India Famous Places

2009-04-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

India - The land of great diversity, offers a very large variety of tourist attractions. Besides the natural beauties, also the historical places and many more attractions force people all over the world to visit India. Here one can visit many tourist destinations,explore new sights and learn different cultures and religions. This very reason makes India travel very special. A visit to India thus can be the holiday of a lifetime, a great never forgetting experience! Indian land boasts of diversified geographical features like, coastal areas, dry plateaus, fertile plains, tropical rain forests, desert regions, valleys, mountain ranges etc. This is one of the basic reasons for tourists all over flocking to India to get a glimpse of this mysterious land of geographical diversities. Indian land is covered by Himalayan mountains in north and remaining three sides by oceans – Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay Of Bengal. Besides these, there are excavations and monuments covering mellinia in history to remind the visitor of a multi-faceted, multi-religious country where the aesthetic sense in man and his spiritual fervour have combined to produce works of art that are among the most beautiful in the world.

India has rare mixture of races, people, languages, customs and traditions. Very few countries can boast of such a wide spectrum!India is a land of great variety, seemingly of contradictions where the past of thousands of years is living and vivid. The people, their colour and the intermingling of the past and the present are India's greatest charm and attraction. Little realised fact is that India has strong infrastructure of tourist facilities which provide for travel within the country in comfort. There are deluxe and palace hotels uniquley Indian in character. There are hotels of 3 to 5 to 7 star levels for the medium, high budget and luxurious budget tourist. The budget traveller can expect 1 and 2 star hotels, tourist bunglows and youth hostels for accomodation.

There are restaurants in plenty catering to all tastes and offering indian, chinese or continental cuisines. The indian menus are again, of a great variety with each region having own specialities. Many well known flight operators operate air services between practically all the major towns and cities. The indian railways on the other hand gives a chance to see country side. For those who prefer road travel,there are chauffer driven luxury taxis, tourist taxis and coaches available for hire.Besides, there are bus / luxury coach services connecting tourist centres with nearby cities and towns. Most tourist spots conduct inexpensive sight seeing. Much of the reaction of a visitor to india depends upon how well the tour is planned and conducted. This blog attempts to give in nutshell the basic information required in planning tour to India. Exotic destinations are there for intrepid traveller and exciting one for those who prefer the well trodden route. There are myriad places suitable for travel during different seasons of the year making india truly a travel destination for all seasons!
Also Read:

India Journey Part-1
India Journey Part-2

IMPORTANT NOTE : India Famous Places provides tourist information about india at a general level. Every effort has been taken to provide correct and updated information. The contents including boundries and other details have not been authincated and hence India Famous Places does not assume any responsiblity for any claims against accuracy. Since tourist information is contantly subjected to change, it should be rechecked and reconfirmed.

Naldehra

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Fagu

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Kufri

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Mashobra

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Sanjauli

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Sanjauli Information
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A serene location with delightful walks, Sanjauli is an ideal for a tranquil weekend. There are fine vistas and the lights of Shimla and Chail can be seen twinkling at night. On the other side, Mashobra and Naldehra are visible.

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Prospect Hill

2009-04-29T12:19:00.003-07:00

Prospect Hill Information
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A 15 minutes climb from Boileauganj, Phttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrospect Hill is another favourite walkand vantage point with breath taking views. There is a little temple to Kamna Devi on the top of the hill (5kms.).

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Chadwick Falls

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Chadwick Falls Information
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Just beyond Summer Hill is the 67 mts. waterfall, cascading into a deep gorge. This is known as Chadwick Falls, which are best seen after the monsoon (7kms.).

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Summer Hill

2009-04-29T12:18:00.002-07:00

Summer Hill Information
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Summer Hill is a pleasant suburbhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif, 5 kms. away from the town, is a stop on the Shimla-Kalka railway. Its also famous because Mahatma Gandhi once stayed here at the Rajkumari Amrit Kaur Mansion.

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Jhaku Hill

2009-04-29T12:18:00.001-07:00

Jhaku Hill Information
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Jhaku Hill, Shimla's highes point is very rewarding climb as there are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top, there is a temple (2.4 kms.), dedicated to Hanuman - the monkey god and is frequented by monkeys. It is east of the town center near the highest point of the Shimla ridge (2455mts.). This temple is known as Jhaku Temple.

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Viceregal Lodge

2009-04-29T12:17:00.004-07:00

Viceregal Lodge Information

Viceregal Lodge is also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas". Anyone can take a guided of the lodge from 9 am to 5.30 pm (excephttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift monday). The lodge is a pleasant 2km. walk west of the museum. Housed in Gothic splendour of the Viceregal Lodghttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife is the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, India's Premier Academy for higher research.

It stands in the well-tended gardens with good views of the mountains. The building was completed in 1888 and drew is architectural inspiration from the renaissance in Elizabethan England. Next to the lodge is a small aviary featuring among other birds, the Monal pheasant (Himachal's state bird). The aviary is open 10am to 5 pm daily (closed on monday).

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Shimla Mall

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Shimla Mall Information
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All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall, the main promenade thttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhat runs along the top of the ridge - a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town - a favourite rendezvous for visitors and the local people. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The labyrinth of Shimla's bazaars spill over the edge of the mall.

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Annandale

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Annandale Information

Follow the first part of the route as for the Glen, and continue down along the metalled road to this large glade surrounded by deodar woods. The turn-off is on the way to the museum and goes through Annandale, another lovely area. This was the site of a famous racecourse, and cricket and polo are still played there.

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The Glen

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The Glen Information
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About 4 Kms. west of the Scandal Point is one of the former playgroundshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif of the rich British colonialists. Now it has become a picnic spot.

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Christ Church

2009-04-29T12:16:00.001-07:00

Christ Church Information

Christ Church, the second http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifoldeshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift church in northern India (the oldest being in Ambala), was built between 1857 and 1864. This church is one of the Simla's major landmarks and is renowned for its stained-glass windows. James Ransome designed the Library next door in the mock Tudor style.

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Himachal State Museum And Library

2009-04-29T12:15:00.004-07:00

Himachal State Museum And Library Information

About 2.5 kms west of Scandal Point, near the communications mast, the muhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifseum is loacted in a colonial building set amidst spacious lawns. It has a good collection of statues, Pahari miniatures, coins, photos , stone sculptures, local handicrafts, textiles, embroidery and other items from around Himachal Pradesh and is worth a visit. Photography is strictly prohibited.

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Shimla Tourist Places

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Shimla

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Facts And Figures:

Area : 18 sq.kms.
Altitudes : 2,130 mts.
Season : Throughout the year, snowfall in winter.

Aquaint little hill train chugs up into the Shivalik foothills, over dramatic loops and high arched bridges to the hill resort of shimla - the capital of mountian state of Himachal. Shimla, the queen of hills was once a string of hill stations that the British established to escape from the schorching heat of the plains. The 12 kms. crescent shaped ridge on which it is located was first occupied by the British troops, in the early part of the 19th century, during the Anglo-Gurkha war.

It was once a part of the Nepali kingdom and called Shyamala, another name for the goddess Kali, but received few visitors until it was discovered by the British, who were seeking respite from the baking plains in 1819. Three years later the first British house was erected, and in 1864 Shimla became summer capital of India. Even now it holds the lingering echoes of a bygone era.

Shimla's salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill statuions in northern India. The splendid views of the snow clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendrons, enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf at Naldehra and skiing at Narkanda make Shimla an attractive destination throughout the year. This is the enchantment of nature's bounty. To the north, the awesome snow ranges across the horizon.

How to get there:
Air : The airport is at Jubbarhatti at 23 kms. from Shimla and linked by air to Delhi, Chandigarh, Kangra and Kullu.
Rail : It is linked by a narrow guage line to Kalka which is connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar by broad guage. Kalka is 96 kms. The toy train from Kalka to Shimla is entrancing with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges.
Road : Shimla is well connected by road to most towns within the state and to all major towns in Punjab and Haryana.

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Himachal Pradesh Buddhist Monasteries

2009-04-29T12:14:00.003-07:00

Buddhist Monasteries in Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh, natural beauty abounds and where legends seem to merge with verifiable history, there lies a necklace of Buddhist Monasteries, Gompas etched across its lands scape. And no measure of money can value this treasure, for its significance is something beyond compare. Some Gompas go back to the time when Buddhism was a shadowless sapling in the region. The seed for its rise in the area had been sown in the 7th century AD when the Tibetan King Songsten Gompa was influenced by two of his wives - Wen Cheng from China and Bkrikuti Devi from Nepal. A century later, King Trison Detsen embraced the way of Buddha. From India came masters like Santarakshita and the famous teacher and tantric Padmasambhava.

The 9th century witnessed a break in the spread of Buddhism, but the 10th and 11th centuries witnessed a grand revival and it was an age of great teachers - Atisha, Marpa, Milarepa and Rinchensangpo. With the passage of time, Buddhism became the major religion of Tibet, Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti and its influence also lay in other neighbouring areas like Kinnaur. The Gompas apart from their religious influence also became the founts of power and the repositories of the regions art and manuscripts. More than 1000 years old, Tabo in Spiti is one of the area's most revered monastery.

There are monasteries which are barely a few decades old and come into being after 1959, when His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Tibet along with several followers and came to reside in India. And as surely as chant of the prayers accompanied with rhythmic drum beats interspersed with the roll of cymbals and calls of long horns ring out of their hallowed halls, the Gompas stand blessing the land and welcoming every pilgrim and traveller.

