Agra....

LAND OF WONDERS: AGRA

INTRODUCTION TO TOURISM IN AGRA, INDIA :

Wish to realize a dream vacation? Welcome to the amazing tourism city of the TajMahal - Agra, India. The seat of the great Mughal rulers for ages Agra, India offers its treasure trove for all the tourists from India and abroad. Even though Agra, India is synonymous with the Taj, the city stands in testimony to the great amount of architectural activity of the Mughals. TajMahal is the epitome of love, poem in white marble, one of the Seven Wonders of the World besides being the pride of India. In fact all the monuments of Agra, India have contributed to Agra Tourism. Terrific Agra Packages from us will ensure you plan your Agra Travel soon. Delhi to Agra to Jaipur make the famous Golden Triangle tour of India.

AGRA FACT FILE :

Language: Hindi and Urdu
Best time to visit: Winter
STD Code: 0562

HISTORY OF AGRA:

History of Agra is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the history of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich history of Agra. Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort; Jahangir beautified it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj. The post-Mughal era's history of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city.

FIVE MUST SEE TOURISM PLACES IN AGRA. INDIA:

Taj Mahal: Tourism Spot in Agra :

The most famous of the monuments of Agra, India is the TajMahal. TajMahal is a symbol of the devotion and dedication of love. TajMahal of Agra is a monument built by emperor Shah Jahan In the memory of her wife Mumtaz Mahal. TajMahal expresses the magnificence of Mughal architecture. The Taj has done wonders to Agra Tourism. Taj is a must in each one of the Agra packages offered by us. Agra to Jaipur is an interesting package option.

Agra Fort: Tourism Spot in Agra:

Besides the TajMahal amongst the other famous monuments of Agra, India is the Agra Fort. Agra fort was built by Emperor Akbar. He was undoubtedly the Greatest Mughal emperor of India. The construction of Agra fort commenced in the 1565 and completed in 1571. Built with red sandstone Agra Fort is a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. Agra Tourism would be incomplete without this monument. Most of the Agra packages offered by us take you to the Agra Fort. Agra to Jaipur is the usual choice in pacakges.

Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb:

Tourism Spot in AgraIt is a tomb built with white marble in the typical Islamic style architecture. It was built by the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan in the memory of her father Itmad-ud-Daulah. It happens to be one of the must visit monuments of Agra. This monument of Agra is usually included in all the Agra packages. Travel from Agra to Jaipur is usually taken up by many tourists.

Akbar's Tomb: Tourism Spot in Agra:

The tomb of the great Mughal emperor Akbar is worth visiting. Akbar's tomb is a mixture of many architectural styles and completely different from earlier Mughal Buildings. Visit to this monuments of Agra is esential to make your Agra tour complete. Visit to this monument is generally a part of the Agra packages

Fatehpur Sikri: Tourism Spot near Agra:

Famously known as the city of Ghosts, it was built by the Great Mughal Emperor. Fatehpur Sikri is a place worth visiting to discover how once the city could have been which has now turned into ruins. many a Agra packages include a trip to Fatehpur Sikri also.

FIVE BEST HOTELS IN AGRA, INDIA :

Amarvilas :Amarvilas is a hotel where you can see the glimpses of the Mughal lifestyle. You can enjoy the view of TajMahal even while lying on your bed. Amarvilas also provides the excellent conference facilities. Agra Tourism has been promoted immensely by this luxurious hotel.

Jaypee Palace Hotel :Jaypee Palace hotel is an excellent combination of ancient Mughal architecture and the modern amenities. Jaypee Palace is a place where you will get everything best you can expect for your comfort.

Hotel Mughal Sheraton :Hotel Mughal Sheraton is a perfect place to stay for the lovers of luxury & comfort. Hotel Mughal Sheraton is a recipient of prestigious 'Aga Khan' award for its architecture. The hotel also provides excellent conference and recreation facilities. Tennis, Golf and many other outdoor games are available.

Hotel Taj View :As the name suggests you can get the panoramic view of Taj from hotel windows. Hotel Taj View provides the excellent dining facilities and holds the only 24 hrs multi-cuisine restaurant.

Hotel Clarks Shiraz :Hotel Clarks Shiraz is a deluxe hotel equipped with all modern amenities along with the conference facilities and dining.

FIVE BEST BUDGET HOTELS IN AGRA, INDIA :

Hotel Mansingh Palace :Hotel Mansingh Palace provides the services wrapped in luxury. Hotel Mansingh Palace is a budget hotel equipped with excellent facilities including three multi-cuisine restaurants, Fitness Center and swimming pool.

Hotel Amar : A budget hotel, that provides the excellent accommodation and other amenities to make your stay in Agra comfortable. Along with good restaurant it also houses a bar.

