Jaipur travel guide

Category : India travel guide, Indian cities guide

Jaipur is one of the famous cities of Rajasthan located in the northern part of India. Jaipur being the capital city is considered as the first planned metropolitan are in Rajasthan. During the British rule, Rajasthan was known as the State of Jaipur, where Jaipur was the capital founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Currently, Jaipur is prominently known as the Pink City because it incorporates buildings painted in pink. The grand royal structure of Jaipur offers the visitors a rich taste of Rajputs and Royal families. Today this place is considered as one of the main business centers and tourist destinations equipped with all amenities of a metropolitan area.

People who love to wish palaces, this place will surely leave them with a great experience. Here vacationers come from different parts of the world and learn about different royal families and their life styles. Some of the famous tourist spots include Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort (Residence of King Sawai Jai Singh II) and the famous Jantar Mantar.

Climate

Located in the deserts of Rajasthan, Jaipur is usually hot throughout the year with temperature reaching up to 40 degree centigrade during the summers. The city becomes pleasant, during the winter season when temperature ranges from 15 degree centigrade to 20 degree centigrade. In rainy season, the city receives heavy rainfall accompanied with thunder storms and strong winds. The winters bring in a change of cold wind waves that hit the city with a temperature which even drops to freezing point.

Places of Interest

Jaipur has a rich royal heritage and so it is well known for its marvelous palaces, gardens and forts. The untouched beauty of this place attracts huge tourists throughout the year. People visit the marvelous structures, grand palaces, lakes and gardens to experience the glory of the royal families in the past and their style of living. Some of the major tourist spots include:

  • Gardens: Zoological Garden, Ram Niwas Garden, Vidhyadhar Garden, Central Park, Sisodia Rani Palace Garden, Kanak Vrindavan and Smriti Van.
  • Palaces, Forts and Monuments:  Rambagh Palace, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jaighar Fort, Chandra Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam and Naharghar Fort to name a few.
  • Temples:  Birla Temple (Lakshmi Narayana Temple), Galtaji, Govinda Devi Ji Temple, Jain Temple, Sri Krishna Pranami Mandir and lots more.

Hawa Mahal: Hawa Mahal in Hindi (Indian National Language) means a Palace of Breeze. The palace is located in the main street of a busy market place which was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. The palace is designed in a shape of a crown that is worn by Lord Krishna (Indian Deity). This marvelous piece of architecture was designed by Lal Chand Usta. The exterior gives an appearance like a beehive with 953 small windows which are called jharokhas.

The entire palace is made of red and pink sand stone and the exterior work include marvelous lattice work and carvings. This royal fort is also recognized as the summer palace, because the royal families used to visit this palace during the summers. The well designed windows of this great architecture allows cool breeze to freshen up the atmosphere inside. The spectacular panoramic view of the roof incorporates fascinating paintings and carving which is a real treat to watch.

The market place (Bazaar) to the east of the palace resembles avenue of Paris. To the west and north of this palace is a great view of valleys that offers scenic beauty to the viewers. This palace and the city of Jaipur is a great architecture which is said to be the counter part of Versailles. From the top floor of this building, one can enjoy a great view of Jantar Mantar and the city palace.

Jantar Mantar: The name Jantar Mantar was derived from the word Jantar meaning instrument and Mantar meaning calculation. Jantar Mantar was built in the year 1727 and was completed in 1734 by Maharaja Jai singh II. This place includes a good collection of architectural astronomical instruments. The place is also recognized by the name Jyotisa Master, as named by many ancient Indian astrologers. This great place has instruments that were built to predict eclipses and these instruments even tell the location of stars. One of the most engrossing instrument in this place is the Samrat Yantra which is the largest instrument in Jantar Mantar. It is used to tell the time based on the shadow that falls on the floor. It is a nice place to visit and experience the marvelous scientific architectures and here people can know the kind of knowledge our ancestors had in the past.

Things To Do

Jaipur being the royal heritage land has a lot to offer to its visitors. One can visit the numerous tourist places including the palaces, gardens, Jantar Mantar, lakes and many other spots. This city is a great commercial center, as well from where vacationers can easily purchase traditional Rajasthan dresses, handicrafts and other goods as per personal preferences. People can also enjoy the camel rides in the deserts of Rajasthan and savor scrumptious food served by the restaurants.

Transportation and Accommodation

Jaipur incorporates all amenities of a metropolitan city and is well connected by road, rail and air. The city is just a 5 hours drive from the national capital, Delhi and there are several trains that go to Jaipur. The city is also connected by air where domestic airline flights are accessible at regular intervals. The city has a good local transport. The local buses are run by BRTS and apart from this there are many other alternatives like auto rickshaws and taxis.

