Goa Beaches
The ideal combination of sun, sand, sea and surf is enough to send a person packing his bags and go on a short holiday. It becomes even better when that holiday is in one of the popular Goan beaches. Goa has a long coastline that makes it the ideal state to have beaches. The beaches of Goa are the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation and holiday in India.

Goa Churches
Goa is literally synonymous with churches. They are living testimonies of the rich historical past of Goa. During the early days of the Portuguese rule in India, church building was the primary concern and occupation in Goa. This was because of their zeal to spread Christianity and convert as many people as they can.

Goa Carnival
One of the most colorful and popular festival of Goa is the Goa Carnival. This three day extravaganza, of fun, frolic, amusement and merry-making, takes place in the month of February. The Goa Carnival festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. Though essentially a Christian festival, all people of Goa, irrespective of their faith and religion take part in this festival.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls
The Dudhsagar waterfalls are located in the Sanguem district of Goa near the Goa-Karnataka border. It is located at a distance of around 60 kilometers from Margao and can be reached easily by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from either Margao or Panaji.

Goa Spice Plantations
Goa is synonymous to its exotic beaches and pulsating nightlife. Tourists come here to enjoy the relaxed pace of life and rediscover themselves in peaceful and serene surroundings. But there is more to Goa than just beaches, churches, nightlife and casinos. A major attraction in the rural side is the spice plantation of Goa.

ation
Leh is located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in the extreme north of India.

Leh Travel HolidaysTourist Attractions : Buddhist Monasteries, the Leh Palace.
Best Buys : Tibetan handicraft items.
Best Hangouts : The Monasteries
Best Activity : Trekking, Mountaineering, Camping, Water Rafting.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Jammu, Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam.
When to Visit : June To End October

About Leh
Ladakh, a part of Jammu & Kashmir State in north of India consisting of two districts Leh and Kargil. At a distance of 434 kms from Srinagar and 474 kms from Manali, Leh is situated on the banks of the river Indus, at a height of 11,000 feet. The land of majestic mountains, Leh is a complete beauty in itself. Leh has quite a few amazing places to offer its tourists. The most striking sight of Leh is the group of women, traditionally attired, selling fruits, vegetables and household articles, spinning and knitting, and exchanging gentle banter between themselves and with passers-by. Leh airport is Ladakh's only link with the outside world for the seven months of the year. Leh is one most frequented destinations for the trekkers in India. Rumbak and Markha offer exciting treks, while Stok Kangri is the best for a climb. One can also go for boating and river running on the Indus.

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Drass
The town of Drass, 60 km west of Kargil on the road to Srinagar, is located at an altitude of 3,300 m in a relatively flat and open space in the centre of a valley.

Overview
The town of Drass, 60 km west of Kargil on the road to Srinagar, is located at an altitude of 3,300 m in a relatively flat and open space in the centre of a valley. It has extensive willow groves along the river. In winter it is covered with a thick blanket of snow. Drass experiences the lowest temperatures in the Ladakh valley and is said to be the second coldest inhabited place in Asia. The mercury may drop to as low as 40 degrees Celsius below freezing point, and communication with the outside world is often completely cut off. During the spring and summer, however, the valley around the township becomes very picturesque as the gently undulating hillsides turn into lush green pastures splashed with a variety of fragrant wild flowers.

ItsDrass, India Vacations inhabitants are mainly of the Darad stock, an Aryan race believed to have originally migrated to the high valleys of the Western Himalayas from the Central Asian steppes. They speak Shina, which, unlike the Tibetan-originated Ladakhi dialects spoken elsewhere in Ladakh region, belongs to the Indo-European linguistic family. Their ancestral sport, `horse-polo' which the Darads play with particular zeal, resembles our modern polo. The Drass valley starts from the base of the Zoji La pass, the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. For centuries its inhabitants are known to have negotiated this formidable pass, to transport trader's merchandise across and to help stranded travellers to traverse it, even during the most risky period in the late autumn or early spring, when the whole sector remains snow-bound and is subject to frequent snow storms. By virtue of their mastery over the pass they had established a monopoly on transportation for trading, during the heydays of the Pan-Asian trade. A hardy people, with the fortitude to tolerate the harshness of the valley's winter, the inhabitants of Drass can well be described as the guardians of Ladakh's gateway

