Description
Any visit to India is best started at Mumbai's 'Gateway to India' and the 'Golden Triangle' that comprises Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. The imperial glory of the Mughals is revealed in the mausoleums, mosques and palaces of their capitals at Agra, Delhi and Fatehpur Sikri, the highlight being the incomparable Taj Mahal. Jaipur introduces the princely heritage of Rajasthan and Ranthambore wildlife park offers the chance to spot the elusive tigers.
The era of the British Raj is reflected in the architectural heritage of Lutyens’ New Delhi and the summer hill station capital, Shimla, contrasting with Sikhism’s most holy shrine, the spectacular Golden Temple at Amritsar.
Train journeys that are part of the Indian experience include Shimla’s unforgettable narrow gauge ‘Toy Train’ through countless tunnels and bridges, a scenically spectacular journey.
Mumbaià Mumbai, previously known as Bombay is one of the most populous and biggest cities of Maharashtra. Also the biggest metropolis of this state, Mumbai is also popular as the entertainment and financial capital. It is the largest city of India and fondly called as the city of dreams. It is a place filled with dreamers and people who work hard day and night to achieve their dreams. From struggling actors, laboureres, Bollywood stars to gangsters, Mumbai has a lot. A lot that can be written about and talked about! Mumbai is also home to one of the biggest slum area as well as home to the richest and thus it is only fair to describe Mumbai as a city for all. The majorsly spoken language is definitely Hindi , but this city has welcomed people from all faiths and religion warmly. If you want to know and experience diversity, visit Mumbai. This city also has its very own language that is the Bambaiiya Hindi. Known to be a city filled with warm and friendly people, we believe that anything written about Mumbai is never enough.
Tourist attractions:
Prince of Wales museum The Prince of Wales Museum, now commonly known as 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya', was established during the early 20th century. This museum is considered as a heritage structure in Mumbai because of its admirable architecture. The Prince of Wales Museum is one of the most significant museums in India. The museum showcases several collections of ancient artworks, sculptures and artifacts in its galleries. After the inception of the renovation project in 2008, many new galleries were opened, which contained artworks of Hindu God Krishna, textiles and Indian traditional costumes. Regular exhibitions and lectures on several topics are also held inside the museum. The Prince of Wales Museum was originally a building that was used as a military hospital for the Children's Welfare Exhibitions. Tourists from the world all over, make it a point to visit this magnificent heritage building and to explore the various ancient artifacts preserved within this museum.
Marine driveà Marine Drive (officially, "Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road") is a 3km long, six lane concrete road in southern Mumbai which stretches north along the coastline, forming a natural bay. This C-shaped road links Nariman Point to Babulnath, and is situated at the foot of Malabar Hill. Known world over as Marine Drive, this tourist spot has also been called Sonapur by the locals of the city. Large crowds of people come to this place to stride along the beautiful walkway and to view the stunning sight of the setting sun at dusk. The scenic beauty of the perfectly lined palm trees offers its visitors an enthralling experience. Marine Drive is also referred to as 'Queen's necklace', because the street lights make the road look like a string of pearls and create an illusion of a necklace, when viewed at night from any elevated point along the pathway of the drive. If you want to know more about this breathtaking walkway, scroll further.
Gateway of Indiaà The Gateway of India is one of India's most unique landmarks situated in the city of Mumbai. The colossal structure was constructed in 1924. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbor, bordered by the Arabian Sea in the Colaba district. The Gateway of India is a monument that marks India's chief ports and is a major tourist attraction for visitors who arrive in India for the first time. At one point of time, this monument represented the grandeur of the British Raj in India. The total construction cost of this monument was approximately 21 lakhs and the whole expense was borne by the Indian government. A favourite spot for tourists, nowadays, this monument attracts vendors, food stalls and photographers. The passing of the 'First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry' was recorded as the first main event that took place at the Gateway of India. This ceremony was conducted on February 28, 1948, when the last set of British troops and divisions left India, post-independence.
