Bikaner

Situated in the north of the state of Rajasthan, the desert town of Bikaner is a famous destination for tourists. Bikaner was founded in the year 1488 A.D by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji. Just like other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner is surrounded by a high, battlemented wall and it was once an important staging post on the great caravan trading routes. Bikaner is encircled by a seven km long city wall with five entrance gates, built in the 18th century.

Although Bikaner is known for its superb imposing fort but it is also noted for the government run camel breeding farm where fine camels bred. Built between 1588 and 1593 A.D by Raja Rai Singh, Junagarh Fort has 986 mt long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. Suraj Pole or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort and inside the fort there are a number of picturesque palaces namely Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) etc.

Just 10 kms away from Bikaner, the Camel Breeding Farm is probably unique in Asia. Here hundreds of camels are available and you can also enjoy a ride on camel’s back. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is another attraction of Bikaner and it is said to be one of the best museums in Rajasthan. Here you can see pre-Harrapan, Gupta and Kushan pieces and a wide collection of terracottas, pottery, paintings, particularly miniatures of the Bikaner school.

For more info visit :

http://bikanermoments.blogspot.com

http://junagarhfort.blogspot.com

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, one of Rajasthan’s famous towns is also most exotic and unusual towns of India. Situated at the desert breast of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is also known as the ‘Golden City’ and the ‘living museum’. In fact, travellers who make the effort to visit the town never get disappointed in this medieval looking place, as they see something right out of the tales of the Arabian Nights. Centuries ago Jaisalmer’s strategic position on the camel train routes between India and Central Asia brought great wealth to the town. During that period the merchants and townspeople built magnificent houses and mansions – all exquisitely carved from the golden yellow sandstone. From the big shops to the magnificent palaces and temples in the fort, the whole town glows in the same golden colour. Even today new buildings are designed to match in with the old buildings.

The Old City is completely surrounded by a lofty fort wall and within this a hill rises with more fortified walls. Jaisalmer’s Jain Temples and the old palace are one this hilltop. Built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, the Jaisalmer Fort crowns the 80 mts high Trikuta hill. You can have the very fine view of the old city from the fort walls. Jaisalmer’s seven storey palace stands just within the first entrance of the fort. Within the fort walls there are carved balconies and cupolas and the Satiyon ki Sidhiyan where women became satis. Just below the hill is the central market where you will find a variety of items. Jaisalmer is famous for embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, old stone work and antiques. At Kadi Bundar, situated to the north of the city, tie dye and other fabrics are made.

Jaisalmer is known for its havelis (mansions) which are built couple of centuries back. Built by Jaisalmer’s wealthy merchants these fine sandstone buildings are still in good condition. Patwon ki Haveli is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the havelis in Jaisalmer. Salim Singh ki Haveli was constructed about 300 years ago and is partially lived in. Built in late 19th century, Nathmal ki Haveli was a also a prime minister’s house. Besides havelis, another attraction of Jaisalmer include Gadi Sagar Tank.

For more info visit :

http://triptojaisalmer.blogspot.com

http://havelisofjaisalmer.blogspot.com

http://jaisalmerfort.blogspot.com

http://jaintemplesofjaisalmer.blogspot.com

http://desertfestivalofjaisalmer.blogspot.com

Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan is popularly known as the ‘pink city’ due to its pink coloured buildings in old walled city. Situated in a desert-like landscape Jaidpur is surrounded by barren hills, the avenues are broad and there is a harmony which is quite remarkable in the city. Jaipur’s old walled ‘pink city’ is situated in the north-east part of the town while the new parts have spread away to the south and west.

Jaipur was named after the founder of the city, Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699-1744), who was also a great warrior and astronomer. Maharaja Jai Singh II is also known for planning the city, he laid out the city with its surrounding walls and six regtangular blocks by principles of town-planning laid down in the Shilpa-Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. In the year he built the solar observatory to predict the movements of celestial bodies, which is still one of Jaipur’s prime attractions. Other notable attractions of the city include City Palace and Museum, Hawa Mahal and the Amber Fort.

Apart from the forts and palaces, Jaipur is also a good place for shopping. Jaipur is well known for precious stones, which are available Johari Bazaar at very cheap rate. Shops around the City Palace and Hawa Mahal offers many interesting items including miniatures and clothes. Other specialties of Jaipur include marble statues, jewellery and textile prints. Don’t forget to check out the Rajasthan Government Emporium in M I Road which offers a wide range of handicrafts and local items.

For more info visit :

http://jaipurpinkcity.blogspot.com

http://jaipurpinkcity.blogspot.com/2007/08/one-afternoon-in-hawa-mahal.html

http://citypalacejaipur.blogspot.com/

http://citypalace-jaipur.blogspot.com/

http://citypalacejaipur.blogspot.com/2007/08/chandra-mahal.html

http://hawamahaljaipur.blogspot.com/

http://amberfort.blogspot.com

http://marketsofjaipur.blogspot.com

http://jantarmantarofjaipur.blogspot.com/

Kerala

Kerala, popularly known as God’s own country, is considered the most beautiful states of India. Situated in southern part of India, Kerala shares its western boundary with the Arabian Sea. Kerala has an extensive history of contact with the outside world. Even today in Kochi you will find a small community, who are the descendants of Jewish settlers who fled from Palestine 2,000 years ago. Long before Vasco da Gama led the Portuguese to India, Kerala had been known to the Phoenician who came in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory. Kerala was not only a spice country, but also a transshipment point from the Moluccas. The Arabs and Chines also made their mark on Kerala and fishermen of the Kochi still use Chinese Fishing nets.

