Delhi

It is the capital of India since 1912 and the second most populous city in the country . Located in the center of the province of Delhi, is divided into two parts ( old and new ) and it can be admired forts, palaces , tombs and temples of the most varied styles with government buildings in colonial style, modern industries , trades and residential areas all with modern amenities . We recommend visiting the Red Fort, the Jama Masijd , Raj Ghat and the India Gate in the Old Town . In the new area we suggest the Qutab Minar, Birla Temple and the Sikh Temple.

 

Sikandra

Sikandra is the mausoleum of Akbar. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected a suitable site for constructing this beautiful monument. To construct a tomb in one's lifetime was a Tartary custom, which the Mughals followed religiously. This structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain themes. Sikandra is named after Sikandar Lodi, the Delhi ruler who was in power from 1488 to 1517. A visit to Akbar's monument opens before one, the completeness of Akbar's personality as completely as the Taj Mahal does of Mumtaz Mahal's .

 

Agra

 It is a city that dominates a feminine touch in their structures and history. Created by Sultan Sikandar Lodi order , years later in her love of an emperor for his wife was reflected in eternity through the monument that identifies both the city and the whole country in the world : the Taj Mahal. The city was occupied for long periods by Muslims , inheriting architectural and urban structures of medieval character we can admire today and its winding streets

 

Fathepur Sikri

Located 35 kilometers from Agra , stands on a rocky platform imperial Fatehpur Sikri, the ruins of which was the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire in the sixteenth century . Surrounded by a wall of 6 km, the d is uninhabited and has been declared architectural heritage .

 

Jaipur

Known as the Pink City , formerly known as Rajputana, owes its nickname to the color of the sandstone with the buildings of the old city were built. Nice design of this villa is due to the Maharaja Jai Sigh II which began construction in 1728 and got his architect Vidyadhar Chakravarty mix with confidence styles as diverse as Hindu , Jain , Mongol and Persian.

 

Amer

Amber, was the capital of the state before Jaipur. Located 11 kilometers from Jaipur.  Amer is one of the most famous forts of Rajasthan. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amer Palace. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort. The Amer Fort has influences of both Hindu and Muslim architecture.

 

Shekhawati

Situated in north-eastern Rajasthan, Shekhawati is a semi-arid historical region rich in culture and history and has earned the sobriquet ‘open art gallery of Rajasthan‘ as the region has the largest concentration of frescoes in the world. Shekhawati derives its name from the Rajput Kachwaha chieftain Rao Shekha Ji. The descendants of Rao Shekha Ji, ruled the area and were called Shekhawats. Shekhawati was the largest Nizamat of the erstwhile princely state of Jaipur.

 

Though Shekhawati is limited to Jhunjhunu and Sikar districts of Rajashtan from the administrative and geographical point of view, some parts of Churu and Nagaur districts are also considered to be part of the region. Shekhawati, a dialect of Rajasthani language, is mainly spoken here.

 

A trip to Shekhawati can’t be complete without visiting the havelis to view the magnificent frescoes. Most havelis were constructed during 18th century to early 20th century. Influenced by Persian, Jaipur and Mughal schools of painting, the Shekhawati frescoes depict themes from mythology, hunting and everyday life.

 

There are two legends as to how the region got its name. According to one, Shekhawati was named after Rao Shekha Ji and literally means Garden of Shekha. According to another legend, Shekhawati is derived from Persian word ‘Sheekh’ which means ‘sand deposited on sea beach’.

 

Fossils found in the area confirm it was once covered by seawater. According to Hindu mythology, the present day Shekhawat was part of Virata kingdom, where the Pandavas spent a year of their exile. Shekhawati started flourishing in the late 18th century with the development of overland caravan trade route linking Pali and Bhiwani. Exorbitant taxes by states like Jaipur and Bikaner, resulted in Banias, the trading community, flocking to Shekhawati, where the taxes were low. Later, the British used the skills of local merchants to improve trade. While the traders ventured out to far outposts of colonial empire, they built havelis for their families back home.

 

Bikaner

Known for producing the best riding camels in the world, Bikaner, in the desert state of Rajasthan, is also known as the ‘Camel Country’. The Ship of the Desert is an indivisible part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts to transport grains and goods or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. From catering and fashion to travelling and entertainment, the camel is a day-to-day necessity.

 

The wells of Bikaner, an important resource of water for the locals, are another attraction of the city.