Also read:

Monasteries in Kinnaur
Monasteries in Spiti
Monasteries in Lahaul
Monasteries in Rewalsar
Monasteries in Kangra

Himachal Pradesh Tourist Places

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Himachal Pradesh Festivals

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Festivals Of Himachal Pradesh

Shivratri fair at Baijnath (February)
Shivratri fair at Mandi (February - March)
Nalwari cattle Fair at Bilaspur (March)
Chessur fair at Rewalsar, Hole fair at Rewalsar ( March)
Rohru fair at Rohru (April)
Summer festival at Dharamshala (May)
Summer festival at Shimla (May - June)
Sallooni fair at Solan (June)
Minjar fair ay Keylong (August)
Phulaich festival at Sangla (August-September)
Ladarcha fair at Kaza ( July-August)
Manimahesh yatra ( August-September)
Dushehra festival at Kullu (July-August)
Lavi fair at Rampur (November)
Renuka fair at Renuka (November)
Tribal festival at Reckong-Peo (October-November)

Ladakh Ecological Centre

2009-04-01T02:35:00.001-07:00

Ladakh Ecological Centre Information, Ladakh, Jammu And Kashmir

Ladakh Ecological Centre was opened in 1984 to spread awareness of Ladakhi environmental issues, encourage self help and use of alternative technology.

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Sankar Gompa

2009-04-01T02:33:00.000-07:00

Sankar Gompa Information, Ladakh, Jammu And Kashmir

Sankar Gompa is one of few Gompas built in the valley bottom off the yellow Haat sector. It was built during the 17th century and is a 3km pleasant walk past the Hiamlayan hotel through the fields. It houses the cheif Lama of Spituk and 20 others. The newer monks' quarters are on the three sides of the courtyard with steps leading upto the Du-khang (Assembly Hall).

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Soma Gompa

2009-04-01T02:32:00.002-07:00

Soma Gompa Information, Ladakh, Jammu And Kashmir

Soma Gompa was built in 1957 and is located in main street of the old village. It was built to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of birth of buddha.

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Matho Gompa

2009-04-01T02:32:00.001-07:00

Matho Gompa Information, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Matho Gompa was built in the 16th century under the Sasakya order. It holds an annual festival during Feb-March which the monks and novices go in to trances and self inflict wounds that appear to leqave no marks. A 5 kms. walking trail connects Matho Gompa and Stakna Gompa.

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Shey Gompa

2009-04-01T02:31:00.000-07:00

Shey Gompa Information, Ladakh, Jammu And Kashmir

Shey Gompa is located at about 15 kms. to the south of Leh. It was the former summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. the gompa comprises of small library, collection of thagkas,some stupas, mani walls, 12 mts. Sakyamuni Buddha statue made of copper but is gold plated and is easy to reach .

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Rizong

2009-04-01T02:30:00.003-07:00

Rizong Information, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Rizong Gompa and Julichen Nunnery are about 6 kms. along a steep rocky track path of the main road. there is no village at Rizong but accomadation is available at Gompa (for men) or the nunnery(for women). As there are no direct bus service, a bus bound for Kargil or taxi will be best.

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Basgo

2009-04-01T02:30:00.001-07:00

Basgo Information, Ladakh, Jammu And Kashmir

Basgo is one of the top 100 endangered world heritage sites as of 2000. This 400 years old mud-brick gompa can be reached only through winding steep tracks.

Ser Zung temple with great frescoes in the prayer room, another temple with na enormous gold and copper statue of the Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha) is worth attractions. Buses are there daily from Leh to Alchi Pan Basgo.

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Nimmu

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Nimmu Information, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Nimmu lies at about 8 kms. to the east of Leh nad at the confluence of differently coloured Indus and Zanskar rivers. It is a refreshing spot for the tea. A direct minibus can be taken from Leh for Nimmu.

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Gompa Tsemo

2009-04-01T02:28:00.001-07:00

Gompa Tsemo Information, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Gompa Tsemo is one of the royal monasteries built in the 15th century and located near the palace. It is knowbn for its two storeyed statue of Chamb Buddha in a sitting posture.

It is a strenuos walk north of the city and has a colossal two-storey high image of Maitreya, flanked by figures of Avalokitesvara (right) and Manjusri (left). The Namgyal rulers founded it and a portrait of Tashi Namgyal hangs on the left of the entrance.

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Leh Mosque

2009-04-01T02:27:00.002-07:00

Leh Mosque Information, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Leh Mosque was built by Deldan Namgyal in the mid 17th century and is a tribute to his Muslim mother. Leh Mosque is an exquisite work of Turko-Iranian architecture and stands majestgically in the main bazaar (market). It is not open for women visitors.

The Sunni Muslim Mosque is believed to stand on the land granted by by king Deldan Namgyal in 1660s .His grandmother was the Muslim queen of Ladakh. The Mahabodhi socirty International Meditation Centre is in town.

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Namgyal Tsemo

2009-04-01T02:27:00.001-07:00

Namgyal Tsemo Information, Ladakh, Jammu And Kashmir

Namgyal Tsemo monastery dominates both the palace and the town, exhibiting in a manner the supremecy of the spiritual king. The monastery houses a gilded statue of the Buddha, painted scrolls, ancient manuscript and wall paintings.

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Leh Palace

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Leh Palace Information, Ladakh, Jammu And Kashmir

Leh Palace is in the north beyond the old village and is described as miniature version of Lhasa's Potala Palace. Singay Namgiyal built this palace in the late 16th century. The palace stands like a sentinel overlooking the town. Inside there are old wall painitngs depicting the life of Buddha. It has nine storeys, sloping buttresses and projecting wooden balconies.

A part of the palace is a Museum. It has numerous rooms, steps and narrow passages lined with the old thangkas, paintings and arms. The central prayer room usually locked but opened on request has religious texts lining the walls. The Archeological Survey of India is responsible for restoration.

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Ladakh Tourist Places

2009-04-01T02:16:00.000-07:00

Ladakh Tourist Places Information, Jammu And Kashmir

Ladakh is renowned for its Buddhist monasteries which are dotted all over the sparsely populated countryside, each richly decorated with manuscripts. The following places are within easy reach of Leh:

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Phugthal

2009-03-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

Phugthal Information, Kargil, Jammu And Kashmir

Phugthal is spectaculary located monastery in Ladakh and dating back to the early 12th century. Housing an old chappel with frescoes reflecting Indian art, it is accessible from the Padum-Mandi trekking route through a 7 kms. long trail that brnaches off from the Purney bridge on the main trail.

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Zangla

2009-03-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

Zangla Information, Kargil, Jammu And Kashmir

Zangla lies to the north of Zanskar at a distance of about 35 kms. and is at the end of a long enough road from Padum. It is with its old castle, a small chappel, old nunnery, old monastery in the nearby village of Tsn-zar with exquisite frescoes. These are a few places of interest. Zangla is a nodal point on the popular Padum-Stongdey-Zangla-Karsha-Padum round trip. It is also the take off point for the Padum-Lamayuru and the Padum-Markha vallet treks.

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Stongdey

2009-03-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

Stongdey Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

The monastery of Stongdey lies 18 kms. to the north of Padum on the road leading to Zangla, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the oasis like village below. Stongdey is the second largest monastic establishment of Zanskar and houses a number of temples and the Gon - Khang, a well guarded room containing fierce faced deities which are mostly veiled. They are the guardian deities of the Buddhist pantheon.

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Sani

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Sani Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

Sani, a village is located at 6ms to the west of Padum on the road to Kargil. The chief attraction here is the castle like monastery, founded by Kanishka on account of the Kanika stupa inside the complex. Frescoes adorned with Thankas, rock carving surrounding the old cemetry, statues of Buddhist divinities and durgapa high saints are attractions here.

Sani is also associated with Naropa, the famous Indian Yogi from Vikramsila, who meditated under the Kanika Stupa. The bronze figure of the yogi which is unveiled once a year inlate july leads to a 2 day festival and celebrated with Bardan Monastery monks performing masked dances as ritual offering.

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Padum

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Padum Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

Padum was the capital of ancient kingdom of Zanskar and today is administrative headquarters of the region. It is the most populaous settlement of Zanskar and a major trekking base. It is laso an atrractive tourist destination with quality charms like a set of ancient 8th century rock carvings on a huge boulder near the river bank, the Stagrimo monastery, the old village of Pibiting dominated by its picturesque hilltop monastery.

The main camp site and the small hotel areais close to the newly constructed mosque (the only one in Zanskar region) which serves the sunni Muslim community. Padum is also the starting point fora number of demanding treks.

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Panikhar

2009-03-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

Panikhar Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

Panikhar lies spread under the shadows of the Nan-Kun matsij at a distance of about 67 kms to the south of Kargil. Panikhar comprises of beautiful expanse of Suru valley with a dozen villages, intensively cultivated plateau, a base station for long treks in the direction of Kashmir, Kishtwar, the Nun-kun vew saddlt in the Parkachik ridge, majestic Parkachik galcier across a good suspension foot bridge over suru and a base for many trans-Hmalayan traverses.