Victoria terminusà Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is popular railway station and is a spitting image of Victorian-Gothic style of architecture in India. Located in the heart of Mumbai, the CST is also a 'World Heritage Site' declared by UNESCO in 2004. Built in 1888, the station is the grand reminder of the British Raj pre-independence and is still one of the most historical landmarks within the Central Business District (CBD) of Mumbai. A bustling terminus, the CST is well-connected by rail to all parts of the country. It stands as the final result of great industrial revolution technology, merged with Victorian/Gothic revival styles based on late-Italian model architecture. The structure represents the heart of the mercantile facet of the city and also symbolizes the British Commonwealth. Apart from being Victorian-Gothic in architecture, parts of this grand edifice also contain remnants of Mughal styled architecture. An outstanding example of the late 19th century designs, the CST is associated with the city of Mumbai since time immemorial. The city flourished, businesses boomed and a thriving film industry grew, with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus being the core witness to it all. Scroll down to know more about this treasured structure.
Dhobi Ghat Mumbaià Dhobhi Ghat of Mumbai is situated in the heart of Mahalaxmi, Mumbai. This Ghat is World famous for its rich history, movies shot here and for being the World’s largest outdoor laundry. Dhobi Ghat can be seen from the flyover of Mahalaxmi Ghat.
One can see Washer-men, known as Dhobis in India, here up awake from very early in the morning. They start doing their work at 4:30 A.M. work until the 10:00PM. One can see numerous men and women washing clothes in the big sinks by hands. And this has been going on for centuries.
At this Dhobi Ghat you will find these men and women wash clothes considerably of half of the population of the Mumbai. And still ensuring the right clothes reach the right customer. These Dhobis work for organizations like hotels and hospitals as well and known for their punctuality and great organizing skills.
Dabbawalaà It is safe to say that Dabbawalas are the lifeline of Mumbai. Everyday many people living in Mumbai get ready for their office and leave their house to reach their workplace from one part of the city to another whilst braving the traffic jams, crowded trains, and buses etc. Meanwhile, the housewives get busy putting together a delicious and healthy meal that will be served at the lunch hour to their better halves. Enter the Dabbawalas, who promise to deliver the tiffin box at a fixed hour, EVERYDAY!
In Mumbai, a ‘dabba’ is actually the stainless steel tiffin boxes, about 15 cm in diameter and 30 cm high that people carry from their home to office. The men who are engaged in the job of collecting, organising, and transporting these dabbas between homes and offices, are known as the Dabbawala. They are the men on whom lakhs of people in Mumbai rely on. These men, on their part, are so dependable that they almost never fail to deliver the right dabba.
So, if you happen to be in Mumbai for a trip, meeting up a dabbawala at key train stations like Victoria Terminus, Churchgate, Bombay Central etc., having a short chat, watching them on the job, and clicking a few pictures might just be one of the unique experiences you can look forward to. But, before you go ahead, below, we share are a few interesting facts to know about the dabbawalas.
Udaipurà Udaipur was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodia clan of Rajput in 1559 AD. The city was established as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom. It is surrounded by Aravali Range, which separates it from Thar Desert. It is also called the "City of Lakes". It has seven lakes surrounding the city. Udaipur is also known for its historic forts and palaces, museums, galleries, natural locations and gardens, architectural temples, as well as traditional fairs, festivals and structures.
Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all India – snuggling beside tranquil Lake Pichola, with the purple ridges of the Aravalli Range stretching away in every direction. Fantastical palaces, temples, havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences) and countless narrow, crooked, timeless streets add the human counterpoint to the city’s natural charms. For the visitor there's the serenity of boat rides on the lakes, the bustle and colour of bazaars, a lively arts scene, the quaint old-world feel of its heritage hotels, tempting shops and some lovely countryside to explore on wheels, feet or horseback.
Place to Visite:-
City palace UdaipuràUdaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. This majestic City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Initially, Maharana Udai Singh built this superb wonder, but the present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by his successors.
City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture. The Palace has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavor of heritage site. Towering on the banks of Pichola Lake, City Palace is truly a feast to the eyes. City Palace is a marvelous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Encircled by fortifications, this imposing Palace is wholly built in granite and marble.
City Palace has several gates that are known as "Pols". 'Bara Pol' (Great Gate) is the main gate to the City Palace complex that will take you to the first courtyard. On passing 'Bara Pol', you will come across a triple arched gate, which is known as 'Tripolia'. Between these two gates, you would see eight marble arches or Toranas, where Kings used to weigh themselves with gold and silver. Besides Tripolia, there is an arena where elephant fights were staged. Across 'Tripolia', you would enter the 'Elephant Gate' or the 'Hathi Pol'.
