North India States and cities


Best places to see in Delhi

The capital of India Delhi holds historical and modern age importance as well. It is an excellent tourist destination for Tourists of all over India as well as from foreign countries to spend their holidays. There are many attractions in Delhi that are a must watch. So on a visit to Delhi make sure to not leave out the important places to see in Delhi and it will surely make you fall in love with the place. Here the article lists the important historical monuments to gardens to museums to religious places which area treat for you.

Monuments and Forts in Delhi

Red Fort or Lal Quila

red fort, lal quila, delhi This colossus citadel made by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan is pride of Delhi. The mighty fort spreading in 2.4 km is built with red stone and thus got the name Red Fort or Lal Quila. A wide moat surrounds the octagonal fort. The fort has two entrances- Delhi Gate and Lahori Gate but second one is the main entrance of the Quila. The fort is divided into various premises like Diwan-i-Am is the hall for public, Diwan-i-Khas is the hall for special audience, Rang Mahal is the water cooled place for the royal ladies, Hamam, Moti Masjid, Mumtaz Mahal and Naubat Khana i.e. the music house.
The Prime Minister unfurls Indian Tricolor every year on anniversary of Indian Independence from the British rule on 15th of August. The glorious past and magnificence attracts tourists. A Light and Sound show is held every evening.

The tomb of Humayun was built with red sandstone by Hamida Banu Begum. The tomb is festooned with white and black marble borders. Well developed gardens surround this tomb which has crisscross of numerous water channels. It is the best maintained example of Mughal architecture, characterized with high arches and double dome.

Qutub Minar is the world heritage site located in Mehrauli. This tall brick tower of red sandstone built in 1193 AD, was erected by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlak. The conical tower is 72.5 meters high and has 399 steps; its base is 14.3 meters broad whereas the top floor is 2.75 meters wide.
Iron pillar or Ashoka Pillar adjacent to this Minar is also not to be missed. It is believed that if make a wish and stand with your back to the pillar, and if you can hold your hands around it, then your wish will surely be fulfilled.

India Gate India Gate, delhi

India Gate is the famous landmark of New Delhi. It is the war memorial that remembers the martyrs of British Indian Army who sacrificed their lives for the Indian Empire in World War I and the Afghan Wars. India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. After India getting independence, it became tomb of Indian Army's unknown soldier, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti. The archway is 42 meter high and is made of red stone with "INDIA" written on both sides. Thousands of soldier�s names are inscribed on the arch. The nearby lawns, children's park and a boat club gives time to relax in hustles of routine life.

Religious Places in Delhi

Akshardham Temple Akshardham Temple, delhi

This sacred Hindu temple sprawl in 100 acres has a 11-feet high statute of Bhagwan Swaminarayan under the central dome. Statues of gurus of other sects are also installed around. This is a very popular tourist spot and is visited by thousands of devotees everyday. The temple has an IMAX theater and musical fountain in this complex.

Birla or Laxmi Narain Temple

This beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Laxmi is built by the industrialist G. D. Birla in 1938.

Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple Lotus Temple, delhi

People of every religion and faith visit Bahai temple. The ambience is great. The complex has pools and gardens. The devotees pray and meditate silently in the calm and serene huge hall. The temple is shaped like lotus so it is popular as the lotus temple.


Jama Masjid Jama Masjid, delhi

Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. This five-storied mosque was built by Shah Jahan in 1658. The first three storeys of the Jama Masjid is made of red sandstone, the fourth is made of marble, while the fifth is made of sandstone. The entire mosque has intricate carvings and verses from the holy Quran are inscribed on the walls.

ISKCON Temple

ISKCON Temple is built by the followers of Hare Rama Hare Krishna cult on a hillock. Thus the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The gracious complex is one of the largest temple complexes in India.

Memorials in Delhi

The memorials of dynamic leaders that played an important role in development of India are erected in Delhi to keep their memories alive. These memorials are made along the river Yamuna. The verdant lawns and serene ambience of the memorials provide a contemplative space to visitors to reflect upon the life and work of the leaders of modern India.

