Country Guide

Welcome to Incredible India, where culture echoes, tradition speaks and beauty enthralls. Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites, royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities.

Step into a world of resplendent colours, wide-open spaces and exotic cultural treasures. A vacation in India is a treat itself, when you see magnificent monuments, heritage temples and the vibrant celebration of Indian festivals on your Holiday. The sight of the ethereal Taj Mahal in Agra will mesmerize you. Travel to snow-clad mountains, breathtaking beaches, sandy desert and dense green forests in India. Sunbathe on beautiful beaches, see elephants and tigers in the jungle, and watch a peacock dance in the rain. Taste delicious cuisine, shop for exquisite textiles and handicrafts in India and gather unforgettable memories on your Indian Holiday

With its history stretching back to 3200 BC, there is so much to see & explore in India, that one visit is just not enough. We give below a very brief glimpse of the must see places in India.

NORTH INDIA – Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh

WEST INDIA – Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra

SOUTH INDIA - Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu

EAST INDIA - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal

DELHI - India’s capital city. Delhi is the second most widely used entry point into the country, being on the route of most major airlines. It is well linked by rail, air and road to all parts of the country. The Pandavas, the august heroes of the epic Mahabharata, originally founded Delhi, then called Indraprastha, around 1200 B.C.

Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities. It blends a historic past and a vibrant present. The Imperial city planned for the British by Lutyens is set in parks and shaded avenues. Most fascinating of all is the character of Delhi which varies from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi kings set in a sprawling park to ultra modern chrome and glass skyscrapers; and from imperial India’s Parliament House and the President’s Palace to the never ending bustle of the walled city surrounding Jama Masjid.

HIMACHAL PRADESH is a tiny hill state whose pleasant summers make it a popular holiday resort. The Raj still lingers in Shimla, the state capital and former summer capital during British rule. Kullu-Manali are neighbouring resorts, surrounded by pine covered hills and lush meadows. Himachal has, in addition to popular resort towns, a series of secluded hill retreats ideal for interested anglers, trekkers and those wanting a quiet getaway. Many of these include: from Shimla – Mashobra, Kufri, and Naldehra; those around Kullu-Manali include Manikaran, Naggar and Brighu Lake; the barely accessible valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are a trekker’s delight.

Shimla Situated in the northwest Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Spread across 12 kms along a ridge that overlooks terraced hillsides and cultivations, Shimla is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak and pine, fur and rhododendron, and it is best to travel here on the slow train from Kalka. Shimla also is a convenient base for variety of adventure sports such as Skiing, Trekking, Fishing and Golfing etc.

JAMMU AND KASHMIR Jammu and Kashmir, India’s fascinating northernmost state consists of three regions differing in topography and culture. Jammu was the stronghold of Hindu Dogra kings and abounds with popular temples and secluded forest retreats. Kashmir’s capital city, Srinagar offers delightful holidays on the lakes with their shikaras and houseboats. Ladakh is the northern most province of the state, with a bleak terrain of barren mountains. Hilltop monasteries and a colourful way of life, completely at one with the surroundings, make Ladakh one of the best living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in the world today. Amongst the three regions of Jammu & Kashmir State, Jammu, perhaps, offers the widest diversity of terrain and beauty. The entire region is pocketed with lakes and valleys, some still little explored

RAJASTHAN - India’s desert state was once a collection of princely kingdoms where feudal traditions still carry on amidst forts and palace hotels.

Rajasthan had as many as 19 small kingdoms in the past namely, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Bikaner, Kota, Kishangadh, Karauli, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer, Alwar, Tonk, Dholpur, Sirohi, Dungarpur, Pratapgadh, Banswara, Jahalwara & Shahpur. With a desert covering nearly one third of the state, Rajasthan has numerous tales of romance & beauty unmatched in India and the world.

Jaipur is the capital city, is also known as the Pink City has three hill forts and series of palaces. Jaipur's bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares.

Udaipur The most romantic city in Rajasthan, built around the lovely Lake Pichola, has been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, the city is a harmonious Indian blend of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces, lakeside gardens, temples and havelis (traditional mansions).

Jodhpur's exquisitely lovely fort, now a museum; art deco royal palace converted into a hotel, and quaint markets, all vividly testify to the history of the princely state.

Jaisalmer, in the heart of the desert, is surrounded by sand dunes, which rendered the sand coloured fort impregnable. Today it is an inhabited city whose chief attraction is lacy filigree of pierced stonework facades of private houses, and a series of ornately carved Jain temples.

