Archive for September, 2007
Udaipur: A City of Lakes and Palaces
Introduction
Udaipur, historically served as the capital city of the kingdom ruled by the Mewar Rajputs, and now a district in the state of Rajasthan, in India. When the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittor, Rana Udai Singh from the Sisodia dynasty founded Udaipur as his capital. Udaipur is one of the few places in North India, which did not succumb to the Mughal rule and still has maintained its rich history of the brave Rajputs. A city basking in the glory of its past, set against the back drop of the Aravalli range, a city full of lakes and beautiful palaces, it is no doubt that Udaipur is rightly considered as one of the most romantic destinations in India.
Getting There
Udaipur experiences very hot summers and humid monsoons. Winter that is from October to March is the ideal time to visit Udaipur. The Maharana Pratap airport located 22 kilometres away from the main city is well connected to all the main cities in India. Udaipur has a railway station and which connects to all the main cities in India. The highlight of Rajasthan Railways is the beautiful Palace on Wheels. It is a luxury train offering five star facilities and takes tourists to various destinations across Rajasthan. In fact the best and the most luxurious way to visit this state of kings and experience a royal hospitality is on Palace on Wheels. Udaipur boasts of excellent highways that connect it to the major destinations in Rajasthan and Delhi. There are numerous bus and taxi services available. From tongas to luxurious cabs one cap pick any kind of transport to travel around Udaipur.
Attractions
The lakes are one of the most proud possessions of Udaipur. The lakes are not only calm and soothing but are also surrounded by magnificent structures. Most of the lakes have marble embankments on its shores, which have beautiful pavilions carved on them; most of the lakes have several islands, which house tourist attractions like palaces and temples. One of the most beautiful lakes in Udaipur is the man-made lake built by Maharana Jai Singh, the Fateh Sagar Lake. The lake owes its name to Maharana Fateh Singh who later added on to this lake. The lake houses three small islands, one of the islands has a solar observing site and the other two have been converted into parks and gardens that make a great picnic spot. The lake is set against the backdrop of the Moti Magri Hill and houses boating facilities.
Jaismand Lake another artificial lake built by Maharana Jai Singh is located approximately 47 kilometres away from Udaipur. It holds the summer palace of the queens, marble-cenotaphs and the Jaismand sanctuary on its shores. The Jaismand sanctuary is home to a huge number of birds, deer, panthers, leopards and wild boars. Rajsamand Lake, a beautiful lake built by Maharana Raj Singh and fed by River Gomti holds a beautiful marble embankment the steps, of which touches the water. The centre of the city houses the oldest lakes in Udaipur, the Pichola Lake. This lake is surrounded by temples, beautiful palaces and a hill, known as the Machhala Magra. It is this lake that houses the famous lake Palace on one of its islands. Udai Sagar Lake, a beautiful result of a dam constructed by Maharana Udai Singh for the water supply for his kingdom.
Udaipur boasts of one of the most beautiful palaces. On the banks of Lake Pichola is the City Palace, a marble and granite puzzle of rooms, pavilions, gardens, terraces and towers. The City Palace is actually an assortment of 11 different palaces, built by various rulers at various times. Each palace has its own unique name and speciality, such as Sheesh Mahal, famous for its mirror works; Bada Mahal, known for its gardens, and Dilkusha Mahal, which houses splendid paintings. The City Palace also has one of the biggest temples in Udaipur the Jagdish Temple. The Pratap Museum located inside the City Palace boasts of a huge collection of antiques, curios and sculptures. City Palace is truly an architectural wonder, with its several rooms, which are intricately decorated and filled with beautiful Mewar paintings and hanging gardens in the towers and a breath taking view of the lake. Udaipur Lake Palace constructed by Maharana Jai Singh is spread over a four-acre island in Lake Pichola. The Lake Palace now is a five star luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group of Hotels.
In close proximity to Lake Pichola is the 18th century architectural splendour, Bagore Ki Haveli built by a minister of the Mewars, Amir Chand Badwa. This haveli also served as a palace of Maharana Shakti Singh. Today, this is a museum which houses numerous Rajput paintings and things from the Rajput palaces. Set on top of the Pearl Hill or Moti Margi, as it is known as, is a memorial dedicated to the one of the most famous Rajput hero, Maharana Pratap. The highlights of this memorial are the bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on his famous horse Chetak and of course the view of Fateh Sagar Lake. Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum, located in Chetak Circle reflects the traditional folk culture of the Mewars and Rajasthan.
Located approximately 64 kilometres from Udaipur is a 15th century fort, whose fortification wall is the second longest wall in the world, the Kumbhalgarh Fort. The way to the fort cuts across forests and watch towers. The fort boasts of seven gates and approximately 358 temples and this fort is also believed to be the birth place of Maharana Pratap. The fort also has a palace known as the Badal Mahal, which has beautiful rooms. Approximately 112 kilometres away from Udaipur, set on a hill in Chittorgarh is the biggest fort in India, the Chittorgarh Fort. The fort is spread over 700 acres and is perhaps the best reminiscence of the Rajput glory. The fort has a history of being attacked since 1300s and with that is associated the legends of Rajput bravery. The fort has numerous temples and palaces; it is also famous for its underground cellars, where the Rajput women used to commit mass suicide instead of succumbing to foreign power. The Chittorgarh fort has victory towers dedicated to the Rajput kings.
Located approximately 22 kilometres from Udaipur is the Eklingji Temple, built in 734 A.D. and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main attraction of the temple is the four-faced Shiva statue made of black marble. Rajasthan is full of temples and there are many temples with beautiful architecture and a rich history in and around Udaipur. Some of them include Jagat temple, Ranakpur temple, Kankroli Temple and many more. There are two very famous gardens in Udaipur: Gulab Bagh, located on the banks of Lake Pichola and Saheliyon Ki Bari, located in the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. The Gulab Bagh as the name suggest is a garden of roses, although one can find species of orchids and other flowers too, it is mainly dominated with roses. Saheliyon Ki Bari is a beautifully landscaped garden, with fountains, kiosks, pools with lotuses and also a small museum. Udaipur, like most of the destinations in Rajasthan is a shopper’s paradise, the most popular shopping areas are Palace Road, Bada Bazaar and Chetak Circle.
The Stay
A number of palaces in Udaipur have been converted in Heritage hotels and five star hotels, some of them include Laxmi Vilas Palace, Hotel Devigarh Udaipur, Hotel Lake Pichola Udaipur, Fateh Prakash Palace, Hotel Udai Vilas and the Lake Palace. The stay in these luxurious hotels can cost anywhere between Rs 10,000 to Rs176000 per night. There are a number of three star hotels, such as Hotel Heritage Resorts, and Hotel Hilltop Palace Udaipur. The stay in these hotels will cost approximately Rs 4500 to Rs 5000 per night. Being such a popular destination, Udaipur has a number of budget hotels and guest houses, such as Lal Ghat Guest House, Travelers Rest House Hotel Paras Mahal, Hotel Caravan Serai and Dak Bunglow. Udaipur is a royal city, serving cuisine that’s has been relished by the Rajput royals. The authentic Udaipur cuisine is mostly vegetarian. However, there are many restaurants serving Chinese, Thai, Italian, Continental and other cuisines. For authentic Rajasthani food, try out Gangaur Restaurant in Chetak circle or Ambrai near Lake Pichola.
