Shirdi

Shirdi is that mystical magical town near the holy city of Nasik, close to Mumbai. This hallowed town exudes such intense devotion, that even the casual visitor is bound to be charged with fervour. Shirdi was the abode of the Saint Sai Baba, who lived here for eighty years - and died here over eighty years ago. It is said that Sai Baba himself calls his devotees to Shirdi and that his blessings can heal even the deepest wound.


The town is tiny - just 2 square km of main street and a labyrinth of by-lanes - but packs in much passion. Pilgrims throng for a brief "darshan" at Samadhi Mandir, the shrine of Sai Baba where his mortal remains were interred. The queues outside the mandir are endless, the throng inside is maddening, and the devotion intense.

Next to the shrine is the peaceful Masjid where Sai Baba spent most of his life. The sacred fire called "dhuni" still burns here and its ash or "udhi" is smeared on devotees.

The Chavadi is a small building where Sai Baba used to spend every alternate night.


The Guru Sthan is the shrine where the Baba’s spiritual leader took samadhi (gave up his body). The neem tree at the Guru Sthan where Sai Baba first sat when he came to Shirdi, is said to have absorbed miracle powers.

The Lendi Gardens where Sai Baba went for a walk and sat in meditation is a spot where devotees come to pray.

The Khandoba Temple, near the STA bus stop, is the oldest temple in Shirdi.


The streets of Shirdi are paved with shops selling Sai Baba memorabilia, especially the unforgettable pictures of Sai Baba himself, with his piercing eyes, snowy beard and benevolent smile. For assistance in Shirdi, contact the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, a charitable organisation with a rest house, canteen, locker facilities and an assistance counter at the bus stand.


Getting there: Shirdi is on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, 250 km from Mumbai and 75 km from Nashik. You can fly into Nashik and then take a bus, taxi or train to Shirdi. Shirdi is accessible on the Central Railway line; get off at Manmad (65 km from Shirdi) or at Kopergaon (18 km). MTDC runs buses from all major destinations.

Best time: Pilgrims flock to Shirdi at any time of the year. Shirdi has a dry climate that swings to extremes, from a high of 40° C in May, to a low of 7° C in January. But the monsoon months - June to August - are pleasant, with scanty rains. Though the shrine is open though the week, Thursday is Sai Baba's special day.

Accommodation: Accommodation is never a problem in Shirdi - from the MTDC hotel, tourist rest houses, dharamsalas and ashrams, to five star accommodation - the town is totally geared for pilgrims. Hotels offer special packages and check-in/check-out timings. You can stay in comfort and clean surroundings at one of the charitable sansthas and dharamsalas for just a handful of rupees. Stay clear of touts!

Money: The shops open as early as 7 a.m. and close late, at around 10:30 p.m. Shirdi does not have any banks or moneychangers and you will need to go to Nashik to change your foreign currency. Most of the large hotels accept international credit cards.

Varanasi

Varanasi was known as Kashi in the ancient times and as Benaras more recently. The city is more than 3000 years old and is believed to be one of the oldest living cities in the world. It is much sacred to Hindus for centuries and according to Hindu mythology, those who die in Kashi gain instant salvation and freedom from the cycle of births and deaths. It is situated on the bank of the holy river Ganges, known as 'Ganga' in this region and its worshippers are said to be the upholders of the true Hinduism, who are known to keep the Hindu traditions and rituals alive. The city got the name 'Benaras' due to mis-pronunciation of 'Varanasi' by the British. The city is the house of one of the twelve famous 'Jyotirlingas'.

It is considered an important seat of learning and knowledge, especially when it comes to Hindi, Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy in its purest form. There are hundreds and thousands of temples in the city that can be seen every few steps and in every home along with a number of schools and colleges. Brahmins of Kashi who had the duty and privilege to be well versed in scriptures and spread their knowledge to the common people are the most venerated. Banaras Hindu University is still one of the best institutions of India and churns out some of the cream of the Indian society. Arts and crafts of Varanasi are famous too, especially the Benarasi silk sarees with broad brocade work done in gold and silver threads that are essential part of the Indian bridal trousseaus. Music and dance has also flourished well in the city.

Varanasi's Prime Attractions

Ghats of Varanasi The numerous Ghats of Varanasi on the banks of river Ganges come alive with the dawn as the river water assumes different hue of red, orange, gold and yellow at the different times of the day and thousands of devotees take the ceremonial dip in them, offering prayers to the sun and the river while standing waist-deep in the water. There are over all 85 bathing ghats in the city, the most notable being the Dashashwamedha Ghat and the Manikarnika Ghat, where it is said that there is continuous burning of dead bodies at all times.

Durga Temple The busiest temple of Varanasi, it is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The large rectangular tank called Durga Kund nearby has an idol of Goddess Durga seated on it and is believed to be the abode of Durga Devi, as stated in Puranas. It is said that she has lived here for centuries as the guardian deity of the city in the form of one of the warrior goddesses known as Chandikas.

Bharat MataTemple The unique temple is dedicated to 'Mother India' and is much more contemporary. The nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Sri Durga Prasad Khatri built it. The temple has one of the perfect relief maps of India, which has accurate scaling and is made in marble. Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Kashi Vishwanath Temple or the Golden Temple is one of the twelve temples around the world that enshrine the famous 'Jyotirlinga' that symbolizes Lord Shiva and is known as Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha (meaning the God and Master of the World respectively). It is said that mere catching a glimpse ('darshan') of the idol grants benediction and spiritual peace to the deity. Its significance is even more enhanced as it is believed that a visit to this temple equals the gains of holy visits to all the other eleven 'jyotirlingas' combined. The present temple is said to be built by the Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780.


Tulsi Manas Temple Tulsi Manas Temple has modern construction with a 'Shikhara' typical to North Indian temple architecture. It was built in 1964, in marble and is dedicated to the great saint Tulsi Das who wrote the famous epic, 'Ram Charit Manas'. Tulsi is said to have lived here and wrote the verses here. He died in 1623. The movind statues depict scenes from the epic again and again on the second floor, which is the chief attraction here.

Annapurna Temple The temple complex has a small sanctum that enshrines the idol of Goddess Annapoorna (Goddess of Food). It was inaugurated in January 1977 and the famous Shankaracharya of Shringeri consecrated the idol. It is said that the devotes of the Goddess never suffer from starvation.

Manmandir The Somesvara ghat of Varanasi is now more known for housing the Manmandir Palace built by Raja Savai Man Singh of Amber in 1585. Windows of the palace have intricate carvings while there is a Hindu Observatory at the top floor, which was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II.

