A1 Classic Holidays - India

Goa

Goa contains more variety and vitality than almost anywhere else in India. Panaji (Panjim), one of India’s smallest and most likeable state capitals, and discover a Portuguese flavor of architectural delicacies spiced up with Indian exuberance. Inland, stand in greener-than-green fields picking vanilla pods, bathe with elephants or visit market towns like Mapusa.

Goa famous for beaches, such as Anjuna, with the added bonus of experiencing its intriguing fusion of colonial Portugal and modern India.. Wander the crumbling cathedrals and basilicas of Old Goa, for a fascinating insight into this colonial legacy. Goa certainly is magical.

Kerala

Kerala  is a state in Southern India famous for its beaches, backwaters, culture, spices, hills and religious places. It is also one of the most literate states in India. Going by the state tourism department moniker "God's Own Country", it is blessed with abundant greenery, tropical forests, a fertile coastal plain, fishing, tourism and a relatively stable political situation.

Myth has it that Kerala was created by Parasuraman (an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu) when he tossed his axe dripping with the blood of his mother, over the Western Ghats Mountain into the sea. He was asked to decapitate his mother by his father over an allegation of adultery. Parasurama chopped off his mother's head and this pleased his father so much that he granted him any wish he wanted. He promptly asked for his mother to be brought back to life and it was granted. However Parasurama felt so bad after this that he tossed his favorite weapon to the sea and renounced violence once and for all. However the sea which is depicted as a Goddess didn't want to receive the spooky axe and receded creating the land of Kerala, which is today a famous tourist destination for spending holidays.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Chandigarh

Chandigarh, designed by the French architect Le Corbusier, is the capital of the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. Though Simla was chosen as temporary headquarters, the need for a permanent capital, resulted in the birth of a new city at the foothills of the Shivalik hills. Chandigarh, then became the new capital of Punjab and Haryana. But the administration of the capital itself was neglected, which was solved, by making it a Union Territory under the Central Government on 1 November 1966.

Covering an area of 56 square kilometres, Chandigarh is the first `planned' city of India. The city has neatly laid out roads and parks, buildings ranging against mountain peaks, boulevards and streets lined by endless rows of trees and shrubs. The city is named after the Goddess Chandi Devi, whose white - domed temple stands on the slope of a hill in the north east of Chandigarh, on the edge of the Shivalik hills. Spread over an area of 114 sq. kms, it is a modern city, built in 47 sectors (excluding the unlucky number 13). Each sector consists of market places and shopping centers. All the sectors are interconnected by State Transport buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis. This city has its population drawn from every community and region in India,and ranks second in literacy among the country's states and union territories.

Chandigarh has about 15 medium and large scale industrial units. These include soft drinks, electric meters, antibiotics, electronic components and equipment, bio-medical equipment, tractor parts, cement pipes and tiles, and washing machines.

What to see

Chandigarh, with all its charms, is literally a treasure - trove for the travel - buff. The Rock garden, a famous tourist spot, is an architectural wonder, covering an area of 6 acres. It was built by Nekchand Saini, with multicoloured pieces of stones and other discarded objects. The Sukhna Lake is an artificial lake, spread over an area of 3 sq. kms. Boating facilities are available here, and walking around the perimeter of the lake is a very refreshing experience. The Museum-cum-Art Gallery is another marvellous place to see. It houses an extensive range of paintings and sculptures by contemporary Indian artists, as well as a collection of old Indian miniatures of the Mughal, Kangra and Rajasthani school.

In sector 16, is Asia's largest rose garden, Zakir Gulab Bagh, spread out over 30 acres of land, boasting of 50,000 rose-trees of 1600 different species!! The Secretariat and High Court buildings, located at sector 1, are veritable proofs of the architectural expertise of Le Corbusier. One can enjoy an excellent view of the city from the roof of the Secretariat. The High Court has a double roof, which provides protection from the sun. What is peculiar is its shape, which resembles the shell of an enormous tortoise!! The Super Market or shopping centre is at sector 17 . Other places of interest include the State Library, Shanti Kunj, Moonlight Garden, Bougainvillea Garden, Bidhan Sabha and University - each a fine specimen of modern art.

Mumbai

Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the fastest moving, most affluent and industrialised city in India. Mumbai is part of India's beautiful west coast, that runs down from Gujarat, through Mumbai to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. The city has a natural harbour, which was developed by the British. It is one of the most busy ports of India, handling approximately 40 percent of India's maritime trade.