Bikaner too has echoes of the past in its sandstone palace, temples and cenotaphs.

UTTAR PRADESH

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is associated with the princely court of Oudh and then with the British, both traditions lingering on in the city whose finest monument is the Bara Imambara. Further east, Varanasi is the oldest city in India. An important center of Hindu pilgrimage, it is believed that those who die in Varanasi will be released from the cycle of rebirth. Pious Hindus still come to Varanasi to spend their last days, living in Spartan communes run by a multitude of religious trusts. The focus of interest to a visitor is the sacred River Ganges, where people come to wash away their sins by bathing in the river, the dead are cremated and holy men meditate. In the narrow by lanes of the city are crowded bazaars selling brassware and silk brocades.

 Agra, the city of the inimitable Taj Mahal is also a business center-known for its craftsmen & handicrafts. Marble, soft stone inlay work, carpet and leather goods are some important traditional crafts of the city Agra, and the nearby city of Fatehpur Sikri. Besides the Taj Mahal there are other historic sites such as the Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-ud-Daulah.

GUJARAT

Gujarat is one of India's most industrialized states, in western India, covering an area of 196,024 sq km (75,685 sq mi). It has a fertile plain land in the south cut by several rivers, low hills in the west, and broad mudflats in the north that adjoin the Thar (Great Indian) Desert. The most convenient entry point into Gujarat is through the metropolis of

Ahmedabad The city contains some very fine museums, the Calico Museum of Textiles being considered among the worlds finest. Ahmedabad blends harmoniously an ancient heritage with a vibrant present. The city's prosperous and eventful past and present is embodied in its rich kaleidoscope of history, art and culture, rich architecture and imposing monuments. Tourists can visit Ahmedabad throughout the year. Modern Ahmedabad, just across the River Sabarmati spanned by four bridges, is a showpiece of contemporary architecture with designs by Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and the best-known Indian architects. Ahmedabad is a convenient base for a number of excursions

Modhera being the best known. 106 km away, this is one of the very few sun temples in the country.

Palitana, 215 km away, is a hilltop place of pilgrimage for Jains. 863 temples of all sizes crowd the hill, which has to be approached on foot. Stone and marble spires with their rich detail of carving make for Palitana’s very special appeal. Portuguese rule in India included the territories of Goa, Daman and Diu, the last two lying within the state of Gujarat.

GOA

Goa is the most comprehensive beach resort in the country. Goa’s coastline provides endless sun drenched crescents of sand. Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute and Candolim stretch out in an unbroken palm fringed line. Other beaches are at Miramar and Colva. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available. In addition, every sort of accommodation fringes the beaches, from deluxe resorts to budget lodgings Inland, 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goa’s towns and villages with a unique culture. Whitewashed chapels and churches that dot the landscape are surrounded by sleepy villages and rice fields.

Panjim, the capital city, and Margao, an important town, have private houses and government buildings that date back to Portuguese times. Old Goa, now deserted, has a collection of Goa’s largest churches: Se Cathedral with its Iberian exterior, Bom Jesu which enshrines the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and the starkly beautiful Convent of Saint Monica are a few of these. Mapusa, a market town, comes alive every Friday with a quaint pavement bazar.

MADHYA PRADESH

Madhya Pradesh is geographically the heartland of India. It’s a huge plateau streaked with meandering rivers, surrounded by the mighty Vindhya and Satpura hill ranges and some of the richest tropical forests anywhere. MP is also an unique harmonious amalgam of ancient and modern. One of the oldest monuments in the history of Indian art - the 2200-year old Buddhist stupa at Sanchi-and the 20th century's contribution of Bhilai, the fast growing steel city.

Gwalior is the state’s northernmost city and a convenient entry point. Gwalior’s landmark is its hilltop fort that contains a fine museum and an ancient temple. 120 km from Gwalior is the medieval city of Orchha with exquisite palaces and cenotaphs. Built by an 11th century king of the Bundela dynasty, Orchha is now a ghost city containing the remains of what must have been once spectacularly lovely monuments, and which combine Hindu and Muslim architectural traditions.

Khajuraho, an obscure village, no more than a clearing in the jungle, now captures world attention for its 22 temples built by rulers of the Chandela dynasty. Carved spires and walls distinguish each temple, built of stone, where the subjects range from aesthetic depictions of major and minor deities and celestial beings to a variety of erotic sculptures.