Udaipur, a city of kings and palaces, with tranquil lakes and vibrant people. Forts glorify the Rajput past and each temple has a long history. A city with splendid havelis and museums. A city that reflects its cultural heritage and also has the best luxurious hotels in India. Words fail to describe the wonders of this historic city aptly. One has to visit Udaipur to understand how unique this small corner in Rajasthan is.
Bangalore: More than just the IT hub
Introduction
Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka, India. Though the name has been changed to Bengaluru on the 1st of November 2006, people living in Bangalore or even India for that matter still prefer calling it by its original name. Looking back in time, history states that actual settlement in Bangalore only began in the year 1537. It was in this year that Kempe Gowda built a magnificent mud fort within the city and made it or rather called it a province of the Vijayanagara Empire. Soon the Bangalore cantonment was built which aided in the movement of a huge number of immigrants from various parts of India, including Chennai, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and some places in North India. For almost 300 years after that Bangalore was still under the province of Mysore. It was only in the year 1831, that the British took control of the Mysore Kingdom from the then ruler King Krishna Raja Wodeyar the third and moved the administrative capital to Bangalore, mainly influenced by the mild climate the city used to once enjoy owning to the fact it is located on the Deccan Plateau which is over 3000 feet above sea level. Bangalore is also referred to as the Silicon City of India. It was due to the successful establishment of software firms after the liberalization of India’s economy which led to the growth of IT industry. Bangalore accounts for nearly 35% of India’s software exports. Bangalore is at the moment Asia’s fastest growing cosmopolitan city emerging to international highlight. There is no reason to wonder why it is listed as the best places to do business in the world as surveyed by CNN-Time Warner.
Getting There
Bangalore is accessible by Bus, plane, train, and even private vehicles. With the International airport reaching completion by the end of 2008, it will be easier to convey in and out of the city. The government has been investing a lot of time and money in making Bangalore a better place to commute by building many fly over’s, broader roads, and also bringing in the metro project. This is going to be one metro to watch out for. The Bangalore’s main airport is well connected to most of the Indian cities in India and also caters to some international flights. Bangalore has three main railways stations, however it is the main city railway station that connects to almost all the main destinations in India. Bangalore offers a number of bus services to most destinations in South India. It also offers bus services to Mumbai and Goa. One can either use private taxis or auto rickshaws to get around the city. The options of buses are also available but these buses can be very crowded.
Attractions
Bangalore is blessed with a very good climate, with the highest topping 38 degrees Celsius and the lowest being 14 degree Celsius, with very less humidity. It also has many beautiful gardens and parks, natural and manmade lakes, architectural landmarks, hi-fi shopping malls, swanky bars and restaurants, some of the best clubs, and excellent business opportunities for all. Bangalore is an ideal place for one and all with so many things to do and keep you busy with. Music, dance and concerts western and classical, carnivals, dramas, exhibitions, conferences, discos, international plays etc.
Bangalore is also home to many historical landmarks. The Bangalore fort was built by Kempe Gowda. The majestic fort was later renovated by the then ruler Tipu Sultan, inside of which is the old and well preserved Ganapathi temple which is over 400 years old. The fort is famous for its wooden carvings and beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings. It is open for the public at the cost of a nominal fee, which is defiantly worth it. The Lal Bagh was built by Hyder Ali. This is a beautifully and well planned botanical garden with over a 1000 different species of flora. It is built around a sloped hill on a massive 2400 acre land. It also includes a beautiful lake with boating facilities. The glass house at the Lal Bagh hosts its annual fruit and flower shows every year which is a treat for the senses.
Similarly the Cubbon Park is also another botanical garden built in the year 1864. What makes this park more special is the number of government buildings including the High court, Government museum, The Bangalore Aquarium and the public library. Today the Cubbon Park is a jogger’s park where many people young and old come here for a jog or a walk in the mornings and evenings alike. There are many temples in Bangalore known for its beauty, age, and other mythical beliefs but it is the famous Iskon temple that takes all the attention. The Iskon temple is a famous landmark not just in Bangalore but around the world which attracts pilgrims and believers from across the globe. Located on Chord road, this temple is located on a small mountain but can be seen from miles away. Definitely worth a visit for its architectural glory.
Lakes also add to the beauty of Bangalore showing you a divine contrast between the natural beauty and an emerging city. The Ulsoor Lake is one such lake that stands out in the category. A beautiful serene lake with its many islands and shady trees make s it an ideal weekend getaway. It also has boating facilities and a swimming pool to beat the heat especially in the summers. The Vidhan Soudha is a historical landmark, with its splendid Dravidian architecture, the Vidhan Soudha is by far the most important government building in Bangalore. It is home to the state legislature and secretariat. The huge sandal wood door adds value and class to this building. It was recently renovated and an extension of the same building was also built which is also called its twin. The building is open for the public after 3 PM.
The Stay
Most star hotel groups have their respective chain of hotels in Bangalore, such as the Grand Ashok Hotel, Leela Palace Kempinski, Taj West End and Le Meridien. There are a number of good choices available for budget accommodation too, such as Shree Vaishnav Gujarati Samaj and Hotel Vrindavan. Most of the budget hotels are located in the Majestic area of the city. However there are a few mid range hotels available in and around MG road. One would find a watering hole or a pub in almost every corner of the city. There are pubs and bars in most of the starred hotels in Bangalore, such as the Blue Bar, Geoffrey’s, Dublin and I-Bar. There are pubs in the shopping malls, such as the Firangi Paani in the Forum and Hint in the Central. Apart from that there are numerous pubs in Brigade and MG road, such as Purple Haze, Styx, Spinn, Guzzlers, 13th Floor and many more. Bangalore has number of restaurants and cafes serving all types of cuisines, such as Thai, Korean, Chinese, Punjabi, Bengali, Andhra, Kerala, Tamil, Continental, Italian, Mexican, Persian and many more. It has strings of Udupi restaurants serving authentic south Indian food.
There are many places you can visit in Bangalore. The fantasy parks, botanical gardens, research institutes, Shopping malls, Pubs and Discos, Lakes and historic forts. It sometimes makes you wonder if there ever is an end. Bangalore is no more just a city of pensioners or now that people wonder a city full of software professionals. There is more to the city than just the IT offices. Come and experience the truly cosmopolitan city.
Bodhgaya: The Epicentre of Buddhism
Introduction
A pilgrimage, a historic city, home to one of the world heritage sites, these are the words that perhaps aptly describe this small but unique city, which lies on the banks of the Niranjana River, Bodhgaya. The history of Bodhimanda as it was earlier known as dates back to 500 BC. It is in this small corner of the Gaya district in Bihar that Buddha attained enlightenment. This is the reason why Bodhgaya is considered as one of the most sacred places for Buddhists all over the world. The name Bodhgaya itself is derived from the Bodhi-tree, under which Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment. Buddhists from all over the world have built temples and monasteries all over Bodhgaya and this sacred place attracts Buddhist pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
Getting There
The nearest railway station is located 16 kilometres away in Gaya. Gaya is well connected to most of the cities in India by train. There is a road that connects Gaya and Bodhgaya. The capital city of Bihar, Patna is approximately 100 kilometres away from Gaya and the nearest major airport to reach Bodhgaya is in Patna. The airport in Patna is well connected to the metro and other major cities in India. The transportation within Bodhgaya is reasonable and the best options would be the auto rickshaws or even the traditional tongas.