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Kargil
The average tourist to Ladakh usually begins by taking a tour of Leh, the capital and prime town of Ladakh. It invariably ends the sightseeing the monasteries, justly famous, of Shey, Sankar, Phyang, Spituk and Hemis. Some might include Alchi, Likir and Lamayuru. Few if ever trek to interior villages, venture north to Narbu valley or visit the Zanaskar region. Yet, the last few years have seen an increase in tourists to the western flank of Ladakh, which comprises several valleys. Chief among these are Drass, Suru, Mulbekh and Zanskar. Lying immediately east of the Greater Himalayan wall and drained and formed by the west most tributaries of the Indus river, these constitute present-day Kargil district.

This region once formed part of the erstwhile kingdom of Ladakh. In fact, it was the first to be inhabited by the early colonists of Ladakh - the Indo-Aryan Mons, the Dards of Central Asia and itinerant Tibetans. Also, its valleys, by virtue of their proximity to Kashmir, Kishtwar, Kulu and Gilgit-Baltistan served as the initial receptacle of the cultural waves and ethnic movements that emanated from across the Greater Himalayan wall. As the area receives abundant water from rivers originating in the Greater Himalaya, the undergrowth here is more luxuriant than in eastern Ladakh. The upper Suru valley, in particular, is famous for its grassland, which attracts a large number of Bakarwal herdsmen from the Jammu hills.

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Zanskar
Zanskar, Ladakh Holiday VacationsAbout 20 kms south-east of Rangdum stands the Panzila axis, across which lies Zanskar, the most isolated of all the trans-Himalayan valleys. The Penzila pass (4,401m) is a picturesque tableland surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

As the Zanskar road winds down the steep slopes of Penzi-la to the head of the Stod valley, the majestic " Drang-Drung" glacier looms into full view. A long and winding river of ice and snow, "Drang-Drung" is perhaps the largest glacier in Ladakh, outside the Siachen formation. It is from the cliff-like snout of this extensive glacier that the Stod or Doda tributary of the Zanskar River rises.

Zanskar is a tri-armed valley system situated between the Great Himalayan Range and the Zanskar mountains, the three arms radiating star-like towards the west, north and south from a wide central expanse. Here the Zanskar River comes into being by the confluence of its two Himalayan tributaries, the Stod/Doda and the Lingti-Tsarap rivers. It is mainly along the course of this valley system that the region’s approximately 14,000 strong, mainly Buddhist population, live.

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Nubra Valley
Nubra is located in the north of Leh. Nubra is a tributary to the Shyok, which flows parallel to the Indus. On the other side of the Ladakh range the Nubra Valley used to be on the caravan route leading from Leh to Kashgar through the two passes of Saser and Karakoram. The main attractions of this area are the Bactarian Camels (Double Humped Camels), Khardung-La Pass (world's highest motorable road at 18,380 feet) and the monasteries like Samstaling.

The Safari leads to Nubra Valley through Khardung-La, which is about 39 kms from Leh. Camel Safari can be organized from Deskit to Hyundar Village for 2 hours.This tour can be extended for 2 nights / 3 Days.

Permit is needed to this area, which is issued by the Deputy Commissioner at Leh itself NUBRA means the garden of green valley. It is 150 kms from Leh and one has to cross over to KHARDUNGLA pass, which is not kept open throughout the year. It is said to be the highest motorable road in the world.Nubra Valley, Ladakh Travels & Tours Many people for the sake of adventure have crossed it over by scooters, cars and cycles.

NUBRA lives up to its name as encompassed by the numerous orchards of apples and appricots. The chief crop is wheat, barley, peas, millet, buckwheat and onion. There are two main rivers thru the valley named Shyok and the NUBRA river and has much better climate than Leh. 90% of the population is Buddhist and the rest are muslims.

NUBRA VALLEY is situated on the old caravan route, the beautiful fertile valley was an important halting place for the caravans.

