Kolkota

Kolkata

Kolkata  or Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly river, it is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India. It is the third-most populous metropolitan area in India. As of 2008, its economic output as measured by gross domestic product ranked third among South Asian cities, behind Mumbai and Delhi.  As a growing metropolitan city in a developing country, Kolkata confronts substantial urban pollution, traffic congestion, poverty, overpopulation, and other logistic and socioeconomic problems.

 Under East India Company and later under the British Raj, Kolkata served as the capital of India until 1911, when its perceived geographical disadvantages, combined with growing nationalism in Bengal, led to a shift of the capital to New Delhi. The city was a centre of the Indian independence movement; it remains a hotbed of contemporary state politics.  

 The city, which also hosts venerable cultural institutions of national importance, such as the Academy of Fine Arts, the Victoria Memorial, the Asiatic Society, the Indian Museum, and the National Library of India. Though home to major cricketing venues and franchises, Kolkata differs from other Indian cities by giving importance to association football and other sports.

A city of festivals would be the correct synonym for this gorgeous city. Behind the bejeweled doors of each house, incenses hazes, and gleaming flowers wallop with the greenery to herald a flavor of carousing. The air is perfumed with the delicate smell of vermilion, camphor, ghee, the spiky odor of new-fangled clothes and pungent whiff from the kitchen. Thrilled prattle of voices mixes with the timbre of rituals definitely would provide you a great sense of homely feeling.

To the outside world Kolkata, brings forth the sacred remembrance of Mother Teresa whose selfless and kindhearted services through a new life to thousands. This city would be remembered forever as the birth place of some of the illustrious Indians like Rabindranatha Tagore and Sathyajith Ray.

 Kolkata presents a friendly attitude to all that is new and that has gained high dividends to this second populous city in India. Industrial icons like Bata India, ITC Limited, Coal India Limited and Birla Corporation choose the friendly ambiance of the city to be their headquarters.

To some Kolkata is the city of joy and others name it as the city of dreams. Whatever it may be, it is rest assured that this marvelous city would mesmerize you with its narrow galleys, tram journeys and the old world charm. This vibrant city with lots of temples, zoo, museums and science centers still keeps the melancholy charisma of the innate environs and by lanes. So tie your tour bags chart your tour and explore the city that holds effervescent amusements.

If the spectator in you are not satisfied with the ordinary charms and wants to witness something unique, you can definitely choose Kolkata as your dream destination. Perhaps Kolkata would be the sole place where you can have the luxury of a tram ride. The mere glance of the Kolkata railway station and the colossal Howrah Bridge is adequate to quench the thirsty traveler. If a tram ride through boulevard, covered with colonial buildings delights you, if the blend of pastoral and offbeat thrills you, if you are fond of artistic performances, Kolkata would be a perfect location where you are sure to come across with the hodgepodge of all the things that tourists look for.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Birla Planetarium

 A visit to a planetarium is sure to set the heart racing of any science enthusiast and even a believer of God. The vastness of our Universe and the captivating creations of nature are to be seen to be believed. The Birla Planetarium constructed in 1962 provides an excellent opportunity for the locals and visitors to witness the glory of our Universe and try and understand our world and creation in layman’s language.

This planetarium presents a series of shows wherein numerous scientific theories and discoveries are displayed on the gigantic dome while the commentary in various Indian languages and English explains the intricate world of planets, galaxies, solar system, and life cycles of stars.

The Birla Industrial and Technological Museum

Birla is a name which is associated with Industrial progress of India and the Birla group has not spared any efforts in presenting these achievements and providing an opportunity for the younger minds to experiment and understand the basic concepts of science. The Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, established in 1956 boasts of a wide spectrum of gallery and design work ranging from basic to advance science such as electronics, nuclear, communication as well as mining, iron etc.

The museum pro actively organizes film shows, games, sky watch sessions, fun filled learning sessions and a lot more. Various attractions as rabbit house, aquarium, aviary, bonsai, snake pits and an underground coal mine setup provide a deep insight into the field. The purpose of scientific awareness is innovatively achieved through generation of interest. The Museum can visited from 1000 -1730hr. Monday is the weekly off.

 Fort William

Apart from being the British stronghold Kolkata has also been the main center for Indian Army operations post independence. The majestic Fort William constructed in 1781 in the honour of King William –III is the nerve centre of these Eastern operations of Indian Army, being the Eastern Army Command. Situated on the picturesque banks of the Hoogly the Fort has been a witness to many bloodbaths and historical moments.

Constructed in an octagonal shape the fort houses the famous St. Peter’s Church constructed in 1928. The association with Armies has provided the fort with accommodation, offices and recreation and training facilities such as swimming pool, movie hall, boxing stadium as well a firing range. Being under the stronghold of the Indian Army the entry to the fort is restricted.

Howrah  Bridge

The Howrah Bridge is a Suspension type Balanced Cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India. Commissioned in 1943,  the bridge was originally named the New Howrah Bridge, because it links the city of Howrah to its twin city, Kolkata (Calcutta). On 14 June 1965 it was renamed Rabindra Setu, after the great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore who was the first Indian and Asian Nobel laureate.  However it is still popularly known as the Howrah Bridge.

The bridge is one of the four on the Hooghly River and is a famous symbol of Kolkata and West Bengal. The other bridges are the Vidyasagar Setu (popularly called the Second Hooghly Bridge), the Vivekananda Setu and the newly built Nivedita Setu. Apart from bearing the stormy weather of the Bay of Bengal region, it successfully bears the weight of a daily traffic of approximately 100,000 vehicles, easily making it the busiest cantilever bridge in the world.  The third longest cantilever bridge at the time of its construction,  it is currently the sixth longest bridge of its type in the world

Indian Museum

Want to see an Egyptian mummy and dinosaur remains in person. Welcome to the iNdian museum, the house of various wonderful and awe inspiring discoveries and excavations undertaken by mankind. Considered as one of the oldest and largest museum of the country the Indian museum and its 60 galleries are replete with a dazzling collection of geographical, archaeological, textile and botanical objects.

