North India is an exciting region and has a lot to offer to people with varied tastes. One of the most visited places of the Glimpse of North India Tours is what is quite famously known as the Golden Triangle consisting of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These cities are the cultural hub of the North India and offer a rare insight into the historical past of the country. Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the most famous of all the monuments in India. Then, there are Agra fort, Jantar Mantar, and Fatehpur Sikri which command your presence to witness their grandeur. In fact, you have the option of experiencing a typical rural life of Rajasthan through a Camel safari, which will surely leave you totally amazed.
There are plenty of hill stations in the region, with the mighty Himalayas as their backdrop that are of Northern India Tours. A few famous of them are Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Almora, Darjeeling and many more. Dharamshala is a picturesque place and currently is the abode of the His Highness the Holy Dalai Lama. There are quite a few buddhist monasteries in this region too. Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most beautiful hill station state of India.
India has a unique convergence of many religions and culture. The colorful and vibrant Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is one of the holiest cities of India and holds a special value for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Then there are the Amarnath caves which are considered to be the ultimate test of faith for Hindus for its precarious journey. But that doesn’t deter the true believers.
For any nature lover, North India holidays nothing short of an experience in paradise. Elephant, Tiger, Snow Leopard, Sambar, Chital, Deer, Blackbuck, Sloth Bear, Brown Bear and many other varied animals constitute the exotic wildlife of the region. Both migratory and resident birds, namely Siberian crane, Pheasant, Geese ducks, Grey-headed fishing eagle, Red-thighed Falconer and many more find their homes in these parts of India. There are many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in this part of the country to ensure the safety and prosperity of the treasured wildlife.
If you seek high Adrenalin pumping adventurous trips, then North India is the place to be. Trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, white water rafting and many other adventure sports are organized in this region.
The cuisines of the states of North India are diverse and hence there is a different flavor once you move from one state to the other. That’s variety for you! Each state has its own attire and rituals making them an interesting place to explore.
Rajasthan Tour Planner provide Rajasthan Tour Package India, Golden Triangle Travel Agency, Rajasthan Travel Operators, Rajasthan Tours.
Rajasthan, the largest state of India, is one of the most popular tourism destinations in India. The state has great tourism potential and enthralls tourists and vacationers with its awe-inspiring tourism options in the forms of culture, tradition, temples, art & architecture, history, forts & palaces, monument, havelis, wildlife sanctuaries & parks, rippling sand dunes, Thar Desert, etc. There are many fascinating travel destinations in the state which can be visited, explored and enjoyed on your travel and tours in this royal state of India. Let’s have a look at top ten travel destination of Rajasthan tourism.
Jaipur –
The capital of the state, Jaipur is also the largest city in the princely state of Rajasthan.It was founded in 1727, by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Sawai Jaisingh II, who was the ruler of Amber. Also known by the nickname ‘Pink City of India’ which is due to the distinctive saffron or pink color of the buildings. The planning of the city was done according to the Vedic Vastu Shastra (Indian architecture). The well planned streets and detailed and artistic architecture make it one of the top preferred tourist locations.
In the 2008 Conde Nast Traveller Readers Choice Survey, Jaipur was ranked #7 of the best places to visit in Asia. Jaipur has lots to offer t
o even the most average tourists. Forts, monuments, temples, Gardens, museums and vast market places of Jaipur bring tourists who come from all around the world to expe
rience the food, fun and frolic at this wonderful town. Jaipur is also home to a huge no. of arts and craft with over 20 unique specializations. To learn more about the tourist places in Jaipur, please visit: places to visit in Jaipur. You might want to plan a separate 3 day itinerary for this city alone.
Also known as the Pink City of India, Jaipur is the state capital city and very popular tourist destination in India. Worth visit attractions in Jaipur city are City Palace, Albert Hall Museum, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Heritage Hotels.
Also known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is a city in the state known for its elegant palaces and lovely lakes. It is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in India. Key attractions of tourist interest in the city are City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Lake Palace, Pichola Lake, Fateh Prakash Palace, Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, Eklingji Temple, Nagda Temple, etc.
While in a few texts, it has been termed as the Venice of the East, the City of Udaipur is known by its common moniker, the city of lakes. The city was the capital of the Sisodiya Rajputs of Mewar and is famous for its palaces that exemplify the finesse of Rajputana Style architecture. Udaipur was founded in 1553 by the Sisodiya Rajput Ruler Maharana Udai Singh II. The Mewar Rajputs founded the city to relocate their capital from Chittor to a more secure location. Today, most of the palaces have been converted into hotels, thus attracting a huge no. of tourist crowd to this city.
Jodhpur –
The second largest City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is also the second most populated city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city was founded in 1459 by the Rathore Rajput Ruler, Rao Jodha Singh of Marwar. The city was founded as Marwar’s new capital after the fall of the former capital of Mandore. Jodhpur is also called the Sun City as it enjoys a bright sunny weather all year round. Strategically, it is considered to be the most important city of western Rajasthan as it lies only at a distance of 250 kilometers from the Indo-Pakistan border.
Also, because it lies in the center of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is an important tourist destination as well. Jodhpur has been listed many a times in various tourism magazines and documentaries and has topped the lonely planet’s list of most extraordinary place to stay in 2014. The various hill forts, palaces and the old walled city are just a handful of attractions from the multitude that this wonderful city has to offer.
Also known as the Blue City of India, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state. It is a wonderful tourist place to be visited on Rajasthan travels and tours with attractions like mammoth Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada Memorial, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore Gardens and many heritage hotels.
Also known as the Golden City of India, Jaisalmer is known for Golden Fort, Jain Temples, Havelis and an exciting trip to rippling sand dunes of vast Thar Desert.
The aptly named “golden city”, which comes from its view during the day, the city of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was founded by The Bhati Rajput ruler Maharawal Jaisal Singh in 1156 Ad. The city gets its name from the golden sands of the Thar Desert and the same golden colored sandstone used in the city’s architecture. The city is a famous tourist spot due to its magnificent architecture and the various arts and crafts which are unique to this region. The city thrives on tourism, and can be called a home away from home for a huge no. of tourists from all around the world.
The unique feature about the city of Jaisalmer is its architecture. It was built as a walled city which makes it one of the largest forts in the world. You might want to pack a lot of paperbacks and almost 3-4 days to enjoy the life in this city to its fullest. The fort has numerous eateries that offer Italian, French and local cuisines. Visit during the months of November and December and you will enjoy this castle city to its fullest. To know more about the main tourist spots in Jaisalmer, please visit: places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Bikaner –
Also known as the Camel City, Bikaner is a wonderful tourist place to visit in Rajasthan. It holds a prime position in boosting tourism in Rajasthan with major attractions like Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Havelis, and sand dunes.
The city of Bikaner was founded in 1488 by the Rathore Rajput Ruler Rao Bika. Rao Bika was the son of the Rathore Ruler Rao Jodha who founded Jodhpur. The land was usurped from the rivaling Jat rulers of that time. However, no matter how many wars the ancient city has seen in the past, today Bikaner is another prime tourist destination and is famous for its sweets and snacks. The place is known for its forts and food.
The various arts and crafts of this place are also unique, especially the intricately carved windowpanes called jharokhas. It is one town we would personally recommend for you to visit if you want to experience the authentic taste of rajasthani cuisines. The various fairs held in Bikaner also attract a huge no. of visitors from all around India and the world. The famous temples like Karni Mata and Laxmi Nath Temple etc. are also worth the visit. To know more about the main tourist destinations in Bikaner, please visit: places to visit in Bikaner.
Pushkar is a holy city in Rajasthan. It is one of the most sacred cities in India with lots of attractions like Lord Brahma Temple, Gayatri Temple, Savitri Temple, , Pushkar Palace, Rose Gardens, Pushkar Ghats, etc.
