All India Tour

ALL INDIA TOUR

Delhi

The name brings the complexities, the contradictions, the beauty & the dynamism of a city where the past coexists with the present. Many dynasties ruled here & have left behind a rich heritage of architectural value through their monuments. Diverse cultural elements absorbed into the daily life of the city have enriched its characters. Exploring the city can be a fascinating & rewarding experience.
General Information
Area : 1484 Sq.Km.
Altitude : 239 m Above Sea Level
Population : 9,370,475
Literacy Rate : 76.1%
Density : 6139 Persons Per Sq. Km.
Language : Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, English
Climate : The capital has an extreme climate. December & January are chilly with night times lows of 4 ° C. The city has spring months in February & March. The summer months of May & June are scorchingly hot with mercury soaring to a high of 46 ° C. The city does not have much of rainy season. The monsoon lasts from July to September.
How To Reach There
Air: All the major National & International Air Lines have their Flights operating from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Rail: The Indian Railway with their modem & organized network connects Delhi to all major & minor destination in India. There are three important railway stations in Delhi namely New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station & Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.
Bus: Delhi is well connected by road to all major destinations in North India. The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) are located at Kashmiri Gate, Saraj Kale-Khan & Anand Vihar.

Rajasthan

Explore Rajasthan
The history of Rajasthan goes back 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich as its landscape, from the grand palaces and rugged forts to its tranquil and camel safaris to trekking. Those looking for taste of royal lifestyle just need to check into one of the several palace hotels or heritage hotels that will make it possible for them to be treated like royal guests.
Places of Rajasthan
Lake Palace - Udaipur, The City Palace - Jaipur, City Palace or Vinay Vilas Mahal - Alwar, The Taragarh Palace - Bundi, Padmini’s Palace - Chittaurgarh, Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur.
Rajasthan Adventure
Pitting their wits against the most ferocious of animals was considered a challenge. Wrestling was yet another outlet for those seeking a show of strength. Today times have changed but the search for adventure still remains. So if you're driven by the call of adventure, come to Rajasthan. The spirit of adventure and bravery has always been a prominent part of life.
Fairs & Festivals
A lively and colourful event, the Camel Festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture, Rajasthan in Bikaner every year. January is just the right month for a desert spree, and Bikaner just the right place to see the Ships of the Desert.
Nature Cure Centres in Rajasthan
Ancient wisdom passed down through generations has given us timeless practical philosophies for maintaining a healthy and peaceful life. At present, India has many health care systems which have a holistic approach towards treating health ailments.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, one of the most fascinating states of the Indian Union. Whether one is on a spiritual quest, or in search of adventure, or just on a curiosity trip, Uttar Pradesh has something to offer to everyone.Uttar Pradesh is situated in the northern part of India, it has the distinction of being the most populous state of India. In terms of area, it is the fourth largest, among all the states.
It is divisible into three distinct regions geographically; the Himalayan region on the north, the vast Gangetic plain at the centre, and the Vindhya Range and plateau on the south. Uttar Pradesh is watered by the mighty rivers of northern India - Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Gomati and Ghaghara. Nearly all the important towns and trading centres of the state, are clustered around these rivers. The confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, the two most sacred rivers of India, at Allahabad, has been a vital pilgrimage site through the centuries.
Uttar Pradesh offers an endless array of attractions, to the tourist by way of monuments, health resorts, mountain peaks, a wealth of ancient temples and viharas, rich flora and fauna, fascinating rivers and captivating valleys. Agra, Ayodhya, Sarnath, Varanasi, Lucknow, Mathura and Prayag combine religious and architectural marvels; Nainital, Mussorie, Ranikhet and Almora are hill resorts of rare charm; Corbett and Dudhwa National Parks head a long list of wildlife reserves and sanctuaries; Yamnotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund and the Pindari Glacier, enfolded wthin the Himalayan ranges, offer a combination of adventure, pilgrim centres and natural beauty.
How to Reach There
Air : Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is well connected by air with New Delhi, Patna, Calcutta and Mumbai.
Rail :Lucknow is an important junction of the Northern and North Eastern Railways. It is well connected with all important cities of India.
Road : Lucknow is well connected with New Delhi (497 km), Agra (363 km), Calcutta (985 km), Kanpur (79 km) and Allahabad (225 km).

