130 km from Jaipur, this city is known for its Dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moenuddin Chishti, one of the pioneers of the Sufi Movement in India. It is visited by people all round the year, paying homage to this great saint. Equally popular are the city’s residential academic institutions, known for the high standards of education, which is imparted here.

Amritsar is the holy city of the Sikhs, very intimately connected with the colorful history of this proud martial race. It is also the showpiece of the prosperity and wealth of the state of Punjab. The city is home to the world famous ‘Golden Temple’, the holy shrine of the Sikhs. The best time to visit the city is from September to March.

Amritsar is the holy city of the Sikhs, very intimately connected with the colorful history of this proud martial race. It is also the showpiece of the prosperity and wealth of the state of Punjab. The city is home to the world famous ‘Golden Temple’, the holy shrine of the Sikhs. The best time to visit the city is from September to March.

Located in the center of Maharashtra, the city has gained in stature as an industrial town. A lot of corporate majors have their units here. The city gets its name from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who resided here. It serves as a base for one of the wonder’s of the world, the Ajanta and Ellora caves.

Better known as the ‘Venice of the East’ and situated on the Vembanad lake, the town’s commercial center lives in a maze of canals. Set in the labyrinth of backwater channels, the town is one of the best gateways to explore the unspoiled countryside.

Agra in terms of ambience is associated with the Mughal period. The Taj Mahal, which is essentially one man’s monumental testimony to Love, has become synonymous not only with Agra but India as a whole. Agra with it laid back life style and its immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, is amongst the most remarkable cities in the world.

Ayodhya situated very close to Lucknow, Ayodhya is famous as the birth place of Lord Rama.

Over the centuries it has grown into the impressive town on the strength of its valorous and diplomatic residents. Its central fort offered the occupants safety from invaders while inside the rulers designed some beautiful apartments that carried echoes of opulence and in the rain starved Bikaner – the images of monsoon clouds. The city however has remained in many ways timeless.

Located roughly 60 km from Agra on the Jaipur highway, this town was founded in 1733 A.D. The Bharatpur palace houses large number of exhibits dating back to the early 15th century. The town however is famous for its proximity to the ‘Keoladeo Ghana National Park’ which has the largest concentration and variety of birdlife in all of Asia.

The capital of Karnataka, a major industrial and commercial center with scientific and research activity, Bangalore is multifaceted: Modern marvels, historical monuments, bustling shopping plazas, a race course and golf courses. It is also called the Silicon Valley of India for its growing software industry.

The capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai or Madras as it was known till a couple of years ago, is India’s third largest metropolis. A city that presents a different face of India -classical, ancient and gentle. Definitely touched by modernity but not ravaged by it.

The first national park of Nepal was set up in 1973. It encompasses an area 932 sq. km. in the sub-tropical lowlands of Nepal. It was known as a hunting reserve till the 1950’s.Considered one of the best national parks in Asia, Chitwan is synonymous with Tigers and Rhinos.

A city of contradictions, Calcutta was founded three centuries ago by the British, the French, the Dutch, the Danish and the Portuguese. The foreign settlers fought for its possession and ultimately the British emerged as the victors. Calcutta is an excellent mirror for the Raj architecture. Ideal season for visiting is from October to March.

The capital of India is fascinating with many complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and left their mark on the city’s architecture of its monuments.

A town spreading across a 1880 sq.kms from a valley between the Himalayas in the north, the Shivalik range in the south and the Himalayan born rivers in the east and west. It is also an excellent focal point for ventures and adventures into the Garhwal Himalayas.

About 37 kms from Agra this is one of the capital cities of Emperor Akbar. The city derives its name from the fact that it was from here that Akbar marched out and conquered Gujarat in 1652. Also situated here is the tomb of the famous Sufi saint-Sheikh Salim Chisti who used to meditate here.

Gangtok meaning ‘hilltop’ is the capital of the north-eastern state of Sikkim and still retains its old world charm. The quaint city boasts the charming architectural style with pagoda like wooden houses, painted turquoise roofs and colorful bazaars.

Situated 125 km from Patna, Gaya is a place of sanctity for Jains, Hindus and Buddhists alike. Gaya has a large number of Hindu and Buddhist temples. This place is especially important as it is here that Buddha is supposed to have gotten enlightenment, the realisation of the Supreme Truth.

This sacred town marks the emergence of the Ganga into the plains. The devout believe that this is one of the four places in India upon which the nectar of immortality, amrit fell. On the zodiacal anniversary of this event, a huge religious fair, the Kumbha mela is held here every 12 years when hundreds of thousands of devotees bathe in the river Ganges.

The rose pink capital city of Rajasthan was found by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a major attraction for the first time visitor. Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills crowned with forts.

Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the princely bastions of the region. Founded on what was the crossroad of the lucrative trade routes this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the velour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by its palaces and havelis.