Mumbai (till recently known as 'Bombay'), derives its name from the local deity Mumba Devi, whose temple is still there. The Portuguese predecessors of the British preferred to think of the name as Bom Baim, the Good Bay. Mumbai is a group of seven islands which are today known as Colaba, Mahim, Mazgaon, Parel, Worli, Girgaun and Dongri. Large expanses of open sea have been filled in, and tidal swamps have been reclaimed for furthering the land area. These reclaimed areas include Churchgate and Nariman Point.

Mumbai is home to people of all Indian creeds and cultures. It is a fascinating city, throbbing with life, and, for many people, the gateway to India.

What to See

Gateway of India, the principal landmark of Mumbai, was the principal port when the visitors came to India by ship. The gateway was conceived, following the visit of King George V to India in 1911, and was officially opened in 1924. Its architecture is akin to the conventional Arch of Triumph, with elements derived from Muslim styles of 16th century Gujarat. Near the gateway is the Colaba Causeway, which extends to the end of Colaba promontory, the southern end of Mumbai Island. Sassoon dock is always interesting to visit at dawn, when the fishing boats come in and unload their catch.

The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. Johns church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit. The Prince of Wales Museum, built to commemorate King George's V visit to India, was opened in 1923. It is modelled on the Indo - Saracenic design, and has sections for art and paintings, archaeology, and natural history. The Jehangir Art Gallery is within the compound of the Museum, and displays paintings of modern Indian artists. Flora Fountain is also nearby, and is the business centre of India, housing many of the major banks and offices. It was erected in 1869 in honour of Sir Bartle Frere, who was governor of Mumbai from 1862-67. Close to the fountain is the Cathedral of St. Thomas begun by Gerald Aungier in 1672, but formally opened in 1718.

One of the most popular promenades of Mumbai is the Marine Drive, built on land reclaimed during 1920, and runs along the shoreline of Back bay, starting at Nariman point, and sweeping around by Chowpatty beach upto Malabar hills. Chowpatty beach is one of Mumbai's famous beaches, and is a popular spot for people seeking evening outs. It is also a scene for the vibrant annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival. A major landmark of this vibrant city is the VT or Victoria Terminus which was designed in Italian Gothic style by F. W. Stevens. The first train to steam out of Mumbai was from here to Thane in 1853.

Taraporewala Aquarium is also on Marine drive, and has both fresh water and saltwater fishes. On top of the Malabar hills are the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, which offer superb views over Mumbai. Some distance away from Malabar Hills is Mahalaxmi Temple, the oldest temple in Mumbai, dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth. Haji Ali tomb and mosque is located nearby, and can be reached by a long causeway, which can be crossed at low tide. Other attractions of Mumbai include the Juhu beach and the Nehru Planetarium.

Around Mumbai

Places which you should visit when in Mumbai are the Elephanta islands, about 10 km northeast of Apollo Bunder, or Gateway of India, Krishnagiri Upavan National Park, Kanheri caves (42 km from Mumbai), Manori beach (40 km), Montepezir and Jogeshwari Caves and Bassein, which separates Mumbai city from the mainland, and was a Portuguese fortified city from 1534 to 1739.

Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, is an amalgam of the old and the new. The ancient and the modern times are in juxtaposition here, not only in the remains of a succession of empires, but equally in present social structure and lifestyles. The name Delhi, Dehali, or Dilli is derived from Dhillika, the name of the first medieval township of Delhi, located on the southwestern border of the present Delhi, in Mehrauli. This was the first in the series of seven medieval cities. It is also known as Yoginipura, that is, the fortress of the yoginis (female divinities).
Jantar Mantar

There was, however, an ancient urban settlement in Delhi known as Indraprastha on the banks of the Yamuna which is traditionally believed to have been founded by the Pandava brothers, the mythical heroes of Mahabharata, the national epic of India. Excavations at the site of the township inside Purana Kila or the Old Fort show that the date of the oldest habitation in Delhi is around the 3rd or 4th century B.C.

Delhi is divided into two parts. The old Delhi or Delhi was one of the capitals of Muslim India between the 12th and 19th centuries. Old forts, mosques and monuments related to India's Muslim history are located here. New Delhi is the imperial city which was created as the capital by the British. It is spread over a wide area and is lined with imposing boulevards.

Delhi is a major travel gateway into India. It is one of India's busiest entry points for overseas airlines and is on the overland route access across Asia.

What to See

Bahai Temple
Among the places of special interest to tourists in Delhi are the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Coronation Durbar Site, Raj Ghat, Jantar Mantar, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Qutab Minar, India Gate, Secretariat Building, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Nehru Museum, Rail Transport Museum, International Dolls Museum, Crafts Museum, Gandhi Darshan, Purana Qila, the Zoo, Safdarjung's Tomb, and Bahai House of Worship.

