Friday, February 24, 2012

Holiday in India

India is a country in South Asia. It is the Seventh-Largest country by area and second-largest by population and most populous democracy in the world.Home to the Indus Valley Civilization and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, hotels in india the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. Four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated there, while Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam arrived in the first millennium CE and shaped the region's diverse culture. 

India got its independence on August 15th, 1947. It was the day when the Indians got liberated from the rule of the British.Agriculture is not only the dominant occupations of the people of India but is also one of the most important economic sectors for the country. 

                                                         Indian Culture
The culture of India is one of the oldest and unique. In India, there is amazing cultural diversity throughout the country. The South, North, and Northeast have their own distinct cultures and almost every state has carved out its own cultural niche. There is hardly any culture in the world that is as varied and unique as India. India is a vast country, having variety of geographical features and climatic conditions. India is home to some of the most ancient civilizations, including four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

A combination of these factors has resulted into an exclusive culture- Indian culture. Indian culture is a composite mixture of varying styles and influences. In the matter of cuisine, for instance, the North and the South are totally different. Festivals in India are characterized by color, gaiety, enthusiasm, prayers and rituals. In the realm of music, there are varieties of folk, popular, pop, and classical music. The classical tradition of music in India includes the Carnatic and the Hindustani music.

India, a place of infinite variety, is fascinating with its ancient and complex culture, dazzling contrasts and breathtaking physical beauty. Among the most remarkable features of India, is the arts and culture in particular. The Indian culture has persisted through the ages precisely for the reasons of antiquity, unity, continuity and the universality of its nature. Thus within the ambience of Indian culture one can identify 'Indian Music', 'Indian Dance', 'Indian Cinema', 'Indian Literature', Indian Cuisine' 'Indian Fairs and Festivals' and so on. 
Indian culture treats guests as god and serves them and takes care of them as if they are a part and parcel of the family itself. Even though we don't have anything to eat, the guests are never left hungry and are always looked after by the members of the family. "Respect one another" is another lesson that is taught from the books of Indian culture. Helpful nature is another striking feature in our Indian culture. Indian culture tells us to multiply and distribute joy and happiness and share sadness and pain. It tells us that by all this we can develop co-operation and better living amongst ourselves and subsequently make this world a better place to live in.

Nowadays the Indian Culture has crossed the geographic boundaries and has extended globally. Whoever May it be an Indian or a person from any other country, attracted from the exuberant Indian Culture and traditions.

                                                    Tourist Places in India
India is a country of contrast, cultural traditions, language, dress, cuisine and lifestyle, which vary from state to state. This unity in diversity - seen in every day life makes it an attractive destination for travellers from all over the world.
A visit to this fabulous land will be a thrilling experience that will always be treasured because the sub-continent holds many wonders. honeymoon tour packege Besides the Great Taj Mahal one of the seven wonders of the world, we have Massive forts, marbled palaces of the Rajput Kingdoms, the mighty Himalayan peaks with unspoiled Valleys, thousands of miles of unspoiled beaches and the most intricately carved old and new temples, churches, gurudwaras, mosques, synagogues of many different faiths.

There are many national parks, which abound in many kinds of wild life, in particular the Tigers, Leopard and the Asian lions. It has many hill stations, which still reveal the memories of the bygone days of the Raj.

                                                                  North india tour

There are several places to see, visit, and explore in New Delhi. New Delhi is an international metropolis with excellent tourist spots, recreational facilities, and a history that goes back to antiquity. A remarkable feature of New Delhi is the extent of greenery all over. New Delhi is also a dream city for visitors looking for items of handicrafts, not only the rich artistic crafts of its own craftsmen but also of craftsmen from all over the country. New Delhi offers a multitude of interesting places and attractions to the visitor, so much so that it becomes difficult to decide from where to begin exploring the city.

Tourist Attractions in New Delhi

India Gate 
A memorial inscribed with the names of the valiant Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. The green, velvety lawns at India Gate, particularly, are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike. A must visit place in New Delhi.