Bharat Kala Bhawan Bharat Kala Bhawan situated in the campus of Benaras Hindu University (BHU) is a museum that showcases the rich collection of Mughal miniature paintings, sculptures, contemporary art, bronze statues and brocade textiles belonging to the period of 1st to 15th centuries.

Banaras Hindu University Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya founded BHU as a centre for the study of Indian art, culture, music and Sanskrit and is one of the oldest educational centers in India. It has been known to play an important role in the independence movement and has evolved into the greatest center of learning in India and has produced many eminent freedom fighters, scholars, artists, scientists and technologists. It sprawls across 1300 acres and has good roads and lots of greenery in its campus. The university is a small city in itself and has its own temple, airstrip, Bharat Kala Museum, hospital, large playgrounds, a massive auditorium, a flying club and many other facilities.

Varanasi City Facts


Location: Situated in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Climate: Tropical climate with hot summers, highly humid monsoons and pleasant winters with misty mornings.


How to Reach:


By Air: Nearest airport is the Babatpur Airport, 22 km from the city, with daily flights to and from Agra, Bhuvaneshwar, Calcutta, Delhi, Khajuraho, Mumbai and Lucknow.

By Train: Varanasi is an important and major rail junction and trains connect it to all the major cities of India including Delhi and Mumbai.

By Road: Smooth good road network and National Highways connect Varanasi to and from Calcutta, Delhi, Kanya Kumari and Gorakhpur.

Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandram is the capital of Kerala. It is so called as it considered to be the abode of Anantha, according to the Hindu mythology, who is the sacred serpent of Lord Vishnu. The mesmerizing sunsets, lagoons fringed by coconut groves bordering its beautiful lagoons, aromatic spice and coffee plantations and cool breeze provide the ultimate experience to all the senses of a human body. Exotic seafood cuisines of Kerala that tickles one's taste buds are not to be forgotten. The city is also nicknamed as the 'City of Seven Hills' and was once a very popular port where Romans, Jews, Arabs and Christians came frequently. Still it is one of the biggest centers of industries related to sea and marine trade.

The legend says that Lord Parashuram snatched this land away from the sea by throwing his axe at it and thus, sea fearfully receded. Thus, Kerala along with Trivandrum emerged from the sea. The abundant natural beauty of the city is inconceivable. The mix of traditional and modern culture makes Trivandrum a heavenly experience. The city has played an important role in the maritime history and is today, more popular among the tourists for its Ayurvedic centers. The space research here is at par with rest of the world while the gorgeous backwaters and lagoon cruises and scenic beaches and seashores make it the first choice for the sea and water sport lovers. For lazier people, this Otiental paradise has relaxing Ayurvedic massages to offer.

Trivandrum's Prime Attractions

Zoological Gardens: One of the Asia's best zoos, it has dense forests and beautiful lakes.

Government Art Museum: Napier Museum or Government Art Museum is a 19th century edifice that is a delightful mix of Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. Its natural air-conditioning system makes viewing the bronze statues, ancient ornaments and costumes, ivory carvings and musical instruments, a pleasurable experience. There is a whole temple chariot on display too.

Sree Chitra Art Gallery: Exhibiting the best of Roerich and Raja Ravi Verma besides the Mughal, Rajput, Bengal and Tanjore schools of paintings, this art gallery also boasts of a rich collection of art from the Far East and Bali.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Accessible only by Hindus, this temple is 260 yr old and has a 100-ft gopuram. Its edifice presents a mix of Kerala and Dravidian architecture. The presiding deity known as Sri Padmanabhaswamy is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the reclining position on the serpent Anantha.

Puttan Malika Palace Museum: Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balrama Verma of Travancore, an eminent poet and musician conceived the palace (now turned into a museum) as a rare example of the traditional Travancore style of architecture. It exhibits beautiful woodcarvings and art pieces along with articles that are related to trade relations of the region with China and Europe mainly because of the spices that grew abundantly here.

Kalaripayattu: The 5,000-year-old martial art of Kerala, Kalarippayattu, has been kept alive and preserved carefully by the institutions and the training centers of the region. It is believed to be origin of all martial art forms and also has its very own branch of medicine known as 'kalarichikitsa'. The institutions offer viewing the martial art performances or the treatments in their special healing centres.

Kovalam Beach: One of the best beaches of the world, Kovalam offers the best of tropical dream with swaying coconut groves, safe seashores where one can swim or just tan the body in the sun and delicious dishes in the seafood special restaurants and food stalls. One can also experience a visit to one of the Ayurvedic spas here.

Trivandrum City Facts


Location:
Situated in Kerala, India.

Climate:
Moderate climate all the year round though monsoons bring heavy rainfalls to the city.



How to Reach:


By Air: Trivandrum has daily domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore and international flights to Male, Colombo and the Middle East.

By Train: Thiruvananthapuram has direct trains to the major cities of Kerala and India.

By Road: Four National Highways 7, 17, 45 and 47, meet at Thiruvananthapuram connecting it to all major cities in India. There are regular bus services to Bangalore, Chennai, Kanyakumari, Madurai and Pondicherry.

Mysore

Mysore has once been the capital of Karnataka and still its palaces and culture reflect the clean, light, serene and easygoing old worldly charm. Its distinctive aromas attract people to the place again and again. It is said that Mysore was originally known as 'Mahishasurana Ooru' or the town of Mahishasura, as it was here that Goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the royalty of the region, killed the mighty demon Mahishasura atop the Chamundi. Still, one can see the temples of the Goddess atop these hills at the eastern end of Mysore town.

The imposing and magnificent palaces and buildings of Mysore are a part of architectural heritage of the city and have retained its old-world charm. The city boasts of well-planned gardens, fabulous temples and broad shady avenues. The Wodeyar dynasty of Kings ruled Mysore ever since 14th century except for the time in the late 18th century, when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers of the city for 40 years. The city has been planned well and the benevolent Wodeyar rulers gave it the identity of a 'native' princely state and encouraged traditional music, dance, art and literature along with scholarship and time-honored crafts.


Mysore's Prime Attractions


Chamundi Hills: Chamundi Hills is 1,100-feet-high and the Chamundeshwari temple atop them is quite fabulous. Goddess Chamundeshwari is patron deity of the erstwhile royalty and it takes 13 km drive or climbing up the 1,000 stone steps to reach the temple. The giant statue of Mahishasura nearby, who was believed to be the demon killed by the Goddess here is a chief attraction here along with the the 300-year old monolithic statue of Nandi Bull, which is 4.8 m high, placed halfway up the stairs. Nandi Bull is the chosen mount of Lord Shiva and is notable because of its size and ornamentation.

