Name: Varun Satyan
Place: Gurgaon
1. AGRA
The historical city of Agra, popularly known as Mughal Capital is an important landmark on the map of India. Agra is home to Taj Mahal- a Dream wrought in marble, attracting more than 1 million visitors annually. Built in 1653, its one of the most exquisite symbols of beauty and grace. It’s the most photographed monument in the world. No wonder it’s a part of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Agra fort which is just 2.5kms from the Taj is also a major tourist destination. Fathepur Sikhri, a ghost town includes Buland Darwaza which has the largest gateway in the world.The city is full of many other architectural marvels which are Itmas-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra, Swami Bagh Samadhi, Jama Masjid and Keethan Lake.
Getting there-
Khera airport- just 6kms from Taj Mahal
Agra Cantt. Railway Station
Well connected by roads. Delhi is about 203kms from agra.
Best Places to stay in Agra- Amar Yatri Niwas, Ganga Ratan, Regency, Fast Lide, Grand, Bhoomi Residency.
2. KERALA
Kerala is one of the finest examples of unsurpassed scenic beauty and Ecotourism circuits. Wedged between Arabian Sea in west and Western Ghats towering 500-2700m in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys a unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the Asia. Over the period of years it has become a Global super brand having ‘highest brand recall’. It’s rated as one of ‘the 10 paradises of the world’ by National Geographic. Its long shoreline with Serene Beaches, Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, Lush green hill stations, Picture book towns, Sprawling plantations and paddy fields have left tourists coming back for more. It’s also known for its booming medical tourism. Ayurvedic medical holidays and warm monsoon massages are very much popular here.
Due to dense and thick Tropical Forests, it also offers exotic wildlife tourism. Among the 14 wildlife sanctuaries, Periyar and Ervalikulam are a must to visit. Also it’s a tourist friendly state which has the highest HDI(Human Development Index) and the least corruption rate in the country. It’s Breakfast has been rated as ‘best in the world’. Kochi, Kottayam and Trivandrum are popular shopping places.
Places to visit
Beaches- Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala
Hill Stations- Munnar, Neeliampathi, Ponmudi, Waynad
Tiger Reserves- Periyar and Parimbikulam
Allapuzza- Often called the ‘Venice of the East’ due to cannals that connect it to Kerala’s famous snaking backwaters. Backwaters are unique and found only in this part of the country.
International Airport- Calicut, Kochi and Trivandrum
Road and Rail connectivity is excellent.
Best Hotels
Vembanad Lake Resort, Kottayam
Hotel Sea Lord, Kochi
Forest Haven, Munnar
Coconut Bay, Kumarakom
Hotel Ambady, Thekkady
3. GOA
India’s smallest state serves as India’s biggest holiday destination. Goa is known for pristine beaches, churches, and temples. Its 125km coastline is dotted with 22 beautiful beaches. It is rates as best Biodiversity hotspots. Because it was previously a Portuguese overseas territory that existed for about 450 years, there are beautiful Gothic churches, Ruined and Flourishing temples and Cultural festivals on display. Its mouth watering cuisine includes fresh sea foods and drinks.
Apart from beaches, don’t forget to see the Basilica of Bom Jesus- a UNESCO World Heritage site and Fort Aguada. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary situated here is one of the best in the country. Among the temples to visit are Mangeshi and Malsa temples.
Getting there by roads is very easy as most of the goa is well connected by roads. Dabolin Airport is an option if you intend to save some time. Goa is also well connected by Railways.
Best hotels
Hotel Beleza, Ronil Beach Resort, Dolhpin Bay Resort, Hotel Nirvana, Sila Goa
4. MUMBAI
Mumbai serves as a perfect blend of history with a touch of modernism. Parks, gardens, museums, shopping malls, amusement parks, beaches and lakes define the charisma of this city which virtually never sleeps. Elephants Caves is a major tourist Destination. Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad near Mumbai are also a major tourist place. Both the caves are UNESCO world Heritage Sites.
Other Places of Interest- Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Mahalaxmi Temple, Tomb of Haji Ali, Chowpathi beach and Marine Drive.
Getting there
Airport- Chhatrapati Sivaji International Airport
Rail- There is many trains to and from Chhatrapati Sivaji Rail Terminus which itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not to forget the Deccan Odyssey royal train experience.
Budget Hotels in Munbai
Hotel Heritage at Byculla is in close proximity to Airport, Hotel Ajanta, Hotel Sahil
5. DELHI
The Indian capital city of Delhi is located on the Banks of River Yamuna. Three main tourist attractions in Delhi are Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayaun’s Tomb. All three of which are UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Sites. Old Delhi area comprises mostly of mosques and forts. The main ones are Jama Masjids, Salimgarh Fort and Purana Quila. Jantar Mantar- an astronomical observatory is a place worth watching. Among the religious places are Akshardham Temple(Largest Hindu temple in the world), Lotus Temple and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
Other Places of Interest- Rashtrapati Bhawan- the Presidential Palace of India, India Gate, Rajpath, Raj Ghat, Shanti Van, Lodhi Gardens.
Chandni Chowk which is Asia’s Largest wholesale market along with Connaught Place are shopper’s paradise.
