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The Gateway of India

2007-09-28

Mumbai's principal milestone, the Gateway of India is a giant portico on the water's perimeter at Apollo Bunder. It is the preliminary spot for most tourists who want to search the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

The Gateway was built by the British and designed by the architect George Wittet. The first stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay on March 31st, 1913. The Gate was formally opened in 1924.

It is 26m high structures, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the British ruling ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway.

Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, one can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbour. One can buy tickets for a short cruise on the motor launches from here.

Plan Travel to India in your short vacation airawat.com assist you for your Trip. Near the Gateway of India is Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in India. Close by are the statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji astride his horse and of Swami Vivekananda, that add to the charm of this monument.

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Kashmir- Paradise on Earth

2007-09-26

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

Travvel To India by www.airawat.com Way

  Tourism forms an integral part of the Kashmiri economy. Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.  Often dubbed "Paradise on Earth," Kashmir's mountainous landscape has attracted tourists for centuries.

The Vaishno Devi cave shrine is nestled in the Trikuta mountain at a height of 5,200 feet (1,580 m) above the sea level in Indian Kashmir. Vaishno Devi is the most important holy shrine of Shaktism denomination of Hinduism. In 2004, more than 6 million Hindu piligrims visited Vaishno Devi, making it one of the most visited religious sites in the world.[18] The other prominent Hindu shrine in Kashmir is the Amarnath cave shrine devoted to Lord Shiva. Like the Vaishno Devi shrine, this is visited by thousands of visitors every year, especially in the months of July and August.There are many mosques serving the largely Muslim population, such as the Hazratbal Mosque, situated on the banks of the Dal Lake. The sacred hair of the Prophet Muhammad is said to have been brought to this part of the world by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and this relic lies in the Hazratbal shrine. The shrine was built in white marble in contemporary times and bears a close resemblance to the holy shrine of Medina in Saudi Arabia where the prophet rests. Nature has lavishly endowed Kashmir with certain distinctive favours which hardly find a parallel in any alpine land of the world. A spell on a houseboat on Dal Lake has always been one of the real treats, and Kashmir also offers some delightful trekking opportunities and unsurpassed scenery.

Srinagar City is centred around Dal Lake and this huge lake attracts millions of tourists, both domestic and foreign. A drive along the Boulevard (the road along the banks of the lake) has been a favourite with locals and tourists alike mainly because of the scenic beauty of the boulevard and the shikaras. Srinagar City also has a lot of gardens along the banks of Dal Lake. Nishat, Cheshma-i-Shahi, Shalimar and Harven gardens all were built by the Moghuls and are absolutely breathtaking in view all through the year. These gardens have the famed Chinar trees. These majestic trees resemble Maples but are much bigger and more graceful. Pahalgam is at the junction of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River. Pahalgam (2,130 meters) once was a humble shepherd's village with astounding views. Today, Pahalgam is Kashmir's prime tourist resort. It is cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 °C.

Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised. In winter, when snow carpets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes. In spring and summer, the honey-dewed orchards, rippling lakes and blue skies beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains and valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, water-skiing in the lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or simply drifting down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and livi ng in gorgeous houseboats are some of the most favored ones

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Delhi- Heart of India

2007-09-21

Delhi General Information :

Area : 1483 sq kms

Altitude : 239 m above sea level

Population : 9,370,475

Males : 5,120,733

Females : 4,249,742

Literacy Rate : 76.1%

Languages : Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, English

Climate : The city has an extreme climate. December and January are chilly with night times lows of 4 °C. The city has spring months in February and March. The summer months of May & June are scorchingly hot with mercury soaring to a high of 46 °C. The city does not have much of rainy season. The monsoon lasts from July to September.

The capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration and the monuments which tell the tale of a long-gone age stand there. These icons are evidence to the splendor of past and also an attraction for the tourists. With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dil Le Li' or stolen heart of people. This phrase acquires a true colour when one goes around the lanes of Delhi. Delhi-- a window to the kaleidoscope that is India.