Rajghat Rajghat, raj ghat, delhi

Rajghat is formed where the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. The Samadhi is a simple square stone platform of black marble approached by a stone footpath through the beautiful gardens. The last words of Mahatma Gandhi 'Hey Ram' are inscribed on the memorial platform.

Shanti Van

Shanti Van is the memorial of India's first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru. The memorial of Sanjay Gandhi is located next to Shanti Van.

Shakti Sthal

The memorial of India's first and only lady Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi is named Shakti Sthal which symbolizes the determination and vigor of Indira Gandhi. The Samadhi is in the form of grey-red massive stone.

Vir Bhumi

Vir Bhumi is the memorial of the youngest Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi.

Vijay Ghat

Vijay Ghat near the small artificial lake is a memorial of India's second Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Other attractions

Besides above, Delhi has numerous other attractions like Parliament House, Jantar Mantar, Old Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Nizam-ud-Din Shrine, Garden of Five Senses or Said-ul-Ajaib garden, Lodhi Garden, Mughal Gardens, Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, National Museum,and many more gardens, museums and monuments.

Haryana is a perfect vacation land, with great culture and heritage which is well preserved in its rural towns and villages. Enjoy churning butter out of milk or thrilling experience in the remote villages amidst mud houses where simplicity and dignity is deep routed in the hearts of Haryana folk.

Cities to visit in Haryana are:

Bhiwani, haryana Bhiwani:

Today a major industrial town, Bhiwani name comes from goddess Gauri Bhawani, Shiva's wife, and is also called little Kashi because there are about 300 temples within the town. Other interesting sites are shrines of Khera Baba and Lohar pir. There's the Loharu fort also, and an ancient Harappan mound

Ambala:

It is famous for its army cantonment, air force base and railway junction, also for its industries especially that of scientific instruments, metal casting and kitchen mixer grinders .Places of Interest are Bhawani Amba Temple, named after the goddess Bhawani. Kali Mata Mandir The Badshahi Bag Gurdwara ,Sis Ganj Gurdwara Manji Sahib Gurdwara and , Sangat Sahib Gurdwara Popular Muslim shrines of Lakhi Shah and Taqwal Shah, Saint Paul's Church andan old British Christian cemetery. Patel Park in Ambala Cantt & City Park in Ambala City are two beautiful gardens.

Rohtak, haryana Rohtak Town:

The ruins of the Khokar fort (built by the Khokars) are still there, as are the Dini and Adina masjids. The Jama Masjid in Meham has now been turned into a gurudwara for the Sikhs in true secular fashion. Rohtak also boasts of a medical college and a university. Also has a huge lake which makes it another tourist spot. It is home for thousands of birds and officially a wildlife sanctuary. Bhindawas is the largest wetland of Haryana.

Faridabad, haryana Faridabad :

Faridabad city is the most populated and most industrialized in whole of Haryana. The district headquarter is situated in Faridabad city. Faridabad alone is generating about 60% of the revenues of Haryana with its large number of industrial units. There is a belief that it was Baba Farid, an eminent Sufi saint, who founded Faridabad. Badkhal lake Baba Farid's Tomb Suraj Kund Tourist Complex and the Crafts Fair the Aravalli Golf Course are places to visit.

Gurgaon, haryana Gurgaon:

The district headquarters is situated in Gurgaon city. Now Gurgaon has become one of the most important corporate and industrial hubs of Haryana. Gurgaon also known as 'Guru Gram' or 'Guru Gaon' ( village of the spiritual teacher) was named after Dronacharya, a character in the Epic Mahabharata. Sheetla Mata Temple. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary . Sohna is another attraction in Gurgaon district, event.

