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1. North West South East Central NEXT BACK INDEX

2. THE INDIAN WONDER:TAJ MAHAL Northern India has its own significance due to diverse culture; amazing monuments, wildlife, rivers, religion and climate. Taj Mahal is one of the seven man-made wonder’s of the world.The entire north India from north-west to north-east is also very important, strategically and from country's safety point of view as well, as it borders Pakistan in the north-west, China in north and north-east, Nepal and Bhutan in north-east. The pride of India is the beautiful Taj Mahal which was built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. BACK INDEX NEXT

3. KASHMIR- PARADISE ON EARTH Mughal Emperor exclaimed "Gar Bar-ru-e-Zamin Ast ; Hamin Ast ,Hamin Ast Hamin Asto. Meaning if there is paradise on this earth :This is it, this is it, this is it. Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a many faceted diamond, changing character with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful.Three Himalayan ranges, Karakoram, Zanaskar and Pir Panjal - snow capped,majestic, frame the landscape from northwest to northeast. They are the birthplace of great rivers which flow through the Kashmir valley.RajTaringini the chronology of the Kashmir Kings written by Kalhana eulogizes the beauty of Kashmir as follows:"Kasmira Parvati Paroksh; Tat Swami ch Maheswara". Meaning Kashmir is as beautiful as Goddess Parvati manifest; and its owner is Lord Shiva Himself" BACK INDEX NEXT

4. HERITAGE OF UTTARANCHAL Dehradun,the capital of Uttaranchal is one of the best tourist places in India The Kumaon and the Garhwal offers the traveller an array of well preserved flora and fauna, wildlife and breathtaking views of snowcapped peaks and green valleys. The Kumaon region boast of some of the best National Parks and Wildlife sancturies like the famous Corbett National Park. Complementing the Kumaon region is the temple city of Haridwar and Rishikesh, the abode of the worship for devout Hindus. INDEX NEXT BACK

5. EXCITING HIMACHAL Himachal is god’s own abode and a land of many splendours:mountains, landscapes,deep valleys,ice-covered peaks, snow-fed rivers, ancient temples, and historic buildings….. A never ending list of nature’s treasures. North India, strategically, most important part of India has shaped the course of India's historical and cultural evolution over the last 3500 years. The three main religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism; the origin of sacred river Ganga, Yamuna and sources of many other important rivers are in northern India. The mighty Himalayas from Himachal Pradesh to Arunachal Pradesh safeguarding the country are also part of the northern India. Delhi, the capital of India has seen the battle between many emperors and has been ruled by them from time to time. INDEX NEXT BACK

6. NORTHERN BEAUTIES- THE ARCHITECTURAL WONDER IN STONE Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. Within a radius of 3 kilometres, on the banks of the river Yamuna, rises the crescent-like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sand stone. Many buildings were constructed within the fort of which very few remain till date. One of the most significant ones is the multistoreyed Jahangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his wife Jodha Bai. The Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams. Most of the panels in the eastern hall are decorated with the Persian styled stucco paintings in gold and blue. INDEX NEXT BACK

7. SPLENDOURS OF WEST Exotic locations in the Western part of India adds charm to the Indian beauty. The name 'Gujarat' is said to have been derived from the Prakrit Gujjar Ratta or Gujjar Rashtra - the land of Gujjars - a tribe that entered India with the Huns in ancient time and wandering through Punjab and Rajasthan, settled in western India.Even before the advent of the Aryans, Gujarat had trade links with the ancient civilisation of Sumer, Babylon, Assyria and Egypt. The pre-Arayan Harappan culture survived here for over five centuries after it was destroyed in Sind and Punjab. The ancient port of Lothal excavated recently has been identified as one of the most important centres of the 4500 years old Indus Valley Civilisation. INDEX NEXT BACK

8. MAHARASTRIAN DELIGHTS “ Welcome to the city that never sleeps! Pulsating, Alive, On the Move, Vibrant, Fun -- this is Mumbai. The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernisation. ” Maharastra- The Great Land, as the name suggests, offer an abundant diversity of riches. Located in the northern centre of peninsular India, Maharastra is surrounded by the Arabian Sea in the West and the state of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on its sides. Since ancient times, Maharastra has been known for its rugged people. The Mughal empire tried their best to keep control of this region, however time and again their attacks were repelled by the Marathas. It was only after defeating Marathas that the English managed to establish their rule in India. BACK INDEX NEXT