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Sankoo

2009-03-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Sankoo Infirmation, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

Sankoo is an upcoming township with a small bazaar, surrounded by rocky mountains. Dense plantation of poplars, willows, myricarea and wild roses fill the bowl shaped valley, giving it the ambience of a man made forest. The tributaries of Suru river, the Kartse and the Nakpochu open upon either side of the expanse Kartse - Khar and the ancient village near the mouth of Kartse valley, has a 7 mts. tall rock sculpture of future Budhha.

This is a good starting point fora trek. The popular 4 day treks from here include sankoo and Mulbekh passes through Rusila and the Safila, the 3-day trek to Drass across the UmbalLa, the trek routes are dotted with colourful wild flowers during the summer. Sankoo is popular for its ancient shrine of a Muslim scholar Saint - Sayed Mir Hashim, who imported religious teachings to the region's Buddhist rule - Thi Namgyal of the suru principality. It is located in the village of Karpo Khar.

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Wakha Rgyal

2009-03-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

Wakha Rgyal Information, Kargil, Jammu And Kashmir

Wakha Rgyal is a small village tucked away inside the picturesque upper part of the Wakha Valley, upstream of Mulbekh. It looks like a colony of beehives hanging from the ochre granite of the cliffside. A small monastery occupying the top of this Buddhist village offers breathtaking views of undulating ochre hills crowned.

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Urgyan Dzong

2009-03-31T07:38:00.000-07:00

Urgyan Dzong Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

Urgyan Dzong is a meditation retreat lying tucked away in an amazing natural montain fortress high up in the Zanskar range. Concealed within is a circular table land with a small monastic establishment at its centre. There are many several caves around and one associated with the visit of Padmasamthara, the patron saint of tibetan Buddhism. The main approach is a foot path laid through the only gap available in the rocky ramparts.

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Shergol

2009-03-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Shergol Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

Shergol - A picturesque village of the Wakha river valley, is located across the river right of the Kargil - Leh road. the main attraction is a cave manostery , Buddhist nunnery and it is a convenient base for an exciting 4 days trek, into the Suru Valley. It is also the approach base for visitng Urgyan Dzong, a meditation retreat lying deep inside the mountains surrounding the Wakha river valley.

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ZongKhul

2009-03-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

ZongKhul Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

ZongKhul is a cave monastery located on the Padum - Kishtwar route and i s built around 2 caves in the hseer rock face of the gorge. Kargil also serves as the base of trekking expeditions. some of the important routes are :
Padam-Mone-Puplia-Tangse-Kargiya-Kakong-Zanskar-Sumdo-Darcha-Mangali (9 days)
Padam-Pishu-Pidmu-Snertse-Lishat-Chumpado Gongma-Singli-Photoksar-Hanupata-Chila-Lamayuru-Leh (12 days)
Padam-tungri-Ating-Huttra-Buswas-Machail-Atchole-Galhar-Kishtwar (7 days)

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Bardan

2009-03-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Bardan Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

Bardan is an isolated moanstery and loacted at about 12 kms. to the south of Padum. It has about 40 old school monks in residence. Founded durin g the 17th century as the first ever centre of old, unreformed Drugpa monastic order in Zanskar, Bardan controls several other Drugpa establicshments including Sani Monastery. Its highlights include beautiful statues, stupas in clay, bronze wood and copper. It is also a popular stop on the rekking trail to Manali.

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Karsha

2009-03-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Karsha Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

Karsha is the largest and wealthiest of all monasteries in Zanskar. It dates back to the 16th century. The largest monastic establishment of Zanskar is an imposing complex of neatly white washed chappels and rooms. The centrel with an array of figures, statues and ornate throne of Lama-incarnate, chappel adorned with silver and copper chortens, old Thankas, frecoes in the chamber accessible through a vent, the Lhabrang, the nunnery Dorje Dzong, old temple of Chukshit-Jal are some of the major attractions. The event to witness at Karsh is the 3 day long Gustor Festival held during July.

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Zanskar

2009-03-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Zanskar Information,Kargil,Jammu And Kashmir

Zanskar is the most remotest and most isolated valley of Ladakh. It lies a distance of about 20 kms from Rangdum. The Zanskar road winds down to the Stod Valley, the majestic "Drang Drung" glacier 100 mts. This is the long and winding river of ice and snow, the largest glacier in Ladakh.

The main Himalaya composes the isolated region of Zanskar of a number of small mountain locekd valleys to the south of Ladakh. The valleys are bounded to the north by the Zanskar range and to the south. to the east and west, high ridges linking the Himalaya and Zanskar mountains ensure that there is no easy connection between Zanskar and the outside world. Zanskar essentially comprises the Stod Valley in the west and the Lunak Valley in the east, which converge at Padum, the administrative centre of the region.

Zanskar comprises a tri-armed valley system - west, north and south lying between the great Himalayan range and the Zanskar mountains with the central expanse a boding then Zanskar river. the region's 10000 strong buddhist population lives over an estimated geographical area of 5000 sq.kms. The area remains closed for nearly 8 months a year due to heavy rainfall and closure of the Penzi-La. Within the mountain ramparts of this lost Shangri-La stand a number of ancient yet active monastic establishments.

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Mulbekh

2009-03-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Mulbekh Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

Mulbekh is a typical Buddhist village located at about 45 kms. to the east of Kargil on the road to Leh. The chief attraction of Mulbekh is a 9 mts. high rocjk sculpture of Maitreya. Perched on a rocky cliff, the Mulbekh monastery dominates the valley.

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Rangdum

2009-03-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Rangdum Information, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir

Rangdum is an isolated amphitheatre like valley which lies at about 130 kms from Kargil. It has a 17th century monastery perched atop a central hillock.

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Suru Valley

2009-03-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

Suru Valley Information,Kargil,Jammu And Kashmir

Suru Valley is a fertile valley of immense beauty occupied by a population of Tibeto - Dard descent. One of the most beautiful regions of Ladakh, Suru Valley forms the main stay of the Kargil district. Nestled along the northeastern foothills of the great Himalayan wall, it extends from Kargil town, first southward fora lenght of 75 kms upto the expanse around Panikhar, thence eastward for 65 kms upto the foot of the Penzilla pan where the Suru river arises. Although immobilized in winter by heavy snowfall, its alluvial floor, verdant fields, watered by streams from surrounding mountains it serves as Ladakh's granary producing rich crops of wheat and barley.There being plenty of water for irrigation, the thick groves of willow and poplar trees give the area lushness are in Ladakh.

The upper reaches of the valley, Sankoo Bowl, The Pankhar expanse present a spectacle of breath taking features - snow capped mountain ramparts, foaming cascades of pristine water, glaciers, quaint villages, valleys of flowers with hundreds of varieties of wild plants blossoming tp spread a riot of colours in months of June and July. The beauty of this region is further enhanced by the sheer contrast provided by the towering peaks of Nun (7135 mts.) and Kun (7035 mts.) that tower over the skyline in their crystalline majesty.

Suru Valley offers some very good trekking and Kargil is the jumping off point for treks in this region. There is a road along the valley now but this can be avoided for large sections of the trek. The metalled part extends to Parachik, which is beyond Panikher. An unmetalled road runs over the Pensi La. the road to Padum is generally open by the beginning of July.

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Drass

2009-03-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Drass Information,Kargil,Jammu And Kashmir

Drass is a small township at a distance of 50-60 kms fromwest of Kargil on the Srinagar - Leh highway. It is known to be the second coldest place in the world by the virtue of intense cold that descends upon the valley.During spring and summer, the valley transforms into lush green pastures spalshed with a variety of frgrant wild flowers. Its inhabitants are of the Dard stock - an Indo Aryan race believed to have originally come from Central Asia. They speak shina, which unlike the Tibetan - originated Ladakhi dialects, belongs to the Indo - European linguistic family. Their ancestral sport, horse - polo that the Dard plays with particular zeal, resembles our modern polo.

The Dran Valley starts from the base of the Zojila pass, the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. The hardy people inhabiting these regions endure the harshness of the valley's winter, negotiate the formidable pass to transport a traders' merchandise. The citizens of Drass can be described as the guardians of Ladakh's gateway.

Drass is a convenient base for a 3 day trk to Suru Valley that passes through the 4500 mts high Umbala pass with beautiful upland villages and flower sprinkled meadows on both the sides. There is an intermediary ridge between the Umba La and Drass and it allows 3 days to this trek comfortably.

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Kargil Tourist Places

2009-03-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Kargil Tourist Places Information, Jammu and Kashmir

Following places in Kargil are recommended as tourist places to be visited:

Drass
Suru Valley
Rangdum
Mulbekh
Zanskar
Karsha
Bardan
Phutgal
Zongkhul
Shergol
Urgyan Dzong
Wakha Rgyal
Sankoo
Panikhar
Padum
Sani
Zangla

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Kargil

2009-03-30T00:42:00.000-07:00

Kargil Information, Jammu And Kashmir

Kargil - The second largest town in Ladakh is next to the roaring river Suru. Administering the valleys of Suru, Drass, Wakha and Bodkaburu, Kargil lies midway between the alpine valleys of Kashmir and the fertile reaches of the Indus Valley and Ladakh. The region is politically part of India, ethnically part of Baltistan and geographically an integral part of Ladakh.

204 kms from Srinagar, on the highway to Leh, lies Kargil. This is the second most important town in Ladakh region and district headquarters. Apart from its importance as a link town in Leh, it is an important base for exploring the surrounding areas and for forays into the Zanskar region. It is approachable by road on the Leh - Srinagar highway. All JKSRTC buses running between Srinagar and Leh make a halt here.

