Delhi - A Capital Way To Begin Your Discovery Of India

Delhi - a canvas that reflects the complexities, contradictions, beauty and dynamism of a city where the past co-exit with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in architecture of its monuments. In the three thousand years of its existence. Seven cities have risen where the present capital of India stands. Where medieval palaces and bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored. 

Places Of Interest : Qutab Minar, Purana Qila, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Parliament House, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Raj Ghat, Teen Murti House and Lotus Temple.
Reach : By Air - connections to all major world cities and important Indian cities. By Rail - linked with most Indian destinations. By Road - Agra 200 kms, Jaipur 250 kms and links to neighbouring states.

Agra - The Land Of World's Wonder - Taj Mahal

Agra is the quintessential Mughal city, that was the capital of their empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. Agra is not merely rich legacies of Mughal history - it is the finest examples of architecture which combined Hindu and Muslims traditions and culture. Discover Agra's other architectural marvels. And in narrow lanes that still carry the flavor of their Mughal past, discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen.

Places Of Interest : Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad- Ud-Daulah's Tomb, Chini-Ka-Rauza, Ram Bagh, Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri.
Reach : By Air - connected by daily Boeing flights. By Rail - well connected to Delhi, Jaipur and other major towns. By Road - links from Delhi and Jaipur. 

Jaipur - The City of Lobe, Legends And Lore

The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, known as 'Pink City'. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses, dotted with fairy- tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly- dressed peasants, reflect Jaipur's desert heritage. While teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts.

Places Of Interest : City Palace, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Sisodia Garden, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Central Museum, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Museum.
Reach : By Air - connected by air from Delhi, Bombay, Jodhpur. Udaipur. Aurangabad and Bombay By Rail - services from Delhi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad. By Road - linked with Bombay, Delhi and major towns.

The Heart of Heritage - Gwalior – Shivpuri - Orchha - Khajuraho - Konark

Discover the heart of India as you travel through Madhya Pradesh. A landscape of abundant forests, soaring hills and silver rivers, that was once Kipling's India. Here, experience the timeless

spirit of ancient India. Where empires rose and fell, leaving behind in forbidding fortresses and ornate palaces, the memory of their past glory. The pilgrim's route meanders through temples where stone carvings capture every facet of life. And the faithful worship at Buddhist stupas. Begin your journey at the ancient city of Gwalior. Take a break at Shivpuri, a national park. At Orchha, the temples and palaces of the Bundela rulers

line the banks of a river. And the highpoint of your trip will be the final destination – the incomparable temples of Khajuraho.

Gwalior - Of Warrior Kings And A Poet's Songs

The ancient capital of the Rajput clans of Tomars, Pratiharas and Kachchwahas, Gwalior presents many magnificent monuments celebrating their rule. It is a city that remembers not only its kings but also its poets, singers and saints with pride. And preserves with care every monument of its historical and cultural heritage.

Places Of Interest : Gwalior Fort, Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal , Sas Bahu Ka Mandir, Teli Ka Mandir, Jai Bilas Palace, Museum, Tansen's Tomb.
Reach : By Air - connections to Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Bombay. By Rail - well connected with major towns. By Road - Delhi 317 kms and Agra 118 kms.

Shivpuri - A Summer Resort Of Kings

Royalty hunted tigers in the wooded hills of Shivpuri - the summer retreat of the Scindias. Its royal past lives on in graceful palaces, hunting lodges and spectacular cenotaphs of past kings. Atop plateau, contains two picturesque lakes and a national park that abounds in species of deer and antelope.

Places Of Interest : Madhav National Park, Madhav Vilas Palace, George Castle, Sakhya Sagar Boat Club, Bhadaiya Kund.
Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Gwalior. By Rail - nearest railhead is Gwalior. By Road - Gwalior 112 kms.

Orchha - With A Medieval Majesty

Orchha was the capital of the Bundela Rajputs between 1531 and 1783. Built by an 11th century king of the Bundela dynasty, now a ghost city containing the remains of what must have been once spectacularly lovely monuments which combine Hindu and Muslim architectural traditions. The palaces and temples built by them retain much of their pristine perfection.

Places Of Interest : Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Ramraja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temples, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Rai Praveen Mahal.
Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Gwalior. By Rail - nearest railhead is Jhansi. By Road - Gwalior 120 kms. Jhansi 19 kms. Orchha lies on the Jhansi-Khajuraho road.

