DELHI TOUR (2 Nights / 3 Days)
Day 01 :
Arrival. Meet/transfer from airport to hotel (check
in/out 12.00 hrs).
Day 02 :
Day free at leisure.
Day 03 :
Departure. Transfer from hotel/ Airport in time to
connect flight to onward destination.
Delhi The Great Historical City
Let New Delhi Hub take you on a historic journey through
the seven cities of Delhi. Travel through time with N ew
Delhi , as you tour the monuments of Quila Rai Pithora,
Mehrauli, Siri fort, Tughlakabad, Firozabad, Shergarh,
and Shahjehanabad in Old Delhi and the gracious
tree-lined avenues of New Delhi.
Peel away the layers of history with New Delhi Hub and
enjoy the museums, art galleries, shopping malls, parks
and modern attractions of New Delhi. Taste traditional
North Indian cuisine, shop for handicrafts and textiles
and see history and modernity combine, in India's
fascinating capital city, with New Delhi.
Old Fort : You can visit the Old Fort, one of the most
visited tourism destination on your New Delhi tour. The
fort is located on a small hill, which once stood on the
banks of the river Yamuna. Legend has it that the fort
marked the site of Indraprastha, the magnificent capital
of the Pandavas, though Sher Shah Suri carried out the
construction sometime between 1538 to 1545 AD. The
structure houses a mosque, which has a double storied
octagonal tower.
Chandni Chowk : The popular bazaars of Chandni Chowk
form a part of tourism destinations in New Delhi. A trip
to Delhi would be incomplete without a visit to Chandni
Chowk, in Old Delhi, where shops and stalls display a
wonderful array of goods.
India Gate : India Gate is one of the most popular
tourist attractions in Delhi. The impressive colonial
architecture of India Gate is a symbol of modern Delhi.
The beautiful stone arch was built by the British in
honor of Indian soldiers killed in World War I. Here you
will also find the 'Amar Javan Jyoti', which is a
permanent flame in honor of the Indian soldiers who died
in wars since 1918.
Lotus Temple : It is a lotus shaped structure made of
marble, cement, dolomite and sand The temple is located
in Kalkaji in the south of Delhi. You can visit the
Lotus Temple on your tour to New Delhi. The temple is
open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation
and obtaining peace and tranquility.
Cannuaght Place : On New Delhi tour you can visit the
popular shopping area of Janpath at Connaught Place.
Here you will find all items from jewellery to paintings
and furniture. Nearby Janpath there are many government
State Emporia popular which affords a glimpse of the
handicrafts of each state. So does the recently-
inaugurated new Central Cottage Industries Emporium on
Janpath.
MUMBAI TOURS (2 nights / 3
Days)
Day 01 :
Arrival. Meet/transfer from airport to hotel (check
in/out 12.00 hrs).
Day 02 :
Day free at leisure.
Day 03 :
Departure. Transfer from hotel/ Airport in time to
connect flight to onward destination.
Mumbai - Travel Attractions
The booming capital city of Mahrashtra, Bombay has a
beautiful range of attractions for its visitors. F rom
nature lovers to science freks to the common tourists
the city of dreams Mumbai has something special to offer
to everyone.
The Gateway of India happens to be the principle
landmark of Bombay. The same was built in yellow basalt
to commemorate the royal visit of George V and queen
Mary in 1911. The construction was completed in 1924.
The Gateway of India is analogous to Bombay as the
Statue of Liberty is to New York. Your trip to Bombay
sans visit to the Gateway of the India will be
incomplete.
Besides the Gateway Of India, the Prince of Wales Museum
was also built to venerate King George’s visit. The
construction of the museum is based on the Indo -Saracenic
style of architecture and was successfully completed in
1923. The Prince of Wales Museum boasts of exhibits in
various areas like the art and paintings, archeology and
natural history.
For all the art lovers amongst you the Jehangir Art
Gallery will prove to be a heaven on Earth. The gallery
is located in the compound of the Prince of Wales Museum
and comprises of an Auditorium and an exhibition hall.
The gallery displays the works of modern Indian artists.
Besides being the venue for art exhibitions in Bombay
the Jehangir Art Gallery organizes other art activities
for the promotion of a national movement in contemporary
visual arts.
The other landmark of Mumbai happens to be the Victoria
Terminus or the VT. The Victoria Terminus that was
designed by F.W. Stevens follows the Italian Gothic
style of architecture. It is significant owing to the
fact that the historic steam train from Mumbai to Thane
was flagged from here way back in 1853.
In the heart of the commercial fort area stands the
Flora Fountain. You will be able to access the fountain
intersection from any of the five points. The Flora
fountain was constructed in the memory of the Governor,
Henry bartle Edward Frere. The Mani Bhawan where Mahatma
Gandhi stayed from 1917-34 is also worth visiting.
While in Mumbai you must pay homage at the oldest temple
at Mumbai the Mahalaxmi Temple near the Malabar Hills.
