Tourist Destinations of South India Part 1

Hyderabad – The City of Nizams

Fondly called the ‘City of Nizams’, Hyderabad is one of the fastest growing cities of India. A historic city, Hyderabad has had a rich Nawabi past and is bejewelled with an eclectic culture that marries the Nizam past with its growing breed of IT and Biotech companies.

Charminar of Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the place to be when you want to witness the emerging face of India, of professionals with their laptops and mobile phones who mingle effortlessly with traditionally attired men in the old city. Despite being tech-savvy, Hyderabad still remains the city of minarets and palaces. And the succulent Hyderabadi biryani will surely leave you amazed.

Must Visit Attractions: Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Laad Bazaar (old quarter – relive times gone by), Birla Temple, NTR Gardens, Hussain Sagar Lake.

Famous Nearby Getaway: Ramoji Film City. 35 kms. Watch dreams being shot at the largest studio complex in the world, film sets, and beautifully managed gardens.

Mysore – The City of Tipu Sultan & Palaces

Mysore, a city with an old world charm is charming with its leafy boulevards and grid like layout. This verdant city offers beautiful 19th century palaces and a thriving incense and silk industry. What Mysore instantly evokes is the smell of sandalwood and jasmine, encountered in its vibrant bazaars that are thriving. Mysore also preserves old houses and a stroll through this quarter remains mellow and nostalgic.

Mysore Palace of Mysore

Must Visit Attractions: Maharaja's Palace, Chamundi Hill, Keshava Temple, Government Silk Weaving Factory, Mysore Zoo

Famous Nearby Getaway: Sravanabelgola. 100 kms. Jain temples with interesting architecture.

Bandipur – The Home of Exotic Animals

Famous for its famous national park, Bandipur lies at the foot of hills, a part of the Western Ghats. The wildlife sanctuary was created from the erstwhile maharaja's hunting grounds and has a variety of animals such as deer and langurs. However, the biggest attractions here remain wild elephants that frolic through the greens and splash in River Kabini.

Must Visit Attractions: Rolling rocks (awe inspiring views of valleys), Gopalswamy Betta

Famous Nearby Getaways: Nagahole National Park. Another part of the Nilgiri Bioshpere Reserve with varied wildlife.

Leading Hotel Chains of India

India has witnessed a rapid growth in travel industry in the past decade that in turn has benefitted the hotels, resorts, guest houses and other accommodation options. All over India there are thousands of hotels and resorts, and more or less all provide a comfortable accommodation to their guests with access to modern facilities, friendly service and warm hospitality. However, there are some leading hotel chains in India that are renowned for first class service and hospitality.

Taj Hotel, Mumbai

Below I am providing information about the leading hotel chains of India with their contact details. While visiting India stay in the hotels run by these Hotel Chains, and experience a memorable stay without any type of hassle with family members, friends or your partner.

Popular Hotel Chains in India

Best Western Group of Hotels in India

The Best Western Group is a renowned hotel chain of the world with over 4,000 hotels in more than 80 countries. This hotel chain has a series of hotels that spread near leading tourist as well as business destinations across the world. Staying in the Best Western Hotels in India is the best way to enjoy a vacation. Along with a pleasant stay at the Best Western chain of hotels in India you get access over a complete range of services and friendly hospitality.

For Booking & More Details about the Best Western Group of Hotels visit the hotel website:

Book - The Best Western Group of Hotels India

Some of the hotels of Best Western Group

• Best Western Anand Palace, Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh)
• Best Western Radha Ashok, Mathura (Uttar Pradesh)
• Best Western OM Towers, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
• Best Western Germanus, Madurai (Tamil Nadu)
• Best Western Pleasant Days,Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
• Best Western Oasis Resort, Mussoorie (Uttarakhand)
• Best Western The Pride Hotel, Pune (Maharashtra)

The Grand Intercontinental Group of Hotels

The Grand Intercontinental Group of Hotels is a collaboration of two industries - The International Intercontinental Group of hotels and the Indian The Grand Group of Hotels. The former is a leading hotel chain of the world with nearly 3500 hotels spread in more than 100 countries. While the latter is an enterprise of Bharat Hotels Ltd. You can opt a hotel run by The Grand Intercontinental Group of Hotels and enjoy a hassle free accommodation.