Vacationers with rich taste who wish to experience the luxuriousness of the palace can easily find accommodation in lavish resorts and hotels which are no less than forts. Not only this, some forts also provide accommodation facility to the vacationers who wish to spend a quality time with their family. Some famous hotels include Trident Hotel, Umaid Bhavan, Heritage House Hotel and Taj Rambagh Palace to name a few.

Mumbai travel guide

Category : India travel guide, Indian cities guide

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay is located in the state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra and is also known as the financial capital of India. It is the second largest populated city in the world with a population of about 14 million considering the neighboring areas of Thane and Navi Mumbai. Being the home of Indian Cinema (BOLLYWOOD), Mumbai is also considered as the richest city.

It is located on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbor making it one of the main Navy bases of India. There are thousands of people who come here from different parts of India and search for job. The city with a big heart has managed to accommodate every person who comes from different regions in search of job. Being the financial capital, it offers numerous job opportunities to the upcoming candidates.

The city contributes about 5% of Indian GDP and 70 % percent of capital transaction. It is also the main headquarters of RBI (Reserve Bank of India), Bombay Stock exchange and National Stock Exchange. Mumbai is one of the greatest and highly populated metropolitan cities in the world.

Climate

Mumbai is located on the west coast of India and hence it experiences a tropical climate. The city is humid throughout the year. It experiences three main seasons, that is, summers, winters and the monsoons. The summers arrive in the months of March and remain till June with an average temperature of 35 degree centigrade. From June to September, the city receives south-west monsoons and during this time, especially in the month of July, there is a heavy rain fall. The highest ever recorded rainfall in a day in Mumbai is 944 millimeter which was in the year 2005. This day compelled entire Bombay to come to a standstill where several people were stuck in traffic for more than a day. The winters arrive in the month of December and last up to February.

Places of Interest

Mumbai is not just the financial capital of India, but is also one of the most visited cities making it a famous tourist destination. There are lots of interesting places to visit and some of these are also associated to great histories. There are several places to be seen around Mumbai which are really fascinating and some of these include:

  • Beaches: Juhu beach, Chowpatty Beach and Marine drive to name a few.
  • Tourist Attractions: Nariman Point, Banganga, Church Gate, Film City, Gateway of India, Malabar Hill and lots more.
  • Public Parks: Hanging Garden, Flora Fountain, Kamala Nehru Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Victoria garden.
  • Mumbai Museum: National Gallery of Modern Art, Planetarium, Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum.
  • Tourist Spots around Mumbai: Ajanta and Ellora caves, Elephanta caves, Alibag, Khandala, Lonavala, Kanheri caves, Aurangabad caves, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar.

Juhu Beach: Juhu beach is located in the central suburbs of Mumbai and is one of the famous beaches in India. This beach is one of the prime shooting locations for the Indian cinema. The celebrities are so much impressed by this amazing and spectacular beach that most of them have even constructed their homes on this beach. There are several posh hotels that have sprung up on the beach side.

This beach offers a spectacular scenic beauty at the time of sunset, when the skies are painted with orange and red with the setting of sun. When the sun goes below the horizon over the vast Arabian Sea it becomes a real treat to watch. One can see lot of vendors selling various goods on the beach side and there are some vendors that sell food stuff also. One can really have a good time enjoying local Indian cuisine and along with watching various other activities.

Gateway of India: Located at the southern part of Mumbai, Gateway of India is the biggest Landmark. This landmark was built in the year 1911 and was inaugurated in 1924 by Sir George Sydenham Clarke, X-Governor of Mumbai. This monument was actually built to commemorate the visit of Queen Mary and King George V to Mumbai (then Bombay). The architecture of this monument is a good example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Gateway of India is so famous that several tourists who plan a visit to Mumbai and surroundings begin their journey from this great monument.

Things to do

Mumbai is one of the most happening cities and it has a lot to offer to the visitors. Some of the main things that one can do in Mumbai are shopping, paragliding, pub hopping, enjoying night life, cinemas, beach parties and lots more. Here people can find several international brand outlets from where people can easily purchase various stuff. Vacationers can find cheapest articles and even the most expensive ones. Dharavi is a place where one can find the finest leather goods.

The city has a great night life with numerous pubs and dance bars that are open till late night. People can enjoy the drinks whole night and can tap to the music of different genres. Mumbai being the home of Indian Cinema (Bollywood) includes numerous cinema halls, where people can watch the movies. The beaches are also a good way to spend a great time with the family.

Transport and Stay

The main transport of Mumbai is the local trains which are also considered as the lifeline for the natives. Since the city is quite big, so the traffic is also dense. This makes trains the fastest way to reach any destination within the city, but one should be really quick in getting down and into the local trains, as these are heavily crowded. Other transport options include local taxis, auto rickshaws in suburbs and buses.

In this glamorous city, there are numerous options for the vacationers for making a stay. From budgeted apartments to the elegant and stylish five star hotels, which offer the ease of making advance booking through their websites, travelers can go in for any alternative as per their individual preferences. Some of the best hotels in Mumbai include Taj, Marriott hotel, and Sun-n-Sand to name a few.

