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DELHI
Delhi, one of India 's fastest growing cities
, has spreadfor beyond the seven cities created between the 13th
and 17th centuries . It has sprawled over the west Bank of the
yamuna and now straddles the river . Ramnants of the past
surviuve cheek-buy jowl with skyscrapers , residential colonies
, and bustling commercial Complexes . The history of the center
of power dates to the first millennium BC.New Delhi was built in
1911. It was to be conceived with spacious and care so that the
new creations would be in every way worthy of this ancient and
beautiful city ". Sir Edward Lutyens and Baker planned a city
with wide , tree -lined avenues . The 340 room, round Viceregal
lodge , now the Rashtrapati Bhawan , was raised on Raisina Hill.
Nearby are India Gate , a World War I memorial , Parliament
House , the prestigious National Museum and the National Gallery
of Modern Art . On Republic Day , Rajpath witnesses a display of
pageantry.
At the base of the Shivalik hills lies the
Haridwar . A town of great pilgrimage importance as the holy
river Ganga caome down from the High Himalya , passes through a
george and starts its slow progress across the plains . Har - Ki
- Pauri is the most important bathing ghat , as it is supposed
to be thr precise spot where the Ganges leaves the Mountains and
enters the plain . The City has many temples of recent origin
and every 12 years the Kumbh Mela comes to Haridwar and draws
millions of pilgrims -the next one is in the year 2010
RISHIKESH
Haridwar & Rishikesh are so close that it is
easy to stay in the latter and day trip to Haridwar . Surrounded
by hills on three sides . Rishikesh lies at an altitude of 365
meters . The most interesting ghats and the temples in Rishikesh
are across the river on the east bank. The Lakshman Jhula
suspension bridge is further upstream . People from all corner
of the World come here to study Hinduism and the Yoga
AULI
India's premier ski resort Auli can be
reached along a 15 Kms road from Joshimanth , or more speedily
by cable car suspended from the three and a half km ropeway
which extends from Joshimanth and Auli support the trip of 30
minutes , by ropeway and it is possible to get off at the eight
tower and take the chairlift from there.
MUSSORIE
Mussorie , once a favourite summer retreat of
British is the closest hill station to Delhi. At an altitude of
1921 meters with is salubrious climate and magnificient mountain
vistas . Mussorie was founded by an Irishman , Captain Young in
1827 AD .
NANITAL
At an altitude of 1938 meters the Kumaon
Hills , this attractive hill station , 280 kms north east of
Delhi , was once the summer capital of the Uttar Pradesh . The
name Nanital came, as this small hill town is situated around
the Naini lake which is believed to be the eye of Sati , wife of
Lord Shiva . There are various lovely walk around the Nanital ,
which leads to China peak. Dorothy 's Seat , Land 's East and
Gurney House.
SRINAGAR
Srinagar , the summer capital of Kashmir
stands on Dal Lake and the Jhelum River . It is a city with a
distantly Central Asian flavour . The old city is situated in
the vicinity of the Hari prabat Hill and the picturesque Jhelum
River and includes the labyrinth alleyways , mosque and the
houses that constiute the Commercial heart of the city . The
modern part of the city is situated further up the Jhelum River
that sweeps through the Srinagar . The Dal Lake with its
intricate waterways situated in the east of the city , houses
the modern house boats . Besides the lake is the world famous
Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.
LADAKH
The land of high passes is the Trans- Himalya
zone which marks the boundary between the peak of the Western
Himalya and the vast Tibetan Plateau . Since it was opened up to
Tourism in 1974 , Ladakh has been known as Moonland , Little
Tibet and even Last Shangri La . What ever the description ,
Ladakh as Mooon land , Little and even the last Shangri La is
one of the most remote regions of India .The high culture of
Ladakh is Buddhist , with its closed cultural and trading
connection With Tibet . This particularly is evident in the most
populated region of Leh and the Indus Valley , with its Many
whitewashed gompas ( Monastries ) and forts perched pon top of
sugar loaf mountains. Ladakh has dozen of Maonastries known as
gompas , which means Solitary place . They are the heart of the
Ladakhi's spiritual Life and are usually occupied by a dozen
monks ( Lamas ) or nuns( Chomos) and often child Novices.
