Some Information of India

Top 10 Tourist Attractions of India

2012-06-18T05:12:00.004-07:00

India is very very diverse – probably the just about diverse of countries that you will discovery on this earth. We have some of the Coldest places in Kashmir, A place that has advanced rainfall in world – Cherrapunji, and also one if the driest places on the Earth – The Thar Desert. Adding to that – More than half of Indian boundary is home to beautiful beaches. And don’t forget that Northern part of India hosts Himalayan Ranges snow capped mountains.

1. Agra

The Agra Fort built by the Great Emperor Akbar is located by the west bank of India. Agra is a part of Brijbhoomi the land associated with the birth and legendry activities of lord Krishna. In Agra City there are five Shiva temples which are the symbols of ancient culture.

Completed in 1653, the T?j Mahal was built by the Mughal king Sh?h Jah?n as the final resting place for his beloved wife, Mumt?z Mahal. Finished in marble, it is perhaps India’s most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers to build and is set amidst landscaped gardens. Taj Mahal was built in white marble by Mughal emperor Shah Jehan. Taj Mahal was a mausoleum and a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took twenty two years to build and the finest of skilled artisans inlaid the white marble edifice with precious stones and conjured up lacy stone screens around the cenotaphs of the emperor and his beloved. Apart from Taj Mahal we also provide the visit of Agra fort and the abounded city Fatehpur Sikri, was planned as a great town by Akbar with great care nd planning in the honor of Sheikh Salim Chisti but had to be abandoned only after fifteen years due to scarcity of water in the town.

2. Jaipur / Udaipur

Rajasthan's beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, he Capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificient forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the Maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, Famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure trove for the shoppers.

Lots of people flock to Jaipur to view the various forts and monuments in Jaipur which reflect its glorious past. Tourism is a significant part of Jaipur’s economy. Some of the world’s best hotels are located here.

Forts & Monuments

1. Hawa Mahal 2. Amber Fort 3. Jaigarh Fort 4. Nahargarh Fort 5. City Palace

6. Jantar Mantar 7. Jal Mahal 8. Rambagh Palace 9. Chandra Mahal 10. The City Palace

11. Diwan-e-Aam, City Palace 12. Central Museum, (Albert Hall Museum)

3. Goa:

Goa is Famous for its pristine beaches, infact 90% of all the tourism in Goa happens only for its beautiful beaches in Coastal Areas. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the splendid climate. In the summertime (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.

Among the Goa tourist places comes the churches that are built in the Portuguese style of architecture. Out of them Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other prominent churches include Se Cathedral, Church of Lady of Rosary, Chapel of St. Catherine, Church of Carmelites, Church of St. Cajetan, Chapel of St. Francis Xavier etc. There are also many attractive temples and forts in Goa – some built with Portuguese influence, some not. The gorgeous of temples are Shree Bhagavati Temple, Brahma Temple and Shree Chandranath Temple. Goa churches are also very popular and are also the main tourism attractions those magnets thousands of tourists round the year.

In 2008 there were more than three million tourists reported to have visited Goa, more than half million of whom were from Foreign visitors. Infact, many foreigners have made Goa as there home for its laid-back and relaxed lifestyle !

- Alorna Fort - Amthane Dam - Ancestral Goa Museum / Big Foot

- Arvalem Caves - Banastari Bridge - Budbudyanchi Tali

- Carambolim Lake in Goa - Chapora Fort

- Fort Aguada - Lamgau Caves

4. Kashmir:

Jammu and Kashmir, is known as heaven on earth. In the seventeenth century the Mughal emperor Jahangir set his eyes on the valley of Kashmir. He said that if paradise is anywhere on the earth, it is here, while living in a houseboat on the mesmerizing Dal Lake

Kashmir was once called Heaven on Earth, and once of the most beautiful places in the world. However, in last couple of decades, terrorism has faded its charm – A place home to Himalayan Ranges.

Cities

Jammu — the winter capital
Srinagar — the summer capital of the state, set around famous Dal Lake, with its floating houseboats
Gulmarg — decent skiing and the World's highest gondola
Katra — in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains and home of the holy Mata Vaishno Devi shrine
Leh — the jumping off point for treks and adventures around Ladakh
Pahalgam — a calm and serene place offering multiple trekking routes. Starting point of Amarnath Yatra
Patnitop — a small hill station in Jammu
Udhampur
Zab Baihk

Srinagar - Capital of Jammu and Kashmir
- Dal lake - famous lake in Srinagar, with house boats called shikharas.
- Manasbal Lake
- Shalimar Gardens
- Nishant Gardens
- Shalimar Garden
- CheshmaShahi Garden
- Pari-Mahal Old Monument From Pari Mahal one can have the full view of Dal Lake Srinagar, heart of kashmir tourism
- Hari Parbat Shankaracharya Temple
- Badam Wari
Gulmarg - popular hill station.
Pahalgam - scenic valley
Sonamarg - tourist resort.
Amarnath temple - pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees of Lord Shiva.
Eco-tourism places:Gurez, Dudhpathri, Bangus valley.

The State of Jammu & Kashmir has main three geographical regions known as “The Lesser Himalayas” or the “Jhelum Valley” (Kashmir), “The Inner Himalayas” or “The Indus Valley” (Ladakh & Frontier areas) also called “Trans-Himalayas”, and “The Outer-Himalayas” or “The Southern mountain range” (Jammu). The area of Jammu & Kashmir is 2, 22,236 square kilometers.

5. Kanyakumari:

Kanyakumari is a town and a well known Hindu pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. It is also popularly known as Cape Camorin and located at the edge of Indian Peninsula. The administrative capital of the district is Nagercoil, which is 20 km from Kanyakumari town. The district has the best literacy rate in the state and is considered the best educated district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu by the HRD Ministry.

Top attractions in Kanyakumari:

Kanyakumari Temple
Our Lady of Ransom Church
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial

Though there are several places of tourist-interest in the town and district, Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea – makes the sunrise and sunset even more special. On balmy, full-moon evenings, one can also see the moon-rise and sunset at the same time – on either side of the horizon.

How to Reach :

Nearest Airport	Trivandrum (State: Kerala)
Nearest Railway station	Nagercoil (State : Tamilnadu)

6. Kerala (Backwaters)

Kerala, India's most advanced society: With hundred percent literacy. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest state.

Kerala, situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Named as one of the "ten paradises of the world" and "50 places of a lifetime" by the National Geographic Traveler magazine, Kerala is especially known for its ecotourism initiatives, Beautiful Backwaters and Alternative healing massages.

places to visit in Kerala.

The Backwaters 2. Fort Cochin 3. Munnar 4. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Varkala 6. Kollam 7. Thrissur 8. Kumarakom 9. Kozhikode
10. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

7. Delhi

There are several places to see, visit, and explore in New Delhi. New Delhi is an international metropolis with excellent tourist spots, recreational facilities, and a history that goes back to antiquity.

Delhi, Capital of India has many attractions like mosques, forts and other monuments that represent India’s history. The important places in Old Delhi include the majestic Red Fort. New Delhi on the other hand houses many government buildings and embassies, apart from places of historical interest.

Tourist Places

Akshardham Temple
Azad Hind Gram
Bahai Temple
Birla Mandir
Dilli Haat
Garden of Five Senses
Humayun's Tomb
India Gate

Jama Masjid
Jantar Mantar
Lodi Tomb
Parliment House
Purana Quila
Qutab Minar
Safdarjang Tomb
Red Fort

8. Ajanta Ellora

Cave shrines are quite interesting to check out, especially those of Ajanta Ellora Caves. These caves are located in Maharashtra at Aurangabad. As architectural and historical wonder, the caves are a real attraction to visitors from all over the world.

Ajantha & Ellora are 28 – 30 rock-cut cave monuments created during the first century BC and 5th century AD, containing paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of both Buddhist religious art and universal pictorial art.

The Ajanta and Ellora caves, one of the must visits during your tour to India, gracefully symbolize the characteristics of nobility, grace and serenity of Buddha himself and his principles. It actually presents itself as one of the key tourist destinations in India.

9. Darjeeling:

Darjeeling in India owes’ its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. Known for its natural splendor, Darjeeling’s best gift to its’ visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the sun.