Jammu and Kashmir travel guide

Category : Hillstations in India, Indian cities guide

Jammu and Kashmir is located in the northern most part of India and this beautiful state is known for its marvelous scenic beauty. Sited in the Himalayas, this state offers a great view of snow capped mountains along with some gorgeous lakes and fast flowing rivers. Jammu and Kashmir is a real paradise on earth with lush green valleys, fast flowing waters, great lakes and beautiful orchids that exert a pull on the vacationers. This state shares it border with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh nationally and with China and Pakistan internationally. The entire state is divided into three main parts namely Jammu, Kashmir valley and Ladakh.

Dal Lake: Kashmir

Dal Lake: Kashmir

Ladakh is also referred as “Little Tibet” as it offers an exclusive view of mountains and leaves people with an experience of Buddhist culture that is quite similar to Tibet. Apart from these, J&K has many important shrines for both Hindus and Muslims that actually attract thousands of pilgrims every year. The place is known for its tradition and culture that has been with the natives from ages now. Dances, poetry, culture and traditional dresses make this place a wonderful experience for the vacationers.

In Ladakh, people usually follow the Indo-Tibetan culture where annual mask dance festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. Natives prefer Tibetan food which includes noodles, tsampa and many other similar cuisines. Archery and weaving is one of the main occupations for the people and also an integral part of Ladakhian culture. In the Kashmir valley, life style is a bit different. Wooden made small boats called ‘Shikara’, boat houses and the famous dance Dumal makes Kashmir Valley unique in its own kind.

As per Indian constitutional law, only the natives of J&K can purchase land in this state and people from other states of India will not be allowed to make investment in property. Due to this hard and fast rule, people started buying boat houses and this is how it became an integral part of the culture for Kashmir. The place is famous for its green tea called Kawa that is beautifully served with spices and almond. This tea is generally consumed throughout the day by the Kashmiri people. One can also experience the nomadic people in the valleys of Kashmir who move along the Himalayas looking for food for their cattle and sheep herds.

Climate

Being located in Himalayas, J&K incorporates numerous valleys and forests. It is located at a very high altitude where snow capped mountains surrounds the entire state and make it comparatively colder than other regions. The content of humidity is very less and during winters, few parts of the state experience extreme cold temperate ranging from -20 degree Celsius to -40 degree Celsius. The river streams during these months freeze down and offer a marvelous view to the travelers. During summers, the average temperature is about 20 degree Celsius, but sometimes less humidity and chilly winds blowing from the Himalayas can cause the temperature to fall down. The state also receives a good amount of rainfall in the mid season.

Places of Interest

Jammu and Kashmir is known to be a true paradise on earth which has a lot to offer to the visitors. The place includes numerous valleys, forests, lakes and rivers which add to the overall experience of holidaying in this heavenly spot. The mountain ranges of Himalayas are a real treat to watch. The glaciers are simply fascinating and attract numerous tourists during winters where they can enjoy some cool sports like skiing, hiking and mountaineering to name a few. The rich culture of this state is a great experience and the style of living is very unique. Every corner of this state is a tourist spot where people can spend some unforgettable moments of their life. Some of the famous tourist spots include Leh, Ladakh, Dal Lake and Pahalgam.

  • Leh Ladakh: Located at an altitude of 3500 meters, Leh was once known as the capital of Ladakh kingdom. Today, Leh just includes some ruins of the palaces and houses of royal families. Leh Ladakh is one of the most opted tourist destinations in India. The scenic beauty of Himalayas, vast lands and valleys make this place absolutely breathtaking. Being located at a high altitude, it offers various adventure sports like mountaineering, trekking and river rafting. For holidaying in Leh, people can simply opt for the tour packages and have a great time with the family.
  • Dal Lake: Dal Lake is located in Srinagar and is one of the main tourist attractions in J&K. it is believed that a trip to J&K is never complete without a visit to Dal Lake. This lake is the jewel in the crown that Kashmir wears on its forehead and comprises of a collection of lakes. Here people can enjoy the panoramic beauty of Himalayan ranges from the shores of this lake. The lake hosts boat rides where people can enjoy sailing on the blue waters in an extremely tranquilized atmosphere. The lake also includes a floating garden known as “Rad” in Kashmiri and here one can witness an awesome view of blossomed lotus floating on the surface of the water in the month of July and August.

Things to Do

Jammu and Kashmir is a place where people can never get bored. The untouched beauty of Mother Nature offers a life time experience which leaves a deep impression on the hearts of people. Adventure lovers can enjoy various sports like skiing, mountaineering, river rafting, boat rowing and hiking. This is a great place for buying high quality pashmina shawls and sweaters. In addition to this, people can also enjoy shopping at various locations in this state.  One can also purchase world class carpets that are specially weaved out of hand.