LEH
Leh is situated in a small valley just to the
north of the Indus Valley . Until 1947 it had close trading
relations with central Asia , with Yak trains setting off from
the Leh bazzar to complete the stages over the Karakoram Pass to
Yarkand and Kashgar. Leh is dominated by the Ladahki royal
family before they were exiled to Stok. Above the Palace at the
top of the Namgyal Hill is the Victory Fort built to commemorate
Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in early 16th
Century .The old town of Leh is situated at the base of the
Namgyal Hill , a labyrinth of Alleyways and houses , stacked
with dry wood and dung which is collected for fuel to with stand
the long winter months .
PADAM
The Capital of more remote Zanskar Valley
shares this Buddhist Heritage . Likewise , ancient gompas and
tiny white washed villages are found in the depth of this rugged
, arid mountainscape .The region of Kargil and Suru Valley
constitutes the third main regions of Ladakh . While its
geography is similar to other regions of Ladakh , its people are
Muslim and share a cultural affinity with Baltistan.
Zanskar
The isolated region of Zankar is composed of
a number of small mountain locked valleys to the south of ladakh.
The valleys are bounded to the north by the Zankar Range, and to
the south by the main Himalaya. To the east and west , high
ridges linking the Himalya and Zanskar mountains ensure that
there is no easy link between Zanskar and the outside World
Zanskar essentially Comprises the Stok valley in the west and
the Lunak Valley in the East , which converge at Padam , the
administrative center of the region , The fertile regio Padam
and its outlying villages and the gompas form the nucleus of
Zanskar . It is a small Himalyan Kingdom by any standard . The
Valley is no more than 20 kms wide at the most while 50 Kms
North of Zanskar river entersa the impressive gorges of the
Zanskar Range as it flows down to then Indus Valley .
MANALI
Manali , at the top end of the Kullu Valley ,
is main resort in the Valley . It is beautifully situated and
there are many pleasant walks around the Town . The temples of
Hidimba Devi , who plays such a major part in Kullu annual
festival , is a somber , wooden temple in a clearing dense
forest about 2 Kms from city .
NAKO
Nako is village set around a lovely , small
lake which freezes in Winter the 11th Century Gompa , of the
Drupka order has four Temples . Destroyed badly by an earthquake
in 1975 , there are still some Mandals , murals and damaged mask
to see
TABO
The Ancient village Tabo is situated on the
left bank of river Spiti It is the seat of most Famous Buddhist
Monastry regarded next to the Tholong Gompa in Tibet . The
Monastry contains large number of scripture and pieces of wall
painting and Atucco . I is known as Ajanta of Himalyas.
KAZA
Kaza is situated at 3600 meters at the foot
of steep ridges & on the left bank of river Spiti is the Ki
Monastry whisch is the biggest Monastries in Spiti.
RAJASTHAN
The magical land set amids the desolate
desert beauty . The land synonymous with romantic and chivalry .
Immensely rich in culture , history and natural beauty . That's
Rajasthan . Always teeming with colour , joy and friendlinmess
that unique to this part of the Country . Everything about
Rajasthan fascinates -from miles ofd Garden streches of sand to
the kaleidoscope of magnificent forts , opulent palaces and
marvelous havelis , each a splendid architectural creation
having legend of its own . The beautifully laid out Gardens and
lakes contrasting perfectly with the hilly ranges are a sight to
gladden your eyes.Many Beautiful temples dating back over
centuries dot the entire state , making it a popular pilgrim
spot for people from many y faiths . Even for wildlife
enthusiasts , the state is an excellent retreat with its arid
zone of the Thar Desert and the dry decidous forests that offer
a rich variety of flora and fauna . Some of the finest national
park and sanctuaries are found here. Rajasthan is also renowed
for miniature paintings and frescoes. It is an experience you
will cherish for a lifetime . The best safari in Thar Desert is
around.
AJMER
Ajmer is situated in the green oasis wrapped
in the barren Hills has been a witness to an interesting past .
Ajmer is about 132 kms from Jaipur City . The city was founded
by Raja Ajay pal Chauhan in the 7th century and continued to be
major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 AD , when Prithviraj
Chauhan was defeated by Mohammad ghori .Ajmer is popular
pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as Muslim . Especially
Famous is in Dargah Sharif , tomb of the Suffi saint Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti , which is equally revered by the Hindus and
Muslims . Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar the abode
of Lord Brahma The Pushkar Lake is scared spot for the Hindus .
During month of kartik devotees throng in large numbers here to
take a dip in the scared lake.
