New Delhi is the National Capital of India and one of its most fascinating cities. Being the Political centre and having the second largest metropolis by population, the city has a strong effect on the people of India and the direction in which the country has developed.

I love Delhi for its amazing diversity and interesting culture. The markets, the temples, the bustling business, the stunning sunsets and the great night spots. I would be difficult to ever get bored in this city. Here are 8 of my favourite things to do and see when in Delhi:

1. Bahai Lotus Temple

This is a temple dedicated to the Bahai faith and is a more recent addition to the architectural jewels of Delhi. I have never been close to it but I have driven past many times and it is just as spectacular at night as it is in the day. Reminds me somewhat of the Opera House and the Waratah Flower of Australia, maybe that’s why I like it so much. It took me at least 4 sightings of this to finally get an understanding of what it was and it is always at the top of my list for must sees in Delhi!

http://travelinsider.qantas.com.au/lotus_temple_south_delhi.htm

2. Qutub Minar

The World’s tallest free standing brick Minaret. An islamic structure which has a number of beliefs surrounding it. The intricate detail and craftwork which covers the entire structure is worth a look alone. Entry here is cheap and there is a fabulous mix of cultures all marvelling at the magnificence of this unusual sight.

http://www.info2india.com/rajasthan/qutub-minar-delhi.html

3. Dilli Haat Markets

Resembling the traditional craftsmen and trade markets, Dilli Haat offers the traveller a chance to experience a unique style of shopping . It’s the first permanent fair for regional foods, crafts and cultural activities. It’s a completely new experience and a great day out.

http://www.delhi-hotels-india.net/dilli-haat-delhi.htm

4.Red Fort

The Unesco World Heritage Site which could easily be mistaken for the Taj Mahal…. except that it’s red. I was very confused when I first saw it as it was so similar to the Taj Mahal in style, but once you see them in comparison, you understand the difference. This is where the Prime Minster addresses the people at the celebrations of Independence day, 15th August. If anything, it’s a beautiful building to see, octagonal in shape as is the style of such Islamic architecture.

http://www.tourmyindia.com/states/delhi/red.html

5. GK1 M- Block Market

A trip to Delhi is not complete without visiting this more upmarket area and the great set of shops and stalls located at the centre. The area is called Kalisah and it’s where the wealthy come to do their lower end shopping (so my high end.) There is fabulous jewellery, great snacks, luscious hair and beauty salons and shoe stalls as far as the eye can see. You may even spot an Indian Celebrity (I saw the queen of Beauty and skin care products of India… well, you couldn’t miss her! Diamonds covering every spare bit of flesh- LOVE IT!

http://www.delhilive.com/gk1-m-block-market

6. Shalom (Restaurant)

Amazing Mediterannean lounge bar with great decor and a very trance vibe. You can smoke sheeshah (hubbly bubbly) with flavours like apple and cherry and you can sip on sumptuous cocktails! Chill out sessions playing in the background with low lighting provide the prefect relaxing atmosphere for a great night out.

http://shalomexperience.com/

7. New Delhi Parliament

The Indian Parliamentary Buildings and India Gate are essential to the Delhi City Tour. It’s best to go here with a guide who can explain the area and chances are you will probably only see it from the car. Security is quite strict in this area and it can be difficult at times to get close. It was only in the 1920’s that Parliament was moved to Delhi from Calcutta and it has remained their since.

http://www.indiasite.com/delhi/places/parliamenthouse.html

8. India Gate

A slow drive down the Rajpath will allow you ample photo opportunities of the India Gate. This is a war memorial to over 90,000 Soldiers who lost their lives serving in World War 1. It’s a magnificent structure and a testament to the Indian people and their contributions during British Colonialism.

http://www.indiasite.com/delhi/places/indiagate.html

I hope you are able to see some of these great sites in Delhi. I strongly recommend going on a city tour or hiring a tour guide for one day to really get a good understanding of the history of the city and the many facets which make it the wonderful city it is today. To find out about the best markets and where to eat, chat to a local. The Indian people are very friendly and always more than happy to stop and give some advice to visitors.

Hotels to stay in Delhi | Delhi Service Apartments | Gurgaon Service Apartments

India Gate is a majestic high arch, 42 meters high, built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War I. It is called the All India War Memorial. The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens.

The monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added much later, after India got its independence. It is in the form of a flame that burns day and night under the arch to remind the nation of soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971.

The war memorial arch, India Gate, was built by the British in the honor of the unknown martyrs, who lost their lives in the First World War and Second Afghan War. Vijay Chowk (the Victory Square) is the site of ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony held annually in New Delhi, on 29th January. Originally known as All India War Memorial, it has the names of the soldiers who died in the wars inscribed on its walls. Since 1971, there is the eternal soldier’s flame burning under it, known as ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’

Gurgaon Bed and Breakfast, Gurgaon Service Apartment, Delhi Guest House, Delhi Service Apartment, Delhi Monuments, Qutub Minar, Delhi Historical Places, Delhi Travel Places, Places to visit in Delhi, Common Wealth Games 2010, Gurgaon Service Apartments

Hotels to stay in Gurgaon | Delhi Service Apartments | Gurgaon Service Apartments

It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith. The Bahá’í Faith is the youngest of the world’s independent religions. Its founder, Bahá’u'lláh (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahá’ís as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad. The central theme of Bahá’u'lláh’s message is that humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its unification in one global society. God, Bahá’u'lláh said, has set in motion historical forces that are breaking down traditional barriers of race, class, creed, and nation and that will, in time, give birth to a universal civilization. The principal challenge facing the peoples of the earth is to accept the fact of their oneness and to assist the processes of unification.

Lotus Temple is a Baha’i house of worship. Baha’i is a religion dating back to 1844, started by the Bab, a Persian who proclaimed himself the forerunner to prepare the way and herald the appearance of a new Spiritual Figure. He was martyred. Baha’u'llah was a follower of the Bab, and a few years after he was martyred, had an intimation that he was the Promised One foretold by the Bab, and proclaimed it several years later. The Baha’i faith is based on ideas of unity and humanitarianism and has the following principles:

Gurgaon Bed and Breakfast, Gurgaon Service Apartment, Delhi Guest House, Delhi Service Apartment, Delhi Monuments, Qutub Minar, Delhi Historical Places, Delhi Travel Places, Places to visit in Delhi, Common Wealth Games 2010, Gurgaon Service Apartments

I made a pictorial blog on Qutub Minar very recently.

Please visit http://qutubminar.wordpress.com

Some pages are:

http://qutubminar.wordpress.com/qutub-minar-photos-website-1/

http://qutubminar.wordpress.com/qutub-minar-delhi-travel-photos-set-1/

http://qutubminar.wordpress.com/qutub-minar-delhi-photos/

http://qutubminar.wordpress.com/qutub-minar-delhi-photos-website/

Thank you.

This pictorial blog is a quick documentation of my visit to Qutub/Qutb Minar, Delhi, India on 1 November 2009 along with my parents and a friend and is a part of my soon to come Delhi travel and tourism blog.

This blog has all of the photos that I shot from my camera hurriedly in about 35 minutes. I could not spend a lot of time there thanks to lack of time and have missed many aspects of the monument. This will be useful for anybody looking for photos of Qutub Minar from an amateurish point of view. Feel free to leave a comment on any page. This pictorial blog is haphazard and does not follow any order or organization in presenting the photos.

This blog is solely for educational and recreational purposes. Please read more about me here and visit all my other blogs.

Here is about the Qutub Minar from Wikipedia:

The Qutab Minar (also spelled Qutb or Qutub, Urdu: قطب منار), a tower in Delhi, India, is at 72.5 meters the world’s tallest brick minaret. It is situated in the Qutb complex, amidst the ruins of ancient Hindu temples which were destroyed and their stones used to build the Qutb complex and minar. Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India’s first Muslim ruler Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and the topmost storey of the minaret was completed in 1386 by Firuz Shah Tughluq. The Qutb Minar is notable for being one of the earliest and most prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.

Popular Tours Options in India

Every year a large number of tourists visit India to explore its fascinating tourism destinations and eye catching attractions of tourist interest. India is one of the most famous tourism destinations in the world. It deserves the attention of tourists and vacationers from all around the worldThere is a myriad range of tourist attractions in India which appeal tourists through out the entire globe. The beautiful country of India offers tourists a range of options for travel and tourism in various attractions of country. Taj Mahal in Agra, Forts & Palaces in Rajasthan, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Parks, Temples in South India, Beaches of Goa & Kerala, Buddhist circuits, etc are star attractions of India tours and travels. There are numerous tours options India will give you on your visit to this beautiful country. From east to west and from north to south you will have amazing options for tourism you will love to relish. Fascinating destinations of India dotted with some of world class hotels, heritage hotels, luxury resorts, spa resorts, etc which appeal vacationers from all over the world. One of the most popular travel circuits in India (north India) is golden triangle. Golden triangle travel circuit provides travellers wonderful opportunity to explore three major & historical cities of north India – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. New Delhi is the capital city of India offering awesome tourism opportunity with its various attractions. Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Rajghat, Parliament House, President House, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Old Fort, Akshardham Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Bahai Tempe, etc are major attractions of Delhi city you will visit on your golden triangle tours in India. Agra is the second destination of golden triangle circuit where you will have opportunity to world famous monument Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. And in Jaipur (the Capital of Rajasthan) you will see palaces and forts like City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, etc. Definitely exploring the destinations of golden triangle will be an experience to relish for lifetime. Kashmir, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Kasauli, Mussoorie, etc are very famous popular destinations of North India tours . These also deserve the attention of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. These are famous hill stations of India and very popular among couples coming for India honeymoon tours. Ranthambhore, Sariska, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Corbett, Pench, Panna, Gir, Nagarhole, Bandipur, etc are popular destinations appealing wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world for India wildlife tours. Foothills of majestic Himalayas attract adventure enthusiasts through out the entire globe. There are many natural trekking trails in the foothills of Himalayas. For beaches lovers Goa and Kerala have some of finest beaches in the world where vacationers can relax at luxury resorts and explore unique serenity of nature and beaches. Tourists have brilliant opportunity for nature tourism, cultural tourism, beach tourism and wildlife tourism on their . There are many beautiful temples dotted in south India. Despite these there are many other tour options in India. Come and explore them. India tourism awaits you. These architecturally beautiful temples attract devotees and visitors from all over the world.

(Audrey) We saw two bold claims made by Delhi-wallas yesterday. The first was proclaimed on a small sticker on the back of a car. It’s quite small, but can you read it?

That’s right, it says ‘competent’… if true, it’s a breath of fresh air amongst Delhi drivers.

The second bold claim we encountered is a bit older: the Qutb Minar, a stone tower around 240 feet in height that was begun in the late 12th and completed in the late 14th century. It’s a well known landmark in Delhi and a world heritage site.

The minar is quite impressive, particularly for its early date, but also a bit baffling when one tries to think about why a series of Muslim rulers in Delhi built it. The minar took a lot of time, money, and resources, so it must have been important, but how precisely? You can sound the Islamic call to prayer from the top, sure, but one hardly needs such an imposing structure for that purpose. It’s often described as a victory tower, celebrating successful military ventures, but why a minar? Was it meant to be an Islamic symbol in particular? The Arabic calligraphy around it would seem to point in that direction. But the Delhi Sultans who built it intended to rule India, which was overwhelmingly not Muslim. Many questions remain unanswered about this great monument, but one thing is certain—it’s a bold statement.

One way to get to the core of the minar’s purpose is to ask: Who did the sultans build it to impress? It’s often not explicitly said, but one certain answer is men (a precious few female rulers aside, the world was controlled by men in those days). Even today, long after the times of kings and their particular ways of showing power have passed, the Qutb Minar seems to speak to men in a way that it doesn’t to women. Exhibit A: We’re at the Qutb Minar no more than 5 minutes and Thane, normally not exactly Mr. Picture-taker, figures out the correct angle to get this shot, making him seem almost as tall as the minar.

And Thane’s not the first to be really into the minar. When the Brits came to India during colonial times, they apparently added on to the top of the tower, which before them had been finished for hundreds of years. Their addition was later removed because it’s incongruous with the rest of the design and now stands relegated to a corner of the complex.

Quality work there on the part of the colonialists. In this case it seems not so much a bold claim, but a rejected one.

Overview

Uttar Pradesh is the largest populated state of India. In a way, it epitomizes the spirit of the northern Hindi-speaking belt of India. Constituting the major part of the Indo-Gangetic plain, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed large-scale settlement from very ancient times.

Right from the Vedic times, when it was known as Brahmarshi Desha (Land of Sages), through the Buddhist and Jain periods, down to the Mughal and finally the British eras, the state has been ruled by innumerable dynasties, large and small, who have all coveted this rich land with its access to the vast northern plains of India.

From an early age, Uttar Pradesh developed a synthesis of cultures that helped in the promotion of intellectual and spiritual growth. Great poets like Kabir, Tulsidas, Soordas and many others contributed to the growth of Hindi and other languages. A succession of great emperors left their indelible imprint on the art and architecture of the land that are to be seen at Fatehpur, Sikri, Agra, Lucknow and Aligarh. Washed by the sacred waters of the Ganga and Yamuna, Uttar Pradesh is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus with some of the most holy places in the country such as Varanasi, Prayag (Allahabad), Mathura and Vrindavan.

Geography

Location :

Uttar Pradesh is a border state in Northern India, sharing almost two-thirds of its boundary with Nepal in the north. To the west is Haryana; Madhya Pradesh is to the south and Bihar is located to the east. The National Capital Region of Delhi occupies a small pocket in the south west of the state.

Physiography :

There are four physical regions in Uttar Pradesh: 1) the Himalayas 2) the Siwalik Hills 3) the Gangetic Plain and 4) the Southern Hills and Plateaus which include the Vindhya Hills.

