Places to visit Archives - Holiday and Travel Guide to India

5 Most beautiful places in India

The diversity of India makes it a truly beautiful country. Not only are the people and cultures diverse but also the geographical locations and terrain as well. India is a country which has beaches, jungles, deserts, mountains, cities, towns, villages, … Read more

Stonehenge Facts

Are you a spiritual person? Do you like visiting spiritual places? If yes then you will definitely like Stonehenge! In Wiltshire, England, there is a prehistoric monument known as Stonehenge which attracts millions of visitors from around the world each … Read more

First impressions of Mumbai

Mumbai formerly known as Bombay is the commercial hub of India and the capital of the state of Maharashtra. Mumbai lies in the west coast of India. It is known as having one of the biggest slums of the world … Read more

Places to visit in Delhi to pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi

Today is Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday and a national holiday in all the states and union territories of India. Second of October is referred to as “Gandhi Jayanti”. Mahatma Gandhi was born on this day in 1869 at a place called “Porbandar” in the state of Gujarat, Western India. This day has been recognised and celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations General Assembly.

If you are planning a visit to Mumbai this year, then here’s a video you will like. The video (filmed on Nokia Lumia HD Camera) captures the spirit of Mumbai; the city that teaches us that without struggle there is no success. In a nutshell, Mumbai is the capital of the western state of Maharashtra. Previously known as Bombay, it is also the most populated city of India and supposed to be the fifth most populated city in the world. Mumbai is supposed to be the most prosperous city of India and is supposed to have one of the highest GDP in Asia. In addition, Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment (Bollywood) capital of India. However, you will find big disparity between the huge skyscrapers and the home of the biggest slum of Asia.

If you are one of those people that love to get scared then check this out. India has some of the world’s most haunted places. In fact, if you thought that India was a country of many Gods and Goddess then you might in for a surprise. India has a dark and spooky side as well. Indians believe in all sorts of ghosts, ghouls, spirits, black magic and unnatural things. You might wish to read about the types of ghosts believed in India. If are one those travelers who likes to explore haunted places then why not visit the Bhangarh Fort that has the reputation of being one of the most haunted places in India and is listed as one of the most haunted places of the world. Sadly, this place is not the most visited of places in India and neither do foreign tourists know about this place. But the place has a reputation of its own and is considered as India’s “most haunted” place. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, why not check this place out for yourself.

Visit the Tallest Sand Castle in India at Calangute beach, Goa

Sand Cult, in association with Goa Tourism, presents Goans and visitors to the state with a visual treat – a chance to see the 20-foot tall sand castle which has been put up at Calangute Beach. Mr. Jerry Jose, Founder of Sand Cult, said, “Tourism in the state will derive the maximum benefit from this. Sand Art is a very fragile, delicate and complex art; through these installations we want to promote this art form.” Mr. Simon Snip, World Master People Champion has volunteered to help promote this art in Goa and he has created an elaborate installation around the animated character Shrek and his castle.

My friend Natalia from Brazil was recently in India where she happened to visit the Taj Mahal along with other places in India. She sent me her account of her visit along with some of her photos that she took on her visit. This is the personal account of her visit to the glorious Taj Mahal. I hope you will like it and I hope her story will convince you to visit this amazing Indian monument of love.

While India can unfold many treasures- some natural, some man-made—it is a treasure-trove of cultures, of legends, of elegance, of marvelous palaces, fortified forts, ancient temples, awe-inspiring museums, impregnable forests that are a home to the national bird—the peacock; of beauty crafted in stone and of gems encrusted in jewels. This beautiful country generously opens its arms wide to tourists and travelers from across the globe, and never fails to keep you enthralled with her majestic mountains and golden sand beaches.

India is one of the very few countries in the world where you will find an elephant walking down the road. We as Indians don’t find this surprising but as a tourist to India, you might find an elephant strolling down the road quite amusing or even frightening. Don’t worry, most of these elephants are domesticated and are used to being watched, photographed and ridden on. Elephants are of special significance in India as an animal that resembles Lord Ganesha (god of luck) and for being the mount of Goddess Laxmi (goddess of wealth).

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Located in the Northern Indian city of Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh, near the capital New Delhi, the Taj Mahal is the world’s most splendid mausoleum which houses the tombs of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Built in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. It also houses a mosque and guest house inside the complex.

Pictures of the Golden Temple of Amritsar

The Harmandir Sahib or the Darbar Sahi is more commonly known as the Golden Temple situated in the city of Amritsar, Punjab. It is the holiest temple (called Gurdwara) of the Sikhs. It was built by the sixth Guru Guru Arjun Dev, in the 16th Century when he completed the Adi Granth, the scriptures of Sikhism and then installed it in the Gurdwara. One great thing about this Gurdwara is that any one of any religion can go and worship. It is estimated that 100,000 people visit the temple every day. I highly recommend visiting the temple in Amritsar if you happen to be visiting North India.

Mysore, locally known as Mysuru was the prominent city of Karnataka prior to Bangalore. This mystical and mythological city derives its name from the buffalo headed demon Mahishasur who is known to have been slain atop the Chamundi Hills by Goddess Chamundeshwari, an avatar of Parvati. The 10 day dussehra festival is organized every year to celebrate this victory of the good over the evil. The city can boast of its rich past given to it generously by the dynasty of the Wodeyars, which has created such an appealing charm about the city that it can enthrall tourists even to this day.

Purana Qila in Delhi

Delhi happens to be one of the most visited places in India. It happens to be one of the most historical capitals of the world. In Old Delhi, you’ll find forts, mosques, Mughal monuments that represent India’s history. On the other hand you’ll find government and civil buildings, embassies of the world and many newly constructed temples and other attractions.

One such attraction of Delhi is the Old Fort known as the Purana Qila in Hindi. The Purana Qila is a must see for those interested in the history of the city and India in general or those interested in historical monuments. You can get to hear a show in the evening that explains the history of the entire city of Delhi.

5 Most beautiful places in India

Stonehenge Facts

First impressions of Mumbai

Places to visit in Delhi to pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi

Visiting Mumbai

Bhangarh Fort: The most haunted place in India

Visit the tallest sand castle in India at Calangute beach, Goa

Personal experience of visiting the Taj Mahal

5 Top Wellness Vacation Destinations in India

Elephant on the road

Facts about the Taj Mahal and and how to get there

Pictures of the Golden Temple of Amritsar

Complete guide to Mysore city

Purana Qila in Delhi