Attractions
The main attraction in Bodhgaya is the Mahabodhi Temple, which has been declared as a world heritage site. It is believed that the temple was initially constructed around 3rd century and Asoka, the Mauryan Emperor is believed to be the founder of this temple. The present Mahabodhi temple complex is made entirely out of bricks and dates back to the late Gupta era. It is also believed that at the exact place where Buddha attained enlightenment, Asoka built a diamond studded throne, known as the Vajrasana. Archaeologists have found gold coins and other precious stones under the throne, and some of these precious offerings date back to 3rd century. With the invasion of the Muslim rulers, the glory of Mahabodhi temple declined. It was destroyed to a great extend and left unattended. It was during the British rule in India that the work on the restoration of the temple was started. The credit for this, however goes to a great extend to Anagarika Dharmapala, a Sri Lanka-based Buddhist leader. After the Indian independence the management of the temple was handed over to the government of Bihar. This is when a committee for the management of the Mahabodhi temple was formed.
The Mahabodhi temple has one main tower that is in the centre and that rises up to approximately 54 metres. This tower in the centre is surrounded on four corners by similar type of smaller towers. A railing made of granite and sandstones surrounds the temple. The railings have a mix of scenes from the Hindu society of the medieval age, stupas and flowers carved on them. Another very important aspect of the temple is the Bodhi tree. The tree in the Mahabodhi temple is a sapling of the famous and sacred Shri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka. It is believed that Shri Maha Bodhi tree is a sapling of the same Bodhi tree, under which Buddha attained his enlightenment. It is believed that it was Asoka, who initially started worshipping the tree and protected it. The tree also finds its mention in Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller’s books. Hiuen Tsang describes as to how the tree was destroyed and a new sapling was planted in around 600 AD. This large pipal tree, with its heart shaped leaves is located in the west sided of the temple. There is a huge tank towards the south end of the main temple, which houses a number of water lilies. There are also a number of shrines in the temple area.
Apart from the Mahabodhi temple there are several monasteries and temples constructed by the Buddhist communities of different countries, such as Bhutan, China, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and many more. All these temples are unique in terms of their architecture and design. The Buddhists from different countries have instilled designs, decorations and architecture that belong to their country, which reflect the culture and architectural style of their respective countries. Some of the interesting temples include the Burmese temple, which resemble an ancient capital city in Burma known as Pagan. The Burmese temple is known as Royal Bhutanese Temple and it also has facilities for accommodation, if one is looking at staying in Bodhgaya for a long time. Japan has a typical Japanese pagoda-shaped temple, known as Nippon Ji. The Thai temple is another example of beautiful architecture. The Tibetan temples house many Tibetan monks and they have very marvellous Buddhist paintings in the hallways and walls.
One would also be amazed at the various forms of Buddhist statues one can see in Bodhgaya. One of the earliest statues of Buddha was found in Bodhgaya, these statues date back to the Gupta era. Each of the temples in Bodhgaya has very unique sculptures and statues of Buddha in their respective shrines. No two statues are similar, however the ancient statues are the ones that attract the attention. In the outskirts there is an 80-foot tall statue of Buddha built by the Japanese. The statue inside the Mahabodhi temple stands at 52 metres. The Thai temple houses a bronze statue of Buddha. The statue in the Chinese temple was especially brought from China and is approximately 200 years old. There is also an archaeological museum, which has a great collection of antiques and sculptures.
Bodhgaya has a lot of tourist attractions around it. There are buses available at regular intervals from Bodhgaya to Rajgir, which is another sacred place for the Buddhists. Approximately 15 kilometres away from Rajgir is the world’s oldest university, the Nalanda University, which was established in 4500CE. The University is in ruins but the museum is open. Approximately 62 kilometres from Bodhgaya are the caves from 3rd century. These are man-made caves and the carvings inside the caves reflect Mauryan period. Approximately 20 kilometres off Gaya, in Deo is the famous sun temple of Bihar. This temple is a must visit during November when the Sun God is worshipped in the Chhat festival. There are also other attractions, such as the Lord Vishnu temple, which is a very big pilgrimage for the Hindus and Pretshila hills, which over looks a pond where people perform the religious, funeral rites. It is Bodhgaya that one would good Buddhist artifacts and souvenirs at a reasonable price.
The Stay
There are many simple and clean budget hotels, such as Buddha Vihar or Siddhartha Vihar available in the Bihar tourist complex in Bodhgaya. There are also dormitories and rooms with basic accommodation facilities available in the monasteries. Bhutan Monastery also has single and family rooms. These rooms are very simple and basic but are clean. These monasteries do not charge rent but they can accept donations. Royal Residency located in Domuhan Road offers a comfortable stay but at a slightly higher price than other hotels in the area. There are a number of restaurants in Bodhgaya serving anything from traditional Bihari preparation to Continental cuisine. Royal Residency has its own multi cuisine restaurant. With the number of Tibetan’s in the area, it is not a surprise that a lot of restaurants serve Tibetan dishes, such as momos. There are these small cafes and restaurants that serve descent food, such as Café Om and Paljor.
Many Buddhist also believe Bodhgaya to be the centre of Buddhism. It was here that Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became Gautam Buddha. Although Buddhism is the main focus in Bodhgaya, but with its many other attractions, this small corner in Bihar has become more than just a pilgrimage.
Munnar: The hills far away.
Introduction (A Glance)
Munnar is a small little town located towards the southern part of Kerala in South India. It is basically a chain of beautiful hills and mountains situated at an altitude of 6000 to 9000 feet above sea level. This by itself would give you a fair idea about how cold and popular this place could be with regards to tourism. The name Munnar meaning ‘Three rivers’ is derived from the two common languages spoken in the area, Malayalam and Tamil. As a matter of fact there are three rivers called, Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru which flow through the town and join a few kilometres away from the town. Like the many other famous hill stations in India, Munnar too was the one of the most preferred summer retreat for the British government in south India. The beauty of this place is so captivating that it has inspired many a mind including poets, artists, film makers, and even honeymooners young and old. The sprawling tea gardens reaching out to the horizon, the deep winding lanes, the picture perfect landscapes and sceneries make this a place ideal for everyone who is looking for a destination to lay back and let time pass.
The history of Munnar is quite interesting if u look at it. The place originally was developed mainly to cultivate tea by the British who then ruled India. Many people from the surrounding localities were solely employed to cultivate tea mostly comprising of Malayalis and Tamilians. Between the late 1890’s and 1921 the tea cultivated here was of high export quality and was shipped across the world. Soon there were plantations for coffee too. Munnar is almost entirely occupied and owned by the Tata Group of companies. The entire landscape owned is called the high range, also known as the Kanan Devan Hills from which the company named its famous tea brand. In April 2005, the Tata group divested its holdings on the tea plantations area soon after which the employees who worked there purchased most of the land and are still running the business under the mighty Kanan Devan brand name
How to Reach (Getting There)
Munnar is located at a distance of about 140 kilometres from Kochi that is
approximately a 5 hour drive mainly because of the ghat sections and the narrow slippery winding roads though the NH 49 a very smooth road free of pot holes making the drive a real pleasure. The drive is very scenic due the natural forests and beautiful waterfalls alongside. Once you reach Adimali, a small town, Munnar is only 30 kilometres away from here. The panoramic views are simply mind blowing with magnificent tea plantations in every direction, the mist just rising up in the early mornings and the mild rays of the sun adding to the beauty and love Mother Nature has bestowed this place with. One can also reach Munnar by hitting the Mudurai, Pollachi or the Kodai mail road. The drive through the ghat sections is about 2 hours long making every minute a memory that would last.