Himachal Pradesh

The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. In the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted suzerainty of the Mauryan empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states made some mutually agreed arrangements which governed their relations. In the 19th century, Ranjit Singh annexed/subjugated many of the states. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdoms of others. The situation more or less remained unchanged till 1947. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. With the recognition of Punjab on 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.The State is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on West and South-West, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh on South-East and China on the East.

Jammu Kashmir

They say a visit to Kashmir can divide your life into two halves - before and after Kashmir. For indeed, after a trip to this unforgettable land, you are never quite the same again.Nestling in the lap of the dazzling, snow-capped Himalayas, the Kashmir valley is undoubtedly a jewel in India's crown. An inspiration for so much art, music and poetry, Kashmir is also a honey-mooners' paradise, a nature lover's wonderland and a shopper's dream come true.Over the years, Kashmir has come to love and look after its tourists, fulfilling their every whim. Tourists are everywhere, soaking up all that Kashmir has to offer - the walks, the pony treks, the cable car rides over Gulmarg resort, the shikara rides at sunset on the Dal lake…
And once you have visited Kashmir, you will agree that what began as a dream, lives on as an unforgettable experience.

Punjab

Punjab, the land of five rivers & integrated cultural history, is a treasure trove for an avid tourist. For this land of the great gurus not only boasts of ancient monuments but throls with historical embodiments. It is no secret that whoever come to this land of yellow fields with blue mountains providing the romantic & picturesque backdrop has never gone back without imbiding the essence of Punjab.There is no dearth of breathtaking palaces, for Punjabwas the seat of royalty, as the imposing Quila Mubara will tell you.

Kerala

Kerala, the land of green magic, is a narrow, fertile strip on the south-west coast of India, sandwiched between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats. The landscape is dominated by rice fields, mango, cashew nut trees and coconut palms. The Western Ghats, with their dense tropical forests, misty peaks, extensive ridges and ravines, have sheltered Kerala from invaders, but at the same time, have encouraged maritime contact with the outside world.
Ahead Always!
The present-day state of Kerala was created in 1956 from Travancore, Kochi (Cochin) and Malabar. Malabar was formerly a part of Madras State, while both Travancore and Cochin were princely states ruled by Maharajas. An early concern for public welfare gave Kerala a head start, and resulted in the state being one of the most progressive, literate and highly educated states in India.
Travel In Kerela
For the visitor, Kerala offers an intriguing mosaic of cultures and some unusual ways of travelling around. Perhaps more than anywhere else in India, getting around can be a lot of fun, particularly on backwater trips along the coastal lagoons.It also offers some of the best and most picturesque beaches in India, the one at Kovalam, south of Thiruvananthapuram, being the most popular. Kerala has an amenable, relaxed atmosphere making it a much sought after tourist destination. So pack your bags and head for God's Own Country. Because there is no better way to discover the soul of this rustic, enchanting, history-laden, tradition-rich state that without exaggeration seems God's favourite territory.
Kerela The Historic Trade Centre
People from distant lands have been coming to Kerala since ancient times. They came in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory. Long before Vasco da Gama led the Portuguese to India, the coast had been known to the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs and the Chinese. Enduring contact with people from overseas has resulted in the successful blending of various cultures, which gives the state a cosmopolitan outlook.