Srirangapatnam: The summer palace of Tipu Sultan at Srirangapatnam, 15 km from Mysore, was built in 1784. It boasts of Indo-Saracenic architecture and has a small museum with a rich collection of Tipu's personal possessions such as his gold-embroidered tunic, old paintings and a coin collection. Other places woth seeing at Srirangapatnam are the Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali and Jami Masjid with its slender minarets that make the mosque recognizable from several kilometers.

Brindavan Gardens: 30 minutes from Mysore, the terrace gardens of Brindavan boast of beautiful watercourses, musical fountains that are fitted with soft colored lights and look quite beautiful in the night. It is a popular picnic spot of the city.

Lalitha Mahal Palace: Lalitha Mahal was the guesthouse of Wodeyar rulers and was built in 1930s. It is snow-white in color and its Italian marble staircase that branches off from a landing to reach the first floor hall looks quite fascinating. There are delightful lawns and tall trees surrounding the palace.


Mysore Palace: Mysore Palace was built in 897 AD using Saracenic style of architecture. It presents a fusion of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. The old palace was burnt down in 1897 and the new one designed by an English architect was completed in 1912. Gray granite was used to construct the main palace building while a gilded dome was placed atop a tower in the palace. It has huge rooms and floor tiles are of beautiful colors and hues such as turquoise blue, magenta, golden yellow and leaf green. The central hall once used for marriages and other major gatherings is perhaps the most beautiful part of the palace and is richly ornamented. The royal courtyard is the venue from where the Dussehra procession starts every year in the month of October. There is a museum too that presents a collection of musical instruments, children's toys, lots of paintings, royal costumes and weaponry and armor that belonged to the Maharaja's family.

Mysore City Facts



Location: Situated in Karnataka, India.

Climate: Mysore boasts of warm summers and cool winters and a pleasant season throughout the year.


How to Reach:


By Air: The nearest airport to Mysore is Bangalore Airport, 140 km away from here that has domestic flights throughout India.

By Train: Mysore is linked by regular trains to Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai.

By Road: Good roads link Mysore to almost all the important cities of the region.

Kolkata (Calcutta)

The British named Kolkata or Calcutta after the patron deity of the city known as Goddess Kali. Caluctta is actually the anglicized version of Kalikatta while the Kolkata is the Bengali version of the same name. The city is more than three hundred years old and was once the capital of British India until 1912. Its leisurely life style and the old-world charm still pervade this bustling metropolitan. It was recently the most densely populated city in the world and boasts of India's first Metro railway service. The city was founded in 1696 with the establishment of Fort Williams, which was the first British fort in India. It was then a mere fishermens' village and has now grown into being one of the largest cities in the world. Calcutta and its people are known for their creativity and vibrancy.


The strong cultural, literary and religious flavor of the city can be seen in its fine, arts, music, dance, theatre and writing. Calcutta has produced many Indian leaders and the Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore. It serves as an important gateway to the North East and one of the major commercial cities of India. Durga Puja is one of the most celebrated festivals here and fairs and processions are held throughout the city. The festivals lasts for ten days, during which the whole city is profusely decorated and beautiful idols of Goddess Durga are erected everywhere in the city. However, there is almost no nightlife in the city.


Kolkata's Prime Attractions

Kali Temple The ancient temple, which was reconstructed in 1809 in its present form, is also known as the Kalighat temple. The city was named Calcutta or Kolkata after this temple as an anglicized version of Kalikata.

BBD Square The memorial dedicated to the three brave Bengali martyrs known as Dinesh, Badal and Binay, is also the commercial centre of the city. It is also known as the Dalhousie square and houses Raj Bhawan, Assembly house, High Court and General Post Office along with the Secretariat. GPO is said to be situated at the venue of the first fort of British in India. There is also the legend of the infamous Black Hole associated with the area, where is it said that the tyrant Siraj-Ud-Daulla cramped 146 people in a small room for a night and only 23 survived the ordeal and were found alive in the morning.

Eden Gardens The gardens were named after the sister of Alexander and now houses one of the largest stadiums of India, also known as the Ranji stadium. It also has a wooden pagoda and many beautiful trees.

Ravindra Gallery Lalit Kala Academy has a gallery dedicated to the rare and fine pictures and manuscripts of Rabindra Nath Tagore. It also exhibits paintings done in Rabindra style and is a popular venue for cultural programs and events.

Rabindra Setu Also known as the Howrah Bridge, it is one of the three bridges on River Hooghly. The bridge suspended on pillars is a marvel of British engineering and has become icon of Calcutta. It is still in working condition, though it is very old. There is a new bridge nearby too, known as the Vidya Sagar Setu, which is a cable suspended bridge and is quite similar in design to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Marble Palace Once the private mansion of a Zamindar, it was built in 1835. Today, it serves as a private zoo and museum with several statues and paintings on display.

St. John's Church Built in 1787, the church boasts of a number of monuments such as the octagonal mausoleum of the founder of the city known as Job Char nock and the tomb of Admiral Watson.

Belur Math The headquarters of the Ramkrishna mission established by Swami Vivekanand is dedicated to the preaching of Ramkrishna Paramhansa such as unity among all the religions. He was a great Indian philosopher and died in 1897.

Kolkata City Facts


Location: Situated in West Bengal, India.

Climate: Kolkata experiences frequent rainfall and high velocity winds. It has tropical climate with hot and humid summers and pleasant winters.


How to Reach:


By Air: Kolkata has daily domestic flights to the major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Varanasi and Lucknow and international flights to and from countries in the Southeast Asia. The airport is known as the Dumdum airport.

By Train: Kolkata is well connected by trains all over India. Best options from Delhi are Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express, while you can take Coromandel Express from Chennai and Gitanjali Express from Mumbai. The two major railway stations are at Howrah and Sealdah respectively.

By Road: The main bus terminus is the Esplanade Terminus, while good motor able roads connect Kolkata to all the major cities in India.

By Sea: One can opt for boat and ship services to and from Andaman & Nicobar Islands or luxury cruises to Haldia, a modern port city nearby.

Khajuraho

The temples of Khajuraho are not about the usual worshipping and religious rites performed to the deities but more about the courtly arts, love and passion. These unique 10th-11th century temples are famous for their erotic sculptures and carvings on the walls and present quite an éclat mix of architectural science and art. Related to Chandela dynasty founded by Chandravarman, it is said that he, to fulfill the dream of his mother Hemvati, built these temples. It is said that he was the illegitimate son of this Brahmin girls and the Moon God. The temple was meant to display all aspects of passion and erotic fantasy, which the Moon God is often associated with (in Hindu mythology) that rocks the world. Khajuraho was then the capital of Chandravarman. The temples are believed to have introduced an artistic revolution.