Khajuraho - A Celebration Of Life And Worship

The legendary temples of Khajuraho are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world's greatest artistic wonders. Temples dedicated to the Hindu pantheon of gods are covered in carvings that are a paean to life and love. Built within a short span of a hundred years by Rajputs, the 10th century temples lay forgotten until they were discovered in the present century. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today.

Places Of Interest : Kandariya Mahadeo, Chaunsat Yogini, Chitragupta Temple, Parsvanath Temple Vishwanath Temple, Lakshmana Temple.
Reach : By Air - links to Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. By Rail - connected with Harpalpur, Mahoba, Jhansi. By Road - Jhansi 175 kms, Gwalior 280 kms.

Konark - Worshipping The Sun God

Legends say that Samba the son of Lord Krishna was afflicted by leprosy of a curse by his father. After a penance of 12 years, Samba was cured by Surya, the Sun God in whose honour he built this temple. Dedicated to the divine charioteer, Surya, the Sun Temple is a magnificent example of ancient Orissan temple architecture. Built in the 13th century AD, it was visualized as a chariot for the Sun God for his daily celestial journey.
Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Bhubaneswar. By Rail - Nearest railhead is Puri. By Road - Puri 31kms, Bhubaneswar 65 kms.

The Beaches Of India - Goa - Diu - Kovalam - Mamallapuram

A sunrise over the horizon turning the sea into molten gold. The crashing surf streaming up the

sand and then receding again, leaving behind sea shells and driftwood. The swaying fringed shadow of the palms. On the eastern and western coasts of Kerala, endless beaches offer you a balmy holiday. The Konkan coast in the west has the beaches of Goa and Diu. Go southwards to the white sands of Kovalam on the Malabar coast.

On the Coromandel coast in the east are the rock – cut temples by the sea at Mamallpuram. These breathtaking beaches promise the perfect escape to tranquility.

Goa - A Beachside Carnival

Unforgettable Goa, a heady blend of serenity and excitement down a 100 km coastline, studded with some of the world's most beautiful beaches- Calangute, Colva, Baga, Dona Paula, Bogmalo. Idyllic seaside stretches where you create your own kind of holiday. Sun bathing in a quiet secluded spot or choosing the exhilarating thrills of parasailing, speed boating, water skiing, wind surfing and deep – sea diving. For the Goans, life is a celebration - to the melody of guitars and mellow songs.

Places Of Interest : Panaji, Mandovi River, Old Goa for churches - Basilica of Born Jesus, St.Cathedral and St. Francis of Assissi , Aguada Fort.
Reach : By Air - links to Bangalore, Bombay, Delhi, Cochin. By Rail - nearest railhead is Vasco da Gama, 35 kms from Panaji. By Road - links to Aurangabad 699 kms, Bangalore 592 kms, Bombay 597 kms, Pune 473 kms.

Diu - An Island Fantasy

A Portuguese colony like Goa, Diu is an off - shore island on the western coast, off the Gulf of Cambay. The coast has limestone cliffs, rocky coves and sandy beaches, the best of which are at Nagoa. A massive fort built by the Portuguese dominates the skyline.

Reach : By Air - easily accessible via Bombay. By Rail - nearest railhead is Delwada 8 kms and Veraval 80 kms. also connected to Sasangir and Junagadh. By Road - links to Junagadh, Palitana, Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad.

Kovalam - Golden Sands By The Arabian Sea.

The sheltered coves and white sands of Kovalam are among the best beaches in India. Palm fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The city is known as the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Places Of Interest : Beside the vision of beaches, one can visit Kanyakumari - famous for brilliant sunset and sunrise and Trivandrum city. 
Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Trivandrum. By Rail - nearest railhead is Trivandrum By Road - Trivandrum 16 kms. 

Mamallapuram - A Temple Town  By The Sea.

South of Madras, Mamallapuram was once a port city of the Pallava rulers. The temples and rock cut sculptures of that period create a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Places Of Interest : Rock Cut Caves, Arjuna's Penance, The Rathas, Shore Temple.
Reach : By Air - nearest airport, Madras 49km. By Rail - rail links to Madras. Kanchipuram and Arkonam. By Road - links to Madras, Pondicherry and Bangalore.