Hissar, haryana Hissar:

Hissar town was one of the prime centres of Harrappan culture. The area has been associated with ancient Vedic tribes such as Bharatas, Purus, Kurus, Mujavatas and Mahavrishas. Today Hissar is the main cotton centre for Haryana. The Hissar Agricultural University is one of the foremost full-fledged educational instutions dedicated solely to agriculture. Feroze Shah's palace and fort, Lat Ki Masjid, Humayun's mosque, Jahaz Kothi, Gujri Mahal, Jain Pillar, Ancient Mounds, Pranpir Badshah's Tomb are the places of interest to visit

Panipat, haryana Panipat:

The City Renowned for the Great Battle of Panipat the First, Second, and The Third Battle.Today Panipat is an industrial town and is known for its handloom products. Most popular places are Ibrahim Lodi's Tomb,Kabuli Shah Mosque, Jain Temples.

The divine beauty of Himachal Pradesh yielded the name Devbhumi -- "Land of the Gods", to it. The beautiful hill station in the lap of north-west region of western Himalayas is landlocked with the Tibetan plateau to the east, Jammu and Kashmir to the north, and the Punjab to the west. The state's diverse topography ranges from vast tracts of high-altitude Trans-Himalayan desert to dense green deodar forests. The weather remains pleasant all the seasons. The summer temperature remains around 28 �C and that in winter is around 7 �C.

Place to see in Himachal Pradesh

Rajgarh

Rajgarh or Peach valley is a lush green valley in Sirmaur district. Naturally bountiful Rajgarh is also a trekking site. The Shaya temple dedicated to Lord Shirgul and Baru Sahib Gurdwara are the important religious spots in the town. Kheri is a charming place on the banks of a tributary of the Giri River.

Habban Valley

The enchanting lively valley is crowded with populace of pine, fir, kail, baan and deodar besides orchards of apples and peaches. Sometimes Habban has snow fall in winters and the climate remains pleasant all round the year.

Pragpur

Pragpur in Kangra valley is the heritage village located 2000 feet above sea level. Several streams flow into the river Beas and holds historic, religious and cultural importance. Following rich flora and fauna along with its reasonable climate Pragpur and its surroundings are ideal for village tourism.

The Taal or pond in Pragpur village is surrounded by many heritage structures-the Nehar Bhawan; Naun; an inn named Dhuni Chand Bhardial Serai and Radha Krishna Mandir.

Butail Niwas

Lala Buta Mal constructed this six floor apartment for his 6 sons. This building surrounds a courtyard. In warmer weather, this courtyard is flooded with water brought by the Butails from Nalsuyah Khad to provide cooling.

Nakki

Nakki Lake is elderly beautiful water point which falls into small reservoirs. People use this for various domestic purposes.

Fort of Sujanpur

Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra erected fort of Sujanpur in 1758. The old fort is worth visiting. Raja Sansar Chand who patronised Kangra School of miniature paintings once resided here. The shrines and wall paintings of the fort are pleasure to watch.

Kangra Fort

The Kangra Fort atop the flat mountain is situated on Shimla-Mataur national highway. The Kangra Fort is also known as Nagarkot. The lofty, strong and invincible fort is historically significant. The fort is more charming for the beauty of its structure. The museum at the entrance treasures photographs of the fort prior to the earthquake of 1905, stone sculptures, carvings, idols and many other artifacts.

The fort has 7 gates; each of which is named after its winners like Jehangir, Ranjit Singh and the British. The walls have embossed idols of the fort. There are two temples in near it, they are; Lakshmi Narayan temple, the Ambika temple and a Jain temple of Adi Narayan.

The fort attracts tourists and the pilgrims visiting Kangra.

Great Himalayan National Park

The National Park in Kullu spreads in 754 sq. km. and is covered with temperate and alpine coniferous forests. The area is the home to many important wildlife species of Western Himalayas.

Deotsidh Temple, Bhakra Nangal Dam, Shri Naina Devi temple and Maharana Pratap Sagar are also worth visiting.

Hill stations in Himachal Pradesh

Chail, Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kasauli, Kufri, Nalagarh, Solan are some of the most famous hill stations of Himachal Pradesh.

Jammu and Kashmir is truly a heaven on earth. The nature romancing with snow presents picturesque sight before everyone. The glittering white snowy mountains, trees and pathways along with romantic house boats and vivid flora present beautiful sightseeing boulevards. Although the temperature remains cool throughout the year but if you really want to enjoy sights of the city avoid going there in winters when the mercury may go in negative.