Climate :

Uttar Pradesh is a landlocked state, with a high annual range of temperature. In summer, the average temperatures are as high as 30° C – 35° C, while winter temperatures are quite low between 10° C -15° C. Rainfall is moderate, with eastern Uttar Pradesh receiving 100-cm – 200 cm while the western part is drier with 40 cm – 100 cm.
Water Resources :

The state has some major perennial river systems like the River Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti and Ghaghara flowing across it. In the south, Chambal and Ken are two important tributaries of the Yamuna.

Minerals :

Being a flood plain of the Ganges and other river systems, Uttar Pradesh does not have a rich reserve of minerals. In the foothill regions, limestone, magnesite, coal, rock phosphate, dolomite and silica sand are mined.

Agriculture :

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. The main food crops are wheat, rice, maize, millets and pulses. Important cash crops are sugar cane, cotton (long staple) oilseeds, jute, potatoes, tobacco, oilseed, linseed, opium and groundnuts.
The Himalayan foothills are densely forested and agriculture, wherever practised, is done by terracing.

History

Uttar Pradesh is an ancient land with a history going back to the Vedic times. Several sacred books of the Aryans were composed here and it was the abode of many sages. Two great epics of India, the Ramayan and the Mahabharat are believed to have originated here. During the 6th century B.C, this land became associated with two new religions- Jainism and Buddhism.

It was in Sarnath that the Buddha delivered his first sermon and Kushinagar, where he breathed his last. But it was as a Hindu pilgrimage that Uttar Pradesh became well known, with centres like Ayodhya. Mathura, Varanasi and Haridwar becoming prominent for their mythological history. The great saint Sri Shankaracharya, established an ashram at Badrinath in the Himalayas which became a revered spot for pilgrimage. Under Muslim rule, Uttar Pradesh entered into an era of great intellectual and cultural progress.

Subsequently under British rule, it was the stage for the first revolt (Great Rebellion, 1857) and later the principal battleground during India’s freedom struggle. Under the British, it was known as the United Provinces of Agra and Oudth, later shortened to United Provinces (1935). After independence, it was renamed as Uttar Pradesh in January 1950. In November 2000, it was divided into a separate state of Uttaranchal comprising 14 districts of the present state.

Places of Interest
Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Varanasi, Allahabad, Aligarh, Mirzapur and Meerut are the main urban centres.

Agra :

Agra is renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal City has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many other magnificent monuments that epitomise the high point of Mughal architectural development. The story of Agra however, began much earlier. It finds mention in the epic Mahabharata, when it was called Agrabana or Paradise. Tradition ascribes the present city of Agra to Raja Badal Singh, around 1475 A.D, whose fort stood on the site of the present one. Sikander Lodi, made this place his capital during the reign of the Lodis in north India. But it was during 1556-1658, under the Mughals, that Agra reached its zenith. Agra became the site of some of the finest monuments that architects could design- Taj Mahal, Red Fort, It mat ud-Daulah, and the nearby Sikandra. Agra is also known for its craftsmanship and musical tradition, which can be traced back to many centuries.

Varanasi:

The ancient city of Varanasi, is the most important pilgrimage centre in the world for Hindus. It is more than a city, it is a way of life, the symbol of Hindu spirituality. Varanasi’s mythological name is Kashi and it finds mention in the epic Mahabharata, Puranas and other ancient literature, which places its history to at least 2000 years ago. The city rises from the northern bank of the holy Ganga River, and the unique relationship between the river and the city is the essence of the city’s spirituality. Life in Varanasi today, revolves around the ghats (banks) along the Ganges, where the majority of the temples are located. From dawn to dusk, it is the scene of hectic activity as devotees take a dip in the holy river facing the sun. Apart from its religious significance, Varanasi is also an important educational and commercial centre, famous for its silks, brocades and carpets.

Allahabad:

Allahabad, also known as Prayag is situated at the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna, and is among the oldest cities of India. According to Hindu Scriptures, Brahma the Creator performed Prakrista Yagna here. Padma Purana (ancient Indian Text) also describes it as “the best amongst all places of pilgrimage”, as it was at the confluence of the three holiest rivers, the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical (not visible today) Saraswati. The present city was founded by Akbar in 1575 AD and since then it has retained its pre-eminence as a cultural centre. Allahabad played a prominent role during the Freedom Struggle of India, as the nurturing ground for many nationalist leaders. Some important sights here are, Sangam (the confluence), Fort (built by Akbar), Anand Bhavan (birthplace of Nehru) and Bharadwaj Ashram (ancient Ashram).

Places of Interest:

Uttar Pradesh has a plethora of attractions catering to different kinds of tourists. Important places of pilgrimage are Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Prayag, Mathura, Vrindavan, Dargah of Sheikh Saleem Chisti in Fatehpur, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kushinagar, Kaushambi, historical cities like Agra, Lucknow, Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Kannauj and Vindhyachal with rich Hindu and Islamic architecture. Among places with magnificent natural beauty are the kumaon hills of the Himalayas, the Tanda waterfall in Mirzapur, the Sangam in Allahabad and the wildlife sanctuaries at Dudhwa and Corbett National Park.

Getting There

Lucknow, the capital is linked to all major cities in India by road. Historically, this region being the power base of all major dynasties witnessed development of road networks from very early times. The Grand Trunk Road (now known as National Highway No.2), was built during the Mughal period, linking Delhi with Mathura, Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi right upto Calcutta.

Lucknow is the main junction of the Northern Railway network. Other important junctions are Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Mughal Sarai, Jhansi, Moradabad, Varanasi, Tundla, Gorakhpur, Faizabad, Bareilly and Sitapur. There are airports at Lucknow, Varanasi, Allahabad, Agra, Jhansi, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Saharanpur, and Rae Bareilly.

People and Culture
Festivals :

Life in Uttar Pradesh is steeped in religious and traditional customs, and the fairs and festivals reflect this overwhelming presence of religion in the lives of the people.
Kumbh Mela, perhaps the largest congregation of pilgrims in the world, is held at Allahabad and Hardwar every twelveth year. The Ardh kumbh Mela is also held at these places every sixth year. In Allahabad, there is a Magh Mela every winter in January, when people come and settle there for a month to have a dip in the holy Sangam every morning. Among other fairs are Jhoola (Mathura, Vrindavan and Ayodhya) and the holy day of Kartik Poornamasi. A big cattle fair is held at Bateswar in Agra district. Other major festivals are ‘Holi’, ‘Dussehra’, ‘Diwali’ and ‘Sivaratri’

Music and Dance :

Uttar Pradesh displays a strong influence of Islamic culture in its dance and music forms. Agra, Lucknow, Mathura, Varanasi and Allahabad are great centres of Hindustani Classical Music. The court culture of the Muslim Emperors and Nawabs encouraged great musicians to evolve different styles of their own. Ghazal is a particular form of music of great lyrical beauty that developed in the courts of the Nawabs. Poet Saints like Kabir, Tulsidas and Soordas also developed their own inimitable styles.
Along with music, a dance form called Kathak evolved that was as spectacular as it was elegant. A notable feature of this dance is the synthesis it has brought about in Muslim and Hindu cultures.

Art and Craft :

The state is renowned for its mind-boggling variety of village based arts and crafts. Moradabad is famous for its brassware, Saharanpur for its woodwork, Khurja for a particular variety of ‘blue’ pottery, Agra and Meerut for their leather and marble inlay work, Varanasi for its exquisite brocade and silk sarees, and Mirzapur for carpets. Lucknow the capital city has a unique art of its own called Chikan, which has acquired worldwide fame for its delicacy and elegance.

Language :

Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of the Hindi language. Earlier, classical languages like Sanskrit and Urdu were used for literature. But with the advent of great poets like Kabir and Tulsidas, a modified form of Urdu, using the Devanagri script evolved, which later developed into Hindi.

Unique Features
More than anything else, Uttar Pradesh stands out as a symbol of India’s cultural and religious heritage. It is the most sacred place for Hindu’s because of the presence of the Himalayas and the River Ganges. Varanasi and Prayag are two of India’s holiest cities. The city of Agra has become synonymous with Taj Mahal and the Fort, while Fatehpur Sikri, the erstwhile capital of Akbar is also the site of some of India’s greatest architectural treasures. In art, the famous Benarasi Saris, or Lucknows chikan work are not to be found anywhere else. Lucknow is also famous

Overview

Tamilnadu is a land steeped in tradition, yet it has succeeded in keeping step with modernity. Heir to a rich legacy left by the Chola, Pandya and Pallava dynasties, the state has some of the finest examples of temple architecture in the country. Later, with Dutch, French and English settlements, education spread in a big way and Tamilnadu, today, is among the most literate states in the country.

Since Independence, this region has forged ahead in industrial development and is now among the leading states in attracting industrial investments. A multiplicity of factors such as high literacy, good governance, and a practical industrial policy have led to this state becoming the leading centre for heavy industries, in particular the automobile industry.

In recent years, Tamilnadu has focused on Information Technology as a thrust area and is among the front running states in this segment too. Tamilnadu has strong traditions in music and dance and takes pride in its ancient Dravidian heritage. Chennai the capital city, epitomizes the cultural outlook of the Tamil people, i.e., progressive and modern, but rooted in tradition.

Geography

Location :

Tamilnadu is India’s southern most state. It is located in southeast India and separated from the island of Sri Lanka by the Palk Strait. It is bounded on the north by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, by Kerala to the west and Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean to the east and south respectively.

Physiography :

The Western Ghats dominate the western flanks with the Nilgiris in the north and the Palni-Anaimalai in the south. Udhagamandalam (formerly Ootacumund), 2,500 mts high, is a famous hill station in the Nilgiris, while Kodaikanal is another important peak in the Palni hills further south. The Eastern ghats are broken and consist of the Shevaroy and Javadi hills.

Water Resources :

The chief rivers are, the Cauvery, Vaigai, Palar and Pennar. The deltas are famous as the ‘rice bowls’ of Tamilnadu. The Vaipar, Vaishalai, Valiyar, Kalgudi and Coleroon are some small rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal.

Minerals :

The important minerals mined in the state are lignite, limestone, magnesite, mica, quartz, salt, bauxite and gypsum.

Agriculture :

Agriculture is the major occupation of the people. The principal food crops are paddy, millets, jowar, bajra, ragi and maize and pulses. Cash crops are sugarcane, cotton, sunflower, coconut, cashew, chillies, gengilly and groundnuts. Plantation crops include tea, coffee, cardamom and rubber. Major forest products comprise timber, sandalwood, pulpwood, and fuel wood.
Climate :

The climate is hot and humid throughout the year. Summer temperatures average between 30 – 32°C. Rainfall is moderately high – 100 – 200 cm annually. Chennai receives rainfall during the retreating monsoon in October – November.

History

Though Tamilnadu’s history goes back a long way, recorded history begins with the Pallavas who ruled this region from about the second quarter of the 4th century AD. The last Pallava ruler was Aparajita and at the end of his tenure, the Cholas under Vijayalaya and Aditya asserted themselves by about 10th century AD.

At the end of the 11th century, several dynasties like the Chalukyas, Cholas and Pandyas were in power but in the two following centuries, the Cholas gained ascendancy over South India. For a while the Bahamani Sultanate gained power (14th century) and after them the Vijaynagar Kingdom, but eventually power shifted to the Deccan Sultans.

Around this time, Dutch, French and English trading centres started operating in the coastal areas and taking advantage of the prevailing chaotic political situation, began to establish settlements. The English in particular gradually began annexing territories by encouraging enmity amongst the local rulers. By 1901, practically the whole of South India came under their rule under the umbrella of Madras Presidency. After Independence, there was a reorganisation of the states and the present day Tamilnadu came into being.

Places of Interest
The main cities and towns are Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Salem. Tamilnadu, the bastion of ancient Dravidian culture has much to offer visitors. From beautiful beaches, superb temple architecture, centres of classical dance and music to lovely hill stations, the variety of destinations is endless. The most important tourist attractions are Mamallapuram, Kancheepuram, Thanjavur, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Kalakshetra, Udhagamandalam and Kodaikanal and the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary.

Chennai :

Chennai, the largest city in Southern India and the fourth largest in India, is located on the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal. It was founded after 1639, when the British East India Company established a fort and trading post at the small fishing village of Chennai. Over the past three and half centuries, the small fishing village has grown into a modern, well laid out city with some impressive buildings, large shopping malls, and broad avenues. But Chennai still retains the best of south Indian traditions and actively promotes classical music and dance. The places of interest within Chennai are Fort St. George, St. Thomas Mount, San Thome Cathedral, Kapaleeswar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, National Art Gallery, Valluvar Kottam, Kalakshetra, Cholamandalam and the beaches at Marina and Elliot’s Beach.

Madurai :

Madurai is an ancient city, which was the capital of the Pandyan kings. Today it is a lively and bustling city and a commercial centre of note. It is particularly famous for its textiles. Madurai has many important temples of which the Meenakshi Temple, Sundereswarar and Palani temples are most famous. It is located on the River Vaigai and is believed to be 2,500 years old. The Meenakshi Temple is the centre of social and religious activity and it is noted for its marvelous hall of thousand pillars, which is elaborately sculpted. Also worth visiting is the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built by the Nayak rulers of Madurai in 1636 AD.

Tiruchirapalli :

Situated on the banks of the Cauvery River, Tiruchirapalli is a historic city as well as a religious centre. It is dominated by the Rock Fort, which was once the citadel of the Chola kings. It was ruled in turn by the Pallavas and then the Pandyas finally passing to the Nayak rulers. Srirangam, (5 kms), a temple town close by, is Trichy’s main attraction. The 13th century complex with its 21 ‘Gopurams’ is set on an island in the River Cauvery. Also worth visiting are the Vinayaka and Shiva Temple, the Jambukeswara Temple and the Government Museum, which houses some fine bronze and stone sculptures.

