Destinations

Himachal Pradesh

HIMACHAL PRADESH

AREA : 55,673 SQ. KM
POPULATION  : 6,077,900
CAPITAL : SHIMLA
PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES :HINDI & PAHARI

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

Himachal situated in the heart of the Western Himalaya, identified as “Dev Bhumi” is believed to be the abode of Gods and Goddesses. The entire State is punctuated with stone as well as wood temples. The rich culture and traditions has made Himachal unique in itself. The shadowy valleys, rugged crags, glaciers and gigantic pines and roaring rivers and exquisite flora and fauna compose the symphony that is for ever Himachal.

Himachal Pradesh came into being as a Union Territory in April 1948 as a result of integration of 30 princely states spread over 27,000 sq.km. In 1954, when another “C” class state of Bilaspur merged in Himachal Pradesh, its area increased to 28,241 sq.km. The position remained unchanged till 1966. On reorganization of the State, the hilly areas of Punjab were merged with the State, increasing its size to 55,673 sq.km. Himachal Pradesh today is quoted as a successful model of not only hill area development but also for having realized development in education, health and social services.

SHIMLA

The State came into being as a union territory in April 1948, as a result of integration of 30 princely states spread over 27,000 sq. km. In 1954, when another ‘C’ class State of Bilaspur merged with Himachal Pradesh, its area increased to 28,241 sq. km. The position remained unchanged till 1966, when on reorganization of the states, the hilly areas of Punjab were merged with the state increasing its size to 55,673 sq. km. proportionately.

PLACES TO SEE

SHIMLA: Jhaku Temple is best seen in the soft morning sunlight. This temple is on an incline. Dedicated to the monkey God Hanuman. The Kufri Zoo at Kufri is a showcase of the wildlife found in the Himalayas. The Himalayan brown bear, the sloth bear, the panther are all there for the visitor to see. A rare snow leopard is also there, though it is to be shifted to the Darjeeling zoo shortly. Narkanda is famous ski slopes. It comes alive during the winters and all ski lovers head here. Though during the summers the snow melts early. It is 65 Kms from Simla.Kali Bari Temple is 150 years old temple houses the deity of Shyamala Devi, from whom Shimla has derived its name. A visit to the temple is a must for all visitors to Shimla. Shimla’s most sought after place, The Mall Road, runs along the top of the ridge and is one destination each traveler and visitor longs to visit. This is the centre of Shimla’s social life. Below this pulsating with life is the Lower Bazaar. On the Ridge of the Mall road you can get majestic views of the Himalayas. Also situated on the Mall is the historic Church, a splendid sight indeed.

PRAGPUR: Sixty-five km from Dharmshala, this small village seems to hold the kernel of much of Kangra’s rural beauty. Narrow Judges Court cobbled lanes flow past old houses and flowering bougainvillea drape their color over pipal and banyan trees. And to the north the snow-clad Dhauladhar ranges frame this picture of pastoral beauty. Pragpur has been notified as a Heritage Village. Completed in 1918, the Judge’s Court stands in a large orchard and here, the area’s rural life goes easily by. Built in the ‘Haveli’ style, but with a largely European floor plan, the house has been meticulously restored.

MANDI: The historic town of Mandi is built along the banks of the river Beas. It has long been an important commercial centre and the sage Mandva is said to have meditated here. Mandi is renowned for its 81 old stone temples and their enormous range of fine carving, it is often called the ‘Varanasi of the Hills’. The town has remains of old palaces and notable examples of ‘colonial’ architecture. The temples of Bhutnath, Trilokinath, Panchvaktra and Shyamakali are among the more famous ones.

BILASPUR: Formerly the seat of the ruler of the State is now submerged in the Gobind Sagar; it was situated on the south east side of the Satluj. The new Bilaspur Township can be truly described as the first planned hill town of the country. The pleasure of a visit will be enhanced manifold when a motor launch is preferred as the means of travel, gliding through cool and enchanting waters of the lake.

UNA: Una has been carved out of Hoshiarpur district of Punjab in 1966 where the hilly areas of Punjab were transferred to Himachal Pradesh and the whole area is warm. It has borders with Kangra Hamirpur and Bilaspur and then acts as a gateway to these regions.

HAMIRPUR: This is another area situated at lower elevation and comparatively warmer but has some hilly ranges covered with Pine forests. It is well connected by roads from all sides and thus can be promoted as a tourist destination by developing some historical and religious places. At present the known attractions are Deot-Sidh, Temple of Sujanpur Tihra and Nadaun.

CHAMBA : The town of Chamba, the district headquarter of Chamba district is situated in the western Himalayas. The town stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi river valley between Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas. This town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman when he conquered the lower Rani valley from the petty chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs in the beginning of 10th Century. It seems the original name of the town was Champa as mentioned in Kalhan’s Rajtarangani.

KULLU: The most charming and beautiful Kullu valley spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas. The valley runs north to south of this river and is 80kms. Long and about 2kms at its broadest. Yet with awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encircled by the rushing streams and meandering brooks, flung east & west, a fairly wide area is open to the tourists, the trekkers, the mountaineers, the artists and to anyone who wishes to escape the heat & dust of the plains to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya and enjoy the spectacle of the variegated mountain scenery. The valley is also famous for its exquisitely woven colorful hand made shawls and kullu caps.