For Booking & More Details about the Grand Intercontinental Group of Hotels visit the hotel website:

Book The Grand Group of Hotels India

Some of the hotels of The Grand Intercontinental in India are:

• Intercontinental The Grand - Mumbai (Maharashtra)
• The Grand Ashok - Bangalore (Karnataka)
• Intercontinental The Grand Resort - Goa (Goa)
• The Grand Palace - Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)
• The Grand Laxmi Vilas Palace - Udaipur (Rajasthan)
• The Grand Temple View - Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)

Taj Group of Hotels

Taj Group of hotels is one of the most renowned names in the hotel industry of India run by TATA Group. It boasts of having some of the finest hotels in India and abroad. Most of the Taj Group of hotels are located in the prime locations of India. World class luxury, amenities and quality are certain noteworthy features of Taj Group of hotels. The hotels cater to the needs of all business travellers, holidaymakers and honeymooners. The traditional Indian hospitality is found to be at the very best in the Taj Group of hotels.

For Booking & More Details about the Taj Group of Hotels visit the hotel website:

Book The Taj Group of Hotels India

Some of the hotels of Taj Group of Hotels in India are:

• Taj Chandigarh (Chandigarh)
• Hotel Taj View, Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
• Hotel Taj Mahal (New Delhi)
• Hotel Taj Palace (Mumbai)
• Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
• Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
• The Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
• Hotel Taj Garden Retreat, Coonoor (Rajasthan)
• Hotel Taj Residency, Aurangabad (Maharashtra)

The Oberoi Group of Hotels

The Oberoi Group of hotels are one of the prime hotel chains of India. The quality services and comfort it provides even pleases the people in other parts of country. Many of the grandest luxury hotels are found with a Oberoi tag. The Oberoi Group has hotels in some of the most famous destinations of India. The Oberoi Group of Hotels are enriched with great ambiance and décor of a classic feel.

For Booking & More Details about the Oberoi Group of Hotels visit the hotel website:

Book The Oberoi Group of Hotels India

Some of the hotels of Oberoi Group in India are:

• The Oberoi, Amarvilas, Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
• The Oberoi, Bangalore (Karnataka)
• The Oberoi, New Delhi (Delhi)
• The Oberoi,Rajvilas, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
• The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata (West Bengal)

The ITDC Ashok Group of Hotels

The ITDC Ashok Group of Hotels are said to be ones who pioneered the Indian hotel industry. Several years down the line, this hotel chain has proved its credentials in serving both the International and domestic guests with the best of expertise. The ITDC Ashok Group of Hotels owns 33 hotels in 26 destinations across India.

For Booking & More Details about the ITDC Ashok Group of Hotels visit the hotel website:

Book The Ashok Group of Hotels India

Some of the hotels of the ITDC AshokGroup in India are:

• The Ashok, Delhi
• The Samrat Hotel, Delhi
• Lalitha Mahal Palace, Mysore (Karnataka)
• Hotel Jaipur Ashok, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
• Hotel Janpath, Delhi
• Ranchi Ashok, Ranchi (Jharkhand)
• Hotel Jammu Ashok, Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir)

The Le Meridien Group of Hotels

The Le Meridien Group of Hotels is a luxury hotel group established in 1972. There are more than 130 luxury Le Meridien hotels in more than 53 countries of the world. Recently the hotel chain has announced to increase the number of luxury hotels in India from 10 to 20. The various hotels of Le Merdien Group aims to provide world class standards of excellent hospitality.

For Booking & More Details about the Le Meridien Group of Hotels visit the hotel website:

Book The Le Meridien Group of Hotels India

Some of the hotels of the Le Meridien Group in India are:

• Le Meridian Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
• Le Meridien Bangalore (Karnataka)
• Le Meridien New Delhi (Delhi)
• Le Meridien Pune (Maharashtra)
• The Metropolitan Hotel Nikko New Delhi

Radisson Group of Hotels India


With 430 hotels in operation globally and 100 hotels currently in the pipeline, The Radisson Group of Hotels is well known for providing a world class stay with access to first class amenities and warm hospitality. Likewise, in India the Radission Group of Hotels has many star category hotels and resorts in the metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and tourist destination like Goa, Shimla, Varanasi, Jalandhar. Stay at any property of Radisson Group in India and experience a hassle free accommodation.