Transportation and Accommodation

Transportation is not a problem in this state and people can easily travel all the tourist spots by local buses which are run by JKSRTC. Apart from this, people can also choose to travel in private taxis to have a personalized experience of holidaying in Jammu and Kashmir.

Being a famous tourist spot, people can also have the benefit of acquiring a budgeted room for themselves or they can even choose to have a luxury stay in the five star hotels. So, if you also wish to have a great holidaying experience with your family, then plan a vacation to Jammu and Kashmir.

Mysore travel guide

Category : Indian cities guide

Mysore is a royal heritage city in the southern part of India which is located in Karnataka. It is the second largest city of Karnataka after Bangalore which is also the capital city. Mysore is about 150 Kilometers southwest of Bangalore. The anglicized version of Mahishuru is Mysore.  As per ancient mythology there was a famous demon called Mahishasura and he dwelled in this city. This is how the city was named after Mahishasura and anglicized to Mysore.

Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace

The city is located around the foot hills of Chamundi hills. Even before freedom of India when the princely states of India were not formed, present Karnataka was earlier known as State of Mysore. With this, one can imagine the city’s history and its importance. The local language of Mysore is Kannada, but one still can find a large number of people speaking in Hindi and English fluently. The city is famous for several things like Mysore Pak (A famous sweet dish), Mysore Mallige (Jasmine flower with great fragrance), Mysore Peta (A traditional turban of Karnataka made out of silk) and famous Mysore silk sarees.

Mysore is also renowned for the annual festival of Dushhera that is held during the nine days of Navarathri. During this time, the city attracts a lot of tourists from across the world. In the present times, the city is also flourishing as IT hub, as there are numerous software companies emerging in the city. The city is overall just two and a half hour drive away from Bangalore.

Climate

Mysore enjoys a beautiful climate where summers are not unbearable and winters are not too cold. Located on the foot hills of Chamundi hills to the west, it encompasses Western Ghats. The city has three main seasons namely summers, winters and monsoons. The average temperate during summers ranges from 19 degree centigrade to 35 degree centigrade accompanied by a few thunderstorms occasionally. Summer starts from the month of March and ends in May. During winters, the city experiences a temperature of 16 degree centigrade to 31 degree centigrade. Winters are generally seen from January to February. The city receives rainfall from both south-west and north-east monsoon. The ideal time to visit the city is from the month of September to December.

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Kerala travel guide

Category : Indian cities guide

Kerala located in the south west part of India and is one of the major tourist destinations in the world. This state shares its border with Karnataka to the north, with Tamil Nadu to south and east and with Arabian Sea to the west. Kochi and Kozhikode are the main cities with Thiruvananthapurum as the capital city and state language as Malayalam. This beautiful state is well known as “Truly Gods own Country” which is renowned for its great backwaters, Ayurvedic medicines, beautiful hill stations and beaches.

Kerala

Kerala

Kerela has the highest percentage of literacy in India with almost 91 % of the population being literate. The beautiful unexploited tropical rain forests of the Western Ghats, fascinating backwaters of Arabian Sea and ancient Ayurvedic medicine attracts tourists to Kerala from all parts of the world. The thick tropical vegetation of the forests spread all over Kerala and rich authentic cuisine offers a great experience to the travelers.

This state is famed for tourism and was named as one of the ten paradises on earth by National Geographic Traveler magazine. The government of Kerala is doing a fantastic job in promoting tourism by maintaining good roads to all popular destinations, giving good transport facility and by making sure that accommodation at all tourists places are of world class standards comprising an easy access to every basic amenity. One will never face any problems while travelling to Kerala as connectivity to all popular destinations is amazingly well planned.

Climate

Kerala is located amidst sea shore and Western Ghats and so it experiences humid equatorial tropic climate. The state receives seasonal heavy rains from the southwest monsoon thereby welcoming wet and maritime tropical climate. It also experiences strong winds accompanied with storm and torrential rainfall with average temperature ranging from 20 degree to 37 degree centigrade. Very occasional the state faces drought. Most of part experiences high humid climate around the year making it perfect for the vacationers to travel around the state.

Places of Interest

Kerala is known for its various tourist destinations. The lush green hills and valleys of Western Ghats, amazing backwaters of Arabian Sea, world famous medicinal treatments and appetizing cuisines makes this state a great place to spend vacation with the family. The government of Kerala gives a great importance to tourism as it is one of the main sources of income.