The Mahalaxmi temple is dedicated to the dedicated to
the Hindu Goddess of Wealth. The visit Haji Ali Tomb and
mosque and the Cathedral of St. Thomas are also must.
The latter happens to be close to the Flora Fountain.
The children as well as the adults enjoy themselves at
the Nehru Planetarium and the Nehru Science Center
situated in Worli. The Audiovisual shows are beneficial
for even those without a scientific bend of mind. While
your visit to the former be ready for the virtual space
voyage. The latter too can be enjoyed with the color
shadow as your dance partner.
While on science the Taraporevala Aquarium cannot be
missed. The aquarium is home to several exotic species
sea and river fish. Besides fish the collection of the
preserved species of rare animals will charm you. The
shell-crafted articles have also been exhibited. Though
it is the scenes with the orange butterfly fish, the
blue ring angelfish, and sea horses. That will flash
through when you recall your visit to the Taraporevala
aquarium.
For feasting your eyes on the larger species of animal
kind you may drop at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
The only wildlife preserve of Mumbai is home to panther,
antelope, moose, deer and the wild beer. You may board
the special park vehicles to a get closer view of the
lions at the Lion Safari Park. Though the zoo of the
Mumbai city is at the Jijamata Udyan Garden that boasts
of animals, birds and nursery of rare plants. The
Hanging Gardens beautiful landscaped garden built on a
series of reservoirs is another popular hangout.
Mumbai has several amusement parks like the Fantasy Land
and the Essel World. The rides and the food add to the
fun and frolic at Mumbai. These parks are ideal for
freaking out with family as well as friends. The entry
ticket is charged per head and is worth it. The water
rides and the other swings are awesome.
Come on get going to the city with the wide variety of
source of fun, frolic and food-Mumbai.
BANGALORE TOURS (2 nights /
3 Days)
Day 01 :
Arrival. Meet/transfer from airport to hotel (check
in/out 12.00 hrs).
Day 02 :
Day free at leisure.
Day 03 :
Departure. Transfer from hotel/ Airport in time to
connect flight to onward destination.
The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore is the seventh
largest city in India. Acity of contradictions, at one
end, the Garden City is close to nature with its
numerous beautiful gardens and parks and at the other
end, this Silicon Valley is at par with the latest
developments of the world. Though the origin of
Bangalore is ancient, the present-day city was founded
in the 16th century and has since continued to be an
important administrative center. Bangalore city has some
historical sites of immense interest too.
According to a legend, the city of Bangalore is named
the native translation of 'boiled beans' that an old
woman offered to a hungry and lost Hoysala ruler.
Kempegowda, a local chief, laid the foundations of the
present-day city in the early 16th century, by building
a small mud fort here. It gained prominence in the 18th
century, when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore made
it an important fort city during their skirmishes with
the mighty British. The British at last crushed Tipu
Sultan with an iron hand and took over Bangalore city.
In 1831, they made it the regional administrative city
and established a big military cantonment here.
Location : In the
southern part of the state of Karnataka.
Significance :
Capital of Karnataka.
Climate : The
climate of Bangalore is moderate and pleasant. Summers
are mild while winters are cool. It experiences
rainfalls from June to August.
Shopping Attractions
Bangalore is a good place to purchases silk, sandalwood
and rosewood items, and Lambani tribal jewellery. The
most pleasant shopping experience is to be found on
Commercial St, north of Mahatama Gandhi Road. This
street is home to a number of silk, handicraft and
shops. Residency Road is a good place for handicrafts
while one may also opt for items like granite carvings,
paintings on raw silk, applique goods and silver
filigree. Vegetable-dyed and hand-embroidered garments
and home décor products in typical Gujrati style can be
bought from Bangalore as well as the Tanjore art plates,
bronze showpieces, black metal items and semi-precious
jewelry from Tamil Nadu. Raw silks, dokra metal work,
beadwork and footwear of Madhya Pradesh can also be
bought from here. The top end of the market consists of
high fashion boutiques where all the major fashion
designers in India are well represented. A shopper's
paradise, Bangalore has more shops per sq. km. than
anywhere else in India. The Brigade Road area has
everything pleasurable to young hearts including
discotheques, bowling alleys, pubs, video game parlors
and cyber cafes.
Prime Attractions
Cubbon Park : In 1864, Lord Cubbon, the then viceroy of
India, laid out 300 acres of an oasis of greenery in the
heart of modern Bangalore. This beautiful park is highly
popular with walkers, joggers and nature lovers for its
tranquility and the natural beauty of the park
complimented by the red Gothic structures of the State
Central Library and the High Court. The library is worth
a visit for its rare treasure of books, Its building has
architectural style of stone and fluted pillars with
walls finished in lime plaster. Cubbon Park houses a
variety of flora along with institutions of significance
like the Cheshire Dyer Memorial Hall, Ottawa Chatter,
Museum, Century Club and the Press Club.