Lying in the Ajmer District of Rajasthan, the holy City of Pushkar is often described as the king of pilgrimage sites in India. The town is located at the shores of the Pushkar Lake, which was created by the tears of Lord Shiva. The town is one of the oldest cities of India and the date of its origin is unknown and is often associated with the Hindu mythology. The town is famous for its temples and various Ghats which are frequented by hundreds of visitors during the annual bath. The water of the lake is considered sacred and thus is responsible for the town’s repute as a pilgrimage spot. To learn more about tourist places in Pushkar, visit: Places to visit in Pushkar.
Chittorgarh –
The ancient city of Chittorgarh also known as Chittor, was said to have been founded by the Maurya Dynasty. However its significance rose when the Ruler of the Sisodiya Rajput Clan of Mewar captured the city in 734 Ad and made it the capital of Mewar. The place is known to be the birthplace of many great warriors and historical figures like the Great Maharana Pratap and the Hindu saint, Meera Bai. The city being an ancient place contains many different palaces, temples and forts which display some of the most advanced architectural designs and artistic mastery.
One of the major places to visit in Chittorgarh is the Chittorgarh fort, which is the largest fort in India. The fort was the former capital of mewar before its relocation to the more secure city of Udaipur. The fort was founded in the 7th century by the 1st Sisodiya Rajput Ruler Bappa Rawal and spreads over an area of 2.8 sq kilometers and its highest elevation point is 1,075 meters above sea level. Upon visiting you will experience and witness the Rajput style architecture at its best. The fort complex itself contains several palaces, gardens and temples most of which have a great historical significance.
Maunat Abu –
The place takes pride of it being the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is situated in the Aravalli mountain range and is a part of the Sirohi District of Rajasthan. The place apart from being a retreat for the people of Rajasthan and Gujarat from the scorching sun but has a lot of historical and religious significance. Mount Abu was known as the Arbuda Mountain, which has been mentioned in the Hindu Epic Mahabharata and is known for to be the place where the Great Sage Vashishta retired. The hill station houses many ancient sites and temples which are frequented by many pilgrims from across India along with many forts and lakes.
The place is a heavenly retreat for the sun scorched people of Rajasthan, with its lush green surroundings and various picnic spots. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Trevor’s Crocodile Park, Nakki Lake and the most Famous Dilwara Jain Temples are situated here. Apart from these, one can also visit the ruins of Achalgarh Fort which was built in the 17th century. The surroundings and the cool and enjoyable weather make it a place like no other in the desert state of Rajasthan. To know more about the main tourist destinations in Mount Abu, please visit: places to visit in Mount Abu.
Sawai Madhopur was built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh of The Kachwaha Rajputs and was founded in 1763. While the town itself doesn’t have any notable tourist attractions, just two attractions have made this city a must visit place in Rajasthan. They are the Ranthambore Fort and the Ranthambore National park. Both of the two places are a must visit and will take up around 2-3 days for one to explore properly. For other tourist attractions, please visit: tourist places to visit in Ranthambore. The Ranthambore forests were the hunting grounds for the Kachwaha Rajputs of Jaipur till the time India received its independence. After independence it was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary and it rose to being a tiger reserve in 1973 and got its national park status in 1980.
Bharatpur –
Bharatpur is a beautiful town in the state with attractions like Keoladeo Ghana National Park (formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur Palace, etc.
The City of Alwar Founded by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Pratap Singh in 1770. The town’s name was Ulwar during those days and was changed to Alwar to bring it to the top in the alphabetically arranged list of the Princely states of Rajputana. The town is significant for its various military participations in various battles and was the first state of Rajputana to sign a treaty with the British East India Company.
The city being one of the princely states of the Rajputana has tones of tourist attractions. The forts, temples and the immense abundance of natural Fauna has brought this place in this list. The Haunted Bhangarh Fort, The Karni Mata Temple, the Historic site of Pandupole, and the Sariska Tiger Reserve are just a few of the many attraction this city houses.
Rajasthan is a safe haven for a wide and colorful range of wildlife. The landscape of Rajasthan broadly varies from the infertile arid wilderness, dense scrub-thorn woods, rocks and gorges to swamps and lush, very thick grassy woodlands. And each of these huge parts is a beautiful home for a big diversity of amazing endangered beasts and bird life. Some of them rare while some seriously scarce.
The state houses tigers, black bucks, chinkara, the sporadic desert fox, the greatly threatened caracal, the great Indian bustard, gavial, monitor lizard, wild boars, and porcupine. Exotic traveling birds like the common crane, ducks, coots, pelicans and the rare Siberian cranes, imperial sand grouse, falcons, buzzards herd to this land throughout the bitter chilly winter months. Large characteristic zones strongly demonstrating each of the ecologies have been reserved as vast singular wildlife extents. Rajasthan proudly lays claim to two National Parks, over a dozen Sanctuaries and two Closed Areas. Most of these wide expanses are open to tourists and guests ceaselessly around the year but remain shut temporarily through the rainy season.
Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur
The Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest and most important national parks in the country. It is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan. It is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district in Rajasthan.
The Ranthambore National Park was originally established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Indian Government and was brought under the Project Tiger scheme in 1973. It was declared as a National Park in 1980.
The adjacent forests of the sanctuary were declared as the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary. In 1991, the Tiger Reserve was expanded by merging the nearby sanctuaries, and thus the Ranthambore National Park was formed.
The Ranthambore National Park is best known for its tiger population. The tigers can be easily spotted in the park. The best time to visit the park is in the months of November and May as the foliage gives way to good sighting opportunities of these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
The park is situated on a plateau and is bound by the rivers Chambal and Banas on either side. The majestic Ranthambore Fort is also situated within the limits of the Ranthambore National Park. The national park abounds in wildlife and is home to a large number of species including chitals, sloth bears, hyenas, sambars, wild boars, nilgai, leopards and tigers.
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Sariska National Park, Alwar
The Sariska Tiger Reserve is situated in the Alwar district in the state of Rajasthan and is one of the important national parks in Rajasthan. It was the hunting grounds of the State of Alwar. The sanctuary was declared as a Wildlife Reserve in 1955 and was brought under the Project Tiger scheme in 1978.
The vegetation in the Sariska Tiger Reserve comprises of dry deciduous forests, scrub thorn and grasses. The park is spread over 866 square kilometres and is situated at a distance of 107 km from Jaipur and 200 km from Delhi. The Sariska Tiger Reserve is a part of the Aravalli Range and is rich in minerals such as copper.
The most attractive feature of the Sariska Tiger Reserve is its population of Royal Bengal Tigers. It is home to a large number of wild animals including Rhesus monkeys, Hanuman langurs, hares, wild boars, chousingha or the four horned antelope, chinkara, nilgai, sambhar, golden jackals, striped hyenas, caracal, jungle cats and leopards.
It also has a significant number of bird species such as the Great Indian Horned Owl, crested serpent eagle, golden backed woodpecker, tree pie, sand grouse, bush quail, grey partridge, peafowl, and more. The reserve also boasts of some great historical sites such as the Kankanwadi Fort, the Pandupol Hills, the Hanuman Temple on the Pandupol Hill, among others.
The Sariska Tiger Sanctuary is also the first ever Tiger Reserve in the country where tiger relocation and rehabilitation has been carried out successfully. The declining number of tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve was confirmed in a report by a leading journalist in 2005.
The reporter in his story claimed that there were no tigers left in the reserve. This led to a series of investigations by the authorities and on learning that the report was indeed true, efforts were made to relocate tigers. Three tigers were reintroduced into the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The number has now grown to a total of seven with five adults.
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Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary , Bharatpur
The Keoladeo Ghana National Park was formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a large number of migratory birds during the hibernal season and is a very popular tourist place in Rajasthan.
The bird sanctuary, which attracts a large number of ornithologists from all over the country and the world during the migratory season, plays home to as many as 230 avian species.
In 1971, the park was declared as a protected zone and was later included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The bird sanctuary is a man-made wetland and an important national park of Rajasthan.
The national park is of much importance, geographically, as it protects the town of Bharatpur from flooding during flash floods and also provides grazing grounds for the village cattle. In earlier days, the place served as waterfowl hunting grounds.