 

Bikaner’s history dates back to 1486 AD when Rao Jodhaji, the illustrious founder of Jodhpur challenged his son to establish his own kingdom. For Prince Rao Bikaji, one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji, the barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers, and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the Shankhlas. When Bikaji died in 1504, his rule had extended to more than 3,000 villages.

 

Modern Bikaner is the result of the foresight of its most eminent ruler, Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887-1943), whose reformative zeal set the pace for Bikaner’s transformation from a principality to a premier princely state.

 

The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes headed to Central Asia made it a prime trade center in medieval times.

 

Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates.

 

The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes and colorful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting destination to explore.

 

Bikaner is famous for its savory Bikaneri Bhujia as it is for its sweets. It is also known for its handicrafts, leather articles and for having the biggest camel farm of Asia. The city is known for its intricately carved jharokas. These stone screens are found on the windows of forts and havelis. Traditionally, women would use the screens to watch the world while remaining hidden. The red sandstone for these stone window screens is supplied by the nearby village of Dulmera.

 

Bikaner is also a center for Usta art. The work for the prosperity of Usta art is being done in Bikaner for centuries. Usta art is characterized by miniature paintings and gold embossing done on ceilings, pillars, walls, marble, wooden and glass wares and ivory. But its real beauty and charm can be seen on the pieces of camel hide. The products of Usta art have been the acquaintance of Bikaner for centuries.

 

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer literally means ‘the Hill Fort of Jaisal’. It is also called the ‘Golden City’ because of the yellow it receives from the yellow sandstone that was used for construction as well as the yellow sand of the Thar desert. Fascinating sand dunes of the Thar desert, magnificent havelis, bewitching palaces and stunning Jain temples make Jaisalmer one of the bustling cities of Rajasthan.

 

The city is blessed with art, architecture, culture and traditions, all colorful. Jaisalmer has a number of handicrafts and antique markets. When here, take a camel safari, visit the Desert National Park and experience boating at the Gadsisar Lake which is popular for bird watching. Don’t miss visiting the Jaisalmer Fort, the Patwon Ki Haveli and the Bada Bagh.

 

Jodhpur

One of the largest cities in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is best-known for the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur is also known as the ‘Sun City’ thanks to the bright and sunny weather all year round and the ‘Blue City’ because of the large cluster of houses painted in blue around the fort. Jodhpur, which was previously known as Marwar, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan.

 

The city was located on the planned road linking Delhi to Gujarat which enabled it to profit from a prosperous trade in opium, copper, silk, sandals, dates and coffee. Under the rule of Maharaja Umed Singh, Jodhpur grew into an excellent modern city. During the rule of the British, Jodhpur was went on to become the largest city in Rajputana. It thrived under the British; its merchants, the Marwaris, prospered and came to occupy a leading position in trade all over India.

 

In 1947, India became independent and the state merged into the union of India. The people of Jodhpur are warm and welcoming. The elegant palaces and  temples around the city carry the remarkable splendor of this city. Adding to the glamour of Jodhpur, are its stunning handicrafts, folk dances, folk songs and also the brightly dressed people. The enthusiasm during the famous Marwar festival is infectious.

 

The bazaars of Jodhpur are a treasure trove of tie-and-dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquer-ware, antiques, carpets and puppets to the attractive Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines and classic silver jewelry.

 

India Tailors, along the High Court Road (just a few paces off Nai Sadak) is one of the best places in the city to get yourself an immaculately tailored Jodhpur jacket (If your stay isn’t very long, they will be happy to courier it to you.)

 

Rohet Garh

This 375-year-old fortified desert home of the descendants of the Rathores lies on the banks of a small lake teeming with birdlife, just south of Jodhpur. The Singh family still reside here and run the hotel, restored in traditional Rajput style and filled with historic trophies and delightful details. You enter through painted gates into a rambling, low rise building which has various wings surrounding grassy courtyards and a pretty landscaped garden, as well as plenty of breezy verandas and private retreats. The welcoming central courtyard with its garden and bougainvillea has been completely restored, with marble floors, a traditional arched veranda and a small marble fountain in the lawn.

 

Surrounded by the scrublands of the Great Thar Desert, this is a quiet place of great charm and character, steeped in family history. But there is also plenty to do - the Jeep, camel or horse safaris into the desert and tribal areas are highly recommended. With Jodhpur just 45 minutes away, Rohet Garh also makes the perfect rural retreat from which to explore this historic city.

