India Tours Introduction

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About India viewing the world from the sky: India as a destination has always been an enigma to the alien eye.
Traditional yet technologically receptive, chaotic in diversity but with unity in pattern, the kaleidoscopic country is exhilarating enthralling, pleasureful, affording rich experience. India,of a vast geographical dimension is intertwined with deep religious ,philosophical, historical and cultural extravagance with contribution from all over the country. Indian land spread over an area of 324 million sq kms,with a population of around more than 1.20 billion is unique. One who wants to understand India,should stay long, and travel part by part and region by region.India is the only country where you find differences from state to state -in marriage rites, lifestyle, languages, music, and food. But commonly most Indians all over the country speak English and understand the language well.
Hopefully this introduction to Indian attractions will attract you , give you a fair idea about this land and stimulate you to see the places.Travel to India and carry with you a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Sarojamani                                         Home

Jammu & Kashmir

Many a poet has said that if there is a heaven on earth, it is Kashmir. Srinagar is the capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.Jammu is the summer capital. The main languages spoken are Kashmiri and Dogri. The main occupation of the people here is agriculture. The chief crops are paddy,wheat, barley, and maize. About 15% of the ,area in the state is covered by forests. Kashmir is also famous for its handicrafts. The shawls made here are in demand all over the world.
 Sight seeing
Jammu: It is the second largest city in the state and is situated on the plains.Summer heat here is in contrast with the cool heights of Kashmir. The town of Jammu consists of the old town and the new town of Jammu.Tawi In the heart of the old town is the Raghunath temple,built in 1835. In the sanctum sanctorum are beautiful idols of Sri Rama and Sita.
The Dogra Art Gallery at Gandhi Bhavan has an important collection of miniature paintings including many from the local renowned schools of painting.
On the outskirts of the town, is the Amar Mahal Palace of French architecture. The palace of museum has a family portrait gallery and a collection of paintings. 
Transportation

Air connections are available from Delhi to Jammu,Srinagar,and also from Chandigarh and Amritsar. 
 
Jammu-Srinagar On the way from Jammu to Srinagar,there are a number of places to visit.The Jawahar tunnel which is 2500 meters long is 200 km away from Jammu and 93kms away from Srinagar.Thirty two kms north-west of Jammu is Akhnoor. The chenab river meets the plains here.Basohli,close to Dalhousie, across the border of Himachal Pradesh is the birth place of the pahari miniature painting style.

 Kashmir This beautiful region in India was summer retreat of the Mughal rulers of India. It was en-route to Kashmir the Mughal Emperor,Jehengir, died. Some of the gardens developed by the Mughals are beautifully preserved even to this day. The Dal lake house boats are one of Kashmir's greatest attractions. During the British period in India, the rulers of Kashmir would not allow them to own land in Kashmir. So the Britishers hit upon the idea of building house -boats.It is said that a visit to Kashmir is not complete until one has stayed on a house-boat.
Around the edge of the vally are Kashmir's delightful hill stations. Pahalgam and Gulmarg are pleasant places for trekking trips.

 Srinagar the capital city of Jammu&Kashmir stands on the Dal lake and the Jhelum river. Connecting the Dal lake and the Jhelum river there are nine bridges.
The Dal Lake is a maze of intricate waterways. It is divided into Gagribal,Lokut Dal and Bod Dal by a series of causeways. Within the lake,there are two islands.They are: Silver Island and Gold Island, both of which are good picnic spots.Both are also known as Char Chinar because they each have four Chinar trees on them.The waters of DalLake are very clear. A leisurely cruise around the lake takes a better part of the day including a visit to the Mughal gardens. 
Speciality
Handicrafts, Carpets, paper made articles,Leather ,Fur, Wood carvings, Shawls, Embroidery, Knitted Sweaters, Cardigans, Saffron,etc. 

Pahalgam This town is situated at a height of 2130 metres and night time temperatures are warmer than in Gulmarg which is still higher up. A cool River flows right through the town, surrounded by fir-covered mountains with snow capped peaks rising behind.Sheep rearing is an important occupation here. Pahalgam serves as a base for treks.