Bhopal, the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh, has grown around a large lake, the ornamental newer part of the city being roughly opposite the labyrinthine lanes of the old town. Craft – notably velvet handbags studded with stones, and lacy silverwork – is practiced in narrow alleyways that lead off from domed mosques in the old city.

Sanchi is an unmatched repository of Buddhist art and architecture. Located on a secluded hill crowned by a group of stupas and gateways, it occupies a unique position in the history of Buddhism. The most delicate carvings that depict various incidents in the Buddha’s life as well as important teachings embellish its stupas, chaityas, temples, monasteries and gateways.

MAHARASHTRA

Maharashtra is the most fascinating region of India. This third largest state and one of the most industrially and commercially developed states of India. Its capital city Mumbai is the true Financial and Industrial capital of India. Maharashtra offers a traveler idyllic bliss in a land blessed by nature. Quiet and beautiful hill stations, secluded palm-shaded golden beaches, placid lakes and warm springs and a variety of wildlife. These are all part of a land created as it were only for a relaxing holiday. Places of Interest in Maharashtra:

Ajanta/Ellora- Frescoes and Sculpture in Buddhist caves. Zenith of Indian art.

Aurangabad-Historical city full of Mughal monuments, Buddhist Cave Temples.

Panhala-Temples, Shrines, Fort, Hill station

Lonavala/Khandala/Karla-Hill Station, Caves

Shirdi-Mosque, Pilgrim Center, Shrines, associated with Shree Saibaba

Mahableshwar-Hill resort, Temples, Picnic spot. Lake, Boating, fishing, Waterfalls..

Mumbai is the gateway to India & capital of Maharashtra. Mumbai was once a cluster of seven islands called Heptanasia by Plotemy in AD 150. The word Mumbai (locally called) however, is derived from Mumba Devi or Maha Amba Aai, the patron goddess of the kolis or fisher folk, who have been its original inhabitants.

Mumbai’s Gothic architecture is embodied in the Gateway of India, Bombay High Court, Old Secretariat, University Buildings and Victoria Terminus. Open spaces in this crowded city include Chowpatty Beach, Juhu Beach and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the latter a fine wildlife park at Borivili. Bombay is the country’s premier cultural center. Jehangir Art Gallery attracts regular art exhibitions; Prithvi Theatre is well known for its theatrical performances, and the National Center for Performing Arts periodically hosts Indian and international concerts of music and dance. The city’s shopping embraces informal fashion and accessories at Colaba Causeway, antiques – and clever reproductions of antiques – at Chor Bazar, gold and diamond jewellery at Jhaveri Bazar, high fashion at Kemps Corner, Bhulabhai Desai Road and the air-conditioned shopping plaza at The Oberoi

ANDHRA PRADESH

Andhra Pradesh is the fifth largest state in India. It was once a part of the Mauryan Empire during the reign of Ashoka, and an important Buddhist center. One can still see evidence of the early Buddhist influence in Amaravathi and at Nagarjunakonda, among the greatest archaeological sites in the country. Later, it came under the hegemony of the Chalukyas and in the 10th century was engulfed by the Chola kingdom. Subsequently, it witnessed the sway of Muslim rulers and in 1713 A.D. it passed into the hands of a commander of the Mughal army under Aurangzeb. Finally, it succumbed to the rule of the hereditary monarchs known as the Nizams of Hyderabad and remained with them till India attained independence.

Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh was founded in the late 6'th century by Qutab Shahi dynasty line of Kings known for their beautiful monuments and mosques, Medieval Indian, Saracenic, Mughal and Colonial architecture which, create an architectural richness rarely found in other parts of the country.

Hyderabad has the atmosphere of an Arabian Nights fairy tale. Whimsical palaces, erstwhile stately homes and crowded bazaars filled with shops selling Hyderabadi pearls, incense and copper utensils characterize the city, while in the distance looms Golconda Fort. The city’s historical connection traces itself to the rulers or Nizams whose wealth was legendary. Rooms full of jewels and currency notes, a garage full of gleaming Rolls Royce’s are all now part of history, but a unique culture lives on, colouring the city with its distinctive charm

Much of Hyderabad’s old town can be covered on foot. The city’s important landmarks include Charminar, a 16th century gateway; the Salar Jung Museum that exhibits priceless treasures alongside trivia that made up the personal collection of the owner; Mecca Mosque and Golconda Fort. Nagarjunakonda is the site of ongoing excavations, which have revealed Buddhist temples, stupas and monasteries. Today, Hyderabad is one of the prime ‘Silicon Valley’ of India.