The Backwaters Of Kerala - Alleppey - Cochin - Kumarakom - Quilon

Kerala is said to have sprung from the ocean. All along its coast, these exotic backwaters, 

canals, lagoons and inlets create an intricate maze that stretches for 1900km across the land. Begin your journey at Allapuzha floating slowly past coconut palms dipping down towards the water and serene villages, as the moving landscape creates a living portrait of Kerala's rural life. Other country crafts will go by some carrying a load of fresh bananas or coir, others filled with people traveling to nearby villages. Another exciting snake

boat  Race is held during the Great Elephant March in January. The luxurious way to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala is on one of the luxury cruises. Elegantly furnished and completely equipped to handle anything from a conference to a holiday cruise. If you are looking for a relaxing idyllic holiday in a picturesque setting the palm trees and sun dipped waterways of Kerala waits for you.

Alleppey - The Bondless Beauty Of Backwaters

Alleppey known as Allapuzha is the most important city of the state, has earned for the place its sobriquet " The Venice Of The East". The large network of the canals provides Alleppey its life line. It has a long sand beach, which is very spectacular. This busy city, a center for coir and carpet industries. It is an ideal headquarter for backwaters touring. Alleppey is also known for its spectacular Snake Boat races held on the second Saturday of August every year.

Places of Interest : Backwaters Tour, Krishnapuram Palace, Ambalappuzha, Sri Nagaraja Temple 32 kms. enroute to Quilon.
Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Cochin 70 kms. By Rail - well connected with major towns. By Road - one and half hour drive from Cochin By Ferry - connected with Kumarakom, Kottayam, Quilon, and Cochin. 

Cochin - The Queen Of Arabian Sea

Come to Cochin. Queen of the Arabian sea. Believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world. With ferry rides commanding its breathtaking view. As you cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge. Giant Chinese fishing nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles dot the entrance to the harbour. Silhouetted against the setting sun, they present a magnificent sight of the water front. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India.

Places Of Interest : Mantacherry Palace, Synagogue, Museum, Vypeen and Gundu islands, Chinese Fishing Nets and Kath Kali Centers.
Reach : By Air - linked with direct air services from Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Goa, Trivandrum, Hyderabad . By Rail - Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam town stations are connected by all major cities. By Road - well connected with all major destination of India. 

Kumarakom - The Birds Retreat

One of the shores of enchanting Vembanad lake 16 kms from Kottayam, an ideal place for backwaters cruises. There is 14 acre Bird Sanctuary situated on eastern banks of Vembanad Lake. Bound by Vembanad Lake on two sides, the swaying paddy fields, on one side and a Bird Sanctuary on the other. You could sail the backwaters in houseboats, which are poled by local oarsmen and are simply furnished with living room a bedroom and bath, together with raised central platform creating private sit-out for you. A unique experience of stay and joy.

Places Of Interest : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and backwaters tour.
Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Cochin 76 kms. By Rail - nearest Railhead is Kottayam 16 kms. By Road - well connected with major destinations of Southern India. By Ferry - one & half hour journey by speedboat. 

Quilon - The Picturesque City Of Ports

The picturesque city of ports is on the banks beautiful Ashtamudi lake. Quilon is an inviting gate way to backwaters. Traces of once prosperous trade with China are still seen in form of Chinese fishing nets, water pots, blue & white porcelain and sampan-like boats. For the most intense backwater experience, take a house boat tour to Alleppey - a rigorous ride lasting more than 8 hours. As the boat putters from one village on the water front to another you are treated to a full range of lives and activities.

Places of Interest: Backwater village tours, Thirumullavaram, Palaruvi Water Falls, Shasthancottah Lake: the largest fresh water lake in Kerala (29 kms). Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Trivandrum 71 kms. By Rail - nearest railhead is Trivandrum. By Road - Trivandrum 71 kms, well connected with other major town of Southern India.