Chowrasta
-Obeservatory Hill
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Tiger Hill
Phalut & Sandakphu
Kurseon

A steep ride, five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers to Tiger Hill. The air is chilly with darkness and damp. To the east, a dull orange sun emerged painting the sky with brilliant strokes of magenta, gold, orange and fuchsia. The snow capped Everest, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Jannu and other peaks slowly emerge from slumber to start a new day. The sun worshippers gasp at the magnificent sight. All things Himalayan are sold here-'thankas' (paintings), brass statues, religious objects, jewellery, woodcarvings, woven fabrics, carpets etc. However, bargaining is the order of the day, so be prepare to jostle with the shopkeepers.

10. Mysore

Mysore is a tourism hot spot within the state of Karnataka and also acts as a base for other tourist places in the vicinity of the city. The city receives the maximum number of tourists during the period of the Dasara festival when festivities take place for a period of 10 days. One of the most visited monuments in India, the Ambavilas Palace (also known as Mysore Palace) is the center of the Dasara festivities.

Chamundi Hills
Brindavan Gardens
Mysore Zoo
St.Philomena's Church
Jaganmohana Palace
Karanji Lake
Kukkarahalli Lake

Taj mahal

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Taj mahal

Taj was built in 1653, in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal, dead wife of mughal royal leader, Shah Jahan. It took 22 years and 22,000 people to whole the Taj Mahal. This gigantic monument of feel affection for, built entirely of white marble, is also called as one of the most attractive building ever. Its look is go forward enhanced by the valuable stones imprinted, which has better than before its beauty to the most favorable level. It is this mesmerizing beauty as well as historic significance that have brought thousands of tourists for the Taj Mahal tour in Agra, India, over and over once more

One of the eight wonders of the globe, the Taj Mahal is an epic to never-ending love. Situated in Agra one time the capital of the Mughal kingdom, this large architectural gravestone was stands amazingly on the banks of the River Yamuna.A observer of love during the ages

The entire structural design of Taj Mahal comprises of a main entry, a complicated garden, a mosque, a visitor house, and some other lavish buildings. The stance of this powerful compliment is supplementary improved by the attendance of the powerful river Jamuna at the back it. The mainly important part of the Taj is that at what time you plan a take a trip around to Taj Mahal and at everything amount of period you stay, you will find different quality of Taj. The Taj at noontime, the Taj at sundown, below the full moon, against the setting sun, and next to the rising ball of fire, each time the tomb acquires a dissimilar intonation and tells a different story.

In the 19th century Lord Curzon, a British viceroy commissioned the reinstatement of the Taj Mahal as it had fallen to disappointment due to robbery and disfigurement. Next the conclusion of the return, the Taj Mahal displayed the splendors of what is appreciated and respected nowadays. The good-looking gardens and British styled lawns as well as the street lamp in the center chamber were the consequence

Built by emperor Shahjahan of the Mughal Dynasty in the affectionate reminiscence of his wife Mumtaj Mahal, this tomb still stands out and is authorized as the world heritage place. But the images and reminiscence about Taj goes for a toss when one comes in front of Taj.

The marble dome on the top of the Taj Mahal is made of marble and has a moon on the top. The moon is a symbol of Islam and also is similar to the sign of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. There are a number of levels of the Taj Mahal. There is also a Garden planted there. It is called the Mughal Garden and it is three hundred meters squared. It reflects the figure of the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal was built entirely of white marble. The Taj Mahal was constructed using resources from all over India and Asia. Over 1,000 elephants were used to convey building resources during the structure. The white marble was in use from Rajasthan, the jasper from Punjab and the jade and crystal from China. The turquoise was from Tibet and Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, while azure came from Sri Lanka and the cornelian from Arabia. In all, 28 types of valuable and semi-precious stones were inlaid into the marble. The cost of construction was about 40 million Rupees, at a time when 1 gram of gold sold for 1.3 Rupees. It took about 22 years to get finished and over twenty thousand workmen and master craftsmen work for it.
The architectural complex of Taj Mahal comprise of five main elements:

* The darwaza or the main gateway

* The Baggecha or the garden

* The Masjid or the Mosque

* The Naqqar Khana or the Rest House

The Rauza or the Mausoleum

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Delhi Tour

2010-04-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

HOT ‘N’ COOL TOURIST DESTINATIO IN DELHI

Delhi is favorite tourist destination in India. The city is full of contemporary and historical monuments. You can have a glimpse of some hot destination:

Swaminarayan Akshardham

Swaminarayan Akshardham epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its out of this world grandeur, beauty, understanding and ecstasy. It brilliantly showcases the spirit of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual communication. The Akshardham knowledge is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.

The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham multifaceted was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and BAPS volunteers. The complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.

How to arrive at:

This famed place is in metro way so having a trip to this famed temple is very simple. This comes in NOIDA line. It is very near from New Delhi railway Station.

What to see:
- Mandir
- Hall of values
- Giant screen film
- Boat ride
- Musical fountain
- Garden of India

Red Fort:

The Red Fort habitually transcribed as Lal Qil'ah or Lal Qila is a 17th century fort complex constructed by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in the walled city of Old Delhi.

Red Fort showcases the very high level of art form and attractive work. The art work in the Fort is a mixture of Persian, European and Indian art which resulted in the development of unique Shahjahani method which is very rich in form, expression and colour. Red Fort, Delhi is one of the important building complexes of India which encapsulates a long era of Indian history and its arts. Its consequence has transcended time and breathing space. It is relevant as a symbol of architectural brilliance and power. Even before its notification as a monument of national importance in the year 1913, efforts were made to preserve and protect the Red Fort, for posterity.

How to reach:

It also comes in metro route. You can easily visit this place. Beside this you can also find historical JAMA MASJID also nearby this Red Fort.

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's tomb is a multifaceted of buildings built as the Mughal Emperor Humayun's tomb, commissioned by Humayun's wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562 CE, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian architect. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is situated in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, India, close to the Dina-panah citadel also known as Purana Qila, that Humayun founded in 1533. It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale the complex was declared a UNESCO World inheritance Site in 1993 and since then has undergone widespread restoration work, which is motionless underway.

How to arrive at:

It is close by Hazrat Nizamuddin metro station. You can visit this place with no trouble as it is very close to to metro statuon Indraprasth. From this metro you can hire auto-rikshaw.

Qutb Minar

The Qutb Minar, a tower in Delhi, India, is at 72.5 meters the world's tallest element minaret. Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India's first Muslim ruler Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and the topmost storey of the minaret was completed in 1386 by Firuz Shah Tughluq. The Qutb Minar is notable for human being one of the earliest and most prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.

It is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and remains, collectively acknowledged as Qutb complex. The complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi, and was also India's most visited monument in 2006, as it attracted 3.9 million visitors, even more than the Taj Mahal, which drew about 2.5 million visitors

How to arrive at:

Receive a drive 13 kms south from Luteyn's Delhi, that is Connaught Place, to reach the Qutab complex. You be able to get taxi or auto rikshaw who can take you to this historical place.

Lotus Temple

The Bahá'í House of Worship in Delhi, India, popularly well-known as the Lotus Temple due to its flowerlike shape, is a Bahá'í House of Worship and also a prominent attraction in Delhi. It was completed in 1986 and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent. It has won numerous architectural awards and been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles.

Since its inauguration to public worship in December 1986, the Bahá'í House of Worship in Delhi has, as of late 2002, paying attention more than 50 million visitors, making it one of the most visited buildings in the world. Its numbers of visitors for the duration of those years surpassed those of the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal. On Hindu holy days, it has drawn as many as 150,000 people; it welcomes four million visitors each year.

How to arrive at:

It is situated near Kalkaji. To reach this wonderful temple you can easily get rikshaw or taxi.

Some of other hot destinations are:

Rashtrapati Bhawan:

The president's mansion is situated on Raisina Hill in the middle of Delhi, overlooking the green lawns around India Gate. This elegant building is truly worth bearing in mind, for its architectural loveliness and historic significance. The beautiful Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan, which are unlocked to the public in spring, are an added attraction.

Parliament House:
in inner Delhi, this stylish building with its wide pillared walkways and great halls is worth a visit, to see the corridors of power where India's lawmakers and statesmen make a decision the outlook of India.

