Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Tourist Attractions of India, India Tourist Destinations, Places to Travel in India, Kerala Tours and Travels

Tourist Attractions of India
Land of colors, country of contrast, mysterious India is rich with vibrant cultures, glorious splendors and little corners of heaven. India is the true paradise for the travel buffs, as it offers a diverse range of travel destination. From adventure to luxury, romance to bustling cities, peaceful retreats to wildlife, history to modernity, and scenic landscapes to interesting cultures – India has the remarkable destinations to offer. A land of lakes and waterfalls, of snow capped mountains & forest-covered hills; India is perpetual mix of modern and traditions. A land of diversity which reflects itself in the landscape, the people, the culture, the language & the religions -- each one contributing to the breathtaking mosaic called India.The vastness of India's geographic landscape has given it an enthralling prosperity in natural beauty. From the tall and mighty Himalayas in the North to the serene, tranquil backwaters of Kerala in the country's south, you will find plenty to look at, and look for in India. Tourist Places in India like shimmering rivers and seas, marvelous mountains and deserts create an interesting puzzle that makes India Travel a treasured experience. Enter in the glorious arena of stunning ambiance, imperial structures, splendid colors and extra ordinary cultural riches! Every Indian Holiday or Travel Destination tempt your senses to the once in a lifetime experience, be it the serene mountain valleys and sparkling beaches or the regal forts of royal Rajasthan and masterpiece architecture of tajmahal agra of the culturally rich country India,you will find every travel paradise that you can think of , Plan a tour to any travel destination of India with leisure wings to spellbind and enjoy the blend of beauty , adventure, culture and Nature at the price tag which is in reality affordable.


Best Monsoon Travel Destinations In India

Monsoon holidays at Indian Hill Stations
Monsoon the word itself makes one contented. As the first showers of the rains lash the land and announce the arrival of the monsoons, many places wipe summer’s dust & grime and don a lush green look. The intoxicating smell of the dry Earth getting drenched, the splashing waters and the tiny paper boats sailing on the clogged water make monsoons the loving season. The incomparable land of India becomes even more thrilling during the monsoons. India that has the great desert of the Thar and the place receiving world's highest rainfall is dotted with excellent monsoon travel destinations. After the extended summer months when the heat and the dust ruled the roost, the monsoons are a welcome change. The farmers celebrate in the showers that promise to bring them prosperity. The monsoon season make the peacock dance with joy and the mango flowers bloom in plenty. The captivating cloudbursts and the flashes like fireworks are delightful experience in the best monsoon travel destinations India.                


Lord Parshuram - Sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu_Temple_Tours_India
Lord Parsuram | Pune maharastra Temple

Lord Parshuram -Sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu - Famous Temple Tours India

"अग्रत: चतुरो वेदा: पृष्‍ठत: सशरं धनु: ।
इदं ब्राह्मं इदं क्षात्रं शापादपि शरादपि ।।"
Meaning: Parshuram who is well-versed with the four Vedas and sports the bow and arrow upon His back (that is the one who has the radiance of equally the Brahman and the Kshatriya) will destroy evildoers either with a curse or with an arrow.

Bhubaneswar _Cathedral City Of India _Temple City Of India _Orissa
Bhubaneswar Orissa Tourism India

Bhubaneswar –Cathedral City Of India -Capital Of Orissa -Ancient City Of India -Kalinga Kingdom

Bhubaneswar is a  capital town of Orissa, a state in India .It  is located in the eastern side of the state . The city is also known as the temple town as it boasts of majestic temples and shrines in the extravagant Orissan architectural style. It serves an ideal example of the fusion of age-old customs and traditions and modern aspirations. This is one of the basic reasons why tourism in Bhubaneshwar is gaining momentum day by day. Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or ’Lord Lingaraj’, it is a main Hindu pilgrimage centre . Once there was more than 2000 temples in the town but now only approx 700 are existing .People are coming to the city from various parts of India as well as the world to witness its matchless splendor.The temple town is gifted with many tourist attractions and religious spots. It  houses world famed temples like Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Bindu Sagar, Shatrughaneswar Temple, Vaital Temple, Parashurameswar Temple and Rajarani Temple. Thousands of devotee throng to these temples in Bhubaneswar regularly. Other places in the town that are worth watching are its Handicrafts Museum, Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves, Orissa State Museum and Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary.   

Darjeeling-The dream land of the East
Darjelling Hotels Tea garden

Darjeeling - West Bengal -India | The Hill Station For Honeymooners In India...