Lalbagh Gardens :
The present day Lalbagh was once a small fruit orchard
during the times of Hyder Ali. Later, Tipu Sultan
introduced exotic trees such as Cypress, Thuja,
Junipers, Grapes, Guavas, Raspberries and Strawberries
and other European flora and expanded the garden. The
period of John Cameron is often referred to as the
'Golden Era' of plant introductions of this royal
retreat. A number of fruits, vegetables, spices,
medicinal plants and aromatic plants were grown during
his times. He also built the Lalbagh Glass House for
displaying the flora, which was made of imported parts
from England and was completed within just 12 hours of
laying its foundation. Today, Lal Bagh houses the
offices of the Karnataka Horticultural Society that
renders free advice to those interested in flowers and
gardens and a giant Electronic Quartz Flower clock.
Vidhana Soudha :
This imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed
Bangalore granite is a tribute to Temple architecture.
It houses the Legislative Chambers of the state
government. It is 46 meter high and one of the
Bangalore's most important buildings. Mr. Kengal
Hanumanthaiah the then chief minister of Mysore decided
to construct the Vidhana Soudha entirely along Indian
style of architecture. It has four domes on all the four
corners and the four-headed lion, the symbol of Indian
sovereignty, overshadows the main entrance. It houses 22
departments and 300 rooms.
Jawahar Bala Bhavan :
Children's amusement park and recreation center, the
main attractions of the place are the toy train, which
moves along the delightful pathway of the Cubbon Park
and the Dolls museum. It also houses a 20 million year
old fossilized tree, which was gifted to it by the
Geological Survey of India. The Bhavan has boating
facility and a small fair ground too. Children's film
shows and theatre performances are regularly held at the
Vijayaranga Theatre.
The Fort :
Situated opposite the City Market, the Fort was
originally built in mud by Kempe Gowda in 1537. The Fort
was extended and fortified by Tippu Sultan. It is noted
for the beautifully carved Islamic-style arches on the
gate walls, and for the well-preserved Ganapathi Temple,
a testament of the religious tolerance of Tipu Sultan,
within its precincts. One of the temple's outer walls
carries an exquisite carving of Sri Krishna playing his
flute.
Tippu's Palace :
Situated near the fort, construction of this palace was
begun by Tippu Sultan's father Haider Ali, and completed
by Tippu himself in 1791. It resembles the Daria Daulat
Palace at Srirangapatna, Tipu's capital. It was known as
`Rashk-e-jannat' - the Envy of Heaven. Constructed
largely of wood, it is known for the five elaborately
decorated arches surmounted by exquisite minarets, and
paintings on the walls and ceilings.
Indian Institute of Science :
Founded by the Tatas, this premier science institute has
been the research place of many famous Indian scientists
including the Nobel Prize winner C.V. Raman and space
scientist Vikram Sarabhai. Its stately buildings are in
classic European style, with a central quadrangle
decorated with attractive Persian motifs. On February 1,
1911 Krishna Raja Wodeyar, Maharaja of Mysore, laid the
foundation stone of the grand main building. The
Institute has 22 departments of various branches of
science, and a collection of over 2,68,000 books.
Government Aquarium :
The Govt. Aquarium is housed in an octagonal building,
enhancing the beauty of Cubbon Park. It exhibits the
largest number of indigenous and exotic, cultivable as
well as ornamental pet fish. The Hocks stick, the Pearl
Coushmi, the India Tiger Borb, the Moon Tail, as well as
edible fish welcome the visitor. The Aquarium provides
food for thought, but if you want to taste the fish,
there is a fish stall here.
Gandhi Bhavan :
The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, which is housed in the Gandhi
Bhavan (Kumara Krupa Road), seeks to propagate the life
and teachings of Gandhiji. The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi has
organized a comprehensive picture gallery depicting
Gandhiji's life in pictures from early childhood to the
last day. Photostat copies of letters written by him to
various personalities of his day can also be seen.
How to Reach
By Air : There are number of daily domestic flights to
and from important cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi,
Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Kochi, Mangalore,
Pune and Thiruvananthapuram and direct international
flights to and from Muscat, Sharjah and Singapore. It is
also an important stopover for many international
flights.
By Train : There are two railway stations in Bangalore.
The main station is well connected to all the major
Indian cities and there are number of daily express
trains from Bangalore to other cities of India.
By Road : Bangalore has a large bus terminus and smooth
roads. There are a number of buses running to and from
Mysore, Hospet, Chennai and Mumbai. One can also catch
tourist buses that conduct tours and excursions around
the city.
COCHIN TOURS (2 nights / 3
Days)
Day 01 :
Arrival. Meet/transfer from airport to hotel (check
in/out 12.00 hrs).
Day 02 :
Day free at leisure.
Day 03 :
Departure. Transfer from hotel/ Airport in time to
connect flight to onward destination.
