Tourist places in India

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Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari : On a rocky land 400 m from the shore line of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu is built a large and beautiful memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda. He was a great philosopher who sat here in meditation.

The memorial built in 1970 houses a huge metal statue of Swami Vivekananda. Ferry services are plying between the memorial and the mainland. The merger of three seas - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean - can be seen from these rocks. Kanyakumari, the land's end of penincular India, has a temple dedicated to Devi Kumari.

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Shillong : Capital of Meghalaya, a beautiful city surrounded by pine forests at 1496 m. Shillong peak has a temple, neat Victorian bunglows, small churches and a golf course. The hill resort is called 'Scotland of the East'. The houses look like English homes with well laid chimneys of beautiful designs emitting smoke from fire places through the long wintry months. Some of the few most visited places here are the elephant falls, Shillong peak and Ward's lake.

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Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh : Known as the city of Nawabs where the Urdu language acquired its phonetic perfection. It was in Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's court that the most advanced of all classical dance forms, the Kathak, took shape. The tabla and sitar were first heard on the streets of Lucknow.

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Udaipur : The city has sprawling palaces, historic forts, shimmering lakes, well maintained gardens and ancient temples characterise the royal magnificence of the former rulers of Mewar. Udaipur - City of Dawn - was founded by Maharaja Udai Singh in 1559. It is a planned city with gates or pols and walled boundaies located at strategic parts of the city.

The Saheliyon Ki Bari, the garden for the maids of honour, the Gangaur ghat on Lake Pichola, are the sights one cannot forget. The City palace, is a marvel in granite and marble, is a towering attraction overlooking Pichola lake. Other places of interest include a museum, the rose garden, and the shopping centres of Chetak circle, Hathi Pol, city market and Bapu bazaar. The lake city of Udaipur is a real 'Oasis of Romance' in the desert of Rajasthan.

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Vadodara : The city has several palaces built by Sayaji Rao. The most beautiful one is Laxmi Vilas palace and is the residence of the Royal family even today. Naulakhi Baoli step well is nearby. The palace has the smallest railway engine in the world. The Vadodara museum and art gallery, founded in 1894, is locatred in Sayaji Baug garden. Baroda university has imposing domes. The ruins of Pavgadh fort and Champaner (world heritage centre) are 47 km away.

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IN KERALA LOTS OF PLACES TO VISIT LIKE MUNNAR,KUMARAKOM. ETC

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Hyderabad is the capital of one of the most techno savvy state in India, Andhra Pradesh. This city is also called the city of pearls because of the major dealing of pearls that is done from this part of the state. There is also a love story that is related to the founding of the city of Hyderabad.

The story goes something like this that once there was a young prince, Muhammad Quli, who fell in love with a small time maiden from Chichlam village across the river Musi. Ibrahim Qutb Shah, father of Muhammad
Quli, built a bridge on the river so that the crown prince did not endanger his life. When Muhammad Quli ascended the throne, he built a grand structure, the Charminar, at the place where village once stood. The city was then called Bhagnagar to appease his beloved, Bhagmati. Later on it was called Hyderabad. Bhagnagar means city of good fortune.

Hyderabad was modeled after the Isfaan, that is in Iran and was built under the supervision of the prime minister of Muhammad Quli, Mir Momin. Mir Momin tried to create a replica of the Paradise to suit Muhammad Quli's status as the greatest of the Qutb Shahi rulers. The city was completed in 1592. The French traveller, Tavernier when visited India in 1652, compared Hyderabad to Orleans and in 1672, Abbe Carr was much impressed by the city as the center of all trade in the East. Hyderabad is now turning itself into a more commercially aggressive city in India. City of Hyderabad has been hosting some of the major trade shows and technology fairs in India for the past couple of years.

Hyderabad Location:

Hyderabad is situated at an altitude of 500m and almost in middle of India.
Rainfall in Hyderabad : 89 cm. (June to September).