For Details and More information about Radisson Group of Hotels visit the website:

Book Radisson Group of Hotels India

Some of the hotels of Radisson Group of Hotels

• Radisson Hotel, Delhi (Delhi & NCR)
• Radisson Hotel, Kolkata (West Bengal)
• Radisson Hotel, Goa
• Radisson Hotel, Jalandhar (Punjab)
• Radisson Hotel, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
• Radisson MBD Hotel, Noida (Uttar Pradesh)
• Radisson Jass Hotel, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)
• Radisson Plaza Resorts & Spa, Kumarakom
• Radisson Hotel, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
• Radisson Jass Hotel, Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)

Other famous hotel chains in India are:

Park Group of Hotels - The Park, Chennai, The Park, Kolkata, The Park, Bangalore, The Park, New Delhi

Book The Park Group of Hotels India

Neemrana Group of Hotels - Neemrana Fort Palace, The Pataudi Palace, The Hill Fort, Kesrolli & Wallwood Garden, Coonoor

Book The Neemrana Group of Hotels India

Elgin Group of Heritage Hotels -The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling (West Bengal), The Nor-Khil, Gangtok (Sikkim)

Kenilworth Group of Hotels - The Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata (West Bengal), Kenilworth Beach Resort, Goa

Hindustan Group of Hotels - Hotel Hindustan International, Kolkata (West Bengal), Hotel Hindustan International,Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)


Book The Hindustan Group of Hotels India

Hotels in India: How to Book a Hotel

India is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Each year millions of travelers visit India from across the globe to enjoy a leisure vacation or other purposes like treatment or business. Accommodation in almost every nook and corner of the country is not at all an issue. From metros to small towns, all parts of India are dotted with hotels, resorts, guest houses, serviced apartments, etc.

                                Taj Hotel in Mumbai

Based on budget and requirements the hotels and resorts of India offersessential amenities and services to guests. From a small amount of Rs. 100 to 200, to a whopping amount of Rs. 1 Lakh to 5 lakh per night, you can book a hotel or resort in India. The boom in India’s travel industry has led to the trend of Online Hotel Booking Facility. You can book the hotels either online through websites like MakeMyTrip (www.makemytrip.com) or Yatra (www.yatra.com). Most of the leading star hotels offer online booking facility on their own websites.

Categories of Hotels / Resorts (Accommodation Options) in India

• Five Star (5 Star) Hotel / Resort
• Four Star (4 Star) Hotel / Resort
• Three Star (3 Star) Hotel / Resort
• Two Star (2 Star) Hotel / Resort
• One Star (5 Star) Hotel / Resort
• Budget Hotel / Resort
• Homestay
• Serviced Apartments
• Guest House (Government Guest House / Private Guest House)
• Tourist Lodge
• Wildlife Resort / Wildlife Lodge/ Jungle Resort

Popular Indian Websites (Travel Portals) for Hotel Booking

Make My Trip


Yatra


Clear Trip

Articles Related to Hotels in India

Leading Hotels Chains of India

Weekend Getaways across India

The vast countryside of India is comprised of plain, mountains, rivers, wildlife and desert. The natural treasures as well as man-made attractions of India altogether provide excellent opportunities for vacations. In fact, many of the destinations serve as weekend getaways for people residing in metropolitan cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Duke's Nose Point in Lonavala - A Getaway close to Mumbai

Besides sightseeing the weekend getaways offer a wonderful opportunity to indulge in leisure activities like picnics and various types of outdoor activities. Many weekend getaways of India provide a chance to try adrenaline rushing adventure activities. Most of the weekend destinations have hotels, resorts or guest houses for accommodation. Other essential amenities can be found at the weekend getaways around India. The weekend getaways can be visited during weekend breaks with through an overnight journey or a short drive.