Hill stations have always been the core attraction for tourists of all ages and regions. India is privileged to provide some striking hill stations with Darjeeling really becoming the grace of North Eastern India. With an unmatched beauty and unparalleled heritage this hill resort  widens every tourist’s eye. Queen of Hills Darjeeling has the natural splendor that you were always looking for.  Clean and fresh air, natural beauty, pleasant weather and welcoming local inhabitants are the core reasons, which have tempted travellers to this peaceful benediction. The presence of Mount Kanchenjunga is not less than embracing the true beauty of nature.   

 A perfect gateway for Honeymooners
Goa Couple Picture | Leisure wings Goa Tour
A perfect gateway for HoneymoonersAre you planning for a honeymoon trip in Goa? Give us a chance to arrange all your needs and desires that can make your honeymoon in Goa, a romantic experience of lifetime.


Goa is one of the most demanding destination in India. Goa has everything for honeymooners, it is beautifully blessed with the amazing beauty of the magnificent blue beaches, green hills and forest rich in flora and fauna, cathedrals and coconut groves, spice plantations and paddy fields, colorful festivals and carnival, lively feast and exotic beach resort. This place really puts a spell on you - tangling you so you always want to return.

Hands in hands, you will fall for Goa's stimulating food, music, remote beaches and hidden coves, lazy rivers for canoeing, birdsong and starry nights. Goa's vivid, engaging people will teach you to relax, take one thing at a time.

Goa in India is sheer magic that offer you world of wonderments to enjoy intimate time with your soul mate to express the feeling of love for each other in a better way. This beautiful paradise on earth Goa is sure to work wonder to make your holiday of lifetime and experience to treasure and cherish forever             


Honeymoon Attractions in Goa

  • Goa Beaches 
  • Goa Churches
  • Goa Carnival
  • Dudhsagar waterfalls
  • Goa Spice Plantations
Apart from all these there are many other exciting attractions in Goa which will surely offer you wonderful opportunity to share intimate time together Plan you honeymoon tours Goa with us booking our tailor made tour packages and give your newly married life a romantic beginning.

Hyderabad Tourism

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Hyderabad, the Pearl City is the capital town of Andhra Pradesh. This vibrant and magnetic city draws countless visitors from across the world to enjoy its unique culture and the royal Nizam legacy. The moment tourists enter Hyderabad; there is a strong feeling of being welcomed into a place that is entirely diverse from any other part of India. The predominant, old world charm here takes visitors right back to the old world era with the majestic and architecturally enthralling buildings, minarets, and monuments. The enticing aroma of Hyderabad cuisine stays with tourists through their visit tempting them to taste the essential flavor.  


Trip To Vaishno Devi
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Jai Mata Di



A renowned cave temple nestled in the hovering mountain ranges of Himalayas, Vaishnodevi temple in Jammu has got international acclaim as a much desired pilgrim centre. Dedicated to Mother goddess Vaishnodevi, this fabulous shrine allures millions of devotees across the globe. A deep sense of devotion and trust helps the devotees to mount the tedious journey of 13 kilometers to have a darshan. 


Kausani – A Leisure Travel Tour
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Kausani is a fabulous hill station located in Almora district of Uttaranchal. Situated at an elevation of 1890 m above the sea level the place offers spectacular views of Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli.  The  hill resort  lies on the atop of ridge amidst dense pine forest trees with Someshwar Valley on one side and Garur or Baijnath Katyuri valley on the other.  It is a land blessed with abundant natural beauty and salubrious climate.  Located amidst dense pine forests, Kausani offers exquisite views of the valleys. Popularly known as the 'Switzerland of India', it is a perfect weekend getaway from the scorching summer heat of Delhi. Tourists come here from far and wide to delight their holidays amidst serene environment.   


Celebrate Life In The Dazzling Land - Punjab
Celebrate Life In The Dazzling Land - Punjab


The magical land of Punjab is known as the Bread Basket of India . The name "Punjab" means "land of five rivers" and derives from the Persian words 'panj,' meaning five, and 'aab,' means water .        


A Veritable Paradise in the Globe- Tripura
A Veritable Paradise in the Globe- Tripura
Nestled in the remote northeast hills of India, the most romantic tourist destination Tripura offers both the domestic and global tourists. Bordering Assam and Mizoram, Tripura tour is very exciting due to its ethnic cultural diversity, ample natural purlieus, magnificent temples, old museums and wonderful palaces.     