City Palace comprises 11 wonderful palaces, which were built by different rulers still they resemble each other. With the sheer glimpse of unique paintings, antique furniture and exquisite glass mirror & ornamental tiles work of these palaces, you will get amazed. Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace) has figures of crystal and porcelain. However, Bhim Vilas flaunts a fabulous collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha-Krishna.
The 'Krishna Vilas' is known for the noteworthy album of miniature paintings portraying royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is celebrated for its lavish decor while Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) is known for its breathtaking mirror work. 'Chini Chitrashala' is renowned for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles. 'Dilkusha Mahal' (Palace of Joy) is known for the murals and wall paintings.
Bada Mahal is the exotic garden palace that stands erect on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. Rang Bhawan is the palace that used to contain royal treasure. There are temples of Lord Krishna, Meera Bai and Shiva, located right to the 'Rang Bhawan'. 'Mor Chowk' has exceptional glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls presenting the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon. 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk' is an art gallery with a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.
Situated in the premises of City Place complex, Jagdish Temple is the biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur. This temple Appeals to the aesthetic sense of the people and we will further discuss it in our other section. You can also trace a Shrine of Dhuni Mata in the complex of City Palace. This part is considered as the oldest part of the Palace where a sage passed his life meditating here.
In 1974, a part of the City Palace and the 'Zenana Mahal' (Ladies Chamber) have been transformed into a museum. The museum is open for public and we have discussed it in our other section about museums. One can locate some striking paintings in the 'Zenana Mahal' which further leads to Lakshmi Chowk. 'Lakshmi Chowk' is a beautiful white pavilion. In City palace, the most captivating sight can be viewed from the towers and terraces of 'Amar Vilas' from where you can get a breathtaking view of Lake Pichola.
'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of this Palace and has wonderful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces. City Palace is structured in a way that it offers a splendid view of the lake from all its Balconies, cupolas and towers. Unlike the craggy exterior, City Palace has amazing interiors with delicate mirror-work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work and surplus of colored glass. The exquisite work of City Palace cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this palace to capture the real picture of it.
Bassi fort & palace àConstructed in the 16th century by Thakur Jaimal of Sisodia dynasty, Bassi Fort glorifies the history of Chundawat clan. Thakhur Jaimsal was the cousin of the cousin of Maharana Pratap, founder of the Bassi principality. Converted into a heritage hotel, this home of the Mewar nobility still maintains its old charm and grandeur and is replete with modern comforts.
Kotaà Kota is the third largest city in the state of Rajasthan and is one of the popular tourist destinations. Situated on the banks of the Chambal River, the city of Kota is famous for its distinctive style of paintings, palaces, museums, and places of worship. The city is known for gold jewellery, Doria sarees, silk sarees and the famous Kota stone.
The history of Kota dates back to the 12th century when Rao Deva conquered the territory and founded Hadoti. The independent Rajput state of Kota was carved out of Bundi in 1631. The kingdom of Kota had a turbulent history as it was raided by various Mughal rulers, Maharajas of Jaipur and even the Maratha warlords. The city of Kota is well known all over the world for its architectural splendour comprising beautiful palaces, temples and museums which exhibit the grandeur of the foregone era.
Places to visit à Seven Wonders Park , Kishore Sagar , Garadia Mahadev Temple , Kota Barrage , Chamble Garden Road , Kotah Garh City Palace etc
Taragarh fort bundià A massive fort in Bundi is built at a height of 500 meters on a hill by Rao Singh Bar in the 13th century. Built in 1354 AD, the Taragarh Fort is one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan. Perched on a highly wooded hill is a wonderful fort with huge water tanks that once delivered water to the palace. This large water tanks in the fort provided the palace the water especially during the time of wars. Taragarh Fort of Bundi still contains three water tanks, dug into the rock and designed to withstand long periods of sieges. Thanks to the ingenious method with which they were built, they have never dried up. This massive fort is also known as the Star Fort. The Taragarh Fort houses a giant cannon called Garbh Gunjam. This mammoth cannon was mounted on Bhim Burj. The salient features of the fort are the Chhatra Mahal, Badal Mahal and Ratan Daulat - Diwan-I-Aam, built by Raja Rao Ratan Singh. The Chhatra Mahal was founded by Raja Chhatrasal. A steep, paved carriage-way is the only way to reach the monuments. Of special interest in the palace are the Pol Hazari or Thousand Gate, the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol with its ancient water clock, the Diwaan-e-Aam Hall and Throne. Famous Kalam miniatures of Bundi can be found here. The Zenana Mahal and the Badal Mahal also has an excellent collection of miniatures.This majestic fort stands proudly on the top of a hill. The fort is a must visit place because it takes into a bygone era. It offers a magnificent view of the city and it’s certainly a reward-like for your ascent to the top of the hill.