Mamaleswara On the opposite bank of the River, a 12th century Shiva temple is situated.Five km away from Pahalgam is Baisaran which offers excellent view over the town and the Lidder valley. Eleven km. further is the Tulian lake at a height of 3353 metres.It is Ice-covered for most part of the year.

GulmargThe name Gulmarg means a meadow of flowers.Gulmarg is situated at a height of 2730 metres and is 52 kms,away from Srinagar.This is India's premier sking resort in winter. Gulmarg offers beautiful long and short walks.It is also an excellent base for trekking.

Amarnath This cave near Pahalgam is a pilgrim centre where thousands of Hindus throng on the full moon day in the months of July/August. Here a natural ice-Linga,the symbol of Lord Shiva reaches its largest size during this period. Bhavani temple 12 kms from Srinagar is also the important to visit. 
 
Leh:Centuries ago this was an important stop on the old caravan silk route from china.Today it is a military base and a tourist centre.The leh palace, built in the 16th century, is now deserted and badly damaged. But,it offers superb view from the roof. The zanskar mountains across the Indus river,close enough to touch. The palace is still the property of the Ladakhi royal family. The central prayer room is still preserved.
High above the palace is the Red Gompa,built in 1430.It has a three- storey high seated Buddha image. The gompa above though in a ruined condition, offers superb view down on Leh. 
 
The Sankar Gompa is just two km. away from Leh. it has electric lighting facility and an impressive representation of Avalokitesvara with 100 arms and heads. 
 
Transportation Air and Bus services are available 
 
Tourist Information
Jammu & Kashmir Tourism
Development Corporation Ltd.,
Tourist Reception Centre,
Jammu.                                          Home

Punjab

About  6,000 years ago Punjab was the wellspring of Indian culture. Traditional literature the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the vedic cultures take us back to Punjab. Archaeological excavations of the Harappan sites found the earliest evidence of Indian civilisation of Punjab. Punjab was the first place in the Indian subcontinent where the Aryans actually decided to settle after a long period of nomad-life and fighting with the indigenous communities. This was the place where later parts of the Rigveda and other Vedas were written.

Punjab always had a strategic importance due to its position on the famous Grand Trunk Road that connected the eastern parts of India to the extreme northwest point of Taxila (now in Pakistan). This road was first constructed by Ashoka for a better administration of the north-western frontier. After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, the Indo Greeks, Guptas, and Vardhans ruled this region in succession. After the invasion of the Muslims in the 9th-10th century AD the region became an integral part of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. It was also under the Maratha rule for some time.
After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the most prominent ruler in this land was Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century. After the death of the Maharaja the Sikhs could not hold on to their territory for long and the British controlled most of the region. The Partition of India in 1947 was a turning point for this state. Most of the Muslim dominated areas went to Pakistan; while the Sikh and Hindu dominated areas remained with India. Thousands of people were killed in the wake of the Partition in crossing over from one country to the other. After independence, a new state of Punjab was created with modern day Haryana and Himachal Pradesh being a part of this state.
The main language spoken is Panjabi. Some of the population speak Hindi. The main occupation is agriculture. Industries also thrive
Guru Nanak Dev is the founder of Sikhism which was propounded over 500 years ago. Sikhism preaches devotion and remembrance of God at all times and truthful living. GuruJi (1469-1539 AD), left an important message to the sikh community. He believed that all religions can work together as one. The Sri-Guru Granth Sahib, (The holy book), is used for practice of Akhand Path
 
Sight Seeing

Ambala : Sikh pilgrim centre.
Badkhal Lake: Picnic spot - good for boating and fishing.
Chandigarh - Golden Temple.
Sultanpur: Bird sanctuary for migratory birds.
Kalesar : Wildlife sanctuary.
Hissar : Palaces, Mosques, Fort. Is also a Livestock centre.
Hansi : Historic town with fort and temples.
Jhajjar : Ancient town with palace and museum
Chakravarti Lake: Picnic spot with boating and fishing facilities
Kurushetra: Legendary town, pilgrim centre with temples and holy tank
Morni : Hill station and a wildlife sanctuary.
Panipat : Historic town with Babar's mosque and Tank and Tombs
Pehowa : Hindu pilgrim centre with Temples.
Pinjaur: Asia's best 17th Century Gardens, Boating.
Rohtak: Boating, Wrestling centre, Excavations.
Sohna: Sulphur springs.
Surajkund : Temple ruins, Forts