India Gate:

Located on Rajpath, in the center of Delhi, this 42-meter high arch was intended by Edwin Lutyens, in reminiscence of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the period of the First World War Their names can be seen emblazoned on the arch. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, an everlasting flame, burns in memory of the unknown soldier, beneath the protection of the arch, which is surrounded by green lawns, fountains and water bodies - an

Jama Masjid:

Built for the duration of the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, one of the chief mosques in India, the Jama Masjid's large patio, onion domes and central tank are built of red stonework and white marble in the Indo-Islamic technique.

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Symbol of India

2010-02-25T02:05:00.000-08:00

Symbol of

India

National Flag of

India

It is a symbol of a free country. The National Flag of India was designed by Pingali Venkayyaand and
adopted in its present form during the meeting of Constituent Assembly held on the 22 July 1947, a few
days before India's independence from the British on 15 August, 1947.

The man who designed Tiranga Few of us associate the name of Pingali Venkayya with anything else other than as being the original designer of the national flag. But how many of us know that this versatile genius was a prolific writer, a Japanese lecturer and a geophysicist? Born on August 2, 1876 to Hanumantharayudu and Venkataratnamma at Bhatlapennumaru in the Divi taluk in Krishna district, Pingali was a precocious child.

Interpreting the colors chosen for the national flag, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan explained the saffron colour denoted renunciation or disinterestedness of political leaders towards material gains in life. The white depicted enlightenment, lighting the path of truth to guide our conduct. The green symbolised our relation to the soil, to the plant life here on which all other life depends. The Ashoka wheel in the centre of the white strip represented the law of dharma.

On 26th January 2002, the Indian flag code was modified and after several years of independence, the people of India were finally allowed to raise the Indian flag over their homes, offices and factories on any day and not just National days as was the case earlier. Now Indians can proudly display the national flag any where and any time, as long as the provisions of the Flag Code are strictly followed to avoid any disrespect to the tricolour. For the sake of convenience, Flag Code of India, 2002, has been divided into three parts. Part I of the Code contains general description of the National Flag. Part II of the Code is devoted to the show of the National Flag by members of public, private organizations, educational institutions, etc. Part III of the Code relates to show of the National Flag by Central and State governments and their organizations and agencies.

Do's

* The National Flag may be hoisted in educational institutions (schools, colleges, sports camps, scout camps, etc.) to inspire respect for the Flag. An oath of allegiance has been included in the flag hoisting in schools.

* A member of public, a private organization or an educational institution may hoist/display the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise, consistent with the dignity and honor of the National Flag.

* Section 2 of the new code accepts the right of all private citizens to fly the flag on their premises.

Don'ts:

* The flag cannot be used for communal gains, drapery, or clothes. As far as possible, it should be flown from sunrise to sunset, irrespective of the weather.

* The flag cannot be intentionally allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in water. It cannot be draped over the hood, top, and sides or back of vehicles, trains, boats or aircraft.

* No other flag or bunting can be placed hig

her than the flag. Also, no object, including flowers or garlands or emblems, can be placed on or above the flag. The tricolor cannot be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting.

flag_of_india

India-national-flag

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_India

http://india.gov.i n/myindia/national_flag.ph p

http://www.iloveindia.co m/national-symb ols /national-flag.html

National Animal of

India

: Tiger

The Tiger (Panthera Tigris, Linnaeus) is the national animal of India. Tiger is also called the lord of Jungles. The national animal of India, is a rich-colored well-striped animal with a short coat. As the national animal of India, tiger symbolizes India's wildlife wealth Tiger is scientifically known as Panther tiger’s. It is a member of the Fieldale family and the largest of the four ‘big cats’ of the Panthera genus. On an average, a tiger is about 13 feet in length and 150 kilograms in weight. The pattern of dark vertical stripes that overlay near-white to reddish-orange fur is the distinct recognition of a tiger.

They feed on fish, cattle and sometimes human beings. The man-eaters are the most dreaded of all wild beasts. It is a common belief that a tiger does not harm anyone who has offered prayers to him. Tigers are fast runners, excellent swimmers and their eyesight is strong. There are very few tigers left in the world today. A decade ago the tiger population in India had dwindled to a few hundreds. The Government of India, under its Project Tiger programmer, started a massive effort to preserve the tiger population.

http://www.indya pulse.com/IndiaGuide/In

dianNationalAnimal.asp

http://www.iloveindia.com/national-symbols/national-animal.html

National flower of

India

: Lotus

Lotus is the National flower of India. The Lot

us symbolizes spirituality, fruitfulness, wealth, kn

owledge and illumination.

They are found in white and pink colors in general and they grow in shallow and murky waters.

extra names : Ambal, Thamarai, Suriya kamal, Padma, Ambuja, Pankaja, Blue Lotus, Indian Lotus, Sacred Water lily, bean of India, Kamala, Kanwal, Kamal are the other names used for the Lotus. Lotus seeds are classified as

astringent and benefits kidney, spleen, and heart. The astringent helps loss of kidney essence. The seeds are used to treat weak sexual function in men and leucorrhea in women. The seeds also helps in curing restlessness, palpitation and insomnia. Inside the seed is the green embryo the benefits the heart. The Lotus disorders are helpful in heart and liver disorders. The Lotus symbolises divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge and not to forget enlightenment.

It symbolizes divinity, fertility, wealth and knowledge. In India it is considered as the symbol of triumph. These flowers enjoy a warm sunlight and intolerant to cold weather. Hence they cannot be seen blossoming in the winter. The floating leaves and flowers have long stems, which contains air spaces to maintain buoyancy. The lotus plant has also been cited as a sacred flower extensively in the ancient Puranic and Vedic literature.

http://www.iloveindia.com/national-symbols/national-flower.html

http://www.ecoindia.com/flora/flower

s/lotus-plant.html

National Bird of India : peacock

The peacock is India's national bird. The scientific name of this bird is "Pav

a Cristatus (Linnaeus)" The peacock is a colorful, swan-sized bird with a fan-shaped crest of feathers on its head, a white patch under the eye and a long slender neck The Peacock, Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus), the national bird of India.. Peacocks are large and majestic birds of the Indian-Asian region. the male of the species is more colorful than the female, with a glistening blue breast and neck and a spectacular bronze-green tail of around 200 elongated feathers. The peacock is widely found in the Indian sub-continent from the south and east of the Indus river, Jammu and Kashmir, east Assam, south Mizoram and the whole of the Indian peninsula. The bird is mostly found in the dry semi-desert grasslands, scrub and deciduous forests and feeds on mainly seeds, but some also eat insects, fruits and reptiles.

In India people believe that whenever the cock spread its tails in an ornamental fashion, it indicates that rain is imminent.

http://www.culturalindia.net/national-symbols/national-bird.html

Peacock

Indian-peacock

national-bird

Indian tiger

2010-02-18T03:46:00.000-08:00

Indian tiger: please save me

India is the home to the Tiger. It has the largest concentration of Tiger population in the world. The National Symbol of India has been depicted from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka. The original sculpture has four lions on a pillar with an elephant, horse, bull, and lion separated by a lotus on the base. Also carved into the stone is a DharmaChakra.

Over the past century the number of tigers in India has fallen from about 40,000 to less than 4,000 (and possibly as few as 1,410). Relentless poaching and clearing of habitat for agriculture have been the primary drivers of this decline, though demand for tiger skins and parts for "medicinal" purposes has become an increasingly important threat in recent years. India needs its Tigers and we demand urgent action in the national interest and will of the common man. You and I are the Tigers last hope. India's history has seen its share of signatures in blood promising their lives for the honors of our country. We only ask for support to uphold the very existence of our national animal and to ensure its role not only in history but also in our future.

However the news is not all bad. Research published last year showed that if protected and given sufficient access to abundant prey, tiger populations can quickly stabilize. With India's large network of protected areas and continued funding from conservation groups like the Wildlife Conservation Society, the findings provide hope that tigers can avoid extinction in the wild. The other major species that is there which is known for the threat to its existence is the Again they are killed for their skin as well as for their bones which are used in medicines.

Facts about Indian Tiger:

- They are very fast runners.

- They have very keen senses and can leap up to 32 feet, and swim up to 18 miles.

- The appearance of this animal is amazing. They have orange or yellow and black stripes and

- Weigh 400-575 pounds.

- Tigers live in Southeast Asia, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, and are found in Swamps, deserts, grasslands, and forests.

- They have two to five babies in a litter and can even have twins. You can hear a tiger’s roar from up to two miles away.