Mamallapuram :

This is a historical site of great beauty. 58 kms from Chennai, this was the ancient sea port of the Pallava dynasty (built in 6th century – 8th century AD). Its monuments are hewn out of solid rock, and though ravaged by the sea and wind, bear testimony to the magnificent craftsmanship of medieval Indian architects. The Shore Temple stands on the seashore and has an immense bas-relief, 27m long and 8m high, intricately carved and depicting Arjuna’s Penance. The other places of interest here are the Cave temples, the five Rathas (chariots) and the beautiful beach with its casurina trees.

Kancheepuram :

71 km from Chennai, this is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindu mythology. An erstwhile capital of the Pallavas and Cholas, the town is dotted with soaring spires of a thousand temples. A great centre of learning and culture, it was at Kancheepuram that Sri Sankaracharya set up his Kamakopeetam. The main temples are Kailasanathar, Vaikuntaperumal, Ekambareswar, Varadarajaperumal, kamakshiamma and Sakiswarar Temples.

Thanjavur :

This was once the great capital of the Cholas. It was Raja Raja Chola, the great emperor, who erected the most spectacular of the Thanjavur Temples – the Brahadeeswarar Temple, which bears witness to the splendour of Chola architecture. Thanjavur is a great centre of learning and culture with the Saraswati Mahal library, constituted by the Maratha ruler Serfoji, having a collection of over 30,000 manuscripts, palm leaf inscriptions etc. The Thiruvayuru Festival is held in January in honour of the great saint Thyagaraja.

Rameswaram :

The couch shaped island of Rameswaram lies off the southeastern coast of Tamilnadu and is linked by a sea-bridge to the mainland. The great Ramanathaswamy temple is famous for its long corridor, which is the longest of any temple in India.

Kanyakumari :

This is the southernmost tip of peninsular India, where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. This is one of the most beautiful places from which to watch sunrise and sunset. There is a temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanniya Kumari, located close to the seashore. The beautifully adorned goddess has a sparkling diamond nose ring that is supposed to be visible even from the sea. On a little rocky island, just off the coast is a memorial to the great Indian philosopher – Swami Vivekananda. The Gandhi Memorial is located at a place where his ashes were kept before immersion. The great temple town of Suchindram, famous for its temple dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, is only 13 kms from here.

Kalakshetra :

Founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1936, this institution is devoted to the revival of traditional dance, textile designing and weaving, which are taught in a natural, harmonious setting.

Kodaikanal :

A charming hill station that still retains its pristine beauty, Kodaikanal is located in the Palani Hills, 120 kms from Madurai. It is a peaceful and idyllic retreat with magnificent landscapes that provides endless enjoyment to a visitor. The main attraction is the star shaped lake where boating is a popular pastime. It also has a fine golf course where one can become temporary members and use the course.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary:

It is a fascinating retreat for migratory birds, lying 80 kms from Chennai. A small lake with a grove of trees form the sanctuary, where about 30,000 birds – storks, egrets, cormorants, darters, ibis, spoon bills, pelicans and an array of other water birds are found during the breeding season. The ideal time to visit is between the months of November and February.

Getting There

Tamilnadu has one of the best road networks in the country connecting all the major towns and cities. There are regular bus services between Chennai and Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Madurai and all the smaller district towns and hill stations. The main railway junctions are Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Salem and Coimbatore. Chennai is the principal international airport in the southern region and the centre of most airline routes. There are domestic terminals at Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Coimbatore and Salem.

People and Culture
Festivals :

The most important festival of the Tamil people is Pongal held in January every year. Also in January, the Jallikattu festival is held at Allanganallur near Madurai. From mid-December to mid-January, a month long extravaganza of dance and music is held at Chennai.

Navaratri is a 9-day celebration in October. Music and dance performances are part of the festivities. Vedaranyam is known for its festivals held on full moon days in July – August and January – February. The place attracts pilgrims from all over the state.

Music and Dance :

Tamilanadu is famous for its traditional Carnatic music and Bharat Natyam dances. Thiruvaiyaru, is the place where the famous composer Thyagaraja lived and attained Samadhi (final rest). A music festival is held every January in memory of the saint.
‘Bharat Natyam’ is rooted in the devotional temple culture of the south, where young girls trained in dance and dedicated themselves to the service of the presiding diety. The Veena, Mridangam, flute and violin are the common musical instruments in Tamilnadu.

Art and Craft :

Tamilnadu is the home of exquisite handicrafts and handlooms. Handicrafts include traditional Thanjavur paintings on glass, copper plates inlaid with brass and silver, bronze coins, musical instruments and traditional gold and gem studded jewellery. Tamilnadu handlooms in silk and cotton are highly prized. The main centres for silk are Kanchipuram and Dharmapuram, while cottons are famous in Madurai and Coimbatore.

Language :

85% of the people of the state speak Tamil, which is one of the oldest literary languages in India. It is one of the four Dravidian languages spoken by 240 million Indians (30%) of the population. The other three are Telugu (Andhra Pradesh), Kannada (Karnataka) and Malayalam (Kerala).

Architecture :

The temple towns of Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Kanchipuram and Rameswaram are famous for their temple architecture. The Mammalapuram shore and cave temples are architectural wonders of the 6th – 8th century AD.

Unique Features

The traditional culture, retained over several centuries is a unique feature of the state. In spite of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, the people still follow age-old rites and customs and have not let any outside influence disturb their traditional values. The Bharat Natyam style of dance is a heritage of Tamilnadu that has now been adopted by the whole of India. The rich imagery, powerful movements and colourful costumes combine to make it a very popular dance all over the country.

The state is famous for its ‘fireworks’ industry at Sivakasi. Tamilnadu is among the top three industrialised states in India. Major industries are cotton, heavy commercial vehicles, auto components, railway coaches, power pumps, leather tanning industries, cement, sugar, paper, automobiles and safety matches. The important public sector undertakings are Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Integral Coach Factory, High Pressure Boiling Plant, Hindustan Teleprinters, Hindustan Photo Films, Chennai Petrol Corporation, Madras Fertisers, Heavy Vehicles Factory, Salem Steel Plant and Pugalur Paper Factory.

The state government has set up TIDEL, a software technology part to give thrust to the information technology sector. Tamilnadu has attracted global automobile majors, Hyundai Motors and Mitsubishi, who have set up plants near Chennai.

Overview

The tiny Himalayan State of Sikkim nestles between the towering mountains of the world’s highest range, which dominates the landscape with its awe inspiring and majestic beauty. With the world’s third highest mountain peak – the Khanghen dzo-nga, forming a magnificent backdrop, Sikkim offers a panorama of natural sights and colours that is a feast for the eyes. Especially colourful are the thousands of species of flowering shrubs and plants, which cover the slopes in a blaze of myriad hues.

Sikkim is particularly renowned for its rare orchids. The State is also the hallowed pilgrimage of Buddhists worldwide, as it is home to two of the most famous monasteries at Rumtek and Pemyangtse. Although Sikkim has become integral part of the Indian Union since 1975, and has decisively stepped into a modern era, it still retains an old world charm and mystique, that is reminiscent of its former heritage as a mountain kingdom.

Geography

Location :

Sikkim lies in northeast India, bounded by Bhutan in the east, Nepal to the west, and West Bengal to the south. To the north are Tibet and China.

Physiography :

The state lies in the heart of the eastern Himalayas and contains Khanghan-zhongpa (Kanchenjunga), the highest peak in India. The other notable feature is the deep ravine of the upper Teesta river valley.

Climate :

The mountainous terrain of Sikkim experiences harsh climate as winter temperature can dip to between 0° – 10° C. Summers are mild, with average temperatures below 25° C. Annual rainfall is between 200 – 400 cm

Minerals :

Sikkim is fairly rich in minerals and has deposits of coal, copper, garnet, graphite, iron ore, marble, slate, lead, pyrites and zinc, all of which are mined. There are high-grade reserves of gold and silver too.

Agriculture :

The economy is mainly agrarian. The main crops are maize, rice, wheat, potato, large cardamom, ginger and orange. Sikkim, in fact, produces the highest quantity of cardamom in the country. At present, emphasis is being laid on the development of commercial and horticulture crops and floriculture.
Forests cover one third of the land and apart from Sal and mountain evergreen trees, they are home to nearly 700 varieties of rare orchids and medicinal herbs.

History

The early history of Sikkim can be traced from the 13th century, when the Lepcha Chief Thekong Tek and the Tibetan Prince Khye Bumsa, signed a ‘Blood –brotherhood Treaty’, in North Sikkim. Thereafter a series of visits by three revered saints in 1641 culminated with a sixth-generation descendant of Khye Bumsa being consecrated as the first Chogyal (King) of Sikkim at Yuksam, the next year.

This ushered in the rule of the Namgyal Dynasty in Sikkim. This continued till 1973, when royalty gave way to democracy, and the state was integrated with the Indian Union, as an associate member. It formally became the 22nd state of India in 1975, the second smallest in size.

Places of Interest

Gangtok is the capital and seat of government. Other towns and district headquarters are Mangan, Mamchi and Gyalshing.

Gangtok :

Deep within the womb of the snow clad Himalayas, Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis have lived together for centuries in harmony. Gangtok is a modern town, a perfect blend of the age old Buddhist culture and contemporary fashionable lifestyles. Gangtok is a convenient base to see some of Sikkim’s places of interest. The nearest are Choten (orchid sanctuary), Deer Park, Enchey Ancient Monastery (lovely view of Kanchenjunga), the Government Cottage Industries Institute (weaving, wood carving and Sikkimese paintings), Orchid Sanctuary (amazing variety of orchids), Institute of Tibetology (splendid architecture and library), Tashi View Point (view) and Tsuklakhang (Royal Chapel, scene of many grand ceremonies and festivals).

Places of Interest :

Sikkim offers something or the other for the tourist. From gorgeous views of the Himalayas and ancient monasteries to exciting wildlife (over 500 species of animals and birds including sheep, yaks, pandas, silver foxes and leopards), it is truly a nature lover’s paradise. In recent years Sikkim has been encouraging adventure tourism, offering facilities for trekking and white water rafting. The most famous places of tourist interest are probably the monasteries at Pemyangtse and Rumtek. Other monasteries are Phodang and Tashiding, while Yuksam, the previous capital is a meeting place of great Lamas.

Pemyangtse :

This is a two hundred year old monastery perched at 6000 ft above sea level close to the Kanchenjunga. This is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim and is the headquarter of the Nyingma sect. Many priceless antique idols are housed here and the top-most floor contains some fabulous sculptures, very intricate and mysterious. From here, one can see the ruins of the first palace of the Chogyals at Gezing. The monks here are by tradition Bhutias. Time seems to have frozen here, at Pemyangtse, which is an oasis of serenity, amidst mountains, glaciers and valleys of evergreen shrubs of rhododendrons.

Getting There
There is only a basic road network. Gangtok, the capital is connected by road with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and also the district headquarters within Sikkim. The closest railway stations are Siliguri (114 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km), connecting Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other important cities in India. There is no airport in Gangtok. One has to board flights to all destinations from Bagdogra Airport (124 kms) in West Bengal.

People and Culture

Festivals :

The original inhabitants of Sikkim – the Lepchas, probably came from Assam and Myanmar and follow Lamaistic Buddhism. From the 1200s, the Bhutias, a Tibetan people, moved into the area. The rest are mostly Nepalis who are mostly Hindus. These different ethnic groups impart a unique harmony of cultures to Sikkim which are seen in the various festivals and fairs.
The major festivals are Maghey Sankranti, Durga Puja, Laxmi Puj’, Chaitra Dasai (celebrated by Nepalis), Pang-Lhabsol, Losoong and Losar are celebrated by the Bhutias; Namsoong, Tendong, and Hlo Rum Faat are celebrated by the Lepcha community.
In addition, an annual International Flower Festival is held, which is a big attraction.

Art and Craft :

The most well known crafts are beautifully woven blankets, shawls, carpets and knitted garments. Other items include copper and silver inlaid decorative pieces, intricately carved wooden objects, paintings in gold similar to the Tankha paintings of the Tibetans and landscape paintings (mostly Himalayas) on cloth. Jewellery made of coloured stones and beads are also very popular.

Unique Features

Sikkim is the only state in India, where Buddhism is the religion practised by the majority of the people. Some of the oldest and most sacred monasteries are located here, in the heart of the Himalayas. Sikkim is a land of flowers and fruits. An enormous variety of flowers grow in the valleys of which the orchids are spectacular.

Overview

Rajasthan, earlier known as Rajputana – the home of the Rajputs, has, since November 2000, taken over the mantle of the largest state in India from Madhya Pradesh (in terms of area). The Rajputs are a martial community, who ruled over this area for centuries. The history of the Rajputs is full of tales of heroism and chivalry, of valour and sacrifice. Such legends have helped to create a glorified picture of Rajasthan, which is further enhanced by the presence of innumerable forts and monuments, which help to keep alive the romance of a bygone era.

Today, Rajasthan is equally famous for its variety of local crafts, such as tie and die, (bandhni), gems and jewellery, silver meenakari and ceramics. The presence of India’s only desert – the Thar Desert and its attendant camel population also adds a touch of uniqueness to the state. More recently, Rajasthan has hit world headlines, being the site of India’s latest nuclear explosions (Pokharan). Economically, Rajasthan is among the backward states of India, and literacy levels too, are comparatively low.

However, Rajasthan is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in India, because apart from its grand forts and palaces, it also has some of the most beautiful specimens of Jain architecture as well as exciting wildlife including the magnificent tiger.

Geography
Location :

Rajasthan shares an international boundary with Pakistan on the west and northwest. Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh border it to the north, northeast and southeast respectively, while Gujarat flanks it in the southwest.

Physiography :

The Aravalli hills running across the state from west to east, is the chief topographical feature, with a peak height of 1700 mts. To the northwest is the Thar Desert, an arid sandy region. The Chambal valley to the southeast is an extremely rugged area with sharp ridges and deep ravines.

