiday-seeker. Places to visit in Darjeeling include the Tiger Hill, for it’s wonderful views of the Everest and the Kanchenjunga, the Himalayan Moutaineering Institute, that still houses, the equipment used by Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing on their Everest expedition, and the Himalayan Zoological Park. One of the new attractions of Darjeeling, is the Japanese Peace Pagooda. Getting to Darjeeling
Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of the Eastern Indian State of Sikkim, with a backdrop of the Himalayas, offers breathtaking vistas, colourful lifestyles, Buddhist shrines, adventure, watersport, exquisite flora and fauna, including hundreds of varieties of butterflies. Getting to Gangtok
Goa
Goa – India’s most famous beach get away of Goa, is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, in Western India. . Ruled by the Portuguese till 1961, Goa still retains its indo-portuguese character -- very visible amongst its architecture as well as its people. The high points of Goa are it’s silver sands, sparkling blue waters, the sky mirroring the sea below, white churches resting against green paddy fields and coconut trees lining the coastal streets. Tourists inevitably come to Goa only for its sandy beaches, but experienced travellers say that the beaches are only a part of the attraction of Goa. Goa has 500 year old churches, forts and temples, trekking routes, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries and even spice plantations that are worth visiting. Getting to Goa
Jaipur
Jaipur - Jaipur, the capital of the North Indian State of Rajasthan, is named after its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743). The city is surrounded by hills and dotted with forts. Houses with pink latticed windows line the streets, and look almost magical at sunset. An extremely well planned city, Jaipur was designed by an engineer and scholar Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, in accordance with ancient Hindu treatise on architecture, the Shilpa Shasta (Vastu). Getting to Jaipur
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer - Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the crossroad of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis. The rich merchants engaged stone-craftsmen who worked with greate diligence on the sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. These veritable art-museums are still inhabited, and their colourful celebrations and festivals have placed Jaisalmer firmly on the world tourism map. It's unique location in the midst of miles of sand dunes makes it India's most popular destination for camel safaris. Places to see in and around Jaisalmer include the many Havelis, located in the bylanes of the old city, the imposing Jaisalmer Fort, which is known as the World’s largest living Fort, the many Hindu and Jain temples inside the Fort etc. Also worth visiting, are the Sam Sand Dunes, located just outside Jaisalmer, that offer unbelievable desert vistas, stretching for miles and miles. Getting to Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Jodhpur - Jodhpur, the second largest city of the state of Rajasthan, is often called the blue city and is an oasis in the arid Thar Desert. Representing this colourful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, colour and texture, Jodhpur has them all and in plenty. Getting to Jodhpur
Kalimpong
Kalimpong - About 55 kilometres from Darjeeling, at an altitude of 1250 metres, the picturesque town of Kalimpong is definitely a place to visit in this region. Once a part of Sikkim, this town was an important centre for trade and commerce for Tibetans from the north and the headquarters of the Governor of Bhutan. Kalimpong is known for its peaceful environs, abundance of greenery and the beautiful flowers, orchids and cacti that are found here. Kalimpong offers splendid views of the ice-covered Eastern Himalayas. Places to visit in and around Kalimpong include the many Buddhist monasteries, and the Orchid Gardens and Farms. Getting to Kalimpong
Kanha
Kanha : situated in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the picturesque Kanha National Park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's unforgettable classic Jungle Book. The romance of the Kanha National Park has not reduced over time-it is still as beautiful. Getting to Kanha
Khajuraho
Once guarded by swaying date palm trees, which gave the city of Khajuraho its name, the city is a study in art and sculpture. The city traces its origin to the 10th century when it was the bastion of the Chandela dynasty. Khajuraho's claim to fame are the famous Chandela temples, erected between the 10th and 11th centuries, these temples were abandoned to the jungle during the Muslim era. In 1840 British tiger-hunters came upon them and in the 1920s twenty-two of the original 85 were excavated. The rosy sandstone tiered temples of beautifully carved figures depict the warrior clan's ebullient style in battle and in love. Now a world heritage site, Khajuraho is an Indian destination you cannot afford to miss. Places to visit in Khajuraho are the Eastern and Western Group of Chandela temples. Getting to Khajuraho
Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital of the East Indian state of West Bengal is seen as the land of the intellectuals. It is also famous as the Land of Mother Teresa and Rabindra Nath Tagore. Communist in ideology and very politically aware, Kolkata was the capital of British India before Delhi assumed this position. Getting to Kolkata
Kumarakom
Kumarakom -- Kumarakom is rated as one of the top 15 beautiful spots in the world by the National Geographic magazine. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region of the Southern Indian states of Kerala. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live There in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies - this is Kumarakom. Getting to Kumarakom
Mumbai
Bombay, or Mumbai as it is now called, is the commercial capital of India, a city of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood and more. The city, a cluster of seven islands, was named by its natives after the goddess Mumbadevi. After the Portuguese gained possession of the islands in 1534, they renamed it Bom Bahia, for the natural harbour, which served as a safe haven for its ships. The promise of business opportunities and religious freedom drew people to Bombay from all over the country. As the migrant population burgeoned, land was reclaimed, and the city began its haphazard metamorphosis from a trading post into a metropolis and industrial hub. Today, Mumbai is the country's financial and cultural centre. It is also home to a thriving film industry. It is seen, to the teeming masses that flock there to live and work, as a place where opportunities abound. Its inhabitants, an amalgam of great wealth and abject poverty, are swept into the endless maelstrom of activity that characterizes this city of dreams. Places to visit in Mumbai include the Victoria Terminus, the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens, Mani Bhawan (where the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi resided for several years) and the Prince of Wales museum. Getting to Mumbai