The erotic sculptures are believed to be inspired by 'Kamasutra', the book on art of sex. They are also said to depict the lovemaking of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the divine couple that are known to be the symbols of ultimate marital bliss in Hinduism. The temples were lost into obscurity for several years though the tribals of the region worshipped the deities here but they were later discovered by the rest of the world too and soon evolved into the second hottest destination for tourism after Taj Mahal. The temple complex houses a number of medieval temples and can be divided into three main groups - the Eastern, the Western and the Southern. Originally, there were 85 temples but now only 22 have survived the ordeals of time. The sculptures are also related to other courtly arts such as music and dance. UNESCO has declared the site as a World Heritage in 1986.

Khajuraho's Prime Attractions



Temples of Khajuraho Khajuraho temples took 200 years to complete, which is not surprising when you look at its elaborate carvings. All the temples are planned in a similar pattern and use temple architectural style typical to Central India. The balanced and harmonious architecture is adorned with uninhibited graceful erotic sculptures that may range from simpler ones to the most inspired ones. The temples of the Western group are the largest and easier to access.

Eastern Group Comprising of five isolated sub-groups of temples in and around present Khajuraho, the Eastern group of temples boast of three Brahmanical temples dedicated to Brahma, Vamana and Javari respectively and three Jain temples dedicated to Ghantai, Adinath and Parsvanath.


Southern Group Most distant group of temples, it boasts of temples dedicated to Duladeo and Chaturbhuja.


Western Group is the largest of all the temple groups of Khajuraho. It is not compact and located in the center but also include the most renowned and noteworthy monuments built during the reign of the Chandela rulers. They are also known to have been maintained well by the Archaeological Survey of India and the lush green lawns surrounding them with multihued shrums and fragrant blossoms add to their beauty. The most prominent temples of the group are the Lakshmana Temple, the Matangesvara Temple and the Varaha Temple that are a part of a single complex, the Visvanatha and Nandi temples situated near the above-mentioned complex and the Chitragupta, Jagadambi and the Kandariya Mahadeo temples a little to the west of the complex.


Panna National Park 30-minute from Khajuraho, Panna National Park offers a beautiful experience of wilderness that includes deep gorges, tranquil valleys, dense teak forests and a number of wild life species such as Cheetals, Chowsinghas, Gharials, Indian Foxes, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Boars, Wolfs and Porcupines.

Khajuraho City Facts


Location: Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India.


Climate: Khajuraho has extreme tropical climate with hot scorching summers and chilly cold winters.


How to Reach:


By Air: There are daily domestic flights to and from Agra, and Kathmandu.

By Train: Jhansi is a big railway junction near Khajuraho. The other railway stations nearby that are well connected to other parts of India are Mahoba and Satna.

By Road: Good roads and frequent bus services connect Khajuraho to other major cities such as Agra, Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Mahoba, Panna and Satna.

Kanyakumari

The city at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari offers you the mingling of three great seas, namely the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean and the great beaches from where you can see these giant water bodies. Also known as Cape Comorin, it is the district headquarters and an important pilgrimage place of the region. The sunrise and sunset here is exceptionally beautiful, especially on full moon days when one can see the setting of sun and rising of moon almost simultaneously. Endowed richly with paddy fields and coconut groves, the place is named after the Goddess Kannyakumari Amman, the presiding deity of the area. It is said that Devi Kanya, one of the incarnations of Goddess Parvati did penance on one of the rocks here to woo Lord Shiva.

The multi-colored mineral sand of Kanyakumari is indeed a unique trait. The city was once known as the 'Granary of Travancore' because of high-yielding paddy fields. The rocky and dangerous seashores are kept out of limit for the tourists by a manmade wall and tourists are constantly warned to stay off the rocks. There is a lighthouse too from where you can get some of the most wonderful and exotic views of the surrounding scenery. The rough seas and furious sea waves are not suitable for sunbathing or swimming but one can look for a huge variety of shells on the Kanyakumari beach and visit the Vivekananda memorial that recently came into limelight when giant waves hit it during the Tsunami disaster.

Kanyakumari Prime Attractions

Kumari Amman Temple: The temple dedicated to the Virgin Goddess known as Devi Kanya or Kumari Amman, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati is a must see here.

Temple Of Goddess Bhagavathi: Goddess Bhagavathi Temple situated at the confluence of the three oceans was originally built by Pandyas and was expanded later by Nayaks. The Goddess's idol looks serene and beneficent and the eastern gate of the temple, which is considered most pious and faces Bay of Bengal is opened only five times a year.

Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial: The memorial erected to commemorate the visit of Vivekananda to Kanyakumari in December 25, 1892, and spent whole night into deep meditation in a rock in the sea before resolving to serve his Motherland and spreading the message of Vedanta, recently came into news when giant disastrous Tsunami waves hit it last year.

Gandhi Mandapam: The shrine is erected in the sport where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public view last time before immersing the ashes in the three seas. The architecture resembles an Orissa temple and the wonder of the place is that on 2nd October (birth day of Gandhi ji) every year, the sun's rays fall on the place where his ashes were kept.

Alvar Tirunagari: The famous Vaishnav temple of Kannyakumari, Alvar Tirunagari temple is associated with saint Namalvar, who attained enlightenment under a tree enshrined here. He sang the praises of the temle, which is dedicated to Lord Adinatha. The temple festival uses an exclusive musical instrument made of stone, which is known as Nadaswaram.

Kanyakumari City Facts

Location: Situated in Tamil Nadu at the southernmost tip of India.

Climate: Tropical pleasant climate throughout the year with insignificant temperature differences during summers and winters.

How to Reach:

By Air: Trivandrum is the nearest airport, which is 80 km away from Kanyakumari.

By Train: Kanyakumari is well connected by train services to all the major cities of India up to Delhi and even further up to Jammu.

By Road: Kanyakumari is connected by regular bus services to and from all the major cities of South India including Chennai, Pondicherry, Bangalore, Trichy, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Nagercoil, Tuticorin, Tiruchendur, Tiruvelveli and Trivandrum.