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Just 45 minutes’ drive to the south of Jodhpur and situated on the edge of the Thar desert, it’s easy to forget where you are once you enter the peaceful flower filled gardens of Rohet Garh.

 

Built in the 17th century this little fort still belongs to the same family who turned it into a relaxed and friendly place to stay in the 1990s. Full of charm and character, Bruce Chatwin and William Dalrymple found inspiration for their writing while staying at Rohet Garh. 34 rooms and suites, of varying shapes and sizes, are decorated with traditional Rajasthani printed fabrics and face the garden, courtyard or lake and might have a high old wooden framed bed, wall painting or cosy window seat. There is also a swimming pool, cookery demonstrations and camel safaris with the lovely staff.

 

Although the royal family now lives in another nearby property, they are still very much hands on and enjoy meeting and chatting with guests as well as running a highly acclaimed stable of Marwari horses.

 

Riding is available for a variety of abilities, as well as bicycles and jeeps with drivers for excursions into the surrounding villages. Here you can meet Bishnoi people, conservationists of the countryside for centuries whose beliefs prevent them from killing animals or felling green trees.

 

 

 

 

Jaisalmer

India

 

Jaisalmer

India

 

Ranakpur

Extremely popular among tourists, Ranakpur is a quaint town in Rajasthan and one of the five most important pilgrimage places of Jainism. Despite being cut off from other tourist destinations in Rajasthan, Ranakpur receives several visitors because of its status as a major pilgrim destination in the state. It is tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravali mountain range and is situated around 96 km north of Udaipur in the Pali district.This beautiful, serene place is renowned for some amazingly carved Jain temples constructed in amber stone around the year 1439 AD.

 

Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar who offered his land for the construction of a temple. Inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle, a Jain businessman Dharna Shah, started its construction under the patronage of Rana Kumbha. The construction is well documented in a 1437 CE copper-plate record, inscriptions in the temple and a Sanskrit text Soma-Saubhagya Kavya. When the ground floor was completed, Acharya Soma Sundar Suri of Tapa Gachha supervised the ceremonies, which too are described in Soma-Saubhagya Kavya. The construction continued until 1458 AD.

 

Udaipur

Udaipur is situated in south west Rajasthan. Located at the base of the Aravali mountain range, it has several nicknames – City of Lakes and Venice of the East being the most popular. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in Rajputana. Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are some of the beautiful lakes.

 

The City Palace of Udaipur is one of the major tourist attractions and Udaipur is one of the most sought-after cities for destination weddings given its palaces and lakes. There is also the Sajjan Garh Palace, named after Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar Dynasty. The palace was built atop a hill in the city, to gaze at the monsoon clouds, giving it a nickname of the Monsoon Palace.

 

Lake Pichola has four islands: Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir and Arsi Vilas. Among these, Jag Niwas is home to the Lake Palace which is now converted into a heritage hotel. Mohan Mandir was the place from where the king would watch the Gangur festival. Jag Mandir island has a palace of the same name and Arsi Vilas is a sanctuary, home to various species of bird. A boat trip from the City Palace to these islands is a must.

 

Visit the Eklingji Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and take a trip to  Nathdwara to pay your respects to Lord Krishna.

 

If you are staying here for an extended period, do take some time to visit Kumbhalgarh, Mount Abu, Chittorgarh and Jalore Wildlife Sactuary.

 

Deogarh

Devgarh is a city and a municipality in Rajsamand district in the state of Rajasthan, India. It was estate of Chundawat rajputs.

 

 

Devgarh is located at 25.53°N 73.9°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 638 metres (2093 feet), and is situated in the eastern side of the Aravali Ranges on top of a small hill. A small pond rests at its base. The town is bordered by rocks on the east, Kali Ghati (Aravali Range) on the west, Nathdwara Ghats on the south, and Ajmer on the north. It has spectacular animal and bird sanctuaries. There are many stone and granite mines and polish factories near it.

 

Devgarh is a popular tourist destination, boasting a complex of luxurious heritage resorts managed by the erstwhile royal family of the Deogarh thikana.

 

Apart from palace there is also Meter gauge train from Devgarh to Marwar Jn. Which goes through sanctuary and hills of Kali Ghati, where there are many bridges and tunnels left by the British. There are many wild animals in the region, and the plains of Marwar are visible from atop the mountains. You will also get a chance to meet locals and feel the local culture of the Mewad region.