9. RAJASTHAN “ Rajasthan, one of the most colorful and vibrant state of India is proudly associated with northern India.” Rajasthan –”The Land Of Kings” is an enduring legacy to India’s history. Its diversified landscape of desert,lush plains and wooded Aravalli hills, since time immemorial has inspired poets,painters and writers. From the grim,impregnable forts of the kingdoms of Marwar and Amber to the delicate frescoes and screen work of Shekhavati and the desert city of Jaisalmer, the jewels old India are here in this diverse and dramatic region. INDEX NEXT BACK

10. JEWELS OF RAJASTHAN Rajasthan is the Indian state which borders Pakistan on the western side of the country. The important tourist places include Jaipur,Pushkar,Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Udaipur. Rajasthan, the very name conjures images of vibrant colors, mysticism and royalty. A Kaleidoscope of art, culture and religion ,all of which find expression in the beautiful temples, forts, palaces and tribal villages. The name means "Land of the Kings" and the Rajputs who lived here for over a thousand years are known for their code of chivalry and honour. They were never a threat to the Mughal rulers of northern India, and perhaps that is why so many of their buildings and monuments still stand today. NEXT INDEX BACK

11. THE LAND OF RAJPUTS The Rajputs were couragous and their bravery stories attract the world towards it.Rajasthan, one of the most colourful and vibrant state of India is proudly associated with northern India. The land is characterized by its excellent work of art. Most famous for its Forts and Palaces; Rajasthan's Thar Desert and Cattle Fairs are no less interesting. Rajasthan's beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur's bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares. INDEX NEXT BACK

12. THE SOUTHERN TRADITION If there is one place in the riveting diversity of India where there is tangible beauty and a phenomenal thing like total literacy, it is in Kerala. Kerala is full of good things, famous for coffee plantations. This small State in the southern tip of the Indian peninsula is an easy winner owning to its great mind-blowing landscape and infinity of intriguing customs, high-intensity cultural life and educated public so often dressed in white. From Kasargode to Thiruvananthapuram the State is choc-a-bloc with places that attract tourists and travellers from all over the world. BACK INDEX NEXT

13. GETWAY TO THE DECCAN HIGHLANDS The South India's coastal plains are backed by the mountains rimming the wedge of the Deccan plateau. On these plains lie the best beaches in South India. India's Great Divide is the Vindhya Mountains. They run from east to west, separating the fertile river valley of the Ganges called the Ganga, from the Deccan Plateau which occupies much of the peninsula of India. The South India's coastal plains are backed by the mountains rimming the wedge of the Deccan plateau. On these plains lie the best beaches in South India. On the rimming mountains, the western and eastern Ghats are the tea, coffee and spice lands. INDEX BACK NEXT

14. KERALA-GOD’S OWN COUNTRY There is no other state in the country that can present so much enthusiasm for life as it is visible in Kerala. Despite high population, the economic condition is in much better shape than most of the other Indian states. Basic civic facilities available to the common people are well in place and people know what there rights are. Industrialization (specially related to Information Technology) is taking place in the state in its true spirit and much faster than most of the states in the country. Influence from other countries has not eroded the cultural values of the people and they celebrate all the festivals with much enthusiasm. Combine all these factors and you would know why Keralites consider their state as God’s Own Country NEXT INDEX BACK

15. BANGALORE:THE GARDEN CITY/THE SILLCON VALLEY OF INDIA Karnataka enchants,captivates and inspires all. City Of Garden and the Pub city contrasts with the Royal city of Mysore. Mist-clad mountains, cascading waterfalls ,exciting adventure options- all make Ooty and Coorg the most sought after destination, especially for the honeymooners. The founding of present day Bangalore is attributed to the Magadi Chieftain, Kempe Gowda, who laid its foundations in 1537. According to local folklore the present name   Bangalore, derives from 'Bendakalooru' or the town of boiled beans, a name given by Veera Ballala, a king of the Vijayanagar dynasty, who having lost his way in the forests was given a bowl of boiled beans by a kindly woman here. BACK INDEX NEXT

16. THE BEAUTY OF SOUTH . At the southern most land tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kannyakumari, an important pilgrim centre. There is surplus coconut trees, palms and many ayurvedic and precious medicines which adds to the beauty. Nestled in the beautiful blue hills of the Nilgris and rolling Palani Hills, the delightful hill station of Ooty , Kodaikanal, and Munnar all combine together in making this one of the most desired gateway and holiday destination for the families and the honeymooners. INDEX BACK NEXT