Jodhpur

The sprawling Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur has many folklores and legends woven around it that recount the romantic and chivalrous expeditions of the past. The erstwhile royal residence that has now been turned into a glorious heritage hotel known as Umaid Bhawan Palace is the pride of Jodhpur and has been identified as the largest personal residence which figures substantially amongs the best art-deco buildings of India. The sense of serenity pervades the city with the pale blue color that envelops the city's palaces, havelis, temples and houses, perhaps to counter the scorching rays of the desert sun. People of Jodhpur are friendly and are dressed in bright hues to counter the barren look of the city and welcome the guests with warm hospitality. Crowded Bazaars present a fair-like scene too and are quite interesting.

As the name suggests, the city was founded by the ruler of Marwar, Suryavanshi Rao Jodha as the capital of his princely state. It was a major trading center too as it was situated on the trade routes between Central Asia and the ports of Gujarat in the 16th century. The textiles and crafts of the city are famous even today. The Marwar Festival held in October for two days is also known as the 'Maand Festival' is perhaps the best even organized to showcase the folk art and culture of Jodhpur, especially the songs and dance of the Marwar region. It was called 'Maand', after the classical style of folk music of the region that featured songs on romance and chivalry of Rajput rulers. The folk dance performances of the festival are great. Besides the folklores and folk songs, the other events highlighted in the festival are horse riding, horse polo and several competitions.

Jodhpur's Prime Attractions

Mehrangarh Fort The impenetrable fort built by Rao Jodha, it is situated on a vertical hill and is known for classic views, delicate latticed windows, intricately carved panels and graceful porches. The complex has some of the most beautiful edifices such as Moti Mahal or Pearl Palace, Phool Mahal or Flower Palace, Sheesh Mahal or Mirror Palace, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. It also houses the second largest cannon in Asia. The fort is simply a giant in its family. The museum shop here offers some of the best collection of handicrafts, books and literature.

Umaid Bhawan Palace The 20th century edifice is as interesting in its conception, as it is in architecture. The palace was conceived as a famine relief project to provide employment to the people during the great famine that lasted 16 years! The fabulous architecture of Umaid Bhawan Palace is worth seeing and has been maintained well. The museum of the palace showcases some of the erstwhile regal mementos such as the clocks, tea sets, paintings, royal costumes and other trivia. It has now been converted into a heritage hotel, though a part of it still serves as the residence of the erstwhile royalty.

Jaswant Thada The 19th century royal cenotaph built near the fort complex is the white marble marvel and serves as the memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It also houses some of the portraits of Jodhpur's precedent rulers, the intricate latticework and elaborately carved doors. The tranquil surroundings are enhanced by the presence of a beautifully designed garden and water tank in front of the cenotaph.

Jodhpur City Facts

Location: Situated in Western Rajasthan, India. It is 308 km from Jaisalmer, 331 km from Jaipur and 589 km from New Delhi.

Climate: Extreme climate and scanty rainfall in Jodhpur conforms to the typical desert climate.

How to Reach:

By Air: Jaisalmer Airport in cantonment area and managed ny Indian Air Force has regular flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur.

By Train: Trains connect Jodhpur to all the major cities of India, the most popular trains being Jodhpur-Jaipur Intercity Express, Jodhpur-Kota Express and Jodhpur-Bikaner Passenger.

By Road: Luxury coaches and good roads connect Jaisalmer to the major cities of Rajasthan such as Bikaner, Jaipur and Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is set amidst the arid Thar Desert. Jaisalmer Fort is the most prominent feature of the city and is made up of yellow sandstone. The beautiful hue of the fort lends a stark barren look as it stands atop the cliff of Trikuta Hills and has stood up to the dry stormy winds and the scorching sun for centuries, ever since it was built in 1156. Some people even claim that materialization of this fort was prophesized by Lord Krishna, the head of Yadav clan long ago. Rawal Jaisal from Bhatti Rajput clan founded the city and the fort. He conceptualized this new capital for his princely estate after deserting Lodurva fort. The location was chosen as it was on the ancient silk route and hence, soon evolved into an important trade and commerce center. Natural beauty takes a very different meaning at Jaisalmer as we become acquainted with the beauties of the extreme climate and get to look at natural elements beyond the waterfalls, rivers and the greens.The blinding windstorms of the desert, the rolling movements of the hump-backed camels, the haunting music and dexterous steps of the desert natives that have faced the extreme climate for generations and the sand dunes that move like tall sea waves, all lend an 'Arabian Night' feel to the city. Then there are charming legends related to medieval concepts of valor, chivalry and romance that still haunt every nook and corner of the fort. The daunting structures with delicately latticed stonework and the dark brown people dresses in multicolored attires attract the tourists. The turbans and the moustaches of the makes and the unique jewellery designs and long-flowing skirts of the women are not less interesting.

Jaisalmer's Prime Attractions

Jaisalmer Fort The second oldest fort of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer Fort is from the 12th century and stands atop the 250 ft high hill that provides some of the fantastic views of the desert around the city. The four gateways that one has to pass through before reaching the fort are Akhai Pol or Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhuta Pol and Hawa Pol.

Salem Singh ki Haveli, Patwon ki haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli Havelis of Jaisalmer were the magnificent houses of the rich merchants of the former kingdom and exude architectural and sculptural perfection and grandeur. The blossoming wild flower at the top of the Salem Singh ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli that reflects the intricate brocade, gold and silver embroidery work designs, the business of its owners that extended from Afghanistan to China, and Nathmal ki Haveli built in 1885 by Nathmal and his brother as a gift to the Rawal or the Prince of the estate. However, they were allowed to retain it.

Gadsisar Lake The rainwater lake showcases the evolution of the concept of the rainwater conservation in the ancient times and has managed to create an oasis in the desert with green environs. There are small temples around it along with a beautiful museum and many folklore tales are woven around the area.

Sam Sand Dunes Sam sand dunes, 42 m from Jaisalmer, are quite famous. It is situated at the borders of the Desert National Park. The sunsets and sunrises here are quite like a fairy tale setting while camel rides give you a feel of being a part of the desert country.

Desert Festival The three-day long Desert festival showcases the imperial, virant, rich and colorful culture of Rajasthan with Gair and Fire dancers as its highlights along wit the camel polo and camel dance, the two unique and exclusive events organized here. Other interesting events to look at are the turban tying competition and display of long glorious moustaches by the natives.

Jaisalmer City Facts

Location: Situated in western Rajasthan. It is 413 km from Jaipur and 630 km from Delhi.

Climate: Jaipur has a typical desert climate with scorching and dry summers and stormy and chilly winters.

How to Reach:

By Air: Domestic flights to and from New Delhi, Jodhpur and Jaipur are available from the Jaisalmer Airport in the cantonment area, 5 km away from the city center and managed by the Indian Air Force. It remains operational only from September to March.