The museum inaugurated in 1875 presents a strong influence of in Italian architecture. Be prepared to be stunned by the skeletal remains straight from the sites from Mohenjodaro and Harappa, Buddhist stupa, various rare antiques, and a big collection of meteorites. Open on all weekdays except Mondays the museum is open from 100-1900hr

Science City

If you ever visit Kolkata and skip the Science City then your family, especially children are bound to hold a grudge against you for life. This amazing place has been so well conceptualized and created that it takes at least 6-8 hours to be completely satiated by what it offers. On offer are 3-D movies, Fish eye projected I-MAX movies, train rides, Space station tour, Creepy crawler section, excellent garden for kids as well as a Naval Ship structured museum.

Open on all weekdays except Mondays the Science city is one place to get lost in the cycle of evolution with roaring dinosaurs, mammoths, sabre tooths and many other Jurassic life size creatures. Hold your breath all these activities can be undertaken within a budget of Rs 100/- per head, just make sure that you reach early so that you don’t regret the lack of time for not being able to do justice to each section.

Victoria Memorial

An everlasting impression one carries from Kolkata is the shining white Victoria memorial surrounded by lush greenery and wide roads. Conceptualised and created by Sir William Emerson – President, British institute of Architects in 1921 the Victoria Memorial provides an idea of how the riches plundered from India were splurged on pleasing the Royal family. This memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria provides an insight into Indian History right from the arrival of British to the Independence era.

 Amazing paintings and photographs by British officers unfold an Indian subcontinent hitherto unknown to many of us. The photographs and sculptures of numerous historic figures also adorn this museum spread over an area of 64 acres. Watch out for an exact replica of a busy Kolkata street from the 18th century. Be sure to reach the memorial prior to 1600hr in order to enjoy the contents for the museum guards are pretty strict about the closing timings of 1800hr. A special light show is also presented at 1930 hr daily except Mondays.

Eden Garden

Long association with the British enables Kolkata to boast of numerous locations remembered due to their association with certain individuals, like the Eden Gardens. The garden, as the name suggests, is where two sisters (one of them named Eden) related to the Governor of Auckland, spend hours during their leisurely strolls. The cricket stadium built next to the garden is also aptly named after the garden.

Considered to be the largest cricket stadium in the world the Eden Gardens boast of a capacity of 1,20,000. Witnessing a cricket match at Eden Gardens jam packed with spectators is any cricket lover’s dream come true. The mammoth score board and the flood lights just add to the cricket zing. One may get a glimpse of the stadium upon request to the chowkidar, otherwise entry is restricted to the stadium. The adjoining garden can visited from 0900-2000hr daily. Also try and visit the Mohun Bagan football club nearby.

Marble Palace

Marble palace of Kolkata, India is a must visit tourist attraction spot. Built in the year 1835 by Rajendra Mallick, it is an exquisite art gallery. Marble palace houses the marvelous objects of art, sculptures, pictures & oil paintings. Its major highlight includes the Reuben's masterpieces. You can also find the original paintings of Rembrandt, Reynolds and Van Goyen etc. Calcutta marble palace is the one of its kinds and consists of exquisite pieces of art. It also has a zoo, where you can find different kinds of birds and animals. Infact, it has a rare collection of birds.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple   

Dakshineswar Kali Temple   is a Hindu temple located in Dakshineswar near Kolkata. Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali, meaning, 'She who liberates Her devotees from the ocean of existence i.e. Saṃsāra'. The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a devotee of Kali in 1855. The temple is famous for its association with Ramakrishna, a mystic of 19th Century Bengal.

The temple compound, apart from the nine-spired main temple, contains a large courtyard surrounding the temple, with rooms along the boundary walls. There are twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva—Kali's companion—along the riverfront, a temple to Radha-Krishna, a bathing ghat on the river, a shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni. 'Nahavat-Khana', the chamber in the northwestern corner just beyond the last of the Shiva temples, is where Ramakrishna spent a considerable part of his life.

Markets and Malls

New Market is Kolkata's historic shopping district. Opened in 1874, it was named Hogg Market after the commissioner Sir Stuart Hogg. The beautiful fountain and benches at the market no longer exist, but the popularity of the market has not waned, and the beautiful gothic clock tower recalls the British heritage of the market. It was renamed New Market after Independence.

The Park Street, Camac Street and Shakespeare Sarani are considered to be a high street of Kolkata with many commercial establishments & high end shopping destinations, with lots of shopping malls, boutiques, restaurants and stand alone retail outlets. College Street is an area famous for its bookstores.

HOW TO REACH

BY RAIL - Howrah and Sealdah are two major railway stations in Kolkata. These stations are well connected to all major cities in India.

Metro rail system in Kolkata connects all the main junctions in Kolkata. It is the fastest way to reach the different parts of the big city

BY AIR - Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, located at Dumdum, is 17 km away from the heart of Kolkata. This airport is well connected to all major cities in India including north east capitals. Kolkata is a major international airport which is connected to many cities in abroad.

BY ROAD - West Bengal state buses connect all parts of the state with Kolkata. Deluxe and A/C luxury buses are available from Kolkata to various cities in the state and neighboring states.

Mumbai

MUMBAI

Mumbai  , also known as Bombay, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India . Along with the neighbouring urban areas, including the cities of Navi Mumbai and Thane, it is one of the most populous urban regions in the world. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbour.  