Kolkota

The largest metropolis in India, Kolkota is a vibrant city on the move, volatile and unpredictable. The Gateway to India, till 1912, and the capital of the Raj in India, it still bears the Victorian imprint on its streets and structures. A city just about ready to burst at the seams, Kolkota is home to more than 10 million people. It is the commercial nerve-centre of the East, with major industrial plants, textile mills and corporate units. Regal edifices, grubby alleys, bustling bazaars, elegant hotels, people from all walks of life - Kolkota has it all.

The city is a hub of fervent activity in the realms of music, theatre, arts, and sports. Kolkota has always prided itself on the many luminaries it has sent forth, be it Tagore, Satyajit Ray, or Mrinal Sen. The intense dedication to the arts manifests itself in a plethora of festivals, dance, music performances and other cultural events. The Kolkotans are also famous for their all-consuming passion for sports, especially, football and cricket.

Kolkota is a city of baffling paradoxes, a city that leaves its stamp on one's mind ... forever.

What to See

As one enters the city of Kolkota, the impressive Howrah Bridge across the Hooghly river, a huge cantilever structure, supported by two 270 feet high piers, greets the eye. Forming the green heart of the city is the great stretch of lawns called the Maidan, fringed on one side by the river, and on the other by an elegant boulevard, the Chowringhee. The Maidan is the venue for an assortment of events, ranging from football matches to political rallies. The grounds are also aptly, referred to as the 'lungs of the city.'

Surrounding the lawns are a number of famous landmarks. At the southern end is the Victoria Memorial, an imposing white marble edifice, a museum housing the relics of the British Empire . The Memorial which took 15 years to build, also has an Art Gallery within. At the northern end is the Ochterlony Monument, a 48 metre high column , now known as the Shahid Minar. Just adjacent to it, are the Eden Gardens, with a picturesque lake and a quaint Burmese pagoda. The world - renown Eden Gardens Stadium is also located in this area. The Birla Planetarium, one of the largest in the world, is placed at the southern end of the vast Maidan, alongwith the Zoological Gardens.

The many museums in the city, pay testimony to the cultural richness of India's heritage. The Indian Museum, one of the largest of its kind in India, housing relics of ancient civilizations,and an art gallery is located in Chowringhee.The Academy of Fine Arts, Nehru Childrens Museum, Netaji Museum, Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Rabindra Bharati Museum and the Ashutosh Museum of Indian Art are some of the museums that contain invaluable and rare objects d' art.

Kolkota also has shrines and sites of worship belonging to all faiths. The Armenian Church (1650), at Brabourne Road, is one of the oldest churches in the city. The massive Nakhoda Mosque or Rabindra Sarani, modelled after Akbar's mausoleum in Sikandra, is said to accomodate 10,000 people at a time. 10 kms from the city is Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission which propagates the neo-Vedantic movement. It has been built to resemble a temple, a church and mosque.

Around Kolkota

Located 8 kms from Kolkota on the west bank of Ganga are the famous Botanical Gardens.The highlight of the Gardens is the 200 year old banyan tree, said to be the largest in the world.The tree is 26 metres high with a circumference of approximately 900 feet. The world's largest estuarine forest in the world, the Sunderbans, the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger, which also houses the estuarine crocodile, wild boar and several varieties of birds and snakes, is within easy reach of Kolkota. This famous Project Tiger Reserve can be approached only via the waterways.

185 km south east of Kolkota is Digha, a popular beach resort with a 6 km long beach, said to be one of the widest in the world. The other popular beach resort of West Bengal, Bakkhali, lies 132 km from the city. 48 km south of Kolkota is the beautiful Diamond Harbour, at the mouth of the Hooghly, an ideal picnic spot. 12 km from the city centre, on the banks of the Ganga, is the magnificent Dakshineswar Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali . 136 km from the city is the one - of - its - kind university of Shantiniketan, the brainchild of the revered Rabindranath Tagore. Started as an experimental open air classroom, this university has emerged as a universal centre of knowledge and academic excellence, for students and scholars alike.

Bangalore

Located 1000m above sea level, the capital of the state of Karnataka, Bangalore, is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, a major industrial and commercial centre of the country.The city was founded by Kempe Gowda in the early 16th century. Two centuries later, it became an important fortress city under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The ruins of those periods can still be seen on the Bellary Road, at Lal Bagh, Ulsoor and Gavi Gangadhareswar Temple.

Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of the country, the nerve - centre of India's software industry. Its other major industries include aircraft, electronics and machine tools. Despite being one of Asia's fastest growing cities, Bangalore remains one of the most elegant metropolises in India. A well - planned city, with tree - lined avenues, a large number of parks, gardens and lakes, Bangalore is aptly called India's garden city. The city attracts people in large numbers, from all over the country, and abroad, who come to look for better job opportunities, and higher education. Surprisingly, all this frantic industrial expansion and increase in the population, has not robbed Bangalore of its essential old-world appeal. It is, in the true sense, a very 'happening' city.

What to See

The Vidhana Soudha is one of the most splendid architectural creations, India can boast of. Located at the north - west end of Cubbon Park, it is a granite structure built in the neo - Dravidian style of architecture. Conceived and executed by Kengak Hanumanthaiya, the then Chief Minister, it houses both the State Legislature and Secretariat.

Bangalore is also famous for its fine sprawling gardens, the notable amongst them being the Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park.The Lal Bagh, was laid out in the 18th century by Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan. Spread over an area of 240 acres, the park contains a variety of plants and trees, a deer park, and one of the largest collections of rare tropical and sub - tropical plants, in the country. The Glass House, a huge conservatory, a later addition, is the venue of the annual flower, vegetable and fruit shows.

The Cubbon Park, laid out in 1864, a brainchild of the British, covers an area of 300 acres. Within its premises are the Public Library, the High Court, the Government Museum and the Visveswaraiah Technological & Industrial Museum. The Attara Kacheri, as the High Court building is known in these parts, was built in 1864. The Government Museum, one of the oldest in India, came into being in 1886, and houses collections of coins, art, relics from the Mohenjodaro and also, some pieces from Halebid and Vijayanagar. Located near the City Market, are the remains of a fort dating back to the days of Hyder Ali, and also, Tipu Sultan's summer palace. The palace, an elaborately decorated structure, has ornate arches and minarets. A museum within, has on display, the life and times of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali.

Bangalore boasts of some of the oldest, and most beautiful temples in the country. Adjoining Tipu's summer palace is the Venkataramanaswamy Temple, a 300 year old temple built by the Wodeyars, which is still in very good condition. South of Bangalore, in Basavangudi, is the Bull Temple, built by Kempe Gowda. The deity is a massive 15 foot Basava or bull, which has been carved from a single boulder. Another impressive temple is the Gavi Gangadhareswara temple, an unusual cave temple. It has been designed in such a manner so that, on the festival of Sankranti, the rays of the sun pass between the horns of a Nandi Bull placed outside the temple, and thereby, illuminate the image of Lord Shiva.

Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the Someshwara Temple, built by Kempe Gowda, in Ulsoor.
The city also has its share of pleasant lakes, the principal amongst them being, the Ulsoor Lake, which also has boating facilities. The other lakes around Bangalore are the Sankey Tank, the Yediyur Tank and the Lal Bagh Lake.

Around Bangalore

35 km from Bangalore, at Hesaraghatta, is the famous Nritya Gram, a centre for dance that imparts extensive training in seven dance disciplines and two martial art forms, to residential students. The village is rustic in design, and blends with the bucolic surroundings. The Hesaraghatta Lake, a man - made lake, near the village is also a popular tourist spot. Just 21 km from the city, and easily accessible by road is the Bannerghatta National Park. A part of the Bannerghatta forest, the Park houses a mini zoo, a crocodile farm, lion and tiger safari parks.

Situated 60 km from Bangalore, at a height of 1478 m above sea level, is the Nandi Hills resort. What used to be the favourite summer getaway of Tipu Sultan, is now a popular picnic spot with its awesome fort, sprawling lawns and two ancient temples. A little away from the city is Ramohali, a picturesque picnic spot, that boasts of a 400 year old banyan tree, that spreads for over 4 acres. It is believed to be the site of sage Muneshwara's penance.

The region around Bangalore is dotted with gigantic rock formations, the two notable amongst them being Shivaganga (4599 ft.high) and Savandurga. The latter used to be a fortress and the hideout of Kempe Gowda.

Mysore is just 139 km by road from the city. It was the capital city of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and the entire Wodeyar clan. Mysore's prime attractions are the Mysore Palace, the Chamundi Hills, the famous Brindavan Gardens, the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery which is located in the Jaganmohan Palace, the Mysore Zoo and St. Philomena's Church. 15 km from Mysore is the old capital of Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna . Its fort bears witness to the Tiger of Mysore's last battle against the British. His mausoleum, the Gumbaz, which sports ivory inlaid doors and the famous tiger - striped emblem is also nearby. Near Srirangapatna is the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. 40 km away from Mysore is the Somnathpur Temple, a star - shaped structure built in 1260 A.D, an outstanding example of Hoysala architecture.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, the largest city and former capital of Gujarat, nurtures a striking blend of the glorious past and a vibrant present. Named after a Sultan who founded it in 1411, the city is associated with Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, whose simple ashram on the banks of river Sabarmati is now a site of national pilgrimage. Ahmedabad is a great textile and commercial centre and known as the "Manchester of India". The city is today the second largest prosperous city in Western India and a place where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.