Cochin or Kochi, as it is called now is situated on the
west coast of India in the beautiful greenish state of
Kerala. Cochin has long been eulogised in tourist
literature as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. This
simple heckneyed phrase reflects the beauty and
long-standing maritime importance. The city is basically
a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas and can be
mainly divided in to Ernakulam, Willington Island,
Mattancherry and Fort Cochin, which spreads around
87sq.kms. Ernakulam is the business centre and forms the
main land. It is separated from the Fort Cochin and
Mattancherry by the river Periyar that flows down to the
Arabian Sea. Cochin has the finest natural harbors in
the world around which the city has grown. Being one of
the important cities on the western coast, Cochin is
well connected by road and rail to all important cities
in India. The nearby international airport is linked
with national and many international destinations.
History of the City
The history of Cochin dates back to hundreds of years.
At the end of fourteenth century the "Perumpadappu
Family", the local king, shifted their capital to
Cochin. This small town started to grow and developed in
to a major trade point of spices after the formation of
the natural port by a massive flood in 1340 AD when the
river Periyar flooded over and washed away the then
famous port at Cranganore. By the bigining of the
sixteenth century the Portuguese arrived and Cochin
began to gain importance. Long back the arrival of
Europians, Cochin had good trade relations with China
and Middle East. Also many Jews were settled in and
around the city. By the end of 1653 the Dutch invasion
started and they defeated the Portuguese. But by the end
of seventeenth century the rulers of Mysore collapsed
the Dutch power. The British took over Cochin after the
forth Mysore war. In 1814 the construction of a modern
port began and by 1936 Cochin became a major port. Post
independence, in 1967, the Corporation Cochin was formed
and the Queen of the Arabian, after shifting to so many
hands, was finally at peace. More about
Attractions
From time immemorial Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch
and British seafarers followed the sea route to Cochin
and left their impression on the town. This fact is
tangibly evident in the city’s well-known landmarks. The
must see places include the Dutch palace built in 1555,
Jewish synagogue built in 1568, St. Francis church by
the Portuguese, Santa Cruz Basilica, Bolgatty palace,
the man made Willington island and the 15th century
Paallipuram fort. You can see rows of Chinese fishing
nets at Fort Cochin water front. In and around the city
there are three museums. You can also enjoy the
traditional art form called "Kathakali" and martial art
"Kalaripayattu" in many cultural centres. Tourist
information and city maps are available from the three
tourist offices run by government agencies.More about
Hotels
It is better to stay in Ernakulam than Cochin, as the
range of accommodation is greater there. During December
to January, there is a great rush for hotel rooms. You
can find many delux and budget hotels. Yatri Nivas,
Tourist lodges and hostels provide a convenient and
cheap base. More about
Eat Outs
Cochin has an enormous range of restaurants, offering
reasonably priced food and drinks. You can eat out quite
cheaply in Cochin but if you have more expensive tastes,
then there are number of well known restaurants. You can
have the traditional Kerala dishes from most of the
restaurants. Many of them also offers cuisines from
different countries. Find a Place
Shopping
The Mahatma Gandhi (MG) road, branches off from the
Banerji road cuts through what is today the city's main
commercial district. A bustling shopping centre where
you can buy all kind of goods. Many airline offices,
hotels, restaurants, and movie theatres are along this
road. The Marine Drive and the lively GCDA Commercial
Complex along the water front features a variety of
shopping malls. You can buy all kind of spices from
Broad Way running parallel to the east of Shanmugham
road or from Mattancherry. Antique shops can be find in
Jews town. Web Directory
Climate
Being situated very close to the sea, Cochin has a
moderate climate, with heavy rains during June to August
due to the southwest monsoon. The North - East monsoon
brings months of September, October, November and
December. The annual rainfall is about 310 cm. Coolest
weather lasts from November to mid-March, with cool,
fresh mornings and evenings and dry, sunny days. Really
hot weather, between April and June. In summer, the
temperature rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the
winters. The warm tropical climate recommends light
cotton clothes.
HYDERABAD TOURS (2 nights /
3 Days)
Day 01 :
Arrival. Meet/transfer
from airport to hotel (check in/out 12.00 hrs).
Day 02 :
Day free at leisure.
Day 03 :
Departure. Transfer from hotel/ Airport in time to
connect flight to onward destination.
Travel to Hyderabad - The Second Silicon Valley of India
: Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh is a
bustling 400-year-old metropolis with an urban
population of 4.2 million people approximately.
Hyderabad is located on the Deccan Plateau and the Musi
River, 650m above sea level. The physiography of
Hyderabad is dominated by hills, tanks, forests, and
rock formations.
The Hyderabad city is cosmopolitan, and is richly
endowed with a variety of cultures. While Muslim people
are concentrated more towards the old city like
Charminar, Secunderabad has got a more contemporary look
with a concentration of Anglo-Indians. The city of
Hyderabad presents an attractive amalgam of old world
charm together with the ebullience of growth and
enterprise. Beautiful old edifices built in the
medieval, Mughal, Colonial and Indo-Saracenic styles
abound, rubbing shoulders with large glass and chrome
temples of commerce. Read More About Hyderabad
Tourist Attractions
Charminar :
Charminar is a majestic architectural monument standing
at the heart of the old city of Hyderabad, built by
Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 supposedly to
commemorate the eradication of plague from Hyderabad.