Day 01: Delhi - Leh
In time transfer to airport to board flight for Leh. Arrive Leh and transfer to hotel. Rest of the Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: In Leh
Day free for acclimatisation. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: In Leh
Full Day sightseeing of Shey, Thikshey and Hemis monastries with packed lunch. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Leh - Khalsar Drive
Leave Leh early morning to Khalsar. Crossing over Khardungla pass (18,000 ft) the highest road in the world. Arrive Khalsar on the other side of the pass for dinner and overnight camp

Day 05: Khalsar - Panamik Drive
Early morning visit the Gompa at Khalsar then dirve to Panamik, a very large village in the Nubra valley along side the Nubra river. Overnight in the camp.

Day 06: Panamik
ToDay visit to the Sulphur hot spring baths famous for mineral ailements. Return to the camp for lunch. Evening visit the famous samoor Gompa which is 250 years old monastery. Overnight in camp.

Day 07: Panamik
Day free to explore the area.

Day 08: Panamik - Tirit
ToDay drive back to the Tirit village which is the centre of handicraft for wool and Jewellery. Overnight in the camp.

Day 09: Tirit - Khalsar
Drive to Khalsar. Arrive and camp. Overnight at camp

Day 10: Khalsar - Diskit Driver
Drive to Diskit, the district. Headquarter of Nubra valley. Arrive and overnight at camp.

Day 11: Diskit
Free to explore the little town which is on the bank of Shyok river. Overnight at camp.

Day 12: Diskit - Hunder Driver
Driver 45 kms to Hunder village. Arrive and camp. Evening explore the area. Overnight at camp.

Day 13: Hunder - Khalsar
Drive back to Khalsar, enroute stop all the places for photo. Overnight at camp.

Day 14: Khalsar - Leh
Drive backto Leh (4-5 hrs). Arrive and check into hotel. Rest of the Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Rupsho Valley, Ladakh Tours & TravelsDay 15: Leh - Delhi
Morning in time transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. Arrive and transfer to hotel.


Chang Thang
The land of Nomads
Changthang means Eastern Flat land, is located in the east of Leh on the Chinese border. The average altitude of the area is around 14600m above sea level. This area is also known as Rupsho valley. The main attraction of this area is Changpa nomads, wild animals, Lakes and rare birds.

Jaisalmer Fort: The 12th century Jaisalmer Fort has been regarded as one of the most magnificent and invincible forts in Rajasthan. Built over the Trikuta hill, Jaisalmer Fort is 250 ft tall structure surrounded by a 30 ft high sandstone wall with 99 bastions. The Fort houses the famous Jain Temple, a place worth visiting on your Jaisalmer tour.

Jaisalmer Havelis: Built by the wealthy merchants, the havelis (mansions) of Jaisalmer are famous for their exclusive cutwork, yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped decoration of peacocks. The splendid havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji ki haveli are major tourist attractions in Jaisalmer.

Gadsisar Sagar Tank: Gadsisar Sagar Tank is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. A famous picnic spot, the Tank attracts hundreds of migratory birds during the winter season.

Bara Bagh: Baba Bagh is an oasis on the bank of Gadsisar Sagar Tank. It has greenery all around to give a much-needed relief to the local people.

Tazia Tower: The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a beautifully carved balcony.

The Desert National Park: Situated near Jaisalmer, The Desert National Park is one of the largest national parks in India, covering an area of 3,100 sq km. The Park is known for its fragile ecosystem and unique flora and fauna.

Sam Sand Dunes: Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, Sam Sand Dunes are major tourist attractions near Jaisalmer. Enjoying Camel safaris on the sand dunes are truly an unforgettable experience. Sam Sand Dunes is also famous for its breathtakingly beautiful sunset.

Another not to be missed tourist attraction in Jaisalmer is the vibrant and colorful Desert Festival held in Jan-Feb every year.

Botanical Gardens

If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847.The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 hectares. The Gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close.
If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists.

Ooty Lake

If you love the outdoors, Ooty lake is a must see for you. It was built in 1825 and is about 2.5 km long. Visitors to this lake can go for boating on the lake or enjoy their favorite outdoor activity of fishing. If the latter really appeals to you then remember to get fishing permission before you head to buy baits!

Dodabetta Peak

Flower Show The Dodabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. It is merely 10kms from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of he valley below. Many say that on a clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.

Lamb's Rock

Lamb's Rock is another vantage point that is ideal for taking pictures and is a wonderful picnic spot. It is merely 9kms. From Coonoor and is known for the splendid views it offers of the plains of Coimbatore and the tea states in the surrounding areas.