 

In the heart of the town is the Kunjbihari Mandir (Lord Krishna Temple), which is famous for the many bats who live inside the roof of the building. There is one clock tower in the main central chowk (cross) of town on top of Charbhuja Temple.

 

Anjaneshwar Mahadev temple is also nearby (around 4–5 km), which is famous for its Sivalinga which naturally formed due to rain water dissolving calcium in rocks. It was formed similarly to the Ice sivalinga of Amarnath. The temple is in a cave of a rocky mountain, with a small water body on top of it. The area is a common destination for picnics, and due to the elevation of the rock, the town of Devgarh is visible from there. Situated on Devgarh–Bhilwara route it is easily accessible throughout the year.

 

Other places like Nathdwara, famous for the Srinathji Temple, is just 45 km from here on the road to Udaipur. The holy place of Ajmer is also just 150 km on Jaipur–Delhi Route.

 

 

 

 

Pushkar

Located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, Pushkar is one of the most ancient cities in India. Pushkar is home to one of the few Brahma temples in the world. It is also one of the five sacred dhaams or revered pilgrimage centers and is often referred to as tirth- raj, literally translates as ‘the king of pilgrim sites’. Over the years, Pushkar has emerged as one of the most popular destinations among tourists not just from India, but also from abroad.

 

Pushkar is also known as ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan’ because the flower is grown extensively in and around the town and exported worldwide. It isn’t difficult to fall in love with Pushkar’s tranquility, its spiritual ambiance, its winding lanes and its colorful fairs.

 

 

 

 

Jaipur

Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and the home of the Jaipur Literature Festival that is held in January every year. The ‘pink’ of the Pink City however Gerua (or ochre) in which the city was coated during the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1905-06. Known for its fascinating monuments and colorful markets, gorgeous handloom garments and wonderfully laid-out gardens, it is not difficult to fall in love with Jaipur the moment you land here.

 

 

Modernity and tradition jostle for space in this quaint city that is dotted with forts on its peripheries and palaces at its heart. Visit the City Palace or the Hawa Mahal located within the city limits or the Amber Fort (pronounced Amer) that stands majestically on its outskirts. Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms the Golden Triangle of Indian tourism.

 

While it isn’t advisable to travel there in the summers, ensure you carry a sunscreen lotion (SPF-20 or more) and dark sunglasses, and wear cotton clothes. Winters can be brutal, so be prepared.

 

 

 

Amer

Amer (or Amber) (IPA: [ameɾ]; Hindi: आमेर, amer ?), now a part of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation, was a city of the Rajasthan state, India. Founded by Meena Raja Alan Singh (from Chanda clan of Meenas), Amer was a flourishing settlement dating as far back as 967 AD.

 

The picturesque situation of Amer at the mouth of a rocky mountain gorge, in which nestles a lovely lake, has attracted the admiration of travellers, including Victor Jacquemont and Reginald Heber. It is seen to be a remarkable example for its combined Rajput-Mughal architecture.The Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the top tourist attraction in the Jaipur area.

 

The first Rajput structure was started by Raja Kakil Dev when Amer became his capital in 1036, on the site of present-day Jaigarh Fort. Around 1037 AD, Amer was conquered by the Kachwaha clan of Rajputs.[1] Much of the present structure known as Amer Fort is actually the palace built by the great conqueror Raja Man Singh who ruled from 1590 to 1614 AD. The palace contains several spectacular buildings, such as the Diwan-i-Khas, and the elaborately painted Ganesh Pole built by the renowned warlord Mirza Raja Jai Singh I (Man Singh I's grandson). The old and original fort of Amer, dating from earlier Rajas or the Meena period, is what is known in the present day as Jaigarh Fort, which was actually the main defensive structure rather than the palace itself. The two structures are interconnected by a series of encompassing fortifications.

 

Amer was capital of the Kachwaha] until 1727 when the ruler of Amer, Sawai Jai Singh II founded a capital Jainagara (Jaipur), named after him, about nine kilometers south of Amer. After the founding of this new town, the royal palace and houses of prominent persons were shifted to Jaipur. The priests of Shila Devi temple, who were Bengali Brahmins, continued to live in the fort (to this date), while the Jaigarh fort above the palace also remained heavily garrisoned. The capital of Kachwaha was supplanted by the modern city of Jaipur, which is the capital of the Rajasthan state in India.