KARNATAKA

Karnataka is situated on the western edge of the Deccan plateau. It history dates back more than 2000 years. Starting with the rule of the Nandas, Mauryas, and the Satavahanas, Karnataka came to have indigenous dynasties like the Kadambas of Banavasi and the Gangas from the middle of the 4th century AD. The Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas and others also once ruled over it. The main cities in Karnataka are Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Hubli and Belgaum.

Bangalore

Bangalore is the capital and home to a fascinating legacy of richly carved temples, imposing mosques and trappings of a royal past. Now the prime IT city in India, Bangalore is also famous as the city of gardens. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings

At once a modern industrial city, a shopper’s paradise and a gracious legacy of the British, Bangalore is renowned as much for its industrial plants as for its silk saris, and for the sprawling Cubbon Park, which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course.

Mysore, the second larger city in Karnataka is a profusion of palaces and museums. Nearby Srirangapatnam is linked to the memory of one of the old state’s best-known rulers – Tipu Sultan. Somnathpur, a few miles away, has a magnificently carved temple. Belur and Halebid have between them a series of carved stone temples also a short distance away, Shravanbelagola is famous as the pinnacle of the sculptor’s art. A figure 120 meters tall, Gometeseswara has been carved out of a single piece of granite in 183 AD. Every 12 years, the figure is ritually bathed by priests and witnessed by millions of devotees in one of the most colorful festivals of the austere Jain religion.

KERALA

Kerala popularly known as ‘God’s Own Country’ conjures up images of lush paddy fields and coconut grooves, swirling rivers and waterfalls, somnolent lakes, racing snake boats, sleepy villages pristine in their pastoral innocence, magnificent temples, the poetic rhythm of Mohiniyattom and the artistry of Kathakali.

One of the most exotic destinations of India, Kerala enchants with the magic of the Indian legacy. The beaches, wildlife, backwaters, and the other charismatic dimension of Kerala, all take you to the world of unbelievable exploration. Kerala - an abode where heaven meets the Earth. A land of sparkling blue, enchanting houseboats and lofty hill stations.

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), is the state capital has an exceptionally fine museum set in an amusement park. 16 km away is Kovalam, one of the most popular beaches in the country. Many visitors stay at Kovalam, driving into Thiruvananthapuram for sightseeing trips, rather than the other way round. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, and Padmanabhapuram Palace, both a short drive away, are important monuments.

Cochin, with a fine natural harbour, has been Kerala’s center of maritime trade for innumerable centuries. Along the harbour, rows of antediluvian Chinese fishing nets indicate Kerala’s trade with China, just as buildings along the water’s edge testify to the erstwhile presence of Dutch and Portuguese colonisers. Jew town, complete with an immaculately preserved synagogue, has a flavor all its own, while Tripunathura, at the other end of the city, has many traditional houses with central courtyards.

Kerala’s multitude of faiths – Islam, Judaism, and a host of sects of Christianity and Hinduism – all coexist harmoniously in a state that is known for its Marxist inclinations! Kerala’s traditions of dance forms, which originated from temple worship, can be witnessed at regularly held performances. Kathakali, Teyyam, and Kalaripayata, the indigenous art of self defence; all are a part of Kerala’s remarkable heritage of performing arts, and can be witnessed at various centers in Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram. A five hour drive from Cochin leads into thickly forested hills, past rubber and spice plantations, and into southern India’s tea growing district headquartered at the charmingly old world Munnar. From Kottayam to Alleppey is a world of palm-fringed waterways, a route that is covered by the famous houseboats of Kerala.

TAMIL NADU

Located in South East of India, is Tamil Nadu, known as the cradle of south Indian temple architecture. Tamil Nadu is a bastion of Hinduism, whose past endures into the present. Temples with towering spires called gopurams are a common feature of this state, seldom seen anywhere else in the country. Temples in Tamil Nadu were the fulcrum of society and even today art forms that have their origin in religious worship continue to colour daily life. Notable among these are splendid bronzes of deities, painting on glass and Bharatnatyam, an evocative dance form.