The Lure Of Jungle - Corbett - Kanha - Bandhavgarh - Sariska - Ranthambhor - Keoladeo - Periyar - Bandipur - Gir - Manas

The total area of India's protected wilderness is approximately 140,000sq km and constitutes 4

percent of the country's total land area. The emphasis has not only been on protecting wildlife in reserved forests, but in areas where man and animal continue to live in harmony.
The country's protected wilderness consists of 75 National Parks and 421 Sanctuaries, of which 19 fall under the purview of Project Tiger. Its climatic and geographic diversity makes it the home of over 350 mammals and 1,200 bird 

species, many of which are unique to the subcontinent. The land of the tiger and the elephant, the peacock and the rhinoceros, India's wildlife is a delight for the nature lover. The wildlife parks and sanctuaries spread across the country offer a fascinating diversity of terrain, flora and fauna.

Corbett - The Wild Land of Himalayans

Located in the Patlidun Valley at the base of the Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh, Corbett was established in 1936 in area of 520 sq. kms. , as the Hailey National Park. India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under project Tiger, Corbett supports a variety of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the tiger and its prey. The prominent fauna: Tiger, leopard, elephant, sloth bear, jungle cat, fishing cat, dhole, yellow-throated marten, Himalayan palm civet.

Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Delhi. . By Rail - nearest railhead is Ramnagar By Road - Ramnagar 50 kms. Delhi 290 kms. 

Kanha - The Density Of Fauna

No other wildlife reserve in India offers the density of fauna, found at Kanha in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Often called Tiger Land. Kanha is located in a horse – shoe shaped valley bound by two distinct spurs, and supports 22 species of mammals in the central parkland and the adjoining plateaus. Over the years, animals at Kanha have become bolder and more confident, making the park excellent for wildlife viewing and photography of tiger, leopard, barasingha, gaur, sambhar, chausingha, nilgai, barking deer, black buck, red jungle fowl.

Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Nagpur. By Rail - nearest railhead is Jabalpur 160 kms. By Road - Mandla 65 kms. Nagpur 266 kms.

Bandhavgarh - Recalling The Past

Located in the Vindhya Hills, Bandhavgarh encompasses hills covered with a mixed forest of sal, dhobin and saga and large stretches of grassland with bamboo groves. Dominated by a large fort said to have been built by Lord Rama, the hero of the Indian epic Ramayana, Bandhavgarh is famous for its tigers. jungle cat, hyena.
Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Khajuraho. By Rail - nearest railhead is Umaria. By Road - Umaria 35 kms. Khajuraho 210 kms.

Sariska - The Home Of Tigers

The landscape of Sariska is dominated by sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali. The forests are dry deciduous. Within the sanctuary there are the ruins of medieval buildings. The ruins of temples of Garh- Rajor of the 10th centuries are scattered in the jungle. A 17th century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kankwari, provides a panoramic view of flying Egyptian vultures and eagles.

Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Jaipur. By Rail - nearest railhead is Alwar. By Road - Alwar 37 kms, Delhi 200 kms and Jaipur 107 kms.

Ranthambhor - Gateway To The Tiger's Den

Experience of royal past and encounter with majestic tiger. The great Ranthambhor Fort perched atop a creek 200 mts. high. Ranthambhor is said to have India's friendliest tigers. Assured of protection, they have changed their nocturnal habits and are seen quite frequently during the day. Sprawled over the Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges. A system of three artificial lakes enhances beauty of the park.

Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Jaipur 132 kms. By Rail - nearest railhead is Sawai Madhopur. By Road - nearest town is Sawai Madhopur 14 kms.

Keoladeo - Exotic Migratory Birds Sanctuary

The first wildlife park on the Golden Triangle of tourism is Keoladeo, 55km from the Agra. The rich aquatic plant and animal life in the shallow, fresh-water marsh of Bharatpur has been attracting resident and migratory aquatic birds in thousands since times immemorial. It has a recorded history of 100 years of duck shoots. There are over 353 species, belonging to 56 families. The Siberian Cranes visit no other waters in India, except the marshes of Keoladeo. For the number and variety of birds to be seen, Keoladeo is matchless.

Reach : By Air - nearest airports are Agra & Jaipur. By Rail - nearest railhead is Bharatpur 3 kms. By Road - Agra 55kms, Delhi 212 kms.

Periyar - Most Picturesque Reserve

Periyar is one of India's most picturesque reserves. A dam constructed on the periyar river led to the submersion of a large forest area and the formation of a 55 sq. kms lake, which assured the local wildlife a perennial source of water and led to its rapid growth. The home of elephant, tiger, mouse deer, wild dog porcupine, lion tailed macaque, flying squirrel

Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Kochi By Rail - nearest railhead is Kottayam 114 kms. By Road - Kumily 4 kms. Kochi 200 kms.