What to see

Gandhi Ashram - On a quiet stretch of the Sabarmati river lies the Gandhi Ashram, established in 1920. During the lifetime of Mahatma Gandhi it was known as Satyagraha Ashram and was the centre of the struggle for Independence. It was from here, in 1930, that the Mahatma started on his famous "Dandi March" to the sea to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. 'Hridaya Kunj', the simple cottage where he lived, is preserved as a National Monument. A Gandhi Memorial Centre, a Library and a Sound-and-Light show offer indepth insight into the Mahatma's life and work.
Hussain-Doshi's Gufa - It is a gallery housing the collaborative efforts of artist M. F. Hussain and the architect B. V. Doshi. Here, art and architecture fuse to become a unique experience, both complementing each other magnificently. Located in the campus of the Centre for Environment Planning and Technology, the Gufa is a configuration of cave-like structures buried under the ground. This marvel of contemporary architecture was constructed using computer aided design and tribal initiative.
Calico Museum - The Calico Museum of Textiles, widely regarded as one of the finest textile museums in the world was constructed in 1949. The Museum houses no less than five centuries of the finest fabrics spun, woven, printed and painted in different parts of India. It also has a collection of marble, sandstone and bronze icons and busts split in two thematic sections-gallery for religious textiles and historical textiles.

Jama Masjid - Built by Ahmad Shah in 1423, Jama Masjid is the principal mosque of the Islamic era, situated at the heart of the city. The mosque was built in the Indo- Saracenic architectural era and is said to be the most beautiful mosque in the East. The mosque has 260 pillars supporting 15 domes arranged symmetrically. A special feature of the mosque is the Muluk-Khana, or the Royal Gallery, which is a platform standing on pillars and enclosed upto the roof with beautiful stone work.
Siddi Bashir Mosque - Known as Shaking Minaret or Jhulta Minar. When one minaret is shaken the other one begins to vibrate. The mosque was obviously built by master craftsmen and the crucial mechanism that causes the vibration is still a mystery.

Rani Rupmati's Mosque - Named after the Hindu wife of Sultan Mohammed Beghara, this mosque was built between 1430 to 1440 A. D. It has three domes supported by pillars with the central dome slightly elevated so as to allow natural light into the mosque. The mosque has richly carved minarets, balcony windows and perforated stone lattices. Its three domes are linked together by a flat roof. However, the mosque and tomb of Rani Sipri at Astodia surpasses it for its planning and structural arrangement. Popularly known as Masjid-e-Nagina, this mosque is the most exquisite gem of Ahmedabad.
Hatheesing Jain Temples - Built outside Delhi Gate in 1850 by Sheth Hatheesing, a rich Jain Merchant, this is the best known of Ahmedabad's many ornate Jain Temples. Built of pure white marble, it has a paved courtyard surrounded by an imposing row of cloisters containing 52 shrines, each with an image of a tirthankara, profusely decorated with rich carvings, one containing the marble image of the 15th tirthankar. The temple is a two storied structure with elaborate porches on three sides and front porch crowned by a large dome. It was designed by Premchand Salat and is dedicated to Dharmanath, the fifteenth Jina or Jain apostle.

Kankaria Lake - A circular lake constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutubub-Din. At the centre of the lake is an island garden with a summer palace, known as Nagina Wadi. The lake is a popular recreation centre surrounded by parks, 'Bal Vatika', an aquarium, a boat club, a natural history museum and a zoo.
Sidi Sayed Jhali - The Mosque of Sidi Sayed, near Lal Darwaja is world-renowned for its magnificent stone tracery, in particular, the splendid Jali screen, framed, in ten semi-circular windows. It is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture and its models in miniature are best known souvenirs of the city.

Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar, named after the Father of the Nation, is the capital city of Gujarat. Built on the river Sabarmati it is just 32 kms away from Ahmedabad. In 1960 when the old Bombay state was partitioned into Maharashtra and Gujarat, the city of Bombay went to Maharashtra. It was then decided to construct a new capital for Gujarat. Thus came into being Gandhinagar, the second planned city in India after Chandigarh. It presents a spacious, well designed look of an architecturally integrated city. It has 30 sectors with each sector having its own shopping, health, community center and housing colonies. Extensive planting of trees and large recreational areas along the river gives the city a fresh, green garden city atmosphere. The famous temple of Swaminarayan is also built in Gandhinagar.

