Junaid Alam

There are millions and millions of travelers around the world who prefer to put through their vacations in India each year. The reasons are innumerable and countless, some may be those in search of spiritual peace and harmony. Travelers around the world take a lot of time to plan for their incredible India Tour or for celebrating holidays in India. Most of the times, an India tour is regarded a long tradition in some families especially in the western countries due to its historical connection. Nevertheless, there are also some families that choose not to take a tour to India. This attitude of the travelers is at peak especially during the time of terror attack. As peace is one of the first conditions to blossom the tour and travel industry. Another reason of apathetic attitude of the travelers is lack of basic infrastructure required for the tourism compared to other developed countries of the world. What is more required is the professional training to the local people as a part of responsible tourism. In spite of all these troubles, millions and millions of travelers are coming each year to this world destination called Incredible India!

On the other hand, India tour operators are required to offer the cheap tour packages to increase the volume of the travelers. While tailoring the family travel packages, India travel agent should keep in mind the budget of the below middle class family as per international norms. If the tour and India travel packages will become cheaper, this will also lead to the cultural interaction among the various nations of the world. Travelers will know more and more about the culture, history, geography, customs, traditions, nature's splendors etc. if all governments of the courtiers come together to make special provision or to assist the private tour operators to provide the cheapest travel packages to create an environment of the positive word tourism.

However, travelers coming to India find the travel packages that suit their budget especially while they are making holidays with their family. There are number of flights coming to India offer cheap air tickets. Even the travel agents in India offer the cheapest air tickets to the travelers via their high-tech travel portal. This may have the positive impact in the business of Indian tourism industry where an effort is being made to include a new class in the lines air travelers. The below middle class segment of the society can afford the rates offered to travel by air in India. So, when looking at the cost of a family tour to India, the travelers will find the numerous tourist destinations in India where they can have vacation with the family and friends or groups.

The same tendency of cheapest rate, travelers can find while searching for hotels in India. There are numerous budget hotels available in all the major tourist destinations of India. Normally three star hotels of India are believed to the budget hotels. In this area also, the Ministry of Tourism, IRCTC, India tour operators besides Corporate in hotel industry come together to provide all possible hospitality to the tourists coming from all parts of the world. For the easiness of the customers, the India travel agents via their travel site incorporate almost all types of hotels into their travel directory to offer the best services at budget rate available at the time of online hotel booking. In India, TravelChaCha has come out as one stop shop for all kinds of travel services.

Swamped into royal grandness and lasting legacy it has more than lots to tender tourists with unbeatable monuments and elegant palaces that grandly stand to recount the saga of bygone era, glorious past, rich cultural heritage, colorful culture & tradition, majestic monuments, wonderful forts, impressive palaces, tremendous temples, historical cities, rustic villages, shimmering sand dunes, exciting desert safaris, camel ride, forest safari, mountains, lakes, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and much more. So, these are emerging positive aspects in the evolutionary process of Incredible India which has to become the hub of travel and tourism in the list of world tourism.

India ia a nation of unity in diversity, has include rich history, culture, heritage, religions, traditions, cuisines and people. It is a magical domain and most people fall in love with this country as soon as they come here. Even after the modern influence of western countries, India still remains, somewhat, a conservative country. Some western habits are perceived as inappropriate and degrading if practiced by women here. Some travel tips for women travelers in India would make their trip more exciting and easy. Because of the social conservatism, it’s important that women travelers educate themselves to India’s social mores and culture to best prepare for a safe journey.

Women travelers in India should be extremely particular about their clothing, safety, packing , monetary matters, language and shopping. These tips will prove beneficial making your journey a lifetime experience. With regards to clothing tips for women travelers in India avoid wearing too revealing dresses. Low cut, tight-fitting shirts, tank tops, skirts that fall above the knees, shorts and bikinis are highly discouraged. While swimsuits can be worn in beach resort areas such as Goa, consider wearing a conservative one-piece and covering yourself with a sarong and t-shirt when you’re not sunbathing or when you are interacting with locals. Short sleeve cotton shirts can be worn in warmer climates but they should be loose fitting and not revealing. Observe the locals and dress a bit more conservatively than the most liberally dressed woman. You can incorporate some of the local dress into your outfits by shopping once you arrive in-country.Purchase a locally made blouse or delicate scarf or shawl to wear over your Western-style clothes

