Lists ten must-see must-visit places in India.
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Author: Anand Kakani
1. The Taj Mahal at Agra
A Unesco World heritage site and widely regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this 17th century mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal is seeped in a tale of incomparable love. Apart from its enchanting history, splendid architecture will keep your eyes riveted in awe to the structure and its beauty.
The Taj Mahal complex is built on the banks of River Yamuna with a well planned Mughal garden forming its courtyard. Built in White marble, the inlays with precious and semiprecious stones, carvings, stuccos and other forms of visible art are the finest examples of craftsmanship witnessed in human history. A visit to India is incomplete without a visit to this monument of Love!
2. Palaces of Jaipur – the Pink city
No one city in India can provide such an extensive glimpse of the Indian Royal era goneby. A power seat of the Jaipur royalty, The City Palace is a complex of palaces, temples, residences & a museum, the Rambagh Palace & Hotel, the Hawa Mahal are amongst others, the best examples of regality and glory of Indian heritage. To match the grandeur of the palaces are, in place, the robust ramparts of the Amber (also called Amer) Fort, the impenetrable Jaigarh Fort and the well planned Nahargarh Fort.
The culture-rich city also offers the best in gems & jewellery, blue pottery, handmade quilts and a speciality – the colourful bandhej textiles.
3. Jammu & Kashmir
“If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this!” said Emperor Jehangir about Kashmir.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir state is best known for its famous Mughal Gardens and the Dal Lake. The latter offers a unique experience of stay in the colourful Shikara’s (Houseboats) and a floating marketplace. To its north, Gulmarg claims to have the highest green Golf course of the world and is a premier winter ski resort. The picturesque towns of Sonmarg & Pahalgam showcase exotic & pristine landscapes and stunning views of the valley.
Leh-Ladakh provide with yet another dimension. The Hemis and Thikse monasteries for the spiritual and the mountaineering, water rafting and wildlife tours for the spirited!
4. Sikkim
A trip to Sikkim covers all activities one can think of in a single trip. Adventure, Nature, Spirituality, Cuisine, name it and theres an answer not far from you. Gangtok, the capital city is surprisingly modern and complete. The Rumtek Monastery here, is a seat of Tibetan Buddhism and a treasure house of relics & manuscripts. Tsongmo Lake, which transforms itself into a frozen sheet of ice during winters is a worthy visit.
One can’t miss the constant companionship of the cheerful Rivers Teesta and Rangitt flowing across the state. White Water Rafting & Canoeing in these rivers can be an exhilarating experience. And if a floral rainbow interests you, there’s Yumthang, the valley of flowers which is home the hundreds of varieties of orchids, rhododendrons etc. Do not forget to taste the yummy Momos!
5. Beaches of Goa
The very name of Goa reminds one of the Palm-tree lined beaches and the traditional Goan drink, Feni. With about 22 beaches, Goa is a swimmer and sun-tanner’s delight. From the most happening and crowded Calangute or Anjuna to the serene and quiet Benaulim or Aguada beaches, this tiny place has it all – the worlds top resorts, best cuisine, warm hospitality and mix of international cultures & tourism.
A blend of Portugese, Indian & Christian influences, Goa is famous for its beautiful Churches and souvenir shops. The Bom Jesus Basilica being the highlight. Also of interest is the 17th century-built Fort Aguada, a former prison.
6. Kerala Backwaters
Regarded as ‘Gods own Country’, Kerala is the ultimate destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Backwaters, as they are collectively referred to, are a complex network of interconnected waterways, inlets, canals, lakes & rivers. Dotting this web are the most exotic locales, Kumarakom & Alappuzha among others. Green shores lined with Coconut trees offer the most interesting way of stay – Kettuvallams or the country houseboats.
Kerala also known for its Ayurvedic tradition and expertise offers the best treatments and spa experiences. The best memory one can carry back would be that of a full body ayurvedic massage. A strong recommendation.
7. Jim Corbett National Park
Famed for being the oldest national park of Asia, Jim Corbett National Park has a long winding history akin to its forest trails. Named after the hunter-turned-conservationist, Jim Corbett, the park is one of the world’s most diversely rich habitats of flora and fauna. A protected habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger and many other species of animals, birds and plants. The Jeep Safaris, Elephant Safaris, Treks, Angling etc are few of the unique experiences the park offers.
8. Temple cluster of Tamil Nadu
Grandeur, Opulence, Splendor, Magnificence, Stateliness – these words were probably coined to describe these artistic marvels. Some of the temples have a recorded history of as early as 2nd Century BC. Built by the then ruling dynasties of Kings and though thematic in their architecture, each of these temples has uniqueness in terms its history and legend. Associated primarily either with the Hindu God Shiva or Vishnu, the temples stand proof of the mighty Hindu faith.
From the largest temple complex of India dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi at Madurai to the Gold-roofed Kapileshwar Temple at Chidambaram, to the only all-granite Brihadeeswar temple at Thanjavur, to the rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram and to one of the four holy temples of Hindus at Rameshwaram. These are only a few of the finest examples of divinity enshrined in craftsmanship.
9. Haridwar/Rishikesh
Haridwar literally meaning ‘Gateway to God’, is actually so. This holiest pilgrimage city of the Hindus is one of the oldest and legendary. A place here called Har Ki Pauri (Feet of the Lord) is where a drop of Amrit (Life giving Nectar) is said to have fell during the mythological battle between the Gods and Demons. A holy dip at this spot in the pious River Ganga is said to cleanse the sins of a person. The great Kumbha Mela held once every 12 years is an experience of sorts.
About 45 Kms. from Haridwar, Rishikesh was at one time a dense forest and home to ascetics and sages. Today, it has many ashrams (rest houses) for those who have transgressed the material life in favour of the spiritual. For the adventurous this place offers camping, rafting and trekking. If spiritualism interests you, dare not miss these places!
10. Khajuraho
Perhaps the most expressed form of erotica in the Indian history, the Hindu & Jain temples of Khajuraho surprise one by the fact that these are dedicated to the highest of Hindu Gods. This seeming contradiction is well resolved upon study of Indian philosophy. Of the 85 temples created over a millennia ago, 22 remain intact as proof of the unbelievable imagination and dedication of the Chandela Dynasty rulers, who were behind these astonishing creations. The art forms based on the Indian erotic literature ‘Kama Sutra’, are aesthetically the most refined and balanced creations in stone. Khajuraho has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site.
In close vicinity of this great city are the Bandhavgarh and Panna National parks famour for their high density of Tigers and their Safari excursions.
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Comments:
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Kumarakom is really a place with stunning beauty. Though it’s known more for backwaters but it’s also a prominent place for bird watching. Expensive but good.
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