- The tiger purrs when it is happy or in pain.

- The roar of a tiger can be heard 2 miles away.

Why Save Tigers?

Our survival is dependent on the natural environment as it provides us with clean air, food and water. Tigers are at the apex of the food pyramid and are an indicator of a healthy environment. Tiger is symbol of wilderness and well-being of the ecosystem. By conserving and saving tigers the entire wilderness ecosystem is conserved. In nature, barring human beings and their domesticates, rest of the ecosystem is wild. Hence conserving wilderness is important and crucial to maintain the life support system. So saving tiger amounts to saving the ecosystem which is crucial for man's own survival. The tiger is not just a charismatic species. It’s not just a wild animal living in some forest either. The tiger is a unique animal which plays a pivotal role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. It is a top predator and is at the apex of the food chain and keeps the population of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between prey herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed. Will the current campaign really help? Will they be able to stop the hunting of the species? What have government agencies been doing for so long? Nothing concrete has been done on ground to save the forest cover first, and then no effective steps have been taken by these agencies to restrict the movement of human beings inside the jungles. Countries such as India and the United States began to pass laws that would help to keep the tigers of the world alive and in good health. India's laws restrict the hunting of tigers, and the United States has laws that prohibit the sale of items that are made with tiger body parts including fur rugs and blankets.

The reason why the Siberian Tigers are killed because of the fact that these have bones which are used in the making of the medicines as well as their skin is used for making of good fur clothes for winter use. Poachers all over the world keep track of the tigers and infiltrate the habitat of the tigers to kill them and then sell for thousand of dollars.

Indian government initiated a major project called the Project Tiger to make sure that the Tiger reserves were created in all parts of India. This was done to ensure that the Bengal Tiger has a habitat to live and it was saf` e from the rampant poaching that happened. Jim Corbett in India did a lot to show the plight of tigers in India and there is a national park in the name of Jim Corbett. The other major place where the tigers are known to be present is the Sunder bans area in Bengal and that area is considered to be the best for habitat of the tigers. Apart from these two main types of tigers there are other tigers like the Indochinese tigers as well as the Sumatran tigers which are struggling for their survival. Sumatran Tigers are found in the area of the Sumatra in Indonesia and their population is now considered to be in the range of about 1000 or so.

Tiger hunting is banned in almost all the countries. This has been done to ensure that the tigers do not become extinct. In fact a lot of governments have set up special parks and reserves with special protection in place to ensure that no poaching of tigers takes place. The writer is a nature lover and has a website on hunting and outdoors. He writes about tiger hunting in India.

Tiger hunting is banned in almost all the countries. This has been done to ensure that the tigers do not become extinct. People only need to be educated on what they can do to help keep tigers alive and well for generations to come.

I request to all of my Indian people who are living in India or not. Please save the tigers because tiger are national animal. Now we all take a promise with yourself to save tigers and will cooperate to Indian Government to arrest them who making the money from tigers.

Famous National Parks in India

1. Bandhavgarh National Park

2. Kanha National Park

3. Sundarbans National Park

4. Manas National Park

5. Bandipur National Park

6. Sultanpur National Park

7. Ranthambore National Park

8. Kaziranga National Park

9. Gir National Park

10. Pench National Park

11. Nokrek National Park

12. dishware-national-park

13. Desert National Park

Indian famous kings era

2010-01-29T23:53:00.000-08:00

- mugal Empire

Akbar:

Emperor Akbar, also known as Akbar the Great or Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar, was the third emperor of the Mughal Empire, after Babur and Humayun.While his father was hiding in the Thar Desert, in a Rajput fort in Umarkot (now in Pakistan), under the protection of Hindus, Akbar was born to Hamida in October 1542. His education had not gone well both because of the stress of a family on the run as well as his inability to learn to read or write, surely because of dyslexia. Humayun was forced into exile by Afghan leader Sher Shah and Akbar spent his childhood in Afghanistan, at his uncle Askari's place. His youth was spent in running and fighting, rather than learning to read and write. However, this could never impair his interest in art, architecture, music and literature. Akbar was raised in the rugged country of Afghanistan rather than amongst the splendor of the Delhi court. He spent his youth learning to hunt, run, and fight and never found time to read or write.he first battle fought by Akbar was against Sikandar Shah Suri of Punjab. However, when Akbar was busy leading assault against Sikandar Shah, Hemu, a Hindu warrior, launched an attack on Delhi, which was then under the regency of Tardi Beg Khan. After dealing with the rebellion of Bairam Khan and establishing his authority, Akbar went on to expand the Mughal empire by subjugating local chiefs and annexing neighbouring.Akbar came to throne in 1556, after the death of his father, Humayun. At that time, Akbar was only 13 years old.

The emperor’s waning years were mired in sadness. His own son, Prince Salim turned against him. In the year 1600, when Akbar was away, Salim attempted to
seize Agra.

Emperor Birth Reign Period Death

1. Zaheeruddin Babur Feb 23, 1483 1526-1530 Founder of the Mughal Dynasty.

2. Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun Mar 6, 1508 1530-1540
3. Sher Shah Suri 1472 1540-1545 May 1545 Deposed
4. Islam Shah Suri c.1500 1545-1554 1554
5. Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun Mar 6, 1508 1555-1556
6. Jalaluddin Mohammed Akbar Nov 14, 1542 1556-1605
7. Nuruddin Mohammed Jahangir Oct 1569 1605-1627
8. Shahabuddin Mohammed Shah Jahan Jan 5, 1592 1627-1658
9. Mohiuddin Mohammed Aurangzeb Alamgir Oct 21, 1618 1658-1707 Mar 3, 1707
10. Bahadur Shah II Oct 14, 1643 1707-1712 Feb 1712
11. Jahandar Shah 1664 1712-1713 Feb 1713
12. Furrukhsiyar 1683 1713-1719 1719 In 1717
13. Rafi Ul-Darjat Unknown 1719 1719
14. Rafi Ud-Daulat nknown 1719 1719
a.k.a Shah Jahan II Unknown 1719 1719
15. Nikusiyar Unknown 1719 1743
16. Muhammad Ibrahim Unknown 1720 1744
17. Muhammad Shah 1702 1719-1720, 1720-1748 1748
18. Ahmad Shah Bahadur 1725 1748-54 1754
19. Alamgir II 1699 1754-1759 1759
20. Shah Jahan III Unknown In 1759 1770s
21. Shah Alam II 1728 1759-1806 1806
22. Akbar Shah II 1760 1806-1837 1837
23. Bahadur Shah Zafar 1775 1837-

The Slave Dynasty (A.D. 1206-1920)

The Indian slave dynasty lasted from 1206 to 1290. The slave dynasty was the first Muslim dynasty to rule India. It is said that Muhammad Ghori did not have a natural heir to the throne and he the habit of treating his slaves like his own children.

- Qutub-ud-din Aibak: Mohammad Ghori had left Qutab-ud-din Aibek who was a slave from Turkistan in charge of the Indian affairs.

- Iltumish:

After Qutabuddin his son Aram Shah succeeded to the throne. He was not able to rule the country as his forerunners. The nobles elected Iltumish to take charge of the situation. This led to a battle, in which Aram shah was defeated and killed. Iltumish ascended the throne in 1211. He was the sultan of Delhi and also known in history as Shamsuddin. He recaptured all the lost territories of Qutabuddin, and also added Malwa and Sind to his realm. He fought against the rival slave chiefs Yildiz and Qabacha.

He ruled from 1211 to 1236. Under his strong governance, the slave dynasty was able to find a strong footing and establish itself as an important kingdom.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iltutmish

Alauddin Khilji

The second ruler of the Khilji dynasty in India was Alauddin Khilji. He was the nephew as well as the son-in-law of Jalal-ud-Din Khilji. During the reign of Jalal-ud-Din Khilji, Alauddin Khilji was appointed the Governor of Awadh and Kara. However, he wanted to consolidate his position by becoming the ruler of the Khilji dynasty. Due to his ambitious nature, he killed Jalal-ud-Din Khilji, marched to Delhi and proclaimed himself as the king. Allauddin Khilji died of edema in 1316 AD, leaving behind the great Khilji dynasty to his successor Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah. Amongst the numerous contributions of the Khilji dynasty, the great work of the prominent Persian poet and laureate of Alauddin's court, Amir Khusro is famous.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alauddin_Khilji

The Tughlaqs (A.D. 1320-1412)

Lodi Dynasty (A.D. 1451-1526)

Rajendra Chola I

Rajendra Chola I, the son of Rajaraja Chola I, the great Chola king of South India, succeeded his father in 1014 c.e. as the Chola emperor. During his reign, he extended the influences of the already vast Chola empire to the banks of the river Ganges in the north and across the ocean. Rajendra’s territories extended to coastal Burma, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives, conquering the kings of Srivijaya (Sumatra, Java, and Malaya in South East Asia) and the Pegu islands with his fleet of ships. He defeated Mahipala, the Pala king of Bengal and Bihar. The closing years of Rajendra forms the most splendid period of Cholas.