Among Rajasthan’s many princely settlements, Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive. Located in the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is known for its impressive fortified bastions. In this arid wilderness former rulers and merchants of Jaisalmer have built some of the most splendid residences out of sandstone. The beautiful fort, its temples, other royal palaces retaining their medieval character comprise the town’s multi-faceted attractions.

One of Rajasthan’s principal fortifications, this fort was built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. Within the fort, which is approachable by road, are as many temples and palaces. There is also a game reserve here and March to June are the best months to see animals that include bears, panthers and antelopes.

Khimsar is located on the Jodhpur-Nagaur-Bikaner highway. This is where Aurangzeb is reported to have stayed when he ordered his armies to invade Jodhpur. The Royal Castle, the home of the Thakur of Khimsar has now been converted into a hotel.

Situated in the interiors of Madhya Pradesh, the isolated location is what makes Khajuraho an ideal getaway from the humdrum of daily life. The main attraction of this place remains the famed temples built between 950 A.D. and the 1050 A.D. wherein house the erotic sculptures, considered to be the most perfect figures achieved in stone. A much publicized dance festival is held here every March.

This town is a revered place for Buddhist pilgrims. It was here that Buddha, ‘the Tathagat’ breathed his last. A temple is dedicated to the event. The visiting sites of Kushinagar fall in three categories: The Mahaparinirvana Temple, Mata Kunwar shrine, and the ‘Rambhar Stupa’, supposedly the place where Lord Buddha was cremated and his relics divided into eight equal parts.

A heaven for the adventure seeking, Kodaikanal offers opportunities of boating, trekking and long walks in tree covered glades. Pleasant in the summer the place is slightly chilly in winter. Located at the southern tip of upper Palanimalai Hill, this beautiful hill station is one of very famous tourist places in South India.

Twelve kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is an uncluttered beach of silvery sands fringed with rows of tall palms, a sheltered bay, a wide choice of water sports, this sea side town is the perfect place for a holiday.

The southernmost tip of the mainland Kanyakumari is India’s ‘land’s end’.It is located at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.This is the only place in India where one can watch the sunset and the moonrise simultaneously on a full moon evening.

One of the finest harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin, has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala’s commercial hub.

Built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the 13th century A.D. In the golden era of Orissan art this crowning piece of Orissan sculpture and architecture is sheer poetry in stone and a veritable feast for eyes. It is a place of immense attraction to the connoisseurs and common visitors alike.

The capital city of the kingdom Nepal, Kathmandu is a must stopover for the seasoned traveller or for a first timer visiting the India sub-continent.Situated in a valley which is an open air museum of famous sites, ancient temples and shrines, golden pagodas and are inspiring deities, is a city of inexhaustible historic artistic and cultural interest.

434 km long Srinagar – Leh road takes one to this town located at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level. The entire town can be explored in one day. Leh palace, the battle scarred and deserted 16th century ruins of the royal residence dominates the sight seeing tour. Temperatures range form 10-20 degree Celsius during the peak season July-August. Off season it ranges between 0-20 degrees.

Famous as the land of Lord Budhha’s birth. Emperor Ashoka built a pillar to mark the occasion when he visited the place during his reign in 249 B.C.Hidden from the world for centuries the pillar was rediscovered in the 1890’s amidst the dense forests of sal. The ruins of some old monastries and some new stupas is what remains at present.

Developed by the British as a summer escape from the heat of the Indian plains. Mussorie is a mountain resort town dotted over the largely south facing slopes of 2000 meter ‘foothills’ of Himalayas.

Capital of the state of Maharashtra the city is known as the commercial capital of India.The city’s skyline dominated by skyscrapers is recognizable in pictorial depictions stating country’s financial hub. Just like Lutyen’s Delhi, Mumbai’s architectural nuances are exhibited in buildings like the Taj Hotel and the Times of India building.

This little seaside town of Mamallapuram is an hour’s drive from Chennai.It has a beach spanning 20 km but what makes it famous are its rock-hewn sculptures and the world’s largest stone-baas relief. A crocodile farm, snake venom extracting center and a wide choice of resorts makes this a popular destination among the holiday makers.

Once the capital Wodeyar’s kingdom and is still one of the finest cities in the southern India. Small, easygoing, sandalwood country, a craft-crazy city, friendly people going about their business in city.

The temple city of Tamil Nadu is called so as it is famed that nectar fell over the city from the Lord Shiva’s hair. Among the major places of interest are the ‘Meenakshi temple’ with its ten powering gopurams and rare sculptures raised by the Nayaks who ruled Madurai in the 16th century.

On the west bank of river Yamuna is associated with Lord Krishna. The surroundings, known as ‘Brij Bhoomi’ is where he spent his childhood. Stone sculptures of Buddha and Vishnu found here are famous throughout the world. The city is dotted with places of religious and historical interest.