Getting to Delhi is as easy as Getting around in Delhi. It is a planned city and well connected by roads. The Delhi Metro which covers almost all major points in the city offers a comfortable journey at a fraction of cost. Indira Gandhi International Airport located on Delhi-Gurgaon border is India’s busiest in terms of the number of daily flights.
Accomodation
The Centaur Hotel is the nearest 5 star hotel to the airport but is little far from the city. Other Budget hotels include The Park, Crowne Plaza, Maiden
6. RAJASTHAN
Every third foreign tourist visiting India also travels to Rajasthan. It’s known for Sand dunes, wooded hills, luxury trains, beautiful blue water lakes, large palaces and rugged forts. India’s only desert, the Thar desert is situated here at India-Pakistain border. Mount Abu is located on top of Aravali Ranges.
Places to See
Jaipur- Amber Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort
Bikaner- Handicrafts works, Lalgarh Palace & Jaunagarh Fort
Jaisalmer- Beautiful havelis
Udaipur- Beautiful lakes and Palaces, Famous Lake pichola
Sariska- Alwar and famous Sariska Tiger Reserves
Other prominent places to visit are Akal wood fossil park, Pushkar, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and the famed Keoladeo National Park (UNESCO World Heritage).
The best time to visit Rajasthan is between October to March. It is well connected by state and National Highways. Palace on wheels is a luxury train which starts from Delhi. Other major stations are Jaipur, Kota, Ajmer and Udaipur.
Airports- Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur
Best Hotels
Cambay Spa and Resort Kukas, Hari Mahal Palace, Maharani Plaza, Hotel Jaipur Darbar
7. KARNATAKA
Kanataka has seen some of the most powerful empires of ancient and medevial India. As a direct result it has many ancient sculptures temples, ruined cities, hill ranges and forests together comprsing of 507 of 3600 protected monuments in India. The Hampi and Pattadakal (both UNESCO World Heritage) are a sure treat to watch. Apart from these there are 8 forts and 21 wildlife sanctuaries to visit. There are many nice beaches and a good number of Waterfalls too. Jog Falls is the Highest Waterfall in Asia.
While in Karnataka, don’t forget to visit Mysore Palace in Mysore which has recently been declared second cleanest city in the country.
Getting There
From many so many Airstrips across the state, Bangalore and Mangalore are the main ones. A never before experience on board Golden Chariot a luxury train is a never miss.
Accommodation- Hotel Swagat is just ½ kms from the city railway station .Other Hotels- Dew Dropd, Harsha Hotel, Vintage Residency
8. AMRITSAR
Amritsar offers a distinct character in areas of culture and ethnicity. The spiritual and cultural center of Sikh, Golden Temple attracts more visitors than Taj Mahal in Agra. Its distinct feature is that it has a huge dome of pure gold. More than 1,00,000 people visit it in weekdays alone. It is also home to Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) and Operation Blue Star (1984). There are as many as 38 religious shrines and sacred places to visit in Amritsar.
Just 28kms away from the city is Wagah Border, am army outpost of India and Pakistain. People from both the countries get a chance to see the lowering of flag and the change of guards ceremony at sunset which generally takes about 45minutes only. Another place sure to visit is Baba Atal Rai Tower which offers an excellent view from the top.
Getting there- Well connected by GT Road, Amritsar Railway Station and Raja Sansi International Airport
Best Hotels
Ritz Plaza, The Hotel City Heart, HK Clarks Inn, Best Westren Marrion, Hotel Lawrence
9. KANYAKUMARI
It’s a small town well known for confluence of three water bodies- Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. If not anything else, a spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset is a guarantee. On a balmy, full-moon evenings, one can also see the moonrise and sunset at the same time on either side of the horizon.
Places to visit- Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvallurear Statue, Kumari Amman Temple, Vattakottai Fort, View & Telescopic House and Gandhi Memorial. The Gandhi Memorial is designed in such a way that on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday 2nd October, the first rays of the sun falls on the exact place where his ashes were kept.
Nearest Airport is Trivandrum Airport, which is about 80kms. Chennai city is 203km far. Kanyakumari is well connected by trains even from Delhi and Jammu.
Accomodations
Ashok Hotel, Cape Hotel, Hotel Samudra, New Cape Hotel
10. HYDERABAD
Classifies as A-1 city, it has a broad magnitude of temples, churches, masjids and bazaar in the city. The Charminar and Golconda Fort are Famous monuments of Hyderabad. Others are, Toli Masjid, Qutb Shahi Tomb, Paigah Tomb and Chow Mahalla Palace. Must visit Religious places are Ananda Buddha Vihara, Birla Mandir And Mecca Masjid.
The city has many beautiful lakes . Oman Sagar and Hussain Sagar are few examples. The Shamirpet Lake is popular for migratory birds. Apart from all these there are many National parks also to visit.
Getting to Hyderabad has been simplied with the opening of a World Class Airport which is just 22kms from the city.
Main Railway Stations- Hyderabad (Nampally), Secunderabad and Kachiguda.
Best Resorts- Alankarita Resort, Hampshire Plaza, Katriya de Royal
Best Spas- Nirva Spa, Golkonda Resorts Spa
Related posts:
- Top 10 Destinations in India by Sindhu Bhanu
- My Top Ten Travel Favorites in India by Atula
- Ten Do-not-miss Attractions in India
- Top Ten Destinations in India for Backpackers
- 10 Do Not Miss Attractions In India
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good work