Golconda Fort :
Golconda fort is a majestic monument, which lies on the
western outskirts of Hyderabad city. It speaks of a
great cultural heritage of 400 years and is regarded as
a place worth visiting.
Mecca Masjid :
Mecca Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India
accommodating upto 10,000 worshippers. This is the
biggest mosque in Hyderabad and lies within hundred
yards to the southwest of Charminar.
Hussain Sagar :
Hussain Sagar is a large lake in the midst of the city
and was constructed in 1562 AD. Also known as Tank Bund,
it connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and
Secunderabad.
Excursions From Hyderabad
Hyderabad Film City : It is one of the most
comprehensive and professionally planned film production
centre in the world. Located at an hour's distance from
Hyderabad, it is spread over an area of more than 1000
acres.
Osman Sagar :
20-km away from the center of Hyderabad is Osman Sagar.
Popularly known as 'Gandipet', it is an excellent picnic
spot with well-laid gardens.
Shilparamam :
Shilparamam is a crafts village at Madhapur, set amidst
lovely rocks, rippling waterfalls and gorgeous lawns,
about 14-km from Hyderabad.
Ocean Park :
Located at Gandipet in Hyderabad, Ocean Park is one of
the first theme parks started in the twin-cities. It is
a unique amusement park for the entire family and has
attractions like a kiddie's pool, a 60ft high ride, the
Slam Bomb, bumping cars and dry rides for people of all
ages.
How to Reach
Hyderabad - An important centre in the air transport
network of south India is well connected with domestic
and international airlines. Hyderabad, being the capital
city of Andhra Pradesh, has excellant road services to
adjoining states and has a strong rail network with all
major cities of India.
By Air - Hydrabad is an important centre in the air
transport network of south India. There are flights in
either direction between Hydrabad and Bangalore, Mumbai,
Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Nagpur, and
Vishakhapatnam. Hyderabad has an international airport
too.
By Rail - The twin cities of Hydrabad and Secunderabad
are extensively covered by the railway network connected
with Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi,
Chennai and other cities in India. Hydrabad is well
connected by rail with all the important places within
the state also. The city bus service operates from the
railway station.
By Road - On the crossroads of National highways 7 and
9, Hydrabad is well connected. Buses of the Andhra
Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and Private
buses operate to all centres in the region.
GOA TOURS (2 Nights / 3
Days)
Day 01 : Arrival. Meet/transfer from airport to hotel
(check in/out 12.00 hrs).
Day 02 : Day free at leisure.
Day 03 : Departure. Transfer from hotel/ Airport in time
to connect flight to onward destination.
Though Goan towns are smaller than a lot of other Indian
towns, they are important cultural, business and tourist
centers that provide the Goan population with civic
amenities, and modern conveniences and infrastructure.
They provide most of the population with some sort of
employment and the people of Goa are dependent on them
for their livelihood either directly or indirectly.
Cities of Goa
The ancient way to tone up your mind, body and soul.
Situated on the western coastline of India, Goa is split
into two districts, North Goa with the capital city of
Panaji and South Goa with places such as Vasco da Gama
and Margao. On one side stand the palm trees, lush green
and swaying in the wind, and on the other the vast
Indian Ocean greets you.
Fort Aguada & Candolim
One of the main bastions commanding the entrance into
the Mandovi River was Fort Aguada. Built by the
Portuguese in 1612, with a church, the new lighthouse
(which can be visited during specified hours 4 to 530
pm, barracks (Aguda Jail) along the beachside (Sinquerim
beach lies below the fort) - its worth visiting.
Mapusa
A small town clustered around the Mount (Alto) is Mapusa.
It forms the hub of north Goa with an even blend of
residential and commercial establishments. Its 13 kms
away from Panaji, a sharing taxi or a bus will take you
there. Known popularly for its Friday market, people
from all over Goa come here to buy and sell their wares.
Margao
The main population center of southern Goa is Margao,
the capital of Salcete Province. The town still has
reminders of the Portuguese past. It is a peaceful and
pleasant place. The old Margao church is worth a visit
and the covered market is the best of its kind in the
whole of Goa.
Old Goa
9 km from the East of Panjim is Old Goa and is popular
for its churches and cathedrals. Some of the old
buildings are converted into museums maintained by
Archaeological Survey of India.
Panjim
The state capital of Goa is Panjim and is popularly
known as the seat of the Government. It also houses the
head offices of most business concerns. Panjim is also
known as Panaji and is one of the India's smallest and
pleasantest state capitals and is located on the south
bank of the wide Mandovi River.
Ponda
Ponda is also known as Antruz Mahal. It's called so
because of the concentration of culture, music, drama
and poetry. It also houses the temples of Lord Mangesh
(Shiva), Lord Nagesh, Lord Ganapati, Lord Ramnath and
the Goddesses Mahalasa and Shantdurga. Ponda is also
known as Antruz Mahal. It's called so because of the
concentration of culture, music, drama and poetry. It
also houses the temples of Lord Mangesh (Shiva), Lord
Nagesh, Lord Ganapati, Lord Ramnath and the Goddesses
Mahalasa and Shantdurga.