For further information contact:
The Tourism development corporation
Chandigarh, Punjab.                                Home

Hariyana

Hariyana is the sixteenth largest state in India. It is a very fertile land and is also an historic state. The main language spoken is Punjabi. Some of the population speak Hindi. The main occupation is agriculture. barley, cotton, millet s, oil seeds, pulses, rice, sugarcane, wheat are grown. Other than agriculture Hariyana is important for Industries also relating to Automobile, Cement, Cycles, Dairy, Engineering, Paper, Sugar, Textiles, Tractors . This state is famous for the Green Revolution and minerals such as china clay, iron, limestone, marble, sulphur are also available.
The capital city is Chandigarh. This state is quite vast with an area of approximately 44,250 thousand sq km . Hariyana was carved out of Punjab after India became independent.This place is a weekend spot for people from Delhi and other neighbouring states. It is a high cultured state and a very important tourist spot of Northern India.
The state was the home of the legendary  Bharata dynasty, which has given the name "Bharat" to India, Haryana is immortalized  in the great epic Mahabharata. Kurukshetra, the scene of the epic battle between the Kaurvas and the Pandavas, is situated in Haryana. The state continued to play a leading role in the history of India till the advent of Muslims and the rise of Delhi as the imperial capital of India. Thereafter, Haryana functioned as an subordinate state to Delhi. But this state was not populer till the first war of India's Independence in 1857, when the people of Haryana joined the leaders of India in revolt against the British Government.
Haryana has no perennial river. The river Ghaggar flows through the northern fringes of the state. The climate is very hot in summer and cold in winter.
 
For further information contact: 
Haryana Tourism development              Home
 corporation Chandigarh

New Delhi

New Delhi is one of the major gateways of entry into India. It is the third largest city in India with its twin city Delhi.The new city became the Capital of India in 1911.New Delhi is comparatively well planned with broad avenues and streets as compared to Old Delhi- which is of great historical importance.
Delhi has had a hoary past dating back to the epics of India. In the middle ages it was subjected to successive invasions from north (Afghanistan,Central Asia etc) and each invasion has left its mark in the form of various monuments, tombs, palaces and architectural relics.
The temperature in Delhi ranges from 5*C to 20*C in winter months (Oct to Mar) and 35*C to 45*C in summer. The languages spoken are Hindi and Punjabi. English is also widely spoken and understood.
For the discerning tourist Delhi is too sprawling a place with with ancient monuments and remnants of a bygone era to visit in one day. At least 2 to 3 days will be required to cover the more important places.

Places of tourist interest
 
Qutb Minar is the epitome of the entry of the Islamic culture into India.The tallest free standing stone tower in the world it is 234ft tall and is made of red stone and marble. Its five stories have projected balconies. It was originally attached to a mosque for the muezzin to call the faithful for prayers. The Qutb minar represents the rich heritage of the bygone era.
Iron pillar in the Qutb complex is a wonderful iron shaft dating back to 4th century ad.24ft tall this pillar stands there for 15 centuries in rain and sun but is absolutely rust free-a tribute to the metallurgical skill of the ancient Indians. The brahmi inscription on it tells us that it was erected by the Hindu king Chandragupta(375 to 413 ad) and was brought here by the Anang Pal the Tomar king.
India Gate This great monument of the modern times is 42 meters high with a stone arch.It has the names of Indian soldiers who died in the first world war. Below in the centre burns the Amar Jawan Jyothi in the memory of unknown Indian soldiers who died in various battles.
This is a prominent land mark in New Delhi.  

Jantar Mantar This elaborate  observatory was built in 1725 by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur, a noted scholar in mathematics and astronomy himself.The huge structures and various yantras of the observatory are a sure sign of its builder's great astronomical prowess.

Laxmi Narayan Temple is another place of worship to devout Hindus. It was built in the year 1938 by Raja Baldev Birla, a prominent Indian industrialist of the Birla family. Built in Orissan style with marble the presiding deities there are Narayana(The Preserver,) and Lakshmi(the goddess of Wealth).Gita Bhavan and a Buddhist temple are situated on either side of the main temple.