 A Visitors Delight - Mizoram

A Visitors Delight - Mizoram

The idyllic state of Mizoram is perched on the tip of the northeastern border of India .The Mizoram state nestles modestly amongst the group of 'Seven Sisters' in the sticks of north eastern part of India


The Land of Love Showers- Meghalaya
The Land of Love Showers-   Meghalaya
Gorgeous waterfalls, undulating hills, quaint caves, meandering rivers, serene lakes, thick verdant forests, rich orchids, exotic flora and fauna –this is Meghalaya, the destination which soothes the minds of weary travellers. “Abode of the Clouds", Meghalaya state offers a heady mix of tourist attractions. Situated in the North Eastern corner of India

A Come Back To Your Own Home -West Bengal



A Come Back To Your Own Home -West Bengal
Mesmerizing landscapes, snow-clad mountains, gushing sea, blossoming tea gardens, wide deltas, lush green forests, rich wildlife, ancient temples and magnificent British monuments – West Bengal state is embroidered with almost everything that is requisite to make a place beautiful.

 An Endless Beauty of Asia - Sikkim

An Endless Beauty of Asia - Sikkim
Sikkim is a striking scenic location which proves to be a fancy destination of many a tourist. Second smallest state in India and the most desirable destination, Sikkim state shows a beautiful world to the travellers.

Land of Magnificent Wonders - Madhya Pradesh
Land of Magnificent Wonders - Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is a state in the plains of India. The name "Madhya Pradesh" means "central region", and derives from its geographical position. Madhya Pradesh is one of the few states of India that is completely surrounded by other states, having neither a border with another country nor a coastline.

SOUTH INDIA (A Major Tourist Destination)

With the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Union Territory of Pondicherry, South India has always been an all important region of India for its cultural strengths, natural delights and spiritual charm. Millions of tourists throughout the year throng the region owing to its several important tourist spots. Having witnessed a glorious and gruelling past, as the region had been ruled by a number of dynasties such as the Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar, before the British rule, a great number of forts, palaces and temples speak of its historical past.

Apart from the historical assets, the south India region lures tourists for its striking beaches, charming backwaters, hill stations and pilgrimage centres. In recent years, the region has grown into the IT hub of India and attracts talents and business firms from all across the globe. If you wan to visit a region which is a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and modernity, then South India is a must visit destination.

South India - Culture
On the basis of its ancient culture and linguistic entity, South India has always been a different place from the rest of India. South Indians, as the inhabitants of the states and union territory of this region are termed, are of quite religious nature and blindly follow their culture. The women here wear the saree, a famous dress for Indian women; the men wear a type of sarong in the form of either a white dhoti or a multi-coloured lungi with typical batik patterns.

Attractions in South India

Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu prides for its several cities of tourists attractions, which attract large number of tourists. Besides the state capital Chennai and the hill station of Ooty, the places like Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Thanjavur, Kodaikanal and Tiruchirappali etc attract tourists for their ancient charm, artistic glory and cultural

Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has always been a famous state for its temples, palaces and forts. Hyderabad, the capital city, attracts tourists for its attractions like Charminar, Hussain Sagar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum and Mecca Masjid etc; Tirupati is a world-famous site for its holy temple of Lord Shri Venkateswara situated on the Tirumala Hills.

Karnataka
Karnataka is famous for its temples, palaces, forts, gardens and wildlife sanctuaries. Bangalore, the capital of the state, has grown into the IT hub of India. Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli- Dharwad, Davanagere, Bellary and Belagum are other popular and well known states in the region. The capital city has a lot of attractions; other places and cities also attract for their ancient temples, natural delights and spiritual charm.

Accessibility to South India
Reaching to South India is not a worry aspect as the cities and towns here maintain a good connectivity with by air, rail and road link. Any tourist destination in South India can be reached with an ease; Domestic as well as international flights run their operations to the major cities of South India. The region is also decently connected with the rail network.

NORTH INDIA


North India has always been the cultural and historical capital of India with the states that are located on the non peninsular region of the country. States like Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are an integral part of this amazing land of India. Apart from witnessing some of most significant historical developments, these states have gone through a major development in their spirit and essence. Home to some of the best known historical monuments in India, North India has perennially been a cultural potpourri. Historical places, natural delights, man-made wonders, spiritual charm and a glorious past set North India apart from rest of India. For its rich diversity in the travel destinations, North India catches the attention of a vast number of tourists from all parts of the globe.

