Delhi
The Tomar king, Anangpal, was the founder of the first city of Delhi . Delhi was ruled by a series of muslim dynasties, each of whom imparted a different artistic style to the city - Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyeds and Lodhis. Shahjahan, the famous mughal emperor, made Delhi his capital and embellished it. Places of interest are Rastrapati Bhawan - the official residence of president of India , India gate - (The war memorial) A monument dedicated to the soldiers who became martyrs during the Second World War, Bahai Temple .

Humayun's Tomb - a fore runner to Taj Mahal constructed by Haji Begum, Qutab Minar - One of the tallest stone tower (Minarete) in India, Red Fort - built by the great Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in Red Sandstone, Jama Masjid - This Historic Mosque is one of the largest mosque of its kind in India and Raj Ghat - the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi.

Agra
The Taj Mahal, Eternal symbol of India and Agra, is breathtaking by

moonlight. The city that grew in prominence under the Moghuls retains the ambience of an era long past. Places of interest are Taj Mahal, Mausoleum built by Emperor Shahjehan for his Empress Mumtaz Mahal. 20,000 Workmen worked for 22 years to complete it.

Agra Fort is a blend of an Architectural style used during the reign of three Emperors, the tomb of Itmad - Ud - Daulah and Sikandra the tomb of Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri designed by Akbar as his capital city was lived - in for only a very few years as it was abandoned due to shortage of water that is why the name "The Abandoned City". It is a beautiful architectural city built of Red Sandstone.

Jaipur
Indian Cities Information Guide to India, Known as the Pink City, Jaipur's buildings have a pink tinge to them, being built of the local sandstone. Built by Jai Singh II, it is now one of the world's major gem centres. Places of interest are the city palace or Chandra Mahal - Converted as a Museum, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and Jantar Mantar - The Royal Observatory built by the Maharaja Jai Singh. Excursion to Amber fort (The Massive citadel on the hill) highlighted by an elephant ride upto the entrance of the fort. The fort is a living example of the grandeur and majesty of the Rajput Kings.

Bikaner
Indian Destination Guide, The endless monotony of the desert is broken by the fort and palace of Bikaner. Once a major trading post between Africa, West Asia and Far East. The city's deity is Karni Mata. The temple dedicated to her provides sanctuary to mice in the belief that those who serve the goddess are reborn as mice. Places of interest are Junagarh Fort - Built around 1593 AD having 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within, it is one of its kind. Lallgarh palace - Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.

Jaisalmer
The rich and beautiful palaces and "Havelis" of Jaisalmer shimmer against the relentless monotony of the Thar Desert. Its rulers were known for their valour, their beautiful havelis and glorious temples for close to ten centuries Jaisalmer has assumed the air of a virtual art museum. Places of interest are Jaisalmer fort- which houses royal apartments and a palace as well as the famous Jain temples. Gadisar Lake - A rain water lake, a picinic spot ideal for boating, havelis - intricately latticed with conspicuous facades.

Jodhpur
Gateway to the Thar Desert, the city is known for its striking forts, stately palaces and gracious buildings. Some of these are now India's finest hotels. The city was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha of the Rajput clan. The clan claims direct descent from the Lord Rama, the hero of the epic, Ramayana. Places of interest are Meharangarh fort - The most impressive fort in entire Rajasthan, was built by the city's founder five centuries ago. All rulers of the city were crowned here.

Jaswant Thada, A memorial built in pure white marble is for the exclusive use of the royal family, as a crematorium. Umaid Bhawan Palace, built in this century, resembles the Taj Mahal, but in rose coloured sandstone. Old fort museum and Mandore Gardens.

Udaipur
Gleaming in its abundance of lakes and palaces, the enchanting lake city of Udaipur nestles in a valley among lush hills of the Aravalis, on the banks of the shimmering Lake Pichola. The main part of the palace converted into Museum, Lake Palace now converted into a luxury hotel. Pratap Samarak - Hilltop garden with the statue of Maharana Pratap, Saheho ki Bari, brings to the fore the unique life style of the royal ladies who once strolled in these gardens. Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum - A foundation for the preservation of arts in India and Jag Mandir.