Tourist Destinations (Attractions)
This beautiful place is also home to the highest peak in south India- Anamudi which stands at a majestic height of 2698 meters tall. The mountain is also a top favourite among trekkers just for the natural beauty and the pleasure it offers. Apart from the diverse fauna and flora Munnar has to offer in the grasslands and forests, there is one particular flower which blossoms only once every 12 years. The Neelakurinji, an exotic blue flower that grown in the natural surroundings. The last time it bloomed was in the year 2006, so the next time one would get to see it will only be in the year 2018. Definitely a sight you cannot afford to miss.
Lately due to the extreme commercialization most of the native fauna and flora of Munnar have disappeared. The extreme plantation is also one the main reasons that has contributed to this tragedy. However, the government has been taking appropriate action by maintaining protected parks like the new Kurinjimala sanctuary in the east, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Manjampatti Valley, and the Indira Gandhi wildlife sanctuary in the north east, Eravikulam national park and Anamudi shola national park to the north, PampadumShola national park in the south and the newly proposed Palani hills national park again in the east where most of the exotic species of plant as well as animal life can survive. These protected areas are home to the Nilgiri Thar, Nilgiri wood pigeon, The Indian Elephant, Guar, Sambar, Grizzled Giant squirrel and also the rare flower, Neelakurinji.
Munnar is an ideal treat for everyone, be it young couples, family, friends, students, or just plain nature lovers. It definitely has a fair share of beauty and joy for just about everyone. Mattupetty for example is a beautiful picnic spot with a beautiful view of the lush green tea gardens and a crystal clear lake on the background to crown its beauty. It is situated at an elevated height of about 1700 meters above sea level making this picnic spot more than just beautiful as it is covered with mist and dew most of the time. This place is also famous for the Indo Swiss Live Stock Project, which is a specialized dairy farm. One should definitely pay the farm a visit to know how the process of dairy farming works, which is a very interesting process.
A little away from Mattupetty is Rajamala which is home for the Nilgiri Thar, a rare breed of mountain got which is fast becoming extinct. It is surprising to know that half the world population of the Nilgiri Thar is found only on Munnar.
Echo Point in Munnar is fast gaining attention for the phenomena it creates by resonating sound across the mountains and plains which is so melodious almost sounding in unison with nature. One feels free after liberating all the energy through the lungs and finding it echo as if u were the only one around. Truly a great experience.
Hotels and Resorts (The Stay)
It was only towards the end of the year 2000 that Munnar was finally declared as a tourist destination by the government of Kerala. Since then many residents are being employed by hotels and resorts for the tourism business. This has in turn helped in attracting more and more tourists not just from India but from around the world to this beautiful hill resort. There still are many protected wildlife sanctuaries around the vicinity which contribute to the popularity of the place among tourists. The British who was in charge lived in huge colonial bungalows. Today most of the Victorian styled bungalows have been converted into resorts and hotels for the tourists who frequent the little paradise. There are luxurious accommodation options, such as the Hotel Club Mahindra Lakeview, Fort Munnar and the Tea Country Hill Resort. There are many hill resorts in and around Munnar, such as the Blackberry Hills resort, Tall Trees Resort, Ranger Woods Hill Resort. The stay in these resorts can cost anywhere between Rs 2500 to 8500 per night, depending upon the choice of resort and room. Munnar has a number of budget hotels and small resorts, such as the Springdale and stay in these small resorts will cost approximately Rs 500 to 1500. Most of the accommodation choices in Munnar come with the food package. It is best to opt for a hotel or resort that has a package that includes breakfast and dinner.
Kerala, which is also commonly referred to as Gods own country has been voted as one of the top must see destination in a life time by the National Geographic Travellers comity. And also as one of the top 10 paradises of the world, which is a great honour. Munnar, which is a part of Kerala is one of the most beautiful and popular spots to be visited. The tranquillity, environment and the scenery makes this place an ideal retreat to anyone who wants to take a break off from the hectic life in the city. The deep gorgeous valleys, mountain streams, dense forests, vast beautiful tea gardens, wildlife and the flora makes Munnar one of the most sought after hill stations in India. So, pack your bags and get prepared to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.
Gulmarg: Paradise on Earth.
Introduction (A Glance)
Gulmarg is a beautiful hill station located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Just as its name suggests it is undoubtedly a flower strewn meadow. The town is about 3.6 kilometres’ long and about 1 kilometre wide. It is covered mostly with green grassy slopes with a few cottages scattered around the area. Its divine beauty and its location close to Srinagar has captivated many a mind and makes it one of the best and preferred hill stations in India. Gulmarg is primarily known for its natural beauty and also as a summer retreat for many emperors who once ruled India in the past and also the British. Gulmarg was originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by the locals and the shepherds. It was later sometime in the 16th century when it was renamed to Gulmarg by the then ruler Sultan Yusuf Shah who was touched and inspired by the beautiful grassy slopes and wild flowers that adorned the place.
The town of Gulmarg had witnessed heavy militancy in the 90’s, but after the peace treaty between India and Pakistan in 2003, the town has been experiencing a peaceful and quiet time. Gulmarg is nestled between the great Himalayas close to the line of control also called the LOC. It is located about 56 Kilometres from Srinagar the capital of Jammu Kashmir. The journey to Gulmarg is only half the fun. On reaching there you will find yourself amidst beautiful landscapes, endless expanses of green rice fields with picturesque villages which is just the treat your eyes always craved for. Depending upon the season nature’s colour plays its role. It could be a translucent green during spring, rich emerald in the summers, and a golden hue in the autumns.
How to Reach (Getting There)
The best way to get to Gulmarg is by taking a flight to Srinagar and hiring either a bus or a taxi from there. There are regular daily flights by the Indian airlines and Jet Airways operating from Mumbai, Delhi and Jammu. Once in Srinagar, tourists can either use the Srinagar road transport cooperation (SRTC) which has frequent bus service to Gulmarg and also to a town called Tangmarg which is about 11 Kilometres from Gulmarg. The remaining distance can be covered by either hiring a taxi or a local jeep. You also have taxis from Srinagar that will take you to Gulmarg. On the way from Tangmarg to Gulmarg, at one point also commonly called as the View point you can stop for a few minutes to watch the spectacle of snow covered mountains peaks of the Himalayan range surrounded by gorgeous deep valleys.