The main festival of the state is Pongal, which is a harvest festival celebrated in the month of January. Feasting, music and dance mark this festival. Ritual bathing marks another festival, Thaipusam, celebrated in the month of January/February in Thanjavur and Palani. Several temple car festivals are held throughout the state, the primary ones being at Kanchipuram, Tiruchirapalli, Rameshwaram, Chidambaram, and Thiruvarur.

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is also its principal harbour and has one of the finest beaches in Asia. It was founded at Fort St. George in 1640 A.D. by Francis Day of the East India Company. 64 kms from Chennai, connected by regular bus-services is Mahabalipurum, a major beach resort also famous for its magnificent monuments hewn out of rock. Kanchipuram, the capital of the Pallava and dynasty is one of the serene sacred cities of India. It is situated 76 kms from Chennai, 35 kms from Chingleput & 64 kms from Mahabalipuram via Chingleput

Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram and Thanjavur are good examples of temple towns where within the temple fortifications grew a multi-layered society that preached faith and grew from social harmony. Kanchipuram, also called Kanjeevaram, is famous throughout the country as the center where lustrous silk sarees are woven. Likewise Thanjavur is an important center for bronze figure casting. The towns of Tiruchirapalli and Madurai also contain famous temples.

Quite a contrast to the temple heritage is Pondicherry, for long a French colony. French is still widely spoken, and seaside villas and cobbled streets are more reminiscent of the south of France than the south of India!

Yet another facet of this surprisingly diverse state is two hill stations Ootacamund and Kodaikanal. Both are little patches of England, being much loved by the expatriate population of the Raj. Both places provide delightful relaxation during an extended tour of the south. The cuisine of Tamil Nadu, more or less totally vegetarian, has become enormously popular all over the country, and few towns do not have at least one eatery serving popular snacks from the state’s extensive repertoire.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Right at the top of north-eastern India, crowning its six clustered sisters like a protective helmet, is Arunachal Pradesh, the `Land of the Dawn-lit- Mountains,’ or “The Land of the Rising Sun’. This is the first Indian soil to greet the morning sun. Dawn first illuminates Arunachal's border with China: a long border, which stretches all the way from its east, over to its northern boundaries and down to its north- western edge where it merges with Tibet. To its west is Bhutan and on its southern end it touches Assam, Nagaland and Burma before sweeping up to China.

Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most sparsely populated states of India, covers an area of 83743 sq. Kms. It is a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus. The land is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan range along the northern borders criss-crossed with ranges running north south. These divide the state into five river valleys: the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap. All these are fed by snow from the Himalayas and countless rivers and rivulets.

ITANAGAR is the capital of this state. The capital is a scatter of light, earthquake-proof, wood frame buildings rising up the slopes of a green hill. Traditional huts are scattered amongst the more recent constructions and the residence of the Lt. Governor crowns one peak while a new Buddhist temple crowns the other. Between them lie the administrative offices, shops, the bazar and thatched huts.

For the truly dedicated wilderness and wildlife fan, a visit to the Namdapha National Park is a challenging goal. A unique feature of the park is that it is the only one park in the world in which four of the great felines are found viz., the tiger, the leopard, the snow leopard and the clouded leopard. It is also an ideal for trekking and hiking.

ASSAM

Assam is the largest of the states in the northeast of India. Assam is wedged into a green valley with the Himalayan foothills in the north and the state of Meghalaya in the south. With the mighty Brahmaputra River raging through it, Assam is one of the most fertile states in India spread over 800kms of lush forests and paddy fields. Best known for its terraced tea gardens that produces some of the world’s finest tea, Assam is also famous for its game parks, Manas and Kaziranga Park, both known for their population of one horned Indian rhinoceros, a species that faced extinction. Both these are must see places in Assam. Assam also boasts of numerous golf courses dotting the many tea estates.

Assam, with an abundance of natural beauty, is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in India. Visit here and spend some time amidst sheer natural beauty that includes a variety of flora and fauna, blue hills and green tea. The major places of interest include Kamakhya temple, Basistha Ashram, Zoo, Gita mandir, Nabagraha temple and Assam State Museum

Guwahati, the capital has an inspired location on the banks of the River Brahmaputra. The ancient city of Pragjyotishpur or the light of east is the site of modern Guwahati.