Until 1947, Kargil was an important trading centre linking Ladakh with Gilgit (Pakistan) and the lower Indus Valley. The people of Kargil are mostly Shiia Muslims. Arabic script is found everywhere and men and mosques dominate the tow. Continuing political problems in Kashmir have seriously affected the number of visitors to Kargil and the hotels survive at present from the handful of visitors making their way from Leh to Padum and the Zanskar Valley.

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Ladakh Picnic Places

2009-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ladakh Picnic Places Information, Jammu And Kashmir

Following places are recommended for picnic places in Ladakh:

Alchi Gompa : 66kms to the west of Leh, this monastery consists of six temples which contain a chorten, seated Buddhas and exquisite paintings. Over ten centuries old, the painted walls depict the events of Budhha's life, lamas and musicians.
Choglamsar : A place full of flowers and plants which grow fantastically at such altitudes. Plo and golf grounds are another variety. From Choglamsar to the summer palace of the king, it is an exhilarating journey through beautiful trees and fragrant flowers.
Hemi Gompa : 43 kms, situated in a side vaine off the main Indus valley. Colourful flags flutter on the four pillars in the courtyard against the backdrop of white walls and a blue sky. The monasteery contains gold statues and stupas decorated with precious stones. It has a superb collection of thangkas, including the largest which is exhibited once in every 12 years. Every June, a colourful festival marking the birthday of guru Padmasambhava is held here. Masked dancers accompained by loud music are supposed to fight away the demons.
Lamayuru : 125 kms, on the Leh-Srinagar road, this is the oldest known monastery of the region dating back to the 10th century.
Likir Gompa : 61kms. A few kms from Alchi, a scenic raod through rocky mountains ans rivers, takes one to this Gompa which contains a number of enormous clay statues of the Buddha in different forms. Founded during the 12th century, Likir was the first royal monastery to be eastablished in Ladakh under direct Tibetan influence.
Phiyang Gompa : 20 kms, On Leh-Srinagar road is this Gompa of the red sect of the Buddhists. It possess excellent statues and thangkas.
Samkar Gompa : 2 kms, the only monastery built on the valley level, is the seat of the yellow sect of Buddhists. It has a formidable collection of miniature statues of pure gold and a number of wall paintings. This is a modenr monastery with electricity, yet it is an ancient edificewhich has a huge statue of Buddha Sayumuni in a sitting posture. Wrought of copper and brass, gilded with gold, silver and studded with precious stones.
Spituk Monastery : 9 kms, on Leh-Srinagar highway, built on top of small hill overlooking river Indus and 500 years old, this monastery has some prized thangkas and huge statues of Goddess Kali, whose faces are unveiled once every year. This chamber also contains an ancient collection of masks.
Stakhna Monastery : An unmetalled road branches off from the highway to lead to Stakhna monastery, amongst the oldest in Ladakh. The monastery consists of old thangkas from the 10th century. From the top a splendid view of ther Indus, Thiksey Monastery and surrounding mountains can be had.
Thiksey Monastery : 19kms, this 15th century monastery comes en-route to Hemis. It has 12 storeys and consists of 8 temples and about 250 resident lamas. The chambers are full of statues, stupas, thangkas, ancient swords and Tantric wall paintings.
Saspul : Over the river from Alchi on the main road village, Saspul has small white and red cave temple nearby.
Leh Gompa : Leh Gompa houses a large golden Buddha, many painted scrolls, murals and old manuscripts.
Hemis High Altitude National Park : 35 kms. This 600 sq.kms area is home to some of the most exotic and rare flora and fauna species, many of which are on the endangered list like shapu, bharal, ibexc, snow leopard etc.
Accomadation is available at the camping sites. for reservations contact the Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Warden, Leh.

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Ladakh

2009-03-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

Ladakh Information, Jammu And Kashmir

Ladakh - The Land Of Endless Discovery, has close cultural and trading connections with tibet and its predominant culture stems from Buddhism. This is particulary evident in the most populated region of Leh and the Indu valley, with its many white washed gompas (monasteries) and forts perched on top of Sugarloaf mountains. Padum - capital of more remote Zanskar, shares this buddhist heritage. Kargil and the Suru Valley, the third main region of Ladakh is predominantly Shiia Muslim and chare a cultural affinity with Baltistan (in Pakistan since Indian partition in 1947). Ladakh marks the boundary between the peaks of the western Himalaya and the vast Tibetan plateau. Opened up to tourists in 1974, Ladakh has been variously described as "the moonland", "Little Tibet" and even "the last Shangri-La". Whatever the description, its one of the most remotest regions of India. Yet for thousands of visitors,Ladakh is a completely magical place, remote with delightful, gentle and ungrasping people. Until very recently, Ladakhi society has been generally very introverted and the economy surprisingly self sufficient. Ladakh also developed a very distinct culture. Polyandry was common, but many men bacea lamas (monks) and a few women chomos (nuns). Most people depended on subsistence agriculture but the harsh climate contributed to very high death rates and a stable population. That is rapidly changing. Imported goods are increasingly widely available and more and more people are taking part in monetary economy.

Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies between two thinner ones, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. In geological terms, this is a young land, formed only a few million years ago by the buckling and folding of the earth’s crust as the Indian sub-continent pushed with irresistible force against the immovable mass of Asia. Its basic contours, uplifted by these unimaginable tectonic movements, have been modified over the millennia by the opposite process of erosion, sculpted into the form we see today by wind and water. The main source of water remains the winter snowfall. Drass, Zanskar and the Suru valley on the Hmalaya’s northern flank receive heavy snow in winter, this feeds the glaciers whose melt water, carried down by the streams irrigates the field in summer. For the rest of the region, the snow on the peaks is virtually the only source of water. Viewed from high above its surface, Ladakh appears a vast monotony of three colours – the brown of earth, the white of the snow and the black of dark shadows in the valleys. On descending to the surface level, the picture transforms into one of the vibrant vitality of effervescent streams, flower-decked meadows, gaily dressed Ladakhis, serene Lamas, high-flying eagles and fleet footed mountain sheep.

Ladakh’s early history is woven into its mythology. And though the great Chinese wanderer Fa-Hien travelled its flds as far as 399 AD, it was , till but a few decades ago, what its name describes as “A Land of Passes”. Means of modern communication have brought this hinterland of traditional Buddhism into the circuit of an ordinary tourist. Ladakh beckons for more than one reason. The defiant beauty of its barren landscape, its unique flora and fauna, its culture, its clear blue skies and clean air, the land where snow never melts and only corn ripens has more to offer than a good holiday. Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9000 feet (2750 mts.) at Kargil to 25170 feet (7672 mts.) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Thus summer temperatures rarely exceed 270 C in the shade, while in the winter they may plummet to -200 C even in Leh. Suprisingly though, the thin air makes the heat of the sun even more intense than at lwer altitudes, it is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time!

Sonmarg

2009-03-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sonmarg Information, Jammu And Kashmir

Facts And Figures:

Altitude - 3000 mts.
Season - October to March

The drive to Sonmarg is through another spectacular facet of Kashmir - the Sindh Valley. Sonmarg which means meadow of gold has as its backdrop snowy mountains against a cerulan sky. The Sindgh meanders along here and abouds with trout and mahseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip upto Thajiwas glacier, a major attraction during the summer months. Sonmarg (Path of Gold) is the last major town in Kashmir before the Zoji La and Ladakh.

Sonmarg is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain lakes Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. One can trek all the way to Amarnath cave. The other reason for Sonmarg's importance lies in the fact that it is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh. Sonmarg's accomodation consists of JKDTC bungalows that dot its hill sides.

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Pahalgam Tourist Places

2009-03-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Pahalgam Tourist Places Information, Jammu And Kashmir

Kolahol Glacier : 36 kms, Pahalgam to Aru, pony track. The path winds through woods to the meadow of Aru. There the river Lidder disappears and reappears after about 27 mts.

Mamlesvara : 1.5 kms. Down the river from the bridge, there is a small ancient stone temple consecrated to Shiva Malesvara. The temple was built before the 12th century AD, though the name os the builder is unknown. There is a stone-lined tank, about 1.1 sq.mt in dimension.

Tarsar Lake : 35kms. Via Aru and Lidderwatt, the lake has beautiful surroundings. The route crosses graceful flower meadow. Marsar, another lake can be visited after crossing a 243 mts high ridge.

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Amarnath

2009-03-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Amarnath Information, Jammu And Kashmir

Amarnath is located at 47 kms and at an altitude of 3962 mts. The shirne of Amarnath is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. A stalactite formed by water dripping through the limestone roof of the cave has formed the shape of a ntural 'lingam'. The 'lingam' waxes and wanes with the moon. eqach year in the month of July/August, several thousand pilgrims start for the cave from Pahalagam to make obeisance on the full-moon day. Chandwari which is at 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra. Thousands of pilgrims approach the Amarnath cave from this area, although the road from Amarnath to Chandwari is on fairly flat terrainand can be undertaken by car. From Chandwari onwards the track becomesd much steeper, being accessible by foot or by pony. 11 kms from Chandwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag after which 13 kms away is the last stop - Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there.

The state government makes extensive arrangements every year for the successful completion of pilgrimage, registering each of the over one lakh pilgrims, registering pony owners and dandi walas, providing camps en route, and ensuring safe, comfortable and speedy progress of the travellers. If your visit to Pahalgam is not during the period of yatra, you can still take the pony ride up to Sheshnag lake, returning late evening.