BHARATPUR
Bharatpur is 55 kms by road form Agra and is
p[opular for its bird sanctuary -THE KEOLADEO GHANA NATIONAL
PARK =-finest in Asia . Every year the Siberian cranes come to
spend the winter in the warmer climate of Bharatpur . This
sanctuary has more than 400 species of water birds from
Afghanistan , Central Asia , Tibet .
BIKANER
The royal fortified city wit a timeless
appeal . Bikaner is 334 kms from Jaipur and situated in the
north of the desert state. The city is dotted with many sand
dumes . Popularly called the camel Country , the city is best
renowed for the best riding camels in the world . The ship of
the desert is an inseperable part of life here here. As it is
seen often pulling heavy carts , transporting grains or working
on well . The wells of Bikaner , Junagarh fort , Sun Gate ,
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum and Lal Garh Palace .
JAISALMER
Jaisalmer , the desert city of Rajasthan has
got splendour of its own . A Commanding fort etched in yellow
sanstone with all its awesome splendour , dominating the Amber
hued city .For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside
influences . the rise of shipping trade ad the port of Mumbai
saw the decline of Jaisalmer . But the desert fortresses , that
seems to be straight out of "The tales of the Arabian
Night"still enchants . The life within the citadel conjures up
images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn
with magnificient palaces, havelis , Temples and of course
skilled artisians and ubiquitous Camels.The setting sun turning
Jaisalmer - The Fort , Manak Chowk and Havelies , Gadisar Lake ,
Tazia Tower , Patwon Ki Haveli .The perfect time to visit the
Jaisalmer is during the month of Jan/Feb , every year when the
city reverberates to sound of melodius tunes and rythms .
JODHPUR
Jodhpur set at the edge of the Thar Desert
echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of desert. It is
336 Km from Jaipur and 597 Kms from Delhi .the massive 15th
century Mehrangarh fort is one of the prime attraction of
Jodhpur , soaring 125 mts above the plains , While the graceful
palaces , forts and temples strewn throughout the city , bring
alive the historic grandeur ,exquisite handicrafts , folk dances
, music , and the brightly attired people lend romantic aura to
the city .
The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with the folk
wearing lovely multihued costumes , artistically designed .
Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket ,
with three quarter length sleeves , covering the front and the
back . The colourful turbans worn by the men folk add more
colours to the city . It was from here that the populary worn
baggy -tight , horse riding trousers -" Jodhpuris " took their
names . the prime sites in Jodhpur - Mehrangarh Fort Jaswant
Thada , Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museums .
MOUNT ABU
Mount Abu is green oasis in the barren desert
scape of Rajasthan situated at the Southern trip of Arravali
ange . The Hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora
covering the entire hill side that include coniferous trees .
UDAIPUR
Udaipur ,the city of dawn , is a lovely land
around the azure water lake , hemmed in by the lush hills of the
Arravali Udaipur is the fascinating blend of sight , sounds and
experience an aspiration for the poets , painters an dwriters .
Udaipur is 406 Kms from Jaipur , 630 Kms from Agra , 275 Kms
from Jodhpur and 185 kms from Mount Abu by road. Udaipuyr is the
jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
years . The foundation of the city has an interesting legend
associated with it. Acc to it, Maharana Udai Singh , the founder
was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill
overlooking the lake Pichola . The hermit blessed the Maharana
and advised him to build a palace at his favourably located
spot, the Lake,. Na d Thus the city was founded in 1559 AD . The
primes sites in Udaipur -City Palace , Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon
Ki Bari.
JAIPUR
The picturesque Capital of Rajasthan , Jaipur
is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality
in Rajput Culture . Built in 1727 century by Maharaja Sawai Jai
Singh II, Jaipur displays as a remarkable harmony and
Architectural splendour . The ancient heart of the pink city
still beats in its fairy tele palaces , rugged fortresses
perched on the barren hills and board avenues that dot entire
city . The only planned city of its time , Jaipur is encircled
by a formidable wall. The prime sites - The City Palace, Jantar
Mantar , HawaZ Mahal , Govind Deviji temple , Ram Niwas Bagh ,
Dolls Museum and Amber Fort
SOUTH INDIA
KARNATAKA
The state has a population of 37 million ,
was once known as Mysore state . It has the most of the area
spread around the Western Ghats . Karnataka is mainly famous for
some of its unique historic architects , sandalwood forests ,
beautiful gardens and coffee growing areas. The craftsman of
Karnataka also shows great skills in the ivory ands sandalwood
carving which are foremost , handicrafts of Karnataka.