The extent of the empire was the widest and the military and naval prestige was at its highest. The emperor was ably assisted by his sons and other members of his family. The Chola imperialism was a benevolent one attested by the presence of the traditional rulers in the Pandya and Kerala countries and the act of reinstating the Srivijaya king after his defeat. Under this great king the dynasty flourished in all aspects including art and literature. Numerous sculptures were also found like the bronze image of Nataraja. The Chola Kingdom began to disintegrate and it declined after his death.

Vijayalaya Chola 848–871 Aditya I 871–907

Parantaka Chola I 907–950 Gandaraditya 950–957

1.Arinjaya Chola 956–957 , 2. Sundara Chola 957–970

3. Uttama Chola 970–985 ,4. Rajaraja Chola I 985–1014

5. Rajendra Chola I 1012–1044 ,6. Rajadhiraja Chola 1018–1054

7. Rajendra Chola II 1051–1063 , 8. Virarajendra Chola 1063–1070

9. Athirajendra Chola 1067–1070 , 10. Kulothunga Chola I 1070–1120

11. Vikrama Chola 1120–1135 , 12. Kulothunga Chola II 1133–1150

13. Rajaraja Chola II 1146–1163 ,14. Rajadhiraja Chola II 1163–1178

15. Kulothunga Chola III 1178–1218 , 16. Rajaraja Chola III 1216–1256

17. Rajendra Chola III 1246–1279

more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajendra_Chola_I

Gupta Empire

he main branch of the Gupta dynasty ruled the Gupta Empire in India, from around 320 to 550. This dyansty was founded by Srigupta. The rulers are:

* Srigupta

* Ghatotkacha

* Samudragupta

* Ramagupta

* Chandragupta II

* Kumaragupta I

* Skandagupta

* Purugupta

* Kumaragupta II

* Budhagupta

* Narasimhagupta Baladitya

* Kumaragupta III

* Vishnugupta

* Vainyagupta

* Bhanugupta

Samduragupta:

Samduragupta was not only a warrior but also a great patron of art and literature.Samudragupta (reigned 335-380) is the second ruler of the Gupta Dynasty, who ushered in the Golden Age in India.Samudragupta, son of Chandragupta, was perhaps the greatest king of Gupta dynasty. His name appears in the Javanese text `Tantrikamandaka'.Samduragupta was not only a warrior but also a great patron of art and literature. The important scholars present in his court were Harishena, Vasubandhu and Asanga. He was a poet and musician himself. He was a firm believer in Hinduism and is known to have worshipped Lord Vishnu.He was considerate of other religions and allowed Sri Lanka's Buddhist king to build a monastery at Bodh Gaya. Samudragupta displayed greater foresight in his conquests and in the administration and consolidation of his empire.

http://www.indianetzone.com/22/art_architecture_gupta_period.htm

http://www.indianetzone.com/15/samudra_gupta_king_gupta_dynasty.htm

http://www.mapsofindia.com/

Maurya:

Emperor Reign start Reign end

Chandragupta Maurya 322 BCE 298 BCE

Bindusara 297 BCE 272 BCE

Asoka the Great 273 BCE 232 BCE

Dasaratha 232 BCE 224 BCE

Samprati 224 BCE 215 BCE

Salisuka 215 BCE 202 BCE

Devavarman 202 BCE 195 BCE

Satadhanvan 195 BCE 187 BCE

Ashoka:

One of the greatest emperors of all times, Emperor Asoka was a Mauryan ruler whose empire spread across the Indian sub continent and the present day Pakistan and Afghanistan thus covering a vast area. He is known as Asoka the Great since he was one of the most able rulers who ruled India. Asoka was born in 304 BC, to Mauryan Emperor Bindusara and a relatively lower ranked queen, Dharma. The Kalinga War

This was the first and last battle that Ashoka ever fought and serves as a watermark in his life as it changed his course forever. It was during this war that he earned the title Ashoka the Great.The legend associated with the emperor goes that his birth had been predicted by Buddha, in the story of 'The Gift of Dust'. Buddhist Emperor Ashoka had only one younger sibling, Vitthashoka, but, several elder half-brothers.Ashoka was a good administrator and at first set about restoring peace in his kingdom. This took about 3 years, after which he formally accepted the throne and was crowned King in 273 BC.Kalinga war brought great fame to Ashoka. It is, in fact, due to this war that he became Ashoka - the great. It was not so because he won the war, but because he gave up fighting after winning this war. It was because of the transformation that occurred in him.

It was because of the reaction that war had on his mind.Ashoka was initiated into Buddhism, after which his life was completely transformed. He religiously followed the principles of Buddhism - that of truth, charity, kindness, purity and goodness.Buddhist Emperor Asoka built thousands of Stupas and Viharas for Buddhist followers. One of his stupas, the Great Sanchi Stupa, has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNECSO. The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath has a four-lion capital, which was later adopted as the national emblem of the modern Indian republic. Throughout his life, 'Asoka the Great' followed the policy of nonviolence or ahimsa.

Want more information, please click:

http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-history/ancient-india/chandragupta-maurya.html

http://www.indianetzone.com/5/maurya_dynasty.htm

http://cospire.com/printKO.aspx?id=18081

Top Largest Cities in India

2009-12-27T05:21:00.001-08:00

1 Step Guide To Find The Best Hotel Rates
	Compare all top travel sites at once at HotelsCombined
Alanya # Madrid # Berlin # Brussels # Buenos Aires # Bali

surat

History of Surat goes back to around 3000 BC. It is believed that Lord Krishna stopped here for sometime when going from Mathura to Dwarka with his cows. A popular belief is also there that the cows' foot prints are still visible to people. Surat has a lot of tourist attractions to offer. How can one forget the famous Dandi March of Mahatma Gandhi. The place, Dandi has now become a major tourist attraction point which marked the beginning of an era in India's struggle for independence.

please visit: http:http://www.tourism-of-india.com/surat.html

pune

There are a number of interesting historical sights a short distance out of Pune that can be seen over a few days, if you plan your time right.

Places to visit :

*Lonavla & Khandala,

*Lohagad & Visapur Forts

*Rajgad Fort

*Purandar

*Torna

*Bhimashankar Temple

please visit:http://www.indiasite.com/maharashtra/pune/

kanpur

There are numerous tourist attractions in Kanpur that includes Allen Forset Zoo, Moti Jheel Park, Jajmau, Shri Radhakrishna Temple (J.K.Temple), Jain Glass Temple, The Temple of Lord Hanumanji, Kamla Retreat, Panki, Nana Rao Park, Buddha Park, Gurudwara Banno Sahib and many more.

kanpurnagar

please visit: http://wikitravel.org/en/Kanpur

Hyderabad

There are a type of sightseer attractions in Hyderabad, a city with a 400-year-old history and a rich combination of cultures. This "city of pearls" has tradition monuments, lakes, parks, gardens, resorts, museums and delectable cuisine that lure tourists. It is known for its attractive diamond markets, pearls, glass embedded bangles and beautiful sarees.

please visithttp://www.tourism-of-india.com/hyderabad.html:

Chennai

There are a lot of sightseer places in Chennai that are to be visited by the tourists in and around Chennai. The harbor beach increase over 13 kms, is the second longest beach in Asia. It looks similar to a celebratory ground on weekend evenings. The St. George Forte is another landmark of Chennai. It was built in 1653 by the British East India Company. Within the fort is a museum that houses a variety of British and French antiques and other commemorations and the St. Mary's Church, the first English church in Chennai Santhome Cathedral, the Birla Planetarium, Elliot Beach, Valluvar Kottam, National Art and Government Museum, Anna Zoological Park, Kalakshetra and the Theosophical Society are some of the other tourist places. On the outskirts of Chennai, one can visit Mahabalipuram, crocodile bank, Muttukkadu, Thirukkalukundram, Vedathangal bird sanctuary, etc.

http://www.chennai.org.uk/

Delhi

Delhi is favorite tourist destination in India. The city is full of contemporary and historical monuments. You can have a glimpse of some hot destination:

please visit: Delhi tour places

Ahmadabad

*Gandhi Ashram
*Mosque of Sidi Sayid
*Hathee Singh Temple
*Rani Rupmati's Mosque

please visit: http://www.gujaratplus.com/web/gujarat/cities/ahmtourist.htm

Kolkata

Tourism in Kolkata is on its explosion these days. There are large numbers of places to observe in Kolkata. In this segment, we will offer you with Calcutta sightseer attractions guide.