A burgeoning industrial centre of modern India with a large number of big and small industrial units. The city combines all the classical modes of India, the city is one of the holiest pilgrimages of the Hindu religion. Nasik is also where Mother Earth yields a rich agricultural produce.

Ooty or Ootacamund, this ‘queen of hills’ is in the Nilgiri mountain range in Tamil Nadu. At a height of 2268 metres, Ooty is known for its salubrious climate and scenic beauty. A delightful place to escape from the opressive summer heat of southern plains.

Patna has a history which goes back well over two million and is situated on the banks of river Ganges. The city has been the capital of many kingdoms. The city is the starting point for those interested in visiting places of Buddhist importance such as Vaishali, Nalanda, Rajgir, Bodhgaya as well as the southern regions of the state.

This one time capital of the Marathas is associated with warrior king Shivaji. This satellite town of Mumbai is gaining importance as several Mumbai based companies are moving here. Located in the Sahyadri hills, it is called the ‘Queen Of Deccan’. Its hilly environs and salubrious climate lures many a tourist.

A gorgeous lake-side town 200 kms to the west of Kathmandu, Pokhara has magnificent terrain replete with rivers, country lush greenery of Nepalese green hills and glimpses of the Himalayas.

Abode of Lord Jagannatha, literally the Lord of the world, this city located in the state of Orissa is the holiest of holy places of India. Puri is the city of colorful festivals, most famous for the ‘Rath Yatra’, annual festival of chariots at the beginning of monsoons which attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims.

The headquarters of the union territory of Pondicherry comprising of other French states of Karaikal, Yanam and Mahe. Still retaining the quaint charm of a French village today the city is famous for Aurobindo ashram and Auroville situated here.

Pilgrims flock to this gorge-centered town, 40 km from Dehradun, where the river Ganges pours out of Himalayas. Ashrams or religious retreat centers rise in wooden slopes offering lessons in meditation and treatment for a variety of stress induced ailments using ancient medical techniques of Ayurveda. It has also grown into an organizational base for enthusiasts seeking challenges of adventure sports in the relatively undiscovered heights of Garhwal Himalayas.

One of the holiest places for Hindus, Rameshwaram is an important destination for the pilgrims. It is an island hallowed by the ‘Ramayana’, a devotee who visits Varanasi is expected to visit this place to gain full fruit of his prayers.

Rajgir was the ancient capital of the Magadha Kings. The city is said to be one of the favorites of Lord Buddha who often came here. Rajgir is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus as a temple complex here is dedicated to the Sun God.

Beautifully sculpted Jain temples built in the 15th century are the highlights of this place. There are 1,444 pillars in the temples and none of them are similarly carved. Ranakpur is 39 km from Udaipur and easily approachable by rail and road tracks.

Located at above 1800 mts above sea level this quaint hill town offers an interesting mix of hill and military cultures. Ranikhet has forests of oak and pine, and is a fine place to enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas, from the Bhagirathi peaks in the west to Nanda Kot in the east.

Situated about 10 km away from Varanasi, this is where Buddha preached his first sermon after he was enlightened at Bodhgaya. More importantly, at the museum in Sarnath is the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian lions that has been used as the independent India’s national emblem. Sarnath must be visited for tranquility that is its hallmark.

The capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India, Shimla is the state’s most important center. The town retains its colonial aura with its grand old buildings among them the stately Viceregal Lodge and charming iron lampposts. The Mall is packed with shops and eateries. The town offers some breathtaking view of snow-clad peaks.

In the heart of Kashmir valley Srinagar, spreads out on the both sides of river Jhelum. For years the valley’s beauty has enticed visitor’s both from within India and abroad. The city bears the hallmark of the Mughals. There are waterways with houseboats. Home to the state’s handcrafted souvenir’s and finely embroidered silk and wool carpets.

A place which owes its glory to Sathya Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi where he first appeared below a neem tree absorbed in a hard penance. Believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva his teachings transcended all religions and beliefs. Today all places, persons and possessions connected with him have become objects of veneration by millions of devotees.

Siliguri is an increasingly pleasant and comfortable place for enjoying excellent drives throught the picturesque landscape with the landscape that surrounds it. A drive through the tea country around is quite invigorating.

The city was founded in 1599 by Maharaja Udai Singh and is a splash of color in the dry and arid Rajasthan tinged with the tones of local legends and lores. Here are the lakes that come as a surprise in sandy Rajasthan, and forested hills where wildlife still abounds. And in the lakes or by their edges are palaces straight out of fairy tales, each more beautiful than the other.

15 km away this suburb of Mathura is as closely associated with Lord Krishna as Mathura. Believed to have been venue of Lord Krishna’s romantic and mischievous escapades Vrindavan has hundreds of shrines and several ghats.

One of the oldest and holiest cities in India, the city is famous for its ‘ghats’-sacred steps running down into the river Ganges where one can observe devotees performing their daily religious rituals. A hotbed for the sages and hermits of the country the historic city was once the center for education, art, culture and music in India.