Tamil Nadu

Tamilnadu is bounded by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the north and Kerala in the west. The eastern and western tips of the Tamilnadu are defined by the Point Calimere and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries while the northern extreme is Pulicat lake and the southernmost tip is Kanyakumari, the land's end. Tamil Nadu is principally washed by the Cauvery, originating in Coorg in neighbouring Karnataka. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is known for its beautiful beach resorts.
Tamilnadu - A Temple State
Tamil Nadu, the cradle of south Indian temple architecture, is a living museum of styles that originated in the 7th century and matured in the huge temple complexes studded with towering gateways-"Gopurams"-that soar above the markets of almost every town. Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Rameswaram, Palani, Srirangam, Tiruttani and Kanyakumari are some of the famous pilgrim centres in Tamil Nadu. The famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai is a must see.
History of Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu was ruled by three major dynasties-the Cholas in the east, the Pandyas in the central area and Cheras in the west. This was during the Sangam Age-the classical period of Tamil literature-that continued for some 300 years after the birth of Christ. The Pallava dynasty was influential particularly in the 7th and 8th centuries, the testimonies to which are the monuments at Mamallapuram. In the 13th century, with threats of Muslim invasions from the north, the southern Hindu dynasties combined and the empire of Vijaynagar (also spelt as Vijayanagar), which covered all of South India, became firmly established. However, by the 17th century, due to the disintegration of the Vijaynagar Empire, various small rulers like the Nayaks ruled southern India. By the middle of the 18th century, there were frequent conflicts between the British, French, Danes, and Dutch due to their interest in these areas. The British were finally victorious, while small pocketed areas including Pondicherry and Karaikal remained under French control. Under the British rule, most of south India was integrated into the region called the Madras Presidency. In 1956, the Madras Presidency was disbanded and Tamil Nadu was established.
The Nilgiri Panorama
In the west of the state, where the hill stations of Kodaikanal and Ooty are the premier travel attractions, sylvan hills offer mountain views and a network of trails winds through forests and tea and coffee plantations. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast spread of deciduous forest in Tamilnadu dominated by teak, offers a good chance of spotting elephants and dholes, wild pack-hunting Dogs, Tigers and Leopards. Annamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, closer to Kodaikanal in the Palani hills, is better known for its Lion-tailed Macaques (black-maned Monkeys). The wetlands of the coast provide perfect resting places for migratory birds, whose numbers soar during the winter monsoon at Vedathangal, near Chennai, and Point Calimere.
Capital of Tamilnadu
Chennai (formerly, Madras), the largest city in South India and the fourth largest city in the country, is located on the Coromandel Coast. The city's British lineage is evident in the various cathedrals, buildings in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues but there is no denying its traditional Tamil Hindu culture either. This is not surprising because this region had remained a centre of Pallavan culture long before the British came here.The varied aspects of traditional South Indian culture existing alongside the lifestyle of a modern city complete with its plush hotels, restaurants offering a range of continental to typical South Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern shopping malls, cinema halls, etc.
Festivals of Tamilnadu
The main festival of Tamilnadu is Pongal, which is a harvest festival celebrated in the month of January. Feasting, music and dance mark this festival. "Karthigai Deepam" and "Varushapirapu" (Tamil New Year's Day) are also celebrated on a grand scale. Several temple festivals are held throughout the Tamilnadu, of which The Mahamagam festival celebrated once in 12 years at Kumbakonam, Meenakshi Kalyanam festival at Madurai, Natyanjali Dance Festival at Chidambaram are the famous ones.
Climate of Tamilnadu
The climate of Tamil Nadu is essentially tropical. The temperature in summer seldom 43º C and in winter seldom falls below 18º C. The lowest temperatures are recorded during December and January, and the highest in April to June. The average annual rainfall, falling mainly between October and December, ranges between 25 and 75 inches. The most precipitation falls in the Nilgiris and other hill areas.