 

 

 

 

Fatehpur Sikri

Constructed by Emperor Akbar as part of his plans to build a grand capital for his empire, the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri is 39 km away from Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Fatehpur Sikri served as the Mughal capital from 1571 to 1585. Spread across eight sq km, the city is about three miles long and one mile wide. Built with red Sikri sandstone, the city’s architecture is a blend of Islamic and Hindu styles. The sandstone throughout the city has exquisite ornamental carvings and interlaced decorative designs.

 

Akbar, who longed for an heir, was assured of sons by the Sufi mystic Salim Chishti. When the son was born, Akbar named him Salim in honor of the Sufi saint. Salim later came to be known as Jahangir after he ascended the throne. Following his military victories in Rajasthan, Akbar decided to build a new capital and chose Sikri village, where the Sufi saint used to live. The city was christened Fatehabad, Fateh meaning victory. It later came to be known as Fatehpur Sikri.

 

The planning and construction of the walled city took 15 years. Akbar took great interest in its planning and building. Planned on Persian principles, Akbar tried to revive the glory of old Persian courts. The architecture is a mix of Indian architectural styles especially Gujarati and Bengali styles as skilled craftsmen from different regions were employed for the construction of the city.

 

Fatehpur Sikri had royal palaces, halls for public and private audience, the zenana or the quarters for women, courtyards and grand avenues. Jama Masjid or the grand mosque was the first structure to be constructed with the rest of the city built around it. The aristocrats had residences on a higher plane than the commoners. Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khaas, Sheikh Salim Chishti tomb and Birbal Bhavan are some of the must visited buildings in Fatehpur Sikri.

 

Besides its historical and architectural importance, Fatehpur Sikri was the place where the legends about Akbar’s Navratnas (or nine jewels, a reference to his nine ministers) took shape. The city remained Akbar’s capital for 14 years. It was abandoned in 1585 due to acute shortage of water in the region. Today, the city lies uninhabited but mostly intact.

 

 

 

Agra

Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the seven Wonders of the World and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Needless to say, it features on the itinerary of not just domestic tourists but also foreign travelers. Agra is situated in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and along with Jaipur and Delhi forms the Golden Triangle of Indian tourism.

 

 

Believed to have been built in 1475, Agra even finds a mention in the epic Mahabharatha where it is called Agraban (meaning paradise). The renowned second century geographer Ptolemy had also spotted this place as Agra in his world map. The present Agra city was established by Sikandar Lodi of the Lodi Dynasty in the 16th century and was the capital of the Lodi and Mughal dynasties.

 

The examples of art and culture in this historic city are not only breathtaking, but are also mirrors of the artistic talents of the Indian population during the grand past. The city houses many ancient temples, mosques, forts, mausoleums, tombs and historical monuments. The city has its unique style of traditional paintings, folk dances, folk music and embroideries.

 

Aside from the Taj Mahal, Agra has two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Taj Mahal in the night is a sight to behold but entry is restricted. More details here!

 

 

 

 

Orchha

Orchha literally means ‘hidden place’ and it stays true to its name! Located in Madhya Pradesh, Orchha isn’t on most tourist maps and several travelers club their visit to Orchha with a trip to Jhansi (16 km away) or Khajuraho (170 km away). But with beautiful monuments, both big and small, revealing tales of battles between kings and emperors, Orchha deserves a trip of its own.

 

Once the capital of the Bundela Rajput kings, Orchha was established by Maharaja Rudra Pratap Singh in 1501. The medieval city has since seemingly frozen in time. Its several monuments continue to retain their original grandeur even as the city itself seems quite content to be hidden away from the throngs of tourists that descend upon Madhya Pradesh year after year.

 

The closest railhead to Orchha is Jhansi (about 16 km) and the best way to reach your destination is the ever-reliable auto rickshaw. If the narrow winding roads with fields on either side that lead you to this little town don’t transport you back to a more peaceful time, the several monuments that dot the Orchha landscape most certainly will.

 

The Orchha fort complex is the biggest tourist draw of this small town. You can buy a ticket here that will grant you access to all the sights in the town. The fort complex itself is divided into three parts:

 

The Raj Mahal was constructed by Madhukar Shah in the 17th century. His deeply religious beliefs are reflected in the design: the stunning murals are bold and colorful and revolve around religious themes. A well-tipped guide will be thrilled to open the doors of various chambers for you.