BANGLORE
The capital city of the Karnataka state ,
famous for its agreeable climate and flowering trees is a major
commercial and industrial center , There are places of interest
Mysore This city well known for its silk is , 170 kms from
Banglore , hre the fragnance of Jasmine , Sandalwood, incense
permeate the Air. The important sites in the city is the Maharaj
Palace with its gliterring interior built in the 19th century in
Indosaracenic Style , Nandi bull in ther Chamundi Hill ,
Brindaban Gardens .
BIJAIPUR
Bijapur is the Agra of south , full of ruined
and still intact gems of the 15th to 17th century Muslim
architecture which includes mosques , Mausolem, The Golgumbaj
-the tomb of Adit Shah , the dome of which is 44 m in Diameter .
This tomb forms a highly sensitive echo nchamber . The slightest
whisper echoes seven times over and the tick of la clock held at
one end can be distinctly heard at the opposite end_125 feet
away . Other sites Worth seeing are jumma Masjid , Ibrahim Roza
, Malike -e-Maidan.
AIHOLE , BADAMI AND PATTADAKAI
Aihole is famous as the cradle of Indian
architecture and has over a hundred scattered Temples. Badami
the later capital of rashtrakutas is magnificently nested in a
canyonand is famous for its Rock Cut temple . Pattadakal reached
the height of its glory during the 7th and 8th centuries . when
most of Temples here were built . The most important monument
here , the Lokeshwari Temple is huge structure with sculptures
that narrate episodes from the Hindu epics the Ramayan and
Mahabharta , Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole are fairly close to
each other and can be visitedfrom a single base -either Badami
or Aihole .
BELUR & HALEBID
The temples at Belur and Halebid along with
that at Somanathpur east of Mysore are the creamed of what
remains of one of the most artistically exuberant periods of
Hindu Cultural Development .The Hoysalwar Temple at Halebid is
Sculptured with an endless variety of Hindu deties , sages ,
stylised animals, birds , etc.and amazingly no two are a like.
At Belur the Channekeshwa Temple is only one at the three
HoHoysalas still used as a functioning temple.
TAMIL NADU
Tamil Nadu is a land Steeped in tradition
where an ancient culture and heritage are Still relevant in the
modern age. In temple towns of Thanjavur , Tiruchirapalli and
Madurai , tall, carved temple towers or Gopupuram pierce the sky
. Pondicheery with its Flavour The beautiful hill resort of
Kodaikanal , land's end at Kannyakumari and Chennai a metropolis
and cultural capital make a fascinating circuit in South India
CHENNAI
Channai isa journey into timeless India ,aKaleidoscopeof
Moods. Rich in the treasures of History , from Temples and
shrines to forts and Palaces , the landscape of the past lives
Easily with the present . Chennai is the fourth largest city in
India and the capital of Tamil nadyu . Rataining much of its
traditional charm , this 350 years old city is gateway to thje
Saouth providing many a fascinating vignette of Southern
Heritage . The places of interest are Fort St George , the ST
Mary's Church , the San Thome Cathedral which is the last
resting place of St Thomas the Apostle who brought Christinity
to India in 52 AD ,. Apart from Kapaleeswar Temple and
Parthasarthy Temple there are other Attraction such as marina
beach and the National Art Gallery An excursion to Mahabalipuram
, which is famous for its shore Temple is a necessary inclusion
in day itinaries . Mahabalipuram also offers a fine beach.
KANCHIPURAM
The lands of thousand temples this golden
town is one of the seven scared cities in India . 71 kms from
Chennai. This erstwhile Capital of Pallavas and Cholas is dotted
with the soaring spires of a thousand temles. Notable among its
many temples is the imposing Ekambareshwara , a Saivaite shrine
, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in form of Prithvi (earth) .
The temples is famous for its Thousand pillared hall . the other
attractive temples are Kamakshi Amman Temples, sri Vaikunta
Perumal Temple. The Kailashanathar Temple, the Devarajaswamy
THANJAVUR
Thanjavur was the capital of the powerful
Chola dynasty about a Thousand years ago. Today it is al littled
town set amidst the lush rich field of the Cauvery delta .