Deedar-e-Taj :Deedar-e- Taj provides the state of the art interiors and the excellent dining facilities in a revolving restaurant. It also provides the bar and coffee shop.

Hotel Kant :Want to have a home away from home, hotel Kant is waiting for you. Hotel Kant is a place to enjoy the luxury at affordable rates; Along with good dining facilities including Chinese, Indian and continental food. At the back of the hotel are splashing grrenlawn and enjoy the evening with a cup of coffee/tea.

Hotel Amar Yatri Niwas :Hotel Amar Yatri Niwas is a govt. approved hotel where accommodation is available at low cost. The biggest advantage of Hotel Amar Yatri Niwas is that it lies in the close vicinity of the wonder Of the World- TajMahal.

FIVE BEST WEEKEND GATEWAYS FROM AGRA, INDIA:

Agra to Jaipur is an interesting journey. Agra to Jaipur makes an angle of the Golden triangle tour of India.

Mathura: Weekend Getaway from Agra :The birthplace of Lord Krishna (an important Hindu deity) is a perfect place to visit; if you are a religious minded person and want to know more about Hindu religion. Mathura is a land of temples and saints. It is merely at a distance of 45 km from Agra.

Vrindavan: Weekend Getaway from Agra :Vrindavan is another place related to Lord Krishna, it is a place filled with temples. According to Hindu ythology Vrindavan is a place where Lord Krishna had spent most of his childhood days.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: Weekend Getaway from Agra :Bharatpur plays a host to thousand of bird species around the globe. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is an excellent place to enjoy the company of chirping birds migrated here from all over the globe.

Gokul: Weekend Getaway from Agra :It is a place near Mathura suitable for a weekend getaway from Agra. There are many places with some legends related about the childhood of Lord Krishna.

Dayal Bagh: Weekend Getaway from Agra : A place related to Radha Swami faith, it houses the samadhi of the founder of the faith 'Swamiji Maharaj'. Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about Agra tourism. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.

Kashmir

KASHMIR

FACTS & FIGURES :

Area: 222,236 sq km
Religion: Islam
Capital: Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
Languages: Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, Pahari, Ladakhi
Best time to visit: April to June (Kashmir Valley), October to March (Jammu Region)

INTRODUCTION :

Situated in the northern part of India, Jammu & Kashmir is the essence of everything that is Indian-its culture, history, tradition, people, and natural splendor. The state has a long history encompassing around 4,000 years and there are many prehistoric sites, which give indication of human settlement in this region in those times.

The state was integrated as a part of India in 1948, when the then ruler of Jammu & Kashmir agreed to join the Indian federation and the state was given a special status under article 370 of the Indian constitution.

LOCATION :

Situated in the North India, Jammu and Kashmir is bordered by Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan from West to East. From South to East, the boundary of the state touches Punjab and Himachal. The state extends between the latitudes 32°17¢N to 36°58'N and longitudes 37°26¢E to 80°30¢E.

The state can be divided into four major regions: the sub-mountain and semi-mountain plain known as kandi or dry belt; the Shivalik ranges, the high mountain zone constituting the Kashmir Valley; Pir Panchal range and its off-shoots including Doda, Poonch and Rajouri districts and part of Kathua and Udhampur districts; and the middle run of the Indus River comprising Leh and Kargil.

BEST TIME TO VISIT :

Although a small state, the climate of this state varies from one region to another. The climate of Jammu region is tropical while it is semi-arctic in Ladakh and temperate in Srinagar region. Accordingly, rainfall also varies from region to region and while there is almost no rainfall in Ladakh, Jammu receives a rainfall of above 1,100 mm and Srinagar around 650 mm.

HISTORY :

The history of Jammu & Kashmir is quite old. Kashmir is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. In 250 BC, Ashoka, the great Mauryan king, established the city of Pandrethan and built many viharas and chaityas. This says much about the strategic importance that this region held even in that time. Some sources claim that Buddha also visited this region, though no proof is available to validate this theory. Kanishka, the great Kushana king, called the Third Buddhist Council at Harwan, near Srinagar, in the first century AD. This Council saw the division of Buddhism in two distinct streams called Hinayana and Mahayana.

Kalhana, the first Indian history writer, gave a vivid account of the history of Kashmir before the 10th century AD. Local kingdoms ruled extensively in this region until the 12th century AD when Muslims invaded the region. The greatest Muslim king of early medieval age in Kashmir was Zain-ul-Abidin, who ascended the throne in AD 1420 and ruled up to 1470. His long rule contributed extensively to the spread of art, culture, music, and every other sphere in the life of Kashmir people. He also created a strong army and annexed many regions nearby Kashmir. These were the time of golden rule in Kashmir when peace and harmony prevailed. After the death of King Zain-ul-Abidin, a period of destruction came calling to Kashmir and many raiders from outside looted the state and made the people and local rulers their captive.