 

Also constructed in the 17th century, but by Madhukar Shah’s successor Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to commemorate the visit of his friend, the Mughal emperor Jahangir, the eponymous Jahangir Mahal is another stunning piece of architecture in this hidden gem of a place.

 

Rai Parveen Mahal is dedicated to the musician-poetess, Rai Parveen, Raja Indramani’s (1672- 76) paramour. Emperor Akbar who was taken in by her beauty and had summoned her to Delhi sent her back to Orchha impressed with her dedication and love for Indramani.

 

The center of Orchha is the Ram Raja temple whose presiding deity is Lord Rama whose idol was supposed to be installed in the magnificent Chaturbhuj temple. Legend has it that the idols refused to move after being installed here and so a temple was built around them!

 

Chaturbhuj temple is yet another impressive piece of architecture and was built to house the idols that are now inside the Ram Raja temple. Today, it houses the image of Radha-Krishna. Tip the security guard who will unlock a hidden staircase that leads to the roof and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.

 

Home to some of the most exquisite wall paintings in Orchha, the Laxminarayan temple is yet another must-visit place. The murals are well-preserved and the colors of the murals retain most of their vibrancy.

 

The smallest palace in Orchha (and one that is in ruins) is the Sunder Mahal that was constructed by Prince Dhurjban who embraced Islam after marrying a Muslim girl and devoted his life to prayer and meditation. Dhurjban eventually came to be revered as a saint and Sunder Mahal became a pilgrimage site for Muslims.

 

Orchha also has 14 cenotaphs or chhatris that serve as memorials to Orchha rulers and the well laid-out garden, aptly called Phool Bagh.

 

 

 

 

Khajuraho

Khajuraho is most famous for its erotic wall carvings — from voluptuous nymphs to men having their way with horses and orgies, it is all here! These carvings on temples — only 20 of 85 remain — are pretty much the beginning and end of all things touristy in Khajuraho. Situated some 400 km from Kanpur, Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India.

 

Standing against the backdrop of Vindhyas, Khajuraho presents a magnificent view to the beholder. The sacred temples of Khajuraho are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Because of the sculptures, the temples are also referred as Kamasutra temples. However, unlike popular belief, the temples neither have any connection nor were inspired by Vatsyayana’s famous book. In fact just 10 per cent of the art is erotic or sexual in nature.

 

 

There are several theories about these sculptures — some suggest that these are tantric sexual practices, others believe them to be part of the Hindu tradition of accepting sex or kama as part of everyday life.

 

The temple complex hosts a very good sound-and-light show every evening and an annual dance festival in February. Some of the famous temples in the complex are the Lakshmana Temple, the Vishwanath Temple and the Kandariya Mahadev Temple.

 

 

 

 

Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth. Situated in Uttar Pradesh on the banks of river Ganga, Varanasi is among the most revered religious destinations in India.

 

The city gets its name from two rivers  – Varuna and Assi — which meet here. The word Kashi is derived from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine. Varanasi is famous for the bathing ghats along the banks of river Ganga. Pilgrims throng these ghats to take a holy dip to wash themselves of their sins. Varanasi has been synonymous with the majestic river Ganga and its numerous rivulets. The Ganga Aarti held every evening at Dasashwamedha Ghat is a sight to behold.

 

The Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest of the pilgrimages dedicated to Lord Shiva.

 

 

Varanasi is an important destination among Hindus as they believe those who die in Varanasi attain salvation. Many people like to spend their old-age in this holy city and prefer to die here. Varanasi is also a preferred site for immersing ashes of the dead in river Ganga. Performing funeral rites and cremation in the pyres are common sights here.

 

 

 

 

Sarnath

Sarnath is a small village in Uttar Pradesh, situated about 13 km north-east of the holy city of Varanasi. Formerly known as Isipatana, it is famous as the site where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, or where Buddha preached his first sermon. It is also the place where the original Sangha was formed. Hence, it is one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations.

 

Sarnath has been developed as a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from India and abroad. A number of countries in which Buddhism is a major or dominant religion, like Thailand, Japan, Tibet, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, have established their temples and monasteries in Sarnath in architectural styles of their respective countries. The impressive Dhamek stupa is extremely popular among tourists.