Akshardham

Akshardham is a unique cultural complex built in Gandhinagar in memory of Lord Swaminarayan. Inspired by H. D. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Akshardham is a miracle worked by the service and devotion of thousands of volunteers. It is an intricately carved, majestic monument of 6000 tons of pink sand stone. The entire monument was built without the use of steel. Besides a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and his holy relics, there are three exhibitions on Indian Culture with light and sound shows, a multimedia show and an animatronic show. Games, rides and food refreshments are other attractions of Akshardham.

Baroda

Baroda is known as the garden city of Gujarat. Once the capital of the princely Gaekwad Family, Vadodara is a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples, and museums. Places to visit are : Nazarbaug Palace - Built in old classical style, the palace was used on ceremonial occasions by the Gaekwads. The royal family heirlooms are on display. Lakshmi Vilas Palace - The Royal Family's residence is an extravagant building in Indo- Saracenic style. Pratap Vilas Palace - Built as the residence of the royal family, the Pratap Vilas is a magnificent building in the Indo - Sarcenic style. The Palace houses a collection of old armory and sculptures in bronze, marble & terra-cotta. The Baroda museum and art gallery and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum - The museums boast of an excellent art collection of works by Indian artists and European Masters, of Mughal miniatures and valuable palm leaf manuscripts of Buddhist and Jain origin.

Surat

Situated on the banks of river Tapi, Surat was a great port city during the Mughal era. Today, it is a major industrial center with many textile mills. It is also famous for its zari and brocades and is also an important diamond cutting centre. Surat was one of the most prosperous cities of India in the 17th and 18th century. The East India Company established its first warehouse in Surat in 1612. During the Mughal period, Surat was the main port from which pilgrims sailed to Mecca. One can also make short trips to Dumas, Hajira, Ubharat, Tithal, Bardoli and Ukai, all resorts a few kilometres away from Surat.
Rajkot
Rajkot was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra. It was also the headquarters of the British Government. Rajkot is famous for its jewellery market. Mahatma Gandhi did his schooling from Alfred High School, now known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi High School. Places of interest are Kaba Gandhi No Delo, Royal Watson Museum and Library, Lal Pari Lake, Aji Dam, Rajkumar College, Rashtriya Shala, Ram Krishna Paramhansa Temple and Race Course. Rajkot is about 220 kms from Ahmedabad.

Porbander

Porbander is Saurashtra's end - a picturesque sea port on the Arabian Sea. It is situated 395 Kms from Ahmedabad. It is also known as "White City" because of its white stone construction. It is the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. Porbander has a pleasant beach with beach villas. Other places of interests are Gandhiji's Kirti Mandir, Sudama Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Planetarium, Chowpati etc. Its ancient maritime activities - trade with Arabia, Africa and Persia have given way to a thriving industry of cement and chemical units.

Palitana

This is one of the most picturesque places of pilgrimage in India, located on Shatrunjaya hills. There are 863 temples, exquisitely carved in marble, built over a span of 900 years. Amongst all the Jain temples, Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred. The most important temple is that of the first Tirthankara. The earliest temple was built by Kuwarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron. It has a fabulous collection of jewels, which can be seen with special permission. Pilgrims and even priests are not allowed to stay overnight because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods. Tourists cannot carry any leather item.
Jamnagar
An ancient fortified city rich in myth and legend, Junagadh lies at the foot of Girnar Hill and takes its name from the 'Old Fort' which encircles the medieval town. Founded in 1540, it was the capital of Jamthe Jadeja, the Rajput ruler of Nawanagar. It was built around Rammol Lake. At the centre of the lake is a small palace reached by a causeway. It is famous for pearl fisheries, tie & dye fabrics and bandhini work. Places of interest are Lakhota Fort which is a museum with collections of sculptures from 9th to 18th century; an old well in Kotha Bastion where the water can be drawn by blowing into a small hole in the floor; Solarium, Jansahed's Palace and Rozi and Bedi Ports. Jamnagar is 310 kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot.

