Tourist Attractions of India

The natural beauty of Kerala is refereshing, be it the backwaters of Allepey and Kumarakom or the tea gardens of Munnar. The wildlife sanctuaries - Periyar, Kumarakom and Wayanad - are abode to both ferocious and beautiful flora and fauna. Also, the people of Kerala, their lifestyle, cuisine, festivals are very different from what you will come across in Rajasthan.

Goa - No other destination in India matches up with the fun loving spirit of Goa. The beaches are the prime attraction here where you can enjoy both leisurely walks and adveturous water sports. The churches are not only attractive because of their architectural style but also because they stand reminder to the centuries of Portuguese rule that Goa has seen in the past. The New year celebration and the Goa Carnival in February are the time when maximum number of tourists visit this state.

Uttaranchal - Carved out from the state of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranachal is a destination picked up those looking for a adventurous and religious holiday. The mighty hills, rushing rivers, snowy peaks are just perfect for an adventure activities like trekking, rafting and skiing. The pilgrimage destinations, specially the Chardham offer your soul a peace that you have been yearning for a long time now. Apart from this, Uttaranchal is also quiet well known for its wildlife sanctuaries and ayurvedic therapies.

Himachal Pradesh - The north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh boasts of a natural beauty that is awesome. Nestling in the arms of the mighty Himalayas, the state has a number of valleys and passes with a captivating beauty. Adventure options in Himachal is as vivid as it is in Uttaranchal. You can go trekking, skiing, rafting, gliding, skating or anyother form of adventure activities. Himachal is also a pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. The culture of the state is also distinct.

Top Cities
Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh and is also known as the Pink City. The main drawers of tourists in this city are the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort. The city is also a stop in the royal journey of the luxury train, Palace on Wheels.

Agra - Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world is what draws a major bulk of tourists to Agra. However, this city in Uttar Pradesh has whole lot of other attractions to charm tourists after they have paid a visit to the Taj. Prominent amongst them are the Agra Red Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb. A little distance away from the city, the remains of Fatehpur Sikri is definitely not be missed out attraction. Shopping is also high on the list of visitors here. Apart form the miniature models of Taj Mahal, you can also pick up marble items from the government emporia.

Khajuraho - Khajuraho is a small place in Madhya Pradesh and is known world over for its cave temples. There were originally 85 temples, however, today you will get to see the remains of only 20 temples. Those of you interested in exploring the cultural heritage of India should not miss out a trip to the Khajuraho.

Varanasi - Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the holiest destinations for the Hindus. The ghats and temples of Varanasi see a number of tourists coming in every day to pay their respect to sacred river Ganges and prominent Hindu deities. A visit to Varanasi is important for those desirous of knowing more about Hindu religion.

Cochin - A city in the south Indian state of Kerala, Cochin attractions are multifold. Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace and St. Francis Church showcase the cultural heritage of the city while the Cherai Beach and the Cochin backwaters expose visitors to the natural beauty of the area. Take a trip to it and unravel its other treasures.

Top Monuments
Taj Mahal - Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan's greatest contribution to the world - a magnificient masoleum built in the memory of his beloved spouse Mumtaaz Mahal. An insignia of eternal love in white marble, the Taj, appears amongst the seven architectural Wonders of the World and accounts for over 3 million tourists per year. A trip to it inevitabel once you come to India.

Red Fort - This red-sandstone multiplex was once the palace of the erstwhile Mughal Maharajahs who ruled India for generations. A plethora of other palaces in its campus and the antique Meena Bazaar where the royality once shopped make it a day-long tourist jaunt. Indian Prime Ministers till date deliver the Independence Day speech for the nation from the Red Fort.

Jaisalmer Fort - Witness to generations of tired merchants and travellers, caravans and camels, a 10th century fort still stands proud and tall amidst endless expanse of deserts and sand-dunes. The temples, intricately carved havelis and a feel of the life in the arid desert make Jaisalmer a must-visit for tourists. Camel and jeep safaris add to the excitement all the more.

Hawa Mahal -Jaipur's Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds is an architectural marvel, befitting the appelaltion well with its abundance of windows that circulate tranquil breeze and its look, that resembles more a cascading screen than a building.

City Palace - A blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace of Jaipur was once the emblem of power of the mighty Rajputs that lorded the deserts. The palace complex is knitted with lush lawns and a deluge of theme palaces making it one of the most visited tourist hangouts.

Top Religious Attractions
The Golden Temple - Adherents of the Sikh religion need no introduction to their sacred pilgrimage seat. Sri Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple, named so due to the quintessential golden hue that the monument is bathed in, is laced by the equally sacred waters of the Amrit Sarovar or the Pond of Nectar. On a jewel-studded platform is the Adi Grantha or the sacred scripture of the Sikhs wherein are enshrined holy inscriptions by the ten Sikh gurus and various Hindu and Moslem saints.