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Pahalgam

2009-03-29T02:07:00.000-07:00

Pahalgam Information, Jammu And Kashmir

Facts And Figures:

Area - 2130 mts.
Temperature - Summer (25 C Max)
Winter (10 C Min)
Season - Mid april to Mid November

Pahalgam - The Valley Of Shepherds is about 95 kms to the east of Srinagar and at an altitude of about 2130 mts. At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. The shepherds were responsible for maintaining the tracks and bridges over much of the trekking country as they herd their flocks from pastures to pastures. Now Pahalgam is Kashmir's premier resort cool even during the height of summer. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets from luxurious to unpretentious trekkers' lodges, including JKTDC's delightfully romantic, fully furnished huts partialy concealed by gaint pine trees.

In Pahalgam, there is trout fishing in the river and permits have to be obtained in Srinagar. Around the town there are luxuriant meadows and groves of Poplar. Willow and Mulberry, the last of which is important for Kashmiri sericulture. The only yellow-flowered cochincuon species grows in profusion here, flowering in March-April. There are many places of interest aroung Pahalgam and as the resort is set between faulry steep hills it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at the prominent locations. The places of interest include Baisaran (150 mts above the valley) surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine, and makes a very pleasant walk. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic.

Pahalgam has within it no fewer than eight tiny villages one of which is Mamal. The Mamaleshawara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is 1.5 kms., downstream to the south of town. The temple generally considered being Kashmir's oldest existing temple dating to the 8th century, it is also a starting point for many an interesting treks. The small village of Aru, 11 kms., up the Lidder river, is the first stage for Kolahoi Glacier trek. The main track is motorable but it does make a very interesting day's walk through pine forests.

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Gulmarg Tourist Places

2009-03-29T01:51:00.000-07:00

Gulmarg Tourist Places Information,Jammu And Kashmir

Gulmarg is primarly known for its natural beauty. The summer and autumn months provide excellent oppportunities for excursions. Under a mantle of snow, Gulmarg in winter and spring presents different facets of activities and sightseeing.

Alpather Lake: 13kms. this lake is at the foot of main Apharwat peak and lies just behind the ridge spearating them from Khilanmarg. The icy waters of the lake, remain frozen till the middle of June and carrying floating snow. A well mark pony track joins Apharwat Ridge with Gulmarg.

Khilanmarg: 4kms. Carpeted with flowers in summer, Khilnamarg is an uphill journey from gulmarg. It offers an unrivalled spectacle of the peaks and the wide spreading waters of Wular and other lakes.

Ningal Nallah: 10kms. This stream flows from the snow bed and springs near Apharwat and Alpather and cuts through picturesque pine forests.

Ziarat Of Babareshi: A Muslim shrine 5kms. From the middle gap on the east of the Gulmarg valley. The road leads down through thick forests. The “ziarat” or tomb is of Baba Payam-u-Din, a noted Muslim saint who lived here during the Mughal rule. Both Muslims and Hindus make offerings here.

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Gulmarg

2009-03-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

Gulmarg Information, Jammu & Kashmir

Facts And Figures:

Area - 3.5 kms long and 1 km wide.
Altitude - 2730 mts.
Season - October to March
STD Code - 01953
Airport - Nearest airport is Srinagar at 56 kms.

Gulmarg resemble a fantasy set of a film, being a huge cup shaped meadow, lush gree and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells. All around are snow capped mountains and on a clear day you can see all the way to Nanga Parbat in one direction and Srinagar in another.

The large meadow of gulmarg is 52 kms, south west of Srinagar at 2730 mts. The name means Meadow of flowers and in spring it is just that. Also once a popular trekking base, Gulmarg sued to be India's premier skiing resort.

If sonmarg is a meadow of gold, Gulmarg is a meadow of flowers. Gulmarg turns more enchanting as one season changes into another. It is also the country's premier winter sports resort.

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Srinagar Picnic Places

2009-03-28T23:04:00.000-07:00

Srinagar Picnic Places Information,Jammu

Martand: 64kms on a plateau, Martand has the most impressive ancient ruins in Kashmir. the temple of Martand was built by Lalitaditya Mukhtapida, a warrior king of Kashmir. The temple is devoted to the Sun God - Surya.

Achabal: 58 kms via Anantnag, altitude 1677 mts. Once the pleasure retreat of Empress Noor Jahan, it has fine garden in the Mughla Style ans a trout hatchery.

Avantipur: 29kms, this place is famopus for the ruins on ancient temples. It is believed to have been built in the honour of Mahadev by Avanti Verma in the 9th century.

Kokernag: 70kms. altitude 2020 mts. It is famous for the curative properties its springs. It has a botanical garden with a variety of roses.

Verinag: 80kms.,altitude 1876 mts. The spring here is reported to be the chief source of river Jhelum. Further to the east lies the remians of the pavilion and baths built during the Mughal period.

Daksum: 85kms.,altitude 2513 mts. It is a forest retreat girdled by mountains.It is possible to cross to Kishtwar in Jammu from Daksum over the Simthan pass, this being a popular trek.

Yusmarg: 47kms., altitude 2377 mts. It is located in a small open valley in the Pir Panjal range, surrounded by gaint pines and firs.

Charari-Sharif: 30km., altitude 2400 mts. It is famous for an impressive waterfall formed by river Veshav falling from a height of 24.4 mts. Kungwattan, a chamrming woodland meadow just is 8kms. Ponies can be hired to Kungwattan there is no motorable road.

Wular Lake: 60kms., altitude 1580 mts. This great fresh water lake, the largest in India, is an important feature of the hydrographic system of Kashmir. Acting as a fllod reservior, its dimensions vary at the different times of the year. Normally it is 19 kms by 10 kms and is spread over an area of about 125 sq.kms. Wular has a picturesque setting and is surrounded by mountains.

Burzahom: 24kms. The excavations at Burzahom reveal settlements dating back to about 2500 BC.

Dachigam National Park: 21kms., altitude 2400 mts. Originally a royal game preserve, this sanctuary is now protected and provides shelter to the Himalayan black bear, brown bear, musk deer and the hangul for Kashmir stag. Permits to enter the sanctuary can be obtained from chief Wildlife Warden, TRC

Ganderbal: 19kms., situated on the banks of river Sindhu (Indus), the turf banks and shady chinars afford excellent camping and mooring sites.

Manasbal: 32 kms., altitude 1560 mts. Manasbal is apanromic lake laden with flowering lotus plants during the summer months and is a bird watcher's paradise.

Jammu Kashmir Tourist Places

2009-03-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Places Information

Srinagar Tourist Places

2009-03-26T02:02:00.000-07:00

Srinagar Tourist Places Information, Jammu

Following places are recommended to be visited while in Srinagar:

Pratap Singh Museum

2009-03-26T01:31:00.000-07:00

Pratap Singh Museum Information, Srinagar

Pratap Singh Museum is located at Lal Mandi between Amira Kadal and Zero Bridge and closed on Monday. There is a fine collection of miniature paintings, waepons, tapesteries and sculptures.

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Dal Lake

2009-03-26T01:23:00.001-07:00

Dal Lake Information, Srinagar

Dal Lake is a distance of half km from Srinagar. This lovely lake lies to the east of the city at the foot of the Srindhara (Zabarwan) mountian. The Shankaracharya hill (Takht-I-Sulaiman) is to the south and Hari Parbat on its west. The lake is 6X3 kms and is divided by a causeway into four parts - Gagribal, Lokutdal, Boddal and Nagin.

Lokutdal and Boddal each have an island in the centre, called as Rup Lank and sona Lank respectively. Rup Lank is also known as Char Chinari. The small islands are willow covered, while aroung the lakes are groves of Chinar, Poplar and Willow.

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Shankaracharya Temple

2009-03-26T01:15:00.000-07:00

Shankaracharya Temple Information, Srinagar

Shankaracharya Temple is at a distance of about 5 kms from Srinagar. One thousand feet above the city, the temple is located on a hill also known as Takht-I-Sulaiman. Most authorities agree that the first edifice on this site was built by Jaluka, the son of emperor Ashoka, around 200 BC. the low enclosing wall and the plinth of the existing temple is what has remained of the old temple.

The present structure the interior of which is 4.3 mts in diameter is said to have been built by unknown Hindu devotee during the reign of emperor Jehangir. The temple offers a magnificent view of the valley and the snowy peaks of the Pir Panjal range.

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Pari Mahal

2009-03-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

Pari Mahal Information, Srinagar

Pari Mahal is at a distance of about 11 kms from Srinagar. This was once a Buddhist monastery and was converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shokoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is located on the spur of a mountain overlooking the Dal lake. It has a well laid out spacious garden in front and is connected to Cheshma Shahi by road. It is illuminated at night.

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Cheshma Shahi

2009-03-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

Cheshma Shahi Information, Srinagar

Cheshma Shahi is at a distance of about 11 kms from Srinagar. It is a tastefully laid garden in terraces with a spring of cool refreshing digestive waters. The original garden was laid out by Shah Jahan in 1632 AD. The Cheshma Shahi - Pari Mahal area had been developed into a tourism village.

The gardens are illuminated by night and command a maginificent view of the Dal lake below and surrounding mountain ranges. Lodging and boarding facilites and a shopping complex are available.