Present day state of Kerala was formed in 1956 from Travancore, Cochin and Malabar, that was earlier part of Madras estate. Trivandrum is the state capital city, while other important cities are Alleppey, Kovalam, Kozhikode and Kochin. Blessed with natural gifts like backwaters, beaches, hill stations, lakes and streams, wildlife, Kerala draws thousands of tourists from various parts of the globe.

For visitors Kerala offers one of the best beaches in India at Kovalam, a rich and varied wildlife collection at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and beautiful hill station of Munnar. Perhaps more that any place in India, Kerala offers plenty of leisure options to the visitors. A backwater trips along the coastal lagoons and a walk along the spice plantation of western ghats provide once in a lifetime experience to tourists..............

For more info visit :

http://keralawonders.blogspot.com

http://keralabackwaters1.blogspot.com

http://blogs.ibibo.com/destinationkeralablog

http://blogs.ibibo.com/keralabeaches

http://blogs.ibibo.com/periyarwildlifesanctuaryblog

http://blogs.ibibo.com/nehrutrophyboatraceblog

http://blogs.ibibo.com/onamfestival

http://harshitaindia.wordpress.com/2007/06/13/munnar-sojourn/

http://festivals-events.blogspot.com/2007/07/nehru-trophy-boat-race.html

Rajasthan

India's desert state, Rajasthan is a kaleidoscope of colours, a delightful mix of sights and sounds, culture and craft, forts and palaces, colourful bazaars and so many god gifted sights. Besides, vibrant event such as the Pushkar Camel Fair and Desert Festival of Jaisalmer, lure millions of tourists to the state from every nook and corner of the world. Rajasthan is also known for its royal monuments like the City Palace (Jaipur), Hawa Mahal (Jaipur), Amber Fort (Jaipur), City Palace (Udaipur), Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur), Jaisalmer Fort, Junagarh Fort (Bikaner) etc. that take you back to a bygone era.

Rajasthan, the largest state of India in terms of area, spread over an area of 342, 239 sq. kms. Rajasthan encompasses most of the area of the Great Indian Thar Desert and shares boundaries with the state of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and with the neigbouring country of Pakistan. Jaipur is the state capita, while other important cities inlcude Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Ajmer. Despite desert terrain, Rajasthan provides shelter to a variety of faunal and floral species. You can see a variety of wildllife in national parks and sanctuaries like Ranthambore, Sariska and Keoladeo (Bharatpur) National Park.

On the whole, any trip to Rajasthan is both unparalleled and unforgettable experience, so visit Rajasthan and discover its desert terrain on your own.

For more info on Rajasthan visit :

http://triptorajasthan.blogspot.com/
http://jaipurpinkcity.blogspot.com/

http://triptojaisalmer.blogspot.com/

http://legendaryjodhpur.blogspot.com

http://somepleasantmomentsofudaipur.blogspot.com

http://ajmer-asacredcity.blogspot.com/

http://bikanermoments.blogspot.com/

Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India is India's second-largest metropils after Mumbai, Delhi has the political status of a federally administered Union Territory known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). Spread over an area of 1,483 sq.kms, Delhi has a population of above 13 million. Geographicaly Delhi has a extreme type of climate, winters are very cold while the summers remain extremely hot.

Delhi has been divided into two parts Old Delhi and New Delhi and comprises nine districts namely New Delhi, Central Delhi, North Delhi, North East Delhi, East Delhi, South Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi and North West Delhi. Established by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Old Delhi is now a maze of crowded streets and enchanting colourful bazaars. Built by Shah Jahan, Red Fort and Jama Masjid, are the highlights of Old Delhi. Where as New Delhi also referred as Lutyens's Delhi is home to the President Palace, India Gate and the Parliament House.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis and it offers an interesting blend of fast paced modernisation and carefully preserved anituity. For tourists Delhi is an important gateway to India and it allows easy access to the rest of the country by road, rail and air. Delhi location is also one of the prime reasons for foreign rulers to have repeatedly chosen Delhi as their seat of power. Starting with the Slave Dynasty in the 12th century through the Mughal rule, upto the British Raj, Delhi has witnessed so many rulers and also enjoyed the prosperity under various rulers.

Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Old Fort etc. all stand testimony to a glorious past. Apart from its old attractions, Delhi's high rise apartments and concrete flyovers interspersed with well managed gardens, shopping malls and lively bazaars and multiplex theaters which will certainly amaze you.


For More info on Delhi visit following links :

http://new-delhi-india1.blogspot.com/

http://blogs.bootsnall.com/mdmudassiralam/?p=2

http://footstops.com/mdmudassiralam/blog/1586/

http://www.travelblog.org/bloggers/somak

Buddha, Buddhism And India

Lord Buddha was a prince by birth. He was married to princess Yashodhara and even had a son by the name of Rahula. But he abandoned everything to seek enlightenment. He was successful in his endeavour and went on to preach his sermons for next many years.

For more info visit :

http://buddha-buddhism-india.blogspot.com/

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib - Delhi

How much can the skyscraper shopping malls of Delhi fetch you? I doubt if they can offer you peace and solace of the same degree as a holy spot can. Register your visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib located in New Delhi, which is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations for Hindu and Sikhs.

For more info visit :

http://banglasahib.blogspot.com/

Taj Mahal - Should Taj Be the Only One

Taj Mahal has always been in news for something or the other. Being one of the most attractive tourist attractions of India it bounds to garner attention of travellers and intellectuals round the globe. In th year 2007, zillions of Taj lovers voted day and night to bring the edifice into the Seven Wonders but what remains at the backend of my mind - Is TAJ really that great?..........

For more info visit :

http://why-taj-mahal.blogspot.com/

North East India

Best known as the Seven Sisters, North-East India comprises of eight beautiful Indian states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Sikkim and Tripura. Naturally very affluent, the entire region is prompt in offering wide scope of tourism.

For more info visit :

http://paradise-northeastindia.blogspot.com/