The name Mumbai is derived from Mumba or Maha-Amba—the name of the Koli goddess Mumbadevi—and Aai, "mother" in the language of Marathi

Mumbai is built on what was once an archipelago of seven islands: Bombay Island, Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Worli, and Old Woman's Island (also known as Little Colaba).

Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India . The city houses important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India, the SEBI and the corporate headquarters of numerous Indian companies and multinational corporations. It is also home to some of India's premier scientific and nuclear institutes like BARC, NPCL, IREL, TIFR, AERB, AECI, and the Department of Atomic Energy. The city also houses India's Hindi (Bollywood) and Marathi film and television industry. Mumbai's business opportunities, as well as its potential to offer a higher standard of living,  attract migrants from all over India and, in turn, make the city a melting pot of many communities and cultures.

Mumbai presents architectural styles which are a blend of modern designs & centuries old Gothic influences too. Home to one of the largest film industries in the world, churning out more than 300 films a year - "Bollywood" as its popularly known as, is the hub of all things creative from theater, arts, crafts, documentary to full on entertainment films, literary and artistic activities too. Its rich heritage can be seen in its several museums, art galleries & libraries.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Elephanta caves

Elephanta caves are located at Gharapuri Island, a congregation of three small villages nearby Mumbai. These caves, which are declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are frequented by domestic and foreign travelers alike. The caves are said to be dating back to the period between the 9th to 13th century AD & are famous for its ancient sculptures and the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The prime deity in the temple is Ardhanarishwara, a blend of half man and half woman representing Shiva and Parvathy. The temple which is rock cut, is designed based on the Hindu astrological knowledge base, clearly taking into account the geometrical "Mandala" and energy levels.

Wonderful sculptures at the Elephanta Caves, depicting the three faces of Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara , is a marvelous attraction here. All in all a must visit to take a glimpse into the countries rich history & heritage.

Gateway of India

Gateway of India is an impressive monument constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V & Queen Mary to the then "Bombay" in Dec 1911. It is placed perfectly in South Mumbai & aptly called the Gateway of India. Built as a mammoth arch at a mighty height of 26 meters and has a inner width of 15 meters - its presence is symbolic to the city.

The monument is an representation of the Indo-Saracen architectural style, with many features of the 16th century Muslim architectural excellence. This monument almost stands as an identity of the city - flanked by the ocean on one side & the monumental Taj Hotel to the other.

Boat facilities are available in the nearby water front and tourists can enjoy the fantastic boat ride from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, earlier known as Victoria Terminus in Mumbai, is an important building spotted in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is located at D N Road. In 1888 this building was built, after nearly 10 years of construction, as the rail terminus based on the model of St Pancras Station in London and is designed by English architect Frederick William Stevens.

Presently VT station or CST is the headquarters of central railways. The architectural style of CST is a blend of traditional Indian style and Victorian Gothic style. The building is highly attractive with brass or ornamental iron railings, tiles, woodcarvings and iron grills. The building is adorned with the statue of Queen Victoria on the dome. VT is an architectural splendor and tourists should not miss out this heritage building.

Chowpatty beach

The crowning glory of this concrete city is the refreshing Chowpatty beach, famed for the immersion of Ganesh idols at the penultimate day of the Ganesh Chathurthi festival. This beach located at one end of Marine drive is considered as a holy place, where many Hindu rituals like thread tying events are performed.

The local cuisines prepared hygienically and deliciously, are the specific attractions of the beach. One can enjoy all local varieties of eatables from here. Many tourists like to spend hours together in this soft sandy beach, relaxing from the dreadful city rush.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is one of the most scenic stretches amid the concrete jungle of Mumbai. Six lane roads along side the Arabian Coast, it is officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road. This C shaped natural bay connects Malabar hills and Nariman Point in Mumbai.

Marine Drive's well-maintained pathways, is used by the public as a place to relax in the evenings, take a walk with or just sit down & soak in the beauty & calm of its serene surroundings. Marine Drive is presently renowned as a place for huge gatherings. Marine Drive is termed as Queen’s necklace, as it glows like a necklace in the night with the streetlights and can be seen from any elevated place in the city.

Prince of Wales Museum

Built at the beginning of 20th century, the Prince of Wales Museum is located at MG Road. The museum commemorates the visit of Prince of Wales to India. Presently the museum is known 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya' and the renaming had taken place after Indian Independence.

Built in Indo-Saracen architectural style, the museum has three major parts - Natural History section, Archeology section and Art section. All three sections display many valuable artifacts like rare displays of Buddhist Tankhas and specimens of Nepali and Tibetan art and many more.

Mahalaxmi Temple

Mahalaxmi Temple, a temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi the wife of Lord Mahavishnu, is built in 1785 and is located in the Bhulabhai desai Road near Worli. This common belief behind the reason for constructing this temple is related to the construction of Hornby Vellard in Mumbai. The construction collapsed two times and the chief architect dreamt about the Goddess Laxmi statue in the Sea near the place. It is believed that after the temple is built, the construction of the Vellard went on smoothly.

This is one of the famous temples in Mumbai attracted by many devotees. Devotees throng to this place to offer prayers during Fridays and also during Durga Puja days.

Haji Ali shrine

Haji Ali shrine is a tomb dedicated to the Haji Ali, a wealthy merchant turned Muslim Sufi Saint. This is one of the popular religious spots in Mumabi and is located at the coast of Worli. The shrine is placed in the backdrop of roaring sea all around. There is only a small pathway connecting the mainland to the tomb, and in nights these pathways are also covered with water. The tomb is known for its glass work and surrounding courtyard which offers scenic views.