Ranthambore national park àRanthambore National Park is in Sawai Madhopur District of Rajasthan state.Located at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill range, this is one of the finest places to view animals, especially as they are used to being stared at here.The park covers an area of Approximately 400 sq Km and if combined it with the area of sawai man singh sanctuary area,it is around 500 Sq km.
Ranthambore national park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of "Project Tiger". It got it's status of a National Park in 1981.
Ranthambore National Park is dotted with structures that remind you of bygone eras.There are many water bodies located all over the park, which provide perfect relief during the extremely hot summer months for the forest inhabitants. A huge fort, after which the park is named, towers over the park atop a hill. There are many ruins of bygone eras scattered all over the jungle, which give it a unique, wonderful and mixed flavour of nature, history and wildlife.Tigers at Ranthambore National park have been known to even hunt in full view of human visitors. These tigers are famous for being seen in the daytime too, due to their lack of fear of human presence in vehicles. This lack of fear of humans is excellent for tourists, as they get to see the tigers often.
This National park is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer's dream. It offers excellent accommodation and internal transportation facilities. The park remains open every year from October to May.Famous for the exciting and frequent tiger sightings captured dramatically in several books, this park is today affected by ecological pressures and poaching.
In Nutshell, Ranthambore National park is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer's dream. It offers excellent accommodation and internal transportation facilities and remains open every year from October to Mid June.
Jaipur
The city was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amer who ruled from 1699 to 1743. He planned to shift his capital from Amer, 11 kilometres (7 mi) from Jaipur to accommodate the growing population and increasing scarcity of water .
Amer Fort: This fort is famous for fascinating Rajputana architecture, splendid sandalwood work and places like Sheesh Mahal and Diwaan-e-Khaas. A unique artistic brilliance is clearly visible in its construction and design and this makes a trip to this palace unforgettable.
Jal Mahal(Water Palace): Also known as Jal Mahal, this palace is situated in the Man Sagar Lake and is flanked by Nahargarh Hills all around. The beauty of the palace lies in its gardens and courtyards built in the royal style displaying Mughal tastes. Various species of birds all around the palace mesmerise the bid lovers to the core.
Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace): Also famous as Hawa Mahal, Wind Palace is one of the most favourite destinations for tourists as it is a beautiful architectural masterpiece which has more than 953 small windows.
City Palace Jaipur : The City Palace, Jaipur was established at the same time as the city of Jaipur , by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who moved his court to Jaipur from Amber, in 1727. Jaipur is the present-day capital of the state of Rajasthan, and until 1949 the City Palace was the ceremonial and administrative seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The Palace was also the location of religious and cultural events, as well as a patron of arts, commerce, and industry. It now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family. The royal family of Jaipur is said to be the descendants of Lord Rama. The palace complex has several buildings, various courtyards, galleries, restaurants, and offices of the Museum Trust. The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust looks after the Museum, and the royal cenotaphs (known as chhatris).
Agra
Agra boasts of having one of the seven wonders of the world and three UNESCO world heritage sites, the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri nearby. Agra is a delight for history and architecture lovers. The medieval city located on the banks of the river Yamuna, it is one of the most visited cities by tourists in India.
Strategically located at the heart of India in the mundane plains between the Ganga and Yamuna, Agra had been a religious and commercial centre for centuries, but it matured and perfected itself only when the Mughals made it their home. Agra is not only famous for its Mughal art and culture but is also known for its food, chat, and the famous Panchi ka Petha. The city even after being one of the hottest cities of the country, is visited in high numbers every day.