Climate :

Rajasthan is the driest state in India, with some areas receiving less than 40 cms annually. Being a land locked region, Rajasthan does not have any moderating influence and summer temperature can be extremely high – between 30° C – 35° C. In winter, the desert areas experience very chilly nights and average temperature stays around 10°C -15° C.
Water Resources :

The Chambal, the principal river, and its main tributary, Banas, drain the eastern plains, while the River Luhi, flows into the Rann of Kutchh. Western Rajasthan is totally arid with not a single river flowing through it.

Minerals :

Rajasthan has rich deposits of zinc concentrates, gypsum, silver ore, asbestos, feldspar, copper and mica. It accounts for India’s entire output of emeralds and garnets. The state also abounds in salt, rock phosphate, marble and red stone deposits.

History

It is believed that an ancient culture similar to the Indus Valley existed in Rajasthan between 1000 BC – 3000 BC. The earliest recorded history however, begins with the Rajput Chauhans holding absoluted power between 7th century and 12th century AD. After them, the Guhtlots of Mewar became powerful.

The other states, which gained prominence, were Marwar, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Bharatpur and Alwar. But by 1818, most of them had accepted subordinate alliance with the British, At the time of independence, Rajasthan consisted of several fragmented states and kingdoms, a few of which came together to form the Matsya Union (1948). Gradually, other states began to join in and in 1949, it became known as the United State of Greater Rajasthan. Ultimately, in 1958, the present state of Rajasthan came into being with Ajmer, Abu Road and Sunel Tappa joining in.

Places of Interest

The chief towns are Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Bikaner, each with its own history and resplendant past.The desert state of Rajasthan is one of the most exciting destinations in India. Its magnificent forts, palaces, beautiful lakes and historic temples recreate the magic of the Rajput era. It is a fascinating and colourful land where the vivacity of its people, their multi hued costumes and crafts and the exuberance of their celebrations add up to an unforgettable experience. Rajasthan has something to offer everyone. The most important places on the tourist circuit are Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh Fort, Bundi, Mt. Abu, and the Randthambore, Sariska and Bharatpur Sanctuaries.

Jaipur :

The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur (also known as the Pink City), can be traced back to the eighteenth century (1727), when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the then ruler, and his architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, built the city according to the principles of town planning laid down in the Shilpa Shastra’ (ancient Hindu treatise on architecture). Built primarily of pink sandstone, Jaipur’s forts, palaces, ‘Jharokas’ and ‘Jalis’ are typical of a style of architecture that is symbolic of Rajasthan. Jaipur epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. Inspite of growing into a modern and bustling metropolis, it still retains the flavour of romance and history. The principal places of interest in and around Jaipur are: Amber fort (earlier capital – 11th century) Nahargarh Fort, Gaitor (Cenotaphs), Ramgarh Lake, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Central Museum.

Jodhpur :

It is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, and finds mention in the Mahabharata. But the modern city dates back to 1459 AD, when Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs built it. Today, two forts – one fairly medieval and the other a marvel in modernity form the main landmarks of the city. Jodhpur is located just on the fringe of the Thar Desert and is a gateway to the wondrous world of sand dunes, shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny scrubland. The city, with its stately palaces, fine buildings and gracious mausoleums and temples, is also the second most important commercial centre. Local places of interest are Mehrangarh Fort, Museum and Zoo, Umaid Museum, Old Fort Museum, Mandore Gardens and Balsamand Lake Gardens.

Udaipur :

Udaipur, the City of Lakes was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh, son of the legendary Maharana Pratap of Mewar and symbolizes the valiant spirit of the Rajputs. It was here that Pratap put up his heroic battle against Emperor Akbar. It was here that Rani Padmini preferred to walk into a funeral pyre rather than be captured by invaders. It was here too, that Meerabai, royal poetess and devotee of Krishna was born and died. Udaipur today is being developed and modernised. It has expanded much beyond the bastion that earler surrounded it and could be penetrable only through 11 gates. The ruins of the bastion can still be seen, as also the forts and palaces that are still relatively intact. The art treasures to be found here are truly magnificent.

Ajmer : Ajmer is a famous pilgrimage for Muslims and Hindus alike. It is the place where the Dargah (Tomb) of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chistie, is located. Ajmer is also well known for the annual Pushkar Fair, which takes place at Pushkar (11 kms) during the months of October/November. The biggest and most colourful Camel/cattle fair in the world takes place here during the month of Kartik, and it is on the full moon day of Kartik that thousands take a dip in the picturesque lake. Places of interest in Ajmer are the Dargah, Shahjahan’s mosque, Adhai-di-ka Jhopra, Taragarh Fort, the Museum, Pushkar Lake, Man Mahal, Foy sagar.

Bikaner :

Bikaner is a marvel in architecture. Built amidst the rocky shrubland and sand dunes of the Thar Desert, one is astounded by the majesty of the seven kilometre long embattled wall with ornate gates. The imposing palaces, richly sculpted temples of red and yellow sandstone constitute some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. Bikaner was once a major trading city on the route of the traditional caravans, which moved between Africa and West Asia towards the East and Far East, several centuries ago. Rao Bikaji founded it in 1488. An enlightened ruler of this dynasty, Maharaja Ganga Singh dug up the Ganga Canal to satiate the parched lands of his rain starved people. Bikaner is a handsome city with the fort as the central point. Its battlements have never succumbed to foreign invasion. Places worth visiting here are: Junagadh Fort, Lallgarh Palace, Fort Museum, Ganga Museum, Anup Sanskrit Library and a Camel breeding farm. The Karni Mata Temple, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and the Devi Kund are located close to Bikaner.

Jaisalmer :

Jaisalmer is the city of the Golden Fort, an amazing structure of yellow sandstone that rises from the shimmery sands of the Thar Desert. Legend has it that Lord Krishna once prophesised that a descendant of his clan – the Yadavas would raise the capital of his kingdom here. Rawal Jaisal, who shifted his capital from Lodurva, founded Jaisalmer in 1156 AD. Today, Jaisalmer is an unparalleled habitat of Havelis, each filigried and exquisitely carved. The principal sights here are ‘the Citadel’, the Jain temples, Nathmaligi Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli, a Salim Singh Ki Haveli and the Haveli Museums. Excursions from Jaisalmer include Barmer, Lodurve, Wood Fossil Park, Desert National Park and Camel Safaris.

Chittorgarh :

This was the ancient capital of Mewar under the Rajputs from the 7th to the 16th century. It is one of the most magnificent of the Rajput forts, which was sacked thrice by invaders but rose everytime to regain its glory. Chittorgarh, the mightiest of Rajput citadels stands today, redolent with memories of chivalry, valour and sacrifice. The chief places of interest here are the fort, Jai Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbha’s Palace, Padmini’s Palace, the Meera Temple and the Government Museum.

Mt. Abu :

Located on a plateau, 1200 mts above sea level, Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. It is a quiet retreat with a charming lake. But it is more famous for the superb temple complex of Dilwara, which have few equals in marble architecture. There is a story that the son of the Himalayas – Arbuda (Abu in short), – a serpent, came down to this spot to rescue Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva. That is how the place derived its name. The main places of interest are the Dilwara Temples dedicated to the Jain Thirthankaras, the Adhar Devi Temple, Nakki Lake, Gaumukh Temple and the Sunset Point.

BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTURAY (KEOLADEO GHANA BIRD SANCTUARY) :

Not far from Delhi (182 kms), Bharatpur was founded by the Jat ruler Suraj Mal in 1733. The Sanctuary is only 3 kms from the city. Area : 29 sq.km. Highlights : Bharatpur is one of the most spectacular waterbird sanctuaries in the country. Migratory birds come from as far as Siberia and no less than 500,000 birds of 325 species have made their way here. The varieties include Open bill stork, Painted stork, Egret, Darter, White Ibis, Spoon bill and Grey heron. Getting There : Only 3 kms from Bharatpur. It is connected by road and rail to Delhi (182 kms), Agra (54 km), Jaipur (174 km) and other places in Rajasthan. Best time to visit : October – January Activities : Bird watching, Excursions to Bharatpur Fort, and Deeg, the earlier capital of Bharatpur rulers.

Getting There

Thanks to its importance as a tourism destination, Rajasthan has well developed road networks that connect all the major towns and cities. Jaipur is connected by road to Delhi, Agra, Ajmer, Udaipur and Ahmedabad. The main railway junctions are Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur. Regular air services connect Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur with Delhi and Mumbai.

People and Culture
Festivals :

Rajasthan is a land of endless festivals, colourful and exuberant, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the land. The major ones are Holi, Gangaur, Dussehra, Diwali, Sivaratri. Some fairs and festivals unique to Rajasthan are Pushkar Mela (Ajmer), Elephant festival during Holi, Teej (arrival of Monsoon) the Desert Festival (Jaisalmer), and Kolayat Fair, (held at the shrine of Kapil Muni near Bikaner). The Bhil Fair and Eklingji Fair are held in Udaipur in November.

Music and Dance :

The folk dances of Rajasthan are a visual treat as women in swirling skirts and colourful cholis perform a variety of dances with sticks (dandiyas), urns and lamps. The men wear dhotis and a short jacket and a colourful pagri (big turban). The dances, like the people, are vivacious and graceful, and serve to highlight the vibrancy of Rajasthani culture.

Rajasthan is also the land, where Meerabai sang her immortal bhajans, and folk musicians played the Sarengi. The kajris – folk songs associated with Holi and monsoon are also characteristic of this region.

Art and Craft :

Rajasthan is world renowned for its variety of handicrafts and exquisite craftsmanship. Jaipur is perhaps India’s largest centre of precious/semi precious gems and stones. Sanganer is famed for its textile block printing, papermaking and Jaipur blue pottery. The ‘tie and dye’ technique of textile designing is also unique to Rajasthan. Brocades, Jodhpur Jutis (ornamental shoes), Marble statuettes, Ivory carving, enamel work are some of the other crafts typical of this region. Another speciality is the woollen Namda, which is made only at Karauli and Tonk.

Architecture :

Rajasthan is a source of unending wonder, for architecture aficionados. From the splendid forts perched on hillsides, resplendent palaces with their exquisite marble inlays, wall murals and eye catching mirror work, to ancient temples with their intricate carvings in marble and stone, this land breathes its royal heritage through every pore of its Mahals and Havelis.

Unique Features

Rajasthan is the only desert state of India. The romance of a desert adventure complete with camels and fortresses, add a unique flavour to this region. Rajasthan is symbolic of the Rajput legend. Throughout history, these people have come to epitomize honour, courage, chivalry and sacrifice – values that are eternally revered. Every fort and monument in the state stand testimony to the heroism and bravery of this race. Rajasthan is the land of Phad paintings. These originated as pictorial tales carried as scrolls by balladeers, who narrated in song the legend of Pabuji – a local hero, on auspicious occasions to the accompaniment of a folk instrument – Ravanhatta. Phads are now available in smaller panels.

Overview

Nagaland is totally unlike any other state in India. Tucked away in the extreme north east of India, it is home to around 16groups and sub groups of Tibetan-Burmese tribes, who still retain their colourful battle dresses, carry spears and wear elaborate headdresses on ceremonial occasions. Each tribe has its own distinctive costume and a Naga tribal with his multicoloured spear, ceremonial daos, bracelets, chestplate and head dress of coloured bamboo makes as awe inspiring sight.

Present generation Nagas have blended with the mainstream Indian population in adapting to a modern culture and adopting a progressive outlook. However, they still retain their fondness for colourful dresses and have natural flair for dress designing and fashion. Nagaland is a land of pristine beauty and salubrious climate. Life here is laid back and undemanding. But most attractive of all are the people, who are fun loving, fond of music and dance, and full of festive spirit.

Geography
Location :

Nagaland is a remote and hilly territory lying to the south of the Brahmaputra river, with Myanmar to the east. It is bordered on its south, west and north by the states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Physiography :

Nagaland has a rolling landscape with low hills covered with very dense vegetation. At places the elevation reaches 3,048 mts as at Japfu Peak. The Dzukou Valley lies at a height of 2,438.4 mts behind Japfu peak.

Climate :

Nagaland has a pleasant climate, throughout the year. Summers are mild – 25°C – 27° C, while winers are not too cold – 12° C- 18° C. Rainfall is very high, between 200 – 400 cm annually.

Water Resources :

The main rivers are Diyung, Zungki and Dikhu.

Agriculture :

Almost 85% of the people are engaged in agriculture. The most important crops are, Rice, maize, millet, oilseeds, potatoes, pulses and sugar cane. Jhum cultivation (shifting) is still practised here, as also terrace cultivation.

History

The ethnic population of Nagaland comprises several tribes, who probably came into contact with the Ahoms of Assam, during the 12th and 13th centuries. But this did not have any significant affect on their traditional way of life. But in the 19th century, the region came under British administration and with the advent of Christian Missionaries, educational institutions were set up and with it came political awareness and social change. After Independence, in 1957, this territory was made a centrally administered area, under the jurisdiction of the governor of Assam.

It was known as the ‘Naga Hills Tuensang Area’. But there was popular resentment with this status and in 1961, this land was renamed Nagaland and made a full fledged state of the Indian Union. Nagaland entered statehood on December 1, 1963.

Places of Interest
There are only two main cities of note – Kohima and Dimapur. The former is the administrative centre and a hill station. The latter is the main commercial centre and nodal point of all road and rail networks. Nagaland is a beautiful place, with picturesque hills and valleys, the slopes covered with lush, green forests, containing some exotic flora, and fauna. A variety of animals are found here including the flying lemur, the long tailed langur and pink faced monkey. Rich wildlife is to be found in the Fakim Sanctuary. For natural beauty, the Dzukon Valley, Khonoma, Japfu Peak, Mokochung and Zunhaboto (Mokochung is the cultural centre of the Ao Nagas.) are worth visiting.