Many people visit this place to get the blessings of the saint and it is a strong belief that if you visit the tomb and offer prays your wishes will be fulfilled. "Urs" is the festival celebrated here, which is witnessed by thousands of believers.

Essel World

Famed to be India's largest amusement park & Asia's theme water park - Essel World is every kid & adults dream come true. Ideal for a day outing with your office team or friends & family alike - the park has something in store for everyone visiting. Located at the coastal village of Gorai, the park spans a sprawling 64 acres which have both exciting dry rides & fun water rides too. Attracting over 1.8 million visitors each year, this is by far one of the most fun things you can do while at Mumbai.

Fashion Street

One of the most vibrant, varied & tempting shopping experiences await you at Mumbai's Fashion Street. Every fashion junkies dream comes true as soon as you spot this stretch of colorful stalls, selling everything from vivid color beads, the latest apparel trends both Indian as well as Western styles, multi-hued bags & much more at very low prices.

 

Delhi

DELHI

 Delhi is a metropolitan region in India that includes the national capital city, New Delhi. Delhi has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC. Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and the modern Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region. This is why Delhi is sometimes called as City of cities.

Delhi was the site of ancient Indraprastha, the mythical capital of the Pandavas during the Mahabharata. Delhi re-emerged as a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routes between northwest India and the Gangetic plain during the Delhi sultanates.

In AD 1639, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built a new walled city in Delhi, which served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1649 until the Rebellion of 1857. The British captured Delhi in 1857.  In 1911, it was announced that the capital of British held territories in India was to be transferred from Calcutta to Delhi. The name "New Delhi" was given in 1927, and the new capital was inaugurated on 13 February 1931. New Delhi, also known as Lutyens' Delhi. A new capital city, New Delhi, was built to the south of the old city during the 1920s.  When the British left India in 1947, New Delhi became its national capital and seat of government.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

 The Red Fort

The then Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Red Fort. The Red Fort is popularly known as the Lal Quila and is representative of the true splendor of the Mughal court. This imposing fort will engulf you with its size and grandeur. The scale of construction can well be imagined when one realizes that the walls of the fort are a good 2 km long!

The Red Fort is suggestive of the pomp and power enjoyed by the Mughals in the olden times. The red fort is made out of marble and designed exquisitely. The splendor of this Mughal fort lays in the fact that it has endured barbaric attacks from Nadir Shah the colonial British rulers.

 Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid, was commissioned to be constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It holds the distinction of being one of the biggest and the most well known mosque of Old Delhi. Due to its setting at a very prominent center in Old Delhi, a lot of visitors visit it right through the year.

The name Jama Masjid indicates a reference to the weekly congregation of worshippers who observe prayers every Friday at the mosque. The floor of the mosque has been covered with white and black marble works to give it the look of the prayer mat typical to the Mohammedan culture.

The mosque is open from 7 AM to sunset, but tourists are not allowed to visit the premises between 12:15 and 1:45 PM. Photography is strictly banned during prayer hours.

Qutab Minar

Qutab Minar is amongst the tallest and the most famous monuments in the world. This beautiful minaret is 234 feet high and is regarded as the tallest individual tower in the world. The Qutab Minar is one of the many masterpieces that depicted the sheer brilliance of the Mughal architects of those times. Qutub-ud-din Aibak placed the groundwork for Qutub Minar in 1199 AD and his descendant Shamsu'd-Din- Iitutmish completed the works on this magnificent structure by adding three more storeys.

The exquisitely carved minaret has a number of storeys and inscriptions all round the tower. This monument of fervent historical interest is open from sunrise to sunset. Indian visitors are charged an entry fee of Rs.10 while the foreigners have to pay Rs. 250. Visitors are allowed to carry their cameras inside in order to capture their memories.

The Humayun tomb

The Humayun tomb garden is one of the most popular sites of visit in Delhi. The second Mughal monarch Humayun died after he won Delhi again. His wife, Hamida Begum, who was of Persian origin, commissioned the construction of his tomb. The construction was completed within the time from 1562-1572.

Designed by the noted Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath. Humayun’s tomb also houses the remains of hundreds of members from the Mughal times. The tomb is situated on the bank of River Yamuna and is said to have been a pattern of later Mughal mausoleum architectural styles in India. The entry fee to this beautiful garden is Rs. 10 for Indian and $5 for foreigner. However, on Fridays the entry is free.

The Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar is one of the five astronomical observatories that were constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the year 1724. It is easily reachable, since it is located in the Connaught place, which is a major commercial area of New Delhi. It is a place that would pique one’s interest on seeing how our antecedents had formulated ways in order to enhance their scientific knowledge.

Jantar Mantar has a range of old-fashioned structures, which are actually instruments that were used to track the movements of the celestial bodies. Jantar Mantar is a place of heritage interest and marks the achievements of the ancestors in India in the field of astronomy.

Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib

Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, is one of the nine historical gurdwaras in Delhi. First established in 1783 by Baghel Singh to commemorate the martyrdom site the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. Situated in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, it marks the site Sikh Guru was beheaded on the orders of the Mughal emperor on the 11th of November, 1675, Aurangzeb, for refusing to convert to Islam.

 The severed head ("Sis" in Hindi or Punjabi) of Guru Tegh Bahadur was brought to Anandpur Sahib by Bhai Jaita, another disciple of the Guru. It was cremated by the Guru's son, Gobind Rai, who would later become Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Guru of the Sikhs.  

 The present Gurudwara structure was built in 1930. The trunk of tree under which the Guru was beheaded is also preserved here as is the well from which he took bath while in the prison. Also standing adjoining the Gurdwara is the Kotwali (police station), where Guru was imprisoned and his disciples were tortured.