Tourist Destinations (Attractions)
This beautiful town is at its best all year round, but it is at its mighty splendour only in the winters which is normally between November and February. Gulmarg is not just another mountain resort, it is supposed to be the highest golf course resort in the world of exceptional beauty. Situated at an altitude of 2680 meters above sea level, it just happens to also be the country’s prime and the only ski resort in the winter. The mystic beauty of the place is such that it has inspired many kings and emperors who have ruled India in the past. It is also said that Gulmarg was a favourite destination of Emperor Jahangir who once collected 21 different varieties of wild flowers from the beautiful grass lands.
This is the perfect place for one to have a relaxing holiday and get the chance to set pace with nature and laze around. You can go on long walks or treks, play a game of golf, take a pony ride all along the length and breadth of Gulmarg, through the summers. In winters, one can enjoy skiing since the snow covered slopes of Afarwat Hills and the Himalayan chain offers one of the highest and longest ski slopes in Asia. The distance covered by the ski lift is a whooping five kilometres, and the ski resort peaks to an altitude of 12300 feet or 3750 meters accessed only by a telecabine or also commonly called as an aerial gondola. The ski project was inaugurated only recently by the chief minister of Kashmir on the eve of Christmas 2004. The famed ski resort attracts skiers from all around the world; therefore security is the biggest concern. The hill is guarded by the Indian army all the time without bothering the tourists. For additional safety and security everyone excepting the hotel employees and guests are required to leave Gulmarg before sunset. This is one reason why this little village does not have any permanent residents.
Apart from skiing, Gulmarg is most famous for its golf course. The Gulmarg golf club is been in existence for over hundred years. One can imagine the kind of records the club may hold for this long. Normally you would only have permanent members visiting the club, but the club also accommodates temporary members with the payment of a daily fee to play all 18 holes on a beautiful course which is well maintained by the State tourism department to meet industry standards and quality making it one of the best courses in Asia. However, only a limited supply of golfing gear is available for hire.
Sledging and horse riding are other activities tourists can involve themselves with. Horse riding is considered one of the best activities since one can watch all the best spots in Gulmarg on a horse back which is definitely a beautiful experience. Sledging is nothing but sitting atop of a wooden board and slide with it down hill making it a thrilling experience. Sledge pullers are always available with their sledges on hire, who would pull you up hill with their sledges and let you slide down the snow covered slopes. Sledging is also commonly called Tobogganing by the locals and since the game requires no skill, all you need is the plank of wood. You can also hire snow scooters or play snow bobbing which again requires no skill.
One of the places you should definitely visit is the Alpather Lake, which is frozen all through the year. The silent icy blue depths surrounded by misty peaks of the Himalayas makes is an ideal treat for the eyes. You can also go on a picnic with your loved one to Ningal nallah and Lienmarg which are both 10 kilometres from Gulmarg. The best way to reach these places is on a horse back making the journey fun and adventurous. The other place you can visit is Tosa Maidan which is a 3 day trek from the village which can again be covered on a horse back.
Hotels and Resorts (The Stay)
Gulmarg has approximately about 40 hotels and restaurants serving guests all year round. The season starts with the beginning of the snowfall towards the end of November and lasts until the beginning of May. But it is a preferred holiday retreat all year round. The charges per night during the off season ranges anywhere between Rs 400/- to Rs 4000/-; the off season rates normally enjoy a discounted price of almost 60% of the actual. Apart from this the Jammu Kashmir tourism department has one, two, three and four bed roomed huts for travellers and tourists alike. The huts are very cozy and inviting with the wooden interiors and sloping roofs giving one the feeling of living with nature. These huts are normally fully furnished with an attached bath and kitchen where you can even hire a gas cylinder for some personal cooking from the tourism office.
So, if you are planning on making a trip to Gulmarg, make sure you are carrying all your travel gear including warm woolly outfits to suit the cold chilly weather. Gulmarg is a place on its own with so much of beauty yet to be unravelled that it has also been mooted to be a possible site for the 2010 Commonwealth Winter games.
Shillong: The Scottish Highlands of the Northeast.
Introduction (A Glance)
In the year 1972, the north eastern state of India, Assam was divided into two. This division lead to the creation of a new state, Meghalaya with Shillong as its state capital. Meghalaya consists of the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills, each of these hills named after the respective tribes that inhabit them. There have been many theories regarding the origination of the name Shillong, one of them is that the name Shillong comes from the word Leishyllong, which translates to the supreme power. Shillong evolved from a small village to a summer retreat during the colonial rule, and then it was the capital of Assam till 1972, and now the capital of Meghalaya. The plateau of Shillong is situated at an altitude of approximately 4900 feet and has the hills of Assam and Diengiei that bound it from northeast and northwest, respectively. The Umiam gorge is towards the north of Shillong.
Shillong’s landscape and climate is often compared with that of the highlands in Scotland. It experiences one of the heaviest rainfalls in India. Although the place is so picturesque, Shillong has never been the most popular or most visited tourist destination. That is the reason why it is comparatively less commercialized compared to the other hill stations in India. That is not the only difference between Shillong and other popular hill stations, unlike the other hill station; the influence of the British rule is not prominent here. The hills and places still maintain the original ethnic and tribal culture.
The dominant tribe in Shillong are the Khasis, with a strong majority of Jaintias and Garos. There is of course a population of Nepali, Assamese, Bengali, Bihari and Tibetan population in Shillong. Christianity is the dominant religion in Shillong, with a minority of Hindus and Muslims. Before the missionaries came to Shillong, the people worshiped nature, which is still followed by a minority section. The interesting thing is that even people belonging to other religion still follow and maintain the original religious beliefs and culture of this north-eastern part of India. A very unique aspect of Meghalaya is the fact that the three tribes: the Khasis, the Garos and the Jaintias are matriarchal societies. The children carry the mother’s surname and property is owned by the girl child. Shillong celebrates the normal Indian festivals, as well has its own share of unique festivals, such as Wangala, Shad Suk Mynsiem and Lahoo dance.
How to Reach (Getting There)
About 40 kilometres from Shillong is the Umroi airport. However, the main airport and railway station is located approximately 100 kilometres away in Guwahati in Assam. Buses and taxi services are easily available from Guwahati to Shillong. The journey from Guwahati to Shillong cuts across the pineapple plantations and through the alpine tress and takes approximately 3 hours. The climate of Shillong is characterized by heavy rainfall during the monsoon and humid in summer. The winters in Shillong are cold, although it does not snow. Right after the cold winters, that is from March to beginning of May or after the monsoon that is from October to November is the best time to visit Shillong.
Tourist Destinations (Attractions)
Shillong and its nearby areas are filled with lakes, parks and waterfalls. There is the man-made lake in the centre of the city, known as Ward’s lake. This lake has a beautiful garden around it and houses boating facilities. Approximately 17 kilometres off Shillong is the Umiam Lake. This lake houses a resort and water sport facilities, such as kayaking, water cycling, water skiing and many more. Approximately eight kilometres away from Shillong is the very steep Sweet Falls. The Elephant Falls is located approximately 12 kilometres from the main city and is perhaps the most scenic waterfall in Meghalaya. This waterfall also has a small path that leads to a lake that is formed at the bottom of the waterfall. Spread Eagle falls literally resembles an eagle with its wings wide spread. Bishop and Beadon Falls are equally scenic. Within the main city is the beautiful is the Crinoline Falls, which also houses a swimming pool.