Bushi Dam in Khandala - A getaway close to Mumbai

Some of the popular weekend getaways around India are as follows:

Weekend Getaways from Bangalore

Weekend Getaways from Chennai

Weekend Getaways from New Delhi

Weekend Getaways from Kolkata

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai

Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad

Entrance Charges for Monuments in India

The historic land of India has been ruled by many dynasties and rulers in the past. During their rules the mighty rulers had constructed several structures include forts, palaces, temples, caves, etc. Interstingly those historic monuments have survived the worst climatic condition over the centuries, and even providing a glimpse of architectural styles used in the bygone era. The Indian Government has taken authority over the ancient monuments, and hander over the Archaeological Survery of India (ASI) and other government bodies to look after the old structures. In fact, a small entrance charge has been fixed for visitors that in turn generate revenue for the country.

Below I am providing information about the entrance chages of India's most popular monuments. For your ease the monuments are listed circle (area) wise:

Agra Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Taj Mahal, Agra - US$5
• Agra Fort, Agra - US$5
• Sikandra - Not Available
• Fatehpur Sikri - Not Available 

Aurangabad Circle Monument Entrance Charges

Monument Name        -            Entry Fees

• Ajanta Caves, Ajanta     - US $ 5
• Ellora Caves, Ellora        - US $ 5
• Elephanta Caves             - US $ 7
• Bibi-Ka-Maqbara           - US $ 5
• Kanheri Caves               - US $ 5
• Karla Caves - US $ 2
• Daulatabad Fort - US $ 5
• Raigad Fort - US $ 5
• Bhaja Fort - US $ 2
• Aurangabad Caves - US $ 5

Bangalore Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Tipu Sultan Palace, Mysore - Rs 100
• Bellary Fort - US $ 5
• Zanana Enclosures, Hampi - Currently Information Not Available
• Keshwa Temple, Somnathpura - Currently Information Not Available

Bhopal Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Khajuraho Monuments - US $ 10
• Bagh Caves - US $ 5
• Royal Complex, Mandu - US $ 5
• Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi - US $ 10
• Chanderi Museum - US $ 10
• Gwalior Monument - Rs 100

Bhubaneshwar Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entra Fees

• Sun Temple, Konark - US $ 5
• Raja Rani Temple - US $ 5
• Udayagiri and Kandagri Caves - US $ 5
• Laxman Temple Sirpur - US $ 5

Chandigarh Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Kangra Fort - US $ 5
• Sheikh Chillis Tomb Thanesar - US $ 2

Chennai Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Fort Museum - US $ 5
• Gingee Fort - US $ 2
• Dindigul Fort - US $ 2

Delhi / New Delhi Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Jantar Mantar - Rs 100
• Purana Quila - Rs 100
• Safdarjung Tomb - US $ 5
• Red Fort - US $ 5
• Humayun's Tomb - US $ 10
• Qutab Minar - Rs 250

Hyderabad / Secunderabad Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees 

• Golconda Fort - US $ 2
• Chandragiri Fort - Rs 100
• Warangal Fort US - $ 2
• Charminar - Rs 100

Jaipur Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Amber Fort - Not Available
• Jantar Mantar - Not Available
• City Palace - Not Available
• Hawa Mahal - Not Available

Kolkata / Calcutta Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Bishnupur Group of Temples - US $ 5
• Kooch Bihar Palace - US $ 10

Lucknow Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Rani Mahal, Jhansi - US $ 5
• Jhansi Qila, Jhansi - US $ 5
• Sahet Shravasti - US $ 5

Patna Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Kumrahar Excavated Sites - US $ 5
• Ashokan Pillar, Vaishali - US $ 5
• Jaunpur Fort - US $ 5
• Nalanda Excavated Site - US $ 5
• Sasaram Sher Shah Suri's Tomb - US $ 5

Srinagar Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Ram Nagar Palaces - Not Available
• Temple at Kiramchi - Not Available
• Leh Palace - Not Available

Thrissur Circle Monument Charges

Monument Name - Entry Fees

• Bekal Fort - Not Available
• Mattanchery Palace - Not Available

Note: The above mentioned Entrance Fees are applicaple for Foreign Tourists. However, Indian Citizen have to pay from Rs. 5 to a maximum of Rs. 50 to visit the different monuments across India. Entry is free for Indian Citizen in many monuments of the country.