Kaziranga National Park

Situated on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is famous for the stronghold of the armoured one-horned Indian Rhinocerous. The Sanctuary provides unique setting for a sight of its best-known wild life including birds

BIHAR

Bihar, an eastern Indian state, has an unmatched history anywhere in the world. Bihar lies in the fertile Gangetic plains, and is part of the Hindi heartland of India. It is not only the place of birth of Buddhism and Jainism, but also the land that helped in the growth of Sikhism and Hinduism. The city of Patliputra was largest and grandest in the world and touched the height of glory during the reign of Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya. It was the center of first republic in the world at Vaishali. Even today, the state is politically very active and also the largest mineral producing region in India. It is bordered in the north by Nepal, in the west by Uttar Pradesh, in south by Jharkhand, and in east by West Bengal.

History, religion, education and culture – these words characterize Bihar with one caveat - endemic lawlessness and rampant corruption have made one of India’s richest states the poorest, most dangerous and most backward of states. Despite its notoriety as the scam state of India where everything from public office to college degrees are saleable commodities, it is a holy site because of three Great Souls who walked and preached on this land – Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira and Guru Nanak. Bihar in toto is a pilgrimage for the adherents of all the major religions founded on its sacred land. Of all India’s states, Bihar is the one most intimately linked to the Buddha’s life, resulting in a trail of pilgrimages, which have come to be known as the Buddhist circuit.

The Buddhist trail begins at the capital city, Patna, where a noteworthy museum contains a collection of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. The Khuda Baksh Oriental Library has rare Muslim manuscripts including some from the University of Cordoba in Spain. 40 km away, Vaishali was the site for the second Buddhist Council as the presence of ruins testifies.

90 km south of Patna is Nalanda, which translates as ’the place that confers the lotus’ (of spiritual knowledge). A monastic university flourished here from the 5th to the 11th century. It is said to have contained nine million books, with 2,000 teachers to impart knowledge to 10,000 students who came from all over the Buddhist world. Lord Buddha himself taught here and Hieun Tsang, the 7th century Chinese traveller, was a student. Ongoing excavations have uncovered temples, monasteries and lecture halls.

Rajgir, ‘the royal palace’, 12 km south, was the venue for the first Buddhist Council. The Buddha spent five years at Rajgir after having attained enlightenment, and many of the remains at Rajgir commemorate various incidents, the hill of Gridhrakuta being perhaps the most important, as this is where the Buddha delivered most of his sermons. Bodhgaya is the spot where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, with the Mahabodhi Temple marking the precise location.

Patna - The imperial city

Patna once called Pataliputra the capital of Bihar is among the world's oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis.

A very fertile arched stretch of land along the bank of the Ganga, the history and heritage of modern day Patna go back well over two millennia. Like Delhi, Patna too had been the regal seat of governance for successive kingdoms since ancient times. And to this day, it is the capital city of the state.

Each ruler ascended in power and established dynastic glory; he gave his capital a new name. Thus the ancient Kusumpura metamorphosed through Pushpapura, Pataliputra, Azeemabad and now into Patna, a continuous history ranging from 6th century BC to present times

Vaishali

Vaishali today is a small village surrounded by banana and mango groves and rice fields. But excavations in the area have brought to light an impressive historical past. The epic Ramayana tells the story of the heroic King Vishal who ruled here. Historians maintain that one of the world's first democratic republics with an elected assembly of representatives flourished here in the 6th century B.C. in the time of the Vajjis and the Lichhavis. And while Pataliputra, capital of the Mauryas and the Guptas, held political sway over the Gangetic plain, Vaishali was a rich center for trade and industry.

Lord Buddha visited this place frequently and at Kolhua, close by, preached his last sermon. To commemorate the event, Emperor Ashoka, in the third century B.C. erected one of his famous lion pillars here.

Jainism, too, has its origins in Vaishali, for in 527 B.C., Lord Mahavir was born on the outskirts of the city, and lived in Vaishali till he was 22. Vaishali is then twice blessed and remains an important pilgrim center for both Buddhists and Jains, attracting also historians foraging for the past.

Gaya

Bihar has some of the most sacred Buddhist and Hindu shrines. Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage places for the Hindus. It is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if his last rites are offered under the celebrated ’Akshayabat’ or immortal banyan tree, standing in the yard of Vishnupad temple. Believed to be built on the footsteps of Vishnu. the grand temple was renovated by Ahalyabai, queen of Indore

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is one of the sacred places for the Buddhists as well as for the Hindus. Here under the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Budhha, the `Enlighted One'.