Kodanadu's View Point

Kodanadu is about 16kms from Kotagiri, and is situated on the eastern edge of the Nilgiri range. It is a great vantage point that offers a breathtaking view of the Moyar river and the tea estates. There is a watchtower here that offers a view of the Rangasamy peak.

WEEKEND TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS

Though Ooty in itself can keep you occupied for many days, but if you can never have enough of greenery and scenic beauty, than you can visit numerous place around Ooty, such as Coonnoor and Kotagiri, which are also quite popular with tourists.

Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 67kms from Ooty. If you are in town for a couple of days, then a visit to the Wildlife sanctuary would be a great way to spend a day. The Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of very rich flora and fauna, and is home to many endangered species. Though tigers and Leopards are only seen by the fortunate few, elephants, giant squirrels, sambhar, chital, barking deer and flying squirrels are a common sight. The Sanctuary is also a great place to see many kinds of birds, including colorful parakeets, black woodpecker, Malabar trogon and crested hawk eagle. If you have children with you or you yourself are simply fond of the majestic elephants then, you might like to visit the elephant camp within the sanctuary, Theppakkadu.
Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Kotagiri

East of Ooty, is a little village of kotagiri, which is about 28km from the popular hill station. Kotagiri is the oldest one of the three hill stations in the Nilgiris. It is not as popular as the other two, Ooty and Coonoor, yet it is said that it probably has the most pleasant weather among the three of them. It is a beautiful hill resort that has wonderful tea estates and is definitely worth a visit.

Kalhatty Waterfalls

The beautiful Kolhatty waterfalls are about 100 feet in height and are located on the kalhatty slopes. The falls are about 13kms from the city, so anyone on a tour of Ooty can easily check out the falls and the beautiful area surrounding it. Besides, obviously looking at the waterfalls, you can explore the kalhatty-Masinagudi slopes, that are home to many wild species, including panthers, sambhar, bison and wild buffaloes.

Sim's park

The Sim's Park is spread over an area of 12 hectares and is situated in Upper Coonoor. The park it is believed has more than 1000 plant species, including many flowering plants, pines, ferns and shrubs. If you are visiting in May, then you can attend the fruit and vegetable show, which is a tradition and is held annually.

Dolphin's Nose

If the name is not amusing enough for you, you can come down to this very Dolphin's nose and have a good time, enjoying games and an outdoor picnic. The Dolphin's nose is a great vantage point that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. If it is clear day, you can even see the Catherine falls from here. Mukurthi

About 36 km from Ooty is Mukurthi. Here you can take a look at the imposing Mukurthi peak. According to the Todas, the indigenous people of this locale, the souls of the dead move on to the next world from this very sacred place. It is an interesting place for the skeptics as the flora and fauna of this pace bears a striking resemblance to that found in Himalayan region. You can also visit the Mukurthi lake which is close to the peak and is worth a closer look.Dolphin Nose

Avalanche

Avalanche lies 28 km from Ooty. Unlike it's name, which conjures up images of destruction and devastation, the place is a nature lover's paradise. It is a lake, which is ideal for fishing, though one has to obtain permission before hand. It is also the perfect place to enjoy bird watching and a quiet afternoon.

Coonnoor

Coonoor is a famous hill station that is 17 kms from ooty. It is probably the second most popular hill station in the Nilgiris. The hill station stands at a height of 1839 meters and is known for its great picnic spots and picturesque surroundings.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Tea and tourism Festival

If you are in Ooty in the month of January, you cannot possibly miss the Tea and Tourism festival. At the festival, you can learn more about your favorite drink and possibly taste some of the best cups of tea.

Makar Pongal

In January, if you find yourself holidaying in Ooty, then do not forget to join the festivities and enjoy the celebrations.

Flower Show

The popular flower show is held in May at the botanical gardens and is a great event that attracts visitors from all over.

Maharaja's Palace:
This palace occupies a prestigious place among the tourist attractions of Mysore,. The magnificent structure was designed by an English Architect, Henry Irwin and is an architectural marvel featuring marvelously sculpted pillars, elaborately carved doors and golden howdah.