The Nizamuddin’s shrine

The Nizamuddin’s shrine was built as a commemoration of the Muslim Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Chishti. The Nizamuddin Shrine is an interesting tomb that speaks of a keen sense of architecture prevalent in the olden times. The premises of the temple include a tank which is bordered by many other tombs. These tombs are in memory of the people of Mughal times.

The grave of Jahanara, who was the daughter of Shan Jahan and Amir Khusru, who was a celebrated Urdu poet in the Mughal courts are in the same premises.

The sunset on Thursdays is an accepted time amongst the Muslims for prayers and adoration, and hence, this is the best time to visit this temple. The much-liked Qawwali singers start presenting their skills in the evening times.

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is also known as the Birla Mandir. The Birla Mandir has been built in order to pay tribute to the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi and her companion, Lord Vishnu who is regarded as the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. The temple premises have many temples, fountains, and a big garden.

This temple was inaugurated by the hands of Mahatma Gandhi. The temple sees thousands of devotees on the day of Janmashtami, which is the birthday of Lord Krishna. Birla Temple is a tranquil situate where one can take a break after a hard day's work. The religious value of this shrine is known to all the Hindu devotees.

Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple is one of the most incredible architectures of the Bahai faith. It is situated at Kalkaji, a place close to New Delhi. The temple has been constructed to resemble a lotus flower. The huge lotus flower has been made out of marble, dolomite, cement, and sand. The temple does not impose restrictions on any visitor and has been thrown open to people of all religions. The place is known for its spotlessly clean environment that allows believers to meditate in peace.

The Bahai temple, which was completed in 1986 by the Persian architect Fariborz Sahba from Canada is known for its prayer sessions that include prayers of all religions. Visitors are allowed a free entry to the majestic temple, but they are expected to maintain silence in the interiors. The integration of the vibrant Indian history with the modern styles of engineering and architecture stands out boldly and makes the temple unique in its appeal.

The Akshardham Temple

The Akshardham Temple has been constructed of recent times and was inaugurated in the year 2005. The temple has been built by the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha on the banks of the River Yamuna. The Delhi Akshar Dham Mandir was thrown open to the general public after the then President APJ Abdul Kalam inaugurated it. The temple stretches over an area of 100 acres and was completed in two years.

Akshardhaam Temple of New Delhi is constructed in an architectural fashion comparable to that of the Akshardham temple that is located in Gandhinagar in the state of Gujarat. Its structure is based on the olden Sthaapatya shastras of India and is erected entirely out of sandstone and marble without using steel. The main shrine house the idol of Lord Swaminarayan and a monument celebrating world peace is also prominent on the temple premises.

India Gate

India Gate is located on the Raj Path in New Delhi and is one of the most visited destinations in Delhi. The works on India Gate were commenced by Edwin Lutyens to pay reverence to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting the World War I and the Afgan War.

A close look at the huge walls of India Gate reveals the names of around 90,000 soldiers who died during these wars. The structure was completed in 1931 and since then, has attracted many a tourist. India Gate was originally known as the All India War Memorial. This 42 meter tall gate has beautiful gardens and fountains around it.

The lush green lawns, the boat club, and the children’s park around India Gate make it an ideal destination for an idyllic evening out.

The Parliament House

The Parliament House is the building that is of supreme importance for the Indian sub continent. The decisions affecting the ruling of the nation are passed here. The house of the Parliament is located at the end of the Sansad Marg. This splendid structure was designed by Herbert Baker and was formerly called as the Circular House. The two hundred and forty seven enormous pillars, which are representative of the Mughal style of architecture, are a unique feature of the Parliament House.

The Lok Sabha or the House of People, the Rajya Sabha or the Council of States and the library can be visited upon obtaining the necessary permit from the office on Raisina Road. For the foreign visitors, permits are granted only if their respective embassies grant them with an introductory letter.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official house of the President of India, and is located at the west end of the Rajpath. The Rahstrapati Bhavan boasts of an architectural fashion that is a mixture of Mughal and classical European and is visited by many tourists. The Rashtrapati Bhavan has a gigantic copper dome over a long arcade and 340 bedecked rooms.

Rashtrapati Bhavan is a brilliant structure that is reminiscent of the British imperialism. The enormous columns, verandahs, as well as the balconies integrated with typical Indian designs like the chhatris lend a quaint beauty to this huge residence. The Government of India Tourist Office gives permission to few people to enter the premises. However, the Mughal gardens, is open to the general public in the month of February.

Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is the cenotaph built in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna. This grave black marble podium marks the spot of Mahatma’s cremation on the 31 January 1948. An abiding flame at one end, which burns ceaselessly, flanks the platform. A stone alleyway with lawns on either sides leads to the enclosed space that has the memorial with the epitaph Hey Ram, thought to be the last words articulated by Gandhiji.

As a mark of respect, it is obligatory for visitors to remove footwear before entering the memorial. It has become a routine for foreign personages visiting India to pay their reverence to Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat.

Chandani Chowk

 Chandani Chowk is one of the oldest market places of Old Delhi. Despite that, Chandni Chowk has still retained its charm. Although the place is very disorderly and congested today, once upon a time, it was well- lined with striking fountains. It was regarded as a market that sold every kind of goods.

Chandani Chowk is located opposite the Red Fort. At one end of the Chandni Chowk, one can see the Fatehpuri Mosque, which is believed to have been built by the wives of Shah Jahan. At the other end of Chandani Chowk, is the old police station or the Kotwali. The Sunheri Masjid, which was the place from where Nadir Shah ordered his army of men to pillage and massacre Delhi is located close by. The Chandani Chowk is still visited by many curious tourists due to its historical importance.