*Victoria Memorial
*Fort William
*Eden Garden
*Kali Mandir
*Birla Planetarium

please visit:http://www.kolkatahub.com/

Mumbai

There are a number of places of sightseer welfare near Mumbai where one can take a break and get away from the bundle and activity of the city life.

please visit: http:http://www.tourism-of-india.com/mumbai.html

indian states

2009-11-20T19:38:00.000-08:00

List of States and Union Territories

India is a Union of 28 States and 7 Union Territories. Each state has its own government with a Governor as the figurehead, while each Union Territory is administered directly by the President through an administrator appointed by him (See also Political administration of India).

States:

1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Arunachal Pradesh
3. Assam
4. Bihar
5. Chhattisgarh
6. Goa
7. Gujarat
8. Haryana
9. Himachal Pradesh
10. Jammu and Kashmir
11. Jharkhand
12. Karnataka
13. Kerala
14. Madhya Pradesh
15. Maharashtra
16. Manipur
17. Meghalaya
18. Mizoram
19. Nagaland
20. Orissa
21. Punjab
22. Rajasthan
23. Sikkim
24. Tamil Nadu
25. Tripura
26. Uttar Pradesh
27. Uttarakhand
28. West Bengal

Union Territories:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Chandigarh
3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli
4. Daman and Diu
5. Lakshadweep
6. National Capital Territory of Delhi
7. Puducherry

Famous 10 Attractions of India

2009-11-20T03:12:00.001-08:00

1. Taj Mahal-Agra(u.p.)

Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra, one of the most powerful cities in the medieval world. Agra is a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the west bank of river the Yamuna. Agra is 204 km south of Delhi.

The Taj Mahal is inspired by love and shaped to perfection, it immortalizes one man's love for his wife and the splendor of an era.

2.Goa Tourism

Goa is situated on the western coast of the Indian peninsula. Goa displays colonial heritage that had been patronized by the Portuguese. India's most popular beach resort lures ardent tourists from all over the globe. Afternoon siesta and evening feista rule the way of life here. Goa is a traveller's ultimate destination for its scenic splendor, golden beaches, rocking night life and scrumptious food and of course the good old feni. A walk down the city promises to captivate your attention with the beautiful churches and the towering forts that take you back into the Portugese era. Goan culture is a confluence of many cultures. The vibrant life of Goa makes it an irresistable vacation destination.

3. Kerala Tourism
Kerala is a land of great natural beauty situated in South India. Kerala is synonmus with azure backwaters, Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, ayurvedic health holidays and wonderful art forms. The state enjoys a unique topography that makes it a magnetic tourist destination. Kerala is considered an advanced state as there is hundred percent literacy. Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters.

Kerala offers some stunning picturesque locales that make it the most sought after tourist destination for visitors from India and abroad. Lose your heart to the mesmerizing charm of Kerala's natural beauty.

4. Famous Beaches in India

India lives in its coasts too. From Colaba to Cosava, these come energy packed as a number of water sports can be played in their sands. Lying in the coast of India are its beaches which invite people from all over the world. Here we present the best of Indian Beaches both in Goa and South India...

5.Himalayas Tourism
Here is the land, where India's holiest rivers begin and pilgrims end, the temples of the Lord soar in to the cosmic blue, and surrounded by the dizzy beauty of externally frozen lakes, majestic waterfalls, meandering rivers, undulating meadows, incredible lush green mountain valleys and a large variety of exotic flora and fauna. The hill stations at the Himalayas are gateways to bewitching beauty and exotic experience. The place attracts numerous tourists for diverse activites.

6. Varanasi Tourism
The city of Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the Ganges in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world . Known as the city of temples and learning , it sis a place of great pilgrim significance. Lord Shiva seems to have found this city. This place is the center of learning and the tradition has been kept alive even today. Varanasi is the city which enshrines the very essence of Hinduism.

7.The Ajanta Caves India

Location:
Located In Maharashtra, 100 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad. The Ajanta Caves were discovered accidentally by a British Captain, John Smith in 1819, while on a hunting expedition. Aurangabad can be reached by flight or train, or even by motored down to from Manmad , the nearest railhead being 55 km north at Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India.

Ajanta and Ellora:
» Ajanta:
These 3rd-century caves are fine achievements by Buddhist monks and are considered the finest masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture.The caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan and are set in beautiful blooming surroundings. These historical manmade caves comprise of beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings that depict the life of the Buddha. At Ajanta, the paintings on the walls, illustrate the events in the life of Gautama Buddha.

» Ellora
The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are the finest specimens of cave temple architecture. These structures reflect the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, and were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. . The interiors of the cave are exquisitely adorned

8. Khajuraho Temples
The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. Khajuraho is a well visited tourist center. This village houses several temples built in the Indo Aryan Nagara style of architecture. Temples of Khajuraho have captivate the attention of a visitor with their marvelous art.
'Stellar specimen of impeccable architectural skill'

9. Ganges River
The Ganges has been a symbol of India's age-long culture and civilization, ever changing, ever flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga. Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India, born in Allahabad on the Ganges.

Background:
The river known as the Ganges is officially and popularly known by its Hindu name, Ganga. The river Ganges is very sacred to the Hindus. The river has its source in the Himalayas, at Gaumakh in the southern Himalayas on the Indian side of the Tibetan border. It is 1 560 miles (2 510 km) long and flows through China, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The Ganges river basin is one of the most fertile and densely populated in the world and covers an area of 400 000 sq miles (1 000 000 sq km). The river flows through 29 cities with population over 100,000, 23 cities with population between 50,000 and 100,000, and about 48 towns.

Ganga in The Hindu Myth:
According to Hindu mythology, Ganga flowed in the heavens but then was ordered to go down to earth. Fearing that her forceful descent might wash away the earth, the gods sought the help of Shiva. Shiva broke the fall of Ganga-Ganges by capturing her in his mighty locks. Since then, Ganga-Ganges resides on top of Shiva's head as his second wife, the first being Parvati.

10. 10. Corbett National Park
Corbett National park world renownedand is known as the 'Land of the trumpet, roar and song'. The kaleidoscope of flora and fauna here makes this an ideal destination for an enthusiastic naturalist. Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett National Park extends over an area of 520.82sq.km. The park is named after the famed hunter-author-photographer-naturalist, Jim Corbett.

source: http://www.famous-india.com/

:

History of india

2009-11-10T04:13:00.001-08:00

History

India’s story is one of the grand epics of world history. Throughout thousands of years of great civilisations, invasions, the birth of religions and countless cataclysms, India has time and again proved itself to be, in the words of its first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, ‘a bundle of contradictions held together by strong but invisible threads’. Indian history has always been a work-in-progress, a constant process of reinvention and accumulation that can prove elusive for those seeking to grasp its essential essence. And yet, from its myriad upheavals, a vibrant, diverse and thoroughly modern nation has emerged, as enduring as it is dynamic and increasingly well equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

Early invasions & the rise of religions

The Harappan civilisation fell into decline from the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC. Some historians attribute the end of the empire to floods or decreased rainfall, which threatened the Harappans’ agricultural base. The more enduring, if contentious, theory is that an Aryan invasion put paid to the Harappans, despite little archaeological proof or written reports in the ancient Indian texts to that effect. As a result, some nationalist historians argue that the Aryans (from a Sanskrit word meaning noble) were in fact the original inhabitants of India and that the invasion theory was actually invented by self-serving foreign conquerors. Others say that the arrival of Aryans was more of a gentle migration that gradually subsumed Harappan culture.