In 1587, Akbar annexed Kashmir into his vast empire. Jahangir, son of Akbar and next Mughal ruler, visited Kashmir 13 times and created two beautiful gardens on the bank of Dal Lake, namely, the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. After two centuries of peace and development, Kashmir came into the hands of the Pathans in 1752, when the Afghan ruler Abdul Shah Abdali attacked this region on the request of local noblemen. The Pathans established a rule of terror here, no better than that of Aurangzeb, the last important Mughal ruler.

In 1819, the Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed this region, but their empire remained in place only for 27 years. From 1846 to 1957, the Dogras ruled over this region when British defeated Ranjit Singh and handed over the administration of this region to Maharaja Gulab Singh. The Dogra rule also for the first time put in reality the modern state of Jammu & Kashmir. During India's freedom struggle, people from this state participated extensively under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah and decided to go with India in 1948 after the country became independent.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS :

Srinagar, the state capital, is the most famous tourist destination in the state. An ancient city, there are many attractions that can attract even the most unwilling of tourists to this magical land. Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are some of the best-known tourist spot in Srinagar.

Jammu is the winter capital of the state and next in importance after Srinagar. Most of the tourists who come to the Jammu region have the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine as their destination, which is quite close by. However, the spirit of holiness permeates through the entire city, so much so that Jammu is also known as the 'City of Temples'. If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that is believed to protect the local people. The other major tourist attraction is the Raghunath Temple Complex, which is the largest temple in North India devoted to Lord Rama. The construction of this temple was begun by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1851 and completed by his son Ranbir Singh six years later.

The temple of Maha Kali (better known as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata), located in the Bahu Fort, is considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power. The temple was built shortly after the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1822.

Other temples in the city include the Gauri Kund Temple, Shudh Mahadev Temple, Shiva Temple, Peer Khoh Cave Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, and the Parmandal Temple Complex.

The most stunning site in Jammu is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall of the palace now houses the Dogra Art Museum, which has miniature paintings of the various hill schools. The museum also has the handwritten Persian manuscripts of the Shahnama and Sikandernama. The palace was once the royal residence of the Dogra kings. Built as a group of buildings around a courtyard, the palace has a commanding view of river Tawi on one side and the city on the other.

The Amar Mahal Palace Museum is a beautiful palace of red sandstone, which stands amidst the most picturesque environs of Jammu. It offers a beautiful view of the Shivaliks in the north and the river Tawi in the south. This was once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh, but now it has been converted into a museum. The museum has a golden throne made of 120 kg of pure gold.

A treat for those interested in history is the town of Akhnoor, 32 km southwest of Jammu. Standing on the banks of the mighty river Chenab, the town tells the tragic tale of the lovers Sohni and Mahiwal. Along the riverbank are the majestic ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization that are of great historical importance.

Patnitop, near the Vaishno Devi Temple, is fast becoming a busy hill station and a good place to enjoy the nature in its eternity.

Ladakh is home to the minority Buddhist community in the state. They have preserved their unique culture for the past hundreds of years. Leh is the headquarters of this region. The major points of attraction are the Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, and Soma Gompa.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS :

The Hemis Festival is held in the month of July when tourists in large numbers converge here from all over the world to watch the famous masked dances. The music is characteristically punctuated with sounds of cymbals, drums and long, unwieldy trumpets. The masked dancers move around slowly, very slowly, and the most vital part of the dance is the masks and not so much the actual movements of the dance. The dances end with Good vanquishing Evil and the evil one is brought into the protective fold of Buddhism.

Like the Hemis festival, monasteries like Lamayuru, Thiksey, Spitook, Likir and many others also have their individual festivals. Since they follow the lunar calendar, the actual dates of the festivals vary from one year to another. Other than these religious celebrations, Ladakh has also been host to a 15-day festival each year to bring forward the many nuances of this rich and exotic culture that is peculiar to this high part of the world. The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department organizes the Ladakh Festival in the month of September bringing forward the region's folk dances, art and craft, sporting events and rituals.

HOW TO REACH:

BY AIR - The state has three major civil airports at Srinagar, Jammu, and Ladakh connected to Delhi and other places in the country. Indian Airlines and its subsidiary Alliance Air operate in the Delhi-Chandigarh-Ladakh and Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar routes.

BY RAIL - Jammu Tawi is the main railhead of Jammu & Kashmir. It is connected to most of the important towns and cities of the country. Moreover, the longest rail route that stretches from Jammu Tawi to Kanyakumari and touches almost all the main cities and towns of the country originates from here.