Chorwad Beach

Chorwad is a delightful resort on the sunny coast of Gujarat. The only beach in India where you can live in the timeless splendour of a palace built amidst soft golden sand facing the beach. It was built by the former Nawabs of Junagadh. It is 400 kms south west of Ahmedabad and 66 kms from Junagadh. The nearest Airport is Keshod.
Kandla
Kandla is a major sea port 380 kms from Ahmedabad. It has single point mooring facilities with a free trade zone. The places of interest are a monument of Mahatma Gandhi and Nirva Siteshwar Mahadev Temple.
Gujarat's picturesque hill station is perched on a plateau in the Dang forest area of the Sahyadri Range. It has a cool bracing climate, the highest temperature even in the summer months not exceeding 28 Degree celcius. The abode of serpents, at a height of 1000 metres, Saputara is a cool, pleasant hill resort. Saputara is in south eastern part of the state, and is surrounded by the Adivasi villages. People visiting Saputara can enjoy the local adivasi folk music and dance. An artificial lake and shady walks make Saputara an ideal get-away. At the distance of 60 Kms is the Bardipara Wildlife Sanctuary which is worth a visit. Gira waterfalls are at distance of 52 kms.

Kachchh

The second largest district in India and sparsely populated, Kachchh is a dry belt with Great Rann to the north and Little Rann to the east. Kachchh produces exquisite handicrafts like embroidery, tie-dye fabrics, enameled silverware and other handicrafts. Kachchh is well known for its wild ass sanctuary. The great Rann of Kachchh is also a breeding ground for the flamingo, pelican and avocet species of birds.
Gir Forest & Sanctuary
380 kms south-west of Ahmedabad and 50 kms from Junagadh is the Gir Forest, sprawling on 1412 sq kms. It has dry deciduous forest and a luxuriantly rich eco system endowed with fauna aplenty. Gir is the last home of the Asiatic lion. In this sanctuary one can see lions roaming freely. This rare sight can be enjoyed on a guided jeep tour. While driving one can see animals like chital, nilgai, sambar, black buck, chinkara, wild pig, jackal etc. Guides and vehicles are available for hire. Tulsishyam, a temple dedicated to Bhim and his mother Kunti is located in the heart of Gir, which is a scenic spot because of its hot water springs.

Somnath

The temple of Somnath is one of the twelve sacred Shiva shrines in India. According to legend, Somnath was built by Some, the moon God. Constantly washed by the Arabian sea, the temples of Somnath were destroyed seven times but were rebuilt each time. The majestic monument as it stands today is a replica of the earlier construction. The present temple Maha Meru Prasad was recently rebuilt on the exact location of the original shrine in accordance with the ancient plants. Somnath is 5 kms from Veraval.
Modhera
The Sun Temple of Modhera is one of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture of its period. Built in 1026 A.D the temple is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya and stands high on a plinth overlooking a deep stone-steeped tank. Every inch of the edifice, both inside and outside is magnificently carved with Gods and Goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers.

Mahudi

This small village near Kalol 78 kms from Ahmedabad is famous for Jinalaya of Ghantakarna Mahavir and Kotyark temple. Besides Jains devotees, there are thousands of people from different religions offering prayers. The shrine is unique in that the temple's prasad-Sukhadi is not allowed to be taken outside the temple.

Dakor

Dakor is a temple town dedicated to Lord Krishna. The famous temple with a striking image of Lord Krishna is the temple of Ranchodare, and belongs to the golden period of Dwarks. On Sharad Purnima night every year a fair is held in the temple compound which attracts thousands of people.

Dwarka

The temple of Lord Krishna Dwarkadesh dates back 2500 years. The present day Dwarka is the 6th city on the same site. According to archaeological findings, the earlier five have been submerged in the sea.

Ambaji

198 km. from Ahmedabad on Arasur mountain is the famous temple of goddess Ambaji. Folk artists, farmers and the rural tribes have immense faith in Ambaji.

Pavagadh

It is about 190 kms from Ahmedabad. It is situated in the Halol on Panchmahal district, historically linked with the Chavda and Chauhan King's era. The hills of Pavagadh rise in three stages from Champaner. The plateau at an altitude of 1471 ft is known as machi Haveli. The two points on the hill are named after goddess Bhadrakali and Mahakali. Considering the natural beauty and fresh atmosphere. the Gujarat government has developed Pavagadh as a hill resort. It is also the birthplace of a famous musician Baiju.

Agra

Agra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomise the high point of Mughal architecture. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shahajahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble.

The crowning glory of the city is obviously the Taj, a monument of love and imagination, that represents India to the world.

What to See

The Taj Mahal stands serene and awesome, on a raised marble platform, by the banks of the Yamuna, testifying to the timelessness of art and love. Its pure white marble shimmers silver in the soft moonlight, exudes a shell - pink glow at dawn, and at the close of the day, takes on the tawny, fiery hue of the majestic sun.