Janpath

Janpath translated People's Path, is one of the main roads in New Delhi. It starts out as Radial Road 1 in Connaught Place, adjacent to Palika Bazaar, and runs North-South perpendicular to, and past Rajpath (the "Rulers' path"). Originally called Queen's Way, it was an important part of Lutyens' design of the Lutyens' Delhi, upon the inauguration of new capital of India in 1931. Today the most popular spot on this road is the Janpath market, which is a heaven for budget travelers and shoppers, buyers of curio, handicrafts and garments, and numerous Indian-style fast-food placess

Agra

 Destination

AGRA

Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Agra is a virtual fort of history and architecture located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. Historical monuments, architectural grandeur ventures and the beauty of marbles, Agra thrives as one of the tourist destination in India.

Agra, a medieval city, was assumed to be built in 1475, had been found its place even in the epic Mahabharatha as Agraban (means paradise). The renowned second century geographer Ptolemy spotted this place as Agra in his world map. Agra was the capital of many dynasties including Lodhi and Mughals.

Located at the banks of River Yamuna, Agra offers the tourists the richest of the man made beauties including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Agra fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal. It is the haven of Mughal art, culture and architecture.

Agra is the foremost tourist spot in India and has been equipped with all kinds of infrastructure facilities for tourists. The city with multi colored illuminations providing a marvelous view at night offer hearty welcome to its tourists. Many high standard hotels and resorts add the enjoyment of the vacation and picnic to its pinnacle in Agra.

Taj Mahal

One of the Seven wonders in the world, a must see place in India, Taj Mahal is situated majestically in Agra. It is acclaimed as one of the three World Heritage Sites in Agra and is the living specimen of romantic love life of Shah Jahan and his favorite beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. Located at the bank of majestic River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of architectural design and excellence in finishing. Ustad Isa, the renowned Persian Architect, led the construction.

The most famous marble structure in Agra, in fact the most beautiful and fascinating monument all over India, completed the construction in 1653 AD. The Mughal King Sha Jahan built this as the final resting place for the queen Mumtaz. It is believed that it took nearly 22 years to complete the grandeur palace. There are 22 small domes over the Taj Mahal, denoting the 22 years and the verses of holy Koran are inscribed on the domes.

Set against picturesque landscaped gardens, the human labor expended for this monument was immense. One can see the amazing view of the Taj Mahal as an image in the calm still waters of Yamuna. From a long view, the people get an illusion that the building is floating in the air, the real exquisiteness of the architectural wonder. The Taj Mahal with perfect design and craftsmanship, the epitome of structural beauty, is the best view for any visitor and this view eye-catching experiment could not be forgotten in the lifetime.It is open all days of the week from 6 am to 7.30 pm except Fridays.

Red Fort of Agra

Also renowned as the Red Fort of Agra, Agra Fort is located near to the Taj Mahal gardens on the banks of River Yamuna. The real specimen of architectural marvel, this fortress was constructed in the 15th century. The construction of this mammoth structure started during 1565 during the Great King Akbar and continued the developments up to the period of King Shah Jahan, the grandson of Akbar.

The fort, in a length of 2.5 km marvelous enclosure walls, is built in red sandstones and encloses many monuments which are real architectural wonders. Many exquisite palaces such as the Shah Jahani Mahal, Jahangiri Mahal and the Khas Mahal, and audience halls named Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas are enclosed in the fortress. Other monuments include the Fish Pavilion, the Nagina Masjid, Garden of Grapes and the Pearl Mosque.

Agra fort, one of the world heritage sites, is really a worth place to visit to view the marvelous architectural beauty in red sandstones and is a place not to be missed by historians and architects.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a town located about 40 km away from Agra and is one of the renowned World Heritage site by UNESCO. The city was built during the period 1571 to 1585 by great Mughal emperor Akbar. The city in red sandstone was built to celebrate the birth of his son Salim and also to honor the Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti.

Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of Mughal Kingdom for few years, during which the city reached at the pinnacle of its developments. The architecture of the city is a mixture of Islamic and Hindu styles of constructions. There were places complexes and Mosque complexes in the city.

This city is a popular tourist attraction and the city is enriched with many historical monuments such as Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Jama Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas and the Sheikh Salim Chisti tomb. All these are highly worth visiting.

Buland Darwaza is a famous attraction of Fathepur Sikri. It is an entrance constructed by Akbar to celebrate his victory in 1573 over the kingdom of Khandesh in Gujarat, is the gateway to the renowned Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. This exquisite architectural wonder is really an eye catching view for travelers and tourists, which is visible even from a long distance. The Darwaza is placed at an elevated plain of height about 40 meters and seems to be inviting the tourists to the land of Agra wholeheartedly.

The mammoth entrance is one of the grandeur monuments built by Akbar in Agra. Many verses from the Koran are inscribed on the Darwaza. This is really made with simple but beautiful adornments.

Itimad-ud-daula's

Itimad-ud-daula's Tomb on the bank of River Yamuna was built by the queen Noor Jahan, the queen of Jahangir, for her parents. It is an architectural marvel located in Agra. It is situated at the middle of the well known and scenic Persian Garden. The tomb was superbly designed and elegantly finished in marvelous architectural styles.

This tomb is sometimes referred as baby Taj as it was the precursor of the architectural marvel the TajMahal. The tomb is fully laid by yellow marble with black and white marble inlay bringing the glorious days of the Mughal rule. This tomb is placed itself in picturesque surroundings of a beautiful garden. It is a main attraction in Agra.

Chini Ka Rauza

Chini Ka Rauza is a spectacular tomb very close to Taj Mahal in Agra. The tomb is dedicated to the Prime Minister of Mughal dynasty Allama Afzal Khan, the Mullah of Shiraz, during the rule of Shah Jahan.