Taj Mahal:- Taj Mahal is one of the famous finest architecture of the world. It is in a seven wonders of World and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in (1631-1653) with the orders of Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. 20,000 workers labored and 32 crore rupees were spent during the construction of the monument and it was built according to Islamic architecture. The meaning of Taj Mahal in English is ‘ Place of Crown ‘. Taj Means Crown and Mahal means place.
Agra Fort
Agra fort is not more than 2 k.ms from Taj Mahal on same river bank. The Emperor Shah Jahan, who built Taj Mahal was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in the Agra Fort where he had a view on the building erected for his deceased wife. Shah Jahan is said to have died in the Musamman Burj, a tower with a beautiful marble balcony. From there you probably have the best view on the Taj. Between the many pavilions, you find small well maintained gardens.
Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah
This tomb is the first to be built in white marble instead of red sandstone, which officially marked the cessation of red sandstone from Mughal architecture. Itimad-ud-Daula is sometimes referred to as the “baby Taj” or a draft of the Taj Mahal, as it has been constructed with the same elaborate carvings and pietra dura (cut-out stone work) inlay techniques.
The tomb is surrounded by beautiful gardens that make it the perfect site to relax and experience the beauty of an old era that was rich in art, culture, and history.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a fascinating ghost city built in the 16th century, 37 km from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri is a small city in northern India, just west of Agra, founded by a 16th-century Mughal emperor. Red sandstone buildings cluster at its center. Buland Darwaza gate is the entrance to Jama Masjid mosque. Nearby is the marble Tomb of Salim Chishti. Diwan-E-Khas hall has a carved central pillar. Jodha Bais Palace is a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles, next to the 5-story Panch Mahal that overlooks the site.
Mughal gardens are a group of gardens built by the Mughals in the Persian style of architecture. This style was heavily influenced by the Persian gardens particularly the Charbagh structure. Significant use of rectilinear layouts are made within the walled enclosures. Some of the typical features include pools, fountains and canals inside the gardens.
Delhi is very beautiful and ancient city in india . it is located on the edge of Yamuna in Northern india. Delhi, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history.
Travelling in Delhi isn’t just limited to history but it’s a step to take past and present hand in hand. Blended with modern advancements, Delhi is the modern-day city of Troy. The amalgamation of all religion and spiritual hubs of different faiths coexisting together in peace is the testament of the unity in diversity. Delhi offers numerous tourist attractions ranging from monuments, museums, shrines to modern day markets. Exploring the city is like witnessing a mini-India, with Delhi Tourism being a reflection of rich culture of India.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is India’s largest mosque. With minarets on all four sides that reach the skies, Jama Masjid, Emperor Shah Jahan’s last architectural indulgence, was commissioned in 1650 and took six years to be built. The enormous courtyard of the Jama Masjid can hold around twenty-five thousand worshippers.
India gate
Situated in the heart of the city, India Gate is one of the most popular and well known monuments in India. It was designed by Edwin Lutyens. With lush green and well-manicured lawns around, the foundation of this historical structure was laid in 1920.
It was unveiled in 1933 and dedicated to all the Indian soldiers of the British Army that were killed in World War 1 .
Humayun’s Tomb
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun’s Tomb is a stunning piece of Persian architecture built in the Mughal era. It was commissioned in 1526, nine years after Humayun’s death, by his widow Hamida Banu Begum. This beautiful monument is made of red sandstone.
The tomb is in the centre of Charbagh-style of gardens with pools that are connected to canals. It has two entrances: a southern side and a western side. The high central arch and the octagonal shape of the structure are important aesthetics of Mughal architectures
Red fort
This enormous red sandstone fort is synonymous with Delhi and is testimony of the glory of the Mughal Empire. Built in 1638 by Shah Jahan, it took around ten years to be completed.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort is octagonal in shape with walls adorned with flowers and calligraphy, typically in the style of beautiful Mughal era architecture.
Shimla Shimla or Simla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is a very popular holiday retreat during the summer months and is well known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and the Ridge. It is also a famous holiday spot for honeymoon.
it is surrounded by green hills with snow capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era creates an aura which is very different from other hill. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old uildings, charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the main attraction of the town, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala’s escapades, offers a view of distant snow clad peaks.
Viceroy lodge The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) is a research institute based in Shimla, India. It was set up by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in 1964 and it started functioning from 20 October 1965.