Travel destinations in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is a state that is situated in the foot hills of the Himalayan ranges. Natural delights, innumerable shrines and temples dot the region and make it a popular tourist destination in India. Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat bagh and Chashme Shahi are the places worth a visit in Kashmir. Mata Vaishnav Devi Mandir, the most visited place in the Jammu region, attracts a vast number of Hindu devotes each year from all parts of the globe.

Travel destinations in Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, presents a superb blend of modernity and ancient delights. Featuring among the oldest cities of the country, the capital city carries a very rich legacy and its related historical monuments. Having witnessed the dominance of numerous empires and being a major centre of India’s independence- from the era of the Mahabharata to the British Raj, the city has many historical structures to testify its claim to fame. The places like the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the India gate- marking the era of the British reign; the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb- a testimony of the Mughal Empire; the Jantar Mantar, the Red Fort, the Humayun’s Tomb, the lotus Temple, the Qutb Minar and the India Gate attract a great number of tourists here.

Travel destinations in Punjab

Punjab- immersed in history and culture- is the place of the holiest shrine of the Sikhs: the Golden Temple of Amritsar. Vibrant and lively and with a rustic charm to all its facets, the state of Punjab easily reminds tourist of their roots.

Travel destinations in Himachal Pradesh

Owing to its pleasant climate, the hill state of Himachal Pradesh has always been a popular holiday getaway for tourist from all parts of the globe. Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Manikaran, Lahaul, Spiti and Dharamshala are some of the well-known tourists spot in the state. With almost half a dozen hill resorts and for its immense natural charm, Himachal Pradesh easily features among the most sought after tourist destinations in North India.

Travel destinations in Uttarakhand

The places like Hardwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Almora, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Jim Corbett National Park, Ranikhet, Nainital, Pitorgarh, and Gangotri easily make Uttarakhand a tourist’s paradise. The state catches the attention of tourists fro its natural strengths, pleasant weather and a lot of adventure activities. Besides scores of sightseeing options, the state lends wonderful prospects of river rafting, trekking, para- gliding, hang gliding, skiing, mountaineering etc.

Travel destinations in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has always been the religious and ethnic centre of India and attracts a vast number of tourists for its several religious spots, monuments, rivers, lakes and mountains. Along with the home to the world-renowned Taj Mahal, the state has many places of historical and religious importance to visit.

Travel destinations in Rajasthan

If you are looking to visit a state that has sand dunes and lakes, towns and villages, forts and palaces, camels and elephants, then Rajasthan is the one to go. With a superb mix of heritage and landscape, this Northern India state attracts most number of global tourists for its historical monuments and old-age charm.   

RAJASTHAN – WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF FORTS & PALACES

Many of the travellers around the world are much more fascinated to explore antiquated buildings, remnants and forts and palaces to study their historical backgrounds. This is the reason that most of their tour itineraries entail sightseeing of such forts and palaces present in the form of historical heritage in different countries. India in this regard offers several sightseeing attractions to the tourists around the world to meet their exact demand of tour by letting them see blends of amazing tourists’ attractions famous for their beauty, romance and sanctity. All the states of India comprise spellbinding collection of tourists’ attractions and Rajasthan is off course one of them comprising various sites of tourists’ favourite redolent with arresting forts and palaces, vibrant people, evergreen traditions and years’ old art and culture.

Each city of Rajasthan brilliantly represents of its unique character and splendid colour; and Jaipur, the capital city of the state beautified by pink colour also symbolises the meaning of hospitality to those visiting the city. Constructed in 1727 AD by the King Sawai Jai Singh, Jaipur attracts tourists due to presence of its fairy tale palaces, imposing forts positioned on the barren hills; and well connected transportation systems by air, road and train.

Historical Background

In 700 BC, Rajasthan was brought under the rule of Maurayan Empire of Rajput clans. Time changed and in the early 18th century, the state was united into one province under the aegis of Maughal Empire Akbar. Later, the state witnessed invasions from Marathas followed by the downfall of Mughal rulers. And today we have Rajasthan enriched with cultural heritage and architectural beauty blended with Mughal, Hindu and Jain’s influence.

Cultural Spirit

Rajasthan is truly a state endowed with vibrant cultures that we see in its various festivals, fairs, dance, music, colours and nomadic balladeers. The royalty of the past had gifted the state with creative and exotic blends of arts and paintings, valuable manuscripts, and hand made wares stored in various palaces and museums.