The name Chini Ka Rauza is derived from most attractive tiles (Chini) used to adorn the ceilings and walls of the structure. The tomb is decorated with different colors, blue, yellow and green tiles adding a spectacular view to it.

This imposing structure is built in a rectangular shape and it is unique with a bulbous tomb. It has an orthogonal chamber in the middle and many inscriptions made with blue glazed tiles are visible in the tomb. This tomb has been a unique specimen of best of Mughal and Persian architectural styles.

HOW TO REACH

BY RAIL - There are four railway stations in Agra - Agra Cantt, Raja-ki-Mandi, Agra Fort, and Idgah Agra Junction. The city is well connected by train services to all the important cities in India. There are many super fast express trains connecting Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

BY ROAD - Agra’s Kheria Airport is located 8 km away from the heart of the city.  Agra is connected to Varanasi, Delhi and Khajuraho by air.

BY AIR - Agra’s Kheria Airport is located 8 km away from the heart of the city. Agra is connected to Varanasi, Delhi and Khajuraho by air.

BY AIR - Agra is connected by road to Delhi, Lucknow and Kanpur. There are many chartered tourist deluxe bus services from Delhi to Agra. Lucknow and Kanpur are connected to Agra by Road transport corporation buses.

Indian Climatic Regions & Seasons

Seasons of India

Winters

Winter is the season between autumn and spring. By the end of monsoons the temperature falls and it is the coldest season of the year. Meteorological winter is the season that witnesses shortest days and lowest average temperatures. The year’s coldest months are December and January. In winters temperatures average around 10–15 °C (50–59 °F) in the northwest; temperatures rise as one proceeds towards the equator, peaking around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) in mainland India's southeast.

A common phenomenon during winters is “Western Disturbances” that causes rains in winters. The main cause behind Western Disturbances is the prevailing of low pressure near Mediterranean Sea. These winds then move towards India. These winds cause heavy precipitation towards the Southern Himalayas especially in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh. Also, the two Himalayan states of Assam and Sikkim also witness heavy snowfall.  

Summers

During summers the temperature increases due to Sun’s vertical rays directly reaching Tropic of Cancer. Entire India witnesses summers from March to June, while the Northern India experiences it from April to July. April is the hottest month in most of Southern and Central India while it’s May for Northern India.

Norwesters (Pre monsoon Sqaull line thunderstorms) lead to hailstones being dropped during this season. By May, most of the Indian interior experiences mean temperatures over 32 °C (90 °F), while maximum temperatures often exceed 40 °C (104 °F). While entire India has higher temperatures, the higher altitudes or Hill Stations offer relief from heat due to their as they have comparatively lower temperatures.

Monsoons

Monsoon winds are strong and violent that often changes their direction with season. These winds always flow from colder regions to hotter regions. Monsoons blow from the land toward the sea in winter and from the sea toward land in the summer. The rainfall in India is a result of the South West trade winds that originate from High Pressure areas.

The South west monsoon winds arrive in two branches, namely the Bay of Bengal Branch and Arabian Sea Branch. The Arabian Sea Branch is three times stronger than the bay of Bengal Branch. The monsoon typically breaks over Indian Territory by around 25 May, when it lashes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It strikes the Indian mainland around 1 June near the Malabar Coast of Kerala. By June, it reaches Mumbai; it appears over Delhi by 29 June.

The Bay of Bengal branch, which initially tracks the Coromandal Coast northeast from Cape Comorin to Orissa, swerves to the northwest towards the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The Arabian Sea branch moves northeast towards the Himalayas. By the first week of July, the entire country experiences monsoon rain.

Post-Monsoons

The months from October to December come under the Post-Monsoon season. During these months there is a different monsoon cycle called the North-east monsoon brings dry and cool air masses to India. As South west monsoons begin to decrease, climate begins to be drier and the precipitation also decreases. The North East monsoons carry winds that have already lost their moisture while traveling across Central Asia.

However, the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala receive good precipitation during the season. parts of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and North-East India also receive minor precipitation from the northeast monsoon.

 Climatic Regions

 India is home to an extraordinary variety of climatic regions, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the Himalayan north, where elevated regions receive sustained winter snowfall. The nation's climate is strongly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. The Himalayas, along with the Hindu Kush mountains in Pakistan, prevent cold Central Asian katabatic winds from blowing in, keeping the bulk of the Indian subcontinent warmer than most locations at similar  latitudes.  Simultaneously, the Thar Desert plays a role in attracting moisture-laden southwest summer monsoon winds that, between June and October, provide the majority of India's rainfall.  Four major climatic groupings predominate, into which fall seven climatic zones that, as designated by experts, are defined on the basis of such traits as temperature and precipitation.

Tropical wet

A tropical rainy climate governs regions experiencing persistent warm or high temperatures, which normally do not fall below 18 °C  . India hosts two climatic subtypes that fall under this group. The most humid is the tropical wet climate—also known as a tropical monsoon climate—that covers a strip of southwestern lowlands abutting the Malabar Coast, the Western Ghats, and southern Assam. India's two island territories, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are also subject to this climate. Characterised by moderate to high year-round temperatures, even in the foothills, its rainfall is seasonal but heavy—typically above 200 cm   per year.  Most rainfall occurs between May and November; this moisture is enough to sustain lush forests and other vegetation for the rest of the mainly dry year. December to March are the driest months, when days with precipitation are rare. The heavy monsoon rains are responsible for the exceptionally biodiverse tropical wet forests in parts of these regions.   Winter and early summer are long and dry periods with temperatures averaging above18 °C. Summer is exceedingly hot; temperatures in low-lying areas may exceed 50 °C   during May.  