This beautiful state is also known as Gods own country because of its natural beauty. The state has its own unique culture and tradition and is known for eco tourism initiative. Kerala has various tourist attractions and some of these include:

  • Beaches: Bekal, Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala and Muzhappilangad
  • Hill Station: Munnar, Nelliampathi, Wayanad and Ponmudi
  • National Park:  Periyar and Eravikulam National Park
  • Backwaters: Kollam, Alleppey, Kumarakom and Punnamada
  • Palaces:  Mattancherry Palace, Padmanabhapuram Palace
  • Pilgrimage: Sabarimala temple, Guruvayoor temple, Malayattor Church

Kovalam: Kovalam is one of the famous tourist destinations in the southern part of India. This beautiful beach town is located 13 kilometers from Thiruvananthapurum (capital of Kerala). The lovely beaches and authentic Kerala cuisine offers a great experience to the travelers. The shallow water of the beaches stretch several 100’s of meters making the beaches an ideal and safe place for swimming. Along the beach side, there are numerous Palm grooves below which are located many shops that sell eatables and also provide all kinds of facility as per required. Kovalam incorporates various beaches, but amongst them the most famous are Light House Beach and Hawah beach. Apart from beaches, Kovalam town is well-known for many Ayurvedic resorts where one can enjoy authentic Ayurvedic massage and treatments.

Wayanad: Wayanad is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the the southern part of India. This lush green marvelous chain of hills of Western Ghats is a real treat to watch. The thick unexploited ever green forests of this mountain range are a home for several wild life animals, hence making this place a true paradise for wildlife lovers. The mountain ranges of Wayanad make it an ideal place for trekking.

One can experience greenery all around this beautiful place. The scenic beauty of the green hills, twittering birds, soothing sound of waterfall, thick silent ever green forests and rich food of this place give a felling of gods own country. There are various places to visit in and around Wayanad and some of thee are Chembra peak, Meenmutty falls, Eddakal caves, Suchipara waterfalls. Here the world famous resorts provide authentic Ayurvedic treatment and massage.

Things to Do

The main activity that can be done in Kerala is sight visiting. One can have a life time experience visiting various places in Kerala like great beaches, fascinating backwater resorts, mountain ranges of Western Ghats and five star class resorts.

Apart from this, this state is also famous for its great temples. People can do a lot of shopping in the major cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapurum, where one can find authentic Kerala stuff. There are several theaters that showcase traditional Kerala dance (Katha Kali), so all those people who wish to know about the traditional cultures of this heavenly place must watch these traditional dances.

Transportation and Accommodation

Kerala is well connected with other parts of India through Rail, Road and Air. There are several trains that connect with major cities of Kerala and many government buses and private buses also ply between the state and other neighboring regions within the state. Many domestic flights also operate to Kochi and Thiruvananthapurum frequently. Other local transports of Kerala include auto rickshaws. There are many private taxi service providers, as well, which are a good alternative to visit this wonderful place are.

There are numerous well known hotels and resorts of international standards where vacationers can plan a stay and can even make an advance booking through websites. So, plan a vacation to this ‘paradise on earth’ and enjoy being close to Mother Nature.

Chandigarh travel guide

Category : Indian cities guide

The City Beautiful, Chandigarh is located in the northern parts of India. It is a union territory and the capital of two states, namely Punjab and Haryana. The word Chandigarh means “fort of deity Chandi” and that is why it is believed that the city is dedicated to the goddess Chandi. A total population of about two million including the NCR (National Capital Region), that is, Mohali, Panchkula and Zirakpur is dwelling in this area. The majority of natives dwelling in Chandigarh speak Punjabi (State Language), Hindi (Indian national language) and English.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh

Chandigarh is India’s first planned city which was designed by Le Corbusier. Prior to the independence of India, Chandigarh was just another city in Punjab, but at the time of independence, when India got divided into two parts, the state capital Lahore was given to Pakistan. So, a new capital for Punjab was formed by the first Prime Minister of India, that is, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Pt. Nehru decided to design the city in such a way that the entire plan should accommodate not more than 5 lakh people, but slowly with the development, Chandigarh became a metropolitan area and the population also increased immensely.

One more state was formed after 1947 and that was Haryana. In this state also, majority of people spoke Punjabi and Hindi and moreover Chandigarh was the border city for both Haryana and Punjab. So it was decided to make Chandigarh a Union territory and capital for both the states. This was a major initiative taken by the government and now the same technique is implemented for many other Indian cities.

Chandigarh is a very well planned city with wide roads and lots of green vegetation all around. The city is also known to be one of the richest cities in India. In the present time, Chandigarh has slowly turned into an IT hub with several software companies coming up and most importantly, it has become a famous tourist destination for the people, these days.

Climate

Chandigarh experiences sub tropical continental climate with three major seasons, namely summers, winters and monsoons. Summers are quite hot with a temperature going up to 47 degree centigrade and winters are cold enough with a temperature dropping below 0 degree centigrade. The city receives good amount of rain fall during the monsoons.