Climate of Hyderabad:

Summer: 40 °C - 22 °C
Winter : 22 °C - 12 °C

Best Time to Visit:

October to March.

How To Reach Hyderabad:

By Air:

Hyderabad, which is well connected to all major cities of India. A few international flights also touch Hyderabad airport.

By Rail:

Secunderabad, which is well connected to all major cities of India.

By Road:

The city is easily accessible by road since it lies at the intersection of two major national highways: NH 7 (Nizamabad Road, Medchal Road) and NH 9.

Tourist Attractions:

The Galleries Of Charminar,Jami Masjid, Toli Masjid, Falakuma Palace, Rang Mahal .

Mecca masjid : largest masjid in south India, Char Minar (55 m, 1591 to 1612, built by Mohamad Quli Qutb Shah), mosques, palaces, Salar Jung museum, Archaeological museum, gardens, NTR gardens, Nehru zoological park with lion safari, Golconda fort (11 km, tombs of Qutb shahi kings are nearby) : A clap at Fateh darwaza can be heard far away summit palace, Birla mandir : marble temple near Secretariat, Hussain Sagar lake : 16 m tall, 350 tonne monolith statue of Lord Budha on Gibralter rock in the middle of the lake, Secunderabad city (8 km), Ramoji film city; Medak church (100 km) : Huge gothic church in white granite; Warangal : Fort, temple, Hanamkonda temple (7 km) : 1000 pillared hall with 1.8 m Nandi statue.

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The 2345 m long Pamban Bridge across the Palk Strait, which was formally opened to traffic by the Honourable Prime Minister of India on October 2, 1988, The Ramanathswamy temple is a magnificent example of Dravidian art. The temple 264m east to west and 200m north to south, and with three Prakaras, two big Gopuras and two more unfinished ones, faces east, a few metres from the sea. It contains two Lingas under worship. There are innumerable other shrines and twenty-two "Tirthas" or sacred bathing places. Construction of the temple began in the 12th century AD and additions were made over the centuries by various rulers, so that today its gopuram is 53 m high. The temple has two Gopurams at the eastern and western entrances, 130 feet and 80 feet high, respectively. The sanctum sanctorum is built of polished granite stone. The
presiding deity at the temple is Lord Ramanathaswamy and his emblem, the Ramalinga, is said to have been installed and consecrated by Lord Rama and Sita.

Location : Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu
Famous for Rameshwaram temple having the longest corridor and MG Setu is the longest Sea bridge in India conneacting the mainland with Rameshwaram island.

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Tourist places in Himachal Pradesh

DISTRICT CHAMBA

Manimahesh (4170 m): Accessible from Bharmaur, 35 km away. Scared to Lord Shiva and his divine consort Parvati, the lake of Manimahesh is 35 km from Bharmaur. Past Gaddi villages and wide meadows that give way to bare rock and snow fields, this tarn is a three day trek from Bharmaur - via Hadsar and Dhanchha. The deep blue waters of the lake, rest at the feet of the Manimahesh Kailash Peak - which is one of the mythological abodes of Lord Shiva.

Bharmaur (2195 m): Linked by road to Chamba is 65 km away. Surrounded by alpine pastures, this is the summer home of the nomadic Gaddis. At a distance of 69 km from Chamba town, Bharmaur, once known as Brahampur, was between the 6th and 10th centuries, the capital of princely state of Chamba. It is renowned for its cluster of temples - collectively known as the 'Chaurasi'. Though of varying architectural designs, these temples are noted for their fine workmanship. From Bharmaur, the Kugti and Chobia passes and trek routs they offer can be approached. Other interesting places at hand are the temples of Bani Mata and picturesque Khundel. There are Forest and PWD rest houses in Bharmaur.