Baha'i House of Worship(The lotus Temple) Near Nehru Place is situated this architectural building with a distinctive disign amidst sprawling lawns and large placid pools. This temple, shaped like a huge lotus flower has 27 petals made of white concrete and clad in white Greek marble panels. Here people of all faith are welcome to visit the temple and to pray and meditate there in total silence. The temple is closed on Mondays for visitors.Its construction began in 1980 and was completed in 1986. This magnificent structure is nine sided. Nine is the highest digit and symbolizes comprehensiveness, oneness and unity. Accordingly there are 9 pools and 27 petals(2+7=9, by neurological consideration).
Teen Murti Bhavan which was built earlier by the Britishers as the official residence of the British commander-in-chief, became the official residence of the first prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Nehru lived here for 14 long years as Prime Minister, and after his death, it was decided to convert it into a memorial to him. It has a museum and a library, providing glimpses of Nehru's life and personality. Some of his personal living rooms have been preserved as they were at the the time of his death. Audio-visual shows in Hindi and English titled with Destiny' recount the events in India's struggle for freedom.
Chandni Chowk:Meaning"silver Street" was once supposed to have been the richest street in the world. Now, this is the most fashionable business and shopping centre in Delhi, thronging with people and traffic It was made wide enough to accommodate Shah Jahan's great processions. It is also the most historically important thoroughfare in the world.
It has, in its chequered history, witnessed the pomp and splendour of the Moghuls, the plunder and massacre of Nadir Shaw's soldiers, the grandeur of the 1911 Durbar, the attempt on the life of Lard Hardinge in the year 1912, and the joyous and surging crowds celebrating their independence. on August, 15,1947. Still, however, even today, the vestiges of its vibrant personality are evident in its flourishing silver jewellery shops the bustle of business that seems to go on round the clock and in the many monuments ranged down the central avenue.
Among historically most important places in this are the Sikh Shrine, Gurdwara Sisganj, in which is a banyan tree under which Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded by emperor Aurangzeb's soldiers for refusing to convert himself into Islam.
Another very poignant place situated here is the Kotwali Police station area around which occurred the grim events that followed the rebellion of 1857. From gallows erected in this area, sympathizers of those who rebelled against the British rule in India, were hanged daily. The bodies of three Moghul princes shot by Captain Hodson, were also exhibited here.

Speciality
 
Silk products, precious stones, leather and woodwork, brass work paintings, Furniture,carpets, jewellery, perfumes, oils & incense.

Conducted tours: ITDC and Delhi Tourism(belonging to New Delhi state Govt) conduct city tours.

Tourist Information:
Government of India Tourist office,
88, Janpath, New Delhi 110 001,
Phone: 3320005.
Delhi Tourism Development Corporation Ltd
Bombay Life building N-Block,
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Himachalapradesh

Kulu Valley in Himachal Pradesh is known as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Shimla the Capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the important hill stations of India. The main languages spoken here are Hindi and Pahari.
The climate is quite cold with temperatures fluctuating between 15*C to 35*C in summer and 0*C to 15*C in winter.The area is about 56000 sq km. The population is around 5.5 millions. The correct time to visit this region is between April to October. The main occupation here is Agriculture. The main crops are fruits, ginger, vegetable, wheat and paddy. About 35 % of the area is covered by forests. This place is excellent for trekking and mountaineering.
 
Sight seeing
 
Shimla: Altitude:2130 meters. Shimla was the summer capital of the Brtish before Independence. During summer the elite come here to beat the heat.The high flown social life here still has an air of the British about it.The residence of the Viceroy is a huge fortress - like building of six stories and a magnificent reception and dining hall. It is situated on a hillock west of Shimla.It is open to the public and also houses a good library.
The Jakhu temple which is at an altitude of 2455 mt, is near the highest point of the Shimla ridge and dedicated to Lord Hanuman. There are many monkeys around the temple and it offers a fine view over the surrounding valleys and the snow capped peaks.
The state museum which is about one kilometre from the church on the Mall has a modest collection of stone statues from different  places in Himachal Pradesh. It also exhibits pictures from the Kangra school. Four kilo -meters from Shimla is the Glenn  which is a popular picnic spot with a stream flowing through it.
 