By Train: Jaisalmer has most trains to and from Jaipur though it is well connected to other major cities such as Agra, Jaipur, New Delhi and Mumbai. The railway station is just 10 minutes from Gadi Sagar Pol.

By Road: Luxury coaches and motor able roads link Jaisalmer to the major cities of Rajasthan such as Bikaner, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The main Bus Stand is near the Railway Station. However, other buses can be caught from the Bus Depot situated at the city centre.

Jaipur

Sawai Raja Jai Singh founded Jaipur, which is now the capital of Rajasthan, the Land of Rulers. The city has evolved into a great tourist attraction in India and is one of the three cities of the acclaimed Golden Triangle of India besides Agra, the city of Taj and Delhi, the capital of India. The fantastic forts, pompous palaces, full-of-life temples, multihued bazaars, effervescent streets have earned it a special place in the hearts of the people. Its uniqueness lies in the use of a rusty pink color that envelops all the structures and edifices of the building and has earned the city its oft-used name, 'The Pink City'. The color was meant to 'welcome' the Prince of Wales in 1876 and was envisioned by the then ruler Ram Singh II as an effective scientific way to cut down the severe glare of the sun.It is compulsory for everybody residing in the old city to maintain this distinctiveness of the city. The name 'Jaipur' has dual emphasis - 'Jai' means victory and was also the first name of its maker while 'pur' meant city. Most of its house has beautiful latticed windows with intricately carved lattices. Govind Deo ji ka Mandir is perhaps the most magnificent temple of the city while Galtaji has natural springs to boast of. The three massive forts of the city are the Nahargarh Fort, the Amber Fort and the Jaigarh Fort. Jal Mahal or the Water Palace is a perfect royal retreat while the sprawling mansions of the City Palace recreated the times of Kings and Queens with its rugged exteriors and tasteful interiors. Hawa Mahal has almost become the icon of Jaipur tourism.

Jaipur's Prime Attractions


Amer Palace Raja Man Singh built the 16th century palace using an eclectic mix of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. The palace complex houses the stunning edifices such as Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole.

Hawa Mahal Delicate stone screen façade made in the style of a honeycomb is the key point of Hawa Mahal or the Wind Palace. The latticed windows and beautiful trellises and intricate carvings embellish the multi-layered look of Hawa Mahal. Raja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Sawai Jai Singh, built it in 1799 to enable the ladies of the royal household to look at the colorful bazaars and the proceedings of the court without being seen.

City Palace A part of Chandra Mahal or the City Palace is still the private residence of the erstwhile royalty of Jaipur while the rest is occupied by the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum that has various sections related to rare manuscripts, Mughal carpets, armory, regal costumes and textiles and Mughal and Rajasthani miniature paintings.

Nahargarh Fort Raja Jai Singh II built Nahargarh or the Tiger Fort in 1734. It was then known as Sudarshan Garh. One of the three forts of Jaipur, it provides some of the most breathtaking views of the Man Sagar Lake and its scenic surroundings.

Jai Garh Fort Sawai Jai Singh built this fort prior to Nahargarh in 1726 and it is similar to Amber Fort in architecture. The stately canon 'Jaivana', which is the largest wheeled canon in the world can be seen here. The fort also houses a museum; three water tanks and some good views of Amber.

Samode Palace 40 km from Jaipur, Samode Palace belongs to Rajput royalty that has now been converted into a heritage hotel run by the family. Apart from the Rajput Haveli architecture and picturesque landscaping of the gardens and lawns, the facilities, treatment and services provided to the guests here is also reminiscent of the past royal traditions.


Jal Mahal Water Palace of the 18th century, this island palace is situated in the Mansagar Lake and cast mesmerizing reflections of its magnificence and majestic bearing in the water. One can also cross the bridge and visit the royal cenotaphs nearby.

Government Central Museum Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob founded the oldest museum of Rajasthan in 1876, known today as the Government Central museum or Albert Hall Museum. The edifice has Indo-Persian architecture and is situated in the Ramnivas Gardens. It has utilitarian metal objects on its display along with Bundi, Kishangarh, Kota, Udaipur and Jaipur schools of miniature paintings, traditional ceremonial dresses for the royalty and the wood block printing.

Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh Built for Sisodia queen, the wife of Raja Sawai Jai Singh II, it has gorgeous multi-tiered gardens featuring fountains, pools and painted pavilions along with sculptures that are fabulous to look at.

Vidyadhar's Garden The garden is dedicated to Vidyadhar, the chief designer of the Pink City and has been remodeled recently. It is situated picturesquely in a narrow valley and has high hills all around it. It has also served as the vineyard of the royalty in the past and has been terraced. The royal resort is also fitted with beautiful fountains, pool and pavilions to give it an imperial look.

Jantar Mantar The observatory built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh is three-storey-high. It was built between 1728 and 1734 and its name means 'Magical Device'. The masonry instruments of this observatory are so accurate that their readings can compete with the most modern astronomical instruments.

Elephant Festival Held in March or April every year on Holi, it features parade of a number of bedecked elephants at the Chaugan stadium, where a prize is given to the 'mahout' (caretaker) of the best-attired elephant. Other interesting events here are Elephant Polo and tricks performed by these giant beasts and folk and cultural songs and dances.

Jaipur Festival A recently started event to promote tourism in the city, it is celebrated in the month of November annually and features programs, competitions and felicitations meant to revive old customs and traditions of this princely state. It ends on 18th of November, which is supposed to be the 'birthday' of Jaipur.

Jaipur City Facts

Location:
Situated in Rajasthan in North India. It is 259 km from Delhi and 232 km from Agra.

Climate:
Hot and sultry summers characterize Jaipur while winters are cold with pleasant and sunny days but hazy evenings and temperature as low as around 5ºC in the nights.

How to Reach:

By Air: Jaipur's airport is 20 km from the city centre and has daily domestic flights to and from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Jaisalmer, Aurangabad and Kolkata.

By Train: Jaipur is well linked by trains but some of the best options from Delhi are Shatabdi Express, Intercity Express, The Pink City Express and Chetak Express and from Mumbai, the Super Fast Express. To travel royally, opt for specialty trains like 'Palace On Wheels' and 'The Royal Orient'.