Places of Interest

Chandigarh being India’s well planned cities has a lot to offer its visitors. It is located on the foot hills of Shivalik Ranges of Himalayas and comprises of stunning scenic beauty. There are lots of tourist places in and around Chandigarh including Rock garden, the open hand monument, Sukhna Lake, Leisure valley, Botanical garden, Rajendra Park, Topiary Park, National Gallery of Portraits and International Doll Museum to name a few. Some interesting tourist spots around Chandigarh include Cactus garden, Mansa Devi temple, Chattbir zoo, Morni hills and Kasauli.

Rock Garden: This unique garden of its own kind is a real treat to watch. Located in the northern part of Chandigarh, the garden is a perfect way to experience the hidden talent in Indians. If one wants to know how domestic waste can be managed effectively, then they must visit this garden. It is a perfect example of ‘Best Out of Waste’.

This garden is not a common park or something like that other ordinary gardens where there are flowering plants and trees. Rock Garden is solely made out of domestic waste like bottle tops, fluorescent lights, broken glass, building waste and many such things. The entire credit for making this fabulous piece of architecture out of waste goes to Nek Chand.

He was an ordinary employee of PWD (Public Works Department) who collected all these domestic waste and gave a new shape to his creativity. He has carved out dolls, birds, men, animals and many other things using the waste and has embellished them in a unique manner. The PWD of Chandigarh was so much impressed by his impressive work and creativity that they decided to make him the director of this park. The open air theatre with a center stage has now become a well known spot for the natives for organizing different kinds of cultural programs.

Sukhna Lake: Located in the northern part of Chandigarh, this beautiful manmade lake is spread over 3 sq kilometers of area. The lake was made by diverting Sukhna Choe which was a stream that flowed down the Shivalik ranges. The beautiful background of the hills and trees make this lake a perfect place to enjoy some peaceful moments with the loved ones.

The lake is also a great place for the bird watchers, especially during the months of December and February. Several birds from Central Asia, Siberia and many other parts of the world migrate to this beautiful lake. There is boating and yachting option where people can have a great fun. It is also is a great venue for Asian boat rowing championship. As the sun sets, the lights are turned on and the reflection of these lights on the lake water with an awesome view of the mountains and greenery all around make it a real treat to watch. Different cultural and other artistic programs are also held near the cafeteria region at the lake.

Things do to

Chandigarh is a great city with a lot of things that travelers can do during their vacation. To spend quality time with the family, the tranquilizing atmosphere at the lake and gardens is the best alternative. The main city hubs like Sector-17 and Sector-35 are a great place to enjoy drinking and dancing at nights, especially if you are a party animal. If you are a shopping freak, then you need not to worry, Chandigarh offers great options for both budgeted and branded shopping.

Transportation and Accommodation

Chandigarh has all qualities of a great metropolitan city and so it offers different alternatives for transportation like local buses, auto rickshaws and private taxi service. The city also incorporates several hotels for all class of people from different walks of life. Some of the well known hotels include Taj, Mount View, Shivalik View, Sun Beam, Piccadilly and KC Residency to name a few.

For more information on chandigarh, please visit Chandigarh Masti

Bangalore travel guide

Category : Famous Indian destinations, Indian cities guide

Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru located in Karnataka is actually the capital city which is positioned in the southern part of India. India’s third most popular city, also known as the IT capital and Silicon Valley because of its various information technology companies, software companies and electronic goods manufacturing companies was actually designed by Kempe Gowda. Today Bangalore is the fastest growing metropolitan city which has also converted into a major commercial hub. The city is famous for its heavy industries, aerospace organizations, telecommunication companies and defense organizations.

Bangalore: Lal Bagh

Bangalore: Lal Bagh

Bangalore includes well known colleges for education and attracts numerous students from all over the world. Being a metropolitan city, there are people from all walks of life speaking different languages. Although, the local language of the city is Kannada, still most of the people converse in Hindi and English being the national and international language, respectively. The natural lakes, trees and emerald green parks make it eminent as the garden city of India, as well.

Climate

Bangalore has a typical tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Since, the city is about 3000 feet above the sea level, it always experiences a moderate climate where summers are not very hot and winters are bearable. The coldest month in Bangalore is January with a minimum temperature of about 13 degrees centigrade and the hottest month of the year is April with a temperature going up to 40 degrees centigrade. The city even experiences rainy seasons from the month of August to October and receives rainfall from both northeast and southwest monsoon. Summers in the city are usually accompanied by few thunderstorms which makes the season cool, moderate and enjoyable.

Places of Interest

Bangalore is one of the most happening capitals where numerous visitors come from around the world to revel in the beauty of nature. The pleasant climate, friendly people and different tourist spots attract vacationers from different locations. The great parks, natural lakes, shopping malls, theaters, pubs, discos, amusement parks, water parks, exhibitions and a huge chain of restaurants never lets the travelers get bored. Some of the famous tourist spots include:

  • Lal Bagh: The famous Lal Bagh is a 2400 acre botanical garden that was actually planned by great ruler Hyder Ali. His son Tipu Sultan added more charm to the garden by planting several trees and flowering vegetation that was imported from different countries. Today, these trees add so much beauty to the park that one feels soothed in such a tranquilizing atmosphere. People can find more than 1000 species of trees and plants which even include some rare genus.