Kohima :

Kohima, 3 hours drive form Dimapur, is a hill resort, situated at a height of 1,495 meters above sea-level. It is a historic town known for playing an important role during the Second World War. It was here that the advancing Japanese army was halted and they had to retreat without getting a foothold in the Indian sub-continent. The War Cemetery is a symbolic memorial set up in the memory of the great sacrifices made by the gallant army officers. Each grave is marked by a bronze plaque with a suitable epitaph that recalls the glory of defending one’s homeland. Other places worth seeing in Kohima are The Nagaland State Museum, a treasure house of Naga culture and history, and The Catholic Cathedral, at Aradura hill, which is one of the biggest Cathedrals in the North-East and houses the biggest wooden cross in India.

Dimapur :

Dimapur is the most important commercial centre of Nagaland. Situated at a height of 195 mts above sea-level, it is the only place having an airport, and having direct road connections with the neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Dimapur was the ancient capital of the Kachari Kingdom, ruins of which are to be seen 5 kms from the city. On the Dimapur-Kohima highway, is Ruzaphema, a colourful village bazar, where a wide range of tribal handicrafts is on sale.

Khonoma :

About 10 kms from Kohima is located the village of Khonoma, which abounds with stories of valour and courage going back to the days of British infiltration into the Naga Hills. The slopes around khonoma have terraced fields, which produce 20 different types of paddy, at different elevations, presenting a beautiful view.

Dzukon Valley :

This is an ideal spot to start a trekking tour. It is situated at an altitude of 2,438.4 mts above sea level. Behind Japfu Peak and 30 kms south of Kohima the valley is covered with a type of thick bamboo brush which makes the place appear like a mowed lawn. Numerous types of lilies and other flowers adorn the valley in summer, while rhododendrons ornament the hills surrounding the valley.

Japfu Peak :

At 3,048 mts above sea level, the Japfu Peak is the second highest peak, and ideally suited for trekking and climbing. The view of Kohima from here is breath taking.

Fakim Sanctuary :

This sanctuary is close to the Myanmar border and has a distinctive wildlife. It receives high rainfall and is inhabited by tigers and Hoolock Gibbons. Among the bird life, the tragopan pheasant is a coveted species for bird lovers. The Pulic Badze Sanctuary, close to Kohima is also rich in wildlife.

Getting There
Kohima, the state capital is connected by National Highway No39, to Dimapur, where the only airport and railway station are located. Dimapur is connected by road with the neighbouring states. There, is a tri-weekly Indian Airlines service connecting Dimapur with Guwahati and Calcutta.

People and Culture
Festivals :

The people of Nagaland are of Indo-Mongoloid stock, whose ancestors lived off the gifts of nature and were of sturdy disposition. The people are warm and friendly and very hospitable. The different tribal groups are distinct from each other in the manner of their customs, language and dress. And nowhere is this more visible than in the various festivals that are celebrated. The important ones are Mimkut, Sekrenyie, Moatsu, Naknayulum, Tsungremmong, Tuluni and Tokhu. All the tribes celebrate their distinct seasonal festivals with a pageantry of colour and a feast of music.

Music and Dance :

Nagas love to sing and dance and all the major festivals are accompanied by ceremonial dance, during which, the different tribes take care to dress up in their traditional attire consisting of arms and colourful costumes. Music is an integral part of life here. Folk songs eulogising ancestors and brave deeds of warriors and heroes, romantic love songs and gospel songs as well as contemporary songs are sung by everyone.

Art and Craft :

Nagaland is a treasure house of colourful ethnic artifacts. A stunning variety of shawls, shoulder bags, woodcarvings, bamboo baskets, are all created by the tribespeople. The Naga costumes including spears, arm bands, head dresses and the elaborate jewellery are also as popular local curio.

Architecture :

Nagaland’s villages, located on hilltops, are still protected by stone walls. The main building – the morung, is a kind of boy’s dormitory, which also serves as an armoury for weapons and for displaying weapons and the skulls of enemies killed in battle.

Unique Features

Nagaland is predominantly Christian, with 90% of the people practising the faith as a result of early influence of British missionaries. The state is well known for its once warlike tribal population, which took part in the practice of head hunting until the early 1800s. The Nagas are wonderful musicians, singers and dancers, with a great sense of rhythm, which explains why they have taken to contemporary music in such a big way.

Overview

Maharashtra is the third largest state in terms of area but the leading state in terms of economic development. Formed in 1960, through the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960, the state comprises mostly of Marathi speaking people who are hardworking and progressive, yet rooted in strong traditions. For this is the land of the legendary Shivaji, whose epic battles with Aurangzeb sowed the seeds of nationalism that was to be later taken to newer heights by such great Marathas as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Indeed, Maharashtra was at the forefront of India’s freedom struggle and it was here that the Indian National Congress was born. Gandhiji also began his movement in Maharashtra. The economic growth of Maharashtra is driven by the financial and industrial powerhouse of Mumbai (formerly Bombay), which is not only India’s commercial capital but also the gateway to the agriculturally rich and productive hinterland of the Marathwada region. Until recently Mumbai port was also the country’s largest port. Maharashtra is one of the few states in India where development has been uniform, and there are important industrial centres scattered all over the region.

In addition to its present economic status, Maharashtra is also heir to a rich past. It is a land of ancient forts and monuments. But the most famous heritage of all are the cave paintings and sculptures of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta, which are spell binding works of art, evoking awe and wonder.

Geography

Maharashtra is located in central India, at the northwestern end of the Deccan Plateau. Madhya Pradesh borders it to the north and east, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa to the south and Daman and Gujarat to the northwest. The entire west faces the Arabian Sea.

History

Maharashtra’s history goes back a long way to 230 BC – 225 AD, when the Satavahanas reigned supreme. This was a period of tremendous development, in artistic, literary as well as archeological fields. Following this was the rule of the Vakatakas who established a pan Indian empire and further enriched the artistic heritage of the state. It was during this period that some of the Ajanta Caves and fresco paintings reached their peak. After this Maharashtra was ruled by the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, the Yadavas and Shilaharas (Coastal Maharashtra).

A number of Marathi saints emerged during the period between thirteenth and seventeenth centuries who, by helping the people to overcome their class and caste distinctions prepared the way for uniting the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji. A new sense of swaraj (self-rule) was instilled by Shivaji, which later translated into the Freedom Movement during the British Raj. After Independence, a reorganisation of the states of India on linguistic basis saw the emergence of Maharashtra, on May 1, 1960.

The state was formed by adding together all contiguous Marathi speaking areas, which previously belonged to four different administrative areas of the Bombay State. Under the same Act, 17 districts with predominantly Gujarati speaking people became the state of Gujarat, while the rest were included in Maharashtra.

Places of Interest
The most important cities are Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Sholapur, Kolhapur, Nasik and Aurangabad.

Mumbai :

Mumbai is the biggest city in India with a population of over 12.6 million (1991). It was India’s largest and busiest port until recently when part of the traffic was diverted to a satellite port at Nhave Sheva. It has a magnificent natural harbour, which is open to ships all through the year. Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan among all cities in India. It is the hub of India’s financial markets and where the Reserve Bank of India and the Premier Stock exchange are housed. The name Mumbai is derived from Mumbadevi; the patron goddess of the Koli fisherfolk, the oldest inhabitants of the city.Sight seeing in Mumbai includes Chowpatty Beach, Elephanta Island, Gateway of India, Flora Fountain, Jain Temple, Kamla Nehru Park, Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens, Prince of Wales Museum, Taraporewala Aquarium, the Victoria Terminus and Essel world (Amusement Park).

Pune :

Pune is a historic town in the Deccan Plateau, in the heart of what was once Shivaji’s territory. The surrounding hills are still dotted with the remnants of the great Maratha chief’s citadels. Places of interest in and around Pune are Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Shanwarwada Palace, Aga Khan Palace, Pataleswar Temple, Parvati Temple, Saras Bag and the Poona Film and Television Institute.

Konkan :

The coastal area of Maharashtra is known as the Konkan region. This area is famous for its crops of mangoes, cashew and kokum (fruit) and for its catch of fish. Konkani Cuisine is renowned throughout the country.

Mahabaleswar :

Not very far from either Pune or Mumbai is Mahabaleswar, the most popular hill station in Maharashtra. Located at an altitude of 1372 mts, the view is excellent with pretty waterfalls, and a picturesque Lake that has boating and fishing facilities. Places to see here are Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Kate’s point, Chinaman’s Falls, Dhobi Falls, Venna Lake and Panchganga Temple.

Matheran :

Very close to Mumbai, this tiny hill station is set amidst wooded hills and is an ideal getaway for city dwellers. It is quiet and peaceful and no vehicular traffic is allowed. A delightful toy train takes one up to Matheran from Neral.

Aurangabad :

This is a strategic town in terms of access to some of the greatest heritage sites of Maharashtra, namely The Ajanta, Ellora and the Aurangabad caves. The town itself is full of Moghul monuments, associated with Emperor Aurangzeb. Some of these are Bibi-Ka-Muqbara (a Taj Mahal lookalike), Panchakki and the nearby Daulatabad fort. The Ajanta caves are 106 kms from Aurangabad, while Ellora caves are 30 kms away.

Getting There

Maharashtra has a lot to offer by way of scenic beauty and heritage sites. The most important are Mahabaleswar, Matheran, Panchgani, Amboli, Chikaldhara and Panhala hill stations; the Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Kanheri and Karla Caves; Temples at Shirdi Pandharpur, Nashik, Trimbakeswar, Bhimashankar, Harihareswar and Shegaon; and historic forts at Daulatabad.

The Konkan coastal region is also worth visiting for the quaint fishing villages. Maharashtra has a well-developed road infrastructure, with all the major cities and towns connected by highways. Mumbai, the capital, is linked by road to all the metros as well as state capitals. Pune, Nagpur, Nasik, Aurangabad and other major towns are also well connected by roads. Mumbai is the headquarters of the Western Railway, with all major railway networks converging there. Other important junctions are Nagpur, Akola, Jalgaon, Itarsi, Igatpuri and Khandwah. Maharashtra has twenty-four airfields/airports. But in terms of civil aviation, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Aurangabad are most important with regular flights to all major cities. Mumbai port is also an important entry point and passenger liners operate between Mumbai and other countries. There are 50 minor ports in the state.

Unique Features

Mumbai is the undisputed centre of the Hindi film industry. Bollywood as it is called, churns out more films in a year than anywhere else in the world. The enormous pool of talent, the logistics, and the professionalism of the industry have to be seen to be believed. The film industry has given rise to some of India’s greatest icons in the entertainment sector, notably Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Amitabh Bacchan, Madhuri Dixit and others. Some of the country’s greatest art treasures are to be found at Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta and Aurangabad. Mumbai is also the financial capital of the country with all the major corporate offices being located here.

Overview

Madhya Pradesh, as the name suggests, is the central most state of the country. Until November 2000, when the state of Chattisgarh was carved out from it, Madhya Pradesh was also the largest state of India in terms of area. Being a large territory, Madhya Pradesh encompasses a variety of landscapes and natural habitats, from forest clad hills and deep ravines to dry grassland and flat alluvial plains. Two of India’s biggest tiger sanctuaries are located in the state at Kanha and Bandhavgarh. Madhya Pradesh is a mineral rich region and the only state where tin and diamonds are produced. The state is also famous for its traditional handicrafts and handloom clothes, manufactured at Chanderi and Maheswar. Historically, the state has been ruled by several important dynasties of North India, viz.-the Mauryas, Guptas, and later the Mughals, Holkars and Scindias. Some of the most magnificent relics of ancient Bhuddist and Hindu art and architecture are to be found here. Being a land locked state, far from the sea, Madhya Pradesh suffers from extremes of climate and a perpetual shortage of water.

Geography

Location :

The state occupies the northern part of the Deccan Plateau and is surrounded by landmass on all sides. Rajasthan is to its northwest, Uttar Pradesh to its north, Bihar is on the north-east and Orissa on the east. Chattisgarh and Maharashtra are on it south and southwest respectively, while Gujarat is to the west.

Physiography :

Southern Madhya Pradesh is hilly, with the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges running across it. Rest of it is plateau with the Chattisgarh plains to the east. The hills give rise to the main river systems, and intersected by these meandering rives and dotted with hills and lakes, the state has a diversified natural landscape of great beauty. Dhupgarh, near Panchmari is the highest point in the Satpura ranges- 1345 mts.

Water Resources :

There are seven major river systems – the Narmada and the Tapti running from east to west, and the Chambal, Sone, Betwa ,Mahanadi and the Indravati flowing in the opposite direction. The Dhuandhar Falls on the Narmada, near the famed Marble Rocks is a breathtaking sight as the river cascades down at the far end of the Marble gorge.

Minerals :

Madhya Pradesh (undivided) was the leading state in minerals production. Until recently 25 types of minerals were mined here including coal, bauxite, iron ore, manganese ore, rock phosphate, copper ore. The largest diamond mine, with a recoverable reserve of one million carats is located at Panna. There is an extensive programme to explore gold in Raipur and Raigarh (both now in Chattisgarh).

Agriculture :

76.8% of the total population (undivided M.P) live in rural areas and depend on agriculture. Madhya Pradesh is the leading producer of oilseeds, pulses, soyabean, gram and linseed. Wheat. Rice, jowar, millets, groundnuts, sesame, cotton, tuar and mustard are the other major crops. About 43.7% of the state is cultivable.
Climate :

The annual range of temperature is extremely high. During summer, some places record average temperatures as high as 35° C, while winters can be quite cold- between 10° C – 15° C. Greater part of the state lies in the rain shadow zone and receives rainfall as low as 40 – 100 cm annually. The eastern plains are slightly better off, with rainfall between 100 – 200 cm.

History

Recorded history begins with the Maurya kingdom extending into Central India, especially during the reign of Ashoka. Several important Buddhist monasteries and pillar inscriptions are found at Sanchi dating back to this period. The Gupta Empire established its capital in Ujjain and ruled between 300AD -500 AD. The Muslims came to Central India at the beginning of the 11th century with Mahmud of Gazni and later Mohammad Ghouri, making inroads in to the territory. Subsequently the Mughals ruled over this kingdom. With the rise of the Marathas, several smaller states came into being with some outstanding women rulers, viz-Rani Ahilya bai Holkar of Indore, the Gond Maharani Ranikamala Dev, and Rani Durgawali etc. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi is another famous woman leader, who sacrificed her life while defending her country against the British. After independence, the smaller kingdoms and tribal dominated areas were brought together to form the state of Madhya Pradesh, on November 1, 1956. In keeping with the aspirations of the people of the tribal areas, it was further divided to form the state of Chattisgarh in 2000.