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Nishat Bagh

2009-03-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

Nishat Bagh Information, Srinagar

Nishat Bagh is at distance of about 11 kms from Srinagar. Situated on the banks of the Dal lake, with Zabarwan mountians as its backdrop, this "garden of bliss" commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snowcapped Pir Panjal mountian range which stands far away to the west of the valley. Nishat Bagh was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Noor Jahan.

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Harwan

2009-03-26T00:48:00.000-07:00

Harwan Information, Srinagar

Harwan is located at about 19 kms from Srinagar. It is actually an ancient and ornamented tile pavement from the Buddhist period, situated on the hillside to the south of the village. The tiles indicate the dresses of the people such as loose trousers, turkoman caps or close fitting turbans and large earrings which reveal a central Asian influence.

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Shalimar Bagh

2009-03-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

Shalimar Bagh Information,Srinagar

Shalimar Bagh (garden) was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Noor Jahan. The gardens are distinguished by a series of terraces linked by a water channel. These are surrounded by decorative pools, which can only be reached by stepping stones. The uppermost pavilion has elegant black marble pillars and niches in the walls for flowers during the day and candles or lamps at the night. Harwan runs through the middle of the garden.

The fourth terrace is by far the best and was once reserved for the royal ladies. India Tourism Development Corporation runs a Son-et-Lumiere show in this garden from May to October.

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Hazratbal

2009-03-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

Hazratbal Information, Srinagar

Hazratbal shrine is at distance of about 9 kms from Srinagar. It is located on the western shore of the Dal lake opposite Nishat Bagh and commands a grand view of the lake and mountain beyond. It has a special sanctity because a sacred hair of prophet Mohammad is preserved here. This is displayed to the public on special occasions.

Just beyond is the Nazim Bagh (garden of morning breeze), one of the earliest Mughal gardens and is attributed to Akbar.

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Nagin Lake

2009-03-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

Nagin Lake Information, Srinagar

Nagin Lake is at a distance of about 8kms from Srinagar. Considered to be jewel in the ring, it is the smallest but the most lovely part of Dal lake. Separated by a cuase way and only at a short distance from Hazratbal, its deep blue waters encircled by a ring of green trees, has been credited for its name. There is a club here and the facilities include water skiing and swimming.

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Hari Parbat Fort

2009-03-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

Hari Parbat Fort Information, Srinagar

Hari Parbat Fort is located at a distance of about 5 kms from Srinagar. The hill of Sharika in the north eastern part of Srinagar is considered sacred for Hindus. It is surmounted by an 18th century fort which was constructed by Atta Mohammad Khan, an Afghan governer. The wall around the hill was built by Akbar during 1592 – 1598 AD. There are almond orchards which make a lovely sight. Permission to visit to the fort is issued by the State Archeological Department, Lalmandi Square.

Legend suggest that this hill was once a lake as large as a sea, inhabited by the abdominal demon Jalobhava. The gods called on Sati Mata for help, who taking the form of a bird droped a pebble of the demon’s head. The pebble increased in size as it fell and crushed him. Hari Parbat is revered as that pebble and it became the home for all 330 million gods of the Hindu Pantheon.

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Jamia Masjid

2009-03-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Jamia Masjid Information, Srinagar

Jamai Masjid is located at a distance of nearly 5 kms from Srinagar. It was originally built by Sultan in 1400 AD and enlarged by his son, Zain-ul-Abidin. It is a very typical example of Indo – Saracenic architecture. It was destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt each time. The mosque of the present day was repaired during the reign of Dogra Maharaja Pratap Singh.

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Shah Hamdan Mosque

2009-03-25T23:58:00.000-07:00

Shah Hamdan Masjid Information, Srinagar

Shah Hamdan Mosque is located at a distance of about 5 kms from Srinagar. Located on the banks of the Jhelum river, this is one of the oldest mosques in the city. It boasts of fine papier mache work on its walls and ceilings.

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Pather Masjid

2009-03-25T23:53:00.000-07:00

Pather Masjid Information, Srinagar

Pather Masjid is a distance of about 6 kms from Srinagar. This stone mosque is in the heart of the city opposite the Shah Hamdan Mosque. It was built for the empress Noor Jahan and renamed as Shahi Mosque. It was mainly reserved for the prayers of Shia Muslims.

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Srinagar

2009-03-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Srinagar Information

Facts & Figures:
Area - 103.3 sq.kms.
Altitude - 1730 mts.
Climate - Summer: Max (29.5 C) Min (10.6 C)
Winter: Max (7-3 C) Min (1.9 C)
Rainfall - 529 mm
Languages - Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi and English

Srinagar - The summer capital of Kashmir stands on the Dal lake and the picturesque Jhelum river. A city of distinctly central Asian flavour, when headed to south from Srinagar, it is always referred to as returning to India. the old city is in the vicinity of Hari Parbat hill and includes the labyrinth of alleyways, mosques and houses that constitute the commercial heart of the city. The more modern part of the city is up the Jhelum river (above its seven bridges), which sweeps through Srinagar. King Pravarasen built the city in the 6th century. Its name has several possible derivations - Suryanagar (the city of Surya, the Sun god), or Srinagar, fortunate or even beautiful city. despite the name, the beauty of Kashmir has never been reflected in that of its main town. This place is a collection of images - a son et lumiere that tells the story of love of the Mughal emperors for this paradise vale, deep green rice fields and river bridges, of gardens in bloom and lakes rimmed by houseboats, at once summer capital of the state, business centre and holiday resort. Every season here offers new vistas to this city of great antiquity. Spring breathes life again into the frozen world and the air is heady with the fragrance of a million flower that blossom on trees, shrubs and creepers. Summer heightens the effect, and autumn is poignant in its colours of warm introspection. Winter brings with it snow, sometimes the Dal lake freezes and beneath a lden sky, raosted cehstnuts turn the atmosphere aromatic with the promise of warmth and comfort. The river Jhelum and Dal and Nagin lakes dominate Srinagar's life and activites. The city is divided into two by the river Jhelum that is crossed by a number of bridges. Here lush wild gardens of lotus and waterlily flowers amidst bustling lanes by the lakeside spread the gardens of Mughals in patterned beauty. The famous Mughal gardens, including the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat bagh are on the far east side of the Dal lake.

Srinagar is a unique city because of its lakes - The Dal, Nagin and Anchar. The river Jhelum flows through the centre of the city. The Dal - Srinagar's largest lake has the most number of houseboats, followed by the Nagin and the Jhemul. as a general rule, houseboats in Dal are of all categories from deluxe to D class, while those in Nagin are largely luxury class and those in Jhelum are economy class. Most houseboats on the Nagin and the Jhemul are situated on the banks of the lake and can be accessed directly from land without the help of a Shikara, while all those on the Dal lake require a Shikara to get to reach them. This is because most most houseboats on the Dal lake are situated in the long straggling rows with some facing the Boulevard - Srinagar's most exciting address. The location of a houseboat tells nothing about its class, but before checking into one there are few factors which one should consider. A honeymoon couple may choose a houseboat with a few, if any, close neighbours. For them it will be an advantage to stay in the interior of the lake, accessible by a half an hour shikara ride. On the other hand, a family with young children may find themselves better served in an area which overlooks the Boulevard where a crossing takes just five minutes. When houseboat is in a bust area in Dal lake, it is enjoyable to just to sit in the balcony and watch the world row by! Each houseboat has naything between two-four bedrooms with attached bathroomsand a common sitting and dining room.

The charges of houseboat always includes melas and a cetian number of crossings by shikara to and from the houseboat. Houseboats offer far more personlaized services than hotels. On the other hand, fellow guests on the same houseboat tend to interact much more. So houseboats are ideal for a large group of eight or more adults. The Dal lake is famous not only for its beauty but also for its vibrance. It sustains within its periphery. The houseboat and shikara communities have lived for centuries on the Dal lake and so complete is their infrastructure of the lake that they never have to step on the land. A shikara ride is one of the most soothing and relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir. It can take upon an hour to see the sights of Dal lake. Visits to handicraft shops within the periphery of the lake or a whole day trip to visit important city landmarks can be organised on shikara. As Dal lake is very central to the landscape of shrinagar, many places of tourist interest over the ages have been built in its vicinity. Nishat and Shamilar gardens as well as Hazratbal mosque are directly accessible by shikara.

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Jammu Picnic Places

2009-03-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Jammu Picnic Places Information

Akhnoor: Akhnoor is a picnic spot located on the river Chenab.Regular bus services operate from Jammu.
Kud: Kud is a popular resort situated on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, at an altitude of 1738 mts. Accomodation is available at the toruist Bungalows of Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation as well as several private hotels.
Batote: Batote is a resort located at an altitude of 1560 mts on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and straddles the forested slopes of the Patnitop mountain range, overlooking the spectacular lie of the Chenab gorge. Accomodation is available in huts, Tourist Bungalow and dormitory of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation.
Baba Dhansar: Baba Dhansar is a beautiful picnic spot situated at 65 kms. from Jammu on way to Salal dam. A huge spring gushes out of the mountain side and forms a number of small water falls before flowing into the holy Banganga. Next to the spring in a small grove in the rock face, there is a naturally formed Shivling on which droplets of water fall all the year around. A big fair is held here during Shivratri.
Salal Dam and Lake: Salal Dam is located at 95 kms from Jammu to the west of ther holy Shrine of Vaishnodevi. With an installed capacity of 400 mw of electricity, this is the largest Hydroelectric project commisioned in the state so far. The lake formed behind the dam is 33 kms. long . The dam site can be visited with the permission from project authorities.
Jajjar Kotli: Jajjar Kotli is a tourist complex located at about 35 kms. on the national highway which leads towards Srinagar. It is built on the banks of Jajjar rivulet. The crystal clear cool waters of Jajjar attraxct picnickers in large droves during summer. Accomodation is provided by Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation.
Krimchi: Krimchi is a site of three oldest temples of Jammu and is on the way to Sudh Mahadev Mantalai. the architecture of the temples shows distinct Greek influences. Pancheri, a hill resort is at a short distance from here.
Kishtawar High Altitude National Park: This unique national park is a home to some rare animal and bird species.
Sanasar: Sanasar is situated 19 kms. from Patnitop and slightly away from the national highway. It looks qas though it has been scooped out of the earth in the shape of a cup , fringed by gigantic conifers. Its a place for a quite holiday. Accomodation include Huts, Tourist Bungalow and Dormitory.

