trivandrum

Backwaters

Jhansi

The city was the stronghold of the Huns from Central Asia, the Kachhwaha Rajputs, the Pratihars, the Slave Dynasty of Delhi Sultanate, and the Tomars—of whom the most important king was Raja Man Singh (1486-1517). The Marathas under Madho Rao Scindia, the last dynasty to rule the city before Independence, restored Gwalior to its former glory. The imposing Jai Vilas Palace, situated below the hilltop Gwalior fort, is proof of the Scindia sway over the city. The majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest forts in India. The Man Mandir Palace and the Gujari Mahal are two other interesting sights in Gwalior. The Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high Vishnu temple of the 9th century. he imposing Jai Vilas Palace, situated below the hilltop Gwalior fort, is proof of the Scindia sway over the city. Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence, he founded this city by his name.  The new city of Gwalior became existance over the centuries.The city was the stronghold of the Huns from Central Asia, the Kachhwaha Rajputs, the Pratihars, the Slave Dynasty of Delhi Sultanate, and the Tomars—of whom the most important king was Raja Man Singh (1486-1517). The Marathas under Madho Rao Scindia, the last dynasty to rule the city before Independence, restored Gwalior to its former glory. The imposing Jai Vilas Palace, situated below the hilltop Gwalior fort, is proof of the Scindia sway over the city. The majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest forts in India. The Man Mandir Palace and the Gujari Mahal are two other interesting sights in Gwalior. The Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high Vishnu temple of the 9th century. he imposing Jai Vilas Palace, situated below the hilltop Gwalior fort, is proof of the Scindia sway over the city. Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence, he founded this city by his name.  The new city of Gwalior became existance over the centuries.The city was the stronghold of the Huns from Central Asia, the Kachhwaha Rajputs, the Pratihars, the Slave Dynasty of Delhi Sultanate, and the Tomars—of whom the most important king was Raja Man Singh (1486-1517). The Marathas under Madho Rao Scindia, the last dynasty to rule the city before Independence, restored Gwalior to its former glory. The imposing Jai Vilas Palace, situated below the hilltop Gwalior fort, is proof of the Scindia sway over the city. The majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest forts in India. The Man Mandir Palace and the Gujari Mahal are two other interesting sights in Gwalior. The Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high Vishnu temple of the 9th century. he imposing Jai Vilas Palace, situated below the hilltop Gwalior fort, is proof of the Scindia sway over the city. Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence, he founded this city by his name.  The new city of Gwalior became existance over the centuries.

Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Strewn around the area are the little shrines and memorials, each with its own poignant history, each contributing to the nostalgic beauty that is Orchha. It is small town in Madhya Pradesh – is a peaceful place ‘far from the madding crowd’. You will not have to dodge traffic or constantly resist the outstretched hands of beggars and the insistence of shopkeepers. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Strewn around the area are the little shrines and memorials, each with its own poignant history, each contributing to the nostalgic beauty that is Orchha. It is small town in Madhya Pradesh – is a peaceful place ‘far from the madding crowd’. You will not have to dodge traffic or constantly resist the outstretched hands of beggars and the insistence of shopkeepers.

Samode

Kolkata represents one of the four metropolitan cities of India. The city makes up the capital of the eastern state of India, West Bengal. The city, formerly designated as Calcutta, sway's rich cultural and demographic resources. The popularity of Kolkata. No longer identified with slums, destitution, and the inspiring work of Mother Teresa, Kolkata has grown into the cultural capital of India. It's a vibrant yet intimate city, full of captivating soul. Kolkata city is situated on the west banks of Hooghly River, in the state of West Bengal. Kolkata has a tropical climate that's extremely hot, wet and humid during the summer, and cool and dry during the winter.The city forms the eastern fringes of the state and lies close to the neighboring country. The city is provided with a number of transportation options. The city utilizes almost all the modes, incorporating roadways, railways, subways, water transport and airways. For public convenience there are buses, taxis, trams, metro (subway cars), railways, ferries, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws. Kolkata offers an eclectic combination of historical, cultural, and spiritual attractions. See theVictoria Memorial and wander through the Maiden before heading to the Howrah Bridge andflower market. The Kali Temple, Botanical Gardens, Belur Math Shrine, and Indian Museum are fascinating sights. The city has quite a number of aspects which makes it a prime tourist destination in India. The city is primarily famous as a great learning and commercial centre.

Bagdogra

The Nubra valley offers the most surreal landscape...high altitude sand dunes, mountains of every conceivable colour - maroon, yellow, green, purple and many more shades, a really wide patch of dried river bed (the river may have dried millions of years ago) on which u drive to reach the other side of the mountain, monasteries carved out of the rocks and perched on the mountainside, patches of green where farmers work diligently and endless roads which seem to be heading only to the Siachen Glacier! What an amazing landscape! Part of the way, the road is alongside the azure blue river, with winding roads throwing up a different landscape at every turn. Leh valley with its stark beauty thrills u, but Nubra valley with all that it offers makes u think that you are on a different planet. Due to army movement, the roads leading to and from Nubra are one way - say Saturday from Leh to Nurba and Sunday from Nubra to Leh. As you descend from the Khardung-la pass towards the Nubra side, you will also see the wavy patterns formed on the glaciers as a result of the strong winds. Simply mind-blowing!!! Do make it a point to eat at the local dhaba's on the way...these little shacks have the most delicious yet simple meals to offer! Contrary to the horror stories we heard about the high altitude sickness especially at the Khardung-la, we (including our 8 year old son) did not face any problems whatsoever. The trick I guess lied in the fact that we completely rested for almost 30-36 hours after flying into Leh and left for Nubra only after acclimatizing for 2 nights at Leh. There is limited accommodation option (very basic) at some of the villages in the Nubra valley but the setting is beautiful - set amidst green trees, with streams flowing nearby and the snow-capped mountains in the background. The sand dunes at Hunder are beautiful and the sight of double-humped camels against the backdrop of the setting sun looks straight out of an Arabian night’s story. Unfortunately the double humped camels are commercially exploited and with the crowds waiting to board the camel, one would wonder where the sensibility of the people is?! Why can’t u just let nature be? The portion of the sand dunes where the camels are available for joy-rides is overcrowded, but you walk a little inward and away and lo-behold! You will have all the sand dunes to yourselves!

Thimphu