BY ROAD - One can easily reach Jammu by the National Highway 1A that goes from Punjab and runs through this city, connecting it to the rest of the state, including the capital Srinagar. The state transport corporation runs several buses to most of the big towns and cities in north India.

Ladakh is connected to Srinagar and Manali by some of the most difficult road networks in the world. The Manali-Leh road is considered as the highest motorable road in the world.

Kullu

KULLU

FACTS & FIGURES :

Language: Hindi and Himachali
Best time to visit: April-June
STD Code: 01902

INTRODUCTION :

Kullu is located in the charming Kullu valley and is set amongst the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas. This town is famous for its temples and the annual Dussehra festival, both of which attract thousands of tourists. It is also known for its handicrafts.

LOCATION :

Kullu is located in the central part of the state of Himachal Pradesh in the northern region of India. It is located amidst the Himalayas at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level at the confluence of Beas and Sarvari rivers. It is 240 km north of Shimla. The weather in Kullu is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.

BEST TIME TO VISIT :

The best time to visit Kullu is in summers, between April and June. It is also visited in October during the Dussehra festival.

HISTORY :

Formerly, the Kullu valley was known as Kulanthapitha, meaning the end of the habitable world. The earliest recorded information of this area goes back to 1st century AD, when this valley began to be inhabited. In the medieval period, Kullu and the area around it was ruled by a number of local rulers. The Kullu valley was isolated from other parts of the country for many centuries until it came under British rule.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS :

Kullu is famous for its temples and festivals. The main tourist attraction of Kullu is the Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, who is one of the principal deities of the Hindu religious pantheon and the patron deity of the entire Kullu valley. Raja Jagat Singh, the erstwhile ruler of Kullu, built this temple in 1660 to atone for his wrongdoings. He obtained a statue of Lord Ram from Ayodhya and established it within this temple. Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli temple is 3 km from Kullu and is located in the village of Bekhli. It is a stiff 1½?hour climb to reach this temple, but it provides a panoramic view of Kullu. The Bijli Mahadev Temple is located on a spur at a height of 2460 m. True to its name, the temple is often stuck by lightning (bijli, lightning).

PLACES AROUND KULLU :

There are a number of shrines around Kullu. The Basheshwar Mahadev Temple at Bajura (15 km) from Kullu is famous for its exquisite carvings. The Vaishno Devi Temple (4 km) and the Vishnu Temple at Dayar (12 km) are other important shrines worth visiting.There are a number of tourist spots as well. The small town of Manikaran (45 km) is famous for its hot sulfur springs. It is located at an altitude of 1737 m in the Parvati River valley. These hot springs are famous for their healing powers. This place is both revered by the Hindus and the Sikhs. Travelers can visit the Shri Ramchandra Temple and the Shri Guru Nanak Devji Gurdwara in Manikaran. Manikaran offers hiking and trekking facilities to the tourists.Kaisdhar (15 km) and Kasol (42 km), the latter located amidst pine forest, are important picnic spots.Shoja (69 km), at an altitude of 2692 m, offers the traveler a breathtaking view of the entire Kullu valley. Raisom (13 km), on the banks of river Beas, is a good site for trekking. The town of Naggar (23 km) was the erstwhile capital of the state of Kullu for more than 1,400 years. There are number of historic monuments and temples in this town.Kullu attracts the adventure-seeking tourist by offering trekking and hiking trails in and around the valley. Stretches of River Beas are also used for white-water rafting.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS :

The festival of Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil, is celebrated all over India in the month of October. However, Dussehra in Kullu valley is special. It begins when Dussehra festivities in other parts of the country are over. The main event of this festival is taking out of Lord Raghunath's (local version of Lord Ram) idol through the streets on a palanquin carried by pilgrims. The procession also has villagers dancing in traditional attire.

HOW TO REACH :

The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is 10 km south of Kullu. The nearest railhead is at Jogindernagar (95 km). Kullu has a good road link with Shimla, Delhi, Chandigarh, Mandi, Manali, Manikaran, Naggar, Bajura, and Dharamshala. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

WHERE TO STAY :

We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Kullu.

Mirik

MIRIK

INTRODUCTION :

Welcome to a marvelous holiday in the hill resort of Mirik. The magical hill resort lies close to Siliguri in the West Bengal state of India. The peaceful and tranquil hill resort of Mirik boasts of several nature spots. The wild flowers, lovely lake and flourishing forests of Cryptomaria Japanica trees make Mirik appear as a tropical paradise

BEST TIME TO VISIT :

Mirik is pleasant all through the year. The temperature variations in Mirik range between thirteen and thirty degrees in winters and summers respectively.