MANALI: Just 40 kms away from Kullu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas River with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Bara Bhangal (Kangra), and Zanskar ranges. From temples to antiquity, to picturesque sight-seeing spots and adventure activities, Manali is a popular resort for all seasons and for all travelers.

SOLAN: Blessed with a pleasant climate all the year round. Solan is districts headquarter and has the famous temple of Shoolini Devi and from Solan the Jatoli village and the temple of Lord Shiva and on Rajgarh road the Buddhist may be visited. Known as the “Mushroom city of India” Solan has an old brewery (and a sprawling horticulture and forestry university at Nauni.

RENUKA: The most important place of tourist interest in Sirmour is the sacred and picturesque lake of Renuka. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal Pradesh having crystal clear waters. It is shaped like a sleeping woman. As per a legend Renuka was the mother of the legendary saint Parsu Ram, who killed her in obedience of the orders of his father – the sage Jamadagni. After her death, Lake Renuka was formed surrounded by stepped fields of golden corn.

PAONTA SAHIB: Paonta Sahib is a sacred town built in the memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. The road passes through Sataun and follows the Giri River along the beautiful scenery. Situated on the banks of Yamuna River, Paonta Sahib is a bustling township with growing industries. It is one of the important holy places for the Sikhs. It retains tangible memories of Guru Gobind Singh in the form of his weapons and a majestic Gurudwara. It recalls his presence even in the name of the city which is derived from Paonta meaning “foot”, either because he set foot on this place or, according to an alternate story, he lost an ornament which he wore on his foot called “Paonta” while bathing in the Yamuna River.

NAHAN: Nahan is situated on an isolated ridge in the Shiwalik hills, overlooking green fields. Nahan is a well laid-out picturesque town, known for its cleanliness and dust free streets. Saint and princes are linked with the origin of Nahan. The city was founded as a capital by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621. Another version recalls a saint who lived with a companionable Nahar on the site where the Nahan palace now stands “Nahar” means a Lion and probably the town takes its name from this saint. Nahan situated at an altitude of 932 meters, is a good base for visits to the surrounding areas viz. Renuka, Paonta Sahib, Trilokpur temple and the Suketi Fossil Park.

LAHAUL: Lahaul is marked by a central mass of uniformly high mountains and massive glaciers. The two rivers, Chandra and Bhaga which rise on either side of the Baralacha La, flow through the narrow Chandra and Bhaga valleys. Lahaul is a land of fascinating Buddhist art and culture. The monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti are rich repositories of ancient murals, thankas, wood carving and golden images of Padmasambhava. Summer in this valley is cool and pleasant with green grass and alpine flowers. There are little monsoon in both these valleys and this enables climbers & trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season in perpetual sunshine to explore the wilderness and grandeur of the inner Himalaya. This unique feature makes Lahul-Spiti as an ideal destination for tourists and trekkers in the month of July, August and September.

SPITI: Spiti is the sub division of Lahaul & Spiti district with its hqrs. at Kaza. It is called “Little Tibet” because it has almost the same terrain, vegetation & climate. Spiti also means “Middle Country”. It lies between Tibet, Ladakh, Kinnaur, and Lahaul & Kullu. The Spiti River flows fast through deep gorges at some places. The valley is not wide but there are villages and some fields where people grow barley, buck- wheat, peas & vegetables.

KINNAUR: Located in the dizzying heights of the Himalayas, with passes that remain closed for six months linking them with the rest of the world, Kinnaur, Spiti & Lahaul were till now a forbidden land. Only a chosen few were granted permission to visit this secret world, officials, Moravian missionaries who settled here in 1853 and a few mountaineers. Now this area has been opened for the daring and adventurous to discover what had been hidden from the world for centuries.

PALAMPUR: The town of Palampur is situated in a idyllic valley priding itself with tea gardens, and hills covered with pine trees. The place enjoys a year-round pleasant climate and the pine scented air is said to have curative properties. The scenery presents a sublime and beautiful contrast- the valleys presents a picture of rural innocence and repose, while the hills are majestic. Overlooking this town are the majestic Dhauladhars, whose tops remain covered with snow for most of the year. This place is thronged tourists and is now being developed as a large tourist centre.

DHARAMSHALA: This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range; this hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snowline is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to make a day’s trek to a snow-point after an early morning’s start.

KANGRA: The Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys of lower Himalayas. The valley, sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range, is green and luxuriant. It provides a tremendous contrast in nature of places to be visited. Dharamshala is full of Buddhist air whereas ancient Hindu Temples like Bajreshwari Devi, Chamunda Devi, Baijnath Shiv temple and Jwala Devi ji dot the country side. The history of Kangra valley dates back to the Vedic times more than 3500 years ago. Crafts like the exquisitely designed shawls and miniature paintings of this region are internationally appreciated.