Thanjavur's crowning glory is its Brihadeshwara Temple , with
its 66.5 meter high "Sriman " dominatin the city .The monolithic
granite block that forms a cupolas on the top, Thanjavur is an
established center of learning and its Saraswati Mahal Library
instituted by the Marathas ruler Serfoji has an extensive
collection of over 30 thousand manuscripts Temples at places
like Thirukandiyur , Kumbakonam , Thiruvaiyaru and Truvarur are
other major attraction.
MADURAI
Located in Southern Tamil Nadu , Madurai is
the second largest city in the State and an important cultural
and Commercial center . Located on the river Vaigai , it is a
city with an ancient past . Today Madurai is noted for its
splendid temple to the goddess Meenakshi and its imposing
Gopurams soar over the city It is noted for its marvelous hall
of a Thousand pillars carved out of a single block of granite
that emit melodic notes when tapped , splendid mandpas and large
Temples tank are all pat of the huge Complex . A thrilling trip
to Periyar National Park can be taken from Madurai.
KANNIYAKUMARI
Kanniyakumari the southern most tip of
peninsular India is where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the
Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. You can see spectacular
sunrise and colorful sunsets. On balmy evenings, one can watch
the sunset while a full moon is rising in another part of the
sky.There is a beautiful temple dedicated to the virgin goddess
KANNIYA KUMARI. Picturesquely located close to the seashore.
According to legend, it is here that the goddess Paarvati
undertook penance to gain the hand of Lord Shiva in marriage.On
a little rocky island just off the coast is the memorial to that
great Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda.
KERALA BACK WATERS OF KERALA
The serene backwaters of kerala are a unique
wen of lakes, lagoons, canals and rivers.One can set out to
explore the quiet green backwaters of kerala on country made
traditional boats. Kettuvalloms were in the olden days,
traditionally rice boats used for transporting paddy and other
commercial goods. Gliding along the canals, lush coconut
Grooves, paddy fields, screw pine hedges, and can grove forests,
is a unique experience.
NORTH EAST
From ancient times India's North
East has been the meeting place of many communities,Faiths and
cultures. It is a place of magical beauty and bewildering
diversities; there are more than 166seprate tribes speaking many
languages. Some groups have migrated over The centuries from
places as far as South East Asia. They retain their cultural
traditions but are beginning to adapt to contemporary life
style. Its jungles are dense, its rivers are powerful and rains
storms sweep across the hills and plains during the annual
monsoons .The North East is different in the lushness of its
landscape, the range of communities and geographical and
ecological diversity, to most other parts of the sub-continent.
In winters mist carpets the valleys but swirls around the
traveller in the hills during the summer rains, creating an
enchanting and romantic atmosphere. The region has borders with
MYANMAR, CHIN, BHUTAN and BANGLADESH. The seven states that
comprise the NORTH -EAST known as "Madhya Pradesh, Meghalya,
Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
GUWAHATI
Stradding either banks of the Brahmaputra,
Guwahati said to be the legendry Pragiyotishpur or city of
Easter light-is a bustling, busy and crowded city. Guwhati Is
actually two words GUWA meaning areca nut and HAT, meaning
market or market for areca nuts.Guwhati has several places of
historical interest. The main attraction is the Kamakhya temple
a top Nilachal hill, where the goddess Kamakhya is worshipped
land, which commends a majestic view of the city and the river.
Other temple, which draws people .Is the Shiva Temple, the
temples of Nabagraha and Basista as well as of janardhana
KAZIRANGA
Kaziranga is one of the most visited wildlife
reserves of India and figures quiet Often on the itinerary of
the discerning tourist from around the world. Kaziranga is
spread over more then 430Sq km.and is the place where one of the
last creatures of Prehistoric age, the rhinoceros, lives. The
best way of spotting them is on the elephant Back safari or jeep
safari through the sanctuary.
TEZPUR/ECO CAMP
Across the Brahmaputra on the Kalia Bhomura
bridge, is the city Tezpur of "city of blood" also known as
Sonipur. About 50kms from the Tezpur is Eco camp near the river
Jia Bhoroli and across the river, on the other side, is the
Nameri National Park. Eco camp Is the base for the river
rafting, guided by an expert and mahseer fishing on catch and
release basis to stablize the dwindling numbers.