Places of Interest

The chief towns are Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain and Bilaspur.Few regions of India offer such a range of pleasurable and visually satisfying experiences as Madhya Pradesh. With its innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts, palaces as well as an exciting panaroma of wildlife and natural wonders, Madhya Pradesh offers a veritable feast for a tourist. The most important tourist destinations in the state are Sanchi, Bhimbhetka, Panchmari, Marble Rocks, Orchha, Mandu, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Maheswar, the Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Panna National Parks.

Sanchi:

Sanchi is famous for its Buddhist stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century A.D. Sanchi Stupa the best known, was originally built by Emperor Ashoka. A sandstone pillar lying near Stupa I carries the famous edict of Ashoka warning against schism in the Buddhist community. The four gateways of Stupa I were built in the 1st century BC and are the finest specimens of early classical art

Bhopal:

Bhopal, the capital city, is set around a lake, and its surroundings are known for their scenic beauty and archeological wealth. It is believed that the city stands on the side of an old town founded by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century. Dost Mohammad Khan laid the foundation of the new city in the first half of the 18th century. In the recent times, Bhopal has acquired fame for dubious reasons, viz- the gas disaster that took place in 1984. Bhopal is the convenient staring point for a tour of Sanchi, Vidisha, Panchmari, Ujjain, Bhojpur and Bhimbhetka. Within Bhopal, places worth visiting are Taj-ul-Masjid, Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Sadar Manzil, Gohar Mahal, Bharat Bhawan, State Museum, Laxmi Narayan Temple and the Lakes.

Gwalior:

It is steeped in a splendorous past. It is named after Gwalipa a legendary saint of the 8th century. It is also sacred to the memory of the heroic Rani of Jhansi and Tantia Tope, who led the revolt of 1857 against the British. Gwalior fort, built by Raja Mansing Tomar is one of the largest and best in the country. Over the centuries, it became the cradle of great dynasties, with great poets, musicians and artists embellishing their courts. Today’s Gwalior is a modern Indian city, vibrant and colourful.

Jabalpur:

This was once the pleasure resort of the Gond kings. King Madan Shah, built the Madan Mahal in the 12th century. Jabalpur was later capital of the Kalchuri kings and the Marathas until the British seized it in 1817. Since then it has been an important cantonment and administrative centre. Jabalpur is the convenient point for visiting the Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat, which is a natural wonder of unparalleled beauty. Boating on the Narmada River along the narrow gorge is a thrilling experience. Sunlight as well as moonlight reflected on the marble ridges creates a magical beauty that is quite unforgettable.

Bhimbhetka :

The village of Bhimbhetka is surrounded by the northern fringe of the Vindhya Mountains. The range, covered by huge rocks, recently unearthed several (over 600) rock shelters that contained wall paintings dating back to the early Stone Age.

Panchmarhi (195 kms from Bhopal)

This picturesque hill station is a verdant jewel set amidst the string of Satpura ranges. The tranquil beauty of the green river banks and the gentle murmur of flowing waters soothe the senses while the forest glades, and thickets of bamboo and sal, the muhua, jamun and gular trees give the eyes a visual treat. Cascading waterfalls, and deep azure pools, add to the natural charm. The cave shelters of Lahadeo hills with some paintings going back to 10,000 years, are an added attraction.

Orchha:

Orchha’s grandeur has been eternally captured in stone. This medieval city of palaces and temples, was built by the Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries, and still retain much of their original perfection. It is located on the river Betwa. The Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and the Laxmi Narayan Temple are superb architectural heritages with vibrant wall murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes.

Mandu:

Perched along the Vindhyan ranges at an altitude of 2000 ft, Mandu was originally the fort capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. Mandu’s rulers built a host of exquisite palaces, like the Jahaz and Hindola Mahals, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions. Mandu was a pleasure resort, with lakes and palaces, the scene of splendid and extravagant festivity. The glory of Mandu continues to live in its palaces and mosques.

Shivpuri:

This was the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior. Earlier its dense forests were the hunting grounds of the Mughal emperors. Herds of elephants were captured here by Akbar for his stable. Later, the magnificent tigers that roamed here became the targets. Shivpuri’s royal past continues to live on in the exquisite palaces and hunting lodges and the graceful, intricately, embellished marble chhatris (cenotaphs) erected by the Scindias. Khajuraho The Khajuraho temples, famous worldwide, were built in the short span of a hundred years from 250AD – 1050 AD in an inspired burst of creativity. Life in every form and mood has been captured in stone, testifying to the craft man’s artistry and the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs. Architecturally, Khajuraho is unique, being very different from the usual temples of the period. The three main groups of temples have been divided into the western, eastern and southern groups. Of the original 85 temples only 22 have survived and they constitute what is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest artistic wonders.

Maheswar:

Situated on the banks of the river Narmada, Maheswar is a sacred town made famous by Rani Ahilya Bai of Indore., who built many temples here. It is also renowned for its bathing ghats and the beautifully woven Maheswari saris .

Panna National Park :

32 kms from Khajuraho, this park spreads along the river Ken. The tiger can be glimpsed here along with other rare species such as the panther, wolf and gharial. Herds of Nilgai, Cinkara and Sambar are a common sight. The park with its large, dense forests provides ideal habitat for the tiger. There is a gharial sanctuary along the river Ken, and the spectacular Panch falls adds to the attraction of the park. .

BANDHAV GARH NATIONAL PARK:

Location 164 kms from Jabalpur, 237 kms from Khajuraho Area 448 sq km Highlights Bandhavgarh is one place where tiger sighting is almost certain. It is in this valley that the Maharaja of Rewa, discovered the world’s first white tiger. It is also rich in other forms of wildlife, viz- Deer, Panther, Sambar, Wild boar and Bison. Birds of over 200 species are also seen here. Bhandavgarh is dominated by a fort, which overlooks the grassy plains, and there are numerous pre-historic caves rich with inscriptions and drawings. Getting There – it is connected by road to Jabalpur, Kanha, Katni and Satna. Nearest railhead is at Katni, nearest airport is Jabalpur. Best time to visit – November – June Activities – Game drives inside the park, trekking to the fort on the plateau top, bird watching.

Getting There

Located at the heart of the country, Madhya Pradesh has several national highways running through it and connecting most of the large cities and towns with each other. Bhopal the capital is connected by road with Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Gwalior, Agra and all important cities in north India. Most of Madhya Pradesh lies in the Central Railway zone and there are important junctions at Jabalpur, Bilaspur, Jhansi, Indore, Satna, Bhopal, Gwalior and Ujjain. There are airports at Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore and Khajurao, with scheduled air services to Mumbai and Delhi, Varanasi and Nagpur and Bhubaneswar.

People and Culture
Festivals :

Madhya Pradesh displays a multiplicity of customs and beliefs that manifest themselves in numerous fairs and festivals – Shivratri in Khajuraho, Bhojpur, Panchmarhi and Ujjain, Ramnavami in Chitrakoot and Orchha, Bhagoriya in Jhabua and the annual festival of dances at Khajuraho. The Malwa, Panchmarhi and Orchha festivals bring alive the rich folk and tribal culture of the state.

Music and Dance :

Madhya Pradesh has a rich tradition of music and dance going back to the days of the Guptas, when several noted poets and musicians embellished the court of king Chandra Gupta Vikramaditya. Tansen, the immortal Hindustani musician, who was one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court, was discovered by Raja Man Singh of Gwalior. The Dhrupad style of classical music originated here, as also Kheyal. The Maihar Gharana of Hindustani classical music, made famous by Baba Allauddin Khan has produced some of India’s greatest musicians, viz-Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Annapurna Devi to name a few.
The intricately carved dancing figures at Khajuraho also point to a rich tradition of dance at the courts of the royal families.

Art and Craft :

Each region of Madhya Pradesh has its unique art and craft heritage. The brocades and fine silks of Chanderi and Maheswar, the raw Kosa silk of Bastar, and Raigarh, the bell metal figurines of Bastar the leather toys of Indore, Soap stone replicas of Jabalpur and Zardosi work of Bhopal have become famous all over India.

Language :

A majority of the people in the state speak Hindi, but in a variety of dialects. In Bhopal there is a large Muslim population who speak in Urdu.

Unique Features

Madhya Pradesh is not just located in the heart of India, it is in many ways a microcosm of India’s cultural and natural heritage. All the major dynasties of India have ruled here at one time or other and the entire state is dotted with architectural masterpieces of great antiquity and superb craftsmanship. Khajuraho is a fine example of the heights which Indian artisans and craftsmen had reached during the middle ages. Madhya Pradesh has something for everyone. For devout pilgrims there is Amarkantak (source of the Narmada and Sone), Chitrakoot (forest where Rama had stayed) and Sanchi (Buddhist stupa), for wildlife lovers there is Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Shivpuri and Panna National Parks, for heritage enthusiasts, few places can compare with Khajuraho, Mandu, Orchha, Gwalior or Ujjain.

Overview

Gujarat, the western most state of India, derives its name from the Gujaras, people who had settled here in the 7th and 8th centuries A.D. It is a hallowed land for Hindus because it is believed that Lord Krishna spent his life in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

Today, Gujarat is among the frontline industrialized states of India and a favoured destination for new investments and industries. It is the leading producer of textiles, chemicals, fertilizers and petrochemicals. It is also known for its gem (viz-diamond) and jewellery industries. Gujarat is a leading milk producing region, the state that spearheaded the White Revolution in India.

Being located on the western extremity of the country with a long coastline facing the Arabian Sea and an international border with Pakistan, Gujarat has strategic importance from the defence point of view.

Geography

Location :

It is situated on the West Coast of India. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and southwest, Pakistan and Rajasthan border it to the north and north-east, Madhya Pradesh to the south-east and Maharashtra to the south.

Physiography :

Gujarat is a land of great physical contrasts. The Kutch district is practically barren, while the Rann of Kutch is a saline stretch of marshy wasteland. Further south, the Kathiawar and Saurashtra peninsula is an arid plain. Remnants of the Satpura range intrude into Gujarat near Surat, while a few offshoots of the Aravallis are to be found near Palanpur.

Climate :

Gujarat is one of the most arid states in India. Annual rainfall is between 40 cm – 100 cm annually, except for a small area around Vadodara, where it exceeds 100cm. Temperatures are extremely high in summer, over 35° C, while winters are moderately cold, between 20° C – 25° C.
Water Resources :

Sabarmati and Mahi are the largest rivers flowing through the state. In the south, the Narmada and Tapi enters Gujarat near, Vadodara and Bharuch respectively.

Minerals :

Gujarat is rich in minerals and along with Assam, the country’s major petroleum producer. It also has bauxite, feldspar, agate, gypsum, limestone, lignite, and manganese. Oil and natural gas are found at Ankleswar, Kambhat and Kalol. Gujarat accounts for 90% of soda ash and 66% of salt production in the country.

Agriculture :

The main crops are bajra, jowar, wheat, rice and maize. Important cash crops are tobacco, cotton, groundnut and oilseeds, which provide inputs for industries like textiles, oil and soap. Sugar cane and bananas are also grown. Forest products are teak, khair, sadad, haldariyo and manual bamboos.

History

The history of Gujarat goes back a long way. Legends link Lord Krishna to the town of Dwarka, which is located on the western edge of the Saurashtra peninsula. Various kingdoms, viz – the Mauryas, Guptas, Pratiharas and others have ruled over this region. But it was under the Chalukyas (Solankis) that Gujarat witnessed its greatest prosperity. The Somnath Temple near Veraval acquired so much fame for its riches that Muhammed Ghazni of Persia invaded India and plundered it ruthlessly.

Prior to Independence, Gujarat was divided into

a) the British territories and
b) the Princely territories.

At the time of the re-organisation of states, the princely states of Saurashtra and Kutch, and the former British territories became part of the state of Bombay. On May 1, 1960, the present state of Gujarat came into being, separating from the Marathi speaking areas.

Places of Interest

Gujarat has several places of religious importance such as Dwarka, Somnath, Palitana, Pavagadh, Ambaji, Bhadreswar, Shamlaji, Taranga and Girnar. Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi has special significance, as does the Sabarmati Ashram (Ahmedabad) where he stayed. Historical monuments are to be found at Patan, Siddhpur, Ghumti, Dabhoi, and Ahmedabad. There are beautiful beaches at Ahmedpur -Mandvi, Chorwad, Ubharat and Tithal while the hill station at Saputara provides a charming getaway. Gujarat has some pre-historic sites viz- Raiyoli, near Balasinor, is one of the three largest dinosaur sites in the world dating back to 65 million years. Pre-historic stone implements and tools have been found in Saurashtra and Kutch, while Dholavira at Khadir Beyit (Kutch) has shown the remains of a city dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Along the Gulf of Cambay, near Ahmedabad, is Lothal where the remains of Harappan civilization have been excavated. Some wonderful architecture of the Solanki period is to be found at Madhera and Patan. With respect to wildlife too, Gujarat is blessed with a variety of natural habitats. The Rann of Kutch is famous for its wild ass, while the Little Rann boasts of a flamingo city, the only place in India where the birds are believed to breed regularly. The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is the only lion sanctuary in India, which also contains the largest number of panthers.

Ahmedabad :

Ahmedabad, the largest city has been known for its textiles, trade and commerce for over a thousand years. Today the city is a thriving modern metropolis, and home to some of the largest corporate houses. But the city also has a historic side to it. The places worth visiting are Jama Masjid built by Ahmad Shah in 1423, the Shaking Minaret or Jhulta Minar, Rani Rupmatis’s Mosque (1440 AD) and the Hatheesing Jain Temple (1850). Also to be visited are the Gandhi Ashram on the Sabarmati from where the Mahatma started his Dandi March and the Calico Museum (1949) which houses the finest fabrics spun, woven, printed or painted in different parts of India.