By Road: The central bus stand is at Sindhi Camp and connects Jaipur to Delhi, Agra and other major cities of Rajasthan with frequent deluxe and luxurious air-conditioned government and private bus services.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is more than 400 years old. It is endowed with natural beauty such as hills, tanks, forests and rock formations that can captivate the hearts of the tourists along with the harmonious co-existence of diverse cultures - the Muslim-dominated old city where the Charminar is located and the Anglo-Indian community that is centered around Secunderabad, the modern twin city of Hyderabad known for its industrial growth and enterprise. Richly endowed with architectural legacies of the Medieval, Mughal, Colonial and Indo-Saracenic period and sporting latest sleek and elegant glass and chrome skyscrapers and commercial centers, Hyderabad was founded by the fifth Quli Qutub Shahi ruler, Mohammad. The original city spread had Charminar at its center. The city had been the capital of the famous Nizams of the Asaf Jah dynasty until it went over to British.The twin city Secunderabad was founded in 1798 by Nizam Sikander Jah and later merged with Hyderabad. The minarets of Hyderabad are almost as famous as the pearl market and the artisans of the city that are skilled in piercing and stringing pearls with precision and delicacy. Hyderabad is famous all over the world for its pearls and also the colorfully attired gypsy tribes called 'Lambadas' and 'Banjaras' that mostly make their living by performing dances and other acrobatic tricks for entertaining the tourists or shooting for Bollywood movies. The city is also known as the second Silicon Valley of India after Bangalore because of its Software Technology Park housing giant IT industries such as TCS, Wipro, Baan and Satyam. The unique and delicious piquant Hyderabadi cuisine includes inspired vegetarian Muslim dishes that use coconut, tamarind, peanuts and sesame seeds as their flavors and chilli as the key spice. 'Gosht', meat of a baby male goat, is one of the most popular dish here and is cooked in literally hundreds of ways.

Hyderabad's Prime Attractions

Charminar: The central point of old Hyderabad, Charminar was built by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 to commemorate the eradication of plague from Hyderabad.


Mecca Masjid: Mecca Masjid can accommodate 10,000 devotees at a time and is one of the largest mosques in India and the biggest in Hyderabad. It was started during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah, continued to be built up during the reigns of Abdullah Qutub Shah and Abul Hassan Tana Shah and finally got completed in 1694 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Golconda Fort: The phenomenal daunting Golconda fort is more than 400 years old and is situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad city.

Salar Jung Museum: Hyderabad presents the largest collection of antiques in the world that is property of just one man! Salar Jung Museum exhibits over 35,000 artifacts such as Chinese Porcelain; Aurangazeb's Sword; Noorjehan's, Jehangir's and Shah Jahan's daggers; Sculpture including the translucent white marble statue known as Veiled Rebecca, a masterpiece by Bezzoni; Indian paintings and Persian carpets. The most loved sections of the museum are the the Arms section, the Jade section and the Oriental Section.

Hussain Sagar Lake: Built by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1562 in the honor of Hussain Shah Wali, the man who cured him of his illness, Hussain Sagar Lake forms a link between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The other name of the lake known as Tank Bund belongs to the time, when the area served as the cantonment area of Secunderabad.

Jama Masjid: The oldest mosque of Hyderabad, Jama Masjid was built by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1597.St. Joseph's Cathedral:Most beautiful Cathedral of Hyderabad dedicated to Saint Joseph, it is situated in the Gun foundry area.

Birla Mandir: Built by the Birla family, this modern massive temple, made up of Rajasthani marble, is situated on the shores of Hussain Sagar Lake on the 'Kala Pahad', the twin hillock of 'Naubat Pahad'. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.

Birla Planetarium: Atop the Naubat Pahad is the beautiful dome-shaped edifice of the Birla Planetarium. Late Mr. N.T. Rama Rao inaugurated it on 8th September, 1985.

Falaknuma Palace (Star of Heaven): The fabulous and gorgeous palace built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra Bahadur stands atop a 650 m high hill and is quite unique in conception.

Hi-Tech City: Hi-Tech City on the outskirts of the city is the hub of IT industries and Software companies.

High Court: The Mughal building in 1916 looks quite stunning and is made up of local pink granite and red sandstone. Vincent Esch, the British architect who designed the building richly endowed it with carved panels and columns and has been estimated at a cost of 2 million rupees.

Qutub Shahi Tombs: The domed structures with a square base and pointed arches all around are the tombs of the Qutub Shahi. The casket visible in the center of each tomb is actually an imitation of the real burial vault in a crypt below. The few reminiscent hints us that these domes were once overlaid with blue and green tiles.

Paigah Tombs: The tombs of Paigah nobles at Santoshnagar belong to the relatives of Nizams and are more than 200 years old. Their uniqueness lies in their lime and mortar construction, beautiful carvings and the marble inlay work on them.

Chote Hazrat Ki Dargah: Housed Devan Devadi, it was built by Asif Jahi rulers in the memory of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of prophet Muhammad. The majesty of the Dargah is enhanced by its row of arches and 400 stairs that leads up to the main Hall of Worship.

Raymond's Tomb: A close friend of Nizam and a French mercenary Michel Raymond was buried in Saroornagar in east Hyderabad. The 7 m high black marble tomb has initials 'JR' on it and an annual commemorative 'Urs' fair is held here.

Sanjeevaiah Park: Sanjeevaiah Park has been named after the former President of India, Mr. Neelam Sanjeev Reddy. It is situated on the shores of the Hussain Sagar Lake and is a recreation center featuring a rose garden, rock garden and a floral clock.

Nehru Zoological Park: Sporting over 250 species of fauna, this is one of the biggest zoos in Asia and features the lion safari park, pre-historical animals park, natural history museum, nocturnal birds and children's park with a toy train ride.

Hyderabad City Facts

Location: Situated in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Climate: Hot steppe climate is distinctive of Hyderabad. The best season to visit the city is November to February. The monsoon season is to be avoided as Hyderabad receives heavy rainfalls and is warm and humid during the season.

How to Reach:

By Air: Well connected with flights to Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Nagpur and Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad also has an international airport.

By Train: Hyderabad is connected by railways to Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major cities in Andhra Pradesh and India.

By Road: Excellent roads including National Highways 7 and 9 and bus services and connect Hyderabad to all the major cities in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the surrounding states.