The bird sanctuary is home to 379 floral species, 366 bird species and several animals. The sanctuary is one of the richest areas of avian habitation in the world. The sanctuary came into existence about 250 years ago and is named after the Keoladeo Temple situated within its premises.
The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the best birding areas in the world and receives as many as 1,00,000 visitors every year. Out of these, about 45,000 are foreigners. It is a very popular tourist destination in Rajasthan and for this reason, accommodation facilities have also been arranged in and around the sanctuary.
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Desert National Sanctuary, Jaisalmer
The Desert National Park is one of the important national parks in Rajasthan and is situated near the town of Jaisalmer. Sprawling over an area of 3162 square kilometres, the national park is one of the largest national parks in the country.
The unique landscape of the national park is one of the greatest attractions for tourists from all over the world. Almost 20 per cent of the park is constituted of sand dunes. The rest of the landmark comprises of fixed dunes, intermedial areas, salt lake bottoms and craggy rocks. It is an excellent example of the desert ecosystem.
Despite the landscape, the national park abounds in birdlife. The most commonly sighted birds in the national park include the endangered Great Indian Bustard, sand grouse, kestrels, laggar falcons, spotted eagles, tawny eagles, short toed eagles, vultures, buzzards, falcons, harriers and eagles.
The Desert National Park also has an impressive collection of plant and animal fossils which are as old as 180 million years. The most suitable time to visit the Desert National Park is between November and January. The most commonly sighted wild animals in the national park include chinkara, black bucks, hedgehogs, wolves, desert cats, Bengal foxes and desert foxes.
The most important attraction of the national park is the Great Indian Bustard, which is a magnificent bird found in very few numbers. The bird is brown and white in colour, measures about one metre in height and has long legs and neck.
Some of the other attractions near the Desert National Park are the Sam Sand Dunes located near the Thar Desert and the Gadsisar Sagar Tank. The Gadsisar Sagar Tank is one of the most popular tourist places in Rajasthan. A large number of migratory birds visit the lake during the winters every year. Tourists can also enjoy jeep safaris to explore a larger part of the area.
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Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh
The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. The sanctuary is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan.
Sprawling over an area of 578 sq km, the sanctuary surrounds the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Situated at an elevation of 500 to 1300 metres, the sanctuary is home to a large variety of wildlife, some of which are highly endangered species. Some of the animals that inhabit the sanctuary include hares, chinkaras, four horned antelopes, nilgai, sambhar, jungle cats, hyenas, sloth bears, leopards and wolves.
The sanctuary also abounds in birdlife and some of the birds that can be easily spotted here include grey jungle fowl, peacocks, doves, white breasted kingfisher, bulbuls, pigeons, golden oriole, and parakeets.
The natural grandeur of Kumbhalgarh is the most attractive feature about the sanctuary. Its scenic beauty attracts tourists and travellers from all over the country and the world. It is situated at a distance of about 100 km from Udaipur and this makes the sanctuary an extremely popular tourist place.
Visitors can enjoy foot tracking and horse safaris in the sanctuary, arranged by local tour operators. The route for safaris starts from the Kumbhalgarh Fort and continues till Ghanerao. On an abandoned road near Ghanerao, visitors can spot several bird species, four horned antelopes, chinkaras and neelgais.
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Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, Shekhawati
Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the borders of Thar Desert. The word ‘Tal’ appropriately means open and flat land. Extending out over an area of 1334 sq km, a humble house to an amazing diversity of wild birds, the Tal c is extensively famous for Black Bucks. The Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary more often than not remains enclosed by green lawns; trees are seen rarely in this large area .
The name Wayanad is derived from the expression ‘Wayalnadu’ which means a land of paddy fields. the Kabini river system of Wayand is the perennial source of water to Cauvery. This district enjoys the beauty of delightful landscape. It is covered with thick forests varies between 700 and 2100m above sea level.
The Banasura Project in this district hold an exclusive earth dam which will be the largest in India and the second largest in the world.
This is also the land of tribals with the highest concentration of tribal population in Kerala. There are a number of ancient temples, rock caves relating to the stone-age era, churches, mosques and antique monuments.
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Munnar
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.
Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once in every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.
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Athirapally
At a distance of 32 km from Chalakudy, 73 km from Kochi, 59 km from Thrissur, 100 km from Munnar, 122 km from Kottayam, 170 km from Kozhikode, 174 km from Coimbatore & 269 km from Trivandrum, Athirapally Waterfalls are one of the best waterfalls in India and one of the most famous tourist places in Kerala & one of the popular weekend getaways from Kochi, Coimbatore & Munnar. These are magnificent waterfalls onChalakudy River located at the entrance to Sholayar hill range in Thrissur district.
This waterfall drops from a height of 80 feet through several parallel streams offering a great scenic beauty. In monsoon season, the water gets strength and all the streams join together and appear like Niagara Falls. This is the biggest waterfalls in Kerala and well known for its scenic beauty.
One can reach top of Athirapally falls with about 15 minutes walk from the falls entrance. It offers spectacular views of the Sholayar hills and a unique view of the waterfalls from this spot. About 10-15 minutes trek down from top of the falls will take you to bottom of the falls where the greatest beauty of the waterfalls can be experienced. Swimming is possible in the stream at bottom of the Athirappilly falls.
Down from the waterfall, the stream continues as Chalakudy River which ultimately drains into Arabian Sea. This river is a bio diversity hotspot with 85 species of fresh water fish living in it. The Athirapally Forest is also the natural habitat of different species like the great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, Indian grey hornbill, Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar and lion-tailed macaque.
The Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa Falls, Anakkayam, Sholayar Dam, Valparai and Malayattur Wildlife Sanctuary are the nearby places to visit in Athirapally. It also offers adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, etc.
Chalakudy (32 km) is the nearest junction to Athirapally and it is connected by bus with Thrissur (55 km), Kochi (73 km) and Palakkad (110 km). One can take public/private vehicle from Chalakudy to reach Athirapally. Cochin Airport is the nearest airport to Athirapally which is 40 km away. Kochi and Thrissur are two major railways junctions nearby. The nearest railway station is Chalakudy Railway Station at 32 km from Athirapally.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Also known as the Queen of Vembanad, Kumarakom is the most famous Kerala Backwaters destination for traditional houseboat ride and it is among the most visited tourist places in Kerala state. This is also one of the ideal weekend getaways from Kochi & Trivandrum.
Kumarakom’s soil is extremely fertile due to the proximity to water source, this has resulted in the growth of a wide variety of flora in Kumarakom, especially the mangrove and coconut trees. Kumarakom is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves. It is also famous for Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming.
The name Kumarakom was derived from the deity of an old temple Kumaran. Arundhati Roy, author of the 1997 Booker Prize-winning The God of Small Things, was raised in the nearby Aymanam village. In order to protect the ecology of the place, the Kerala government has declared Kumarakom as a special tourism zone. Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors. A two-hour rowing canoe trip is organized, and is best undertaken in the evening or early morning.
Vembanad Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in India. The major sightseeing option at Kumarakom is boat cruisein backwaters of Vembanad. There are Country boats and Houseboats for the boat cruise experience. A Houseboat cruise along the backwaters is really an amazing experience for every traveler to Kumarakom. Excellent marine and freshwater fish including tasty karimeen, shrimp, and prawns are available in the area. Kumarakom is the venue for Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race held in September during Onam festival. More than 1000 oarsmen in boats of different sizes and shapes will participate in this event.
Cochin International Airport is the closest airport at a distance of 74 km to reach Kumarakom. Kottayam is the nearest railway station to Kumarakom (16 km). Kumarakom is also accessible by boat from Alappuzha.
Kumarakom is connected by frequent bus service from Kottayam. KSRTC bus service connects Kottayam to all cities in Kerala. Private run deluxe A/C buses connect Kottayam with major cities like Chennai, Mangalore, Bangalore and Trivandrum.