Visit to Jammu and Kashmir gives you an opportunity to meet with nature and to visit many religious sites around the city.

Places to see in Jammu and Kashmir

Dal Lake

Beautiful Dal lake is a jewel in the crown of Kashmir. The scenic beauty attracts much to the people who loves photography. House boats are one of the special features of Dal lake. Floating kitchen gardens and shops amazes tourists. People can mix pleasure of rowing through the 21.1 square kilometer lake with shopping from vendors sailing in shikaras.

The floating gardens of Char Chinar, Chashme Shahi, Hari Parbat and the Hazratbal Shrin around Dal Lake are must watch.

Mughal Gardens

The Mughals were admirer of arts. They constructed or developed many gardens in Srinagar. The gardens of Chashmi-e Shahi or The Royal Spring, Nishat Garden or The Garden of pleasure & Shalimar Bagh or Abode of Love are the assets given by Mughals. These gardens have flowerbeds of huge variety of flowers and beautiful fountains.

Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden

Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden spreading in 90 acres of land has a multitude of Tulips. The garden is situated in the lap of Zabarwan Mountains. Being surrounded by brightly coloured tulips is like a dream sequence. The sight relaxes one's mind and soothes eyes.

Shankaracharya Temple

The sacred Shankaracharya Temple is a historic tourist destination in Takht-e-Suleiman, Srinagar which is situated 1100 feet above sea level. It is the oldest shrine in Kashmir

. Amarnath Cave

This is a venerated religious spot of the Hindus. You will be amazed by the supernatural stalagmite formations in the holy cave of Amarnath.

Vaishno Devi

The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is situated at the height of 5200 feet. Some also recognizes the cave shrine by the name of Trikuta Bhagwati. The Goddess is represented as three pindis or rocks known as representations of Maha Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Kali.

Gulmarg

'The Meadow of Flowers' is also the longest and highest ski slopes in Asia. The unparalleled beauty of Gulmarg is not only a mountain resort but also the highest green golf course in the world. The 'View Point' in Gulmarg gives the travelers a spectacular view of snow covered mountains.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is popularly called 'Valley of Shepherds'. It is situated where Lidder river meets the stream flowing from the Sheshnag Lake. It is a major health resort at the height of 2130 meters. This beautiful resort is set amidst steep hills. Tourists going through Pahalgam passes through meadow of pine forests - Baisaran, Chandanwari and Hajan which is an ideal picnic spot.

Sonmarg

Sonmarg is also worth visiting in a tour to Jammu and Kashmir. It is located at a height of 2730 meters and is popularly called 'meadow of gold'. The beauty increases with the Sindh River flowing in the valley.

Jharkhand state is full of evergreen forests, wild life sanctuaries, lakes, waterfalls, health and holiday resorts and a wide range of scenic beauty for tourists. The State's Chota Nagpur plateau presents a rolling hills area, dense forests, several waterfalls and many springs with mineral waters. The famous places of pilgrimage in Jharkhand are Rajrappa, Parasnath, Sun Temple, Baidyanathdham (Deoghar), Jagannathpur Temple and Hill, Anjangram and many more.

Places to visit in Jharkhand are:

Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) :

Situated in the Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand is a very important pilgrim Center. It's famous for the Hindus for the temple of Shiva-Baidyanath and the place is a popular holiday Center.

Hazaribagh National Park :

Meaning a thousand gardens, is a famous Health Hill Resort situated on a height of 2019 ft. above sea level. It has an excellent climate and beautiful sceneries are all around it in the midst of dense forest. It is rich in flora and fauna. The loftiness here is of another order. It has an abundance of wild animals like the wild Boar, Sambar, Nilgai, Chital, Sloth Bear, tiger and Panthar.

Bokaro :

Also called as Bokaro Steel City, it is situated in the Chhotanagpur Plateau, the vast rolling topography of the city is typical, sprinkled by graded valleys and winding streams. Garga Dam And Parasnath Hills, Bokaro Ispat Pustakalaya, City Park, Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park, Babudih, Chandrapura and TenuGhat are popular places of Bokaro.