DALHOUSIE: Dalhousie is a hill station full of colonial charm that holds lingering echoes of the Raj. Spread out over the five hills (Kathlog, Potreys, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun) the town is named after the 19th century British Governor General Lord Dalhousie. It was popular with the British Army personnel in 1860′s. The town’s varying altitude shades it with a variety of vegetation that includes stately grooves of pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendrons. Rich in colonial architecture, the town preserves some beautiful churches. St. John church, St. Francis church, St. Andrew church and St. Patrick church.

Jammu & Kashmir

JAMMU & KASHMIR

AREA : 2, 22,236 SQ KM
POPULATION : 10,069,987
CAPITAL: SRINAGAR (SUMMER), JAMMU (WINTER)
PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES: URDU, DOGRI, KASHMIRI, PAHARI, PUNJABI, LADAKHI, BALTI, GOJRI AND DADRI

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
According to the most popular legend that is also recorded in Rajtarangani and Nilmat Purana, two most authoritative books, Kashmir was once a large lake and it was Kashyap Rishi who drained it off the water, making it a beautiful abode. But geologists have their own theory, which says that geographical changes made way for the outflow of water by subsidence of the mountain at Khadianayar, Baramulla and thus emerged the Valley of Kashmir, the paradise on earth. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to Kashmir in the 3rd century B.C., which was later strengthened by Kanishka. Huns got the control of the valley in the early 6th century. The Valley regained freedom in 530 AD but soon came under the rule of the Ujjain Empire. After the decline of the Vikramaditya dynasty, the valley had its own rulers. There was a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Lalitaditya (697-738 AD) extended his rule up to Bengal in the east, Konkan in the south, Turkistan in the northwest and Tibet in the northeast. Considered as the most famous Hindu ruler, Lalitaditya was known for constructing beautiful buildings. Islam came to Kashmir during 13th and 14th century AD. Zain-ul-Abedin (1420-70) was the most famous Muslim ruler, who came to Kashmir when the Hindu king Sinha Dev fled before the Tatar invasion. Later Chaks overran Haider Shah, son of Zain-ul-Abedin. They continued to rule till 1586 when Akbar conquered Kashmir. In 1752, Kashmir passed on from the feeble control of the Mughal emperor of the time to Ahmed Shah Abdali of Afghanistan. The Valley was ruled by the Pathans for 67 years.

The name of Jammu figures in the Mahabharata. Recent findings of Harappan remains and artifacts of Mauryan, Kushan and Gupta periods at Akhnoor have added new dimensions to its ancient character. The land of Jammu was divided into 22 hill principalities. Raja Maldev, one of the Dogra rulers, conquered many territories to consolidate his kingdom. Raja Ranjit Dev ruled over Jammu from 1733 to 1782. His successors were weak, and thus Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed the territory to Punjab. He later handed over Jammu to Raja Gulab Singh, a scion of the old Dogra ruling family, who had grown powerful among Ranjit Singh’s governors and had annexed almost the whole Jammu region. The State was governed by Dogra rulers till 1947, when the Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession in favour of the Indian Union on 26 October, 1947.

Jammu and Kashmir is situated between 32° -15′ and 37° -05′ north latitude and 72° -35′ and 83° -20′ longitude East. Geographically, the State can be divided into four zones. First, the mountainous and semi mountainous plain commonly known as Kandi belt, the second, hills including Shivalik ranges, the third mountains of Kashmir Valley and Pir Panchal range and the fourth is Tibetan tract of Ladakh and Kargil. Geographically and culturally, the state has three district regions – Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

Kashmir is set like a jeweled crown on the map of India; Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons – always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.

The Mughals aptly called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ where they journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer. Here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. Anecdotes of four and five centuries ago describe their love for these gardens, and the rivalries that centered on their ownership. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among these people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.

Jammu is nestled against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pir Panjal Mountains; the region of Jammu constitutes the southernmost unit of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

It forms part of the transition between the Himalayan range in the north and the dusty plains of Punjab in the south. Between these two extremities lie a series of scrub-covered hills, forested mountain ranges and river valleys, encompassing several microclimatic regions that extend from Kishtawar in the north-east to Akhnoor in the south-west, and the historic town of Poonch in the north-west to the borders of Kangra (H P) in the south-east. The Shivalik hills cut across the area from the east to the west while the rivers Ravi, Tawi and Chenab cut their way through the region.

PLACES TO SEE

CHASHMASHAHI SPRINGS :Chashmashahi is the smallest of the three Mughal gardens of Kashmir. Meaning Royal Spring, this garden measures 108 m by 38 m and is above the Nehru Memorial Park. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan set up the Kashmir Chashma Shahi Mughal Gardens in 1632 AD. The garden is quite famous for spring of energizing digestive mineral water inside it. Chasma Shahi Garden of Kashmir, India, offers a striking view of the scenic Dal Lake and the neighboring mountains. The garden has a number of terraces, with several fountains built right through its center.