Red Fort 
In Old Delhi, you may visit the ramparts of the Red Fort. The decision for constructing the fort was taken in 1639, when Shahjahan decided to shift his capital to New Delhi from Agra. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel)-New Delhi's seventh fort, ready in all its magnificence to receive the Emperor. The Red Fort still retains some of its lost glory. The Red Fort was the last fort built in New Delhi and it witnessed the vicissitudes of fortune, the splendour and the fall of the Mughals, British rule, and finally the dawn of Indian Independence. A place must see by all tourists visiting Delhi.

Chandni Chowk 
The living legacy of New Delhi is Shahjahanabad. Created by the builder of Taj Mahal, this city, with the Red Fort as the focal point and Jama Masjid as the praying centre, has a fascinating market planned to shine under the light of the moon, called Chandni Chowk. Shahjahan planned Chandni Chowk so that his daughter could shop for all that she wanted. It was divided by canals filled with water, which glistened like silver in moonlight. The canals are now closed, but Chandni Chowk remains Asia's largest wholesale market. A must visit place in New Delhi

Rashtrapati Bhawan 
Modern New Delhi, or New Delhi as it is called, centers around the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. The imposing plan of this area conceived by Lutyens does not fade in its charm with the numerous summers or winters that go past. 

For lovers of flowers and beauty, the annual spring opening of the glorious, meticulously tended Mughal Gardens at the stately Rashtrapati Bhawan is a bonanza topped by an amazing assembly of roses in perfect bloom-perhaps the best in the whole of India. Mughal Gardens is indeed a place to see.

Purana Quila 
The Purana Quila is a good example of medieval military architecture. Built by Humayun, with later-day modifications by Sher Shah Suri, the Purana Quila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward and every inch a fortress. It is different from the well planned, carefully decorated, and palatial forts of the later Mughal rulers. Purana Quila is also different from the later forts of the Mughals, as it does not have a complex of palaces, administrative and recreational buildings, as is generally found in the forts built later on. The main purpose of this now-dilapidated fort was its utility, with less emphasis on decoration. The Qal'a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher Mandal are two important monuments inside the fort.

                                                            West India 
Western India comprises of the states of Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra, and is primarily famous for places like Mumbai, Goa, Rann of Kutch, the cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora and the Wildlife Sanctuaries in Gujarat. Boasting of a rich cultural heritage, this part of the country houses some exemplary tourist sites including magnificent monuments, which are embodiments of the glorious architectural heritage of ancient India. Besides, the temperate climate in west India supports the growth of uniquely varied flora and fauna. Hence, some of the finest and best known wildlife sanctuaries are located in West India.
West India Tourism covers various places worth visiting and they are described below:
Maharashtra

The third largest state in India, Maharashtra overlooks the Arabian Sea and forms an integral part of West India. This coastal state presents a fine blend of tradition and modernity, and is home to several enchanting tourist attractions. Maharashtra’s rich cultural tradition is magnificently reflected in its palaces and monuments which lure hundreds of tourists to Maharashtra from all corners of the globe. Prominent among these monuments are the Gateway of India, Mumbai; Elephanta Caves, Mumbai, Aga Khan Palace, Pune; Aurangabad Caves; and the rock cut caves at Ajanta and Ellora. Home to some of the finest embodiments of rock-cut architecture, Ajanta and Ellora are archeological sites, lying about 30 km from Aurangabad in Maharashtra. This World Heritage Site is renowned for its monumental caves built by the Rashtrakutas and other ruling dynasties of ancient South India.

Goa 
Lying on the western coast of India, Goa is one of the main states in West India and an endearing abode of scenic charm and beauty. A vacationer’s paradise, Goa presents an exhilarating combination of an unending expanse of spectacular beaches, sensuous golden sands, rich cultural heritage, varied flora and fauna, beautiful churches and magnificent temples. You simply don't need to look beyond the magical land of Goa for the perfect holiday, be it fun, adventure, sunshine, spirituality or just relaxation.