Safa Masjid
2km west on the Panjim road was built in 1560 by the
Bijapuri ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah, this small mosque,
with its whitewashed walls and pointed terra-cotta tile
roof, is renowned less for its run-of-the-mill
architecture than for being one of only two Islamic
shrines in Goa to survive the excesses of the Portuguese
Inquisition.
Vasco-de-Gama
Goa's most cosmopolitan city, Vasco-Da-Gama, also known
as Vasco, it lies on the narrow western tip of the
Mormugao peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari
River. Goa's most cosmopolitan city, Vasco-Da-Gama, also
known as Vasco, it lies on the narrow western tip of the
Mormugao peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari
River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this
strategically important site was formerly among the
busiest ports on India's west coast, and it remains a
key-shipping center, with container vessels and iron-ore
barges clogging the choppy river mouth.
Vasco-Da-Gama is almost 30 km from Panaji and is also
the railway terminus for passenger service. The Mormugao
Harbor, one of India's few natural harbors is 4 km from
Vasco at one end. And Goa's only airport, Dabolim is
also 4 km from Vasco, at the other end.
CHENNAI TOURS (2 Nights / 3
Days)
Day 01 :
Arrival. Meet/transfer from airport to hotel (check
in/out 12.00 hrs).
Day 02 :
Day free at leisure.
Day 03 :
Departure. Transfer from hotel/ Airport in time to
connect flight to onward destination.
Chennai or Madras is the fourth largest metropolis in
India. Located on a 17 km stretch of t he Coramandel
coast, the city is trisected by the waterways of Cooum
and Adyar and the Buckingham Canal. Popularly regarded
as the 'Gateway to the South', Chennai presents culture
that is distinctly different from that of northern
India. Music, dance and all other art forms of the South
are cherished and nurtured in this city, which though
industrialized continues to be traditional and
conventional in many ways.
Chennai is a city where the traditional and the modern
blend in life everywhere. From traditional vegetarian
fair to fast foods, from nine-yard sarees to the latest
in fashion, from ancient temple architecture to modern
high-rise - with Indo-Saracenic and Victorian as stops
along the way - from classical music and dance to discos
throbbing to heady beats, Chennai has them all and many
more vivid contrasts that are a pleasant surprise. And
perhaps the most striking of them all is that here is a
modern metropolis with beaches, parks and even
sanctuaries in the heart of the City. Chennai offers a
wealth of nature and a rich historic past to visitors in
the ambience of a city with every modern facility.
Modern Chennai grew out of a small village when in 1639
a fishing hamlet called Madraspatnam was selected by
early English merchants of the East India Company as a
site for the settlement. There are a number of churches
in Chennai that are connected with the life and times of
St. Thomas. There are also several ancient temples
around Chennai, and, within the city itself are two
magnificent temples - a temple in Triplicane and another
in Mylapore.
Location : In
Tamil Nadu, India.
Significance :
Capital of Tamil Nadu.
Climate : Tropical
climate with very hot and humid conditions. Winter and
summer temperatures do not vary much as it rains
frequently throughout the year.
Shopping Attractions
Chennai offers a wide variety of traditional and trendy
merchandise such as carvings on brass, stone, wood and
ivory, leather bikinis, bags and shoes. Traditional
items from all over Tamil Nadu can be bought from
Chennai like Pattamara Mats and the leaf and palmyra-fiber
handicrafts from Tirunellveli, Metal works from Tanjavur,
bronze and brass castings and traditional jewellery from
Kumbakonam, stone carvings from Mamallapuram and Silks
from Kanchipuram. The most popular shopping centers are
in Rannganatha Street in T. Nagar and Anna Salai.
Prime Attractions
Fort St. George : The British East India Company under
the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon
built Fort St. George in 1640 AD. The fort houses St.
Mary's Church and fort museum. St. Mary's Church is the
oldest Anglican Church in India built in 1680 and the
tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British
tombstones in India. This ancient prayer house
solemnized the marriages of Robert Clive and Governor
Elinu-Yale, who later founded the Yale University in the
States. Today the fort is used by the state legislative
assembly and as the secretarial offices of the Tamil
Nadu government.
The flagstaff at Fort St. George is still the tallest in
India. South of the Fort is the War Memorial, a graceful
monument built in 1939 in memory of the warriors who
sacrificed their lives during the First World War. The
Island Grounds, the biggest lung space in the city is
situated on an island formed by the river Cooum. This
ground is the eventful venue of Trade and the Tourist
Fairs held periodically which are seasonal attractions.
The High Court with the decorative domes and corridors
reminiscent of Indo/Saracenic architecture and the
adjacent Parry's corner are the important landmarks of
Chennai.