Those who defend the invasion theory believe that from around 1500 BC Aryan tribes from Afghanistan and Central Asia began to filter into northwest India. Despite their military superiority, their progress was gradual, with successive tribes fighting over territory and new arrivals pushing further east into the Ganges plain. Eventually these tribes controlled northern India as far as the Vindhya Hills. Many of the original inhabitants of northern India, the Dravidians, were pushed south.

The Hindu sacred scriptures, the Vedas, were written during this period of transition (1500–1200 BC) and the caste system became formalised.

As the Aryan tribes spread across the Ganges plain in the late 7th century BC, many were absorbed into 16 major kingdoms, which were, in turn, amalgamated into four large states. Out of these states arose the Nanda dynasty, which came to power in 364 BC, ruling over huge swathes of North India.

During this period, the Indian heartland narrowly avoided two invasions from the west which, if successful, could have significantly altered the path of Indian history. The first was by the Persian king Darius (521–486 BC), who annexed Punjab and Sindh (on either side of the modern India–Pakistan border). Alexander the Great advanced to India from Greece in 326 BC, but his troops refused to go beyond the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. Alexander turned back without ever extending his power into India itself.

The period is also distinguished by the rise of two of India’s most significant religions, Buddhism and Jainism, which arose around 500 BC. Both questioned the Vedas and condemned the caste system, although, unlike the Buddhists, the Jains never denied their Hindu heritage and their faith never extended beyond India.

The Mauryan Empire & its aftermath

If the Harappan culture was the cradle of Indian civilisation, Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the first great Indian empire. He came to power in 321 BC, having seized the throne from the Nandas, and he soon expanded the empire to include the Indus Valley previously conquered by Alexander.

From its capital at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), the Mauryan empire encompassed much of North India and reached as far south as modern-day Karnataka. The Mauryas were capable of securing control over such a vast realm through the use of an efficient bureaucracy, organised tiers of local government and a well-defined social order consisting of a rigid caste system.

The empire reached its peak under emperor Ashoka. Such was Ashoka’s power to lead and unite that after his death in 232 BC no-one could be found to hold the disparate elements of the Mauryan empire together. The empire rapidly disintegrated and collapsed altogether in 184 BC.

None of the empires that immediately followed could match the stability or enduring historical legacy of the Mauryans. The Sungas (184–70 BC), Kanvas (72–30 BC), Shakas (from 130 BC) and Kushanas (1st century BC until 1st century AD, and into the 3rd century in a diminished form) all had their turn, with the latter briefly ruling over a massive area of North India and Central Asia.

Despite the multiplicity of ruling powers, this was a period of intense development. Trade with the Roman Empire (overland, and by sea through the southern ports) became substantial during the 1st century AD; there was also overland trade with China.

The Golden Age Of The Guptas

The empires that followed the Mauryans may have claimed large areas of Indian territory as their own, but many secured only nominal power over their realms. Throughout the subcontinent, small tribes and kingdoms effectively controlled territory and dominated local affairs.

In AD 319 Chandragupta I, the third king of one of these tribes, the little-known Guptas, came to prominence by a fortuitous marriage to the daughter of one of the most powerful tribes in the north, the Liccavis. The Gupta empire grew rapidly and under Chandragupta II (r 375–413) achieved its greatest extent. The Chinese pilgrim Fahsien, visiting India at the time, described a people ‘rich and contented’, ruled over by enlightened and just kings.

Poetry, literature and the arts flourished, with some of the finest work done at Ajanta, Ellora, Sanchi and Sarnath. Towards the end of the Gupta period, Hinduism became the dominant religious force and its revival eclipsed Jainism and Buddhism; the latter in particular went into decline and, deprived of Ashoka’s patronage, would never again be India’s dominant religion.

The invasions of the Huns at the beginning of the 6th century signalled the end of this era, and in 510 the Gupta army was defeated by the Hun leader Toramana. Power in North India again devolved to a number of separate Hindu kingdoms.

The Rajputs & the Marathas

Throughout the Mughal period, there remained strong Hindu powers, most notably the Rajputs. Centred in Rajasthan, the Rajputs were a proud warrior caste with a passionate belief in the dictates of chivalry, both in battle and in state affairs. The Rajputs opposed every foreign incursion into their territory, but were never united or adequately organised to deal with stronger forces on a long-term basis. When they weren’t battling foreign oppression, they squandered their energies fighting each other. This eventually led to their territories becoming vassal states of the Mughal empire. Their prowess in battle, however, was acknowledged, and some of the best military men in the Mughal emperors’ armies were Rajputs.

The Marathas were less picaresque but ultimately more effective. They first rose to prominence under their great leader Shivaji, who gathered popular support by championing the Hindu cause against the Muslim rulers. Between 1646 and 1680 Shivaji performed heroic acts in confronting the Mughals across most of central India. At one time, Shivaji was captured by the Mughals and taken to Agra but, naturally, he managed to escape and continued his adventures. Tales of his larger-than-life exploits are still popular with wandering storytellers today. He is a particular hero in Maharashtra, where many of his wildest adventures took place. He is also revered for the fact that, as a lower-caste Shudra, he showed that great leaders do not have to be of the Kshatriya (soldier or administrator) caste.

Shivaji’s son was captured, blinded and executed by Aurangzeb. His grandson was not made of the same sturdy stuff, so the Maratha empire continued under the Peshwas, hereditary government ministers who became the real rulers. They gradually took over more of the weakening Mughal empire’s powers, first by supplying troops and then actually taking control of Mughal land.

The expansion of Maratha power came to an abrupt halt in 1761 at Panipat. In the town where Babur had won the battle that established the Mughal empire more than 200 years earlier, the Marathas were defeated by Ahmad Shah Durani from Afghanistan. Maratha expansion to the west was halted, and although they consolidated their control over central India and the region known as Malwa, they were to fall to India’s final imperial power, the British.
With its mind-bending diversity - from snowcapped mountains to sun-washed beaches, crusty old bazaars to chichi designer boutiques, tranquil temples to feisty festivals, ramshackle rural villages to techno-savvy urban hubs - it’s hardly surprising that India has been dubbed the planet’s most multidimensional country.

Mughal Era in India

The Mughal era of miniature paintings owns a noteworthy page in
the history of art of paintings in India. The Mughals - descendants of Timur and Genghiz Khan with strong cultural ties to the Persian world - became rules of north India in 1526 and became the most important artistically active Muslim dynasty on the subcontinent. The miniature style of paintings practiced during this period was clearly influenced by the Persian style of paintings.
The Persian painters of miniature style used upright format and general setting with emphasis on flat aerial perspective. The Mughal era artists, especially in the time of King Akbar (1556-1605), maintained that qualities of the Persian style in their work. But they added their vision and took some freedom. They applied naturalism and the tried the depiction of the detailed observation of the world in immediate surround. Mughal and Rajput Paintings make a major contribution to the study of north Indian painting. Indian Miniature Paintings of sixteenth century, mainly from the courts of Mughal and Rajput Kings, were characterized by their typical form and look. These miniatures contained large areas of contrasting colours that the artists used quite symbolically.
The Persian painters of miniature style used upright format and general setting with emphasis on flat aerial perspective. The Mughal era artists, especially in the time of King Akbar (1556-1605), maintained that qualities of the Persian style in their work. But they added their vision and took some freedom. They applied naturalism and the tried the depiction of the detailed observation of the world in immediate surround. Mughal and Rajput Paintings make a major contribution to the study of north Indian painting. Indian Miniature Paintings of sixteenth century, mainly from the courts of Mughal and Rajput Kings, were characterized by their typical form and look. These miniatures contained large areas of contrasting colours that the artists used quite symbolically.

British India

By the early 19th century, India was effectively under British control (British Raj), although there remained a patchwork of states, many nominally independent and governed by their own rulers, the maharajas (or similarly titled princes) and nawabs. While these ‘princely states’ administered their own territories, a system of central government was developed. British bureaucratic models were replicated in the Indian government and civil service – a legacy that still exists. From 1784 onwards, the British government in London began to take a more direct role in supervising affairs in India, although the territory was still notionally administered by the East India Company until 1858.