Amar Mahal Palace Museum

2009-03-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

Amar Mahal Palace Museum,Jammu Information

Amar Palace Museum in Jammu is located at Ramnagar. It boasts of a portrait gallery, Pahari paintings of Mahabharata scenes and royal memeorabilia. The palace is a curiosity. Four rooms are open but you can look into others through the windows. It has five views of the rivers. The Amar Mahal which has been converted into museum, houses the city's finest library of antique books and paintings. An enitre series of miniatures on the epic Nal-Damayanti can be seen here in the museum.

Vaishno Devi

2009-03-19T23:51:00.000-07:00

Vaishno Devi,Jammu Information

Vaishno Devi is a venerated Hindu shrine and a cave situated at 1,700 mts.,30 mts long and 1.5 mts high. It is dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati who are three mother goddesses of Hinduism. According to Legend, Vaishno Devi used the cave as a refuge when she was feeling from the demon Bhairon who wanted to marry her. She would have nothing to do with this and killed him. A pilgrimage to the cave should be accompanied by a visit to the temple of Bhairon who was absolved of his sins before he died. The cave is one of the region's most important pilgrim sites.

The shrine board issues yatra( journey) slips from counters that must be presented at Bangange checkpoint within 6 hours. Visitors should leave all the leather items in a cloakroom at Vaishno Devi before entering the cave. There is a regular bus service upto Katra, the remaining distance has to be covered on foot by pony. A helicopter service now connects Jammu airport with the Vaishno Devi shrine twice daily, the duration of which is five minutes. Bookings are handled over Jammu airport at the Pawan Hans counter. Accomodations are available at tourist Bunglow in Katra, shrine in pilgrim shelters and hotels.

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Amar Mahal

2009-03-19T23:41:00.000-07:00

Amar Mahal,Jammu Information

Amar Mahal (palace) is superbly sited on the bend of the Tawi river just off the Srinagar road and bears the imprint of its French designer with its chateau like sloping roofs of the turrets. This Palace is a sight to behold. This grand palace reminds of a dreamy French castle, with sloping roofs and tall towers.

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Bagh-e-Bahu

2009-03-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

Bagh-e-Bahu,Jammu Information

Bagh-e-Bahu is an extensive garden about 5kms. long. It is laid around the Bahu Fort and provides pleasant views of the city and has cafeteria for snacks.

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Bahu Fort

2009-03-19T23:12:00.000-07:00

Bahu Fort,Jammu Information

Bahu Fort is located at an upland plateau on the opposite bank of the Tawi river. It is the oldest fort and edifice in the city. Constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago, the exciting fort was more recently improved and rebuilt as the Mondi Palace by the Dogra rulers. There is a temple dedicated to goddess Kali inside the fort.

Looking at the fort, one can imagine the wars fought, invasions prevented and the grandeur the royal family mush have enjoyed once upon a time. Presently, the fort is surrounded by lush green terraced gardens, waterfalls and flowers of just about every kind and colour. A favourite picnic spot for the cityfolk, tghe old palace is now converted into high court.

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Ranbir Canal

2009-03-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

Ranbir Canal,Jammu Information

Ranbir Canal is 3.5 kms long and branches off from the river Chenab at Akhnoor, 32 kms. away. Its water is ice cold throughout the year. It is one of the good view points in Jammu.

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Raghunath Temple

2009-03-19T22:15:00.000-07:00

Raghunath Temple,Jammu Information

Amongst the temples in the city, the Raghunath temple takes pride of the place, being located right in the centre of Jammu. It consists of a cluster of temples, which makes it the largest temple complex in Northern India. The inner sanctums of the temples contain gigantic statues of gods and Goddesses and numerous "lingams". It contians representatives of lamost the enitre Hindu Pantheon, which makes it rare to see.

Dedicated to Lord Rama, work on the temple was started by Maharaja Gulab singh, founder of the present city, in 1835 AD and was completed by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860 AD. Thee are many galleries with lakhs of "saligrams". The surrounding temples are dedicated to variuos Gods and Goddesses connected with the epic Ramayana.

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Ranbireshwar Temple

2009-03-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Ranbireshwar Temple,Jammu Information

Ranbireshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva was built by Maharaja Ranbir singh in 1883 AD. There are twelve Shiva lingams of crystal measuring from 15 cms. and galleries with thousands of Shiva lingams fixed on stone slabs.

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Peer Khoh

2009-03-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

Peer Khoh,Jammu Information

Peer Khoh is a circular Road, 3.5 kms. The main attraction is a naturaly found shiva lingam of indeterminate age. Legend has it that the cave located leads you out of the country.

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Jammu Tourist Places

2009-03-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

Jammu Tourist Places Information

Following places in Jammu are recommended for sight seeing:

Jammu

2009-03-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

Information On Jammu

Jammu is Jammu & Kashmir's second largest city and its winter capital. In summer it is a sweltering contrats to the cool heights of Kashmir. October onwards, it becomes much more pleasant. Jammu actually consists of two towns, the old town sitting on a hilltop overlooking the river, and several kilometers away across the river is the new town of Jammu Tawi. Jammu is the railhead and main entry point for Kashmir. Amongst the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir state, Jammu offers widest diversity of terrain and beauty. In its undulating plains and lower hills of the south, to its fierce heights of Kishtwar to the northeast, one is witness to its history, art, religion and an abundance of natural beauty.

The entire region is dotted with lakes and valleys, some still little explored. The foundation of settlement of Jammu is attributed to the king Jambulochan of the 9th century BC, when as the legend goes, he saw a tiger and goat drinking at the same pool. At this auspicious spot, he constructed a fort, believed to be the second Bahu fort. In 1730 AD it came under the Dogra rule of Raja Dhruv Deva. Dogra rulers moved their capital to the present site across the river Tawi and Jammu became an important centre ofr arts and culture, now renowed as the Pahari school. Religion too played an important part in its development, so beautifully evident in its variuos shrines and temples spread throughout the region. Until the late 18th century its fortunes were closely associated with events in the Punjab. Jammu itslef is not an attractive city with few open spaces and too much traffic. The railwqay station is some way away from the old town. The bus station is closer at the foot of the steps off the Srinagar road. Vast and chaotic on a rainy day.

Scraping the low lying foothills of the Himalayas, the overall impression of the Jammu is one of the large stone mansions, handsome buildings, and the remains of an old fort that stands the sentinel over the Tawi gorge. While modern plate fronted shops line the road today, in the older houses, there is also a feeling of timeliness and a tranquility acquired by the passage of age. In recent decades, Jammu has come to be known as City Of Temples. From almost anywhere in the city, temple spires can be sighted, a burnished gold and spiraling skywards as they tower over a huddle of flat rooftops. Jammu is also the winter capital of the state, the seat of gevernment when Srinagar is freezing and snowbound. Also Jammu is an important centre for trade and commerce.

Delhi Information

2009-03-19T00:55:00.001-07:00

Delhi Information

Facts And Figures Of Delhi

History Of Delhi

Development Stages Of Delhi

Present Day Delhi - New delhi

Old Delhi Sightseeing

New Delhi Sightseeing

Greater Delhi Sightseeing

Delhi Shopping

Iltutmish's Tomb

2009-03-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Visit To Iltutmish's Tomb

Iltutmish's Tomb was built in 1235 and lies in the northeast of the compound. It is the first surviving tomb of a Muslim ruler in India. The tomb of Iman Zamin stands besides the gateway. To the southwest of this uncompleted mosque, a L-shaped ruin marks the site of Ala-Ud-Din Khilji's tomb within the confines of Madrasa.

Other features are the tomb of Adham Khan in Mehrauli village, the Shakti Pitha temple, the Jain Ahimsa Sthal and some summer palaces and tombs of the last kings of Delhi.

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Tughlaqabad

2009-03-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Visit To Tughlaqabad

Tughlaqabad is the third city of Delhi with 13 gateways and it was built by ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. A fort lies to the east of Qutub Minar. The contruction involves a legendary quarrel btween the saint Nizamuddin and the Tughlaq ruler for the want of workers and the dispute ended when the king was murdered on his way from delhi in 1325. This indeed was a prediction taking shape when the saint calmy told his followers - "Delhi is a long way off" when the king was preparing for vengeance.

Outside the city wall towards the south is the king's tomb at the centre of an artificial lake. Tughlaqabad's ruins still convey a sense of the power and energy of the newly arrived Muslims in India.