The botanical garden and the Lady Hydari Park are both located within the city limits and offer a huge variety of rare and exotic species of flora. There is also a mini zoo and a deer part adjacent to the Lady Hydari Park. Both the parks have a descent collection of orchids too. Glen Eagle of the East is a huge 18-hole, natural golf course situated in close proximity to the botanical garden. Shillong houses two museums: the State Museum and the Butterfly Museum. The State Museum mostly houses artifacts from the tribes of Meghalaya and other north-eastern states. The Butterfly Museum houses a good collection of butterflies and moths.
The highest point in Shillong is located approximately 5 kilometres from the main city and is at an altitude of approximately 6,400 feet. It’s called the Shillong Peak and is accessible via road. It is usually very misty, but offers a panoramic view of the city especially at night. The Shillong peak also houses the radar station for the Indian Airforce. Near to the Umiam steam is the Diengiei hill. The path to this hill offers picturesque sights and is excellent for trekking. Being a Christian dominated place, Shillong has its share of beautiful churches; the most popular among them being the All Saints Church and the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, both these churches are very attractive in their own way. Meghalaya also has a number of caves in and around its hills that are mostly hidden from the tourist eyes. Most of these caves, such as krem mawmluh and krem phyllut have stream and river passages. Krem dam is a huge sandstone cave and a stream passage makes it very picturesque. Shillong is an excellent place to purchase woollen garments and handicrafts, especially the ones made with bamboo. One can also find a range of meat and bamboo shoot pickles. Shillong is best explored by foot. However, buses and taxis are readily available.
Hotels and Resorts (The Stay)
There main centre of the city is the Police Bazaar and there are number hotels in and around this place. The good budget hotels include Elgin and Embassy. Royal Heritage Tripura Castle located in the Tripura Castle Road offers all the modern amenities in serene environment. The rooms here cost anywhere between Rs 2000 to Rs 4000. The luxury hotels include Alpine Continental and Hotel Pinewood. There are a number of restaurants in Shillong serving, Indian, Chinese and Tibetan cuisine. The food in north-eastern states differs greatly from the rest of India. The native recipes usually involve boiled food and contain very less spices; the food can have a pungent taste of local herbs. Unlike most Indian cities, pork and beef are the more popular meat in Shillong and are easily available here. To get the true essence of the native cuisine, one can venture into the small local shops and the good ones are located near the Police Bazaar. In Shillong, you will never run short of places to drink, there are number of good restaurants and bars, some serving local beers made of rice.
The eight north-eastern states of India are perhaps the least visited places in India. These states are very different from the rest of India in terms of culture, people and food habits. Shillong is one of the many hidden splendours of northeast India. The people are very hospitable and the city is very rapidly growing. It’s not very commercialized as most hill stations and there are virgin woods and meadows to explore here. One would be amazed at the offering of this capital city in the north east.
Darjeeling: The Himalayan Paradise
Introduction (A Glance)
Nestled in the picturesque lower Himalayan range is one of the oldest hill stations of India, Darjeeling. This beautiful hill station in West Bengal owes its name to the Tibetan word, Dorjeling, which literally translates to, a land of thunderbolts. Darjeeling in the early 19th century was a cluster of villages ruled by the Nepalese and Sikkimese kings. It was the British East India Company that decided to convert this remote settlement into a summer retreat for the British in India. The East India Company in the year 1835 leased Darjeeling from the Sikkimese king and Lord Napier was one of the founders of this hill station.
Although, the majority of the population in Darjeeling are Nepali, there are many other ethnic groups, such as Lepchas, Sherpas, Tibetan, Bengalis, Bhutias, Biharis and Marwaris. The influence of all these cultures is evident in the number of festivals celebrated across Darjeeling. Apart from the diverse range of festivals celebrated, Darjeeling hill council organizes a ten day cultural carnival. This carnival basically focuses on the cultural music and dance, and magnificent visuals from all over Darjeeling are displayed here.
Darjeeling is probably best known as a producer of one of the finest tea in the world. It was the British who started experimenting with tea plantations and they realized that Darjeeling was very well suited for tea plantations. Another proud possession of Darjeeling is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the toy train. This narrow-gauge railway stretches for approximately 80 kilometres from Siliguri to Darjeeling. The journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling approximately takes 3 hours but in this steam engine powered railway, the journey might take you close to 10 hours. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is now declared as a world heritage site cuts across the beautiful hills and tea gardens and climbs to an elevation of approximately 7000 feet.
How to Reach (Getting There)
Darjeeling is beautiful during the spring and summer with the maximum temperature being 24 degree Celsius and the hills are covered with rhododendrons. The monsoons start from July till September and are characterized by heavy rains and landslides. Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station. Both these places are approximately 90-94 kilometres away from Darjeeling. Buses and cars are easily available from both these places, or the option of toy train is also available. Darjeeling is connected by road to Siliguri, Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan.
Tourist Destinations (Attractions)
The district of Darjeeling is spread over approximately 1,200 square miles with the main town of Darjeeling as the district capital. The description of Darjeeling is never complete if one does not mention Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak. The view of the snow capped mountains from anywhere in Darjeeling is spectacular, but its view at sunrise from one of the highest peaks in Darjeeling, the Tiger Hill is incomparable. Tiger Hill is approximately 8 kilometres away from the main town and transport can easily be arranged. After the magnificent sunrise, on the way back to the main town you could stop at the beautiful Buddhist monasteries on the way. Darjeeling has a very strong Buddhist influence, resulting in numerous monasteries across the entire district.
Darjeeling has a very colonial feel about it. Some of the buildings and structures have been preserved and still have the British architecture. The best way to explore the main town is by foot. Like any other hill station in India, the heart of the town is a mall area. In Darjeeling this mall area is known as chowrastha, a huge open circle surrounded by small shops, cafes and curio shops. The chowrastha is overlooked by an observatory hill, which is home to one of the oldest temples in Darjeeling, the Mahakal temple. One can either sit in one of the cafes in chowrastha for hours together or take a stroll on the road that circles the observatory hill. This road offers one of the most spectacular views in Darjeeling. In close proximity to the chowrastha is the zoological park of Darjeeling, which houses Siberian tigers, Tibetan wolves and snow leopards. One can either take a walk to the zoo from chowrastha or hire a taxi.
Darjeeling was home to the famous conqueror of Everest, Tenzing Sherpa. Continuing the legacy is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling. The HMI, as it is known as, is the main centre for all the mountaineering aspirants across India. There is also a natural rock, very near to the HMI, where one can get a few tips and get an experience of rock climbing. Darjeeling has a numbers of parks and gardens. The most famous among these are the rock garden and the botanical garden. The rock garden is approximately 12 kilometres from the main town and is a picturesque garden, landscaped surrounding a stream that cuts across the hills. Situated 2 kilometres away from the rock garden is the Ganga Maya Park, which has a small man-made lake with boating facilities. The botanical garden is spread over 40-acres and is surrounded by firs, conifers, alpine tress, cherry, maples, willows, chestnut trees and lots of Himalayan evergreens. Its houses numerous species of orchids and species of flora have been brought here from all over the world to create a spectacular picture.