17. GOA TOURISM The marine life of Goa is similar to that found in Maldives. The presence of wrecks in Spanish and Portuguese galleons and World War II ships make the fish life prolific. Goa's Spectacular Natural Phenomenon-a life line of our eco-system Explore the natural wealth of our eco-system Explore the natural wealth of our lush green, moist, deciduous forests in the surrounding of Bhagwan Mahavir National Park.Also a visit to the Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla, the only surviving structure of the glorious Kadamba dynasty, temple architecture of the 12th century, blending Hoysala and yadava influences.The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands on finely ornamented monolithic pillars. NEXT BACK INDEX

18. The eastern part of India is enriched with beautiful mountains with greeneries all around. Eastern Zone of India is rich in Cultural Heritage. Most Popular tourist destinations for this region are Calcutta, Former Capital of India, Puri & Bhubaneshwar Buddhist Circuit in Bihar, Monastries in Sikkim, Kanchen Junga Range of Mountains in Darjeeling etc. NEXT BACK INDEX

19. SPLENDOURS OF ORISSA The magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world. The important tourist places include Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Puri.Orissa is a land blessed with the virgin beauty of meandering rivers, endless emerald green fields,dotted with picturesque villages,exquisite temples and vast beaches. The poet Rabindranath Tagore said of Konark that 'here the language of stone surpasses the language of man', and it is true that the experience of Konark is impossible to translate into words.The massive structure, now in ruins, sits in solitary splendour surrounded by drifting sand. BACK INDEX NEXT

20. The Beauty of the An alluring atmosphere of mystery, a land wrapped in velvety silence, is what instantly strikes a visitor to Manipur, which literally means 'the land of jewels'. Described by Lord Irwin as the 'Switzerland of India', Nagaland, the land of Nagas lies to the south east of Assam and borders Burma. There are about 16 major Tibeto-Burmese tribes in Nagaland collectively referred to by the generic term "Naga". About 90 percent of the people are Christians, and they belong mainly to the American Baptist Mission. Kohima, the capital is one of the prettiest centres of the north east. Manipur, extending to the south of Nagaland was formerly a princely state. The Meiteis of Tibeto-Burmese origin, who live in the valleys form 60 percent of the population and are follower of Hinduism. The state is rich in culture, dances, martial art, drum dance, spear dance. Imphal, the capital, stands right in the middle of the state. INDEX NEXT BACK

21. SPLENDOURS OF EAST Many of Calcutta's imperial buildings are located around the maidan, a large expanse of lawns that forms the heart of the city. They include the Victoria Memorial, an imposing structure in white marble that has a collection of paintings, manuscripts and emorabilia, the Fort William, the Raj Bhawan, the St. Paul's Cathedral and the Town Hall built in the Doric style. BACK INDEX NEXT

22. EASTERN INDIA The mountains and the greeneries draw the whole world close to it. Cradled within the majestic mountains of the Great Himalayas, experience the splendours of the popular Eastern Himalayan hill stations of Darjeeling,Kalimpong and the fabled kingdom of Sikkim. The north eastern region of India constitutes five states and two union territories. It is the least explored region of India for various reasons which include the infrastructure, special permits and sensitivity of the of the whole region. The area is dominated by the tribes speaking many different languages and dialects. These states and union territories border with Myanmar, Bhutan, China and Bangladesh and connect rest of the India through Siliguri corridor. INDEX NEXT BACK

23. Welcome to the “Heart Of India” – Madhya Pradesh. Can the land of Khajuraho be any less exotic than the famous temples? Madhya Pradesh is not called the "Heart of India" only because of its location in the centre of the country. It has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the State. The natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh is equally varied. Consisting largely of a plateau, the State has everything. Spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings. INDEX NEXT BACK

24. CENTRAL INDIA WELCOMES U Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating amalgam of an old historic city, and modern urban planning. M.P. is a vast plateau surrounded by the Vindhya and Satpura mountains that make a rugged descent into the valleys of the Narmada and Tapti rivers which have long served as a passageway connecting east and west India. It is situated on the 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja but the present city was established by an Afghan soldier, Dost Mohammed. BACK INDEX NEXT

25. INDIAN BEACHES The Andaman Islands are a union territory of India. The three principal islands are North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and South Andaman. To the east of the island group is a cluster of small islands known collectively as the Ritchie Archipelago; to the south is Little Andaman. PortBlair is the administrative capital, and ships from the mainland use its harbour regularly. The Andaman's are generally hilly and are heavily forested. Timber, coconuts, hemp, tea, coffee, and rubber are the principal products. Lakshadweep,union territory,comprising an archipelago of 36 islands, which is located in the Arabian Sea. INDEX NEXT BACK