Agra – A Monument of Eternal Love

Agra is a medieval city located on the Banks of River Yamuna. The city finds mention in the epic Mahabharata where it was called Agrevana, or “the border of the forest”. The credit for the founding of the city goes to Raja Badal Singh around 1475, whose fort, Badalgarh, stood on or near the site of the present Fort.

Agra has achieved a captivating fame being the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and it remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Agra was the capital of many dynasties including Lodhi and Mughals.

Agra was assumed to be built in 1475 and has a special mention in the epic Mahabharatha as Agraban (paradise). This city was spotted as Agra in his world map by a second century geographer Ptolemy. The majestic monuments constructed during the Mughal period were a perfect blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. Agra was in its boom period and was prospering during the rule of Shah Jahan, but later when he shifted the capital of Mughal kingdom to Shahjahanabad in Delhi was the turning point at which the decline of Mughal Kingdom and Agra had started.

Agra is well known for several art performances. The reminiscences of the past glory and the talents like traditional paintings, folk dances, folk music, embroideries, unparallel cloth designing and stitching are still preserved in this historical town. Sculptors, jewelers, musicians, painters, carpet makers, artisans, metal workers, weavers and embroiderers paid their visits to the Royal courts during the Mughal Period. Munro Road, Kinari Bazar and Sadar Bazar are the main shopping areas in Agra.

Places to Visit:

• Taj Mahal
• Agra Fort
• Itmad - Ud Daula (Baby Taj)
• Chini Ka Roza
• Sikandara
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Akbar’s Mausoleum
• Jama Masjid
• Mehtab Bagh
• Taj Nature Park
• Guru Ka Taal or Tal

How to Reach Agra: The Agra city center is around 7 km from the airport. You have auto rickshaw, taxi, and buses plying from there. Most hotels are located around the Taj Mahal or the Agra Fort being central locations. There is daily flight service from the capital city of Delhi and it takes just around 40 minutes to reach the place. From Jaipur, Agra is a flight of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Private airlines connects Agra city to Varanasi, Maharashtra, and Khajuraho.

Railway network to Agra:
The Taj city of Agra has an extensive railway network with routes to all major states of the country. Delhi is the closest metros that can be traveled within 3-4 hours by inter city express. Most trains have stops at Agra Cantonment station or the Agra Fort Railway Station. From Delhi, you have train services like Shatabdi express, Taj Express, and other inter-city services plying throughout the week.

Reaching Agra by road:
Idgah bus stand is the central bus terminal in the city with long route and city buses available. You have government buses going to Delhi, Jiapur, Mathura, and Fatehpur Sikri excursions. Close to the Agra Fort too, you have the Volvo buses from private tour operators. Agra Fort is very close to Taj Mahal so this bus stand is conveninent for several tourists coming to the place.

It is recommended that you consider booking long distance bus tickets on "Air Conditioned Volvo buses" operated by all operators as the quality of the other buses vary significantly. Bus tickets are easily available online. One can plan trip and do bus booking online in advance. Online bus booking is an easy process which can save your time and price.

Pilgrimage Tour in India – A Guide to Travel

Ancient period, India was a known most civilized and culturally developed country, the home of great poets, saints, philosopher, rulers, legendary warriors. Due to rich culture and heritage, the various regions of the world had been originated and flourished in India. From ancient era mystique and mythology in the soil of this country consequences plenty wonderful pilgrimage and worship places, these religious monuments gained a key prominence and evidence of most visited Indian places by locals and overseas tourists. India being versatile and a huge country, is known as divine destination of all kinds of pilgrims following any belief around the world. India has been quite famous all over the world, for its religious, spirituality and tolerance and its secular characteristics, also known as “yogabhoomi" and the gateway to the almighty heavens.