Ranchi :

Once the summer capital of Bihar, Ranchi is well known for its scenic attractions, waterfalls, barren rocks & hillocks thus called "city of waterfall". It has a number of Industrial Complexes, which are very important in the Industrial life of the country. It is also an important place for the study of tribal ways; of life it offers an ideal opportunity to those interested in Anthropology. Bihar Tribal Research Institute and museum is well worth a visit for those seeking to know more about the tribes of Bihar. Places of Interest in Ranchi are Ranchi Hill and Ranchi Lake. One can have panoramic view of the town elude the surroundings from the top of the hill.

Dhanbad :

Dhanbad is not only one of the most important industrial centers of Jharkhand but also of India. It is richest in mineral wealth of India. The popular tourists spot in Dhanbad are Chark Khurd,Charak Pathar, Chati Gobindpur, Gopalpur, Jhangi Mountain, Jhinjhipahari, Maithan Dam, Meva, Panchet , Panchet Dam, Panrra, Tetulia, Topchanchi and Topchanchi Reservoir.

Bhoganadih and Panchkathiya :

These are two sacred places for the tribes, where the legendary brothers, Sido and Kanu, led the Santhal revolt in 1855.

Rajmahal :

Rajmahal is a historical town on the right bank of the Ganges River in Sahibganj District. Sahibganj district is inseparable from the history of its parent district of Santhal Pargana with its headquarters at Dumka and is inter-related with the histories of Godda, Dumka, Deoghar and Pakur districts.

Chotanagpur :

Blissfully remote and uniquely beautiful, the tranquil environs of Chotanagpur offer an ideal escape from the restrictions of civilization. It is still the place of bygone days tempered with moments of serenity, goodwill and charm that make it impossible not to be seduced by its beauty and climate.

Punjab has rich cultural history. Archaeological excavations revealed that once Punjab has been the cradle of Indus Valley Civilization. Punjab and Punjabis Moolah mantra is "Khana, Peena aur Masti". The lip smacking spicy Punjabi food will make you lick your fingers.

Punjab's culture, spirituality, royal Punjabi palaces, historic battle sites, shrines and temples attracts people from all over the world. The state is not so much popular as tourist attraction but tourism is a swiftly expanding here. There are many places one should not miss to visit;
some of them are enumerated below:

GOLDEN TEMPLE

The holy Golden temple is the most respected sikh shrine. The majestic temple's dome and minarets are covered with gold. When rays of sun falls on them in morning the soft silhouette in the water presents amazing view. Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara Golden Temple not only draws pilgrims from near and far but also attracts tourists fore centuries.

The gurdwara has four entrance doors or deoris, in each of the four directions which symbolizes the belief of indiscrimination between caste and creed. The stunning sanctum sanctorum in the temple is radiant in the water of the holy tank. This holy tank is surrounded by marble pavement.

A pathway leads to the main structure. Shish Mahal, Akal Takht, langar hall are the important places in temple.

Wagha Border

It is the only open place from where an Indian can see Pakistan and vice a versa. India-Pakistan border is 1 hrs. drive from Amritsar. The Changing of Guards and the ceremonial lowering of the flags ceremony at sundown have their own symbolic importance and are great tourist attractions.

Jallianwala Bagh

This public garden adjacent to Golden temple enjoys huge chronological status. A memorial is built in remembrance of those who were killed in a massacre on April 13, 1919. This event fuelled the struggle for freedom.

Rock Garden

Rock Garden is also known as Nek Chand's Rock Garden, named after its founder, Nek Chand Saini, who started the garden in 1957. The garden spreads over an area of forty-acre and is sculpted by waste and thrown-away items only. The waterfalls and sculptures of scrap fascinate its visitors.

This beautiful creation appeared on the Indian stamp in the year 1983.

Yadavendra Gardens

The Mughal style terraced lawns, flower beds, fountains, water channels and airy pavilions enclosed by high walls make Yadavendra Gardens a worth visting place for tourists. The bed of mauve and magenta bougainvillea looks stunning.

