29 November 2013

INDIA - Top 10 Places You Must Visit When You Come to India






Article by Sushmita Ghosh



India is said to be a vast and diverse country with various forms of culture, languages, places etc. It provides the travelers with sacred temples to beaches to mountains to superlative cities and many more. India has always been praised for welcoming its tourists with great warmth. Often called as Incredible India in terms of tourism, there are many places which are in itself beautifully serene and historic to see. Lots of tourists are attracted with the places in India and visit every year which makes their trip a memorable one. Since India has got variety of places to visit every year, there are few places which are a must to visit whenever coming to India:
10. AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES
AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES
Ajanta and Ellora caves are situated in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra considered to be the most famous archaeological places in India. In spite of two different destinations they are often mentioned together due to their rock cut structures. The Ajanta caves was built during 2nd century BC with 30 rock cut cave monuments whose construction was done in two phases: 1st group of caves built in 200 BC and 2nd group of caves built in 600 AD. The caves consist of beautiful paintings and sculptures which are considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist Religious Art having figures of Buddha and depicting Jataka tales. After being covered by jungle these these caves were rediscovered by a British forest officer named John Smith in 1819.
Ellora caves were built by the Rashtrakuta rulers which comprises of 34 caves structures excavated out of Chandrani Hills. It depicts the Indian Rock Cut Architecture.
It is believed that the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monk meditated inside and performed rituals in the Viharas and Chaityas of both the caves. These caves are under the protection of Archaeological Surveys of India and are designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. DARJEELING
DARJEELING
It is known as the Queen of Hill Stations or Visitor’s Paradise which is the first hill station to be established by the British. It is said to be surrounded by peaks of Himalayas and Buddhist monasteries and is located in the state of West Bengal popular for its Toy Train which runs to give us a sight of beautiful nature , tea production, the highest peak of Darjeeling The Tiger Hills giving a awe aspiring view of Mt.Everest as well as Mt.Kanchenjunga, trekking destination Singalila National Park , Himalayan Zoo and many more follow.
Darjeeling Tea which is famous for its pleasant aroma and taste is the best thing to have while exploring the place. Thus, Darjeeling is a place which should be visited to explore the clean fresh mountain air and natural splendor.
8. VARANASI
VARANASI
Earlier known as Banaras is considered to be the oldest city in the world. Varanasi is situated on the banks of Holy River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh. This city gave rise to Hinduism and Jainism and according to Hindus the Ghats of Varanasi is sacred for the Hindu rituals. Due to unique change of flow of the Ganga river there was a development of the ancient city named Kashi in Varanasi. People from different parts of the world come specially to bathe and pray in the Ganga river along with the other religious bathing rivers of Varanasi and sip the Ganga Jal to purify themselves. It is believed by the Hindus that dying in Varanasi or flowing ashes in the river of Ganga brings salvation.
7. RAJASTHAN
RAJASTHAN
Known as the Land of Royals is a city which depicts the images and glimpses of the lives of brave Maharajahs, Rajputanas, warriors along with the forts and the palaces. Many of the palaces or “havelis” have been converted into big heritage hotels for the tourists. It is a complete blend of Indian culture that attracts people from different regions of the world. Rajasthan is the home to most of the stunning places to visit which include on the top its capital Jaipur known as the Pink city of Rajasthan where people can have a sight of the Ajmer Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and various other heritage monuments.
Next comes Jaisalmer known as the Golden city of Rajasthan which is close to the Thar desert. The most famous part of Jaisalmer is the jaisalmer Fort which unlike other forts of India, is the oldest “living” fort which consists of shops, havelis ,etc. where people still live and work. Camel Safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is a memorable experience.
Udaipur known as the City of Lakes. City Palace built in a flamboyant style is considered to be the largest palace in the city of Rajasthan situated near the East Bank of Lake Pichkola and the Lake palace of Udaipur is the most famous one which is located in the Jag Niwas island of Pichkola Lake. Other lakes like Sateh sagar lake, Swaroop Sagar, Udaisagar lake are some of the beautiful lakes to visit in Udaipur. These lakes and palaces along with lively cultures attract many tourists to this city.
Blue city of Jodhpur, beautiful deserts of Bikaner, hill station of Mt.Abu are some of the more interesting places to visit in the city of Rajasthan. Thus, Rajasthan is all about old charm, delight, camels, culture and for its warm hospitality towards its tourists.