Srirangapatnam The Jaganmohan Palace:
Jaganmohan Palace was the other retreat for the royal family of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar and it is a magnificent building with three storeys. It features stained glass shutters and ventilators and also has a lovely garden setting that has now been transformed to an art gallery. Some of things this museum has on display are paintings, sculptures and musical instruments.

Chamundi Hills:
Mysore is located at the foothills of Chamundi Hills. On top of the hills there is Chamundeshwari temple that serves as a famous landmark. Nearby to the temple, there is a statue of Mahishasura, who was a demon killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. You will also find the monolith Nandi, the bull, which is located near the temple.

St. Philomena's Church:
This church is a lure for the religious traveler and is a must watch among the tourist attractions of Mysore. This church is a Gothic structure whose structure is based on the Cathedral at Cologne. You will also come across the statue of St. Philomena on the altar who was a third century saint from Greece. This magnificent church is visited by a large number of tourists every year.

Mysore Zoo:
This is a magnificent zoo which was established in the year 1892, and houses a diverse collection of animals, including magnificent species kept in natural surroundings. There are various places of tourist interest in Mysore that will help you make your tour to Mysore an exclusive one. A look at its tourist attractions is the best way to learn about the history and tradition of the town.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information on the Mysore Tourist Attractions and also offers useful inputs on Mysore Hotels.

Kodaikanal is a hill resort in TamilNadu, which mesmerizes you with its beauty and tranquility. A honeymooners' haven, Kodaikanal nestles beautifully amidst the folds of the Pali hills. The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years, imparting an ethereal beauty to the hills.
Kodaikanal seems to be bestowed with all forms of beauty by Nature-majestic hills, mighty rocks, beautiful waterfalls, a serene lake, fruit orchards, lush flora -which makes it one of the most popular hill stations in South India.

* Berijam Lake: The tourist attractions in Kodaikanal are Berijam Lake, one of the beautiful picnic spots in Kodai in the heart of Kodai town, about 21-km away from the bus stand.

* Bryant Park: Bryant Park situated on the eastern side of the lake, is noted for flowers, hybrids and rafts.

* The Glass House: The Glass House is an added attraction. It hosts the annual horticultural show held here in May.

* Shenbaganur Museum: Shenbaganur Museum, located about 5-Km from the lake is one of the best orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species of orchids and wide-ranging collection of birds are found here.

* Boat Club: At the Boat Club, boats like T.T.D.C, Kodai boats, Carlton boats are available for hire.

* Kodaikanal Lake: It is a magnificent man-made lake, which spreads out in a star shape over sixty acres set among the greenery. Boating and Angling facilities are available at the Kodaikanal Lake If you wish to have a panoramic view of the Kodai valley, then you should climb up the Pillar Rocks measuring to a height of about 122 meters provides a panoramic view.

# Raghunathji Temple – revered as the most important and the holiest place in Kullu, this temple is dedicated to lord Raghunathji another form of Lord Rama. The temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh, the king of Kullu who brought the present idol of the god from Ayodhya(the birth place of Lord Rama) and established here.

# Bijli Mahadev Temple - Located at a distance of 10 km from the town Kullu across the Beas river, the Bijli Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is so named because there is a 20 meter high rod projecting out of the shrine, which is said to catch lightening from the skies and destroy them below the Shivlingam(the symbol of Lord Shiva). The temple offers a panoramic view of the Kullu valley and is worth visiting.

# The Great Himalayan National Park - It is home to a diverse variety flora and fauna with around 300 bird species and more than 30 animal species.

# Basheshwar Mahadev Temple - This 9th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popular for its intricate stone carvings.

Tourist Attractions in Manali
# Hidimba Devi Temple - The present wooded temple of goddess Hadimba Devi, the wife of Lord Bhima of the Mahabharata was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. This four story temple is renowned for its carvings of animals, plants and local deities. Inside the temple is a small brass idol of the statue of goddess Hadimba. This is one f the most popular tourist attractions in Kullu-Manali.

# Vashist Spring - These sulphur hot springs are considered as sacred and known for its medicinal and rejuvenating values. You can take a refreshing warm dip in one of the kunds.