Dwarka:

Dwarka lies on the spot on Saurashtra coast, where the River Gomti meets the Arabian Sea. Renowned in myth and legend, Dwarka was once the capital of Lord Krishna’s empire. The site is undoubtedly ancient, and its association with Lord Krishna gives it a sanctity, which attracts millions of devotees. In times gone by, it was a seaport with connections to the Mediterranean ports. It was the gateway to western India, hence the name ‘Dwarka’ or gateway.

Somnath :

The temple of Somnath, 5 kms from Veraval, is one of the twelve sacred Shiva temples in India. According to legend, it was built by Som, the moon god, and contains one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Constantly washed by the Arabian Sea, the temples of Somnath were destroyed seven times, but rebuilt each time. The present temple Maha Meru Prasad was recently rebuilt (1950) on the exact location of the original shrine.

Ambaji :

198 kms from Ahmedabad on Arasur Mountain, this is a famous temple of goddess Ambaji. Folk artists, farmers and the rural tribes have immense faith in Ambaji.

Getting There

The state of Gujarat is well connected with roads, railways and by air. The largest city Ahmedabad is linked by road with Mumbai, Delhi, Vadodara, Surat and all the major towns of the state. The western Railway operates regular services between Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mumbai, Mehsana, Kandla, Bhuj, Bharuch, Junagadh and other important towns. Ahmedabad is also connected to Delhi by rail.

The main airport is at Ahmedabad. There are daily flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Vadodara as well as regular flights to Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Surat, Jamnagar, Kandla, Porbandar and Rajkot.

People and Culture

Festivals :

Gujarat is a kaleidoscope of cultures, and colourful costumes. The multiplicity of festivals reflects this multicultural landscape. The major festivals are Makar Sankranti (January) accompanied by kite flying, the Rann Utsav (a jamboree of dances, desert music, Kutchi food and handicrafts), Shivaratri, Holi (March/April), Chitra Vichitra Fair (a tribal fair held at the confluence of three rivers); Tarnatar Mela (August-September), kartika Poornima Mela (October/November); Dandia Raas is celebrated during Navaratri, and Janmashtami at Dwarka.

Music and Dance :

Gujaratis have a rich tradition of music and dance. The Dandia Raas is an extremely lively and colourful form of music and dance that is performed by both women and men with sticks. Bhavai dances are also staged enacting the lives of Radha and Krishna accompanied by beautiful songs. ‘Garba’ is another dance form performed by women in a circle around a pot filled with water.

Art and Craft :

The Kutch region of Gujarat has become famous for a particular type of mirror encrusted embroidery, that is famous all over India and the world. Handloom textiles are famous here, particularly the rich silk Patolas. Gujarat is also well known for silver ornaments and diamond cutting and polishing.

Unique Features

The people of Gujarat are recognised as good entrepreneurs. Apart from developing their own state to relative prosperity, they have established flourishing business wherever they have migrated. For instance East Africa, Britain and North America. Off shore Gujarat has an extremely rich marine life.

Off the southern coast of the Gulf of Kutch, an archipelago of 42 islands are home to some of the finest coral reef formations on India’s west coast. Here, dolphin, finless porpoise, the dugong, sea cow and sea turtles can be seen. Gir forest in Gujarat is the last bastion of the Asiatic lion, which can be seen roaming about freely inside the park. The state also has one of the three largest dinosaur fossil parks in the world at Raiyoli.

Goa is the smallest state in the Indian Union in terms of area, but its is among the most developed in terms of economy and human development. Subject to Portuguese occupation for nearly five centuries, Goa was eventually liberated in 1961, well after the rest of India had achieved independence from the British. The prolonged exposure to Portuguese culture has left a profound impact on the life of the Goanese people, which is very evident in their social and cultural lifestyles.

Goa is one of the most beautiful states in India. It is ensconced on the slopes of the rugged Western Ghats on one side, with the blue expanse of the Arabian Sea on the other. It has some of the world’s most stunning beaches, some grand old churches dating from the 16th century and many forts and ruins of historic importance.

In addition, there are many beautiful temples dating back to several centuries. The spirit of Goa is best captured in its grand annual event – the Carnival, which is held over four days in February in all the major cities. For sheer gaiety, colour, pageantry and spectacular displays, this festival is unmatched anywhere in India.

Geography

Location :

Goa is situated on the western coast of the Deccan Peninsula. It is demarcated in the north by the Terekhol River, which separates it from Maharashtra, and on its south lies the North kannada district of Karnataka. It is bounded on the east by the Western Ghats and to the west by the Arabian Sea.

Physiography

The forest clad Western Ghats intrude into Goa on its east, providing a ruggedness to the terrain which would otherwise be dominated by the coastline and its string of beautiful beaches.

Climate :

Goa enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year being close to the Arabian Sea. Summers are not too hot, between 25°C – 27° C, while winters are warm, between 20°C – 25° C. Rain falls mostly during the monsoon, and as it lies windward to the ghats, it receives among the highest rainfall in the country.

Water Resources :

Quite a few rivulets flowing down from the Western Ghats, pass through the state on their way to the Arabian Sea. Of these, the Mandovi River, is the largest and the capital Panaji is locatedat at the mouth of this river. Zuari is the other important river. The Dudhsagar waterfalls in Collem, 60 kms from Panaji is a breathtaking sight, while the Mayem Lake, calm and screne, is a nature lover’s delight.

Minerals :

Goa is blessed with rich mineral resources. It is one of the largest producers of ferro-manganese, bauxite and iron-ore, which contribute substantially to its economy, through exports. China clay and limestone are also mined.

Agriculture :

Agriculture is the main occupation in Goa. The state is well irrigated, with dams like the Selaulim and Anjunem providing water for irrigation. Rice is the main food crop. Pulses and ragi are also grown. Main cash crops are coconut, cashewnut, arecenut, sugarcane and fruits like pineapple, mango and banana. The state also has a rich forest cover. Fishing is a major occupation along the coast.

History

Goa was known by a variety of names in the past – ‘Gomanchala’, ‘Gopakapaltam’, ‘Gopakapuri’, Govapuri, Gomantak, to name a few. Recorded history of Goa goes back as far as the 1st century of the Christian era, when it was of part of the Satavahana Empire. This was followed by Kadamba, Rashtrakuta, Malkhed and Chalukya rules, which ended with the advance of the Khilji dynasty from Delhi.

The discovery of the sea-route to India by Vasco-da-Gama was a turning point in the history of Goa. Many Portuguese expeditions started to come to India and in 1510, Alfonso de Albuquerque landed in Goa, opening the way for Portuguese colonisation. The arrival of the Jesuit priest Francis Xavier in 1540, led to large-scale proselytisation that had far reaching impact on the socio-cultural landscape of Goa.

The Portuguese continued to occupy Goa even after the British had left and ultimately on December 19, 1961, the government of India liberated it and made it a composite Union Territory along with Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987, Goa was granted full statehood and Daman and Diu was made a separate Union Territory.

Places of Interest

Panaji is the capital and largest city. It houses all the government buildings and most of the shopping centres. It is a picturesque town facing the Arabian Sea with the Mandovi river flowing through it, and the forested hills forming a backdrop. The influence of Portuguese culture is still very visible here. Marmagao is a major seaport not only of Goa, but also India, with a superb harbour. It is at the mouth of the river Zuari. Vasco is another important town, known for its historic buildings. Other towns are Mapusa and Ponda. The beaches of Goa are the main tourist attractions. They are famous for their unspoilt beauty and calm seas. The most famous are Calangute, Colva, Vagator and Anjuna.

Calangute :

Sixteen kilometers from Panaji in north goa, this is one of the loveliest of Goa’s beaches stretching over several hundred metres. The palm fringed golden sands are ideal for sun bathing.

Vagator :

20 kms for Panaji, it is picturesque beach with the historic Chapora fort as a backdrop.

Anjuna :

This magnificent beach is only half hour’s drive from Panaji and houses the Albuquerque mansion.

Colva :

One of the most popular beaches in Goa. It is a huge expanse of dazzling white sand fringed by rows of casuarina trees. Few beaches in the world can rival its scenic splendour. Goa is also famous for its Churches. Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the country’s most famous churches, revered by Christians worldwide. Located 10 kms east of Panaji in old Goa, it enshrines the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Dedicated to St. Catherine, the Se Cathedral is an awesome structure, close to the Bom Jesus Basilica. It has five bells, one of these being the Golden Bell, among the best to be found in any church in the world. Goa also has several noteworthy temples. The most famous are Sri Mahalasa Temple (400 yrs old), Shri Mangueshi Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), Shri Mahadev Temple (dating back to 14th century) and Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple (built by Kadamba rulers). Other places of interest are the Mayem Lake, Molem Wildlife Sanctuary and Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorao.

Dr.Salim Bird Sanctuary :

Fully covered with mangroves, the sanctuary is situated on the western tip of Chorao island, alongside the River Mandovi near Panaji, Named after the famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, this sanctuary is a delightful place for spotting birds of varying species.

Getting There

Goa is well connected by road, sea and air and also by the south-central Railway. Panaji has a lovely natural harbour where the river Mandovi meets the sea and passenger liners operate daily between Mumbai and Panaji. National highways connect Panaji with Bombay, Pune, Karwar, Mangalore and Bangalore. The only railway station is at Vasco da Gama, from where trains to Bangalore and Belgaum operate. The Dabolim Airport near Panaji handles regular flights to Bombay, Delhi, Thiruvanathapuram, Cochin, Chennai, Agati and Bangalore.

MOLEM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : 60 kms away from Panaji on the highway from Panaji to Bangalore. Area : 240 sq.km.

Highlights : Lush green jungles, on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It is rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird lovers.

Getting there : By road, from Panaji Best time to visit : October – May Activities : Game drives in the park, bird watching.

MAYEM LAKE : 35 kms from Panaji, in the midst of green hills, this is a popular tourist spot. The calm and serene environs besides the lake provide an enchanting retreat. Boating is an enjoyable experience here.

People and Culture

Festivals :

The people of Goa are known for their friendliness and gaiety. Festivals are held round the year. Of these, Pandurang Zatra (November),Dindi(November),Kapileshwari,Zatra (November), St. Francis Xavier Feast (December), Vijay Durga Zatra (December), Datta Jayanti (December), the Carnival (February), Shigmo (March) and Sao Joao are most important.

Music and Dance :

There is a distinct difference in Goa’s rural and urban cultures. While the fishing villages dotting the state’s coastline display Konkani and Marathi cultures, and their folk music and dance reflect this, the people of the towns are more influenced by their Portuguese past. Their music shows calypso and reggae influence and the dance costumes are also European.

Art and Craft :

Traditional crafts include basket and mat weaving and shell ornamental work. In recent years, pottery has become a popular craft, and a variety of clay and ceramic items are available in the emporiums.

Language :

Konkani is the major language spoken in the coastal belt. Marathi is spoken in the interior areas bordering Maharashtra. In the cities and towns, English is spoken and understood by most.

Delhi is one of the most historic capitals in the world and two of its Monuments- the Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb – have been declared World Heritage Sites. For the visitor, it serves as a perfect introduction to the cultural wealth, the complexities and dynamism of India. Delhi, besides being the capital of India, has been made as a separate state of the country. It is one of India’s fastest growing cities, has spread far beyond the “seven cities” created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the west bank of the Yamuna and now straddles the river. Remnants of the past survive cheek -by-jowl with skyscrapers, residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes.

Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts from all over the country. It has speciality restaurants to please the gourmet, open parks and gardens ablaze with flowers, and in the winter months particularly, a variety of cultural events. Its many-layered existence is tantalizing and can entice the curious traveller into a fascinating journey of discovery. The history of this centre of power dates to the first millennium BC. In 1955excavations within the Purana Qila revealed that the area was inhabited more than 3000 years ago. This was Indraprastha, a site associated with the epic Mahabharata.

Chandigarh, the Union Territory, consists of Chandigarh, the capital city and 22 villages surrounding it. The city has the distinction of being the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana, while it remains a Union Territory itself, administered by the Central Government.

It is a modern city, designed by the Swiss born architect, Charles Edward Jeannaret, better known as “Le Corbusier (The Raven). It nestles at the bottom of the Shivalik Hills and is among the most aesthetically designed cities in India.

Chandigarh has been the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana since 1966 and the Universities and High Courts of both states are located in the city. Chandigarh derives its name from the temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi, whose shrine stands on a small hill about 10 kms from the city.

The name Bihar originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Vihara’, which means monastery. Its early history can be traced back to the days of the Magadha Empire, when Buddhism was at its peak. Indeed, Bihar could be said to be the birthplace of both Buddhism and Jainism as the founders of these faiths, the Buddha, and Vardhamana Mahavira respectively (the 13th Tirthankara, according to the Jains), propagated their religions here. Ironically, the state which boasts of such a rich past and where the world’s first university – Nalanda, flourished, is today among the poorest and least literate state in India.

Until very recently, Bihar comprised the fertile plains of the north and the mineral rich Chotanagpur plateau to the south. But with effect from November 2000, the southern part has broken away to form the new state of Jharkhand, while the northern gangetic plains continues to go by the name of Bihar. It remains to be seen how the state will cope with this restructuring, as the loss of revenue in terms of mineral, industrial and forest resources is quite high.

Assam, the largest of the north-eastern states (often called the “seven sisters”), derives its name from the Ahoms the dominant ethnic group of this region. The Sanskrit word ‘Asoma’ also means peerless or unparalleled. Assam plays a strategic role in India’s defence, as it is not only the gateway to the remote northeast but is also close to the international borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Assam is known for its rich forest wealth and its profusion of flora and fauna. There are five national parks and eleven wild life and bird sanctuaries in the state. The Kaziranga National Park is famous for the one-horned rhino, while the Manas Forest Reserve has been designated as a Tiger sanctuary under the Project Tiger. Assam has a rich legacy of history and culture and the Assamese are among the most culturally conscious people of India. Assam is also famous for its tea and handloom products.