The main attraction of the garden is the glass house whose architecture resembles the Crystal Palace of London. Other attraction is the clock that is made out of plants and flowers. The garden hosts flower show every year where people from all over India participate and here one can witness the actual beauty of Mother Nature.

Participants of this flower competition make miniature models of some famous monuments of India out of flowers and plants that are a great delight to watch. The garden is also a great place to enjoy morning walk and fresh atmosphere. The Bangalore Development Authority accomplishes a great job by maintaining the park which makes it a great tourist attraction and a famous landmark in the city.

  • The Bangalore Palace: In the year 1887, king Wodeyar built this palace in a 400 acre land. The architecture of the palace is inspired by the famous Windsor Castle where there are beautiful Gothic and Foiled windows. The palace resembles the Daria Daulat Palace (SriRangapattana near Mysore) in its battlements. It incorporates fascinating carvings and paintings that are a great delight to watch and also reveal out the story of the great carving skill that people of this land had in them. Most part is made of wood that adds more glory and beauty to the great palace. It is open to the public where people can witness some rare photos of Maharajas, Viceroys and great personalities.

Some other places to visit in Bangalore include ISKON temple, Bull Temple, Ravindra Kalakshetra, Indian Institute of Science, Innovative Film City, Ulsoor Lake, Vidhana Soudha, Jawaharlal Planetarium and Wonder La (Water Amusement Park) to name a few.

Things to Do

Bangalore is a great hub for shopping freaks where one can get started from street side and end up at the branded showrooms. The city offers a good shopping place for all kinds of budgets and for people from all walks of life. One can find the finest silk material in Bangalore and this is the reason that city is famous for silk sarees and dress materials.

Karnataka is known as the land of Sandalwood and one can stumble on various homemade handicrafts that are made of Sandalwood. One of the safest places to buy sandalwood goods is the government owned Cauvery Emporium at MG road, as one can be well assured of authenticity of the woods. The other place where people can go for shopping are MG Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road, Koramangala (Forum Mall), Garuda Mall, Bangalore Central (Located near MG Road and JP Nagar) and Commercial street. One can find all kinds of attires and different brands in this city. Moreover, there are almost all famous branded showrooms where people can easily acquire garments, leather goods, perfumes, foot wears, jewelry and everything that they desire.

Bangalore is also famous for its huge chain of restaurants, pubs and bars. One can hit upon Chinese, Thai, Korean, Mexican, North Indian and even Japanese restaurants where scrumptious cuisines are served. The coffee bars in the city are a great place to spend some time talking with the friends, colleagues and family members. Some famous coffee bar chains include Barista and Café Coffee Day.

Transportations

Bangalore is a well connected city and one will never face problems in commuting from one place to the other. The city incorporates numerous options of public transport like bus (run by BMTC) that has both AC and Non AC busses, auto rickshaws and taxi service. The city is now also coming up with metro train project that would take a few more years to get started. Going around Bangalore and finding a public transport at any time of the day is very easy.

Accommodation

Bangalore has various accommodation options for people with different budgets. Ranging from five star hotels to budgeted rooms, vacationers can opt for anything. Some of the famous hotels include Ashoka, Windsor Manner, Lee Meridian, Leela Palace, The Taj, Hotel Chancery, Royal Orchid, Chalukya and Pai Hotel chain to name a few. There are a few service apartments as well which can be hired as per individual preferences. So, plan a holiday to Bangalore and spend a great time with the family.

Top Five Destinations for India Holidays

Category : Indian cities guide

India is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Every year it figures a large number of vacationers from all over the world coming for mesmeric holidays in India. There are many fascinating holiday destinations in the country where vacationers can enjoy their holiday in most convenient, comfortable and luxury ways. The country has a lot of destinations for perfect vacations for all kinds of vacationers whether they are coming for honeymoon vacation, beach vacation, luxury vacation or just a break from tight scheduled life. When it comes to luxury vacation, India stands ahead. Perhaps this country is a perfect destination where vacationers can spend their holidays in comfortable and luxury way. Vacationers can also enjoy awesome tourism opportunity during luxury vacations or luxury tours in country. There are a number of destinations for luxury tours and vacations in the country which can be visited on luxury holiday in India. Kovalam, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and Bangalore are some of wonderful destinations for luxury and memorable holidays in the country.

Kovalam: It is a globally famous holiday destination situated in Kerala, South India. It is one of the finest beach resorts in the world where vacationers can enjoy truly luxury holidays. It provides tourists and vacationers for awesome beach tourism and comfortable & luxury holidays. There are world class resorts on the pristine beaches of Kovalam, where tourists and vacationers love to spend their vacations in lavishness and at fully comfort. Kovalam is easily accessible from Trivandrum the capital city of Kerala, God’s Own Country.