Meenakshi Temple -Lord Shiva and his consort Meenakshi or the Fish-eyed one are the reigning deities here in this typical, yet classic representative of Dravidian temple architecture with its gopurams (large sclupted gateways) and mandapams (multi-pillared halls). Don't miss out a regal safari on elephants embellished in bright clothes and the regal umbrella.

Koark Sun Temple -The 13th Century Sun Temple or the Black Pagoda at Konark is one of the World Heritage Sites built in the shape of a magnanimous 24-wheeled chariot with 7 huge stallions - a classic vehicle for the Sun God to soar the heavens. The fascinating beach flanking it is ideal for holiday-makers.

Akshardham Temple -Flanking the banks of river Yamuna across is this 2 billion architectural grandeur - an initiative of the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). A fine blend of faith and technology, Akshardham Temple complex is replete with a majestic 11 ft statue of Lord Swaminarayan, 20,000 other statues, an IMAX theatre, artificial lakes and an elaborate musical fountain.

Lotus Temple -A piquant lotus-shaped insignia of the Bahai faith - the Lotus Temple - its quietitude a stark contrast to the bustling purlieu of Kalkaji where it stands. The Lotus Temple is the meditative refuge that draws people from across the globe irrespective of creed and community.

Top Wild Attractions
Ranthambore National Park - One of Rajasthan's premier wildlife sanctaury, Ranthambore National Park is well known for its Tiger and also variety of floral variety. The Ranthambore Fort stands impressively in the park.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary -The most famous sanctaury of Kerala, Periyar is where the large herds of elephants, over 300 species of birds and around 120 species of butterflies greet visitors. The park also has a tiger population which you can look out for during your trip.

Jim Corbett National Park -The first National Park and Tiger Reserve of India, Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal offers visitors great opportunity to spot wild animals and birds. Spotting tigers, however, requires bit of patience since the king of best doesn't gives frequent appearance.

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary -The last natural habitat of the Asiatic Lions, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat makes for an interesting visit. Apart from the Lions, the park is also home to 300 species of birds.

Kaziranga National Park -The Kaziranga National Park in the Jorhat district of Assam is just the place if you wish to see the one horned rhino. The park also houses a healthy population of tiger, wild buffalos and elephants. Rare species of birds like hornbill are also a major drawer of tourists.

Top Luxury Trains
Palace on Wheels - This is perhaps the most luxurious and popular of all the luxury trains in India. The Palace on Wheels begins its royal journey from the Indian capital city, Delhi and takes its visitors on a memorable trip to Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore, Udaipur and Agra before returning to Delhi. On board, for eight consecutive days, it is the royalty of the erstwhile Rajasthani rulers that replaces the monotonous lifetsyle of the passengers. A trip on the Palace on Wheels is a must for those looking to enjoy a royal and luxurious lifestyle.

Deccan Odyssey -If the Palace on Wheels lets you explore the regality of Rajasthan, then the Deccan Odyssey is no way behind in unfurling before you the glorious past of Maharashtra. For a week, the Deccan Odyssey takes its passengers on a tour to the heritage spots of Maharashtra. Beginning from Mumbai, the train proceeds to Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Kolhapur, Pune, Aurangabad (Ellora), Nasik (Ajanta) and Mumbai. At the end of the tour, the experience is something that is difficult to encapsualte in words.

Top Hill Stations
Munnar -This beautiful and serene hill station is located in the south Indian state of Kerala. Prime attractions here are the green tea gardens, breathtaking waterfalls and the Ervikulam National Park. Shopping is Munnar means picking up items like tea, strawberries and spices. A visit to Munnar is for those looking for a quiet but enjoyable time.

Shimla -One of the most famous hill stations in India that draws tourists in large number, Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The hill station has been benevolently blessed by mother nature and offers its visitors a visual treat in form of pine clad hills, beautiful valleys and waterfalls. The Mall is the prime attraction of Shimla.

Natural Attractions
Dal Lake, Kashmir -A pristine lake nestled in the enchanting Kashmir Valley, amidst the lush Mughal gardens flanked with multi-colored flora and avian metropolis, antique monuments and plummetted orchards. Other than to feel nature-at-its-best tourist attraction is the quiet boat ride in one of the thousand odd elongated and elegant shikaras or houseboats that float on the Dal.

Kerala Backwaters -The Backwaters of Kerala are the place meant for those in search of a peaceful moments amidst natural beauty. The main backwater destinations in Kerala are Kumarakom, Allepey, Cochin, Trivandrum and Kollam. Cruising along these backwaters on board the houseboats or Kettuvallom is one experience that is forever cherished by visitors to the state.