The best time to visit Kumarakom is from October-March while the peak season is September & November to February. Post monsoon is the best season for bird watching. Backwater cruising is prohibited during peak monsoons. It usually takes 1-2 days to explore the important places in Kumarakom.
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Alappuzha
Built in the 9th century AD, Alleppey, called Alappuzha lies on the edge of the great Ashtamudi Lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater riverscriss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
Related to the Venice of the East by travellers from around the world, this Backwater Country is also home to diverse range of animals and birds. It has always been honored a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala for its proximity to the sea. Alleppey has earned fame in the commercial world as the world’s premier supplier of coir.
Today, Alleppey has emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, beckoning thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Every year, during August-September, Alleppey wakes up to the pulsating Nehru Cup SnakeBoat Race, a water sport unique to Kerala.
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Kovalam
Kovalam offers an excellent diversity with Kovalam beach to suit all desires and occasions. Three curve shaped beaches, alienated by stony outcroppings, from the major attraction of this coastal resort.
Backed by precipitously mounting headlands and covered by fertile coconut palms, the beaches, especially the southern most part of lighthouse beach. It is also lined with a host of shops and shacks offering all kinds of services; creating an unmistakable resort atmosphere. Curio shops, hawkers of Kashmiri and Tibetan products, money changers and beachwear shops, between the surplus of restaurants and hotels, do brisk business during peak tourist season.
The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.
Kovalam was among the most famous traveler spots in India. It still has a high rank among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new implication in the light of severalAyurvedic salons, and healing and renaissance resorts which supply a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.
Kovalam beach is well known not only for its beauty, but also for the entertainment programs and sports conducted on the beach. One of the popular entertainments in Kovalam Beach is to enjoy beach bonfire with your friends or relatives. The beach fire rings and bonfires are usually enjoyed and promoted by local and foreign tourists.
You can smell the woods burning and hear the shouts of joy from different parts of the Kovalam beach in the evening. All have rings offered for free use on a first come first serve basis. The camp-like tradition lives on from generation to generation in this time honored celebration that brings families, friends and business associates together in a circle, huddled around the warm glowing flames to fend off the chilled night air of the Arabian Sea. The atmosphere and temperature in Kovalam is very goodwith soft winds creating a chill, especially in the evenings.
The busiest season at the beach usually runs from late May through early September. Free fire pits are greatly desired during this time, especially on weekends. It is not unusual for people to stake claim to a pit in the early afternoon, even when planning to use it later in the day.
Kovalam beach is well known for its beautiful sunset. Each and every day there will be something new to tell about the sunsetin Kovalam due to its beauty. The variation of colors such as red, orange and yellow in the sun and sky draw new master piece art works in the sky on every new sunset. Kovalam beach with its amazing sunset beauty attracted photographers all around the world to capture the beauty of sun and sky.
By the sunset, Kovalam beach will be active with songs, dances and celebrations of different tourists. Apart from tourists, there were many local inhabitants who often visit the beach to spend their evenings with family and friends. It is also interesting to watch the fishers fishing in the sea by sunset through ancient traditional ways.
Since 1930 Kovalam was a prominent international tourist beach. Kovalam Beach is located at a distance of six kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. It is also known as the ‘Paradise of South India’. Kovalam beach spread widely over four kilometers and its glory spread all over the world. Kovalam beach is the world famousbeach of India.
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Kochi
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as ‘God’s OwnCountry’. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.
Tea Plantation This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate.
Strictly speaking, Cochin is a small town. But, Cochin has outgrown its original bounds and is now the general name given to much of the region adjoining the original town, which now includes Cochin, Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Ernakulam and many other nearby towns and villages. Cochin is situated in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala. Ernakulam is also the name of a town – the administrative capital of Ernakulam district – but, for all practical purposes Ernakulam and Cochin, generally, refer to the same place.
Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler’s ’50 greatest places of alifetime’.
This site is an attempt to capture the beauty and vigor of this city and provide as much information as possible to people who wish to know more or visit Cochin. This site will use Cochin and Kochi interchangeably since they refer to the same place. Kochi is the original name of the city, while Cochin is the colonial name. Slightly larger version of some of the images can be found in the Cochin album or Kerala album . All hyperlinks marked with a will be loaded in a new browser window. Suggestions and comments on any relevant matter pertaining to this site or its content are always welcome.
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Thiruvananthapuram
The city gets its name from the word, Thiru-anantha-puram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines.
From around 1000 BC Thiruvananthapuram has been an ancient city with trading traditions. The rise of modern Thiruvananthapuram began with accession of Marthanda Varma in 1729 as the founding ruler of the princely state of Travancore. Thiruvananthapuram was made the capital of Travancore in 1745. The city developed into a major intellectual and artistic centre during this period. The golden age in the city’s history was during the mid 19th century under the reign of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal and Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal. This era witnessed the establishment of the first Englishschool, the Oriental Research Institute , the General Hospital , the Observatory & Manuscripts Library and the University College . The firstLunatic Asylum in the state was also started during the same period. Sanskrit College, Ayurveda College, Law College and a second grade college for women were started by Moolam Thirunal during this era.
The begining of the 19th century was an age of tremendous political and social changes in the city. The Sree Moolam Assembly, established in 1904 was the first democratically elected legislative council in any Indian state. It was not under the direct control of the British Empire at any time, the city however featured prominently in India’s freedom struggle. The Indian National Congress made a very active presence in the city. In 1938 a meeting of the Indian National Congress was held which was presided by Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramaiah
kuIn 1931 Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma took over and witnessed many-sided progress. The promulgation of “Temple Entry Proclamation” (1936) was an act that underlined social emancipation. This era also saw the establishment of the Kerala University which was formerly known as University of Travancore in 1937.
With the establishment of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in 1962, Thiruvananthapuram became the cradle of India’s ambitious space programme. The first Indian space rocket was developed and launched from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) located in the outskirts of the city in 1963. Several establishments of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) were later established in Thiruvananthapuram.
A major milestone in the city’s recent history was the establishment of Technopark,India’s first IT park in 1995. Technopark has developed into the largest IT Park in India and third largest in Asia and is home to MNC giants like Infosys, TCS, Ernst & Young, UST Global etc; This placed Thiruvananthapuram on the IT map of India and it is today one of the most promising in the country in terms of competitiveness and capability.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is the captial of Kerala and also the headquaters of the trivandrum District.It is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland spreading over a total of 2,192sq.km.
Mahatma Gandhi has referred trivandrum as “Evergreen city of India“.
The city is the state capital and houses many central and state government offices, organizations and companies. Apart from being the political nerve centre of Kerala, it is also a major academic hub and is home to several educational institutions including the University of Kerala, and too many science and technology institutions, namely Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre , Technopark and IIST.
India Vacation Planning Travel Tips to Save Time & Money: Planning a India vacation requires a lot of planning and management. A lot of things need to be managed before going for a vacation. Money and time are the major aspects that play a vital role in the process of preparing for the vacation. Though it might take some time to plan, but the result that comes out after the process compensates all the other things.
Follow the list of tips that are perfect for saving money and time during vacation.
1. Planning:
The first to be followed holds utmost importance in making the vacation budget-friendly. Assess your financial position, decide the destination, book your tickets and move forward to the next step.
2. Stay Flexible:
Staying flexible with the travel dates is another way of saving money during the vacation. Book flights on dates where the fares are low, this way a huge amount can be saved.
3. Travel in Shoulder Season:
A trip can be taken at any point of time, but traveling during the shoulder season or the off-season is a better way of saving money and avoiding the crowds that hamper the reachability to various destinations.
4. Look for Special Deals:
Several travel websites and companies create packages and deals for travelers. Sign-up for the exclusive offers of all of them and grab the one that has the maximum advantage. Book flights/tickets after comparing all the offers.
5. Use Social Media:
Social Media is a great tool that helps connecting with different people, communities and places. Take advantage of social media and browse various travel websites to claim their promotional offers that are exclusively available on these sources.
Once the planning is done, book your tickets and hotels in advance. Making advance bookings not only ensures hassle free travel, but also helps in getting the benefits such as low prices, more options and choices.