Fort Museum : This
museum contains many relics pertaining to the tenure of
the East India Company and British India. It has a
collection of contemporary paintings as well as the rare
exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals
and some other artifacts dating back to the British
period.
Kapaleeswarar Temple :
The biggest temple in the city, it is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. The temple contains inscriptions dating back to
the 13th century AD, and is a fine specimen of the
Dravidian style of architecture. The 37-metre gopuram is
especially noteworthy for its intricate carvings that
depict stories from Hindu mythology.
Sri Parthasarathi Temple :
The temple built in the 8th century is dedicated to Lord
Krishna. It was built under the patronage of the
Pallavas. It houses the idols of the five avataras of
Sri Vishnu and has a small temple shrine dedicated to
Vishnu's consort, called as Vedavalli Ammai in the
native language of the region.
Santhome Cathedral :
San Thome at the southern end of Marina derives its name
from St Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is be lieved to
have come to Madras sometime during 52 AD. He was killed
on St Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD and
was interned in San Thome beach where a church was later
built. Several years later, another church was built
further inland and his mortal remains were transferred
from the old church to the new one. In 1606 the church
was rebuilt as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a
basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the
basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central
hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the
last days of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3 ft high
statue of Virgin Mary, which is believed to have been
brought from Portugal in 1543.
The Snake Park and Children's Park :
The snake park attracts visitors of all ages as it
houses a variety of Indian snakes and reptiles, which
can be viewed from close quarters. Adjacent to the snake
park is a children's park, which has a large playing
ground and a good collection of birds and animals.
The Marina Beach :
Lining the east of the city is the famous Marina Beach.
Supposed to be the second longest beach in the world, it
is 12 km long. The beach can be ideally visited in the
early mornings or in the late evenings when the area
becomes a virtual fair ground with food stalls and other
entertainments.
The Theosophical Society :
The world headquarters of the Theosophical Society,
formed to facilitate and encourage the study of
comparative religion, philosophy and science is situated
in beautiful sylvan settings in Adyar. The society was
founded by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olott in USA, and
later moved to Adyar in 1882. Apart from shrines of all
faiths and the peaceful Garden of Remembrance, there is
a 95-year old library which has a very good collection
of rare Oriental manuscripts written on palm leaves and
parchment.
Kalakshetra : In
Thiruvanmiyur, beyond Elliot's beach, is Kalakshetra or
'Temple of Art'. It was founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi
Arundale to train, encourage and revive interest in
Bharatanatyam, which is the classical dance form of the
state and also textile designing and weaving. This
institution is among the finest of its kind in the
country and is run on the ancient gurukulam system.
Throughout the year Kalakshetra conducts music recital
and dance performances in different parts of Chennai.
Birla Planetarium :
The Birla Planetarium at Kotturpuram, between Adyar and
Guindy, is the most modern planetarium in the country.
It houses a fully computerized projector to depict the
skies. Adjoining the planetarium is a Periyar Science
and Technology Museum, which will be of interest to
students and other science scholars.
National Art Gallery and Government Museum :
The museums situated in the heart of the city at Egmore
were founded in 1857. It houses various sections on
archaeology, geology, anthropology, numismatics, botany
and zoology. There is also a fine collection of
sculpture and armory in the museum.
Anna Square : The
mortal remains of Dr. C.N. Annadurai, former Chief
Minister of Tamil Nadu was buried at the Anna Square,
which is at the northern end of Marina Beach. Situated
about 30 km from the city, the Anna zoological park is
spread over an area of 510 hectares. Its main
attractions are safari parks, a nocturnal animal house,
an Aquarium, Natural Museum and many others.
Valluvar Kottam :
The memorial to the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped
like a temple chariot and is, in fact, the replica of
the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of
the saint has been installed in the chariot, which is
33m tall. The 133 chapters of his famous work
Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in the
front hall corridors of the chariot. The auditorium at
Valluvar Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and
can accommodate about 4000 people. It stands as a modern
memorial to the great poet who represents the glorious
culture of the Tamils.
How To Reach
By Air : Chennai has domestic as well as international
airports. The Kamaraj Domestic Airport and the Anna
International Airport are located at Tirusulam, 20 km
from the city, connecting it to all the major cities and
countries of the world.
By Train : Chennai is also well connected to all the
major cities in India through a wide network of
railways. The main railway stations are at Madras
Central and Egmore. There are regular trains connecting
it to all the major cities of India.
By Road : The excellent road network of Chennai makes it
easily accessible from other important cities of Tamil
Nadu and the neighboring states.
KOLKATA TOURS (2 Nights / 3
Days)
Day 01 :
Arrival. Meet/transfer from airport to hotel (check
in/out 12.00 hrs).
Day 02 :
Day free at leisure.
Day 03 :
Departure. Transfer from hotel/ Airport in time to
connect flight to onward destination.
Dominique Lapierre’s ‘City of Joy,’ the city of Kolkata,
formerly known as Calcutta is more than 300 years old.
This span has witnessed its development into one of the
world’s most densely peopled metropolises. And yet,
there is something undoubtedly special about Calcutta.