Bhandal valley (1730 m): Linked to Salooni (22 km) in the Chamba valley by road. The beautiful Bhandal Valley with its wealth of wildlife is at the western extremity of Himachal Pradesh. Approachable from Chamba, it is the base for a trek routes that connect Chamba to the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir over the Dagni Dhar. The route begins along the right bank of the river Ravi, goes past Pukhri, down to the Siyul stream, then rises to Salooni on the Prithvi Jor ridge to finally arrive above the valley. From Bhandal via Langhera one reaches Kishtwar. The highest point on the trek is the Padri Gali at 3049 m. There are rest houses at Sundla, Bhandal and Langhera.

Pangi valley (2438 m): 137 km from Chamba. Locked between the greater Himalyan and Pir Panjal ranges, the wild and beautiful Pangi Valley is 137 km from Chamba. Its subdivision headquarters at Killar is located in the deep and narrow gorge of the river Chanderbhaga (Chenab). The foaming river, the high crags of the gorge and the difficult terrain are a challenge for intrepid trekkers. The Sach Pass (4428 m) opens the way to several trek routes. Thick forest the habitat of varied wild life surround the Pangi Valley and the numerous side valleys - Saichu, Hunam, Sural Nallah, that are also endowed with remarkable natural beauty. The temple of Mindhal Basan Devi in Pangi is an important shrine. Appropriately, the people of Pangi are as attractive as the tract they inhabit. There is a rest house in Pangi.

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DISTRICT MANDI

JHANTIGRI (2130 m) : 12 km from Joginder Nagar.

BAROT (1830 m) : Just 40 km by road from Joginder Nagar and 12 km by haulage trolley.

TATTAPANI (656 m) : Tattapani - famous for its hot sulpher springs - is approachable from Mandi via Karsog. Tattapani hot springs (54 km from Shimla).

PRASHAR LAKE (2730 m) : Linked by road to Mandi. An interesting 14 km trek is possible along a steep track from Kataula, which is easily accessible from Mandi.

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DISTRICT KANGRA

NURPUR : Once a principality of Kangra, Nurpur is 24 km from Pathankot and 66 km from Dharamsala. Nurpur was known earlier as Dhameri. It achieved its peak during the rule of Raja Basu (1580-1613). The remains of his impressive fort can still be seen. Raja Basu's son Suraj Mal rose in rebellion against the Mughal Empreror Jehangir. After the uprising was
quelled, the town of Dhameri was renamed Nurpur after Jahangir's beautiful wife, Nur Jehan. Today, apart from the fort, the attractions of Nurpur include the Brijraj Temple dedicated to Lord krishna. There are few other old temples at Nurpur. The place is renowned for its fine pashmina shawls.

MASRUR (800 m) : Easily accessible by road from Kangra (15 km) and Dharamsala (40 km). Fifteen richly carved, monolithic, rock temples, dating back to the 8th century, are to be found at Masrur, just 15 km south of Kangra. Located on a hillock that rises above a well watered and fertile tract of considerable natural beauty - they are framed by the snow-clad peaks of Dhauldhar mountains. These shrines similar to the rock-cut temples at Ellora and Mahabalipuram, are the only monuments of this style in northern India. With rich ornamentation executed over staggering proportions, the Masrur temples brings to mind the remark that Indian temple builders "conceived like giants and had the finish of jewelers". Images of Lord Rama, Laxmana and Sita are installed in the central shrine.

MAHARANA PRATAP SAGAR : The Maharana Pratap Sagar can be approached from Pathankot via Jassur, from Chandigarh via Talwara and from Dharamsala via Dehra. The shimmering waters of the Pong Dam reservoir are clearly visible from the heights of Dharamsala. A man-made wetland over the River Beas, the lake, is the habitat of a variety of
migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia. Over 220 species of birds have been sighted here. It is also an excellent place to go fishing for mahaseer, there are numerous spots for the angler.