                    FORTS & MONUMENTS

Humayun's Tomb - Built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum in the mid 16th century, this red sand stone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The structure is one of the best example of Mughal Architecture. Humayun's wife is also buried in the red and white sandstone, black and yellow marble tomb. The entry in the complex is free on Fridays.

Old Fort - It is believed that the Pandavas had built their capital, Indraprastha at the place where the old fort stands today. This fort, now in ruins, was the seat for administration for many emperors. The legendary Prithviraj Chauhan ruled from here till he was defeated by Abdali in the battle of Panipat. A new light & sound show is held by the Department of Delhi Tourism every evening. Timings and Tickets are available from the tourist office. tomb is besides the of Safdarjang airport. This tomb was built by the Nawab of Avadh for his father. The structure is one of the finest example of architecture of its time and tells a saga of the last remnants of a dying empire.

Jantar Mantar - Few minutes walk from Connaught Place is is a strange collection of solomon coloured structures. These were built by Maharaja Jai Singh and is actually an observatory. Though not as large as its compatriot in Jaipur Jantar Mantar at Delhi also an attraction for the tourists. The astonishing part of these observatories is that they can calculate many astronomical movements very accurately.

Red Fort - Built in Red Sand stone this imposing fort is 3 kms in perimeter with the height of the wall varying from 18 to 30 meters at places. When the Red fort was being built Yamuna used to flow on its one sides and there were deep moats on the other. Today Yamuna flows almost a kilometer away from the fort and the moats have dried up. In the evening the Delhi Tourism organises a light and sound show which narrates the history of Delhi in context of the Red Fort.

The Lahore gate, the main entrance, has some emotions and sentiments attached with the Indian independence as the Tricolour flutters on the top of this gate. On 15th August the Indian Prime minister addresses the nation from here. As soon one enters in the fort from the Lahore gate There is a small Bazzar, here all kinds of items are available. This Shopping arcade was known as the Mina Bazzar and was open only to women on Thursdays's during the Mughal era. The arcade leads to the Naubat Khana or the drum house where the Musicians used to play drums on the arrival of Emperors or princes. Just above the Naubat Khana is the Indian war memorial museum which has a rich collection of armours, guns, swords, and other items related to war.

The Dewan-i-Am or the place of public hearing had a wall paneled with marble in laid with precious stone which were removed during the mutiny of 1857. The Dewan-i-Khas or the place for special hearing was the area where the emperor used to hold meetings with his ministers. Next to Dewan-i-Khas are the royal baths or the Hammams and Shahi Burj which are closed for public viewing. The white marbled Moti Masjid or the pearl mosque was the private mosque for Aurangzeb.

Qutab Minar - In 1199, Qutbuddin raised the Qutab Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32 mtrs. it tapers to 2.75 mtrs. at a height of 72.5 mtrs. It is still the highest stone tower in India, one of the finest stone tower in India, one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised landmark. It was completed by the Sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The tomb of Iltutmish, which he himself built in 1235, is nearby, Its interiors are profusely decorated with calligraphy, though the dome has collapsed.

Old Delhi - The City of Shahjahanabad was the capital of Shah Jahan but little remains of that old city. The Old Delhi or the walled city served as the capital for many emperors. Today, remains of the historical city are the gates like - Kashmiri Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Turkman Gate, Delhi gate. Near Delhi Gate is Feroz Shah Kotla, close to this is kept the Ashokan Pillar which was brought from Meerut by Feroz Shah Tughlaq.

The Ghats - Along the banks of Jamuna are located the places were the leaders and freedom fighters of India were cremated. The Raj Ghat is one of the most visited ghats. A simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948. To North of Raj Ghat is the cremation ground of Jawaharlal Nehru named as Shanti Van. The cremation ground of Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi are also in the vicinity. The cremation ground of Lal Bahadur Shastri is nearby.

Rajpath & India Gate - Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located on the two sides of this immensely broad road. Previously the Boat Club, besides the Rajpath, was host to many demonstrations and Rallies. India Gate is towards the eastern end of Rajpath .