The Andaman & Nicobar are a group of picturesque islands, a total of 572 islands, islets and rocks lying in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. They lie along an arc in a long and narrow broken chain, approximately north-south over a distance nearly 800 kms. The Tropical Islands of Andaman and Nicobar are famous for their pristine beauty, and the exotic flora and fauna that inhabit the lush green jungles.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands present an exciting and extremely interesting study in anthropological history, as they are home to some of the oldest surviving primitive tribes, some of whom are still hostile to modern civilization. These were the original inhabitants of the island, who subsisted in the forests by hunting and fishing. It was only in 1789, with the establishment of a settlement by the British East India Company that the islands became exposed to outside influences for the first time.

In the past, Andaman Island was also infamously known as the ‘Black Water Prison’ or Kala Pani, the dreaded penal settlement, which the British had set up in the 19th century for criminals and political prisoners considered dangerous to the interests of the Raj. They were deported from the mainland to the Cellular Jail- the Indian Bastille, situated on the seacoast of Atlanta Point in the northeastern part of Port Blair.

Mountains

* Himalaya 2400 km long between 240 and 320 km wide
Kanchenjunga (8534 m)
* Aravalli Ranges (Rajasthan)
Mount Abu (1219 m)
* Eastern Ghats (Height ca 610m)
* Western Ghats (Height 915- 1220m, some Mountains upto 2440m)

Rivers (Total Lenghth)

* Ganges 2.510 km
* Brahmaputra 2.900 km

Forests

* 770.100 km² about 23,4% of total area

Deserts

* 200.000 km² about 1/3 cultivable

Flora

* 45.000 different Species
* 15.000 Vascula Flora about 35% endemic

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

* 80 Nationalparks
* 441 Wildlife Sanctuaries
* about 23 Tigerreserves (Project Tiger)
* c. 40.000 Tigerpopulation end of 19. Century
* c. 2.000 in the 70’s
* c. 6.000 today
* consists 60 % of the worldwide tigerpopulation

Fauna

* 65.000 different Species:
Fishes: 2.500
Amphibians: 150
Reptiles: 350
Birds: 2.100
Mammals: 350

* Special: Tiger, Asian Lion, Elephant, Four horn antilope (Choushinha), One horn Rhinoceros, three different Leopard (snow Leopard), black an brown Bear, Yak, Tapir, Moschusdeer, Sibirischer Kranich, Indian Wild ass, Indian Bison (Gaur), Indian Buffalol (Nigail), largest Red wild population of the world (8 different Species), Crocodiles, among it the Gangesgharial, found only in India

Country Name
Republic of India; Bharat Ganrajya

Location
The Indian peninsula is separated from mainland Asia by the Himalayas. The Country is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south.

Geographic Coordinates
Lying entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, the Country extends between 8° 4′ and 37° 6′ latitudes north of the Equator, and 68° 7′ and 97° 25′ longitudes east of it. Distance: North-South: 3.214 km, East-West: 2.933 km

Indian Standard Time GMT + 05:30

Area 3.3 Million sq. km

Telephone Country Code +91

Border Countries
Afghanistan and Pakistan to the north-west; China, Bhutan and Nepal to the north; Myanmar to the east; and Bangladesh to the east of West Bengal. Sri Lanka is separated from India by a narrow channel of sea, formed by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar.

Coastline
7,516.6 km encompassing the mainland, Lakshadweep Islands, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Terrain
The mainland comprises of four regions, namely the great mountain zone, plains of the Ganga and the Indus, the desert region, and the southern peninsula.

Countries Expanse Population
India 3.287.263 km² 1 Billion(2000)
Europe 2.400.000 km² 340.000.000
Germany 357.000 km² 79.500.000

Population
India’s population, as on 1 March 2001 stood at 1,028 million (532.1 million males and 496.4 million females).

Nationality
Indian

Ethnic Groups
All the five major racial types – Australoid, Mongoloid, Europoid, Caucasian, and Negroid find representation among the people of India.

Religions
According to the 2001 census, out of the total population of 1.028 million in the Country, Hindus constituted the majority with 80.5%, Muslims came second at 13.4%, followed by Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and others.

Languages
There are 22 National Languages have been recognized by the Constitution of India, of which Hindi is the Official Union Language. Besides these, there are 844 different dialects that are practiced in various parts of the Country.

Literacy
According to the provisional results of the 2001 census, the literacy rate in the Country stands at 64.84 per cent, 75.26% for males and 53.67% for females.

Government Type
Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic with a Parliamentary system of Government.

Capital
New Delhi

Administrative Divisions
28 States and 7 Union Territories.

Independence
15th August 1947 (From the British Colonial Rule)

Constitution
The Constitution of India came into force on 26th January 1950.

Legal System
The Constitution of India is the fountain source of the legal system in the Country.

Executive Branch
The President of India is the Head of the State, while the Prime Minister is the Head of the Government, and runs office with the support of the Council of Ministers who form the Cabinet Ministry.

Legislative Branch
The Indian Legislature comprises of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) forming both the Houses of the Parliament.

Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court of India is the apex body of the Indian legal system, followed by other High Courts and subordinate Courts.

Flag Description
The National Flag is a horizontal tricolor of deep saffron (kesaria) at the top, white in the middle, and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. At the centre of the white band is a navy blue wheel, which is a representation of the Ashoka Chakra at Sarnath.

National Holidays
26th January (Republic Day)
15th August (Independence Day)
2nd October (Gandhi Jayanti; Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth day.

Location: Tamil Nadu
Tourist Attractions: Rock Fort Temple, Thiruvanaikkaval, Kallanai
Local Tongue: Tamil, Hindi
STD Code: (91) – 431
Best time to Visit: November to March

About Tiruchirapalli
Sri Ranganathaswamy TempleTiruchirapalli, also known as Trichy, is situated 320 Km to the south of Chennai, Tamil Nadu and is blessed with the pious river Kaveri. Estimated to be the 4th largest city in the state, this Hindu Pilgrimage center is well known for the a number of beautiful shrines, which are primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples are popular for its remarkable architectural style merged with the believability of devotees. The most popular temple is the Rock Fort, perched 80 meter upward from the surrounding plains. Other renowned temples are Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, the Jambukeshwara temple and many more. A pilgrimage to Trichy has more in store both for travellers and pilgrims. The city is also the significant commercial hub in Tamil Nadu and is famous for industries of artificial diamonds, cigars, hand loom cloth, glass bangles and wooden and clay toys.

Climate & Best time to Visit Tiruchirapalli
Tiruchirapalli experiences a Sub-tropical climate with summer temperature rising high to 40 deg Celsius. Humidity is high from March to June, whereas days from November to February are pleasant. An ideal time to make a religious Tamil Nadu trip is anytime from November to March.

Pilgrimage Attraction at Tiruchirapalli

Rock Fort Temple
Tiruchirapalli’s most attractive temple, the amazing Rock Fort Temple is one of the oldest shrine in the world. The temple is situated 272 ft above the city and is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. Interesting the temple resides on a a cropped stone of 80-meter with its lower out crop, which is believed to be the adorable house of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims need to climb a series of 437 steps, so as to reach the temple. The high end circular space offer a 360 degree panoramic view of the whole City. The temple also holds the ancient Hindu architectural style, emphasized on an old wall stone, art worked since the period of Pallavas.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is among of the largest temples in India. It is situated on the Sri Rangam town in the middle of Cauvery river of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha and is also the house of Lord Vishnu. This huge temple was set up between the 13th and 18th century and number of dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar rulers, Cheras and Hoysalas were involved in its management. The hall of 1000 pillars within the complex is its most outstanding part. A total of seven concentric walls supporting the temple is enclosed by 21 Gopurams.

Thiruvanaikkaval Jambukeshwara Temple
Devoted to Lord Shiva, this Shrine is located 6 Km from Tiruchirapalli. The temple has great significance with its special highlights on wind, water, fire, earth and space. It is also well connected to mystical 16th century legends, according to which the temple has two devotees of the creator, Shiva- A white elephant( Thiruvanaikkaval) and a spider. The temple is also popular for its construction in the form of Dravidian architecture. Covering about 18 acres, the massive temple has five huge walls and seven lofty gopurams. It is also adorned for its unique interiors and massive central courtyard.

Other Travel Attractions in Tiruchirapalli

Kallanai Dam
It is one of the oldest irrigation dams in the world which was built around 2000 years ago. It is situated 20 Km away from Trichy city and was built by King Karikala Chola in the early 2nd century. The Dam is a remarkable model for many modern day dam construction and as such the site is highly visited by Engineers and sightseers too.

Mukkombu
A picture perfect picnic spot, Mukkombu is just 18 Km from Tiruchirapalli city. The main attraction lies in its amusement park, children’s garden, boating and angling. The green surrounding with captivating scenery welcomes thousands of people in their holidays.

Stay At
Tiruchirapalli, the outstanding city of Tamil Nadu is popular for treasuring some country’s finest temples. This pilgrimage center is the most visited tourist destination in the world and as such the city boast of to have some developed hotels and resorts. Some most renowned place of recreation are Femina Hotel (3 star equivalent, situated on Williams Road just 5 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand), Royal Southern Hotel (3 star, situated on Race Course Road just 6 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand), Jenney’s Residency (3 star, situated on McDonalds Road just 6 km from airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand) and Hotel Sangam (4 star, situated on Collector’s Office Road just 7 km from airport, 1 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand). Visitors can also stay overnight in Municipal Tourist Bungalow and Railway Retiring Rooms.

Tiruchirapalli Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
By Air: The city is facilitated with both international and domestic airports. Tirchy international airport is situated just 5 Km from the main town. Both the Indian Airlines and private airlines operate regular flights, thereby connecting Tamil Nadu with the Major Indian cities, territories and the neighboring countries as well.

By Rail: Tiruchirapalli is the hub of Southern Railway operation which connects Tamil Nadu to various parts of the country. The Railway junction is well equipped with five branches heading to Madurai, Rameswaram, Coimbatore, Tanjore and Chennai.

By Road: The Trichy city of Tamilnadu has proper connecting routes to its neighboring cities as well as with major Indian states. The State transport buses and comfortable local buses ply regularly throughout the state. They depart from the two main bus stands- the Central Bus Station and Chinthamani Bus Station.

Distance of Tiruchirapalli from Major Indian Cities

* Bangalore : 337 Km
* Chennai : 316 Km
* Coimbatore : 205 Km
* Mysore : 352 Km
* Madurai : 128 Km
* Kochi : 39 Km

Category: Water Sport
Major Regions: Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Goa
Best Season: October to April

About Scuba Diving
There is a completely different, more colorful world that exists beneath the blue waters of the ocean, the discovery of which can be a rewarding and exciting experience. The shimmering blues of the sea are home to an enchanting world of sea shells, coral reefs and numerous species of exotic fish and other marine life. A good option for both professionals and amateurs, the sport can be easily learnt with a few hours of training under the guidance of a trained instructor.

As you dive down below the water, expect to come across a completely different world of exotic looking marine species, such that you may not have seen before. Numerous beach resorts set in different regions across the country offer the fun of this unmatched sport to its visitors. The Andaman & Nicobar islands, situated in the middle of the Bay of Bengal off the Indian coast is probably the best place for scuba diving with its clear waters remaining free from any disturbances and providing ideal conditions for trying a hand the fun filled sport.

Scuba Diving Regions in India
The sport of Scuba Diving can be ideally practiced at secluded places which remain more or less undisturbed by hectic human activity. This helps provide a sense of adventure to the divers. The islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep have attracted tourists and divers for their secluded charm and the rich variety of marine life found here.

Scuba Diving in Andaman & Nicobar
The tropical paradises of Andaman & Nicobar Islands are home to one of the richest coral reef systems on the planet. The islands lay in the middle of the Bay of Bengal away from the coast of India, therefore unperturbed by hectic human activity. The rich variety of colorful marine life has attracted divers from around the world and helped make the place one of the major hot spots for diving in the world. The best season for diving is from December to April.

Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep
Just like the Andaman & Nicobar, the Lakshadweep islands have a secluded charm about them, some of its areas remaining completely untouched by human activity. The coral reefs and natural formations provide ideal conditions for the divers. The Kadmat Island in a favored diving spot.

Scuba Diving in Goa
The beach capital of India, Goa houses some of the most exotic beaches on the planet. Diving here provides the twin thrill of adventure and history with ancient relics of Portuguese and Spanish vessels from the second World War lying intact on the sea bed. The water is pure and undisturbed from any human activity.

Scuba Diving at Karwar Beach
Devbagh near Karwar Beach in the south Indian state of Karnataka is a charming beach resort with over eight thrilling diving sites. Scuba diving courses run by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors provides advanced courses for beginners and amateurs.

Scuba Diving Gear
Proper and quality diving gear is required before you set out to plunge into the world of the ocean. The basic gear includes oxygen mask, snorkels and fins etc. For better visibility under water, try three or four layers of window masks or new age underwater seeing glasses. Slip on fins and strap fins should be chosen according to the requirements and water conditions.

Scuba Diving Tips

* Try to take along a partner while diving to make sure you can get immediate help in case of need.
* The divers should have good fitness levels as remaining underwater and swimming across requires a lot of energy.
* It is advisable to display a ‘diver below’ banner on top while underwater to let know other boats of your presence and avoid any accidents.
* Do not pollute the water and try to keep it as clean as possible.
* A doctor’s certificate is required for people suffering from any disease.
* Minimum age for diving in India is 12 years. However, the instructor can stop any person from entering the sport for valid reasons.
* Some islands in the Andaman & Nicobar are restricted and need special permits for foreign citizens.