The building that houses the institute was originally built as a home for Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of India from 1884–1888 and was called the Viceregal Lodge. It housed all the subsequent viceroys and governors general of India. It occupied Observatory Hill, one of the seven hills that Shimla is built upon.The building is designed in Indo-Gothic style.
The building was designed by Henry Irwin, an architect in the Public Works Department. The Viceregal Lodge had electricity as early as 1888, much before the rest of the town of Shimla. The building also was equipped with a sophisticated firefighting mechanism through wax-tipped water ducts.
Many historic decisions have been taken in the building during the Indian independence movement. The Simla Conference was held here in 1945. The decision to carve out Pakistan and East Pakistan from India was also taken here in 1947.
The Mall Shimla In Shimla, the Mall Road lies at the heart of all the action and activity. Buzzing with shops, cafes, theatres, restaurants and a whole bunch of merriment, it is close to all places of interest. The restaurants here offer a wide range of cuisines, and the Gaiety Theatre is the place to go for cultural activities in Shimla. If you’re looking to do a spot of shopping, the Mall offers a number of emporiums, showrooms and storehouses selling everything from shawls and woollens to jewellery, pottery and books. Extending from Barnes Court in the east to the Viceregal Lodge in the west, this is the place to go when you’re looking to be entertained.
Christ church The second oldest church in North India after St John’s Church in Meerut, Christ Church in Shimla is the most famous church in the town. Built in 1857, the church or its silhouette can be seen for miles around its vicinity. The clock on the church was donated in 1860 by Colonel Dumbleton and no longer works while the porch was added much later in 1873. Constructed in the Elizabethan style, the church has an amazing collection of books and ancient scriptures that are worth taking a look at. The church is most beautiful at night when it is lit up by four strategically placed lights. It is also one of the few churches in India that has a pipe organ.
Gaitey Theatre Shimla Shimla’s Gaiety Theatre was once part of the large town hall complex. Designed by the renowned English architect Henry Irwin, it was constructed in the Gothic style and opened its doors in 1887 to accommodate more than 300 people.
Amritsar
Amritsar historically also known as RÄmdÄspur and colloquially as Ambarsar, is a city in northwestern India.Amritsar is amongst the most revered sites of the world. It was founded as recently as the 16th century. Its name is a derivative of the Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) amidst which stands the Golden Temple, the most sacred of Sikh shrines.
Golden temple
The first Harmandir Sahib(famous with the name of Golden Temple) was built in 1604 by Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, who symbolically had it placed on a lower level so that even the humblest had to step down to enter it. He also included entrances on all four sides, signifying that it was open to worshippers of all castes and creeds. The foundation stone was laid by Mian MÄ«r, a Muslim divine of Lahore (now in Pakistan). The temple was destroyed several times by Afghan invaders and was finally rebuilt in marble and copper overlaid with gold foil during the reign (1801–39) of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The structure thus became known as the Golden Temple
Golden Temple, the pride and soul of the Sikhs has been a centre of attraction among Indians as well as foreign travellers since ages. The golden body, mystic pond, mouth-watering halwa (desert) and overall myths make this religious site a delight of religious populace.
Durgiana Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this modern Hindu temple was built in 1921 in the architectural style of the Golden Temple.
the Durgiana Temples can be called as a Hindu version of the Golden Temple at Amritsar. The temple is also called as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Durga Tirath and Sitla Mandir .
Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden in Amritsar, and houses a memorial of national importance, established in 1951 by the Government of India, to commemorate the massacre of peaceful celebrants including unarmed women and children by British occupying forces, on the occasion of the Punjabi New Year (Baisakhi) on 13 April 1919 in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Colonial British Raj sources identified 379 fatalities and estimated about 1100 wounded. Civil Surgeon Dr. Smith indicated that there were 1,526 casualties.The true figures of fatalities are unknown, but are very likely to be many times higher than the official figure of 379.
The 6.5-acre (26,000 m2) garden site of the massacre is located in the vicinity of Golden Temple complex, the holiest shrine of Sikhism.