Trade and profit continued to be the main focus of British rule in India, resulting in far-reaching changes. Iron and coal mining were developed and tea, coffee and cotton became key crops. A start was made on the vast rail network that is still in use today, irrigation projects were undertaken and the zamindar (landowner) system was encouraged. These absentee landlords eased the burden of administration and tax collection for the British, but contributed to the development of an impoverished and landless peasantry.

The British also imposed English as the local language of administration. For them, this was critical in a country with so many different languages, but it also kept the new rulers at arm’s length from the Indian populace.

The Road To Independence

The desire among many Indians to be free from foreign rule remained. Opposition to the British began to increase at the turn of the 20th century, spearheaded by the Indian National Congress, the country’s oldest political party, also known as the Congress Party and Congress (I).

It met for the first time in 1885 and soon began to push for participation in the government of India. A highly unpopular attempt by the British to partition Bengal in 1905 resulted in mass demonstrations and brought to light Hindu opposition to the division; the Muslim community formed its own league and campaigned for protected rights in any future political settlement. As pressure rose, a split emerged in Hindu circles between moderates and radicals, the latter resorting to violence to publicise their aims.

With the outbreak of WWI, the political situation eased. India contributed hugely to the war (more than one million Indian volunteers were enlisted and sent overseas, suffering more than 100, 000 casualties). The contribution was sanctioned by Congress leaders, largely on the expectation that it would be rewarded after the war was over. No such rewards transpired and disillusion was soon to follow. Disturbances were particularly persistent in Punjab and, in April 1919, following riots in Amritsar, a British army contingent was sent to quell the unrest. Under direct orders of the officer in charge they ruthlessly fired into a crowd of unarmed protesters attending a meeting, killing more than 1000 people. News of the massacre spread rapidly throughout India, turning huge numbers of otherwise apolitical Indians into Congress supporters.

At this time, the Congress movement found a new leader in Mohandas Gandhi. Not everyone involved in the struggle agreed with or followed Gandhi’s policy of nonviolence, yet the Congress Party and Gandhi remained at the forefront of the push for independence.

As political power-sharing began to look increasingly likely, and the mass movement led by Gandhi gained momentum, the Muslim reaction was to consider its own immediate future. The large Muslim minority had realised that an independent India would be dominated by Hindus and, despite Gandhi’s fair-minded approach, others in the Congress Party would perhaps not be so willing to share power. By the 1930s Muslims were raising the possibility of a separate Islamic state.

Political events were partially disrupted by WWII when large numbers of Congress supporters were jailed to prevent disruption to the war effort.

Independence & The Partition Of India

The Labour Party victory in the British elections in July 1945 dramatically altered the political landscape. For the first time, Indian independence was accepted as a legitimate goal. This new goodwill did not, however, translate into any new wisdom as to how to reconcile the divergent wishes of the two major Indian parties. Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League, championed a separate Islamic state, while the Congress Party, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, campaigned for an independent greater India.

In early 1946 a British mission failed to bring the two sides together and the country slid closer towards civil war. A ‘Direct Action Day’, called by the Muslim League in August 1946, led to the slaughter of Hindus in Calcutta, which prompted reprisals against Muslims. In February 1947 the nervous British government made the momentous initial decision that independence would come by June 1948. In the meantime, the viceroy, Lord Wavell, was replaced by Lord Louis Mountbatten.

The new viceroy implored the rival factions to agree upon a united India, but to no avail. A decision was made to divide the country, with Gandhi the only staunch opponent. Faced with increasing civil violence, Mountbatten made the precipitous decision to bring forward Independence to 15 August 1947.

The decision to divide the country into separate Hindu and Muslim territories was immensely tricky – indeed the question of where the dividing line should actually be drawn proved almost impossible. Some areas were clearly Hindu or Muslim, but others had evenly mixed populations, and there were isolated ‘islands’ of communities in areas predominantly settled by other religions. Moreover, the two overwhelmingly Muslim regions were on opposite sides of the country and, therefore, Pakistan would inevitably have an eastern and western half divided by a hostile India. The instability of this arrangement was self-evident, but it was to be 25 years before the predestined split finally came and East Pakistan became Bangladesh.

An independent British referee was given the odious task of drawing the borders, knowing full well that the effects would be catastrophic for countless people. The decisions were fraught with impossible dilemmas. Calcutta, with its Hindu majority, port facilities and jute mills, was divided from East Bengal, which had a Muslim majority, large-scale jute production, no mills and no port facilities. One million Bengalis became refugees in the mass movement across the new border.

The problem was far worse in Punjab, where intercommunity antagonisms were already running at fever pitch. Punjab, one of the most fertile and affluent regions of the country, had large Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities. The Sikhs had already campaigned unsuccessfully for their own state and now saw their homeland divided down the middle. The new border ran straight between Punjab’s two major cities – Lahore and Amritsar. Prior to Independence, Lahore’s population of 1.2 million included approximately 500, 000 Hindus and 100, 000 Sikhs. When the dust had finally settled, just 1000 Hindus and Sikhs remained.

It was clear that Punjab contained all the ingredients for an epic disaster, but the resulting bloodshed was far worse than anticipated. Huge population exchanges took place. Trains full of Muslims, fleeing westward, were held up and slaughtered by Hindu and Sikh mobs. Hindus and Sikhs fleeing to the east suffered the same fate. The army that was sent to maintain order proved totally inadequate and, at times, all too ready to join the sectarian carnage. By the time the Punjab chaos had run its course, more than 10 million people had changed sides and at least 500, 000 had been killed.

The subcontinent is home to more than a billion people, and its eclectic melange of ethnic groups translates into an intoxicating cultural cocktail for the traveller. For those on a spiritual quest, India has oodles of sacrosanct sites and stirring philosophies, while history buffs will discover gems from the past almost everywhere - from grand vestiges of the British Raj peering over frenetic city streets, to battle-scarred forts rising from forlorn country fields.

Demystifying India is a perpetual work-in-progress and for many travellers that’s precisely what makes her so deeply addictive. Ultimately, it’s all about surrendering yourself to the unknown: this is the India that nothing can quite prepare you for because its very essence - its elusive soul - lies in its mystery. Love it or loathe it - and most visitors seesaw between the two - India will jostle your entire being and no matter where you go or what you do, it’s a place you’ll never forget.

Continuity in congress

Dependent upon a democracy that she ultimately resented, Indira Gandhi grappled unsuccessfully with communal unrest in several areas, violent attacks on Dalits (the Scheduled Caste or Untouchables), numerous cases of police brutality and corruption, and the upheavals in the northeast and Punjab. In 1984, following a very ill-considered decision to send in the Indian army to flush out armed Sikh separatists (demanding a separate Sikh state to be called Khalistan) from Amritsar’s Golden Temple, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. Her heavy-handed storming of the Sikhs’ holiest temple was catastrophic and sparked brutal Hindu–Sikh riots that left more than 3000 people dead (mostly Sikhs who had been lynched). The quest for Khalistan has since been quashed.

Indira Gandhi’s son Rajiv, a former pilot, became the next prime minister, with Congress winning in a landslide in 1984. However, after a brief golden reign, he was dragged down by corruption scandals and the inability to quell communal unrest, particularly in Punjab. In 1991 he, too, was assassinated in Tamil Nadu by a supporter of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE; a Sri Lankan armed separatist group).

Narasimha Rao assumed the by-now-poisoned chalice that was leadership of the Congress Party and led it to victory at the polls in 1991. In 1992 the economy was given an enormous boost after the finance minister, Manmohan Singh, took the momentous step of partially floating the rupee against a basket of ‘hard’ currencies. State subsidies were phased out and the once-moribund economy was also opened up, tentatively at first, to foreign investment, with multinationals drawn by an enormous pool of educated professionals and relatively low wages. The greatest exemplifier of this was India’s emergence as a leading player in the world software industry.

A rapidly improving economy notwithstanding, the Rao government found itself mired in corruption scandals and failed to quell rising communal tension. It stumbled on until 1996, but was a shadow of the Congress Party governments that had guided India for most of its years as an independent country.

After losing the 1996 election, the Congress Party eventually swept back to power in 2004 under the leadership of another Gandhi – Sonia, the Italian-born wife of the late Rajiv Gandhi. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) planned national agitation campaign against the foreign origins of the Italian-born Congress leader was subverted by Sonia Gandhi’s unexpected but widely lauded decision to step aside. The Congress Party’s highly respected former finance minister, Manmohan Singh, was sworn in as prime minister.

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source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/history

Some Information of India

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