Safety tips for women travelers in India should be of the prime concern. You should be alert of the opportunistic thieves. Your personal safety and the potential theft of your belongings should be taken care of. To prevent sexual harassment, keep your arms folded in front of you in large crowds and on public transportation. It’s best not to initiate conversations that could be construed as flirtatious or personal and sidestep answering personal questions about yourself. If you’re traveling alone or with a female friend, invent a husband and make it clear that you are not interested in anyone else. Avoid situations where you may find yourself alone with a man. When traveling on public transportation, lock your bags together with a cable lock and then to a stationary object such as a bench or immovable seat.

The lighter the bag, the lesser you sag ! Nothing new to say here except ‘Travel Light’. Yet, in your enthusiasm to have a weightless bag, do not throw out the essentials. Inclusion of sun screen lotion, sun glasses, umbrella, brimmed hats is important to guard you against sun tan. Also include eye patches, camera, water bottle, first aid kit. Pack your bag according to the region and climate you are traveling in. Your day bag may contain the essentials (camera, book, lip balm, tissues, pen, journal, light snack). A bag made of slash-proof material and strap is ideal.

While traveling, you should be sure that you are carrying your money safely. Though there are no such risks of people snatching your money, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Pouches that can be fastened with an attached belt to your waist and can also be worn under clothing are best. This is the most popular and safest way to carry money safely. Your money and other valuable documents like ATM cards, passports and credit cards also in the pouch should be kept hidden from others. Keep some loose change in your pockets for giving to beggars who might mob you. Do not flash rolls of currency notes in front of them. You can also lose the purse and carry a variety of currency options in at least two locations on your body.

With regards to lingua franca, for most parts of India you won’t really need to mug up any local lingo. Yet, if sometime you get stuck, Hindi should help you get going. It is spoken in fair parts of north India and understood in the west too. Down south is the domain of the Dravidian languages. It’s either English or a regional language that will do the trick. So, pick up some words in both Hindi and regional language and get going.

The shopping enthusiast women cannot resist the temptation of picking up the Indian expertises. The the Indian bazaars – a place that puts your temptation resistance skills at test, are stuffed with bright and beautiful things – handicrafts, silks, ethnic jewelry, curios and what have you. You can shop till you drop. But you should try to strike the best deal so do not hesitate to bargain. Be ready to pay additional customs and handling charges.

No place round the globe is that safe for women traveler but keeping these tips in mind, your trip to India will at least be unscathed and secure. Wear your smile and stick tight to your sense of humor with presence of mind. It will definitely help you through the multitudinous complexities that make up a trip to this fascinating region.

There are Twenty Eight States and Seven Union Territories in India. based on the diversity in culture and geography of the regions.These Territories administered by the Central government.These Seven Union Territories based on the diversity in culture and geography of the regions. .These Union Territories of India are fast developing into a modern and beautiful belt for Industry and Tourism. With the online revolution of almost everything, travel chacha has been a pioneer in the world of tours and travels with almost all the facilities that are required to move during the holidays and all is available with travel chacha. On planning a tour or holiday, people get the headache of arranging for flight or train tickets and moving to small distances they require solutions from travel chacha and all these are made available by the travel guide of travelchacha. The travelchacha reviews will give a testimony of the facilities that people have acquired in all these years of service by travel cha cha.

Here are some major highlights of different parts of India.

North InAdia:
The main highlight of North India tour is golden triangle tour. The golden triangle is one of the most preferred tourist circuits in northern India covering Delhi,Agra and Jaipur as its destinations. Qutub Minar & Lotus Tempe in Delhi, Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, and Amber Fort & Hawa Mahal in Jaipur are key highlights of golden triangle. Varanasi, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Manali, Kashmir, etc are other famous Indian tourist destinations situated in northern region of India.