• Kedarnath: Kedarnath is located around 220 kilo meters distance from Rishikesh in Uttaranchal region. This wonderful and pious pilgrimage town is at the altitude of 3580 meters, laid on the amazing mountains of Kedarnath in Himalaya. One of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindus from all over the world. Often referred to as the abode of Lord Shiva. The daunting temple of Kedarnath is beautifully sounded by the lofty snow caped mountains and peaks. Indian renowned saint-philosopher Adi Shankaracharya built the temple in 8th centaury. This is one of the pilgrimage sites out of the 5 Kedarnath Shrines in India. This temple is constructed on the old temples which were built by Pandavas. There is Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya Chorabari is named Gandhi Sarovar with floating ice on the glittering water of the lake and Vasuki pond.
• Badrinath: The temple of Shri Badrinathji is 15 mt.high, built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire is Dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Set amidst a picturesque valley, at an altitude of 3,133 mt. above sea-level, it is located on the right bank of holy river Alaknanda. The other temples and places of worship worth a mention in Uttar Pradesh are Vishvanath Temple (Varanasi), Vindhyachal Temple, Rishikesh, Naina Devi Temple, Mathura, Mansa Devi, Har Ki Pauri, Ghat (Varanasi), Mathura-Vrindavan, Hemkund Sahib.
• Amritsar: The Golden Temple at Amritsar, is the most famous of Sikhs monuments, ornamented with a gilt by Raja Ranjit Singh. Surrounded with water on all the sides, it was erected in the 16th century. The mandir, a two storeyed structure is built on a 67 ft square of marble. Anandpur Sahib in Punjab is one of the most revered places of pilgrim for the Sikh community.
• Ajmer: Pushkar', 11 Kms West of Ajmer, along the picturesque Pushkar Lake lies the tranquil town with deep religious significance. An important pilgrimage centre of Hindus, flourishing with 400 temples and a lake encircles by 52 ghats. The biggest attraction being the temple of Lord Brahma. Pushkar is also the site for one of the largest and most colorful cattle fairs in the world.
• Varanasi: The major attraction of Varanasi is the long strings of ghats, which line the western bank of the Ganges. There are over a 100 bathing and burning ghats but the Manikarnika Ghat is the most sacred of them all. This is the main burning ghats and one of the most auspicious places where a Hindu can be cremated. Dasaswamedha Ghat is probably the most convenient starting point. At the time of sunrise, people visit this ghat to get an interesting introduction to the river. Here you'll witness the throng of people who come to the edge of the Ganges not only for a ritual bath, but to practice yoga, offer blessings, buy paan, sell flowers, get a massage, play cricket, have a swim or get a shave. Apart from the many ghats lining the river, the city's other highlights include the Golden Temple also known as Vishwanath Temple, built in a roofed quadrangle with stunning gilded towers. Shopping at markets famous for their ornamental brass work, lacquered toy, shawls, silks and sitars; visiting the nearby Buddhist centre of Sarnath. The Durga Mata temple was built in 18th century, stained in red with ochre is also a must see.

Travel Planning:

As India is a large geographic country and all pilgrims are spread throughout its’ boundary, it is very difficult to plan a trip where you can visit all place at one go. So choose the favorite tour and place which is nearby from your city and plan your travel accordingly. You can check flights, train or bus based on your travel budget. Bus booking is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you’ll get budget tickets online. For Bus form bangalore to pune
online bus booking you can check different OTA’s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.

Coorg – Scotland of India

<p>252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.</p>
<p>Coorg is on the Western Ghats. Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations you can visit. It lies on Karnataka's southwestern end, covering an area of 4,102 sq km.The river Cauvery originates here at Talacauvery and is worshipped by the locals.</p>
<p><b>History: </b></p>
<p>The majority of the early accounts of Coorg(Kodagu) are fundamentally eminent and the genuine record of history in Coorg is available only following the ninth century. On the word of inscriptions, Coorg was under the rule of many dynasties of South India such as Changalvas, Cholas, Gangas, Hoysalas, Kadambas and Pandyas. It is believed that early on the northern part of Kodagu was under the Kadambas and the south under the Gangas. The Cholas were a powerful force in the eleventh century they defeated the Gangas. However, the Changalva Arasus continued o rule the south Kodagu when Raja Chola was ruling in Tanjavur. The northern parts of Kodagu were ruled by the Kongalvas who were a vassal of the Cholas. The situation more or less remained the same till the invasion under Alauddin Khilji. In the fourteenth century the Changalvas became prominent rulers of Kodagu. For most of the period the influence of the Changalvas or the Kongalvas never reached beyond the borders of Kodagu.</p>
<p><b>Places to Visit: </b></p>
<p><b>Abbey falls:</b> A big attraction for tourists and filmdom alike is the Abbey Falls, 8 km from Madikeri. Even during the summer there is plenty of water in these falls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the main road, from where a path goes through lovely coffee and cardamom plantations right up to them. The chirping of innumerable birds which are easier heard then seen, fill the air with sweet music. Do remember to take your binoculars and camera when you go there. As of Mar 2011, bathing in the falls is not allowed due to few drunken miscreants creating public nuisance.</p>
<p><b>Nagarahole:</b> Wild Life Santuary: Nagarhole is a kannada word meaning &quot;snake river&quot; - which flows through the park. The park and animal life is part of the country's first &quot;bio-sphere reserve&quot;. The Forest Department conducts tours along well-defined routes for tourists, in the early mornings and evenings. One can surely see the bison, elephant, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals. Lucky ones get the chance of seeing Panther or Tiger.</p>
<p><b>Honnamana Kere:</b> Honnamana Kere is a holy and tourist place located in Daddamalthe near Sulimalthe village 6 km away from Somwarpet town. The lake (See picture) is surrounded by beautiful landscape including Coffee estates and Cliffs. Special pooja is offered to the Goddess Honnamma on the Gowri festival every year. Thousands of devotees come to this sacred place on this day and offers pooja to the Goddess Honnamma followed by climbing the cliff. 'Bagina' which consists of sacred belongings of the Goddess is left in the lake. A new temple was built several years back with the aim to improve the place and offer better facilities to the devotees, this was possible by the financial assistance of the people living in the surrounding villages.</p>
<p><b>Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctury:</b> Pushpagiri aka Kumaraparvatha trek path, Kodagu, 2009., Kodagu/Coorg. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctury is 30 km from Somwarpet towards Kukke Subramanya. The Wildlife Sanctury is a apt for trekkers who want to experience the wilderness of Western Ghat. Home for different kinds of wild species like elephants, deers, wild cats etc.</p>
<p><b>Mallalli Falls:</b> Mallalli Falls is situated around 25 km from Somwarpet. The exact location of Mallali falls is in Bettadahalli Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet taluk. It is an eye feasting sight of river Kumaradhara gushing through the valley and falling into a gorge, with lush green mountains around.</p>
<p><b>Madikeri:</b> Madikeri is the capital of the Kodagu also known as Coorg. This place is known as the &ldquo;Scotland of India&rdquo;. Millions of tourists come to this place to visit coffee plantations, lush green forests, misty hills and some breath taking views of other areas. Madikeri is also known for it;s amazing climate. Madikeri also has a world record in the production of cardamom crop.</p>
<p><b>Travel to Coorg: </b></p>
<p>Closest Airport: Bangalore (260 km), Mangalore (135 km) </p>
<p>Closest Railway Station: Mysore (146 km)</p> <a href="http://www.via.com/bus-tickets/Bangalore(Bengalooru)-to-Pune(Poona)">Bus form bangalore to pune</a>