BIR (2080 m) AND BILLING (2600 m) : Just 16 km from Joginder Nagar and 19 km from Baijnath, Bir is located amidst verdant fields and tea gardens. There is a large a Tibetan community and beautiful monastery here. Facing Bir is the fort of Ahju to which a trek can be made. Surrounded by an amphitheater of low hills Bir is an ideal landing ground for hang/paragliders. The road to Billing goes past Bir and climbs through thick woods. Billing, 14 km from Bir with its arena of 200 km or more for high altitude and cross country flying is an exceptional site for aero sports. An annual hang gliding festival is held at Billing.

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DISTRICT BILASPUR

BAHADURPUR (1980 m) : Close to the town of Bilaspur (40 km), Bahadurpur range towers over lesser hills of the area. A small forest of deodar and Himalayan oak that spreads over it considerably enhances its beauty. The crest offers panoramic view and the Ratanpur Fort, Swarghat, the Fatehpur Fort, Naina Devi, the plains near Ropar and even the Shimla hills can be seen from here. The Bahadurpur Hill is crowned by the remains of a circular fort which was built by Raja Keshab Chand in the 17th century.

SWARAGHAT (1220 m) : Swarghat is 40 km from Bilaspur on Chandigarh - Bilaspur road and 22 km from Nalagarh. It is surrounded by low rolling hills that are draped by forests of Pine. An attractive picnic spot, it forms an interesting excursion. The shrine of Naina Devi and the Bhakra Dam are approachable from here. The link road for Nalaragh and Pinjore turns off from the National highway at Swarghat.

KOT KEHLUR : The square structure of the fortress of Kot Kehlur is 3 km from Ganguwal, close to boundary with Punjab this impressive fort, over 30 m high, has effectively withstood the ravages of time, it is said to have been built by Raja Bir Chand. Legend has it that at the site of the fort, a goat stayed off an attack by a lion to protect its new-born kid. This was taken as an auspicious sign and the fort was constructed at the site of the struggle.

GOBIND SAGAR (520 m) : In 1963, the the world's highest gravity dam, the Bhakra, was dedicated to the nation. Its huge reservoir, the Gobind Sagar Lake, on the river Sutlej, extending for 90 km upto the town of Bilaspur covers an area of some 170 sq km. Its clear waters hold a variety of fish and its banks are a draw for hopeful anglers. A large range of avian life can be seen in the lake. The Gobind Sagar lake is also emerging as a major site for boating and water sports and a wide range of facilities and training courses are available. Every winter, the Mountaineering Institute holds a festival of water sports here.

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DISTRICT SIRMAUR

RAJGARH (2169 m) : Just 30 km from Solan Rajgarh blessed with considerable natural beauty, is an unspoilt retreat set amidst Apple orchards. Its entry into the tourist circuit is relatively recent. A rest house and eating places made it convenient for a holiday.

SHILLAI : Approachable by road from Paonta Sahib and Sataun and surrounded by woods, Shillai lies close to the river Tons. It is closely allied with the worship of local deities Shirgul and Gugga and is an important centre of folk culture. A trek to the 3647 m peak of Choor Chandni also called the Churdhar, loosely translated as the 'mountain of the silver bangle', can be made from here via Haripur Dhar. A trek to Chakrata in Uttaranchal is also possible from Shillai.

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Interesting Information about Leh, Kashmir

Ladakhi toilets - they are exactly as they have been for centuries !. A hole in the floor (in palaces, monasteries etc) act as a toilet and loose mud to be thrown to the pit after the act (no water !).

Chortens is a place where ashes of important people are buried.

Prayer wheels are to be rotated in clockwise direction. Prayer wheels contains written mantra and rotating the wheel means reciting the mantra. Prayer wheels are common in Leh and is of different sizes.

Mane walls are long walls with stones inscribed with mantra. walking on the mane walls and taking the mane stones as a souvenir are considered as a sacrilege.

Fluttering prayer flags are a common site in Leh. Prayer flags are of different colours with prayers and pictures on them.

Leh has an airport and regular flights connects it to Chandigarh and Delhi.

Sheena is a language spoken in Kargil & Leh.