East India – East India is one of the most fascinating parts of country with tea plantations, verdant hills, rich flora & fauna, wildlife sanctuaries & national parks, Buddhist monasteries, and opportunity for adventure and sport activities. Darjeeling Hill Station, Gangtok (Sikkim), Kolkata, Kaziranga National Park, ManasWildlife Sanctuary, etc are popular northeast India travel destinations. You will love a lot traveling in northeastern part of India.

West India – Mumbai is the most convenient destination for starting tourism and holiday tours in western part of India. Mumbai is itself a major India touristdestination with lots of fascinating and deserving tourist attractions like Victoria Terminus, Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, etc. Goa is globally famous for its beautiful beaches and magnificent churches & convents. Ajanta & Ellora Caves in Aurangabad are very popular among culture vultures coming from different parts of the world. Whatever corner of India you will travel in, you will have a great tourism and marvelous holiday experience that will last forever.

South India – Holiday in Southern India offers vacationers a wonderful opportunity to get away from the crowds and see some wonderful and fascination travel destination of India tourism. The highlight of south India tour is Kerala one of the most charming and captivating states of India. It is known for beautiful beaches, verdant hill stations, scenic & serene backwaters, luxuriant jade green plantations, fragrant tea & spice plantations, etc. West India – Mumbai is the most convenient destination for starting tourism and holiday tours in western part of India.

Tourist Places in India:

Are you planning for India Tours! Then we offer you detailed information and relevant updates on the varied tourist attraction spots of the country. If you're on a vacation to India a visit to these places offers you fascinating glimpses of the rich art and culture of the country. Moreover some of these places are also well reckoned for their unique natural beauty.
Taj Mahal — Regarded as “Seven Wonders of The World” this marvelous architectural wonder leaves every tourist awe-struck. Built by Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife this wonderful dome structure presents fascinating glimpses of Mughal art and history. Located in the historic city of Agra its just 200 kms away from New Delhi

Kerala — Situated towards the Southern part of India the state attracts the highest number of tourists from different parts of the world. The serene calm backwaters, the lush green coastal paddy fields and age old temples contributes to its added attraction. You can get more information on this through India Travel news.

Rajasthan — Home to some of the wide array of luxuriously designed palaces and mansions, it also houses some of the best luxury hotels in India. Also widely known for its vivid festivities, colorful historic forts and rich tradition.

Goa — Wide stretches of crystal clear blue beaches and well designed age-old white churches makes Goa the best place to spend a lovely vacation. Also the cool weather of the state along with fine hospitality services and scope for innumerable recreation activities contributes in making Goa the best beach destination.

To know more about the varied tourist attractions in the country travelchacha.com India serves your best guide!

There are Twenty Eight States and Seven Union Territories in India. based on the diversity in culture and geography of the regions.These Territories administered by the Central government.These Seven Union Territories based on the diversity in culture and geography of the regions. .These Union Territories of India are fast developing into a modern and beautiful belt for Industry and Tourism.

1. New Delhi:Delhi known by the official name National Capital Territory of Delhi, is the largest city by area and the second-largest city by population in India and eighth in the world by population.Delhi is located on banks of yamuna river one of the holy river in India.Delhi tours has many tourist attraction form all around the world.

Qutub Minar: The tallest monument in India

Red Fort: Red Fort is a fascinating building, built with red sandstones is an example of the rich Mughal architecture.it is a venue to the Independence Day parade of India.

Lotus Temple: a beautiful white marble building and a place of worship

Famous Markets in Delhi

Chandni Chowk
South Extension
Lajpat Nagar Central Market
Connaught Place
Karol Bagh
Palika Bazaar
Janpath
Khan Market
Vasant Vihar

Andaman Nicobar:The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands consisting of about 293 islands is situated in the Bay of Bengal. Andaman roup of islands consists of North Andaman, Middle Andaman. South Andaman and Little Andaman besides many smaller islands.Nicobar group of islands comprises Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar, Nancowry, Katchal and Chowra. The headquarters of this Union Territory is at Port Blair, situated in South Andaman Island.The topography of the islands is hilly & they abound in evergreen forests.Timber is plentiful and of a vast variety. The white sandy beaches have a back drop of luxuriant greenery & in the clear blue waters of the lagoons enclosed by coral reefs is an underwater world full of fish of every possible variety.