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Delhi Shopping

2009-03-15T13:04:00.001-07:00

Shopping In Delhi

Delhi is a unique shopping haunt in India, in the sense that here you can buy almost anything from anywhere in India that too at prices suitable to your budget. Best buys would be silk and cotton, woodwork, leather, precious stones, jewellery and Indian handicrafts. Delhi is a veritable paradise for shoppers who can buy objects ranging from the simplest of Indian handicrafts to international designer labels and often within the same shopping area. Delhi is unique in that it has representative outlets for the handicrafts of each Indian state. this in itself presents a staggering array of goods, and at very affordable prices. In the last decade there has been a dramatic change in Delhi's markets. With increased buying power and great emphasis on lifestyle, this has led to greater sophistication in display, more and fancier shops, competitive advertising and markeitng strategies and the upgrading of certain markets in temrs of availability of items.

Delhi has long been the most important trading centre in Northern India. Many of its localities like Sheikh Sarai and Yusuf Sarai derive their names from medieval market towns which served the bygone, shifting capital cities of Delhi. Today, all these have become a part of rapidly expanding metropolis. Instead of market towns, there are specific wholesale markets or mandis scattered throughout the vast city. For visitors to Delhi, shopping is high on the list of "things to do". Tourists will find a wide choice of items such as carpets, silks, jewellery, leather and silver ware, handicrafts and handprinted cotton - that are synonymous with India.

As many tourists leave India from Delhi, this is an important fact to bear in mind as shopping can be left for the last leg of the journey. Equally important is the fact that each item is available in a range of prices depending on the quality and the outlet. Another interesting fact is that each market has its own distinctive ambience and adds its own flavour to the experience of shopping.Following places are important shopping haunts in Delhi:

Chandni Chowk: Chandni Chowk is the shopping spine of Old Delhi. This commercial place was designed by Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648. Here it is a perfect microcosm of Indian religions - a Hindu temple (Gauri Shankar Mandir), a Jain temple ( Digamber Lal Mandir) , a bird hospital, a Sikh Gurudwara (Sis Ganj) and a Muslim mosque ( Jama Masjid). with a maze of alleys and streets, this place provides an unforgettable shopping experience offering every conceivable item from wedding turbans and brassware to bicycles and electronics desides eating joints.Some of the important streets are Dariba Kalan - the gleaming silver market, Kinari Bazaar - with its tinsel and glitter offering rich silk sarees of the bridal trousseau, the legendary Ballimaran - with its hakims and one time colourful inhabitants, appetizing Paranthawali Gali, Khari Baoli, the aromatic spice market and the Chor Bazaar wgere all kinds of stolen goods turn up. Chandni Chowk is a fascinating start of a journey that a little courage and spirit of adventure, can lead you to the secrets that lie hiden in the heart of Old Delhi.

Connaught Place: Built in 1931, and named after king Emperor George V's uncle, Duke of Connaught, this complex is made up of three concrete circles of colannaded arcades and is the heart of New Delhi. The most popular of the radial roads leading off from Connaught Place is Janpath. It is a treasure trove for shoppers, especially bargain hunters. There are scores of Tibetan stalls and other shops selling all manner of craft items, handicrafts, curios besdies a few book stalls and snack joints, ethnic wear, Kolhapuri chappals, Rajasthani paintings and brassware.

Central Cottage Indutries Emporium: Central Cottage Industries Emporium is located in Jawahar Vyapar bhawan, Janpath. Here you will find a spectacular display of Indian handicrafts all under one roof. Spread ovber 8 levels covering a floor area of 36,000 sq.ft., its range includes fabrics, household Lenin, carpets, jewellery, handmade paper, furniture and art objects in wood, brass and copper. Prices are fixed.
Timings : 10.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. (Sundays closed)

The State Emporia: The State Emporia comprises of a string of shops from almost every Indian state. It is on Baba Kharak Singh marg, Connaught Place. Handicrafts and handlooms etc. peculiar to each state may be found here. A great way to get a whiff of the Indian states.

Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan: Khadi Grmodyog Bhavan is located in Regal building, Connaught Place. It is run by Khadi Village Industries Commission. Here you can buy Khadi cottong and silk tardage, readymade khadi garments, handmade paper, incense sticks, pure honey etc. A special discount period of 90 days starts from 2nd October (Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary).

Palika Bazaar: Palika Bazaar is an air-conditioned underground shopping centre at Connaught Place. It has over 400 small shops selling a wide range of products from ready to wear, costume jewellery, accessories, books, music systems and electronic gadgets etc.

Dilli Haat: Haats are traditionally periodic open markets, though Dilli Haat is open every day of the week. It is located on the Sri Aurobindo Marg opposite to INA market. Craftsmen from different parts of the country come for a fortnight at a tie to display their crafts. It is also the only place where regional food from all over India is available.

Hauz Khas Village: An urban village where modern and traditional have come together in complete harmony. The village can be savored in a spirit of escape and enjoyment. Its boutiques and specialty restaurants provide a relaxed atmosphere. The range includes high fashion garments, carpets, old silver antiques, furniture and artifacts made using traditional techniques fashioned for urban tastes.

South Extension: On either side of the Ring road, South Extension is one of the most fashionable shopping areas with an excellent range of shops selling garments, jewellery, footwear, music and books. Most international brands available in India have their outlets here. The food stalls and restaurants in the area are definitely worth a try.

Khan Market: Khan market is a small shopping center to the south of India Gate and is very popular. A number of good bookshops as well as household goods stores can be found here.

Santhusti Shopping Complex: This modern shopping complex is opposite Samrat hotel on Panchsheel Marg. It consists of a number of small shops set in beautiful surroundings. It is run by the Air Force Officer’s wives. There are a number of very interesting boutiques and shops selling some really fascinating stuff. A restaurant Basil & Thyme is worth experiencing.

INA Market: The Indian National Army Market is on Shri Aurobindo Marg and is South Delhi’s main food market. Besides well stocked fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, and fruits, there are also shops selling foreign groceries and textiles. Central market in Lajpat Nagar, Ajmal Khan Road market in Karol Bagh, Kamla Nagar market, Sarojini Nagar market, Lal Quarter market in Krishna Nagar, Vikas Marg are other very popular shopping areas with numerous fast food joints, movie halls, and shops selling readymade garments, toys and jewellery etc.

Sundernagar Market: Sundernagar Market is a fine place to shop for antiques and silver jewellery. The well appointed stores keep a choice selection, especially of silver jewellery from Ladakh, semi – precious stones, some textiles and brass, copper and silver objects d’art. Not far from Sundernagar is the Crafts Museum Shop, attached to the Museum in Pragati Maidan. Moving further south are the upmarket shopping centre of South Delhi – South entension, Greater Kailash I and II, Green Park and Huaz Khas Village. The haunt of nouveau riche, these market offer a combination of ethic chic and designer labels, Indian and international fashonwear. One of the more visible results of the Indian liberalization of the Indian economy is the burgeoning of international designer wear outlets.

Ambawatta Complex: For those in search of the elegant and the exclusive, the place to go is Ambawatta Complex on the frize of Mehrauli Village.

Tibetan Market: Stalls along the Janpath have plenty of curios – most are new butb rapidly aged to look authentic. Green Park has handy supermarket.

Karol Bagh Market: Karol Bagh Market is 3 km west of the Connaught Place along Panchkuin Marg ( Radial Road 3), has become even more popular than Connaught Place and main bazaar.

M-Block Market: M-Block market in Greater Kailash I is one of the biggest upper and middle class shopping centres. The N – Block market in Greater Kailash I has similar collection of upmarket stores, including the famous clothing, fabric, and furnishing store fab India.

Pragati Maidan

2009-03-15T13:03:00.001-07:00

Visit To Pragati Maidan

Pragati Maidan is a very well known exhibition ground in delhi. Its permanent exhibitions include the Nehru Pavilion, which is small but comprehensive, The Son Of India, featuring the life of Sanjay Gandhi, Atomic Energy and Defence Pavilion demonstrating India's technological and industrial achievements.
Timings : 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Weekdays)
10.00 - 8.00 p.m. (Sundyas and Public Holidays)

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Rabindra Bhavan

2009-03-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Visit To Rabindra Bhavan

Rabindra Bhavan is located on Copernicus Marg. It houses the national academis of literature (Sahitya Akademi), fine arts and sculpture (Lalit Kala Akademi), anf the performing arts (Sangeet Natak Akademi) in separate wings. All have libraries and display galleries.Postcards and reproductions are on sale.

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Red Fort Museum

2009-03-15T13:00:00.002-07:00

Visit To Red Fort Museum

Red Fort Museum is located at Mumtaz Mahal, Lal Qila. The Museum of Archaeology related to the Mughal era displays swords, hookahs, chess sets, armoury, carpets etc of the Mughal emperors from Babur to Bahadur Shah Zafar. Miniatures dep[icting life at the court, maps and momuments of Delhi and portraits are other collectibles.
Timings : 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday)

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Airforce Museum

2009-03-15T13:00:00.001-07:00

Visit To Airforce Museum

Airforce Museum is located on Palam Marg and houses guns, bullets, uniforms and photographs, which record the history of the Indian Air Force. Antique aircrafts that include a Westland "Wapiti" can also be seen here.

The Museum of Arms and Weapons traces the development of arms from the Mughal age to the First World War.
Timings : 10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday)

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