CALCUTTA
The capital of India until 1911, Calcutta is
still one of the commercial and cultural nerve center of the
country. Calcutta's developments begins when anew chapter was
Begins when a new chapter was being written in the history of
subcontinent. The beginnings of the British Empire in India. In
the city itself, theVictoriaMemorial is your best introduction
to Calcutta. The oldest archeological collection in the country,
the Indian Museum, has some priceless relics of ancient
civilizations. The British left many Other marks of their of
presence: Raj Bhawan house, The High Court, etc. Next to
Calcutta University is the Ashutosh Museum showing Bengali art
and history. Crossing Ungainly but impressive Howrah Bridge you
can visit the Botanical Gardens and farther north, Belur Math,
seat of the Rama Krishan Mission.
BHUBANESHWAR
A visit to the ancient city of Bhubneshwar is
a walk down centuries of temple architecture. With 600 temples
still extent. This is the only city in world that enables an
authentic overview of the stages of development of Hindu
religious architecture.In Bhubneshwar the orientalist is in for
a delightful break. The temples of Laxmaneswar, Satrughaneshwar
and Bharateshawar built as early as in 6th century AD are the
relics of early religious shrines in Orissa.Then Parasurameswara
temple, Vaital deul,Braahmeswara temple, Rajrani temple and
Lingaraja temple respectively shows the stages of the
development in various centuries.
PURI
Puri is The hallowed seat of the Hindu
religious deties Lord jagannath ( the Lord of Universe)
Subhhadra and Balabhandara . Puri , situated on the shore of Bay
of Bangal is also a city of Outdoors of Lovely beaches , golden
sands and gentle sunshin e, tempting enough o envived visitors.
The sea enherits various moods now smoothly rolling . Now huge
breakers crashing down upon the shore. The sunrise as well as
the Sunset in all its natural splendour is a memorable
experience never to be forgotten. Puri is famous for its golden
Beaches is idle for Swimming and surfing
KONARK
Konark the Temple chariot of the sungod
washed by the waters of Bay ofBengal can boast of the most
exquisite specimen of Orissan craftsmanship TheKonark sun Temple
built on the Bay of Bengal . in the13th Century AD . Today lies
almost 2 kms of the Shore. The black Pagoda captivates the
Spectators imagination constructed by Raja Narshimadev . It is
an extent example of Indian devotion to the sun the god of all
gods, the very source of life itself
BODHGAYA
Bodhgaya in the state of Bihar reckoned as
the most important Buddhist Pilgrimage center is the place where
lord Sakiya muni entered into Meditation after being moved by
the sufferings of Mankind . The giant Bodhi tree of Today is
believed to have grown from the original bodhi tree under which
Prince Siddharth meditated and finally attained the Nirvana The
magnificient Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya bears the steam of
gthe Architecture of the Gupta dynasty and subsequent Ages
GAYA
Gaya : a place of religious
sancity for Hindus Gaya lies 12 Kms from Bodhgaya between
Pretshila and Ramshila Hills . and washed by the shores of River
Phalgu .
Sarnath : About 10 kms
from the Holy city of cvaranasi is the blessed local where more
than 25000 yers ago Buddha choosed to deliver his first Sarman
after attaining Nirvana . This set in motion the great Buddhist
tradition of Sangha for popularizing the Teaching of the great
ascetic , world wide.
Rajgir : meaning the royal
palace lies 12 kms South of Patna Rajgir is a sight of great
sancity and significance for Buddhist the Gridhakuta Hil in
Rajgir also in Rajgir was the seat from where Buddha delivered
many of his sermons .
Kaushambi:54 kms from Allahabad
was visited by Buddha in the 6 th and 9th years after his
enlightment lord Buddha delivered several Sermons here.
Kushinagar:It is a revered place
for Buddhist piligrims 55 kms away from Gorakhpur . It was here
that the Tathagata . the reciter of Truthbreath his last with
last words " Behold Now , Brethren , I exhort you saying decay
is interent in all components things work out your salvation
with diligence . A temple dedicatedto the event the Maha
parinirvan Temple. Today stands amidst a serene salgrove as if
still reminiscing the great demise
Sravasti : situated 134 kms from
Lucknow and 29 kkms from Balrampur the capital of ancient
Kingdom of Kosala has the honour for sheltering Buddha for
24rainy seasons in the Jetav Garden.
Vaishali: beliebved to be the
first republic of the world having an elected body of
representatives hold special significance for Buddhist devotes .