Area: 8248 sq.kms

Best Season: October to April
Clothings: Cottons throughout the year
Languages Spoken: Nicobari, Bengali, Tamil, Telegu, Malayalam, Hindi, English

PLACES OF INTEREST

Cellular Jail
Anthropological Museum
Marine Museum
Cottage Industries Museum
Mini Zoo
Chatham Saw Mill
Corbyn's Cove Beach
Marine Park
Viper Island
Sippighat water Sports Complex
EXCURSIONS

Sippighat Farm
Chiriya Tapu
Wandoor Beach
Havelock Island
Jolly Buoy

3. Daman and Diu: Daman and Diu is located on western coast of India,Daman city is the capital having an area of 72km.Daman and Diu is the second smallest among the other union territories in India.It has a mix culture of Indian and Portuguese.A trip to the famous beaches,Portuguese churches and forts of Daman and Diu can not be forgettable.

4:Chandigarh:The Population 900,635. Chandigarh has become a role model in using information technology.The Union Territory Chandigarh has limited area under Agriculture. The agricultural land is being gradually acquired for the expansion of Chandigarh City, and cultivated area has shrunk from 5,441 hectares in 1966 to 1,400 hectares in 2002-03. Government has taken many innovative and novel measures like Wedding Tourism . With the focus on extending efficient medical, Educational and Entertainment oriented facilities. Chandigarh International Airport will prove to be a big leap for Tourism in the region. Real Estate .

5:Dadra and Nagar Haveli:Lush green forests, meandering rivers, large waterfronts, cascading waterfalls, the gentle gurgle of streams, the distant hills, a gorgeous kaleidoscope of flora and fauna…yes, it is the serene and sylvan land of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Nature at her best. Sandwiched between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, it is located in the western corner of India. As a union territory, it is quite small, confined as it is to an area less than 500 sq. km, covered with tall, awesome trees and winding rivers.

Population :220,490
Capital :Silvassa
Area :491 sq km
Languag :Bhili/Bildoli, Gujarati, Hindi, English
Best time to visit:November to March

6:Pondicherry:Pondicherry is a blend of spiritual institution, French colonial heritages, Tamil culture and a cosmopolitan form of life. The city is full of French colonial buildings, clean and wide streets and the sprawling premises of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. This territory is important from spiritual as well as from cultural point of view.Pondicherry’s beauty lies in its un-spoilt beaches and well laid out parks and gardens. The city’s temples and churches and imposing monuments of the colonial era are some of the worth visiting sites in this small port city.But today’s attraction of Pondy is due to the presence of Auroville, the city of Dawn. It is a perfect place to search for the Divine. The meditation experience in this spherical house (Matri Mandir) is really exciting.

7:Lakshadweep:Lakshadweep is a group of 36 coral islands that nestle on the southwest zone of Indian sub-continent. Crowning the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is the smallest and most charming union territory of India. You might have traveled to many islands in different parts of the world, but Lakshadweep is like nothing you would have ever seen or even imagined.Some Best Places to see:Agatti Beach,Kadmat Island,Bangaram Island,Kavaratti Beach, Minicoy Island,Coral Reef,Kalpeni Beach

A travel India blog on travel Destinaion in India with travel stories and Information, worked with travelGuide, Whether you want to 'travel India' in style by staying at some of the world’s leading luxury hotels and palaces,sancturies,beaches,menuments India,safri tour India,Backwters India

You will love to Travel India and explore Indian wildlife which is rich in its flora and fauna.Travel India has got some of the world's most famous wildlife sanctuaries, where the flora and fauna are at its best

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary:
During theTravel India Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the best it is situated in Bharatpur rajasthan in India. It is the only wildlife sanctuary in India that is artificially made by a Maharaja. One of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is located in Bharatpur city of Rajasthan and also known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Indigenous water birds and many migratory water birds can be seen in this sanctuary along with larger animals such as Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.

Corbett National Park:
During theTravel India you must visit Corbett National Park.It is situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand.it is famous for its Tigers, Leopards and Elephants.it is established in 1936. Corbett National Park India's first national park.Corbett supports a variety of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the Tiger and its prey.Corbett National Park covers 520 sq kms area.presntly every season more than 70,000 visitors come to the park India and other countries.