Darjeeling is also a paradise for adventure sports. It offers one of the most spectacular trekking routes in India, the trek to the adjoining hills with the breath-taking views in the Singalila ridge. If not a trek one can opt for mountain biking in this area. The two magnificent Himalayan rivers, the Teesta and the Rangeet River flow through the low lying regions of the district. It is because of these two rivers that white water rafting has become so popular in Darjeeling. For the laid back tourists, Darjeeling offers the perfect ride, the ropeway. The ropeway spans from Darjeeling to Rangeet valley and hangs over acres of happy valley tea estate.
Hotels and Resorts (The Stay)
Tourism is one of the main industries in Darjeeling. Thus there are number of accommodation choices for every budget. The Windamere is a heritage hotel and is situated in chowrastha. Apart from that there are many star hotels, such as Mayfair Hill resorts, the Sterling Resorts, Cedar Inn, Sinclairs and New Elgin, the stay in these hotels will cost anywhere between Rs 1000 to 4500 per day. There are a number of budget hotels too catering too all kinds of budget, starting from Rs 300 per day. The diverse culture is reflected in the food served in the restaurants too, the most popular dish being the Tibetan dumplings or momos. There are many restaurants in Darjeeling, which still have that colonial charm, such as Cevenders, serving continental food; Glenary’s, which houses a bakery, a British-styled pub and a multi-cuisine restaurant, and many other restaurants, which offer Indian, Chinese, Nepali, Tibetan, continental and fast food. Apart from food and tea, Darjeeling also offers tongba, a local alcoholic drink that is unique to the Himalayan regions. Darjeeling does not have a great night life but has some nice pubs, a multiplex and shopping malls.
The best time to visit Darjeeling is from September to November, with festivals and carnivals taking place. The winters in Darjeeling are characterized by occasional snowfalls and the snow coverts Darjeeling into a picture perfect sight. Be it adventure sports, the beautiful tea gardens, the picturesque landscape, the serenity of the hills, the diverse Himalayan flora and fauna, the colonial charm or even education in one of the best boarding schools in India, Darjeeling has something to offer all its visitors
Agra: Not just a city of monuments!
Introduction (A Glance)
Agra, a city on the banks of Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh is probably one of the most famous destinations in India. One would find glimpses of history in every corner of this city. Agra has been mentioned in ancient Hindu epics, but the credit for the foundation of the city goes to Sultan Sikandar Lodi. It was with the advent of the Mughals in India that the city reached its grandeur. Agra remained the capital of the Mughal Empire in India for a very long time. The city is definitely the best reminiscence of the Mughal Empire in India.
How to Reach (Getting There)
Auto rickshaws are probably the best way to get around in the city and travel between one tourist spot to another. The New Delhi airport, which is approximately 200 kilometres from Agra, is the nearest major airport. Agra is well connected by rail and has three major railway stations: Agra Cantt, Agra Fort railway station and Raja Ki Mandi. The journey by train from Agra to Delhi takes about 3 hours. Agra is well connected by road to Delhi, Jaipur and other cities in Uttar Pradesh, such as Lucknow. Agra experiences extreme climates, characterized by hot and humid summer and cold and chilly winters. So it is advisable to avoid going to Agra during peak summer that is from April to mid June.
Tourist Destinations (Attractions)
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the architectural splendour and also for many people, the symbol of immortal love, the Taj Mahal is the biggest attraction in Agra. This beautiful monument is a tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, the queen of Shah Jahan, the third Mughal emperor. It took 12 years and approximately 20,000 workers to construct this marble wonder. There is more to Taj than just the main building; there are other aspects to the Taj that is most of the times not captured in numerous photographs. The main gate itself is another example of medieval Muslim architecture. The entire complex is surrounded by beautiful buildings and ornamental gardens. The Taj Mahal is located on the banks of the river Yamuna and thus the river acts like a mirror, reflecting this immortal monument. If you think that Taj is beautiful during the day, then you should come during the night viewing sessions, to witness this monument at its full splendour on a full moon night.
Agra is not just about the Taj Mahal, the city has two other world heritage sites: The Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri. The Agra fort was initially built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and was later renovated by his grandson Shah Jahan. The fort has many beautifully constructed buildings are rooms inside it, such as the Sheesh Mahal, which has a lot of mirror work, Khaas Mahal and Akbari Mahal. As any Mughal building, the Agra fort has its share of splendid gardens; it’s called the Anguri Bagh. The Agra fort also has a view of the Taj Mahal. The fort is not just another medieval monument; it is a symbol of the Mughal Empire when it was at its peak. Approximately 35 kilometres away from Agra is another historic city, Fatehpur Sikri built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The most famous monument of Fatehpur Sikri is the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. People from all religion and caste come to this tomb to seek blessings. The city is full of historic monuments, such as Buland Darwaza, Jamat Khana and Badshahi Darwaza.
The history of the Mughal Empire is engraved in each corner of this city. It is Agra houses the tomb of the greatest Mughal emperor, Akbar. The mausoleum, Sikandra is located approximately 10 kilometres away from the city and the design is a combination of Hindu, Muslim and Christian architecture. Akbar had initiated the construction of his own mausoleum but was completed by his son and successor Jahangir. The other significant tombs in Agra are the tombs of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, known as the Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb and the tomb of one of the queen’s of Akbar, Mariam’s tomb. All these Mughal tombs have intricate designs and ornamental gardens surround this mausoleum.
The Ram Bagh is a beautiful garden built by the first Mughal emperor Babur. The Ram Bagh has a three terrace garden and water cascades down those three terraces. The mausoleum of Shri Shiv Dayal Singh is located approximately 10 kilometres from Agra. The construction of this white marble mausoleum was started in the year 1904 and it still is not complete. Shri Shiv Dayal Singh preached unity of all mankind irrespective of caste, creed or colour and continuing the legacy is this structure. The structure once completed is supposed to house a temple, a mosque, a church and a gurudwara in the same building. There is also a botanical garden, set on the banks of river Yamuna, known as the Mehtab Bagh. This garden is opposite to the Taj Mahal and provides a good view of the Taj Mahal from across the river. The other famous monuments in Agra are the beautiful memorial of Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz, the prime minister of Shah Jahan, known as the Chini ka Rauza and of course Jama Masjid, the mosque famous for its unique architecture. Agra also has the advantage of being in close proximity to tourist attractions, such as Mathura, Vrindavan and Bharatpur bird sanctuary.
Agra is one of the oldest cities in India but that does not mean that gardens and tombs are the only attraction of the city. Agra is a paradise for shopping ethnic Indian things. From souvenirs to handicrafts, from international branded clothes to the embroidered Indian clothes, from leather goods to sweets one can find anything at a good bargain in Agra. There are the usual malls with the multiplexes, such as the Pacific Taj. However it’s the narrow lanes in the city market that you would actually find all the variety at a good price. The ideal shopping places in Agra would be the Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Lohamandi.
Hotels and Resorts (The Stay)
All types of cusines are available in the numerous restaurants in the city. Pizzas, Chinese, Mughlai, North Indian, South Indian, Continental and fast food, there are different places across the city serving these cuisines. However, if you want the authentic Agra cuisine then try the restaurants in Johri bazaar or the Indian fast food restaurants in MG road or Kamla Nagar. Agra is also known for his variety of sweets and chaats. One would find a sweet and chaat shop in every corner of the city. Agra doe not have nightlife or many pubs. The good drinking places in Agra would be in the bars in one of the starred hotels, such as Mughal Sheraton, Jaypee Palace or the Clarks Shiraz. Agra offers a diverse range of accommodation choices. From budget hotels to luxurious hotels, such as the Oberoi Amarvilas one can opt for any kind of accommodation depending upon the budget and choice.