SHALIMAR BAGH: Emperor Jehangir got the Shalimar Garden built for his wife Nur Jahan in 1616. A second garden Faiz Baksh, (The Bountiful) was added to it later during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658). Covering an area of approximately 539 m by 182 m, the Shalimar garden offers an amazing view over the other gardens, lakes and shallow terraces. Also known as the “garden of love”, the Shalimar Mughal Gardens has four terraces, rising one above the other. The fourth terrace of the garden was, at one point of time, reserved for royal ladies. There is also a canal lined with polished stones running through the center of the Shalimar Bagh. The canal is responsible for supplying water to the garden from Harwan.

DAL LAKE: Dal lake of Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in India. It has been and continues to be a part of the poetry by some renowned poets. The second largest lake of Jammu and Kashmir state, Dal Lake is encircled by magnificent mountains on three sides. Adorning the banks of the Dal Lake is a number of blooming gardens and orchards. Five basins and a number of channels well linked with each other are some of the features of the lake. Dal Lake is approximately 6 km by 3 km in size and changes its moods and scenery after every few kilometers.

DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK: In the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, this is among the most scenically beautiful areas of the sub-continent. A 10 km long road runs through the lower area but the only way to visit most of the park is on foot. The Dachigam is the last home of the rare Kashmir stag, which can be viewed best during its autumn rutting season when the lower slopes and forests echo with its melodious calls. Himalayan black bears come out of hibernation in March, the best time to see this impressive omnivore. Thick-coated grey langur’s brown bears and leopard cats. Birdlife is delightful and flowers carpeting the upper meadows are spectacular, especially the blue poppy.

GULMARG: Gulmarg’s legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favorite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country’s premier ski resort in the winter.

PAHALGAM: Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2,133 metres amidst lofty deodars, fir, pine, junipers and many other conifers. The place gets lively during the tourist months of the summer, as well as during the weeks before the Amarnath Yatra, as the base for a big annual pilgrimage to a cave of an ‘ice-lingam’.There is something about the pure and re-vitalizing air of Pahalgam. Perhaps dense pine and cedar forests make it oxygen rich. Limited accessibility combined with limited telecom connectivity makes it an ideal getaway from the grind of daily life and professional stress.

SONMARG: Sonmarg, also known as the “Golden Meadow”, is situated at a height of 2740 m. The drive to this beautiful meadow is also as spectacular as the place itself. Driving through the Sindhu valley, you get to see another aspect of Kashmir. Encircled by snow-covered mountains, Sonmarg is a place of enchanting beauty. Surrounded by dense forests, full of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine, the meadow presents a captivating sight. The charm of Sonmarg hill station is further enhanced with the snow capped mountains as the backdrop and the Sindh River meandering through it.

PATNITOP: Perched on a secluded plateau amidst picturesque surroundings, Patnitop is a hill station with ample opportunities for adventure sports, walks and picnics. Enveloped by thick wooded forests of pine and cedar, Patnitop is blanketed with sheets of snow in winters, making it among India’s best ski resorts. Excellent views are provided by the mountains forming the backdrop of the Chenab basin and three ice-cold fresh water springs. Situated at an altitude of 2,024 m, it is 112 Km from Jammu and is a getaway destination for trekkers, winter sports lovers or people who just wish to soak up the pristine natural beauty of the region.

VAISHNO DEVI: Perched on a secluded plateau amidst picturesque surroundings, Patnitop is a hill station with ample opportunities for adventure sports, walks and picnics. Enveloped by thick wooded forests of pine and cedar, Patnitop is blanketed with sheets of snow in winters, making it among India’s best ski resorts. Excellent views are provided by the mountains forming the backdrop of the Chenab basin and three ice-cold fresh water springs. Situated at an altitude of 2,024 m, it is 112 Km from Jammu and is a getaway destination for trekkers, winter sports lovers or people who just wish to soak up the pristine natural beauty of the region.

AMARNATH: This is one of the revered pilgrimage sites of India tucked away in the mighty Himalayas. Open only for a few months during the year, Amarnath enshrines a natural Shivalingam of ice, and is reached after an arduous trek through the mountains of Kashmir.Amarnath is an ancient pilgrimage center. Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a Shivalinga shaped ice block, made by drops of water oozing naturally in the cave. To the left of the Shivalingam is another ice block representing Ganesha, and to the right of the Shivalingam are blocks representing Parvati and Bharirava. The cave faces south. Legend has it that Shiva made the Gods immortal by providing them with the celestial nectar, and resided here upon their request. This boon of immortality lent the name Amarnath.

LADAKH: Ladakh is a land abounding in awesome physical features, set in an enormous and spectacular environment. Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Karakoram in the north and the Great Himalaya in the south, it is traversed by two other parallel chains, the Ladakh Range and the Zanskar Range. For nearly 900 years, from the middle of the 10th century, Ladakh was an independent kingdom, its ruling dynasties descending from the kings of old Tibet. The kingdom attained its greatest geographical extent and glory in the early 17th century under the famous king Singge Namgyal, whose domain extended across Spiti and western Tibet right up to the Mayum-la, beyond the sacred sites of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The famous pashmina (better known as cashmere) also came down from the high-altitude plateau of eastern Ladakh and western Tibet, through Leh, to Srinagar, where skilled artisans transformed it into shawls known the world over for their softness and warmth.