CHADWICK FALLS 13 kilometres from Shimla is the Wild flower hall. It was the former residence of Indian Commander-in-chief Lord Kitchner. The huge mansion surrounded by pine trees provides a fine view over Shimla , the mountain peaks Pir Panjal and Badrinath ranges. Now this has been converted into a hotel.
The best known ski resort in Himachal Pradesh is Kufri which is 16 km from Shimla.The other places worth visitng here are Mashobra ( good for forest walks),craignano Naldera and Fagu.
 
Fairs in Kangra Area Many attractive fairs are held in the district on the feltivel days . During most of these fairs wrestling matches take place. Other than this large number of flocks birds from all parts of the hills come here. It is a very beautiful scene.
The wrestling matches are called ' Chhinj ' The chhinj is very popular in Kangra and Dharmasala areas.These take place during the month of March. They attract more spectators than those held at other places.
 
CONDUCTED TOURS:
Local tours and tours to places around Shimla are conducted by HPTDC.
 
SPECIALITY Wood carvings and handicraft items.
TRANSPORTATION Air, bus and train services are available
 
Important places to visit: Kasauli, Narkhanda, Nahan, Bakhra- Nangal dam,Mandi,Kangra valley, Jwalamukhi, Dharmasala, Noorpur, Khajjar, Chamba, Brahmapura.
 
TOURIST OFFICES
Himachal pradesh tourism development
corporation Ltd,
Ritz annexe, Shimla - 171 001           Home

Gujarat

Gujarat is India's seventh largest state in area and tenth largest in population. This state is situated on the west coast of India
The name of the state is derived from Gujjaratta, meaning the land of the Gujjars who migrated to India around the 5th century AD. The real cultural history of these people, however, is said to have begun much earlier. Many Indus Valley and Harappan centres  have been discovered in the state like Lothal, Dholavira, Rangpur, Lakhabaval, Amri, and Rozdi and established the earliest known history of Gujjars to around 2200 BC to 3000 BC. At that time, Lothal was the main port of this civilization. With the advent of the Yadava tribe about 3,500 thousand years ago, came the glorious days for Gujarat.
Its area is 1,96,024 sq km and its population is 41,309,582. Gandhinagar is its capital.In summer the maximum Temperature reaches 42°C and the minimum Temperature is a low of 14°C . The good season to visit Gujarat is from March to October.
The main language spoken is Gujarathi . Some of the population speak Hindi. Most of the educated people speak English also. The main occupation is agriculture. Industries also thrive. Gujarat is among the top industrialized  states in India
 
Sight seeing

Ahmedabad, the city of Ahmed Shah is known for its past association with Mahatma Gandhi. The city offers to the tourist unique style sight of architecture is a blend of Hindu and Islamic style (Indo-Saracenic style of architecture).
Mainly the monuments its date back to the 15th century. Ahmedabad known for its industry since medieval times. Now it is famous for the textile mills and is often said to as the 'Manchester of the East.
The south of Ahmedabad is city of Vadodara. Gujarat's cultural capital, It has a vast tradition of music, fine arts and education. The credit for this cultural awareness goes to Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaikwad who made primary education mandatory for both boys and girls and encouraged artistes.
Further south of Vadodara is the important trading centre and port of old India now it is called Surat. Surat is an important centre for textiles, zari (gold and silver thread work) and diamond cutting and polishing.

• Ambaji-Temple
• Bhuj-Handicrafts
• Museums
• Gateway to Kutch.
• Dakor-Temple and Sharad Purnima fair.
• Dharangadhara Sanctuary-Great Rann of Kutch
• Diu-Forts, Churches, Handicrafts
• Jamnagar-Palaces, Forts,
• Kotishwar-Temple
• Beach
• Narayan Sarovar Lake Saputara-Hill Resort
• Porbandar-Birthplace of Gandhiji, Palaces, Beaches.
• Gir Forest(Sassan Gir)-Gir National Park: stronghold of the Asiatic Lion.
• Major towns-Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Gandhinagar, Rajkot.

For more information contact:
Tourism-of-India.com( the Govt tourism Gujarat.)
Tourism development corporation of Gujarat.       Home