<a href="http://www.via.com/bus-tickets/Delhi-to-Agra">Bus form delhi to agra</a>
<p>Road: The Mysore - Mangalore highway (NH48) passes through Kodagu. The district headquarters Madikeri (Mercara), is 260 km from Bangalore and 120 km from Mysore. The distance from Mangalore is 136 km and from Cannanore and Tellicherry, it is about 115 km. There are regular buses plying from these places to Madikeri.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.via.com/bus-tickets" title="Bus Booking">Bus booking</a> is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you&rsquo;ll get budget tickets online. For <a href="http://www.via.com/bus-tickets" title="Online Bus Booking">online bus booking</a> you can check different OTA&rsquo;s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.</p>

Honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh

For people seeking the most romantic honeymoon, Himachal Pradesh’s hill stations are perfect. Book a honeymoon tour of Himachal Pradesh and spend some time in the most beautiful cities of India , which will surely add the sparkling bliss to your honeymoon and memories that you are bound to cherish for all your married life.
Dalhousie:
Dalhousie is about peace, tranquility and serenity, the couples can take a break from the hustle of city life enjoy their honeymoon. The best part of Dalhousie is a wonderful view of the snow-capped mountains. The famous attractions of Dalhousie consist of - Sub hash Baoli, Jandhari Ghat, Panchpula and Satdhara. Walking arms in arms with your partner and exploring the remains of the British mansions and various other monuments can be a part of their package .Dalhousie is amongst the quiet, peaceful, and less crowded places of India and honeymoon here is certain to be a private affair.
Shimla:
Begin your marital life in the most extravagant manner. Shimla is probably the most visited hill stations of India and is known for its wonderful spots and natural beauty. Shimla is also renound for a lots of adventure activities. You can take a walk in the markets of Shimla or around the mall area while holding the hand of your spouse or just sit at the various sight-seeing spots overlooking the snow capped Himalayas , the joy of enjoying leisure in Shimla is unparallel .
Kullu-Manali:
Manali is also a popular place among the honeymooners of India; this place is renound for its delightful attractions and great opportunity of adventure sports. Some famous activities here include the yak ride, beautiful views from the various sightseeing points or a visit to the monuments of the places, Kullu and Manali are the best places for spending the most beautiful and memorable vacation of your life. It also is a place where famous temples are situated namely Raghunath Temple, Jagannathi Devi Temple, Bekhli Temple, Basheshwar Mahadev Temple. If you ever want to unwind and share a whisper or two with your spouse then attractive places like Solang Nullah, Waterfalls, Rohtang Pass, Dassaur Lake and Beas Kund will be just perfect for you.
Lahaul and Spiti Honeymoon:
This is a perfect place for those people who love to indulge in daring adventure besides relishing the great natural attractions that Lahaul and Spiti has to offer. Lahaul and Spiti are the perfect honeymoon options with some natural beauty in solace. This particular stretch of Himachal is flooded with various tourist attractions like sightseeing points, temples, monasteries, lakes and thrilling adventure options. Some adventure options include Jeep Safari, Paragliding, Angling, Camping, River Rafting, Skiing, Rock Climbing and Trekking.
All year round this state of Himachal Pradesh is filled with honeymooners from all across India and the world. A great selection of adventure options, a lot of heritage attractions , quiet and peaceful places and natural panorama and are the perfect reasons to plan the most beautiful and romantic vacation of your life in this state .
Travel to Himachal Pradesh:
Shimla, Kullu (Manali) and Kangra or Pathankot (Dharamsala) is well connected by flights, bus and train. While adverse weather is a constraint for flights, you can plan your travel by bus or train. Shimla is connected through narrow gauge train (toy train) with Kalka. Kalka is a major junction which is connected with all major cities of India. The scenic beauty of narrow gauge railway path is eye fascinating. Buses are also available from Delhi, Chandigarh and Gurgaon.
You can check and book tickets online on travel portals. Online bus booking is fairly easy and hassle free. Cheap tickets are available if you plan your trip in advance and complete your online bus booking before you fall into rush periods.