Punjab

PUNJAB

AREA: 50,362 SQ KM
POPULATION: 24,358,999
CAPITAL: CHANDIGARH
PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES: PUNJABI

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

Ancient Punjab formed part of the vast Indo-Iranian region. In later years, it saw the rise and fall of the Mauryans, Bactrians, Greeks, Sakas, Kushans and Guptas. Medieval Punjab witnessed the supremacy of the Muslims. Ghaznavi was followed by the Ghoris, the slaves, the Khiljis, the Tughlaqs, the Lodhis and the Mughals. Fifteenth and sixteenth centuries marked a period of watershed in the history of Punjab. Through teachings of Guru Nanak, Bhakti movement received a great impetus. Sikhism began as a socio-religious movement, which was more interested in fighting evils in religion and society. It was Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, who transformed the Sikhs into the Khalsa. They rose to challenge tyranny and after centuries of servitude, established a humane Punjabi Raj based on secularism and patriotism. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in the words of a Persian writer, changed Punjab from Madam Kada to Bagh-Bahisht (from the abode of sorrow to the garden of paradise). But soon after his death, the entire edifice collapsed due to internal intrigues and British machinations. After two abortive Anglo-Sikh wars, Punjab was finally annexed to the British Empire in 1849.

The fight against the British rule had begun long before Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival on the scene. The revolt found expression through the movement of a revivalist or reformist character. First, it was the Namdhari sect, which believed in self-discipline and self-rule. Later, it was Lala Lajpat Rai who played a leading role in the Freedom Movement. Punjab was in the vanguard of India’s freedom struggle on all fronts in India and abroad. Punjab’s hardships did not end with Independence, as it had to face the misery of Partition with large-scale bloodshed and migration. Besides their rehabilitation, there was the task of reorganization of the State.

Eight princely states of East Punjab were grouped together to form a single state called PEPSU—Patiala and the East Punjab States Union—with Patiala as its capital. PEPSU state was merged with Punjab in 1956. Later in 1966, Haryana was carved out of Punjab.

Situated in the north-western corner of the country, Punjab is bound on the west by Pakistan, on the north by Jammu and Kashmir, on the north-east by Himachal Pradesh, and on the south by Haryana and Rajasthan.

PLACES TO SEE

THE GOLDEN TEMPLE: The Darbar Sahib accepts the homage of all and this is represented by the four entrances to the temple. The Akhand Path, an unbroken reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, is held on the first floor of Darbar Sahib. On the top floor is the Sheesh Mahal, an impressive hall covered by mirrors. The temple itself is topped by a golden dome contributed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who had the shrine rebuilt. It came to be called the Golden Temple after this

JALLIANWALA BAGH: This is the spot of the black incident where 379 people were ruthlessly killed and about 1,200 injured by General Dywer’s troops. The Martyrs’ Gallery is a poignant reminder of this heinous crime during the British Raj. The entry to this old garden complex is a narrow passage with a single exit and entry point.

DURGIANA TEMPLE: Set within a serene sarovar the 16th century temple’s gilded visage reminds you of the Darbar Sahib. It is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Within the complex devotees stop by at the Sheetla Mata Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir.

ROCK GARDEN: Chandigarh has the distinction of having a unique world-acclaimed Rock Garden. It consists of art objects, fashioned from industrial and urban waste. It is situated between the Capitol Complex and Sukhna Lake in Sector 1. It nestles amidst 20 acres of woods in the form of an open air exhibition hall, theatre trove and a miniature maze all rolled into one vast fantasy land of art and landscape. It is without doubt, a tourist spot that is a must on the itinerary of every visitor to Chandigarh.

SUKHNA LAKE: The manmade picturesque Sukhna Lake in the foothills of Shivalik range is an idyllic place for quiet communion with nature and for offering water sports activities such as boating, yachting, water skiing, etc. The creation of Lake was one of the greatest gifts from Le Corbusier and P L Varma Chief Engineer. To preserve its tranquility Corbusier insisted that it be forbidden to motor boats and the top of the dam (promenade) prohibited to vehicular traffic.

ROSE GARDEN: Named after India’s former President, Zakir Hussain, the garden was established in 1967 under the guidance of Chandigarh first Chief Commissioner late Dr M S Randhawa. The largest Rose Garden in Asia, it is spread over an area of 27 acres and has more than 17,000 plants representing some 1,600 varieties of roses as well as several fountains. Along with the roses emphasis was also given on the trees of medicinal value and some unique specimen trees to enhance the beauty of the garden The medicinal trees planted here are bel, bahera, harar, camphor and yellow gulmohar.

QILA MUBARAK: It is also known as Patiala Fort and was first built as a mud fort or Kachi Garhi. There is a Darbar Hall which has been converted into a mini museum where rare arms and armors like a sword of Nadir Shah are stored. A number of precious pieces of art are also on display, like the exquisite chandeliers. If you are interested in the arms and ammunition of the medieval and early modern ages, then you must visit the Cannon Park which is located within the premises of this massive fort.