6. MUMBAI
MUMBAI
Called as the Amchi Mumbai by the citizens of India is a city of dreams, glamour, fashion, film , stars being the capital of Maharashtra. It is a city that never sleeps and is the biggest metropolitan city as well as the financial capital of India. Whenever one hears the name of Mumbai first things that comes to the mind is Bollywood filM industry which gave success to many stars. Famous street foods like the Pao Bhaji., Bhel Puri, Vada Pao are a delight to eat. Most tourist visiting places include The Gateway of India, Haji Ali Dargah, Juhu Beach , Marine Drive , The Taj Hotel and many more impressive old monuments. But the most famous Mannat SRK’s bungalow is the one which anybody would like to have a sight of.
Being one of the most populous cities of India, it is the place with full of surprises and ample of facilities where people come to pursue their dreams.
5. KASHMIR
KASHMIR
Described as the Paradise on Earth due to its natural beauty is surrounded by the great Himalayas on one side and Pir Panjal mountains on the other. The valley of Kashmir is decorated by the spell bounding lakes , crystal like sparkling water streams, apple orchards, snow clad mountains, breath-taking beautiful hill stations with lush green pine forests along with the serene landscapes make it more worth to visit the place. Various lakes such as Wular Lake, Dal Lake and Mansbal Lake along with the various hill stations namely Verinag, Daksum, Yusmarg, Pahalgam etc. are some of the must visiting venues of the Kashmir Valley. Staying in a house-boat is something which anybody wants to experience. Kashmir even provides with trekking activities along with water rafting, wildlife, and the list continues. Thus, Kashmir is the satisfactory place for a tourist due to its spirituality or adventure explorations.
4. DELHI
INDIA GATE JANTAR MANTAR QUTUB MINAR RED FORT
Delhi known as the capital territory of India showcases the ancient past as well as the modern present being divided into two parts of the old city of Old Delhi and the well planned New Delhi respectively. National Meuseum, Craft Meuseum, ancient architectural monuments like the Red Fort, Qutub MInar, Jantar Mantar, Humayun’s tomb, Lotus temple, India Gate , Parliament house are the most popular tourist places to visit built during the Old delhi times. Dilli Haat, Chandni Chowk, Janpath are some of the famous bazaars where tourist can go for shopping. Chats and kebabs of old Delhi makes one to visit the place again and again along with the luxury spas, bars and restaurants. Thus, it’s interesting to explore both the kinds of Delhi whenever visiting India.
3. KERALA
KERALA
Situated in the south west region of Malabar coast is refered as the God’s own country and even is the most cleanest city of India. Its unique culture and traditions, art forms, sand beaches, magical festivals , wildlife sanctuaries make Kerala one of the most popular tourist destination in India as well as the world. The most famously Backwaters which are chain of lagoons and lakes lying back to Malabar sea coast provide a relaxing experience where one can calm the mind riding on houseboat getting sight of the amazing views of nature. Kumarokom, Astamudi lake, Vembanad Lake are some of the most famous backwaters to visit.
According to the National Geographic Traveller, Kerala is ranked as one of the “Ten Paradises of the world” due to its greenery, varied demography , ecotourism initiatives, Ayurveda, yoga, health care, followed by many more. Thus, one can sooth and revitalize oneself by visiting this natural beauty of its own Kerala.
2. AGRA
AGRA-TAJ MAHAL
Agra located at the banks of Yamuna river is known for its Mughal archaeological monuments. But the most famous monument for which Agra is known is the Taj Mahal which served as a symbol of eternal love of Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz. This monument which took 22 years to get completed was finished in marble thus considered to be the most beautiful and fascinating monuments which a person cannot forget to explore.
Taj Mahal has been ranked as one of the three World Heritage sites in Agra and characterized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the world.
Apart from this, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri are some of the must tourist attractions and the pethas of Agra are a must to taste. Thus, Agra for its historical significance and archaeological monuments stands 2nd in the list of the must visiting places in India.
1.GOA
GOA
Renowned for its pristine and beautiful beaches Goa is the biggest tourist attracting place in India in spite of being the smallest state. It attracts more than 2 million tourists every year just because of its vivid nightlife, tasty seafood, churches. Baga and Anjuna are the most famous beaches of Goa where the tourist can relax by having sunbathe or indulge in any water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, paragliding and lots more. The beautiful churches are a must to visit along with the Wednesday Flea market. Goa’s popular drink- Fenny and by enjoying to the tunes of the music played by the DJ’s on the beaches can help in refreshing up the mind.
Due to its mix blend of national and international cultures, limelight, cooling beaches it makes it more worth to visit this serene place again and again topping the list.

Source: http://listdose.com

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