Bandipur - Evergreen Open Forest

Part of the lushly-forested Deccan Plateau, Bandipur in Karnataka, offers a rich and varied wildlife habitat. Covered with a mix of deciduous forests, evergreen forests and scrub well irrigated by the Moyar river, the prominent fauna: Asian elephant, wild pig, four-horned antelope, black-naped hare. Bandipur has a fairly open forest floor, making it easy for visitors to spot wildlife.

Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Bangalore. By Rail - nearest railhead is Nanjangud . By Road - Bangalore 60 kms, Gundulpet 20 kms, Nanjangud 55 kms.

Gir - The Wild Palace Of The King

The last surviving population of the Asiatic lion can be seen at the Gir National park. Located in the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat .Gir is composed of terrain with steep rocky hills, deep ravines and occasional stretches of grasslands. Irrigated by many rivers, the park supports a mixed semi-arid deciduous forest.

Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Keshod. By Rail - nearest railhead is Sasan. By Road - Veraval 42 kms, Keshod 80 kms.

Manas - Blend Of Flora And Fauna

The Manas river divides the lush mixed deciduous forests that run through India to Bhutan. On both sides, the habitat is zealously protected as it houses no less than 20 species of birds and animals that are highly endangered and listed in the IUCN Red Data Book 'Manas' is also the primary habitat of the rare golden langur, wild buffalo, hispid hare, pigmy hog, capped langur, India one-horned rhinoceros, water buffalo, elephant, tiger and hog deer.

Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Guwahati. By Rail - nearest railhead is Barpeta Road. By Road - nearest town is Barpeta Road 41 kms, Guwahati 186 kms.

The North East - Gangtok - Darjeeling - Lachung

A  misty dawn on the mountains. A bronze sunset across the expanse of the Brahmaputra.

The clang of prayer bells at a monastery. Life moves at a serene pace in the North East. The North East is composed of seven states whose natural beauty has earned them the sobriquet of 'seven sisters'. Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya have been generously blessed by nature. Verdant valleys, emerald tea gardens, lush forests and tumultuous rivers blend to create

magnificent landscapes. You begin your travels at the picturesque city of Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, where orchids bloom on the hillside. Then journey to Darjeeling, Pelling & Lachung - the incomparable jewels of the North East. With salubrious climate, fascinating customs, of its gentle people.

Gangtok - Splendors Of Nature

Gangtok, the 'Lofty Hill' or the 'hill made flat' to build Gangtok Monastery in 1716. Cradled in the manifold splendors of nature, deep within the snow clad Himalayas is Sikkim's capital - Gangtok. Overlooking the city is the hill Lukshyma, ' the mother of pearl ' citadel of magic mountain, Khang-chen-dzodnga. Gangtok offers a hospitable base to explore the varied wonders of this highland its picturesque valleys, monasteries, mountain, lakes and trekking trails.

Places Of Interest : Chorten, Deer Park, Enchey Ancient Monastery, Government Cottage Industries Institute, Orchid Sanctuary, Research Institute Of Tibetlogy, Tashi View Point, Tsuklakhang.
Reach : By Air - nearest air port is Bagdogra. By Rail - nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri 126 kms and Siliguri 111 kms. By Road - Bagdogra 124 kms, New Jalpaiguri 126 kms. Siliguri 111 kms, Kalimpong 72 kms, Darjeeling 110 kms.

Darjeeling - Simply Out Of This World

Popularly know as the 'Queen of Hill Stations' Darjeeling is at the height of 2134 meters, offering magnificent view of Himalayan panorama including the Kanchenjunga peak. Tiger hill top, offering a breathtaking view of sunrise over Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway, a 2 kms-long journey between Darjeeling and Takvar, with fantastic overview of hills, undulating valleys and tea gardens.

Places Of Interest : Lloyd Botanical Gardens, Natural History Museum, Dhirdham Temple, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Buddhist monastery.
Reach : By Air - nearest airport is Bagdogra connects Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati. By Rail - nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri, Toy train runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. By Road - Bagdogra 90 kms, New Jalpaiguri 90 kms, Gangtok 110 kms.