ART GALLERY AT SHEESH MAHAL: The museums and art galleries occupy an important place among the tourist attractions in Punjab and you can pay visit to the art gallery at Sheesh Mahal in the Patiala city. This art gallery houses a rare collection of miniature paintings and paintings of Kangra, Rajasthan and Patiala styles. There is also a particular section on splendid Tibetan Arts and Artifacts.

WAGAH BORDER: When the sun decides to say goodbye to a peaceful day its time for the reunion, which transcends the boundaries, that man has laid. From Amritsar 35 Km on the road to Lahore (Pakistan), is India-Pakistan border, which is also known as “Attari (India)-”Wagah” (Pakistan) border. A visit to the border is an interesting experience, especially at sun-set, when the retreat ceremony takes place with the Border Security Force (B.S.F.) on the Indian side and The Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistan side putting up a well co-ordinated and spectacular display which compares very favorably with the changing of royal guard in London. The sound from the bugles blown together from both sides paints past on the canvas when India and Pakistan were one, simultaneously Flags of the two nations are ceremoniously retrieved and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause. Today this point is only land route to approach Pakistan and central Asia.

New Delhi

NEW DELHI

AREA: 1,483 SQ. KM
POPULATION: 13, 80 MILLION
CAPITAL: DELHI
PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES: HINDI, PUNJABI, URDU & ENGLISH

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

Delhi finds prominent reference right from the times of the epic Mahabharata. Its control passed from one ruler/dynasty to another, beginning with the Mauryas, Pallavas, Guptas of Central India, and then to the Turk and Afghan during the 13th to 15th centuries, and finally to the Mughals in the 16th century. In the latter half of the 18th century and early 19th century, the British rule was established in Delhi. In 1911, Delhi became the centre of all activities after the capital was shifted from Kolkata. It was made a Union Territory in 1956. Lying in the northern part of the country, Delhi is surrounded by Haryana on all sides except the east, where it borders with Uttar Pradesh. In 1991, the national capital territory Act was passed by the parliament and a system of diarchy was introduced under which, the elected Government was given wide powers; except law and order which remained with the central Government. The actual enforcement of the legislation came in 1993.

PLACES TO SEE

QUTUB MINAR: Nestling in the southern quarters of lush Delhi, the 237.8 ft stately tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. This ornate tower is now an eminent member of the World Heritage Site community, and leans about 60 cm off the vertical, but otherwise has survived the ravages of time impressively

RED FORT: The largest of Old Delhi’s monuments is Lal Quila or Red Fort whose thick red sandstone walls, bulging with turrets and bastions, have withstood the vagaries of time and nature. The Lal Quila rises above a wide dry moat in the northeast corner of the original city of Shahjahanabad. Its walls extend from two kilometers and vary in height from 18 metres on the river side to 33 metres on the city side.Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and work was completed in 1648. The fort contains all the expected trappings of the centre of Mughal government: halls of public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the fort remains an impressive testimony to Mughal grandeur.

JUMA MASJID: The famous Juma Masjid is situated opposite to the red fort in old Delhi. The Mogul emperor Shahjahan, who also built famous Taj Mahal, has built this mosque in sixteenth century. This mosque is 200 feet long, 220 feet wide and 135 feet high. It is built from white and the red marble. Its top summit is made up of black marble. There is one large platform here to size of around 5000 square feet, which is made from one single stone. The Muslims come here five times a day for their namaz. It took 14 years to build this mosque.

RAJ GHAT: Raj Ghat is the last resting place of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The place is not far away from the banks of River Yamuna. Mahatma Gandhi was cremated here on 31st January 1948 following his assassination on 30th January 1948 by Nathuram Godse. The memorial stone is a simple square platform made of black stone. The last words uttered by Mahatma “Hey Ram” are inscribed near the black platform. An eternal flame keeps burning in a copper urn in the Raj Ghat.

LOTUS TEMPLE: This lotus shaped temple and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith. The Bahai Faith is the youngest of the world’s independent religions. Its founder, Bahá’u'lláh (1817-1892), is regarded by Baháis as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad. The central theme of Bahá’u'lláh’s message is that humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its unification in one global society. God, Bahá’u'lláh said, has set in motion historical forces that are breaking down traditional barriers of race, class, creed, and nation and that will, in time, give birth to a universal civilization. The principal challenge facing the peoples of the earth is to accept the fact of their oneness and to assist the processes of unification.

AKSHARDHAM: Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. Akshardham means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, the abode of eternal values and virtues of Akshar as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads where divine bhakti, purity and peace forever pervades.

INDIA GATE: is constructed as a memorial and was built in the memory of 90,00 soldiers who laid down their lives during world war I. Located at Rajpath, India Gate is 42 m high and is popular relaxation area during the summer evenings. India Gate also act as popular pinic spot during winter. Also known as the All India War Memorial, India Gate was designed and constructed by Lutyens. He was the who is considered the chief proclaimer in designing the New Delhi plans.

RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN: was formerly known as ‘Viceroy’s House’ and was occupied by the Governor-General of India, until independence. Also known as President’s House, the building holds a prominent position in New Delhi. Designed by the British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, this classical building uses colors and details peculiar to Indian architecture. It was completed by 1929 and was officially inaugurated in 1931. It was in 1950 that President started living in this ceremonial building and the ‘Viceroy’s House’ was renamed as ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan.’ It has 340 decorated rooms and a floor area of 200,000 square feet.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE: It is here that bills are passed. It is here that India is shaped and reshaped and foreign relations are talked about. It is here that pains are addressed and measures are taken to achieve a mutual goal. It is here that trespassers are really prosecued – the Parliament House or Sansad Bhawan, as it is commonly known. Although it is large and imposing in its demeanour, the Sansad building stands almost hidden and virtually unnoticed at the end of Sansad Marg (Parliament Street), just north of Rajpath. Despite the humoungous plans for the capital by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the Parliament House was actually an afterthought. The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 paved way for a large legislative assembly and, no doubt, a building was needed where legislations would be passed with the thump of the gavel or the noise of ‘ayes’ and ‘nays’. Thus came into being the Parliament House.

CONNAUGHT PLACE: built in 1931, is one of Delhi’s most popular shopping centres. There is nothing that one cannot buy here. It also has several eating-houses. The state emporia buildings are also located in this area so are the head offices of major banks, airlines and other such things of importance to the tourist. The complex, popularly referred to as CP, is an important meeting point for all sections of people and is something. Even tourists don’t miss it for nothing else then for its architecture and the humdrum of everyday life.

Rajasthan

RAJASTHAN

AREA: 3, 42,239 SQ KM
POPULATION: 56,473,122
CAPITAL: JAIPUR
PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES: HINDI AND RAJASTHANI

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

Rajasthan, the largest State in India in terms of area, prior to independence, was known as Rajputana or the home of Rajputs—a martial community who ruled over this area for centuries. The history of Rajasthan dates back to the pre-historic times. Around 3,000 and 1,000 BC, it had a culture akin to that of the Indus Valley Civilization. It was the Chauhans who dominated Rajput affairs from seventh century and by 12th century; they had become an imperial power. After the Chauhans, it was the Guhilots of Mewar who controlled the destiny of the warring tribes. Besides Mewar, the other historically prominent states were Marwar, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Bharatpur and Alwar, while the other states were only offshoots of these. All these states accepted the British Treaty of Subordinate Alliance in 1818, protecting the interest of the princes. This naturally left the people discontented.

After the revolt of 1857, the people united themselves under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to contribute to the freedom movement. With the introduction of provincial autonomy in1935 in British India, agitation for civil liberties and political rights became stronger in Rajasthan. The process of uniting the scattered states commenced from 1948 to 1956, when the States Reorganization Act was promulgated. First came Matsya Union (1948), consisting of a fraction of states. Slowly and gradually, other states merged with this Union. By 1949, major states like Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer joined this Union, making it the United State of Greater Rajasthan. Ultimately in 1958, the present state of Rajasthan formally came into being, with Ajmer state, the Abu Road Taluka, and Sunel Tappa joining it.

PLACES TO SEE

AJMER: The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be, a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. Then Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghoris, after which Ajmer became home to many dynasties. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Muslims as well as Hindus. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered both by the Hindus and the Muslims. Ajmer is a centre of culture and education. The British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College, a school exclusively for Indian nobility at one time. However, now it is one of the best public schools in the country. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (14 km.) which has the distinction of having the only Brahma temple in the world. The Picturesque Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus.

BIKANER: Lying in the north of the desert State, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city’s lifestyle. More readily called the camel country; the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel Research and Breeding farms in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. A camel besides being a mode of transport, also works on wells. These are built on high plinths with slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance. The history of Bikaner dates back to 1486 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur.

BUNDI: Bundi is a magnificent town, 36 Kms from Kota, once ruled by the Hada Chauhans. First destination is Hadoti set in a narrow inclining gorge. The palaces and forts have a fairy tale quality about them. Isolated and independent, this picturesque location has much to offer. Rajput architecture shines in the intricately carved brackets and pillars. Interesting places are Diwan-e-aam, Hathia Pol, and Naubat Khana.

BHARATPUR : The history of Bharatpur dates back to the epic age, when the Matsya Kingdom flourished here in the 5th century BC The Matsya were allies of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war. According to tradition the name of Bharatpur is traced to Bharat, the brother of lord Rama of Ayodhya who’s other brother Laxman was given the high place of family deity of the ruling family of Bharatpur. His name also appears in the state seals and coat-of-arms. Bharatpur is also called the Eastern gateway of Rajasthan. Maharaja Suraj Mal. Apart from being a brave General was also a great builder. He built numerous forts and palaces across the kingdom including the Pleasure Palace complex at Deeg. Bharatpur is today known the world over for its Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

JAIPUR: Jaipur is 260 km from Delhi and 240 km from Agra and forms the golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It a bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trappings of a modern metropolis but yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveler. The old Jaipur painted in Pink can grip any visitor with admiration. Stunning backdrop of ancient forts: Nahar Garh, Amer, Jaigarh and Moti Doongari are apt testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance and chivalry.Jaipur is named after its founder, the warrior and astronomer sovereign, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh (ruled 1688 to 1744). The decision to move out of his hilltop capital Amer was also compelled by reasons of growing population and paucity of water. Moreover in the early 17th century the power of the great Mughals was dwindling with its aging Monarch Aurangzeb. After several centuries of invasions the north was now quiet and the wealth of the kingdom had considerably increased. Seizing upon this opportune time, Jai Singh planned his new capital in the plains. Jaipur is a corroborative evidence of Sawai Jai Singh’s strong grounding in science and astrology and of a Bengali architect Vidyadhar with a strong instinct for planning.