# Manali Sanctuary - Located at a distance of 2km from the down town Manali, the wildlife sanctuary was first notified in the year 1954 and is home to a variety of Himalayan flora and fauna with animal species like lion, snow leopard, ibex etc.

# Winter Carnival - The annual five-day winter carnival of Manali is celebrated every year in the month of January at a time when Manali slumbers under a thick blanket of snow. The festival starts from the Hadimba Devi Temple with the worship of goddess Hadimba. Various cultural and winter sports and cultural events are organized during this festival and attracts a large number of participants and tourists from all parts of the country.

Kochi :
Kochi is a busy port city in Kerala. In ancient times most of the foreign sea travelers had been to Kochi and foreign influence is till date found in their lifestyles and architecture. The Vembanad Kayal, Kerala's largest lake that spreads full bosomed and silver gray in the sultry sun is in Kochi.

Kayamkulam
Kayamkulam is a small village on the western coast of India in the state of Kerala. Washed by the waters of the Arabian Sea, the place is almost equidistant from Alleppey and Quilon, both of which connect the Kerala backwaters.

Kozhikode :
Calicut or Kozhikode is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The district extends from latitude 11°15' N to 75°49' E. Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and mesmeric peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this district has all the required ingredients to fascinate a tourist.

Munnar
Munnar is a small hill station set amongst the Kannan Devan hills. It is famous for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates. The quiet environs of Munnar attract the traveler to relax in the lap of Mother Nature. Munnar is one of the highest tea estates in the world.

Alappuzha :
Alappuzha (Alleppey) is one of the exotic backwater sites of India's southern state Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race or the snake boat race is held every year. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters.

Kumarakom
This group of islands in Vembanad Lake attracts thee tourists by the beauty of the swaying palm trees, green paddy fields, waterways.

Kannur :
Cannanore or more appropriately Kannur as it is known today is a place with a rich history right from the time of the Aryan migration. The word Kannur may have evolved from a village named Kannathur around which the modern town of Kannur grew. Or according to some it is a combination of Kannan (Lord Krishna), a deity in the Hindu pantheon and Ur meaning a place or an abode.

Wayanad :
Wayanad is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats.

Thekkadi :
Thekkadi - The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations.

Kollam :
Quilon (also Kollam) is situated in the southwest corner of India in the state of Kerala. The district is encircled by Alappuzha in the north, Pathanamthitta in the northeast, Thiruvananthapuram in the south, Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) in the east, and the Arabian Sea in the west. It extends latitude 9°28' and longitude 76°17' north.

Varkala
Varkala is one of the famous beaches in South India. The Papanasam beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs.

Rashtrapati Bhawan: The president's mansion is situated on Raisina Hill in the center of Delhi, overlooking the green lawns around India Gate. This elegant building, is truly worth seeing, for its architectural beauty and historic significance. The beautiful Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan, which are open to the public in spring, are an added attraction.

Parliament House: Located in Central Delhi, this elegant building with its wide pillared walkways and large halls, is worth a visit, to see the corridors of power where India's lawmakers and statesmen decide the future of India.


India Gate: Situated on Rajpath, in the center of Delhi, this 42-meter high arch, was designed by Edwin Lutyens, in memory of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the first World War. Their names can be seen inscribed on the arch. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame, burns in memory of the unknown soldier, beneath the shelter of the arch, which is surrounded by green lawns, fountains and water bodies - an evergreen picnic zone in the heart of central Delhi.

Red Fort: This grand fort built during the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's reign, this majestic building made of red sandstone is the location from where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation every Independence Day. The Diwan-e-khas, and Diwan-e-am, the weaponry museum and the sound and light show are all worth seeing at the Red Fort.

Qutab Minar: Built during the reign of Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199 A.D., this 72.5 m high pillar is a symbol of the Delhi Sultanate. Near it can be seen the ruins of Kila Ri Pithora, the fort of Prithviraj Chauhan, and an amazing iron pillar from Gupta times which has not yet rusted.

Humayun's Tomb: Built by Humayun's wife, Hamida Begum, in 1556, after Humayun's death, this elegantly proportioned tomb, set on a platform amidst a garden, is believed to have influenced the design of the Taj Mahal.