Gir National Park: Situated in Sesan Gujarat.Established in 1965.The count of 2,375 distinct fauna species of Gir includes about 38 species of mammals, around 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and more than 2,000 species of insects.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in Alwar Rajasthan.Sariska is probably one of the most visited parks in India. Unfortunately though, the main reason for this is not wildlife enthusiasm but only it's excellent proximity to some large towns like Delhi and Jaipur(pink city).when you travel india Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is best place

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in Idukki Kerala in india .Wild animals especially tigers frequently come out of the forest to drink water from the lake. Lake Palace and Aranya Nivas are two idyllic accommodation
options set in the sylvan lake side background. The Lake Palace, built on a small island accessible only by boat, is one of the unique boarding places in the world where wild animals can be sighted from the bedroom window.

us.travelchacha.com provided the Some travel tips to help you avoid serious difficulties during your time journey.
We wish you a safe and Happy journey!

Carefully check your travel documents and always keep photocopy copies of your passport details, insurance policy, visa, credit card numbers.

When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under its jurisdiction.

Keep some ready cash in your purse, including foreign currency and Indian rupees. It is not easy to find credit or debit card machines in smaller towns.To avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Avoid wearing anything that contains metal when traveling through the security checkpoint.

Try not to travel alone at night.

Do not discuss travel plans with strangers.

Beware of pickpockets

Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby.

Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe.

Consult your doctor before you bring medications

Avoid using short cuts, narrow alleys.

Whrn you travel India You must visit the Mumbai bcoz Mumbai known as the financial capital of India or the city of dreams or the city that never sleeps and many more such tags are attached with this city but the most apt is probably Mumbai- The city of stars "Bollywood". It is the largest film producing state in the world with more than 1000 films produced in a year. Mumbai is, without any doubt, the fashion capital of India.

Gateway of India Mumbai:
The Gateway of India is situated on the waterfront in South Mumbai. Anyone coming to Mumbai from this harbor is greeted by the huge monument, which stands as a testimony to the imperial bygone era of the city.
The architecture of the Gateway of Travel India comprises of a huge arch, which is approximately 26 m in height. The entire structure has been made by using yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. It has mainly been constructed as per the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. One can also find the features of the Muslim architectural styles that were very much popular in Gujarat in the 16th century. The top of the monument stands adorned with a central dome, which has a diameter of 15 m.

Prince of Wales Museum:
The Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai has been renamed as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. The museum was set up in the beginning of the 20th century to honor the visit of King George V’s to India, while he was still the Prince of Wales. Built by George Wittet the museum is located in the heart of South Mumbai at a stone’s throw distance from the Gateway of India. The Prince of Wales Museum or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya has an architecture exhibiting Indo-Saracenic style with an imposing white dome adding to its grandeur. As one of the best museums in India, the Prince of Wales Museum has three main sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History.

Mahalaxmi Temple:
Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the most prominent and scared temple in Mumbai, located at the coast on the north side of Malabar Hills. This temple is mainly dedicated to goddess Mahalaxmi and shrines the other goddesses are MahaKali and MahaSaraswati.
The Mahalaxmi Temple was built about the year in 1785. The history of the Mahalaxmi Temple is purportedly associated with the building of the “Hornby Vellard”. The engineers were facing the problems and enabled to connect the area of Mahalaxmi by Worli developing Breach Candy. The plan that was so difficult was dropped due to cruel tides. Suddenly on day, the goddess Mahalaxmi emerged in the chief engineer’s dream and asked him to constitute the pilgrimage of her at the original spot. Everything was cleared in his mind and he established the temple of Mahalaxmi and also built the Breach Candy successfully.
Five worship services are offered each day here. The first one is at 5 am, and it involves the waking of the deity with a Kakada - torch, to the accompaniment of hymns. The second worship service at 8 am involves the offeirng of the Shodashopachara pooja consisting of 16 elements. The afternoon and evening services and the Shejaarati pooja constitute the three other services.
Address:
Shree Karveer Nivasini Mahalakshmi Temple , Kolhapur-416012,Maharashtra. Phone : 0231- 2626147.
Manager : Dhanaji Jadhav -254779.
Other FamousTemples Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir,Walkeshwar temple,ISKCON temple,Babulnath Temple