Mumbai 
Previously, the name of Mumbai ?was Bombay and it is well known for the busy streets, local markets and the Marine Drive. Sunset over the Arabian Sea is a magnificent treat to the eyes. Other places to see here are Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, Haji Ali Mosque, Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and Chor Bazaar.
 
Gujarat
Gujarat is a canvas of art, culture, architecture, folk dance and music. Handicraft of rich heritage is the strength of the state. Go back in time at Lothal where you find the remains of the Indus Valley Civilization. The main attractions of Gujarat are Sun Temple in Modhera, Lord Krishna's Temple in Dwarka, Temple of Somnath, National Park in Jamnagar, and Temple of Ambaji.
Rajasthan

Unfold the beauty of Rajasthan in your next trip to West India. Comprising of forts, palaces and wildlife sanctuaries along with pilgrimage centers, Rajasthan gives you the opportunity to collect memories of a lifetime. Amidst the Aravalli Range and along the golden sand dunes, watch the varied scenic beauty of Rajasthan. The places to see here are Jaipur, the gateway to Rajasthan, Bharatpur, famous for the wildlife sanctuary, Jaisalmer, the Golden City, Ajmer, the pilgrimage center, and Bikaner.
Ajanta and Ellora

The cave mountains of Ajanta date back to 2nd century BCE and feature rare paintings and sculptures. It is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO. budget hotela in india The Ellora caves are 34 in number and they are one of the finest specimens of caves in India. Located in Aurangabad, these caves are shrines made out of rocks by hand. This architectural work of art will inspire generations to come.
West Indian Cuisine and Festivals

The cuisine of West India is influenced by different cultures. Pohay, Shrikhand?, Pav Bhaji, and Vada Pav? are famous dishes from Maharashtra. The Goan cuisine comprises rice, coconut, seafood, Kokum?, and cashew-nuts. Dal-Baati-Churma is an exotic dish from the Rajasthani kitchen. West India celebrate various festivals and fairs that take place round the year. Pushkar fair is a world famous fair, which is also known as the Camel fair in Rajasthan.
Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information on West India, tour packages of west India and tourist places in other parts of India.
                                                              East India 

East India offers you an interesting combination of rich cultural traditions and a wide variety of tourist attractions such as beaches, hill stations and pilgrimage centers. The sheer natural beauty of this part of India is amazing with the rolling hills, meadows, waterfalls and the tranquil rivers. East India also offers you plenty of scope for adventure sports such as trekking. It is an ideal honeymoon destination as well.

      West Bengal 
Just as a canvas has several colors, West Bengal has different beaches, forests, pilgrimage centers and heritage sites, which makes it a traveler’s favorite. You can visit Darjeeling and enjoy the misty and cool climate, which encourages you to go for activities such as trekking. The tranquil beach at Digha is 180 km from Kolkata. The other beaches around Digha are Mandarmoni, Shankarpur and Tajpur where you can  try water sports like para-gliding and rafting. The forest region in North Bengal, Dooars is home to popular tourist attractions such as Jaldapara, Buxa and Gorumara forests. The major centers for pilgrimage in West Bengal are Tarapith, Furfura Sharif, Kalighat, Dakhineshwar, Tarakeswar, Belur Math and Mayapur. The capital of West Bengal, Kolkata, has several tourist attractions such as Victoria Memorial Hall, Zoological Garden, Botanical Garden, Science City, Nicco Park, Birla Planetarium, Marble Palace and Nehru Museum.

Bihar
Bihar is also called the land of Lord Buddha. One of the oldest universities, Nalanda, is in Bihar. Patna is the capital of Bihar and the sacred Ganges flows along the city. Few places to see here are Vaishali, Patna, Rajgir, Pawapur and Buddha Gaya. While visiting Bihar you should also not miss out on tourist sites such as Maner Sharif, Khankah Mujibia, Dargah Sharif and Khankah Emadia.