The cities


Ludhiana

The city is popularly nicknamed Manchester of India. Ludhiana exports its world famous hosiery and woolens all over the world. It is the site for famous Kisan Mela. Rural Olympics are held nearby Killa Raipur.

Patiala

Patiala peg, jootis and parandaas are very famous. The Sports School and the Moti Bagh Palace one should not forget to visit to rightly visualize past of the state.

Chandigarh

Modern city Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. The modern architecture and planning makes Chandigarh extraordinary in the world. The Sukhna Lake and gardens like Rock Garden, Leisure Valley, Rose Garden, Garden of Tranquility, Garden of Rare Plants, Garden of Annuals, Bougainvillea Garden, Botanical Garden, and Garden of Aromatic Plants are an attraction for visitors.

Amid the scorching weather conditions almost all the year round Rajasthan's mighty forts, stunning palaces and shimmering lakes makes it a lovable tourist destination. The second largest state in India has the Thar Desert spreading all across Rajasthan. We are here again to give you a clue about some of the best places to see in this culturally prosperous place.

Amer Palace & Fort

Amer Fort and Palace was built by Raja Man Singh. The palace appear emerging from the serene waters of the Maotha Lake. Tourists get an opportunity to ride on the elephant back to the Singhpol and Jaleb Chowk. The stairs from one end runs to Shila Mata temple.

Hawa Mahal

It is the prominent monument in Jaipur built by the King Sawai Pratap Singh. Hawa Mahal is five storeyed and semi-octagonal in shape. The beautiful carved 152 windows enable the palace women to see the royal processions through them.

Jantar Mantar

The largest observatory made of stone and marble is one Five remarkable observatories made by Sawai Jai singh-II. It is very scientifically designed instruments of medieval Indian Astronomy.

The City Palace

The Carved arches of mystic city Palace is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The grey-white marble columns studded with gold floral motifs and colored stones. The either side of the entrance has two elephants carved in marble.

Junagarh Fort

The fort was built in 1593. The great thing about this fort is that although it was attacked, it was never conquered. The fort is the combination of British and Indian influences. The Suraj Pol is the main entrance to the fort.

The Rat Temple

The popular Karni Mata temple is located about thirty kilometers from Bikaner. Thousands of rats --- both black and white --- are seen running here and there in this beautiful temple and they are worshiped.

Dilwara Jain Temples

The Jain temples in Mount Abu are famous for their stunning carving in marble. The Vimal Vasahi (Shri Adi Nathji temple), Luna Vasahi (Shri Nemi Nathji temple), Pithalhar (Shri Rishabh Deoji temple), Khartar Vasahi (Shri Parshav Nathji temple) and Mahaveer Swami (Shri Mahaveer Swamiji temple) in the Temple complex are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains.

Lalgarh Palace

The architecturally beautiful palace of red sandstone built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in 1902 is a host of intricate carving. The entire palace is a blend of Rajput, Muslim and European style architecture.

Jaisalmer Fort

It is also called Sonar Quila because it is made of yellow sandstone. It is the only living fort that has a city within itself. The fort was built by Bhati Rajput Raja Rawal Jaisal in the year 1156 AD. The Jaisalmer fort has four principal gateways or pols - Ganesh pol, Suraj pol, Hawa pol and Bhoot pol.

Mehrangarh Fort

This formidable and magnificent fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. There are seven gates "Fateh Pol, Jai Pol, Loha Pol, Lakhna Pol, Hathi Pol, Suraj Pol and Daodh Kangra Pol".

Jaswant Thada

Left to the Mehrangarh fort is the graceful and mystic marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is known as Jaswant Thada. This monument is popularly known as the "Taj Mahal of Marwar."

Uttar Pradesh has a rich mythological as well as cultural and traditional importance. The fascinating Uttar Pradesh attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Uttar Pradesh has riches of monuments, wildlife reserves, picturesque mountains, lakes, pilgrimages and much famed hill stations like Mussoorie and Nainital. The following article presents an overview of the must witnessed tourist spots.