7. Get access to Locales:
Locales help travelers in getting the inside information, thus making their task easy and convenient. Connect with the local people in order to get the inside scoop that can be utilized for further trip.
8. Take Public Transport:
After reaching the desired destination, opt for traveling through the public transport to cut down the expenses of commuting. Make the best use of them by taking route maps and guides to find places easily. Find best Rajasthan car rental services and choose best car rental service.
9. Carry extra cash/currency:
The currency conversion rates may be different in various countries. Taking extra cash from the beginning of the journey decreases the money spending on converting the currency. A lot of money gets saved by adopting this technique.
10. Stay at cheaper accommodations:
Finding a cheap accommodation in India online is another way that saves money while traveling. Staying in a hostel or a family-friendly places and hotels acts as great options for sticking with the budget.
Repeat the first step again and review the whole process. Implementing the ideas curated during the planning makes a good effort towards money and time management. Act wisely and choose better.
Rajasthan invites you to feel the adventure of a Camel Safari, which takes you through the golden sands of the vast. Thar desert. Like horse safaris, camel safaris are also popular in Rajasthan. The camel, popularly known as the ship of the desert, is not only common in the Thar desert, but also the only means of transportation in remote areas. Ride through sandy tracks, passing through remote villages. Pitch your tent at a new place each night. Spend the evenings next to the camp tire and dance to the folk music.
The safari is organised to take one through the golden sands of the vast Thar desert and untamed countryside, enabling one to experience the days gone by when time drifted at a leisurely pace. The rolling landscape of the sand & shrub covered area is breathtakingly beautiful and the range of flora and fauna surprisingly large for a desert area.
The camel breeders or Raika are the best guides. They know every pasture, waterhole and village of the region. One can ride or walk along leisurely with the safari and enjoy the deserts-cape. The camel-carts are fully equipped and tourists need not bother about comfort in the desert. camel safari can be arranged at Pushkar, jaisalmer or bikaner and also during nagaur fair,desert festival and Pushkar fair but without camel safari your journey to Rajasthan is not completed.
‘Rajasthan‘ – the land of the Rajputs, is known for its kings, fearless warriors and charming ladies. It is also known for its forts, palaces and temples which are a reminder of the glorious past. Kingdoms were carved and established by the Rajputs on horseback, while swords were stained with enemy blood.
Horses were highly priced and a Rajput warrior would give anything to own a good horse. Great care was taken to breed horses and to keep a clean and pure lineage. The result of many years of dedication and hard work helped create breeds like the Marwah, Kathiawadi and the sindhi, each having its own distinct characteristics and bred solely for the purpose of war. These horses were noted for their stamina and fierce loyalty to their masters, these gallant steeds, the Rajputs became famous worldwide.
In Rajasthan, the tourist can today have the pleasure of riding through trails dotted and marked with cenotaphs and tombstones of many brave and valiant Rajput warriors. Trails which take them through villages, pass huge and ancient forts and temples. Nights can be spent in ancient palaces and Garhs (small forts) now owned by the descendants of those glorious Rajput rulers. These palaces not only provide modern amenities but cultural programmes and entertainment is also available. Evenings are spent at campsites which are splashed with colour in the form of local folk dance and music.
A more recent, and exciting, variation of the camel safari is the horse safari, The Rajputs where born to be horseback reders, and the tradition wsas strongly engorced in the medieval ages when the cavalry formed one of the most important flanks of the desert armies, Special houses were bred at the thikanas or aristocratic homes of the
Thakurs who served their kings which armies of horsemen. The Marwari horse is an indigenous species, hardy agile and among the notables in worlds breeds, In addition, the Kathiawadi and Sindhi horses are also adept at traversing the desert countryside.
Horse safaris are usually conducted in the vicinity of Udaipur where the hilly terrain and forested countryside are ideal for taking to the trail.
Depending on the side of the group, the pack of cavalry can move swiftly or at leisure, moving form the vicinity of one old fort to another, There is additional excitement it that the route you stay in may have been those very ones where the ancient armies once rode and camped.
Horse safari routes can of course, be diverse, but most will pass close to villages, ruined historical monuments, and temples, These are ideal palaces to halt for a bit for rest and relaxation or lunch and a quick snooze , Riders and advised to equip themselves with riding gear the famous Jodhpuri breeches, hat, and boots, Depending on your capability to ride the houses may trot ro canter through the countryside, What matters most however is that each evening you are assured of the comforts of former palaces and forts : no better, or more historic way of exploring Rajasthan is possible
Wildlife houses some of the best wildlife and bird sanctuaries in India. The most popular ones are Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park, and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Tigers, elephants, boars, bears, several species of birds, and various other inhabitants of the wild greet you to these wildlife sanctuaries.
One of the most sought after things to do in Rajasthan is Zip Lining, or Flying Fox as it is commonly known. Go zipping from one cliff or structure to another and on your way you get to enjoy exquisite views of forts. Zip lining in Rajasthan can be tried in Neemrana Fort and Mehrangarh Fort. While both offer splendid views, Neemrana is an ideal getaway near Delhi and Mehrangarh is very close to Udaipur.
Take a Safari
Wildlife houses some of the best wildlife and bird sanctuaries in India. The most popular ones are Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park, and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Tigers, elephants, boars, bears, several species of birds, and various other inhabitants of the wild greet you to these wildlife sanctuaries.
Hot-air Ballooning in Rajasthan – Float in the sky and enjoy the bird’s eye view
One of the most spine-tingling activities in Rajasthan, hot-air ballooning is a sure hit with travelers and tourists. Soaring high in the sky, you get to witness the detailing of heritage structures and wide expansive greeneries. The experience is marvelous and gives you an insight of this regal land. Right now, there are three cities in Rajasthan where you can enjoy hot-air ballooning: Pushkar, Jaipur, and Ranthambore. Take your pick of the scenery and set out to navigate in the sky.
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Desert camping
An amazing glamping site, Rajasthan is famous for its desert camping. Starlit sky, lively folk dances, colorful puppet shows, delicious authentic meals, and cozy beddings are experiences that make camping in Rajasthan such a rage. This extraordinary experience of camping in desert is truly one of the best things to do in Rajasthan during winters.
Dine at Chokhi Dhani
Chokhi Dhani Dinner
One of the best places to visit in Rajasthan, Chokhi Dhani needs no introduction. A name synonymous with royal hospitality, Chokhi Dhani has catered to avid travelers and eager foodies for many years.
Chokhi Dhani serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine with a touch of warm hospitality. Even if you don’t like Rajasthani food much, you will be floored by the service and the decor. The cultural performances and colorful folk dances are enthralling to say the least.
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Go trekking
Trekking in Rajasthan can be tough and tiring given the hot summer climate. But in right season and on a slight windy day, it can be a terrific experience. Lush greenery of Alwar and heritage density of Mount Abu are the most preferred treks for adventure lovers. While these treks range from easy to moderate, the otherworldly beauty and salubrious climate attract not only adventure seekers but nature lovers too. You get to spot colorful birds and interact with local villagers.
Dune Bashing in Rajasthan
An extremely popular sport in Thar Desert, dune bashing is a real pump of adventure. Driving an SUV in the endless desert is an exhilarating experience. If you don’t own a SUV, worry not! You can rent one from the neighborhood dealers and have the blast.
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Elephants ride at Amer Fort
Have you ever had a day out with Elephants? Well, this is the perfect opportunity to have one. You can try your hand at all sorts of activities related to elephants like giving them a shower or feeding them sugarcanes. You can even paint their trunks with organic paints so as not to harm your giant friends. It is one of the most visited tourist places near Jaipur. While enjoying your day at Dera Amer, you can gorge on authentic delicacies of Rajasthan at the spot too. If you have had enough for a day, you can also head out for a short trek on a nature trail in the nearby forest.