The Tomb of Haji Ali:
Haji Ali Dargah was built in the year 1431 by a rich Muslim merchant, Haji Ali. According to the saga, the great saint was drowned at the place devotees built a mosque on the very place. While the other version says that He died on his tour to Mecca and his dead-body was put in a casket, which floated back on the sea flowing in Bombay. The casket was found and with paying tribute a tomb was built with His name.Haji Ali is visited by devotees from different walks of life. Every week, on Thursdays and Fridays about 40,000 pilgrims step into the dargah for offering prayer to the legendary saint. Religious activities and other issues relating Dargah is taken care of by the Sunni Barelvi Movement of India.

Chowpatty:
Chowpatty is a major tourist attraction in Mumbai. The charm of Chwpatti Beach gets increased much more during the annual Ganesh Chatturathi Festival. A visit to this beach provides an interesting outing with many permanent little kiosks. Chowpatty acts as a base "station between" leading upto Malabar Hill as it is linked to Malabar Hill, Girgaum, Gamdeviand Khetwadi
At the northen end of Marine Drive, Chowpatty beach bears the festive attraction. Chowpatty is a place with major attraction for children. There are many things for amusement like The Ferris Wheels, Merry-goround, Camel ride and pony ride. "Bhel- Puri" of Chawpatti is famous all over India, besides there are many other mouth watering attractions available at Chowpatty like golas, chat and kulfi. Snake charmers monkey shows, eunuchs, astrologers and drug peddlers are some other sources of entertainment. The recently opened "Nana Nani Park" along Chowpatty Beach serves good for the elderly to walk around in, sit and enjoy the sea breeze.

Aurangabad:
Aurangabad is one of the oldest cities in Maharashtra with a cultural heritage that includes, the Ajanta – Ellora caves and Daulatabad Fort. The town is named after Aurangzeb, the last Mughal emperor, and has many places to see, admire and know about. The most famous trip that should be taken from Aurangabad is that of the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Several fine Mughal monuments surround Aurangabad, including Aurangazeb’s mausoleum for his wife, the ‘Bibi-ka-Maqbara’ resembling Taj Mahal.

Khandala:

Khandal is more of a hill station which ideally makes it the most famous tourist spot near Mumbai. It is located 101 km southeast of Mumbai amidst the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra. It is full of natural scenic beauty to capture ones insight. The place is appreciated with all the traits for travel and tourism requirements. Set and surrounded by the landscape beauty of natural greenery, peaceful environment, pollution free atmosphere indeed makes Khandala an ideal getaway location for the people who wish to seek some solace and solitary confinement yet with some amount of fun away from the hustling and bustling of the ever growing populated city of Mumbai. As an adventure lover, one can enjoy trekking, hiking and rock-climbing.

Lonavala:

Lonavala is a popular hill station at a height of 625 meters above the sea level in the western region of the state Maharashtra. The expanse of this exquisite hill station is about 38 square km. Lonavala, located by Sir Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay Presidency in 1871, derived its name from a Sanskrit word Lonavli means caves. The plenty of caves like Bhaja caves, Bedsa caves and Karla caves brought the name Lonavala to the city.This has been famed as a health resort due to its unpolluted environments and the pleasant climate all through the year. This is attracted by thousands of tourists, domestic as well as foreign, every year. Monsoon is the best climate with waterfalls, thriving lakes with full of water and lush greeneries all around. Chikki, the hard candy sweet, is a specialty item in Lonavala and is famous among the visitors to Lonavala.

Agra,it is situated on the banks of holy river Yamuna in India.Agra is the third largest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India,here many amazing Mughal monuments can be found.

Monuments in Agra:

Birbal's Palace:
Raja Birbal (1528-1586) was a courtier in the administration of the Mughal emperor Akbar and one of his most trusted members along with being a part of Akbar's inner council of nine advisors, known as the 'navaratana', a Sanskrit word meaning 'nine jewels'. Birbal's duties in Akbar's court were mostly military and administrative but he was also a very close friend of the king, who liked Birbal most for his wit as well as his wisdom, Birbal’s Palace, also known as Northern Palace of the Haram Sara is an integral part of the Imperial Harem in Fatehpur Sikri.