For, it combines the past and the present on a covetous
plane. It amalgamates the traditional and the modern,
and brings the intense and the frivolous together. At
one level Calcutta is always in transition, and at
another, it is firmly anchored to a tradition and
culture quite uniquely its own.
Kolkata is the current capital of the state of West
Bengal, and was also the first capital of the British in
India. It was established in 1686 when the British
shifted their operations to the small villages of
Govindpur, Sutanati, and Kalikata from their trading
port of Hooghly. It flourished and prospered until in
1756 Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town
and drove the British away. Lord Clive then later
regained control of Kolkata and until 1911, it remained
the capital of the British government in India. Having
been the centre of power of the British for so long has
given Kolkatta a unique culture and heritage, that is
quite unlike any other city in India.
Tourist Attractions
Some of the important places worth visiting in Kolkata
are listed below.
The Victoria Memorial :
It was built by Lord
Curzon in memory of Queen Victoria and is a fine huge
white-marble structure. It is now a museum that houses
the most impressive collection of memorabilia from the
days of the Raj.
The Howrah Bridge :
It is a 450 m long bridge without any pylon in the river
and has the distinction of being the busiest bridge in
the world catering to around 100,000 vehicles and
innumerable pedestrians. It is an excellent exampl e of
engineering techniques of the early 20th century.
Eden Garden : A
small and pleasantly laid-out garden that was once the
gathering place of the social elite. It today houses the
renowned cricket ground by the same name.
Kali Mandir : Also
known as Kalighat, the Kali Mandir is dedicated to Kali,
the Goddess of destruction and is a frequented tourist
destination.
Fort William :
Fort Williamwas constructed in 1781 and is still in use.
The large patch of green around the fort is known as the
Maidan (ground), or the lung of Kolkata. It stretches
for a distance of 3 km and is 1 km wide.
The Birla Planetarium :
It is a single-storied circular structure that is one of
the largest of its kind in the world. Its central dome
is an imitation of the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi.
The Marble Palace :
Exhibits art forms of Italy, the Netherlands, England
and other European nations. The interiors of the
palace-the floors, walls, and tabletops-are all made of
marble.
The Indian Museum :
is the oldest museum in India, which was built in 1874.
The entrance to the museum has an original Lion Capitol,
the national symbol of India and the museum itself is
home to a rare collection of artefacts.
Dalhousie Square :
Dalhousie Square, which was renamed Binoy Badal Dinesh
Bagh (also BBD Bagh), is the hub of West Bengal’s
administration and commerce. All important government
institutions of the state are located here.
Excursions in Kolkata
Some of the famous excursions sites near Kolkata are:
Shanti Niketan :
Tagore’s university township, is a must on any itinerary
that plots Bengal as a stopover. The hot springs here
are famous for curing many chronic diseases.
The Belur Math :
It is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission. It is a
universal place of pilgrimage, visited by people
belonging to diverse castes and creeds. It is committed
to social service, religious harmony, spiritual
attainment and renunciation.
The Dakshineshwar Temple :
It is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and was the dwelling
place of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the spiritual guru of
Swami Vivekananda, most of his life.
Botanical Gardens :
The main attraction of the Botanical Gardens, which
cover an area of 110 hectares, is a 250-year-old banyan
tree (Ficus bengalhensis), which is 98 feet high and
over 1,300 feet in circumference.
Bishnupur’s : It
is renowned for its crafts such as intricate Balucheri
saris, the rare ganijifa (circular Indian playing card),
delicate carving on shells and bell metal artefacts. It
has a rich architecture, music tradition and handicraft
legacy of pottery and weaving. Some unique terracotta
temples can be found here.
How to Reach
Kolkata is well connected with direct domestic airlines
services to and from Kolkata to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,
Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow, etc. there are also direct
flights to most of the countries in the Southeast Asia.
The airport is situated at Dumdum, about 17 km northeast
of the city center. Trains from the other parts of the
country connect Calcutta. The city has two major railway
stations-one at Howrah and the other at Sealdah. Kolkata
is also connected with most of the Indian cities by
road.
We offer complete Travel to Kolkata (Calcutta) and Tour
Packages Kolkata (Calcutta) to the versatile city of
Kolkata that are inclusive of hotel booking, air booking
services as well as cab and car hire services for the
entire duration of your stay there. Our Kolkata tour
packages are convenient and cost effective travel
options that offer you unique opportunities to get an
insight into the heritage and culture of this old city.
Important Travel Information
Kolkata can justly be described as the shopping paradise
for those who want excellent bargains. For, Kolkata is
teeming with markets, which might be crowded and dusty,
but have their own history and specialize in exotic and
unique items.
The Calcutta Book Fair is the largest book fair in Asia
and provides ample opportunities to explore the
fascinating world of books. It is held in the month of
January or February every year.
The city has uniform temperature throughout the year due
to proximity to the sea. Temperature range from 12-27°C
in the winter and 24-38°C in the summer. Humidity can be
very high during the summers. |