Bahai Temple: This aesthetically designed monument, commonly known as the Lotus Temple, because the white marble structure is built to in the shape of a lotus, set amidst, lakes and green lawns. It is a serene house of meditation, within which there are no idols and total silence prevails, so all can meditate in complete peace.

Jama Masjid: Built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid's large courtyard, onion domes and central tank are built of red sandstone and white marble in the Indo-Islamic style.

* Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat : It was built in 1954 and is the main attraction of this city. It is a marvel of modern architecture and is a fine amalgamation of traditional Dravidian and modern styles. Cubbon Park, the 120-hectare park located near the Vidhan Soudha, has a number of neo-classical styled government buildings.

* Tipu Sultan's Fort and Palace : The 18th-century Tipu Sultan's Fort and Palace are other important historical tourist attractions in Bangalore.
* Museums :The Government Museum of Bangalore (one of India's oldest museums) and the Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial Museum are important museums within the city.

* Botanical Gardens : The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, which holds a number of flower shows, especially during the Republic Day (26th January), is located on the southern fringes of the city.

* Ulsoor Lake : The Ulsoor Lake on the northeastern edge of the city is an important picnic spot.

Completed with picturesque landscapes, historical sites and long stretches of coastal lines, Gujarat travel pleases all kinds of tourists. The state of Gujarat boasts of a rich historical background. The area has witnessed glorious reigns of great dynasties like the Shahs, Solankis and Peshwas. According to historians, the state has earned its name from the Gurjara tribe, who came to the area during the 5th century.

The people of Gujarat reflect the vibrant culture of the state. They love to wear colorful dresses and the women prefer wearing a lot of ornaments. Most of the people speak in Gujarati. Hindi, Urdu, Sindhi and English are also spoken in Gujarat.

Gujarat enjoys a more or less moderate climate throughout the year. However, some parts of the state like the Kutch region witness dry and extreme climate. The best time to visit the state is between the months of October and March.

Gujarat is a paradise for the tourists. The Kutch Desert, Gir National Park, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Marine National Park make Gujarat the ideal destination for nature lovers and wild life enthusiasts. The state also boasts of numerous tourist attractions like:

• Buddhist Cave Monastery
• Durbar Hall Museum
• Jami Masjid
• Sidi Said Mosque
• Maharajah Fateh Singh Museum

Gujarat takes pride in its exotic beaches. The Byet Dwarka Beach, Gopnath Beach and Verabal Beach are some of the famous beaches in Gujarat. A visit to Gujarat during any festival gives an opportunity to get the real feel of the Gujarat culture. Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, Janmasthami, Saptak Music Festival, International Kite Festival and Raksha Bandhan are some of the popular festivals of Gujarat.

Located at a distance of 204 km south of Delhi,Taj Mahal is the single most famous tourist attraction in Agra. People from across the globe flock to the city of Agra to see the Taj Mahal, a "symbol of eternal love". The Taj Mahal, built in memory of Begum Mumtaz Mahal by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1681still remains as one of the "wonders of the world". The Taj Mahal stands on the bank of the Yamuna and is built on a red sandstone base, topped by a huge white marble terrace on which rests the famous dome flanked by four tapering minarets The Taj Mahal houses the grave of Mumtaz Mahal. Later the grave Shah Jahan was also added next to her. The floors and walls have fascinating calligraphy and mosaicwork adorned with precious stones.The tomb is set against the plain across the river and it is believed that it is this background that works its magic of colours that, through their reflection, change the view of the Taj. The colours change at different hours of the day and during different seasons. The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines. These changes, they say, depict the different moods of woman.

Besides Taj Mahal, there are other tourist attractions in Agra worth visiting. Built in massive red sandstones on the bank of Yamuna, the Agra Fort built by emperor Akbar in 1565 is another major historical tourist attraction in Agra. It is popular with tourists as a towering fort as well as for the many palaces and mosques build within its premises by Jahangir and Shah Jahan, which include the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque) and Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace).Chini-Ka-Rauza(China tomb),a Persian style tomb is built of glazed tiles and is dedicated to the memory of Afzal Khan, Prime Minister in the court of Akbar.Itimad-ud-Daula Tomb, built by Empress NurJahan(Jehangir's wife) in memory of her father and Akbar's Mausoleum with a blending of motifs from all major religions are the other attractions in Agra.