Mandawa
Indian Cities Information Guide to India, The Medieval fort of the Mandawa Emerges on the Horizon like a Mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaars. The terrace of castle Mandawa presents a breathtaking view of the town and the semi arid plains beyond. The havelis of the Chokhanis, Goenkas Nevatia and Ladia and the Sarafs are extravagantly painted. One of the oldest frescoes is within the fort itself.

Mount Abu
Rajasthan's only hill station and a major pilgrim centre. Till about 11th century Mount Abu was an important Vaishnav and Shiv Pilgrim centre but is today recognized more as a Jain Pilgrim centre. The Dilwara temples are the best Jain temples in the country. Nakki Lake surrounded by hills and overlooks the enormous toad rock. This artificial lake is believed to be dug out by the Gods themselves with their nails hence its name Nakki.

Pushkar
Located 11 kms west of Ajmer. Pushkar is sacred to the Hindus. The lake at Pushkar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself and has the same sanctity for Hindus as Mansarover in Tibet. For most believers it is essential to visit Pushkar at least once in their lifetime. Today there are as many as 400 temples in Pushkar and the lake is surrounded by ghats built over the years by several kings. Pushkar holds one of the largest cattle fairs in the world. For 12 days in the month of Kartik, which falls some time in November, the sleepy town is taken over by the lakh of animals and visitors.

Lucknow
Information Guide to Indian Cities, Lucknow is an enchanting city. A Mixture of down at heel elegance, fascinating charm and unique culture gives it an irresistible appeal. This is a legacy that it inherits from more gracious times when the kingdom of Avadh saw the last great flowering of a civilization that began with the Mughal advent in India. Places of interest are Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and Chota Imambara. The Jama Masjid , Lucknow's great mosque, La Martinere, one of the Lucknow's first, large European style buildings. The state Museum House has a valuable collection of Gupta and Kushan period finds.

Khajuraho
Khajuraho - about 200 kms from Jhansi is in a wilderness and not really enroute to anywhere or from anywhere, you should not miss the beautiful, ornate temples built by the chandelas in the 10th and 11th centuries. The temples have survived precisely because of their isolation at a site where there is neither a town nor an industry. The Chandelas ruled for five centuries and the 85 Khajuraho temples out of which only 22 have survived were the outpourings of their creative genius over a hundred years period. The temples were constructed from 950 AD to 1050 AD and are in three distinct groups. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven. The world at large identifies the Khajuraho temples as sensuous and erotic sculptures. But they are more than just that, Life in every mood has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs.

Varanasi
Indian Cities Information Guide to India, One of the India's oldest and holiest cities. The river front, seen at dawn, is a spiritually uplifting sight. It is also a famous centre for silk and cotton weaving. A boat ride on river Ganges enables one to observe the rituals being performed by the devotees on the banks. Places of interest are the Ghats - Sacred steps running down into Ganges River, Bharat Mata Temple is unique and is dedicated to the nation. Instead of deity’s statues, it houses one of the most perfect relief maps of India carved out of marble. Yishweshwara Temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Banaras Hindu University - A centre of education in Indian art, Culture and music. Sarnath - It was in the deer park at Sarnath, 10 kms from Varanasi, that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It was at Sarnath he set forth, for the first time, the wheel of law. Accordingly the centre is an important pilgrimage point for all Buddhists.

Kolkata
The largest metropolis in India, Calcutta is a vibrant city on the move, volatile and unpredictable. The Gateway to India, till 1912, and the capital of the Raj in India, it still bears the Victorian imprint on its streets and structures. A city just about ready to burst at the seams, Calcutta is home to more than 10 million people. The Ganges (called the Hooghly in Calcutta) is still the inspiration, as it was to Job Charnok, East India Company agent, who reached the shores in August 1690, to found the city. Calcutta, after London, was the British Empire's second city.
Calcutta, on-the-Hooghly, retains the aura of days long gone, weaving the past and the present, the intense and the funloving into a charming fabric.

Darjeeling
The adventure destination of Darjeeling in West Bengal offers several sports to the daring. The cool height of the Himalayas, the spectacular sunrise and sunsets are unforgettable sights at Darjeeling. As it is Darjeeling attracts botanists, ornithologists, adventurers, photographers and holidaymakers alike.