India Gate is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. It bears the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW1, the North-West Frontiers operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the memorial to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green grass lawns and trees.

The Parliament House- Sansad Bhawan or the Parliament house is the supreme law making body in the country. It is the center of power and politicians decide the fate of the Indian Democracy here. Visitors are not allowed inside the house but when the house is in session, visitors may take permission to go inside and watch the proceedings of the house. The parliament consists of three halls- Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the central hall. For the foreign visitors permits are given only after they obtain an introductory letter from the respective embassy.

For more Information on travel to India Visit Site: http://www.airawat.com

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Travel To India- Rajasthan

2007-09-12

Rajasthan is located in North Western part of India. Rajasthan shares border with Haryana, Madhya Pradesh,Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Sand dunes, wooded hills, luxury trains, beautiful blue water lakes, large palaces and rugged forts makes Rajasthan a perfect holiday destination throughout the year. Tourism in Rajasthan plays an important role in the development of the economy of the state. Main tourist cities in Rajasthan are Bikaner, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Mandawa, Mount Abu, Neemrana, Pushkar, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Sariska. Rajasthan has a superb range of shops. It is among the richest states in the India as far as handicrafts are concerned. Stone, clay, leather, wood, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles are given the most brilliant forms. Rajasthan is well connected by air, rail and road with all the major cities of the India.Jodhpur, the Blue City, is a fascinating city of Rajasthan, India. One of the most traveled tourist destinations in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts, beautiful palaces, havelis, museums, temples and colorful bazaars. Jodhpur is also known for its unique culture, arts and crafts and colorful festivals. Airawat travel offers to take you to this fascinating tourist destination of Rajasthan on your Jodhpur tour. Jodhpur has a number of exciting tourist attractions, promising its visitors with an unforgettable holiday experience.

                                          Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort: The magnificent 15th century Mehrangarh Fort is the most famous tourist attraction in Jodhpur. Situated on a 125 m high sandstone hill, the 5 km long Mehrangarh Fort never fails to enchant its visitors. The Fort houses a number of beautiful palaces in its compound including Moti Mahal, Janaki Mahal, Chandan Mahal, Royal Durbar Takht, Rang Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Phool Mahal among many more. The Fort also houses a Museum.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Located at the top of a hill, Umaid Bhawan Palace is another important landmark of Jodhpur. Commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 as a famine relief scheme, the impressive pink sandstone and marble palace was completed in 1944 AD, providing employment for 3,000 famine-stricken people. Now a famous 5-star heritage hotel, it also houses a Museum

Jaswant Thada: The 19th century royal cenotaph, Jaswant Thada is located north of the Mehrangarh Fort. The cenotaph of Jaswant Singh II (1878-95) built in 1899 is the most impressive with ornamental gardens and chattris made of white marble.

Balsamand Lake and Palace: Just 7 km from Jodhpur, the enchanting Balsamand Palace was once a royal summer palace on the embankments of a beautiful and serene Balsamand Lake.

Government Museum: Located in the beautiful Umaid Garden, Government Museum displays a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankaras.

Things to Do in Jodhpur

Jodhpur offers an exciting range of activities to its visitors. You can enjoy excursions to beautiful Mandore Gardens, Ocian Jain Temples and the Mahamandir Temple. Jodhpur also offers an exciting shopping experience to visitors. On tours to Jodhpur, you can also shop for exquisite handicrafts, tie and dye fabric, and embroidered jutis (shoes) made of camel skin and many more items. Jodhpur is also famous for its colorful festivals including the colorful Marwar Festival, held in October every year. During festivals whole city becomes vibrant and colorful with decorated camels, colorful crafts, camel carts, bejeweled women and colorfully turbaned men, offering a spectacular view to visitors. Other not to be missed tourist attraction in Jodhpur is an exciting Village Safari. Enjoy an open jeep ride, traversing deep into the Bishnoi tribal villages to get an insight into the unique tribal life of the region.

For Detail visit Travel to India

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