Camel safari in Rajasthan
A camel safari in Rajasthan is again one of the exclusive experiences you can have here. Exquisite views of the desert seem even more beautiful from camel’s back. The ship of desert lets you explore the ruins and beautiful structures from vantage point, unmatched by any. Best cities to enjoy camel safari in Rajasthan are Pushkar and Jaisalmer.
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Motor Boating in Fateh Sagar Lake Udaipur
Another exciting thing to do in Rajasthan is to go speed boating in Udaipur’s Fateh Sagar Lake. Besides being a thrill and fun experiences, the beautiful view of the lake and sun hiding behind the mountains (towards the evening) is a delight!
Galta Ghat “The Monkey Temple” :- The temple is part of a larger temple complex, which also has three sacred pools of water. One of the pools has been taken over by thousands of monkeys that congregate there to swim and bathe .
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Birla Mandir
Made of pure white marble, the temple walls adorn the carvings of the scenes of mythology and quotes from Gita. Main highlight of the temple is the images of Laxmi and Vishnu sculpted out of a single piece of marble.
Shila Devi Temple
Towards the end of sixteenth century, Maharaja Mansingh brought the statue of the goddess Shila Mata from the eastern part of Bengal. In the kingdom of Pratapaditya, Maharaja Mansingh received a defeat at the hands of king Kedar. Humiliated and depressed, the Maharaja worshipped goddess Kali to please her and receive her blessings so as to change his defeat into victory. Kali appeared in a dream to bless him. The goddess also obtained a promise from the Maharaja that he would establish her shrine in his capital. The idol of goddess was recovered from sea in the form of a Shila (Slab) and it was brought to Amer when cleaned and washed, the present idol appeared. This is why the goddess is named as Shila Mata.
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Govind Dev Ji Temple
The temple of Govind Dev Ji is one of the most sacred and famous tourist destinations in India. It is located in the City Palace complex, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The deity, Govind Dev Ji, is none other than Lord Shri Krishna himself. It is believed that the image in this temple looks exactly how Lord Krishna looked during his incarnation on earth. The idol was originally kept in the temple of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh and was later brought to Jaipur by Raja Sawai Jai Singh, a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna. The idol of Govind Dev Ji is strikingly beautiful for its complete resemblance with Lord Krishna, and the temple is placed between Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal in the City Palace complex. Every day, various ‘Aartis’ and ‘Prasad’ or ‘Bhogs’ are offered at the temple, at seven different times. The festival of Janmashtami is among the most important ones celebrated here as it commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna.
Moti Dungari Temple
The Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple was constructed by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal in the early eighteenth century, and continues to be one the most popular tourist destinations in Jaipur. Situated in the heart of Jaipur, the Moti Dungri temple is perched on a small hill, and is surrounded by an exotic palace. In the recent past, the palace was home to Rajmata Gaytri Devi, but now, the palace is locked to public, with the temple being the only tourist location. The highlight of this place is the famous and auspicious temple of Lord Ganesha, which is frequently visited by the inhabitants of Jaipur, and other tourists from around the world. In modern times, it is said that thousands of devotees flock the temple on a daily basis and it is considered to be one of the most important religious structures in Jaipur. The temple is nestled by the beautiful palace, called the Moti Dungri palace, which is an imitation of a popular Scottish castle.
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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir is a beautiful temple housing amazing carvings of Lord Mahadev and other deities including Parvati, Nandi and Hanuman. Numerous people come here to offer their prayers and take in return the blessings from the great lord. You will observe many people paying tribute to Shivling and Navratan as well.
Garh Ganesh Temple
Garh Ganesha Temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesha is present in the temple in the form of small child – Purushakriti. Located at the top in he Aravali hills, close to the Nahargarh hill. In the Garh Ganesha temple, Lord Ganesha is established in the statue of child Ganesha – Vigra Purushakriti (without trunk).
Garh Ganesha temple was build by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh – I when he performed the “Ashwamegha Yagya” before the establishment of Jaipur. He made the shrine and place the statue of Lord Ganesha. After that he kept the foundation stone of Jaipur. He also kept the statue in such a way that Maharaja could be able to see the statue with the help of binoculars from the Chandra Mahal of City Palace, Jaipur. Garh Ganesh also has ‘Dhwajadheesh’ Ganesha’s temple of Bari-Chaupar as its part.
On the Ganesh Chaturthi in Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha, the fair of five days is organised every year.Also on the first wednesday after “Diwali”, ‘anna-koot’ is celebrated on the temple and on last wednesday ‘Paush month’ is celebrated by organising ‘Paush bade’. The total arrangement and management of the temple is overlooked by ‘Audhchya’ family. Presently honourable Shri Pradeep Audichya is the chief priest of the Garh Ganesh temple. He is the 13th priest of the temple.
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Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple is a very famous tourist attraction in Jaipur. The brilliant carvings and the fabulous view of the lush green surroundings inside this temple makes it a place worth visiting. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narayana, the Vedic Supreme God.
Iskcon Temple
In September 1965, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada left the shores of India to fulfill the prophesy made five hundred years ago by Lord Chaitanya that His names would be chanted in every town & village of the world. In this Kali-Yuga, the centers of Krishna Consciousness are like oases in the desert. One such oasis of spiritual shelter will be the ISKCON Sri Sri Giridhari Dauji Temple. Srila Prabhupada has delivered Sri Sri Radha Govindaji to the whole world. It was his expressed desire to have a very beautiful ISKCON Temple in Jaipur.
Rajasthan’s beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city areimportant attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur’s bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares. Western Rajasthan itself forms a convenient circuit, in the heart of the Thar desert which has shaped its history, lifestyles and architecture.
Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh II, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City with broad avenues and spacious gardens. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.
Jaipur has been laid according to the conventional nine-grid pattern that astrologers believe to be lucky, and which has been recommended in the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Each grid consists of a square, and these have been planned so that, at the heart of the city is the City Palace. Spread around it, in rows, are public buildings, the residences of noblemen, the living and trading quarters of merchants and artisans. Straight, wide roads run through the city, while a high, crenellated wall that forms its defense is pierced with seven gateways that serve as entry points. Today, these walls may be more difficult to spot since the city has grown far beyond its original plan, but they are still there, proof that though Jaipur saw no great siege, it was more than adequately prepared for it.
Jaipur architectural planning may have been ancient, but its execution was definitely modern. Best represented by the CityPalace complex, it brought together all that was excellent in Rajput and Mughal architecture, creating a new tradition that found wide currency over much of north India. As in the Mughal tradition, the durbar or court areas became much more open, characterised by a series of arched pavilions held on delicately crafted pillars. Ornamentation had always been a part of the state architectural heritage, now it became much more opulent. The private wings of the family also extended their entertainment areas. Since defence was no longer a primary concern, larger, more ornamental windows were built to over look the streets or courtyards outside these wings. Gardens were no longer planned within the internal courtyards only, but were added to the external vistas, and water, a basic feature of Mughal palaces and gardens, was utilized in a similar fashion, in canals and fountains.
Jaipur has much to offer visitors everything from pageants and festivals to extraordinarily clad people, a wealth of handicrafts, a royal legacy of palaces, and sightseeing that will occupy their time. However, should the visitors simply choose to walk around the streets of the old city instead, they will not regret it. All of Jaipur is an architectural gem, and no scheduled sight seeing can even hope to do justice to this rare city.
Topplaces to visit in Jaipur
Jaisalmer
The History of Jaisalmer has a charm of its own. Like all other cities of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer too has its own glorious past to boast about. History of Jaisalmer draws heavily from the history of the Rajputana. The city is said to be founded by one Raja Rawal Jaisal, a BhattiRajput ruler, in approximately 1156 A D. Legends go by that he did it on the behest of a local hermit named Eesaal. The raja choose Trikut hill as the new site for his fort. This was because he thought that his previous abode at Luderwa (16 km from present Jaisalmer) was vulnerable towards possible enemy assault.
In medieval times, Jaisalmer continued to be on the focus of the masses because of its location. It falls in the way of one of the two routes, which connected India from Persia, Egypt, Africa and the west. The Bhatti Rajput rulers were still in line. They were the sole guardian of the city and thus mustered enough wealth through taxes levied on the passing caravans, of which there was no scarcity.