Agra is not just any city. It reflects the rich Mughal history on one side and the rapidly growing city with multiplexes and malls on the other side. It has numerous gardens and monuments to visit and at the same time has a number of shopping lanes. The city has a blend of both Muslim and Hindu culture. Agra is not just about the Taj Mahal or the Agra fort; it is not just about the Mughals and their history and tombstones, Agra reflects the colourful traditions and culture of India. Agra has managed to maintain its old charm and majestic past and at the same time has moved on to become a city of the 21st century. The rich history, the beautiful monuments, the Taj Mahal, the shopping and many more reasons make Agra a “must visit” city in India.
A number of palaces in Udaipur have been converted in Heritage hotels and five star hotels, some of them include Laxmi Vilas Palace, Hotel Devigarh Udaipur, Hotel Lake Pichola Udaipur, Fateh Prakash Palace, Hotel Udai Vilas and the Lake Palace. The stay in these luxurious hotels can cost anywhere between Rs 10,000 to Rs176000 per night. There are a number of three star hotels, such as Hotel Heritage Resorts, and Hotel Hilltop Palace Udaipur. The stay in these hotels will cost approximately Rs 4500 to Rs 5000 per night. Being such a popular destination, Udaipur has a number of budget hotels and guest houses, such as Lal Ghat Guest House, Travelers Rest House Hotel Paras Mahal, Hotel Caravan Serai and Dak Bunglow. Udaipur is a royal city, serving cuisine that’s has been relished by the Rajput royals. The authentic Udaipur cuisine is mostly vegetarian. However, there are many restaurants serving Chinese, Thai, Italian, Continental and other cuisines. For authentic Rajasthani food, try out Gangaur Restaurant in Chetak circle or Ambrai near Lake Pichola.
Udaipur, a city of kings and palaces, with tranquil lakes and vibrant people. Forts glorify the Rajput past and each temple has a long history. A city with splendid havelis and museums. A city that reflects its cultural heritage and also has the best luxurious hotels in India. Words fail to describe the wonders of this historic city aptly. One has to visit Udaipur to understand how unique this small corner in Rajasthan is.
The lakes are one of the most proud possessions of Udaipur. The lakes are not only calm and soothing but are also surrounded by magnificent structures. Most of the lakes have marble embankments on its shores, which have beautiful pavilions carved on them; most of the lakes have several islands, which house tourist attractions like palaces and temples. One of the most beautiful lakes in Udaipur is the man-made lake built by Maharana Jai Singh, the Fateh Sagar Lake. The lake owes its name to Maharana Fateh Singh who later added on to this lake. The lake houses three small islands, one of the islands has a solar observing site and the other two have been converted into parks and gardens that make a great picnic spot. The lake is set against the backdrop of the Moti Magri Hill and houses boating facilities.
Jaismand Lake another artificial lake built by Maharana Jai Singh is located approximately 47 kilometres away from Udaipur. It holds the summer palace of the queens, marble-cenotaphs and the Jaismand sanctuary on its shores. The Jaismand sanctuary is home to a huge number of birds, deer, panthers, leopards and wild boars. Rajsamand Lake, a beautiful lake built by Maharana Raj Singh and fed by River Gomti holds a beautiful marble embankment the steps, of which touches the water. The centre of the city houses the oldest lakes in Udaipur, the Pichola Lake. This lake is surrounded by temples, beautiful palaces and a hill, known as the Machhala Magra. It is this lake that houses the famous lake Palace on one of its islands. Udai Sagar Lake, a beautiful result of a dam constructed by Maharana Udai Singh for the water supply for his kingdom.
Udaipur boasts of one of the most beautiful palaces. On the banks of Lake Pichola is the City Palace, a marble and granite puzzle of rooms, pavilions, gardens, terraces and towers. The City Palace is actually an assortment of 11 different palaces, built by various rulers at various times. Each palace has its own unique name and speciality, such as Sheesh Mahal, famous for its mirror works; Bada Mahal, known for its gardens, and Dilkusha Mahal, which houses splendid paintings. The City Palace also has one of the biggest temples in Udaipur the Jagdish Temple. The Pratap Museum located inside the City Palace boasts of a huge collection of antiques, curios and sculptures. City Palace is truly an architectural wonder, with its several rooms, which are intricately decorated and filled with beautiful Mewar paintings and hanging gardens in the towers and a breath taking view of the lake. Udaipur Lake Palace constructed by Maharana Jai Singh is spread over a four-acre island in Lake Pichola. The Lake Palace now is a five star luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group of Hotels.
In close proximity to Lake Pichola is the 18th century architectural splendour, Bagore Ki Haveli built by a minister of the Mewars, Amir Chand Badwa. This haveli also served as a palace of Maharana Shakti Singh. Today, this is a museum which houses numerous Rajput paintings and things from the Rajput palaces. Set on top of the Pearl Hill or Moti Margi, as it is known as, is a memorial dedicated to the one of the most famous Rajput hero, Maharana Pratap. The highlights of this memorial are the bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on his famous horse Chetak and of course the view of Fateh Sagar Lake. Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum, located in Chetak Circle reflects the traditional folk culture of the Mewars and Rajasthan.
Located approximately 64 kilometres from Udaipur is a 15th century fort, whose fortification wall is the second longest wall in the world, the Kumbhalgarh Fort. The way to the fort cuts across forests and watch towers. The fort boasts of seven gates and approximately 358 temples and this fort is also believed to be the birth place of Maharana Pratap. The fort also has a palace known as the Badal Mahal, which has beautiful rooms. Approximately 112 kilometres away from Udaipur, set on a hill in Chittorgarh is the biggest fort in India, the Chittorgarh Fort. The fort is spread over 700 acres and is perhaps the best reminiscence of the Rajput glory. The fort has a history of being attacked since 1300s and with that is associated the legends of Rajput bravery. The fort has numerous temples and palaces; it is also famous for its underground cellars, where the Rajput women used to commit mass suicide instead of succumbing to foreign power. The Chittorgarh fort has victory towers dedicated to the Rajput kings.
Located approximately 22 kilometres from Udaipur is the Eklingji Temple, built in 734 A.D. and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main attraction of the temple is the four-faced Shiva statue made of black marble. Rajasthan is full of temples and there are many temples with beautiful architecture and a rich history in and around Udaipur. Some of them include Jagat temple, Ranakpur temple, Kankroli Temple and many more. There are two very famous gardens in Udaipur: Gulab Bagh, located on the banks of Lake Pichola and Saheliyon Ki Bari, located in the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. The Gulab Bagh as the name suggest is a garden of roses, although one can find species of orchids and other flowers too, it is mainly dominated with roses. Saheliyon Ki Bari is a beautifully landscaped garden, with fountains, kiosks, pools with lotuses and also a small museum. Udaipur, like most of the destinations in Rajasthan is a shopper’s paradise, the most popular shopping areas are Palace Road, Bada Bazaar and Chetak Circle.