Jharkhand
In 2000, Jharkhand was made a separate state out of Bihar. The woodlands occupy 29% of the state and it is rich in minerals. Ranchi is the capital of Jharkhand, which is also considered as an industrial city. The places to visit here are Palamou, Netarhat, Shahpur and the Betla districts.You should also visit other prominent tourist attractions such as Sun Temple, Dassam falls, Hazaribagh, Hudru falls and Parasnath Temple.

Orissa
Located along the eastern coast of Bay of Bengal, Orissa is also known as the “Soul of India”. Bhubaneshwar is the capital of Orissa. Here you can see wildlife sanctuaries, temples, beaches and lakes. The sun temple in Konark is a landmark by itself and the Jaganath Temple in Puri is considered as one of the four “dhams” of India. The Chilka Lake can be visited for dolphins and Nandan Kanan is the home of animals like tigers, chimpanzees, crocodile and rhinosoruses. The vibrant beach at Puri makes sure you have a memorable vacation.

                                                              South india

 A South India Tourist Places and tour includes trips to the backwaters, beaches, temples along with Ayurveda treatment and varied wildlife. The rich culture, history and tradition adds to the mystery and magic of South India. A trip to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, or Andaman& Nicobar Islands provides you with fond memories. Nature lovers, adventure lover and wanderlust would surely like to visit South India because of its diversity.

Temples in South India
Dotted with temples, South India attracts people with religious interest. A couple of towns and cities in South India are referred to as temple towns as well such as Madurai, Rameshwaram and Mahabalipuram. The high quality of architectural work showcased in the walls and ceilings of the temples are contribution of Cholas, Pandyas and Pallava dynasties. The most attractive temples to visit in South India are Badami Cave Temples, Guruvayoor Temple, Lepakshi Temple, Lingaraja Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Tirupati Tirumala Balaji, Sabarimala Temple and Jagannath Temple. 

Backwaters of South India 
The main reason for international and Indian tourists to visit South India is the backwaters of Kerala that are created by the interlocking of lakes and water bodies. To enjoy life in water and to stay in the houseboats, the locations that you must visit are Kollam, Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Trivandrum and Kochi. The houseboats move from time to time, showing you the diverse scenic views of Kerala. All amenities will be provided in the houseboats to make your stay a memorable one. Here you can also try several water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, paragliding, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and water skiing. Enjoy local delicacies like dosa, idli, thoran, pachadi, chips (banana/ tapioca/jackfruit) and rasam.

Beaches in South India
The deep blue ocean, the palm fringes, and the fresh coconut water along the beaches in South India will give you the experience of a unique holiday. The top beaches to visit in South India are Kovalam beach, Varkala beach, Kappad beach and Marari beach, Karwar Beach, Maple Beach, Marina Beach, Rameshwaram Beach, and Mahe Beach.  

Sanctuaries in South India
The southern part of India has many sanctuaries, which are home to different animals like, Indian Pangolins, langurs, tigers, chitals, Grizzled Indian Squirrels, dholes, sloth bears, leopard cats, Stripe-necked Mongooses, gaurs and Lion-tailed Macaques. The sanctuaries in the South India, which are regularly visited by tourists, are:
  • Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Mundanthurai Sanctuary
  • Srivilliputhur Giant Squirrel Sanctuary
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Nagarahole National Park
  • Indira Gandhi Sanctuary

Fairs and festivals of South India
Ritualistic lifestyle, tradition, culture are the prime influences in the life of South Indian people. There are several fairs and festivals here, which are full of color, vibrancy, dance, music and excitement. The New Year celebration is known as Ugadi and it is a very auspicious day. The festival that infuses new life is the Hampi Festival. The festivals in South India which attracts people from all over the world are Pongal, Natyangali dance festival, Karthighai Deepam and Jallikatu bull fight.