Vaishalli was also the center if the second Buddhist Council
congregation held after100 years of Buddhas Nirvana to Discuss
the 10 points of Vinaeyna Nalanda, 90 Kms south of Patna ,
literally meand\s the Place that Confers the lotus.It was one of
the oldest universaties of the world .It had nine million books
, ten thousand students, ten thousand teachers and was a center
of gret learning whic reached its zenith between 5th and 12th
Century A.D. Both Lord Buddha and Mahavira visited this
place.Emperor Ashoka built a Vihara, while emperor Kumar Gupta
built a college of fine arts.In 1951, a international centre for
Buddhist studies was established in Nalanda,Nava Nalanda Vihar,
2 Kms from Here, is a similar institution. Western & Central
India
GOA
Goa is a faboluos gateway with its beautiful
beaches.Picturesque villages along the coast with white washed
churches and red tiled houses set admist groves of coconut add
cahrm to the Lanscape.Near Panaji is the old Portuguese capital
of velha Goa noted for its fine churches in the Baroque
style.These include the Basilica of Born Jesus the magnificient
se Cathedral and Church of St Francis of Assissi.
Mumbai
Mumbai is a major metropolis and the
financial capital of India.Mumbai is dynamic and excitinhg
.There are marvelous Shopping archades,fine restaurants amd art
galleries.The Gateway of India,Built in 1911 to commemorate the
Visit to King George V and Queen Mary to the Delhi Durbar, is a
major Landmark as also the imposing Taj Mahal Hotel Close by.the
Prince of Whales museum, the Jehangir Art Galley , the Various
Churches, Temples and Shrines including the one of Haji Ali out
on an island linked by an causeway , are worth a glimpse.An
excursion to elephanta caves, which is famous for Rock cut caves
is an essential inclusion in the day itinenary.
Ajanta & ellora
Aurangabad, a historic City with various
monuments from the time of Mughals, is a good base for visits to
the magnificient Ajata & Ellora Cave, dating from about 200 BC
to 800 AD. Many of these rock cut caves are embellished with
exquisite paintings and Carvings. GUJRAT The Sate of Gujarat
offers interesting destionation -the ancient port of Lothal
built about 4000 years ago.Ahmedabad, with its fine old
residenced and museums, Vadodra , a center for the Arts and once
the royal capital of Gujrat; Palitan an entire hilltop encrusted
in finely carved temples; Somnath with its old temple and
picturesque title island retreat of Diu close to the beach
resort of Ahmendpur Mandvi.Gir National Park, the Last habitat
of the Asiatic Lion; the bare saline flats in the Rann of Kutch,
home of the Indian Wild Ass the Spectacular Flamingo Island.
KHAJURAHO
Situated in the heart of central India, in
the State of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fasccinating village
with a acquiant and a rich cultural heritage, hounoured by the
world as a unique contribution of India to human
Civilisation.The temples of Khajuraho in M.P are India's unique
gift to the world.Under the patronage of the Chandela Kings of
Northers Central India who ruled 1,000 ago, 85 magnificinet and
richly carved temples were built near the village of
Khajuraho.Of the original 85, today 22 have survived .These
temples are a collective salute to life,joy anc creativity.A
celebration of womankind, her myraid moods and facts are the
themes of the temples of Khajuraho.Scultped with Consummate
skill, the temple has got the carvings of a woman writing a
letter, applying makeup to her eyes, combing her
tresses,dancing,Playing with her child etc.Innocent, Cotqeuesh,
smilling,seductive,passionate and beautiful postures of woman
are superb examples of intrictate detailes of Sculptre.
BHOPAL & SANCHI
Bhopal, the Capityal of M.P, is the gateway
to the Indian antiquity at sanchi.Founded by the KING Bhoj-Pal
the City has two lakes built artificially.Part's of Bhopal's
extensive walls and Dost's old fort is the huge unfurnished Taj-Ul-Masjid,
the biggest mosque in India and Bhopal's most visited
Landmark.It was built by one of the Begums in Bhopal-for this
town which had largely femine rule since early 19th
Century.There are two major mosques-The Moti Masjid and Jama
Masjid. Sanchi is 30 Miles northeast of Bhopal and is one of the
world's most importatnt Centres of Buddhist art.The Great Stupa
is 106 ft in diameter, rests on a base and rises to a height of
42 ft .On the flat top is a balustrase protecting the three
umbrellas one above the other. |