Nalanda

Founded in the 5th century A.D. Nalanda is known as the ancient seat of learning. World's most ancient University lies in ruins, which is 62 kms from Bodhgaya and 90 kms south of Patna. Emperor Ashoka built many monasteries, temples and Viharas here.

Ranchi

Ranchi is picturesquely situated in the valley of Chotanagpur at an altitude of 2140 feet (654.5 meters) above sea level. It is well known for its scenic attractions waterfalls, salubrious climate, glades, barren rocks and verdant hillocks. It has a number of industrial fields. Ranchi is also a central place for the study of tribal ways of life.

Jamshedpur (Tatanagar)

This is the place where the foundation of Indian Steel Industry was laid in the end of the last century. Late Jamshedji was the founder of this city who founded Tata Iron and Steel Company at this site. This city is named after the founder and has two names Jamshedpur & Tatanagar. It is heavily industrialized but very clean and modern.

WEST BENGAL

The State of West Bengal located in the eastern part of India has a total geographical area of 88,752 sq km of which the recorded forest area comprises 11,879 sq km or 13.38% of the total area. The Protected Areas (Sanctuaries and National Parks) cover 34% of the recorded forestland and 4% of the total geographical area of the State.

Altitudinal, physiographic and climatic variations have contributed to diverse ecosystems, habitats and wildlife forms in the state. 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger Reserves provide a home for the State's wildlife - Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinoceros, Indian Bison, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Sambar, Cheetal, Hog-deer, Barking deer, Wild Boar, Saltwater Crocodiles, Common Langur and Rhesus Monkeys. Bird life also abounds and some of the last remaining water bodies harbor a large population of local migratory birds during the winter months.

West Bengal has 18 districts and Calcutta serves as the state capital. There are over 23 towns with over 100,000 population. The largest cities are Calcutta, Howrah, Asansol, Durgapur and Siliguri. Other important towns include Darjeeling, Kharagpur and Haldia. Calcutta is amongst the largest metropolitan regions in the world.

Kolkatta – Calcutta

Grown from mangrove swamps, Calcutta is the largest metropolis in India. Calcutta's role in the national economy is of crucial importance as the Gateway to Eastern India. Ships were the beginning of Calcutta's history & the river Hoogly was the key to the city's fortunes.

Calcutta is the gateway to Eastern India. This is a city with a rich heritage, bustling streets and bewildering variety of facets. From October to March, Calcutta wears a radiant look. Sunshine, mild winter, lights, colours, fairs, festivals, galas and excursions, the mood is infectious and spirit sweeping.

The state is well known for its superb arts ad crafts made of silk, ivory, shola, conchshell, dhokra and beautiful clay models. Also worth mentioning are Baluchari saris and the famous woollen carpets, blankets as well as knitted garments.

Sunderbans

Take a a thrilling cruise through the largest estuarine delta in the world and see the biggest colony of the `Royal Bengal Tigers'.

Jaldapara Sanctuary

Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary situated in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal was constituted in the year of 1941 for the protection of wild life, particularly single horned Rhinos.

Shantiniketan

An International University founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore where the cultures of the East & the West could meet and mingle. Named Vishva-Bharati, the University represents Indian traditions while incorporating the best of other cultures. Shantiniketan, the abode of peace, was initially an Ashram or hermitage founded in 1863 by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore

Vishnupur

Terracotta, metalware & temples characterize Vishnupur. The temples are built mostly of brick & at times, of laterite stones. Vishnupur is also famous for its distinct style of music, i.e. the Vishnupur Gharana, if not anything else. The name of Jadu Bhatt, the music teacher to Rabindranath Tagore, is remembered with respect to this day.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is nestied in a setting of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest, Tibetan Monasteries, Himalayan Tribal Life, Pine Trees etc. Which make her qualify as the queen of the hill stations.

Kalimpong

Just 51 kms east of Darjeeling is situated the picturesque town of Kalimpong, the former headquarters of the Bhutanese Governor. Situated at an altitude of 1250 meters between the Deolo and Durbindra Hills, Kalimpong is an ideal place for a quiet holiday amidst gently rolling hills and deep valleys at the foot of the mighty Himalayas.

Buxa Tiger Reserve

Buxa Tiger Reserve was set up in the year of 1982-83 at the northeastern corner of West Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam. Numerous rivulets dissect this picturesque reserve with its prodigious Terai, Bhabar as well as Hilly landscape. It was declared a National Park in January 1992.