Sightseeing Highlights

Jaipur
Give your tour a pink flavour by visiting the pink city of Rajasthan. Being one of the most favourite tourists’ destinations of India, the city is rich with various sightseeing charms such as Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, City Palace, and colourful markets showing jewellery, paintings, carvings, textiles and many more; a sight never to be missed out.

Jodhpur
Another synonymous to the best tourists’ attractions of Rajasthan, this “Blue City” of the state comprises some unforgettable attractions like Mehrangarh fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace and the museums displaying relics of the royal dynasties of the city.

Udaipur
The city got its name after its founder Sisiodia King, Maharana Udai Singh. Here in the city, you will have awesome sight of Lake Pichola and other palaces situated beside Pichola.

Jaisalmer
The city of Jaisalmer is famous for handicrafts and its identification as a Golden Fort. Presence of Jain temples and impressively carved mansions will give you happy visual delight. The Desert Festival held in every year at Sam near Jaisalmer is another lifetime charm for you.

Pushkar
The city is mainly famous for camel and cattle fairs held every year in the month of November. The city holds specific veneration for the Hindu as the site consists of ranges of temples including the Brahma Temple situated at the holy Lake of Pushkar. You will see devotees taking a holy dip in the lake followed by sacred rituals samsakaras. In addition to camel fair, you will also see Ajmer located via to Pushkar. The site is known for the tomb of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti whose blessings are sough by various tourists visiting the place.

UTTAR PRADESH

Uttar Pradesh which is located at the northern side of India is one of the largest and most populous states of the nation comprising wealth of its monuments, charming mountains and exceptional religious dedication. The state has also been accredited as the founder of India and proudly owns cultural heritage and historical monuments that give the state a distinctive identification. In addition, the state is also one of the most sought after tourists’ destinations of India thanks to its abundance of fascinating arrays of sightseeing attractions present in the forms of monuments, forts and mausoleums.

Often known as the cow belt or the heartland of Hinduism, the state has also been the favourite political arena for Indian politics since the freedom of India. The river Ganga which flows beside the state is regarded most sacred river by the Hindu. Not only than that the state has also seven holy town including Varanasi which holds greatest religious veneration in the heart of Hindu. It is said that one who dies in Varanasi gets salvation and is completely released from the cycle of rebirth; such is the sanctity of the pilgrimage. No doubt, the river Ganga is the centre of attention for the tourists here. You can spot people taking holy dip in the river, departed souls being cremated and saints observing meditation beside the Ghat. Moving ahead further through the alley of the city are congested bazaars fraught with shops & stores selling brassware & silk brocade.

History

Various stone tools like hand made axes and choppers obtained through excavation by the archaeologists lends more gravity to the assumption saying that the state dates back to Stone Age. Kashi (today’s Varanasi), Kosala (Oudh) and Vatsa (modern Allahabad) were among those eight famous republics and kingdoms of the state in the earlier time. Some Hindu beliefs assume that the state also belongs to the era of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The state was also the home of Vedic religion which was developed by the ancient Indo-Aryan migrants. This is the very place where Lord Buddha and Mahavira found their first disciples naming Vatsa (follower of Buddha and ruler of Udayan) and Prasenjit the king of Kosala who followed Jainism. Varanasi city the oldest among other cities of the state was epicentre of education, culture, commerce and craftsmanship.

The state also experienced ruling of various kings starting from Ashoka the great to the Mughals’. While Agra became the favourite of Mughal Empire, Fatehpur Sikri & Agra became the favourite of Akbar to control his vast kingdoms. Mughal emperor like Shah Jahan gifted the city with most prestigious keepsake as Taj Mahal which beauty and charm is still unfazed by the impact of time.

Culture

Uttar Pradesh is richly endowed with classic literature, art and music, and various dance forms. There are many folk dances in the state including the well known raslila of Mathura. You will also see the best of ghazals, darbars, mushairas and mehfils and the traditional mode of hospitality in the state.

Sightseeing Highlights

Tajmahal
This one of the most world renowned monument of Agra; is the truest example of feelingly love that its founder Shah Jahan had for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is said that the beauty of the world was constructed between the 1631 and 1654 A.D followed by the promise that the Emperor Shah Jahan made to his wife Mumtaz Mahal at her death time. Mumtaz was extremely very beautiful queen of the emperor and hence his construction of Taj Mahal is the representation of her beauty. Once you have the visual view over the Taj all you can feel at the time is WOW! INCREDIBLE!