LOCATION :

The hill resort of Mirik is situated 52 km. Away from Siliguri at an altitude of 1,768m in the Eastern Himalayas.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS :

In the breathtakingly beautiful hill resort of Mirik there are several spots worth visiting. At Mirik you must not miss the Sumendu Lake. The man made lake attracts several tourists in Mirik. The Sumendu Lake is wrapped in forested ridge and a flower garden and has a floating fountain in its center. The Sumendu Lake is ideal for activities like boating and fishing but not for swimming. Nearby on the west bank of the lake is the temple of Singha Devi or the Devi Sthan. You must visit the temple that attracts several tourists. If you move to the other side of the lake you may pray to Hanuman, Shiva and Kalimata in the temples dedicated to them. Bokar Gompa is other spot worth Deosi Dara is a vintage point in Mirik that must be visited to catch some vistas of the plains, hills and peaks in and around Mirik. Similarly Rameetay Dara is ideal for watching the spectacular sunset and the sunrise besides the mountains and plains of Mirik. You may even check out Kawlay Dara for some more breathtakingly beautiful views of Mirik While in Mirik you may even picnic at the spot of Rai Dhap. Rai Dhap has a small lake that is the source of potable water in Mirik. You may take a nature walk or ride a pony at Mirik through the orange orchards, cardamom plantations and tea estates that dot the hill resort. A conducted tour of the tea factory is an interesting option at Mirik Mirik also offers the wondrous vista of the Kanchenjungha and the other Himalayan peaks that captures everyone's heart and in turn gets captured in the cameras.
At a distance of 30 km from Mirik is an ideal picnic spot of Dudhia whose beauty attracts several tourists and nature lovers. For the adventure seekers treks from Mirik to Sandakphu, Phalut, Kurseong via Balasan River and Namsu are possible.

HOW TO REACH :

BY AIR - The airport nearest to Mirik is in Bagdogra at a distance of 55 km

BY ROAD & RAIL - The broad gauge railhead at New Jalpiaguri caters to the rail transportation to Mirik but is 60 km away from the hill resort. The excellent road network links Mirik with other important places like Bagdogra, Siliguri, Kurseong and Darjeeling

WHERE TO STAY :

Accommodation is easily available at Mirik. You may take your pick from the many hotels, tourist Lodge, tourist hostel and tourist cottages in Mirik. We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Mirik.

Kalimpong

KALIMPONG

FACTS & FIGURES :

Area: 36,021 sq. km
Language: Bengali, Nepali, Hindi and English
Best time to visit: April-June
STD Code: 03552

INTRODUCTION :

The first thing that strikes the traveler visiting Kalimpong is its quiet atmosphere. The peaceful ambience that pervades is heightened by the presence of monasteries and churches across the town. Kalimpong is also known for its bustling bazaars and traditional handicrafts. It is famous for its orchids and nurseries. Kalimpong offers panoramic view of the great Himalayan ranges that lie beyond it.

LOCATION :

Kalimpong is located in the northern part of the state of West Bengal, in the northeastern region of India. It is adjacent to the state of Sikkim and near the Teesta River. It is set amongst the foothills of the mighty Himalayas at an altitude of 1250 m above sea level. Kalimpong is 50 km from Darjeeling and 80 km from Gangtok. The weather in Kalimpong is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.

BEST TIME TO VISIT :

The best time to visit Kalimpong is during summer.

HISTORY :

The etymology of Kalimpong has several interpretations. According to one view, Kalimpong means a place where tribesmen gather and organize traditional tribal games. The second view suggests that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan. A third interpretation is that Kalimpong is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.Until the 18th century AD, Kalimpong was a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim and was ruled by Sikkimese rulers. It was then taken over by the Bhutanese. In the 19th century, the British took over Kalimpong and merged into the present Indian state of West Bengal.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS :

There are a number of places of tourist interest in Kalimpong. Kalimpong has three important gompas or monasteries: the Tharpa Choeling Gompa, the Tongsa Gompa and Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa. The Tharpa Choeling Gompa was established in 1922 and belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. His Highness the Dalai Lama also belongs to this sect, which was founded in the 14th century in Tibet. The Tongsa Gompa is located near the Tharpa Choeling Gompa. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong and was founded in 1692. The present building is constructed over the ruins of the original monastery, which was raised by the Gurkhas, in the pre-British era. The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was built in the mid-1970s on Durpin Hill and is located 5 km south from the town center. It was consecrated by His Highness the Dalai Lama. This monastery is famous for its traditional Tibetan wall paintings.Kalimpong is an important flower producing center and it produces 80% of the total gladioli produced in India. There are numerous nurseries in Kalimpong, which excel in production of orchids. Travelers can visit some important nurseries across the town and look at their collection of flowers, orchids and cacti.Other places to visit in Kalimpong include the Sericulture Research Institute, Dr Graham's Home and the adjoining chapel (located on the slopes of Deolo Hill), and the Nature Interpretation Center (located on Rinkingpong road).