Taj Mahal

When a tourist visits India he always wishes to see epitome of love- Tajmahal. This wonder of the world monument is situated on the bank of river Yamuna. The marvelous carving of this mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal has always been attraction for the tourist. The architecture of Taj Mahal is the finest example of the Indian Islamic Architecture.

Varanasi Ghats

The spiritual city of Banaras or Varanasi is the oldest city which holds a mythological meaning to Hindus. Devotees come to take the holy dip on hundreds of ghats on the bank of river Ganga as they have strong faith that this will absolve one�s sins. People navigate through these ghats and river by taking a boat ride.

Sarnath

Buddha delivered his first sermon at beautiful site, Sarnath. After Enlightenment Buddha set up the first Buddhist sangha or order here, thus it is a popular pilgrim spot. The stupas show the example of Buddhist art.

Lion capital

The pale yellowish-grey sculpture of speckled sandstone has been erected by Emperor Ashoka in third century BC. The pillar has carved four lions back to back gazing towards the four directions. Below, are four wheels, representing dharmachakra, the bull, an elephant, the lion and the horse. This lion capital was chosen as the emblem of the Indian Republic and also for all government documents and even on Indian currency.

Agra Fort

The fort stretching to an area of 2.5 Km was built by Shah Jahan in 1628 alongside the Yamuna river. The walls of the fort are made up of red sandstone. The fort has two gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate but the entrance is allowed through Amar Singh Gate. Beautiful carving in marble ceilings is stunning. One special characteristic of the walls of the rooms in the marble pavilions is that they are hollow and are filled with running water to cool off the rooms. You can have sight of Taj Mahal from the fort. It gives the feeling that if Agra fort is constructed to keep a watch on Taj.

Bara Imambara

Bada Imambara is the historical monument of Lucknow which includes Asfi mosque, the Bhul-Bhulayah and a summer palace with running water. Imambara are the replicas of tombs dedicated to the Holy Prophet and his family members. Non-muslims are not allowed to enter here.

Buland Darwaza

Fatehpur Sikri is a monumental town that has preserved its Mughal Glory and is a case study material for the students of architecture. Buland Darwaza here in Fatehpur Sikri is the massive triumphal arch built in 1575 to celebrate Akbar's conquest of Gujarat. Mughal architecture is the best architecture in India and Buland Darwaza is an example of it.

 

Agra is important city to see in Northern India. The Taj Mahal the most important monument of India is located in Agra. Taj Mahal was built by Mugal emperor in 16th Century. Mugal King Shah Jhan built Taj Mahal for his wife Mumtaz. The king loved his wife very much. After his wife death he build the symbol of Love. Taj Mahal example is given in love stories a lot. Taj looks and beauty depicts the feeling of king. Taj is built with while marbles. Gold and diamonds are used to decorate the Taj. Each and every corner of Taj is master piece of craftsman ship. 20,000 workers took 10 plus year to build Taj Mahal.

One should see Taj Mahal in different times of day to admire its beauty. Taj looks beautiful in day time. It also looks fabulous in moon light.

In India - Taj is considered - one of 7 wonders of world.

Outside Taj Mahal is a beautiful garden and near the garden there is a river Yumana.

After Taj Mahal visitor go to Agra Fort also known as Lal-Quila of Agra. The fort is made of red stone. It is huge fort built by Mugal king. The fort contains Amar sing gate, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-a-aam.

The visitor of Agra can enjoy busy places of Agra. There are good restaurants, bar, religious places in Agra. "Petha" is famous dish of Agra. It is a sweet made of pumpkin. Agra's petha is considered best in India.

Near Agra - there is Delhi, Jaipur. It is a called a Golden Triangle to visit Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.

In Jaipur you can see various forts such as Hawa Mahal, Jal-Mahal, Aamer fort. Jaipur is also called pink city as most of historical buildings and fort are made of Pink/Red fort.

If you are interested in history of India - a visit to Golden Triangle is must.