Agra Fort
The site is now declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO but it is open for the tourist and located in close proximity with the Taj Mahal. Also nick named as the Red Fort of Agra, the site was built Mughal Emperor Akbar. Once you step inside the fort you see beautiful the Khas Mahal, Jehangir Palace, Diwan-i-Khas or Audience Hall and Sheesh Mahal.

Varanasi
Varanasi or Banaras is said to have been the oldest living city of the world and is also the most reverend one for the Hindu. Thousands of Hindu devotees pay their holy visit to the city which is known for its Ghats as well as classical culture. You will see the devotee taking a holy dip in the river Ganges to absolve from worldly sin. Various ashrams, temples, shrines and pavilions will give you pleasant eye sights. The city is also enriched with music, arts, crafts and education for which it is known worldwide. The city is also famous for Banarasi Silk Saris and Silk brocades.

Allahabad
Located at the distance of 128 kms from Varanasi, Allahabad is situated at the spot where three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet together. The city is also famous for being king of all pilgrimage centres (Tirth Raj) due to its sanctimonious virtue.

In addition the tourists will also love to see Kanpur, famous for various historical, commercial importance, Mathura, the birth of Lord Krishna, Vrindavan and Ajodhya both famous for their religious fevour.

JAMMU & KASHMIR

Jammu & Kashmir located at the northern-most region of India is one of the most fascinating states of the nation, offering 3 regions; all are different in geographical and cultural context. Jammu was under the rule of Hindu Dogra kings and now the place is abundant with lots of temples and forests famous for their pristine beauty. Srinagar which is a capital city of Kashmir offers fascinating range of tourists’ attractions is also delightful holiday spots as there are lots of lakes, forests and other scenic attractions.

At the northern side of the state is situated Ladakh with a bleak geographical land of mountains. The city holds one of the favourite places for Tibetan Buddhism. The city is beautified by hilltop monasteries surrounded with beautiful natural backgrounds. Jammu & Kahmir also known as the jewelled crown of India finds the description of Kashmir in the book Raj Taringini by Kalhana. The book highlights the chronological description of Kashmir Kings and the beauty of Kashmir is praised as, “Kasmira Parvati Paroksh; Tat Swami ch Maheswara". The meaning of the sentence is, “If there is paradise on this earth: This is it, this is it, this is it”. Meaning the beauty of Kashmir is second to none on this earth. n.
History

The history of Jammu & Kashmir finds its description in the epic Mahabharata. Ashoka, the great Mauryan king founded the city of Pandrethan in 250 BC, and constructed many viharas and chaityas. Though some sources claim of arrival of Lord Buddha on this region but as there is no valid evidence to support the claim it is still believed untrue. The land also witnessed the Third Buddhist Council called by Kushana king Kanishka. The council witnessed the dissection of Buddhism in 2 streams known as Mahayana and Hinayana. Kashmir finds its great account of historical description prior to 10th century AD in books written by Kalhana, the first Indian history author. Kashmir also flourished in art, culture, music and various spheres of life of kashmiree people under the rule of Muslim King Zain-ul-Abidin. He took ascendancy of power in 1420 AD and ruled over Kashmir up to 1470.

Culture Spirit of Jammu & Kashmir

The state is gifted with unique cultural virtues which differ from geographical locations. If you visit Ladakh you will see the region is under the influence of Tibetanand Buddhism culture. The simple lifeslyle of Ladakhi people are mostly visible during their festival Gompas. The chief occupation of Ladakhi people is weaving woollencloth. Archery and polo are some of the favourite games here. Kashmir is distinctively known for its rich and healthy arts and crafts, be it woodworks, shawl fabricating, paper mache etc. A tour to the state will let you see shops selling silken carpets, pashmina shawls and wood crafted furniture. You will also cherish to experience the festivals like Lori and Baisakhi of Jammu.

Major Attractions

Gulmarg
The place is famous in the world as one of the best winter sports destinations. Just in a few distance from Indian border, the place also holds famous Golf Course.

Leh-laddakh
Also nick named as Little Tibet or Cold Desert of India, the place is known for housing sacred Buddhist monasteries. In addition, the place is abundant with various adventurous sites and hence if you are interested in trying your hands in mountaineering, trekking, water rafting, mountain biking and jeep safaris then the place is the best destination for you.