Shimla- The Queen of Hills

Shimla formerly known as Simla is the capital state of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is known for its unimaginable beauty adorned with snow-capped mountains. Shimla is a renowned hill station with a fabulous weather and serene beauty and known as the summer capital during British rule.
History: Shimla is named after the goddess Shyamala Devi, who is an incarnation of the  Hindu Goddess  Kali. In 1806, Nepal and many of the Indian territories such as Almora, Phatankot, Kumaon, Garhwal, Simur, Dehradun, Kangra and Shimla were united by Nepali King Prithvi Narayan Shah. From 1814 to 1816 when the British East India Company and Nepal went on war with each other, as a treaty all these parts of Nepal were given to British East India Company. This treaty between the two countries was called Sugauli treaty.
1819- Post Gurkha war, Shimla was annexed by British.
1822- First British summer home was built by Charles Pratt Kennedy
1827- Lord Amherst, the  Governor General of Bengal set up a summer camp where the population increased in folds.
1864- Shimla became the summer capital.
1906- The construction of the Kalka-Shimla railway line highlighted the accessibility and popularity of Shimla.
1971- Until the construction of Chandigarh, Shimla was considered the capital of Punjab. Once Himachal Pradesh was formed, Shimla was made its capital.
2008- Shimla became part of the  UNESCO World Heritage Site,  Mountain Railways of India.
Culture:
The natives of Shimla are called Shimlaites. Shimla has largely cosmopolitan crowds, as a result a variety of festivals are celebrated here. The Shimla Summer Festival lasts for 3-4 days and is held every year during the peak tourist season and is celebrated with great zeal. The highlights of this festival include performances by popular singers from all over the country. The heritage buildings in the city are preserved in their original  tudorbethan architecture. The State Museum built in 1974 has a collection of paintings, jewellery and textiles. Shimla is also known for sports like ice-skating. Shimla is famous for temples like Kali Bari temple for the goddess Kali, and Sankat Mochan and Jakhoo temples known for the god Hanuman. Tara Devi temple is very auspicious temple which is known for performing rituals and festivals.
Topography and Weather: Shimla is located in the north western range of Himalaya. With an average altitude of 2397.59 meters above mean sea level, the city is spread on a ridge and its seven spurs. The city spreads nearly 9.2 km from east to west.
Shimla experiences a  subtropical highland climate under the  Koppen climate classification. The weather is cool during winters and moderately warm during summers. The temperatures range from 4  °C to 31  °C over the year. During summers, the temperature ranges between 19  °C and 28  °C, and during winters ranges between -1  °C and 10  °C. Snowfall in Shimla happens in January or early February every year which is absolutely beautiful which makes it the best winter holiday resort. The best time to visit Shimla is during autumn.
Places to Visit in Shimla:

• Chail
• Naldehra
• Kufri
• Shogi
• Salogra
• Solan
• Barog
• Arki 
• Mashobra 
• Anand Vilas
• Junga
• Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
• Glen
• Tattapani
• Fagu
• The State Museum
• Kalapathar
• Rampur

How to Reach Shimla:
Air: The airport in Shimla is 22 kms away from Shimla in Jabarhatti. It is connected to all major cities in India as well as abroad.
Rail: Shimla has a meter gauge railway station. It is connected to the nearest broad gauge station in Kalka, located 96 kms from Shimla.
Bus: Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HPRTC) buses provide bus connectivity from all cities in Himachal Pradesh to Shimla. The ordinary and deluxe bus services are available from Delhi to Shimla.
Bus tickets are easily available online. One can plan trip and do bus booking online in advance. Online bus tickets booking is an easy process which can save your time and price.
Shimla to delhi

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