Bangalore: Situated in South India, Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka, India. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It is a very favored destination of those tourists and vacationers who are coming for India for truly luxury experiences. The city is known for awesome beauty and modern charm. There are many world class hotels, resorts, ayurveda resorts and spa centres in the city offering luxury accommodation facilities to vacationers and tourists.

Agra: Agra is ancient city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is culturally and historically rich and known for its heritage attractions like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Itmad-Ud-Daullah Tomb. It is one of the most romantic cities in country has many world class hotels and resorts offering truly perfect experiences of India tours and travels. It is also perfect destination for India holidays and provides wonderful opportunity to visit three UNESCO World Heritage Monuments – Taj Mahal, Agra Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Jaipur & Udaipur: Jaipur and Udaipur are beautiful cities situated in the imperial state of Rajasthan, India. Jaipur is the capital city and known for beautiful forts, palaces, temples and havelis. Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities in country and known for beautiful palaces, beautiful lakes, beautiful temples and beautiful landscapes. There are many heritage & palace hotels in Jaipur and Udaipur where travellers and vacationers can enjoy the charm of India luxury tours visiting major attractions of cities.

If you too have desire to experience the luxury charm of India tours then visit these preferred destinations of India and make ensure you vacation & tour in India truly luxury, truly comfortable.

First Visit To India

Category : Indian cities guide

Indian-Subcontinent is the perfect blend of tradition and culture. It is not feasible to sum up Indian culture easily. Here one can see modernity and tradition going hand in hand. 
 
The hierarchical structure is followed in every Indian organization whether it is family, business or school. Indians are quiet conscious about their status and societal order. The elders here are given lots of respect and honor. 
Indians are generally known for their friendly attitude and they gel up well with the people. So the people when come to India from various nooks and corners of the country are visit if you are given warm welcome. Indians are known for their hospitality and services. People of this land never try to offend the visitors from other countries. 
Here’s a guide to Indian Social Etiquette:
Hotels Guides
Some well known hotels in India are mentioned below:
Where to stay in Jaipur
These are several Hotels of Jaipur where one can get a comfortable stay.
Jaipur the Royal City of Rajasthan
Jaipur better known as “The Pink City” of India is situated in the state of Rajasthan. The city was constructed in 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh. It is assumed that Jaipur was India’s first planned city. Numerous travelers visit Jaipur and admire the beauty of this place. It also serves as the gateway from where the travelers can go to the other well known desert cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. There are magnificent forts in these cities and which grab the attention of the travelers. The city is now developing with a faster pace as many government projects are introduced in the city from time to time.
Chokhi Dhani- Experience Rajasthan across India
Chokhi Dhani was initially set up as a village resort in the city of Jaipur in the year 1989. This depicts the true culture of Rajasthan. Chokhi Dhani is now a well known name and is much familiar to the people. One can stay in this mini created village and have the complete experience of Rajasthani villages. Here one can get the essence of the rural life of Rajasthan without any inconvenience and will not have to travel to long distances also. Here one can get a comfortable stay and also the facility of a restaurant. From several years Chokhi Dhani has come up as an epitome of a true village. Rajasthan is one of the most colorful states in India, here one can have great time.

Indias best Travel Information 2009!

Category : Indian cities guide

Kolkata is very well connected in terms of airlines. There are a number of domestic as well as international airlines that connect rest of India as well as the rest of the world with kolkata. All the major cities of India like ahemdabad, bagdogra, Bangalore, Chennai Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai etc enjoy direct flights to kolkata. Most of the international airlines have also a stop in kolkata.
The rail route to kolkata is also very efficient. Kolkata has two railway stations called Howrah and sealdah. These stations are very well linked with the other cities of India and a number of super fast trains like rajdhani and shatabdi also connect kolkata with Delhi and other places that are nearby.
It is said that what Bengal thinks of today, India will think tomorrow and what Bengal is thinking today kolkata has already thought it yesterday. Kolkata is the city of the jhola slung intellectual gentlemen. The city is overcrowded and volatile but at the same time vibrant, exhilarating and charismatic. Kolkata is the intellectual capital of India and also is one of the most important cities of the east.
Kolkata was the capital of the British during their reign in India and kolkata still retains that elegance. One can love kolkata or hate it but can never ignore it.
Owing to the fact that it was once the capital of the British, the effect of the Britons on the architecture of the buildings in kolkata becomes very evident.
There are a number of buildings made in the British period of historical importance. Being a tourist in kolkata, it becomes very difficult to decide between places. A tourist would have to consider visiting the fort Williams, the st Johns church, the royal Calcutta turf club and the Eden gardens where many historical cricket battles have been fought and many legendary cricketers have played.

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