PLACES AROUND KALIMPONG :

Teesta Bazaar, located 16 km from Kalimpong, is an important place for whitewater rafting. The rafting season is between mid-November to mid-February. The small village of Lava, located at 2,353 m above sea level and about 30 km east of Kalimpong, is an important place to visit. Kagyupa Gompa is located here. The village of Kaffer, located at 1555 m above sea level, is beyond Lava and one can have magnificent view of the summit of Kanchenjunga from here. The Samco Ropeway across the Teesta River, on the main Siliguri-Gangtok road is an important attraction near Kalimpong. One has to take a bus for Siliguri from Kalimpong in order to visit this ropeway en route.From Kalimpong it is possible to go to visit Phuntsholing across the Bhutanese border, without a visa.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS :

Kalimpong hosts an annual flower festival in the month of October.

HOW TO REACH :

BY AIR - The nearest airport is at Bagdogra and the nearest railhead at Siliguri.

BY ROAD - Kalimong is linked with Gangtok and Bagdogra . We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

WHERE TO STAY :

We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Kalimpong.

Puri

PURI

FACTS & FIGURES :

Languages: Oriya, Bengali, Hindi and English
Best Time to Visit: October to March (June and July to witness the Rath Yatra)
STD Code: 06752

INTRODUCTION :

India images have always revealed the strong influence of religion. Carrying on with the India images is the Indian destination of Puri. Puri, situated in the eastern part of the state of Orissa, is one of the four holy dhams of Hinduism and the hallowed seat of Lord Jagannath. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal and embraced by causarina-fringed beaches, it is located at a distance of 60 km from the state capital Bhubaneshwar. It is a famous beach on the eastern coastline of peninsular India. The famous Rath Yatra or the Car Festival is held every year as a part of the festival of the great Jagannath temple; it draws good number of pilgrims from all over the world. The yatra forms an integral part of the India images. India images since times immemorial have depicted devotees.

HISTORY :

Puri was once part of the kingdom of Kalinga, formed by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in 260 BC. The Sabaras, a tribe belonging to pre-Aryan and pre-Dravidian Austric linguistic group, inhabited the region. The region came under British rule in 1803. The Raja of Khurda rebelled in 1804, and there was a peasant uprising in 1817-18. The Orissa famine of 1866 claimed many lives in Puri.

LOCATION :

Puri has the Bay of Bengal and the rice-growing alluvial plain on its east, Khurda district on its west, Sambalpur on its south and the state capital Bhubaneshwar on its northern side.The forest area lying to the west of Puri provides bamboo and sal. The district of Puri encompasses most of the Chilika Lake, Asia's largest freshwater lake. Bhubaneshwar is also located in Puri district.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS :

The fine white sands of Puri beach and the roar of the breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal have fascinated visitors throughout the years. The local fishermen, with their catamarans and wide-brimmed cane hats, are also expert masseurs. With excellent hotels and guesthouses, the Puri beach is an ideal holiday spot.However, what attracts most the tourists to this place is the majestic temple of Jagannath. Even before one enters Puri, this 65-meter-high structure makes its presence felt. The 12th-century temple built by Chodaganga, to commemorate the shifting of his capital from south to central Orissa, stands in a compound on the Nilgiri Hill, and is surrounded by a 20-foot-high wall, within which lie several smaller shrines. A traditional porch, shrine, hall of offerings and a pillared hall of dance form the rest of this temple. Unfortunately, Jagannath is not open for non-Hindus, who must contend themselves viewing it from a vantage point, outside its precincts.
Another place worth visiting is Ananda Bazar, the largest food market in the world.

Gundicha Mandir is one of the temples closely related to the festivity of the Rath Yatra of Puri. It is a holy place where God resides for seven days during the festival. This garden is regarded as the place of lord Jagannath's aunt.

Balighai Beach, 8 km from Puri, is at the mouth of the river Nuanai. It a popular picnic spot, fringed by lovely causarina trees.

Sakshi Gopal (literal meaning, the witness lord) is a place 20 km away from Puri where a life-size image of the child Krishna is being built. This was to commemorate the incident when lord Krishna came to this place as a witness to clear out a dispute of two Brahmans. Later it is said that lord liked this place so much that he decided to stay there for a while.

Another site to give a visit is the magnificent Atharnala Bridge, constructed during the 13th century.

Besides the places of the city, there are a number of tourist sites outside the city boundary.

Balighai, also known for its sea turtle research center, is located just 8 km away from the temple town.

Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lake in Asia (65 km long, 8-20 km wide, about 2 m deep), is situated just a few kilometers away from Puri and is a place worth visiting. It has been affectionately called as the "honeymooners' paradise" and "breakfast island." The simmering blue water makes it an excellent site to have a break from the monotonous daily routine.

For someone interested in local handicrafts, a visit to the small village of Pipli near Puri is a must. This place is famous for the appliqué work of the traditional Orissa style.

Another craftsmen's village is Raghurajpur. This small village is situated just few kilometers from Puri. This place is famous for the Patta Chitra art of Orissa.

Besides these, Brahmagiri, a holy shrine; Satyabadi, another shrine and temple; and Baliharachandi are some of the sites to visit near Puri.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS :

The Rath Yatra and Nava Kalebara are the famous festivals of Puri. Both these events are related to the reigning deity, Lord Jagannath. Commemorating the journey of Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura, the Rath Yatra is celebrated on the second day of the bright fortnight of Asadha (June-July). The image is placed in a heavy chariot and the efforts of hundreds of devotees are required to move it. The journey takes several days, and thousands of pilgrims participate. Perhaps many people will be surprised to know that the English word juggernaut, with its connotation of a force crushing whatever is in its path, is derived from name Jagannath, meaning "lord of the world."The Nava Kalebara festival is an immensely significant religious ritual, wherein the idols of the three deities-Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra- change their external forms. New idols are carved out of specially sanctified chandan/neem trees, following certain regulations. The 'daru' (wood) is then transported to the temple in full regalia.Puri Beach Festival is celebrated annually in early November. Orissan craft, cuisine and cultural evenings are the highlights of the event.

HOW TO REACH :

BY AIR - The nearest airport is at Bhubaneshwar (60 km), the state capital.

BY ROAD - Puri is connected with Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Berhampur, Taptapani, Sambalpur and Kolkata by road.

BY RAIL - Puri is also linked to other cities in Orissa and the country by train. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

West Bengal

WEST BENGAL

FACTS & FIGURES :

Area: 88,752 sq. km

Religion: Hindu

Annual Rainfall : 175 cm per year

Maximum Temperature: 40°C

Minimum Temperature: 7°C

Capital: Calcutta
Languages: Bengali, Hindi, English
Best time to visit: October to March.

INTRODUCTION :

When Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed his famous song, "Bande Mataram", over a hundred years ago in 1882, he was in many ways epitomizing the beauty of Bengal. Some things here are still eternal. Like the rich culture of the state that binds the population together through its unique unity in diversity. Like the matchless geographical variety it offers to visitors. Like the fact that even today, very few diehard Bengalis want to accept the fact that the state was divided during partition and one half of it is now a different country.

LOCATION :

West Bengal, situated in the eastern part of the Indian peninsula, is one of the country's medium-sized states. However, in its physical form, it is a complete representation of the Indian subcontinent. Darjeeling, its northern end, lies cuddled in the arms of the mighty Himalayas and the Dooars in the foothills are rich in forest. The indomitable river Ganga flows across the state's rich alluvial plains to reach the Bay of Bengal in the south, through vast swamps that are known as the Sundarbans. The districts in the west are semi-arid and sport loamy soil: the famous red earth that appears repeatedly in Rabindranath Tagore's poems. West Bengal extends from latitude 21°31¢-27°14¢ in the North to longitude 86°35¢-89°53¢ in the East. The tropic of cancer runs through the state. Stretching for about 300 miles from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, West Bengal's geography is as diversified as its culture.
West Bengal is surrounded by the three international frontiers in the north, namely, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. On its northeast lies the green valley of Assam. The vibrating Bihar lies on the western side, while to the southwest lies the state with its golden beaches, Orissa. West Bengal has Bangladesh on its east and the deep blue Bay of Bengal on its south.

BEST TIME TO VISIT :

The climate of West Bengal can be divided into a) the hot dry period that spreads from March to early June; b) the monsoons from July to September; and c) the cool winter from October to February. The southwest monsoon has a great impact on the climate of the state. The intensity of the monsoon determines, to a considerable extent, the harvesting of a large variety of agricultural products in this region.