Delhi

The Capital of India, Delhi has been a political centre stage for centuries and has passes through the hands of Hindu Rajputs to the mighty Mughals and then to the British invaders who ruled India for long. The well planned and sophisticated European-style buildings, gardens and wide roads are attributed to the later period. The rich architectural, historical and cultural heritage of the city is said to be more than 2500 years old. Chauhans ruled it in the 12th century but since Qutab-ud-din Aibak laid siege on the city, it was ruled by Delhi Sultanate from 1206 to 1526 and then, by the Mughal empire until 1857. British dethroned Delhi as being the capital of India until 1911 though it was important commercial centre and constructed a better twin sister to the city called the New Delhi, which houses most of the important administrative buildings today.Today, Delhi is an ever-expanding metropolitan city, an important travel and commercial hub of India and can boast of several sprawling markets and the rich culture that has all the ingredients from the modern sophistication to more casual old-world charm. Today, people from all over India migrate to Delhi to look for better career and education options and medical facilities and thus, people of different religions and regions have learned to live together in perfect harmony and freely partake in each other's festivals. There is no limit to tourism options in Delhi but the highlights are the Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, Rashtrapati Bhavan (from outside), Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Shankar's International Dolls Museum, National Museum of Natural History, Nehru Memorial Museum, Planetarium & Library, and National Rail Museum.

Delhi's Prime Attractions

Qutab Minar: The tallest structure of its time, Qutub Minar was 72.5 m in height with a mosque at the base. It was started in 1199 by a Qutab-ud-din Aibak and finished by his heir IItutmish. The 5th century Iron Pillar of Mehrauli standing in its premises is a wonder for it has not rusted till yet and is a proof of the advanced metallurgy of the times. It is said that if one can hug the pillar backwards, his or hers any wish is granted, however, tourists are not allowed to do so. People are also not allowed to climb up the Qutub Minar for there have been many cases of suicide attempts from here. The structure is surrounded by several ancient ruins that are shrouded in the mystery of myths and legends.

Red Fort: The best of all the structures in Delhi, Red Fort or Lal Qila is an imposing and huge red sandstone structure built on the shores of River Yamuna and was built by. Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Completed in 1648, its two main entrances are Delhi Gate and Lahori Gate. The latter opens up in the famous Chandni Chowk market. The fort houses an archeology museum, Diwan-e-Am or Hall of Public Audience, Diwan-e-Khas or Hall of Private Audience along with several structures with specific purposes. The 'Sound and Light Show' held here every evening in both Hindi and English languages is a must-see and narrates the history of Delhi with most beautiful performances.

Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid, the largest mosque of India, was built by Shah Jahan. Started in 1650, it took six years and more than 5000 workers to complete. The emperor and his courtiers used to to go to the mosque every Friday for the congressional prayers. The splending Mughal period structure of the mosque has three massive gateways, the eastern one being the largest and the highest, reserved for the the emperor. The red stone courtyard sprawls across 408 square feet and has a large marble tank in the center for ablution. The three onion shaped white marble domes adorn the main mosque and are inlaid with stripes of black slate. 130 ft high minarets on the north and south of the mosque complex look quite beautiful. Jama Masjid the sacred hair from beard of the Prophet and the original chapter of the Holy Quran written by Him.

Raj Ghat: The memorial of the Father of The nation, Mahatama Gandhi stands at the place where he was cremated and consists of a simple square platform with the words 'Hey Ram' written on it. The Gandhi Memorial Museum nearby displays books and tapes containing the writings, speeches and memories of Gandhiji. One can also visit the Shanti Vana, the memorial of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India and Indira Gandhi, his daughter and the first and only women Prime Minister of India. There are memorials for her sons Rajiv Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi too, who were prominent political leaders of India.

National Zoological Park: The biggest and finest National Zoological Park of South Asia, Delhi Zoo was established in 1959. It is an open-air enclosure and its huge cages cover the area of 214 acres, where more than 2,000 animals from varied species have found a safe haven. It is the topmost favorite picnic spot, especially for kids.



Chandni Chowk: Besides the Red Fort, Shah Jahan's favorite daughter Jahanara designed the shopping area of Chandni Chowk that was built in 1650 opposite the Lahori Gate of the fort. The 'chowk' means 'square' and had a pool in the center that reflected silvery light called 'chandni' of the moon on the moonlit night thus earning the name of 'Chandni Chowk' to the area. Other believe that it was so called because of the silversmiths that originally occupied the area. The original arcade was built in a half-moon shape and has evolved now to a flourishing trading center that branches into a number of narrow bylanes in all directions. It is a must visit for the most fulfilling shopping experience and some real good bargains.

Jantar Mantar: With large masonry tools, Jantar Mantar is an observatory built by the ingenius designs of Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743), an honored noble in the Mughal court. Sawa Jai Singh was a keen astronomer and made huge achievements in the field by designing accurate tools to correct the existing astronomical tables and contemporarize the almanac. The observatory in Delhi is first of the five built by him. The others were built in Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura. The most famous tools here are the Samrat Yantra, an equal hour sun dial, the Ram Yantra that reads altitudinal angles, Jai Prakash Yantra used to check the position of the sun and other celestial bodies and the Misra Yantra, which had the qualities of all the scientific gadgets mention above.

Humayun's Tomb: His Persian widow, Haji Begum, designed the UNESCO World Heritage site, the garden tomb of Humayun, in the mid-16th century. It is said to be a landmark in the evolution of Mughal mausoleums. The tomb is located centrally in a geometrically planned garden watered by a number of water channels passing throuhg it, just like the gardens of Persia. Its architecture, especially its main chamber is inspired by the tomb of the Mongol Ilkhanid ruler of Persia, Oljeytu, at Sultaniyya, which is said to be the replica of the tomb of Timur (Tamerlane) in Samarkand, the lineage of Babur. It introduced Persian double dome for the first time in India and is harmonious in its proportions. Indian influence can be seen in the small kiosks or chhatris on the roof. The beautiful inlaid tile work and intricately carved stone screens adorn the building.

Lotus Temple Or Bahai Temple: Fariburz Sahba, an Iranian-born Canadian architect, designed the temple of the Bahai faith, Lotus temple. Erected in the shape of the flower after which it is named in 1986, it symbolizes purity. Its nine petals represent the highest digit and unity as indicated in the Bahai faith. There are nine pools too to cool the stark, elegant interiors of the structure. Its delicate and sleek architecture is built in two layers and resembles origami work. The Hall of Worship conforms to that of all Bahai temples and a pin-drop silence is maintained there at all times. The only religious icons there are the Holy Scriptures and wooden pews.

Delhi City Facts

Location: The Capital of India, Delhi occupies a strategic position in North India and is 220 km from Agra and 259 km from Jaipur.

Climate: Extreme tropical climate with hot and dry summers and cold winters.

How to Reach:

By Air: A number of international and domestic flights connect Delhi to other parts of the world and major cities of India.

By Train: Trains link it to all the Indian cities as it is the political and commercial capital of India.

By Road: An extensive network of roads and frequent bus services connect Delhi to Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.