Nowadays there is good road connectivity between Delhi to Agra and Jaipur. There is a direct train called Taj express, Rajdhani express. For Jaipur you have a train - Pink City Express. You can reach Agra in 3 hours. Visit Taj Mahal and go back to Delhi on same day. You can take a taxi and reach Agra in 4-5 hours using GT Road. Fortunately a new high way is opened from Delhi-Noida-Agra and it takes you faster to Agra.

  1. Dehradun
  2. Haridwar
  3. Haldwani
  4. Roorkee
  5. Kashipur
  6. Kotdwara
  7. Rudrapur
  8. Rishikesh
  9. Pithoragarh
  10. Manglaur
  11. Ramnagar
  12. Nainital
  13. Almora
  14. Mussoorie
  15. Pauri
  16.  Srinagar
  17. Gopeshwar
  18. Ranikhet
  19. Uttarkashi
  20. Tanakpur
  21. Khatima
  22. Vikasnagar
  23. Bageshwar
  24. Banbasa
  25. Karanprayag
  26.  Champawat
  27. Rudraprayag
  28. Devprayag

Best Places to see in Bengal

The naturally beautiful West Bengal is a wonderful gift of nature to the mankind. The state is also known as the Gateway of the north. The enthusiastic people with a good sense of lyrical poetry make Bengal sweet as Rasgolla. West Bengal is a land of incessant beauty. West Bengal is a dream destination for vacationers as the state has bejeweled with some of the best hill stations and exquisite beaches. This article tries to brief about some of the must visit places in Bengal.

The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary jaldapara wildlife sanctuary

Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary is situated in Alipurduar of Jalpaiguri District. This sanctuary was initially started with an aim to protect one-horned rhinos in 1941 though the sanctuary sports a great assortment of fauna and flora. It's a great place to spend the holidays for those who love watching wildlife, elephant riding and meander through the gigantic grass.

Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan. was established in 1863 by Debendranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore started open-air classes with just 5 students there then took it to new heights later to develop into Vishwa Bharati University. Shantiniketan is the personification of calmness and tranquility.

Belur Math Belur Math

The monastery of Ramakrishna mission was founded at Belur Math in 1899 by Swami Vivekananda, the disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhans. The math is situated on the riverside Hooghly River.



Howrah Bridge Howrah Bridge

Howrah bridge is attraction for all. Howrah bridge is one of the largest beam like bridge in the world. The bridge connects Howrah and Kolkata over the Hooghly River. The bridge was renamed to Rabindra Setu in 1965. The night view at the bridge is marvelous when the entire bridge is illuminated.

Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a small hill station between Siliguri and Gangtok. Teesta River flowing there adds up to the scenic beauty of Kalimpong. The gorgeous hill station has several monasteries and temple.

The Shaktipiths Shaktipiths

There is a legend in Hindu Mythology behind the underpinning of Shaktipiths. Shaktipiths were formed wherever the pieces of Sati's corpse fell. Bakreshwar is the most sacred Shaktipiths. It is the spot where Sati's forehead and eyebrows fell. Tarapith is the place where Sati's eyes fell. The Goddess's pelvis fell at Kankalitala. Nalhati Nalhati is the place where Sati's wind pipe fell and Sati's lips fell in Fullora.

Sunderban Sunderban

Sunderban in South 24 Parganas is the world's largest delta. The famous delta is formed where the rivers Ganga and Hooghly divide into distributaries. The Sunderbans are home to many lovely Royal Bengal Tigers. Sunderban has an exotic range of beautiful flora and fauna.

Victoria Memorial Victoria Memorial Hall

The memorial of Queen Victoria is built in white marble in Calcutta has beautiful gardens, a large bronze statue of the Queen, paintings, manuscripts, historical objects in the art gallery of the museum.



Eden Gardens Eden Gardens

The Eden Gardens is India's biggest cricket stadium established in 1864 in Kolkata with a seating capacity of 90,000. It is the largest cricket stadium in India and has the best cricket facility in the country.



Darjeeling Darjeeling

The verdant hills and valleys interspersed with lush green tea gardens showcase the perfect ambience of Darjeeling. This small hill station is built in a crescent shaped ridge. Darjeeling is also popular as "THE QUEEN OF HILLS".