HISTORY :

West Bengal was formerly known as Vanga and was spread over a vast area. Ruled by several dynasties from ancient times, the actual history of this region is, however, available from the Gupta period. The prosperity and the importance of the state increased largely when the British East India Company took over the place. It was a widespread Bengal province until under the terms of the Indian Independence Act, 1947, the province of Bengal ceased to exist. The Muslim-dominated districts, namely, Chittagong, Dacca and part of Presidency and Rajshahi division went to the present-day Bangladesh and the state of West Bengal came into existence in 1947. The district of Cooch Behar was merged with the state on January 1, 1950. The former Chandernogor came within the state on October 2, 1954 and the state got its present political boundary when, according to the States Reorganization Act, part of the state of Bihar was transferred to West Bengal.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS :

Besides the other festivals of the Hindu solar calendar, Durga Puja is the one that gains ultimate importance and attention in West Bengal. Durga Puja is an extravaganza of almost seven days; but the preparation starts months before the actual event. New clothes are an integral part in puja for every Bengali. Besides Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja and Janmashtami are some other festivals that are given special attention in Bengal.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS :

West Bengal is one of the first destinations in a tourist's itinerary visiting the eastern part of the country. Calcutta (also Kolkata), the capital of the state, is the proud intellectual capital of the country. The city has made outstanding contribution to the country in the field of arts, sciences, medicine, social reform and literature. The city retains some of the most striking colonial buildings of the country. It used to be the capital of the British East India Company and the evidence of the British colonization persists there in the city. The Victoria Memorial is a grand edifice constructed in the memory of Queen Victoria. This building houses a number of rare specimens of the historical preserves of the land. Moreover, the manuscripts, the paintings and the sculptures here are outstanding. Howrah Bridge is another landmark that denotes the city of joy. This hanging bridge is an architectural marvel of the country. The second largest planetarium in Asia, the Birla Planetarium, is another site that attracts attention of all regardless of their age. The Botanical Garden with its 250-year-old banyan tree (Ficus bengalhensis) is another attraction of the city. The Dakshineshwar Temple is an important pilgrimage center that attracts a number of tourists as well as pilgrims from all over the country. It is said that Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the spiritual guru of Swami Vivekananda, used to worship Goddess Kali in this place. The recently built Vidyasagar Setu, another architectural marvel, connects both the banks of the Hooghly River. Thakur Bari, the residence of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, is another site that receives a herd of visitors every year. Moreover, the Metro Railway, National Library, Shaheed Minar, Eden Garden, Fort William, Rat Park and Marble Palace are some of the other sites of the city that are worth visiting.
Shantiniketan, Tagore's university township, is a must on any itinerary that plots Bengal as a stopover. Just two and a half hours away by rail from Calcutta, this town in the Birbhum district is rich in culture and art. At Tagore's residence in the Uttarayan complex, you could visit the museum and his various homes. From Shantiniketan, you could also take a sojourn to Bakreswar, where ancient Kali and Shiva temples rise into the azure sky. The hot springs are famous for curing many chronic diseases. For witnessing the sheer magnificence of mountains, unsullied and pristine, one should visit the hill station of Darjeeling, located 7,000 feet above sea level. Darjeeling is famous for its flavored tea all over the world. The brew is often compared to champagne and the tea gardens that dot the slopes are witness to this mammoth industry. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a paradise for trekkers. The Tibetan Self-Help Center has a range of carpets for sale in their showroom, woven with dexterity on the premises by refugees who fled their land with the Dalai Lama. One can also undertake short trips to Mirik, land of oranges, and the charming city of Kalimpong, famous for its orchids and curio shops. In the same area is Kurseong from where one can get a panoramic view of the Gangetic delta from Eagle's Crag. Upon reaching the foothills again, one may stop over at Malbazar to imbibe the magical mystery of forests and the tea-garden dotted Dooars plains. The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is known for elephants and other wild animals. In the heartland of Bengal's rich history is Malda with the relics of Muslim culture embodied in the Bara Sona mosque. Not very far is Behrampur, another cradle of Bengal's Muslim past. The Hazarduari Palace and the Khush Bagh revive memories of days gone by. Besides these, West Bengal has lot more to offer as a tourist destination. Digha, Siliguri, Gaur, Pandua, Murshidabad, Bishnupur, Haldia and the Sunderban Tiger Reserve are some of the few places of West Bengal that need to be mentioned here.

HOW TO REACH :

BY AIR - West Bengal is very well connected with the national and international air network. The international (Netaji Subhash International Airport) and domestic airports of Calcutta are at Dumdum, located 15 km from the city center. The Bagdogra airport at Siliguri connects the state with places in and around the state. Three more airports, namely, Balurghat, Coochbehar and Malda also operate scheduled domestic flights.

BY RAIL - West Bengal runs a major railway network that connects the rest of the country. Kharagpur railway station has the longest railway platform in India. Moreover, the Howrah railway station is one of the most accessed railway heads in India. New Jalpaiguri railhead connects the rest of the country to Darjeeling by toy trains.

BY ROAD - West Bengal is also well connected by means of national as well as state highways with major places of interest in and around the state. The state transport corporation runs regular buses connecting these places. There are also private tour operators that provide luxury coaches to access the nearby places of importance.

WHERE TO STAY :

We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around West Bengal.