Srinagar
You might be aware that this is the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. But it is also one of the most awesome hill stations of India. A tour to Srinagar will let you see various shikaras, bazaars with shops selling ornaments, woollen clothes, Pashmina shawls and other things of major importance.

Patnitop
This is also one of the most known hill stations of Jammu & Kashmir and is located at the height of 2.02 metres from the sea level. A tour to the site will take you to Golf Course, and temples of deity Sansar and Sudh Mahadev. As being the best hill station of India, it is an ideal place for honeymoon couples.

Amarnath Shrine
At the distance of 141 kms from Srinagar is India’s one of the most sacred Amaranth shrine, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The access to the shrine is very difficult as you need to maintain a Herculean track to get there. You will catch the sight of ice-stalagmite, a naturally built attractions for the tourists visiting here. July and August are the most optimum months to visit the shrine.

Sonamarg
Around 80 kms from Srinagar is located Sonamarg, a quite beautiful hill station famous for adventure lovers looking for trekking.

In addition to the above mentioned attractions, there are also other sites like Jama mosque, Shankaracharya temple, Mughal garden in Srinagar and monasteries like Thiksey, Hemis and Lamayuru in Leh and winter sports in Gulmarg.

Punjab

Located in the north-western side of Indian subcontinent, the state of Punjab is renowned for its magnificent Golden Temple in Amritsar city. According to the geographical overview, the state forms larger part of the land comprising the province of Punjab called Pakistan. The part of Punjab located in India is bordered with Punjab (Pakistan) from the western side. The rest are Jammu & Kashmir from north, from northeast side there is Himachal Pradesh and on the southwest region is the state of Rajasthan. Punjab means the Land of Fiver Rivers which got its name due to the presence of five rivers naming Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. The state is mainly dominant with Sikh religion.

Historical Overview

The word Punjab finds its description in the famous book “Ain-e-Akbari” in the first volume written by Abul Fazal of Akbar’s rule. The book says that the province of Punjab was separated into two territories naming Lahore and Multan. At the same time when Abul Fazal wrote second volume of Ain-e-Akbari he mentioned the name of Punjab in the book.

But some archaeologists believe that Punjab existed even before arrival of Mughal in India. When the civilisation of Indus valley was on its peak in around 3000 BC, it had magnificent cities of Harappa which is located in Sahiwal, a place situated in the western part of Punjab.

Culture

The culture of Punjab is brilliantly reflected through its folk dance and songs, arts and crafts. In addition, the sate is famous for extending well mannered hospitality. Various ethnic groups including Hindu, Muslim and Sikhs have contributed a lot to facilitate the prosperity of its culture. The rich culture of the state is ostensibly the symbol of prosperity and peace of the land.

The Punjabis of the land are said to be dynamic, energetic, daring and above all are gifted with inborn adaptability which helped them get over many adversities faced by them. Being candid and open to others are second nature of Punjabis here.
Sightseeing Highlights

Kurukshetra
The site is located at the distance of 160 kms from national capital Delhi through road connectivity with national highway NH1. The site is predominantly highlighted in a great epic Mahabharata as a battle ground where a pitch battle between Pandavas and Kauravas ensued. This is the land where Lord Krishna preached gospel of Gita which later famed as Bhagwat Gita, a sacred book of Hindu.

Golden Temple
The beauty and sanctity of the Golden temple has made the site one of the most favourite tourist spots and holiest pilgrimages of Sikh communities. The sacred script of Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined in this temple. Feel the pristine sanctity of the place and majestic charm on a tour to the site.

Jalianwala Bagh
The site historically came into limelight followed by a brutal massacre of thousands of innocent people holding peaceful session in the park. The operation of killing all the people was conducted by the British police in 1919 during the freedom struggle of India. The wall and adjoining space of the Bagh still bears impact of bullet fired by the police.

Wagha Border
This is the site which demarcates border of India and Pakistan. You will have an enchanting visual pleasure by seeing the change of guards among the Indian Border Security Forces in the evening time.

Sheesh Mahal
Constructed by the king Narinder Singh, the palace holds beautifully designed terraces, gardens with fountains and cute artificial lake. Once you step inside the in-house gallery you will catch awesome sight of antiquated paintings, crafted portraits, sculptures and bronzes.

Fairs & Festivals
Baisakhi, Lohri etc are some famous festivals of the state.

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