Buland Darwaza:
The Buland Darwaza is a grand gateway located in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. This triumphal arch was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, when he defeated the king of Khandesh or Gujarat in 1573.


Diwan-I-Am:
This hall was also used for celebrations and public prayers. Beautiful jali screen on either sides separated the ladies attending the court.The importance of Diwan-I-Am is unquestionably connected with the importance of the Agra Fort. The powerful fortress encloses Agra, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers with its famous and exquisite buildings.


Diwan-askhana-I-khas:
To the right is an apparently looking two storeyed building, with corner kiosks, known as diwan-khana-I-khaas or Hall Of Private Audience. On entering it, one finds only a single vaulted chamber. In the centre stands a profusely carved column supporting a collosal-bracketed capital.


Sunehra Makan:
Sunehra Makan (Golden House), the palace of Akbar’s Christian wife, Maryam, is situated close to the palace of Jodh Bai in Fatehpur Sikri in Agra District. The palace gets the name ‘golden house’ because of the golden paint on the faded murals.


The Jami Masjid:
In the inner courtyard on the east is Shah Jahan’s mosque or Jami masjid, another white marble mosque. of all the monuments within the dargah complex, Shah Jahan’s masjid is needed the most spectacular. This 45m long mosque with 11 arches bears Persian inscriptions under its eaves and is surrounded on three sides by an intricately carved balustrade. The arches are not true arches but merely curved brackets meeting in the centre to hold up the ceiling.

The Treasury:
To the left of the Diwan-I-Khaas is the Treasury or Ankh Michauli, once believed to have been used for playing the game, comprising three rooms each protected by a narrow corridor which were manned by guards.

Hawa Mahal And Nagina Masjid:
Nagina Masjid's architecture is very simple with less decoration. The mosque is divided into three bays by simple pillars supporting the pointed arches above. Nagina Masjid is located at the Northern side of Harem Sara, near the viaduct connecting Hiran Minar.

Turkish Sultana's House:
Though some people suggest that this building near Anup Talao was the home of two turkish queens of Akbar called Salima Sultan Begum and Ruqayya Begum, Turkish Sultana's House is too small for being a residential building. It is more probably the 'Hujra-I-Anup Talao, mentioned by Badauni, a pleasure pavilion attached to the pond and might have been used by the Turkish queens for this purpose. The pavilion has square piers. It is connected to the ground floor of the Khwabgah complex through a colonnaded verandah and has a portico in the west. Both the verandah and portico has a stone screen with latticework.


Palace of Jodha Bai:
Jodha Bai Palace is a blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles which you can see in columns and cupolas. When you enter inside the palace, the Hawa Mahal a projecting room will fascinate you with its fabulous stone lattice work. During Mughal period, this palace was used by the ladies of the court to keep a quiet eye on events below

Dargah Of Sheikh Salim Chisti:
Salim Chisti was a greatly revered Sufi during Mughal Period. The Mughal Emperor Akbar came to the his camp, deep in the desert, seeking a male heir to his throne. Salim Chisti blessed Akbar, and soon the first of three sons was born to him. He named his first son Salim (later emperor Jahangir) in honor of Salim Chisti. Akbar held the Sufi in such high regard that he had a great city Fatehpur Sikri built around the Sufi Saint's camp.

Varanasi is an pilgrimage cente of hindus.Varanasiis situated along the west bank of the Ganges in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.Benares is the oldest living city in the world.According to Marck Twain"Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth.Attracting over a million pilgrims every year, it lives and breathes traditional Hindu religion and culture.Temples form the major source of tourism here and the banks of the Ganges, the centre of much of the religious activity that occurs in the city. it is the hub of many traditional industries and is world famous for its silks. The town does a roaring trade in tourism and its infrastructure, hotels, transport.The best season to visit Varanasi and its temples is between October and March. Some of the major festivals and cultural events also take place in this period.