The rainy season lasts from June to September; annual rainfall averages between 75 – 150 cm  across the region. Once the dry northeast monsoon begins in September, most precipitation in India falls on Tamil Nadu, leaving other states comparatively dry. The state's normal annual rainfall is about 945 mm   of which 48% is delivered by the northeast monsoon and 32% by the southwest monsoon. Since the state is entirely dependent on rains for recharging its water resources, monsoon failures lead to acute water scarcity and severe drought. Tamil Nadu is classified into seven agro-climatic zones: northeast, northwest, west, southern, high rainfall, high altitude hilly, and the Kaveri delta, the last being the most fertile agricultural zone.  . The Ganges Delta lies mostly in the tropical wet climate zone: it receives between 150 cm to 200 cm   of rainfall each year in the western part, and 200 cm to 300 cm in the eastern part. The coolest month of the year, on average, is January; April and May are the warmest months.

Tropical dry

A tropical arid and semi-arid climate dominates regions where the rate of moisture loss through evapotranspiration exceeds that from precipitation; it is subdivided into three climatic subtypes. The first, a tropical semi-arid steppe climate, predominates over a long stretch of land south of Tropic of Cancer and east of the Western Ghats and the Cardamom Hills. The region, which includes Karnataka, inland Tamil Nadu, western Andhra Pradesh, and central Maharashtra, gets between 40–75 cm  annually. It is drought-prone, as it tends to have less reliable rainfall due to sporadic lateness or failure of the southwest monsoon.  Karnataka is divided into three zones – coastal, north interior and south interior. Of these, the coastal zone receives the heaviest rainfall with an average rainfall of about 350 cm  per annum, far in excess of the state average of 110 cm.  In contrast to norm, Agumbe in the Shivamogga district receives the second highest annual rainfall in India. North of the Krishna River, the summer monsoon is responsible for most rainfall; to the south, significant post-monsoon rainfall also occurs in October and November. In December, the coldest month, temperatures still average around 20–24 °C. The months between March to May are hot and dry; mean monthly temperatures hover around 32 °C, with 320 millimetres  precipitation. Hence, without artificial irrigation, this region is not suitable for permanent agriculture.

Most of western Rajasthan experiences an arid climatic regime.  The summer months of May and June are exceptionally hot; mean monthly temperatures in the region over around 35 °C, with daily maxima occasionally topping . During winters, temperatures in some areas can drop below freezing due to waves of cold air from Central Asia. There is a large diurnal range of about 14 °C during summer; this widens by several degrees during winter. To the west, in Gujarat, diverse climate conditions obtain.  

East of the Thar Desert, the Punjab-Haryana-Kathiawar region experiences a tropical and sub-tropical steppe climate. Haryana's climate resembles other states of the northern plains: extreme summer heat of up to 50 °C and winter cold as low as 1 °C. May and June are hottest; December and January are coldest. Rainfall is varied, with the Shivalik Hills region being the wettest and the Aravali Hills region being the driest. About 80% of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season of July–September, which can cause flooding. The Punjabi climate is also governed by extremes of hot and cold. Areas near the Himalayan foothills receive heavy rainfall whereas those eloigned from them are hot and dry. Punjab's three-season climate sees summer months that spans from mid-April to the end of June. Temperatures typically range from–2 °C to 40 °C, but can reach 47 °C  in summer and −4 °C in winter.  Daily summer temperature maxima rise to around 40 °C; this results in natural vegetation typically comprises short, coarse grasses.

Subtropical humid

Most of Northeast India and much of North India are subject to a humid subtropical climate. Though they experience hot summers, temperatures during the coldest months may fall as low as0 °C.  In most of this region, there is very little precipitation during the winter, owing to powerful anticyclonic and katabatic (downward-flowing) winds from Central Asia.

Humid subtropical regions are subject to pronounced dry winters. Winter rainfall—and occasionally snowfall—is associated with large storm systems such as "Nor'westers" and "Western disturbances"; the latter are steered by westerlies towards the Himalayas. Most summer rainfall occurs during powerful thunderstorms associated with the southwest summer monsoon; occasional tropical cyclones also contribute. Annual rainfall ranges from less than 100 cm in the west to over 250 cm  in parts of the northeast. As most of this region is far from the ocean, the wide temperature swings more characteristic of a continental climate predominate; the swings are wider than in those in tropical wet regions, ranging from 24 °C in north-central India to 27 °C  in the east.

Mountain

India's northernmost areas are subject to a montane, or alpine, climate.  In terms of environmental lapse rate, ambient temperatures fall by 6.5 °C  for every 1,000 metres  rise in altitude. Thus, climates ranging from nearly tropical in the foothills to tundra above the snow line can coexist within several hundred metres of each other. Sharp temperature contrasts between sunny and shady slopes, high diurnal temperature variability, temperature inversions, and altitude-dependent variability in rainfall are also common. The northern side of the western Himalayas, also known as the trans-Himalayan belt, is a region of barren, arid, frigid, and wind-blown wastelands. Most precipitation occurs as snowfall during the late winter and spring months.

Areas south of the Himalayas are largely protected from cold winter winds coming in from the Asian interior. The leeward side   of the mountains receives less rain while the southern slopes, well-exposed to the monsoon, get heavy rainfall. Areas situated at elevations of 1,070–2,290 metres  receive the heaviest rainfall, which decreases rapidly at elevations above 2,290 metres. The Himalayas experience their heaviest snowfall between December and February and at elevations above 1,500 metres. Snowfall increases with elevation by up to several dozen millimetres per 100 metre  increase. Elevations above 5,000 metres  never experience rain; all precipitation falls as snow.