 

 

Kathmandu

Kathmandu(/ˌkɑːtmɑːnˈduː/;[4] Nepali pronunciation: [kɑʈʰmɑɳɖu]) is the capital and largest municipality of Nepal. It also hosts the headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). It is the only city of Nepal with the administrative status of Mahanagar (Metropolitan City), as compared to Upa-Mahanagar (Sub-Metropolitan City) or Nagar (City). Kathmandu is the core of Nepal's largest urban agglomeration located in the Kathmandu Valley consisting of Lalitpur, Kirtipur, Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur and a number of smaller communities. Kathmandu is also known informally as "KTM" or the "tri-city". According to the 2011 census, Kathmandu Metropolitan City has a population of 975,453 and measures 49.45 km2 (19.09 sq mi).

 

The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley of central Nepal.[5] It is surrounded by four major hills: Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri. Kathmandu Valley is part of three districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur), has the highest population density in the country, and is home to about a twelfth of Nepal's population.

 

Historically, the Kathmandu Valley and adjoining areas were known as Nepal Mandala. Until the 15th century, Bhaktapur was its capital when two other capitals, Kathmandu and Lalitpur, were established.[6] During the Rana and Shah eras, British historians called the valley itself "Nepal Proper". Today, Kathmandu is not only the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, but also the headquarters of the Bagmati Zone and the Central Development Region of Nepal.[7]

 

Kathmandu is the gateway to tourism in Nepal. It is also the hub of the country's economy. It has the most advanced infrastructure of any urban area in Nepal, and its economy is focused on tourism, which accounted for 3.8% of Nepal's GDP in 1995/96. Tourism in Kathmandu declined thereafter during a period of political unrest, but since then has improved. In 2013, Kathmandu was ranked third among the top 10 travel destinations on the rise in the world by TripAdvisor, and ranked first in Asia.[8]

 

The city has a rich history, spanning nearly 2000 years, as inferred from inscriptions found in the valley. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Most of Kathmandu's people follow Hinduism and many others follow Buddhism. There are people of other religious beliefs as well, giving Kathmandu a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the most commonly spoken language in the city. English is understood by Kathmandu's educated residents. Historic areas of Kathmandu were devastated by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on 25 April 2015.

 

 

 

 

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath (Devanagari: स्वयम्भूनाथ स्तुप; Newar: स्वयंभू; sometimes romanized Swoyambhunath) is an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees' (Wylie:Phags.pa Shing.kun), for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. However, Shing.kun may be a corruption of the local Nepal Bhasa name for the complex, Singgu, meaning 'self-sprung'.[1] For the Buddhist Newars in whose mythological history and origin myth as well as day-to-day religious practice, Swayambhunath occupies a central position, it is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. For Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it is second only to Boudhanath.

 

The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions. The stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on. Between them, the number one (in Devanagari script) is painted in the fashion of a nose. There are also shops, restaurants and hostels. The site has two access points: a long stairway with 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which is from the top of the hill to the east; and a car road around the hill from the south leading to the southwest entrance. The first sight on reaching the top of the stairway is the Vajra. Tsultrim Allione describes the experience:

 

We were breathless and sweating as we stumbled up the last steep steps and practically fell upon the biggest vajra (thunder-bolt scepter) that I have ever seen. Behind this vajra was the vast, round, white dome of the stupa, like a full solid skirt, at the top of which were two giant Buddha eyes wisely looking out over the peaceful valley which was just beginning to come alive.[2]

 

Much of Swayambhunath's iconography comes from the Vajrayana tradition of Newar Buddhism. However, the complex is also an important site for Buddhists of many schools, and is also revered by Hindus.

 

Patan

Patan (Sanskrit: पाटन Pātan, Newar: यल Yala), officially Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City, is the third largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu and Pokhara and it is located in the south-central part of Kathmandu Valley. Patan is also known as Manigal. It is best known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of arts and crafts. It is called city of festival and feast, fine ancient art, making of metallic and stone carving statue. At the time of the 2011 Nepal census it had a population of 226,728 in 54,748 individual households.[1] The city received extensive damage from an earthquake on 25 April 2015.

 

Patan is on the elevated tract of land in Kathmandu Valley on the south side of the Bagmati River, which separates it from the city of Kathmandu on the northern and western side. The Nakkhu Khola acts as the boundary on the southern side. It was developed on relatively thin layers of deposited clay and gravel in the central part of a dried ancient lake known as the Nagdaha.

 

It is the third largest city of the country, after Kathmandu, and Pokhara.