For many years Jaisalmer remained out of bound from the foreign rulers partly because of its location and partly because of its relief. In the mid Thirteenth century, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Turk-Afghan ruler of Delhi laid the siege over the city. He was apparently upset with the Bhatti Rajput rulers because they stopped and looted one of his caravans containing royal coffer which was on its way to Sind. The siege lasted for around 9 long years and when the fall seemed eminent the Rajput womenfolk of the city committed Jauhar (self Immolation to avoid disgrace).
It is said that Duda, the son of Raja Jaisimha, fought vehemently in the battle but was overpowered after the fierce hand to hand combat. He died fighting. His descendants continued to rule the city. Though they had a cordial relation with the Mughal rulers in Delhi, they fought unsuccessfully with Emperor Humayun. Emperor Shah Jahan gave the right of governance to Sabala Simha, who had the royal patronage and had shown remarkable valor to win the Battle of Peshawar.
In the modern era, Jaisalmer was still a tough nut to crack and was the last among the Rajputana royals to sign the ‘Instrument of Agreement’ with the British establishment. Even that was achieved after long hours on the negotiation table and after much cajoling from the British establishment in India. In the year 1947, royals signed the agreement to remain in just independent India. Since then it has developed itself into a major touristdestination as well as a cultural hub of the western India.
Topplaces to visit in Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Jodhpur “The Sun City” was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, in 1459. It is named after him only. Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India was previously known as Marwar. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is divided into two parts – the old city and the new city. The old city is separated by a10 km long wall surrounding it. Also it has eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city.
Jodhpur is a very popular tourist destination. The landscape is scenic and mesmerizing. Jodhpur city has many beautiful palaces and forts such as Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Rai ka Bag Palace. Other charms of Jodhpur include Government museum and it’s beautiful Umed garden. The city is known as the “Sun City” because of its bright and sunny weather throughout the year. Read on for more Jodhpur information.
Topplaces to visit in Jodhpur
Udaipur
Udaipur is a beautiful city, set amidst the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan, India. Known for its picturesque lakes, Udaipur also called ‘the city of lakes’. The elevated hills and the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the Udaipur city. Udaipur is regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the World and subsequently, also known as the ‘Venice of East’. In context of Rajasthan, Udaipur is the second most-sought after tourist destination of the state, the first being Jaipur. Udaipur had been the capital of Mewar for centuries.
Though termed as the city of lakes, Udaipur has many more attractions that catch the attention of the tourists with their charm. The city boasts of various museums, palaces, gardens, monuments and colourful festivals that allure tourists to visit the city for once. The mighty palaces with their exquisite locations transport you directly into the royal Rajputana era; Lake Palace, for one, has been accredited for being one of the most romantic places all across the globe. The massive forts of Udaipur grab the interest of people with their sheer structure and architecture. The beautiful temples create a sense of aestheticism with their spiritual ecstasy.
The lakes acting as oasis under the scorching sun propels a sense of calm along with reminding you at once of the city of Venice. The festivals, altogether colorful and lively, with their frenzies and huge scope cast a spell worthy enough to keep you too in spirit for days to come whereas the serene gardens, which lend the city its second adoptive name- The Garden City of Rajasthan, are an epitome of how the natural order manages to make its way to flourish even in the desert, uninhibited. Last but not the least, anyone even a little interested in digging in the past too is fed by through artifacts and what not that still survives in the heart of the city through museums.
Undoubtedly, Udaipur is undoubtedly a dream destination for a romantic holiday. Every year, thousands of tourists come from all over the globe to visit this romantic city. Udaipur is easily accessible from all the major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. So, if you are tired of your hectic schedules and daily routine, then plan a trip to the city of lakes to lighten up your worries and tensions. A tour to the romantic city of Udaipur would certainly become an unforgettable part of your memories and you will cherish these memories throughout your life.
Topplaces to visit in Udaipur
Pushkar
15 km north-west from Ajmer, in the state ofRajasthan, on the desert fringe lies a tiny tranquil town called Pushkar, along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake. One of the holiest and oldest cities of India, Pushkar is a favored destination for thousands of tourists and devotees. As per legends, Pushkar boasts of over 400 temples, ghats and palaces revealing an entirely different picture of the city. An important pilgrimagespot for the Hindus, Pushkar is home to the only temple of Lord Brahma in the country as well as the world. Lord Brahma is known as the creator of the world, as per the Hindu mythology.
Pushkar is situated at a height of 510 meters, surrounded by hillocks on three sides. The ‘Nag Pahar’, or the Snake Mountain, forms a natural boundary between Ajmer and Pushkar. The sleepy, lakeside settlement of Pushkar is of great mythological significance. According to Hindu mythology, lotus petals incidentally fell from the hands of Lord Brahma on the ground at three places, from where water immediately sprouted, which lead to the creation of three lakes, Pushkar Lake, Madya Pushkar Lake and Kanishta Pushkar. Pushkar is one such place where Lord Brahma performed “Yagna”.
Pushkar Camel Festival is the best time to witness the kaleidoscopic picture of this part of Rajasthan. The riot of colors and liveliness is evident from swirling dancers, tented camps, intricate artwork and towering camels. Thousands of Hindus from across the globe come to Pushkar to take a dip in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake. All in all, Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. Visit Pushkar and catch a glimpse of the unrevealed part of this otherwise drowsy and quiet town begetting a legacy of timeless architectural heritage.
Topplaces to visit in Pushkar
Bikaner
Lying in the north of the desert state, the city 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 breeding farm in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. A camel besides doing transportation duties, also works on wells.
These are built on high plinths with slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance. The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur.
Gajner Palace, Bikaner Travel & Tourism The barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers, and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the ‘Shankhlas’. When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages.
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. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West/Central Asia made it a prime trade centre in those times.
Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes, colourful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience to explore.
Topplaces to visit in Bikaner
Ajmer
Located in the heart of Rajasthan Ajmer is a small town with a very interesting past and in todays world growing facets of growth and development in aspects of Culture, Education, state and privately owned Industrial & infrastructure establishments coalesce towards the fascination for trade tourism and investments in the district.
In a picturesque valley surrounded by the hills of the Aravali range, 132 Kms. west of current state capital – Jaipur lies the historic city of Ajmer- a green oasis, wrapped by barren hills founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in 7th century A.D.. Ajmer got its name from name from ‘Ajay Meru’ or the invincible hill. Here he built India’s first hill fort, Taragarh. It continued to be the power center of the Chauhan clan till the end of the 12th century, Through times of War and peace. Through serenity and sacrifice.
Today hundreds of years later Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as the Muslims. As the final resting place of the great Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. Muslims from all over the world revere the Dargah Sharif, where the saint lies buried and locally equally revered by both the Hindus and the Muslims.
As an aside, Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar about 14 kms. away. The abode of Lord Brahma the Pushkar lake is a sacred spot for the HIndus, where they take a dip especially in the month of Karthik and considered spiritually motivated.
Thus, Ajmer is a perfect place that can be symbolized for demonstration of Indian culture, ethics and display of perfect blend of wide plethora of diverse religion, community, culture, linguistics etc. all coexisting and flourishing in peace and harmony. Besides local Hindus and Muslims several communities like Gujarati, Marathi, Malyali and other south Indian Communities, Sikh, Catholics, Parsi etc. Historically Ajmer being a centrally administrated state.
Topplaces to visit in Ajmer
Bundi
Bundi just 36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town. One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans – a offshoots of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
In 1193 AD when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Gauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allied to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals – thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed tow separate states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the River Chambal.
Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.
Known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, Kullu is a cluster of beautiful valleys in Himachal Pradesh. Located between the majestic Himalayas and river Beas, Kullu is situated at an altitude of 1230 m. Kullu, along with Manali, are favorite hill stations with tourists especially honeymooners. Scenic views and snow-clad mountains, towering Deodar jungles, rivers and apple orchards have attracted several feature filmmakers too.