Shahjahan built the monument in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the 'lady of the Taj', who died giving birth to their 14th child. It has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love. The construction of the Taj commenced in 1631, and was completed in 1653. Workers were gathered from all over the country and from Central Asia, and about 20,000 people were recruited to translate this wild dream into a reality.

The main architect was Isa Khan, who was brought all the way from Shiraz in Iran. After he was deposed and brutally imprisoned in the Agra Fort, by his son Aurangzeb, Shahjahan spent the rest of his life looking wistfully at his wife's final resting place, just across the river. The Taj remains a symbol of eternal love where the heart - broken Shahjahan was subsequently buried, re-united finally with his beloved Mumtaz.

Among the other monuments that Agra takes pride in is the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565, under Akbar, and continued till the time of his grandson, Shahjahan. Armed with massive double walls, punctuated by four gateways, the fort houses palaces, courts, mosques, baths, gardens and gracious pavilions within its premises. Among the fascinating structures that are to be found within the fort is the red sandstone Jehangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his Hindu queen, Jodhabai, was one of the earliest constructions illustrating the fort's change from a military structure to a palace. The palace is also notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. The Diwan - i - Am, the Diwan - i - Khas, the Khas Mahal, the Palace of Mirrors, the Pearl mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Garden of Grapes, and the Fish Pavilion are the other monuments in the fort complex. (more on Taj Mahal)
And what else?

Fatehpur Sikhri,  Itmad-ul-Doulah Tomb, Bharatpur and also, 10 km north of Agra lies Akbar's tomb, in Sikandra. Named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. Akbar began the construction of his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime, a red sandstone structure in a chahar - bagh, or 4 - square formal garden. An impressive marble - inlaid gateway leads to the spacious four - tiered monument which is crowned by a white marble cenotaph and screen. This last was added by Jahangir, who completed the tomb after the demise of his father.

Other places to visit include, Mathura and Brindavan. Mathura, on the banks of the river Yamuna, is the birthplace of Krishna, and Brindavan, the land of thousands of shrines and temples, which still echoes with stories and songs that recount the exploits of this charming God.

Chennai

Chennai, also known as Madras, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is the country's fourth largest city. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted. Chennai was the site of the first settlement of the East India Company. It was founded in 1639, on a piece of land given by the Raja of Chandragiri, the last representative of the Vijayanagar rulers of Hampi.

On an organisational level, the city boasts of reasonably efficient public services, public buses, and commuter trains run smoothly. A great deal of industrial expansion has taken place in Chennai recently, with the mushrooming of engineering plants, car-assembly plants, educational institutions, and textile manufacturing units. Though there are no major attractions as such, it does have the second biggest beach in the world, the Marina Beach. Though a popular tourist spot, the beach is not really a favourite with swimmers, as the sea is known to house a sizeable population of sharks.
Chennai is a vibrant city that has managed to strike a beautiful balance between the modern and the traditional, a metropolis with a distinct old - world charm.

What to See

Built in 1640 AD, the Fort St. George once served as the very first bastion of the East India Company. Now, it houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. The 46 metre - high flagstaff, that adorns the front of the structure, is actually a mast salvaged from a 17th century shipwreck. The Fort Museum has a remarkable collection of memorabilia, dating back to the days of the Raj. Within the Fort complex, is also the oldest Anglican Church in India, St Mary's Church, built in 1678-1680. It also happens to be the oldest surviving British construction.

Kapaleeswarar temple

Another ancient landmark in the city, is the Madras Harbour, one of the finest in India, and entirely artificial, which has been around for almost a century. Mylapore in the south, is the site of the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a typical Dravidian gopuram. Near the temple, is the San Thome Cathedral, which is said to contain the remains of St Thomas the Apostle (Doubting Thomas). Located on Triplicane High Road is the Parathasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built in the 8th century during the Pallava reign, it was later renovated by the Vijayanagar kings in the 16th century.

The Government Museum and Art Gallery on Pantheon Road, near Egmore station, has an interesting archaeological section, and a bronze gallery. The archaeological section has an excellent collection of items from all the major South Indian periods, including the Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya periods. The bronze gallery has some impressive examples of Chola bronze art. The Theosophical Society located on the banks of the Adayar river, and Kalakshetra, an internationally renowned institution for Indian classical dance and music, at Thiruvanmiyoor, are outstanding examples of the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

The National Deer Park is the only place in the world, where one can still find a sizeable number of the endangered species of Indian antelope (the black buck). The Deer Park, alongwith the Madras Snake Park, which is supported by the World Wildlife Fund, are located in the Raj Bhavan premises, at Guindy.