Wagah or Wahga
Wagah or Wahga is a village and union council (UC 181) located in the Wahga Zone of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. The town is famous for the Wagah border ceremony and also serves as a goods transit terminal and a railway station between Pakistan and India. Wagah is situated 600 metres (2,000 ft) west of the border and lies on the historic Grand Trunk Road between Lahore and Amritsar in India. The border is located 24 kilometres from Lahore and 32 kilometres from Amritsar. It is also 3 kilometres from the bordering village of Attari .
Border crossing ceremony
The Wagah-Attari border ceremony happens at the border gate, two hours before sunset each day. The flag ceremony is conducted by the Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF), similar to the retreat ceremonies at Ganda Singh Wala/Hussainiwala border crossing and Mahavir/Sadqi International Parade Ground border crossing.
Itinerary
Day 1 Mumbai
Welcome. Your sojourn of Essence of India starts with your arrival in New Delhi. You’ll be genially received from the airport and escorted to hotel by our representative. Check into the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2 Mumbai.
After breakfast Visit the Prince of Wales Museum,Victoria Terminus, Dhobi Ghat and enjoy a heritage walk.
Day 3 Mumbai-Udaipur
After Breakfast Visit Marine Drive, the Gateway of India and the Dabbawalla lunch carriers. Fly to Udaipur. On arrival, you’ll be escorted to hotel, Overnight Stay.
Day 4 Udaipur
After Breakfast Enjoy your Full Day Tour of Udaipur including Jagdish Temple, City Palace along with boat ride in Lake Pichola and Saheliyon Ka Bagh return to hotel and Overnight stay.
Day 5 Udaipur - Kota
After Breakfast Drive to Kota (6 hrs) with lunch en route at Bassi Fort. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6 Kota - Ranthambore
After breakfast Drive to Ranthambore (6 hrs) en route visiting Taragarh Fort,(Bundi).In Evening Enjoy a ‘Tiger Talk’ by a naturalist. Overnight Stay at Hotel on full board basis.
Day 7 Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon game drives looking for tigers and wildlife. . Overnight Stay at Hotel on full board basis.
Day 8 Ranthambore – Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur (4 hrs). Visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory Later in Evening You will visit at Hindu Temple for aarti ceremony. Return to Hotel and Overnight Stay.
Day 9 Jaipur
Optional morning balloon ride in the Amber Fort area (£170, pre-bookable).After breakfast Visit Amber Fort and view the ‘Palace of the Winds’. Later in Evening Cooking demonstration and dinner with a local family.
Day 10 Jaipur – Agra
After Breakfast Drive to Agra (6 hrs) Sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his queen Mumtaz.
Day 11 Agra
After Breakfast Visit the 'Baby Taj' and the Mughal garden with views across the river to the Taj Mahal. Visit Agra Fort. Overnight Stay at Hotel.
Day 12 Agra – Delhi
Optional sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal (£20, bookable locally). Drive to Delhi (4 hrs). Visit the Largest Hindu Temple Akshardham Temple (Monday Close). Overnight Stay at Your Hotel.
Day 13 Delhi
After Breakfast Enjoy Your Full Day Tour of Delhi including Raj Ghat, Jama Mosque, Gandhi's home, UNESCO listed Humayun's Tomb, India Gate and drive past the Red Fort, parliament and Viceroy's House. Overnight Stay.
Day 14 Delhi – Shimla
Fly to Chandigarh, then by road to Kandaghat to board the 'Toy Train' to Shimla (4 hrs / 2,000m). . On arrival, you’ll be escorted to hotel, Overnight Stay at Your Hotel.
Day 15 Shimla
After Breakfast Visit the Vice Regal Lodge, museum and a stroll along the Mall. Afternoon free. Overnight Stay.
Day 16 Shimla – Amritsar
After Breakfast Drive to Amritsar (8 hrs) Optional Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple in Night. (£13, bookable locally). Overnight Stay.
Day 17 Amritsar
After Breakfast Visit the Golden Temple, volunteer kitchens and Jallianwala Bagh, ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony at Wagah-Attari Border. Return to Hotel and Overnight Stay.
Day 18 Amritsar – Delhi
Transfer to Delhi by Flight. Our Service ends here.
Inclusions
Included
All Transportation and , Hotel accommodation in Mumbai, Udaipur, Kota, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Shimla,and Amritsar, with everyday Breakfast. Drop off to Delhi airport .
Not included
Monument Entry Fees, Mineral Water Bottle and any kind of personal expenses .