Kullu is a hot-spot for adventure sports. Trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, paragliding and hiking over the Himalayan glaciers are some of the activities that Kullu offers. Angling is another activity enjoyed a lot by locals as well as tourists. Mountaineering beginners can trek around the Beas Kund region, Hanuman Tibba and Deo Tibba.
Most of the trekking trails are situated beyond the Rohtang Pass in the valleys of Spiti, Lahaul, Zanskar and Ladakh and private companies organize expeditions for up to 12 days. The hot springs of Kheerganga , Manikaran, a pilgrimage and the Great Himalayan National Park are a few of the ‘touristy’ places worth visiting here.
Kullu was earlier known as Kulanthpitha, meaning ‘the ending point of inhabitable world’. The beautiful valley is also mentioned in epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana. Chinese traveler Huien Tsang visited Kullu in 634 or 635 AD and described it as a region completely surrounded by mountains. King Ashoka had a stupa built here, which was eventually taken away by a Mughal king and installed in Ferozshah Kotla in Delhi.
In days of yore, Kullu had several Buddhist monasteries. There were Hindu temples too and people of both faiths lived peacefully together. Both Buddhist and Hindus inhabited the caves near the mountain passes. The valley is said to have been rich with gold, silver, red copper, crystal and bell metal. The first motorable road in Kullu was built only after Independence.
Manali
Manali is a high-altitude Himalayan resort town in India’s northern Himachal Pradesh state. It has a reputation as a backpacking center and honeymoon destination. Set on the Beas River, it’s a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It’s also a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting and mountaineering in the PirPanjal mountains, home to 4,000m-high Rohtang Pass.
When sound of exhilaration seems to be coming far above from sky and only colorful para-gliders could be spotted above head, the site is most probably Solang Valley of Manali Hill Station, which has a uniqueness that stands out from any other paragliding site in India. What more this is one facet of this hill city, like honeymooner trying to pose wearing ski gears rather than actually willing to try the fun of skiing. Add to that elders on some sort of minor pilgrimage to various temples in Manali, individual getting holy dip in hot water springs, families bonding in picnic spots and many other images, and this hill city comes alive in front of eyes.
A part of Beas River Valley, Manali is situated at an altitude of more than 2000 m from where the eyes fall on the views of forests, orchards, river, mountains ranges and more, for nothing but sheer visual delight. The place once used to serve trade purposes via Manal – Leh route; now the same route is used for the purpose of adventure mainly for the bikers and jeep riders.
Having invitingly secured its history in its name, Manali is associated with legends of King Manu who had the responsibility to protect human civilization after the great flood meant to destroy the world; which he successfully shouldered. If unfolding stories entwined in myths and legend is a loved way to spend holidays, Manali rouses the need to explore the Himalayas with even more intensity.
Spirit of tourism is far from fading even after the consequence of popularity. Be it pleasantly cool months or duration of snowfall during the New Year or Christmas, this hill destination is revered by everyone with the intention or for the experience of Manali tourism.
Shimla
Shimla hill station is still the colonial summer capital (resort) to which British used to retreat in when heat of Indio-Gangetic plains used to become unbearable. Be it grey-stone work of Vice Regal Lodge, or Gaiety Theatre putting neo-gothic architectural excellence, the beauty of building seem to come alive and not only staying in eyes of beholder. The Elizabethan style mixed and merged with different other forms in buildings like Ellerslie, Christ Church, Gorton Castle, Wood Ville, etc are a must-see.
Spirits of that past attracts enthusiasts from India as well as abroad when this hill city has been made capital of state of Himachal Pradesh after India got its Independence. However, this is not the sole reason for why to come to Shimla. Smooth slopes of Snow-draped mountain peaks are absolute invitation to the skiers by spirit or profession. While camping and trekking trips, doing yoga facing the mild rays of waking sun might become the other reason. And this list is sure to go long, once tourists get to know what all they could do to make best time in Shimla.
The way it is nestled at a maximum altitude of 2200 m in the foothill of Himalayas, traveling Shimla is a perfect course to get to view this heaven in summer; and also in winter that brings a different glory altogether.
Named after Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, Shimla has emerged as a well developed city. Yet, the touch of Nature could be felt everywhere one goes too. The beauty of hill could be summarized by uttering the name of this place. It is no wonder why film Industry took to this city when shooting for some place abroad. Shimla tourism encompasses a complete experience, where entertainment, culture, sights like British architecture reminiscent of colonial era, temples and palaces could be spotted interspersed on its landscape.
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Dharamshala
Dharamshala is located in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh and is placed at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level. The city is surrounded a thick cover of deodar cedar trees and is one of the major strong holds for the Tibetan refugees and the seat of the 14th dalai lama of the Tibetan sect of Buddhism.
The town due to its picturesque surroundings and the presence of the Dalai Lama has made the town a popular tourist destination, both for the Indians and the foreign tourists. Here’s the list of the best places you must visit in Dharamshala.
Dalhousie
One of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is well-known for its natural beauty and pleasant climate. It is situated between 6,000 and 9,000 feet and is surrounded by scenic snow-capped peaks. Dalhousie gets its name from its eponymous founder Lord Dalhousie and houses a large number of Victorian-style mansions. It is spread over an 14 sq km and covers over five hills.
Lord Dalhousie was drawn to this region in 1854 because of its peaceful atmosphere and pleasant climate. Eventually, the British acquired five hills — Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah (or Moti Tibba), Bakrota and Bhangora — from the ruler of Chamba State for developing the area as a retreat. In return, his taxes were reduced. Soon it became a popular resort for Englishmen, military officials and soldiers to escape the scorching summers of the plains.
There are several tourist attractions in Dalhousie. Khajjiar, a beautiful valley is quite a favorite among tourists. Tibetan market, Bakrota hills, Dainkund peak, Kalatop and Lohali village are few other popular places to visitin Dalhousie. Karelanu is a spot famous for its healing water spring. Subhas Chandra Bose, who was suffering from tuberculosis drank regular water from the natural spring in Karelanu. He recovered from the deadly disease!
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Kangra
Kangra Fort was the seat and residence of the one of the oldest existing dynasties in the World. The Katoch rulers of Kangra belong to the lineage of the rulers of Trigata mentioned in the Hindu Epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha and also in Alexander the Great’s war records. The fort complex contains several well detailed halls and watchtowers along with a couple of temples that date back to the 9th century AD.
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Kasauli
A small hill station in the Himalayas and is among one of the best holiday choices for people all over the globe. Gets its name from a flower called “Kasool” and best known for its pristine and unspoiled natural beauty. The small township is located in the hills ofHimachal Pradesh and is at the height of almost 1,927 meters from sea level.
The city, also synonym with “time wrap”, gives you an unforgettable experience in the rainy season. The light rain showers falling on the pine trees engross everyone’s mind and soul. The town was discovered by Britishers and their signs can still be seen through the quiet cobbled streets, the flower filled gardens in front of amazing and artistic bungalows. There are so many churches that add to the beauty of the place. The tinted glass windows and shining clocks captivates every person visiting the town.
“Himachal” is one such place in India where the god and the goddesses love to reside too. Nature’s beauty, serenity, peaceful surroundings and its cool weather attracts a huge number of tourists to this state in India year after year. “Kasauli” a small town in the state of Himachal is one such holiday destination that offers its visitors not only the scenic beauty and the weather to enjoy but also a relaxing holiday one would love to sneak out every now and them.
Parwanoo
Tourists visiting this place can enjoy a variety of activities including trekking and nature walks. Parwanoo is famous for its picturesque natural beauty and splendid fruit orchards. Chandigarh is situated at a distance of nearly 25 kilometers from Parwanoo.
This small town is easily accessible by road through private buses or taxis. How to reach Parwanoo by railways is also easy. Kalka railway station is the nearest broad gauge railway station to Parwanoo. Chandigarh airport is the nearest airport to Parwanoo.
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