Gangtok
Gangtok (1500 m) meaning "Hilltop" is the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok still retains its charming architectural style with pagoda like wooden houses, painted turquoise roofs and colourful bazaars. Among the places of interest are stupa of Do Drul Chorten, Enchey monasteries, Rsukla - Kuang, The Royal Chapel, Namgayal Institute of Tibetology for learning the language and Tradition of Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism, orchid Sanctuary and Deer Park.

Konark
Built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the 13th century A.D. In the golden era of Orissan art, this crowning piece of Orissan architecture and sculpture is sheer poetry in stone and a veritable feast for the eyes. Although only the Mukhashala or the entrance hall alone has remained intact, this magnificent ruin has on it sculptures of exquisite beauty covering every aspect of life,which prove to be a magical attraction for connoisseurs and common visitors alike. Konark is many splendoured gem of Orissan art. Its beauty is not for description of words, it is to be seen, enjoyed and savored.

Haridwar
Information Guide to Indian Cities, Haridwar is an ancient pilgrim city is one of the holiest places for Hindus & Haridwar, lies on the bank of River Ganga at the feet of Shivalik ranges. Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. It lies at the base of the Shivalik Hills where the Ganga passes through its last gorge and begins a 2000 km journey across the plains. One of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela, a festival held once in twelve years, it is among the seven sacred cities of India. A holy dip at Har-Ki-Pauri is a must for every devotee. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Haridwar has privilege of having IIT at Roorkee, formerly known as University of Roorkee, founded in 1847 as a first technical institute of India. The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the world.

Rishikesh
Myth has it that the sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance and, as a reward, God appeared to him in the form of Rishikesh. Rishikesh also represents the site where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. The place is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. Tapovan, on the other bank of the Ganges, houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, carried out penances here. The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva had drunk the venom that came out during the churning of the ocean. In the 1960s, the place came into limelight as the place where the pop group Beatles met their guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, & Yamunotri. The Yoga centres of Rishikesh have improved the importance of the place.

Nepal
Draped along the spine of the Himalaya, Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, timeworn temples, and some of the best hiking trails on earth. It is rich in scenic splendor and cultural treasures. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination. It's the kind of country that lingers in your dreams long after you leave it. This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity.

Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. It is situated in a valley in the heart of Nepal. The entire terrain of Kathmandu is like a steep incline, descending from the Himalayan heights to the Terai flatland within a short distance. Kathmandu is truly the heart of the Himalayas; it has a wonderful history that goes back to about two hundred years and a very refined culture, the richest of all in Asia. Kathmandu attracts many tourists all year round, and it is not only just a tourist destination it is also an important business hub and a sacred place for pilgrims.Swayambhu Nath (Monkey Temple), Boudhha Nath, Bhaktapur, Pashupati Nath (Hindu Temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan City are the famous tourist destinations of Kathmandu

Pokhara
One of the most picturesque spot of Nepal. The beauty of the valley is enhanced by its lovely lakes: Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Situated 200km west of Kathmandu. Pokhara is connected by air as well or by tourist luxuries bus from Kathmandu. Situated at an al-level, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, 5peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara's numerous lakes, known as "Tal" in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming. at Phewa Lake, Begnas and Rupa Lake, Barahi Temple, Davy's fall, Mahendra Gupha etc. are the famous tourist destinations of Pokhara

Chitwan
In southern Nepal, Chitwan is the richest wildlife reserve in Asia with an area of 932 sq, km. Easy access in 5-6 hours by bus riding or 35 minute short flight from Kathmandu or Pokhara. The home of the indigenous people, the Tharu, and the home of the unique one- horned rhino, majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, many species of deer, and the largest number of zoological species of local and migrated birds more than 450, Crocodile family with the rare species of Marshmugger, Gharial and numerous flora & Fauna to be discovered Elephant Safari, Birds Watching, Nature Walk, Tharu Stick Dance, Jungle Drive are famous in Chitwan

Lumbini
A birthplace of Lord Buddha. The sites described as a beautiful Garden in the Buddha's time still retain its legendary charm and beauty. Located 150km south from the tourist city of Pokhara. Sacred Garden, Maya Devi Temple, Puskani Pond, Ashokan Pillar, Nepal Buddha Temple, Lumbini Museum are the major tourist attractions.