JAISALMER: The name Jaisalmer evokes utter magic and vibrancy of the desert. It’s straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The hostile terrain notwithstanding the warmth and colours of people is simply overwhelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful Havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city. And you can let your eyes caress the sloping sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in the Thar Desert. Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156 AD. On advice of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode, abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometers northwest. In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt and Arabia. The Bhati Rajput rulers lined their coffers with gains from traditional taxes levied on passing by caravans. They also amassed wealth through questionable means.

JODHPUR: This bustling desert city is the second largest in Rajasthan after Jaipur. It was founded by Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore clan, in 1459 AD. The mammoth, imposing fortress (Mehrangarh) has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of fortress. The new city is outside the structure. The Rathores enjoyed good relations with the Mughals. Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1678) supported Shah Jahan in the latter’s war of succession. The relations with the Mughals soured during the reign of Aurangzeb who launched a crusade against the Hindus, made preparations to bring the state of Marwar under his control, ordered demotion of temples and revival of Jeziya. After Aurangzeb’s death, Maharaja Ajit Singh drove out the Mughals from Ajmer and added it to Marwar.In the reign of Maharaja Umed Singh Jodhpur grew into a modern city. The quintessence of Jodhpur was its valour and equestrian skill. Polo has been the traditional sport of the Jodhpur nobility since medieval times. Jodhpur has two railway stations – City and Rai ka Bagh. Both the railway stations are outside the walled city. Jodhpur is also an army and an air force station. It has a large cantonment and airbase.

MOUNT ABU: During the period of the Maharaja’s, it was used as a place of leisure by the royalties and semi-royalties. The place presents an interesting contrast of British style bungalows and holiday lodges of the royals (Thikhana) with various tribal communities residing amidst the thick lush forest on the hills surrounding the region. The flora and fauna enjoys the adulation of the tourist to the fullest. The highest point of the Aravalli is the ‘Guru Shikhar’ with a vast sanctuary that shelters a number of species like langur, wild boars, Sambar, leopards and many more along with a number of flowering plants and trees, which enhance the beauty of the whole scenery. A rich collection of monuments of different religious sects like the famous shrines of Jainism are also found here. The tribal community of this area still maintains its pristine ways of living despite progress of the modern times. The Delwara temple is famous for its architectural splendour. The intricate carving on the marble stone is simply mesmerizing. A cluster of Hindu temples also marks the land with their historical past. The Brahmkumari ‘Ashram’ is another world famous religious community center.

RANTHAMBORE: Ranthambore National Park, once a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian tigers are best seen. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravalli and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas to the sharp and conical hills of the Aravalli. A tenth century fort also blends amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus; meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus. The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambore. A variety of birds including owlets, the ubiquitous langur (monkey), leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, bears and various species of deer are the other attractions.

SHEKHAWATI: This is a semi desert region in north Rajasthan and is situated entirely within the triangle formed by Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. Shekhawati represents a region and not just a town or fort. It derived its name from its ruler Rao Shekha. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha.The towns of Shekhawati region are known for their amazing painted Havelis. So varied and architecturally rich are the Havelis that this region is dubbed as the “open art gallery of Rajasthan”. The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes them fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century. The Shekhawati region is dotted with so many Havelis that tracking them is something akin to a treasure hunt. Various forms of fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures as a contrast to the otherwise flat and barren land. The Havelis are noted for their frescoes depicting mythological themes and huge animals. Some later day frescoes reflect British influence in the form of steam locomotives and trains depicted on them.

UDAIPUR: Udaipur is often called ‘Venice of the East’. It is also the ‘city of lakes’. The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) located in the middle of Pichola Lake is the finest example of architectural and cultural marvel. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above enhances the beauty of this magnificent city. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, crafts and its famed miniature paintings. The Shilpgram festival is a great crowd-puller on new year.Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur in 1559 AD. According to a legend Udai Singh was guided by a holy man meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake to establish his capital on that very spot. Surrounded by Aravali Ranges, forests and lakes this place was less vulnerable to external invasion than Chittorgarh. Maharana Udai Singh died in 1572 and was succeeded by Maharana Pratap who valiantly defended Udaipur from Mughal attacks. Maharana Pratap is the most revered Rajput icon who gallantly fought the Mughals at the battle of Haldighati in 1576. Mewar continuously defied foreign invaders and has a history of bloody battles until the British intervention in the nineteenth century when a treaty was signed to protect Udaipur. Upon independence, Udaipur merged with the union of India.

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