Mysore
Mysore - 140 Kms from Bangalore, in the Southern Indian State of Karnataka, lies Mysore, the abode of untold grandeur and glory. Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, road shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched. Mysore is one of the major cities of Karnataka. Today, Mysore is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks. Its grand and imposing palaces, majestic temples, gardens leave an ever-lasting impression on the visitor. Situated 770m above sea level, Mysore has a warm and cool climate throughout the year. Getting to Mysore
New Delhi
Delhi - India’s capital and major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising then that what constitutes Delhi today, is a conglomerate of seven cities. Down the ages the region in and around modern Delhi saw Lalkot built in the mid-11th century, Siri established by Allauddin Khilji, Tughlakabad, and Ferozabad built by the Tughlaks followed by the city of the Lodis and then came Shahjahanabad, capital of the Mughals under Shah Jahan. Getting to New Delhi
Ooty
Ooty, in the Southern Indian State of Karnataka, is called the "Queen of hill stations" and is the capital of Nilgiris district. Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, Ooty used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days.. It is now one of the most popular hill resorts in India. Ooty is set, pictureously, in the Nilgiris, called the "Blue Mountains" of India. An added attraction for tourists to Ooty, is the mountain train journey (also called the toy train) on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers. Getting to Ooty
Periyar
Periyar in the Southern most state of Kerala , is one of the sixteen Project Tiger reserves in India, and one of the most picturesque and beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in the world. With its waterways, forests and grasslands, it provides a magnificent venue for both mammal and bird watching. Despite the destruction of much of the lowland forest within the reserve as a result of the construction of a dam across the Periyar River in 1895, its 777 square kilometres provide a haven for a wide range of mammals,including Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Sloth bear, Leopard, Dhole, and Nilgiri Langur. Periyar National Park also has a rich and varied bird fauna and we will be hoping to see several of the species found only in southern India and Sri Lanka, such as Grey Junglefowl, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, White-cheeked Barbet, Crimsonfronted Barbet, Black-headed Cuckoo-Shrike, Heart-Spotted Woodpecker, Rufous Babbler, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Ruby-throated Bulbul and White-bellied Treepie. Getting to Periyar
RanthamboreRanthambhore - The most convienently located National Park in the North Indian state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore is considered by many to be one of India’s most beautiful national parks. Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts in Rajasthan. Ranthambore National Park covers an area of 400 sq km with many steep crags embracing a network of lakes and rivers. Atop one of these hills, the 10th century Ranthambore Fort stands like a silent sentinel. The terrain is a blend of impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type with dhok being the most prominent tree. Ranthambore National Park is best known for its tiger population, and tiger sightings are common here. Apart from tigers, the national park has its share of panthers, too. Kachida Valley is believed to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. One can also find marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears apart from Chital, Nilgai, and Chinkara. The avian population comprises of black storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the winter months, the national park attracts a lot of migratory birds, including a variety of ducks. It is the ideal park for wildlife photography. Getting to Ranthambore
Shimla
Shimla - Situated at an altitude of approx. 6500 ft above sea level, is the capital of the North Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla was the former official summer capital of the Government of India right up until 1947, when India gained Independence. Shimla was originally a small hill village named after the goddess Shamla Devi, a manifestation of Kali. Discovered by the British in 1819, it became a popular refuge from the heat of the plains of North India. In 1903, a railway line was laid, connecting it to the plains, and thus making it easily accessible. One of the attractions of Shimla, is this World Heritage toy train, that stills runs on a narrow gauge train track from Kalka , in the foothills, to Shimla. Getting to Shimla
TrivandrumFormerly known as Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram is gateway to one of the most beautiful states in India- Kerala. Trivandrum opens the gates to a world of beaches, mountains, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and islands. Trivandrum is mostly serving as a gateway to Kovalam -- Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum. The Kovalam beach has for long been known as the "Paradise of the South". "Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. The crescent-shaped beach has three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is light house beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The northern, Samudra, is a laidback one and time seems stands still here. The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Getting to Trivandrum
Udaipur Udaipur also known as the City of Lakes, is the second most frequently visited tourist sight, in the North Indian State of Rajasthan. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes, make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. Udaipur is the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar. The kingdom of Mewar, with which many legends of bravery are associated, was considered the most respectable of all Rajput princely states in Rajasthan. The Rulers of Mewar are still remembered for their bravery & courage they showed for protecting their motherland from external invaders. Udaipur's beauty and its remarkable past blossoms in the heart of the visitors for a long time. Getting to Udaipur
Varanasi
Varanasi -- Varanasi, considered as the holiest of Hindu cities, and an important seat of learning in India, is in the North Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy river Ganges, Varanasi is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Banaras, which was in use till May 24, 1956 when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. Getting to Varanasi
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