Karanaka

`Karnataka, the "Lofty land" is bounded by Andhra Pradesh in the east, Maharashtra in the north and Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the south. A long coastline hedged by miles and miles of tall, waving, palmgroves frames this pretty land. The majority of the Karnataka state lies on the Deccan Plateau. Bangalore is the state capital.Karnataka boasts a diverse flora and fauna, which make it a nature tourist's paradise. The state's long and colourful history, and the many forts, temples, mosques, and churches make Karnataka a great place to explore.Garden city Bangalore, Jog Falls,the beaches of Karwar and Malpe, Golgumbuz in Bijapur, the stone temples of Belur and Halebid, Mysore Palace, the list is endless.
History of Karnataka
Karnataka's history takes us back to pre-historic times. The earliest find of the Stone Age period in India was an hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district. Chandra gupta Maurya, the great Indian emperor abdicated his throne to embrace Jainism at Shravanabelagola.In 1956, the Kannada-speaking areas were grouped along with the princely state of Mysore to form what we now call Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka has the imprint of many dynasties. Prominent among them were the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire.
Capital of Karnataka
Bangalore, the capital goes by many names -- the Garden City of India, India's Manhattan and Silicon Valley. One of the most industrialized cities of the country, its pleasant climate makes it the seat of much commercial and cultural enterprise.Rich in Sandalwood, Rosewood and Silk, it has a lot to offer than a day or two of sight seeing. Founded by the local Chieftain Kempe Gowda in sixteenth century, Bangalore came into its own after it was converted into the summer capital of Mysore by Tipu Sultan.The Wodeyars also contributed in the city's beautification. Bangalore, is undoubtedly the trump card of Karnataka.
Occupation in Karnataka
While agriculture is the major occupation, the state boasts some of the most significant industrial growth in post independence India. Karnataka is as well known for its silk and sandalwood as for its high tech industry.Bangalore, among the fastest growing cities in Asia is home to many industries. The state is rich in mineral ore, and supplies all of India's gold.Other ores mined in the state include iron, chromite, magnesite, mica, copper, etc. The Sharavati, Kali, and the Cauvery rivers have been harnessed for electric power.
Culture in Karnataka
Karnataka possesses a rich cultural heritage. The folk theatre has an ancient and rich tradition, the two principal forms being Yakshagana and the puppet theatre.'Yakshagana' is akin to Kathakali of Kerala in the choice of its elaborate costumes and vigorous dancing. 'Bhootada Kunita' (Dance of the Divine Cult), 'Nagamandala' and the demon dance are some quaint rituals prevalent only in Dakshina Kannada coastal area. Sravanabelagola, near Mysore, has a giant 1,000-yr-old stone statue of Bahubali, the Jain saint. Huge monolithic Jain statues are peculiar to the Kannada culture.
Handicrafts of Karnataka
Karnataka is famous for its aesthetic craftsmanship in sandalwood and rosewood. Eye-catching items of furniture, in-lay work, coffee tables, wall hangings etc. are worthwhile purchases. Rich silks, wooden toys, leather puppets, Bidriware and other artefacts make ideal mementos.
Climate of Karnataka
Best time to visit Karnataka is September to February.
Tourism Offices in Karnataka

• Director, Dept of Tourism, 1st Floor, F Bk, Cauvery Bhavan, K.G.Road Bangalore – 9
• KSTDC, 104/1, Kasturba Road, Bangalore -1
• Tourism Information Counter, Railway Station, Bangalore
• Tourism Information Counter, Airport, Bangalore, Karnataka
• Manager,Tourist Cottages, Belur, Karnataka
• Tourist Cottages, Dept of Tourism, Halebid, Karnataka

Andhra Pradesh

This is a story of an ugly duckling turning into a swan. From one of the poorest and least developed Indian states to a computer-friendly one, it is a miracle of sorts for Andhra Pradesh. Situated south of the Vindhyas, it shares a common history with its neighbours, Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The medieval city of Hyderabad is its capital.
Andhra Pradesh is known for the famous Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati, Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad and Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar. Also visit the wildlife and bird sanctuaries of Kolleru, Manjira, Kawal and Papikonda. Andhra has a nearly 1000 km-coastline with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea. Famous beaches are Visakhapatnam Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam and Mypad.
Capital of Andhra Pradesh
A revolution in etiquette is under way, recasting values. The yuppie ethos has invaded the city and western haute couture is slowly being preferred over the sherwani and burqa. This is the city that has even been the home of a Miss World. Fortunately, gourmets have not let the Deccani cuisine, the Hyderabad biryani in particular, passes into legend.
History of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was, in fact, created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telegu-speaking portions of the former state of Madras. The Chalukyas held sway till the 10th c. when the Cholas seized power. In the 14th c., Muslim power reached this southern state and for centuries ruled over this princely state. It was finally was taken over by a General of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. The General's successors, called Nizams, ruled the state till Independence.
Society
Friendly and warm, the Andhras are an ancient people, who can trace their roots and history to the Mauryan period, an interest in arts, crafts and dance. Andhra Pradesh is also a rich mosaic of cultures. Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus live in relative peace and harmony. The Tirupati is, however, the trump card for the state's tourism industry drawing people from all over the country and worldwide. Donations from Tirupati alone, have led to the establishment of a university, several hospitals & schools.
Culture of Andhra Pradesh
Beautiful crafts, vibrant religious festivals, a varied cuisine and the sonorant mother tongue, Telugu, are some of the indelible impressions of this state. Kuchipudi is the famous classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh. Tribal dances contribute in equal measure to the artistic heritage of Andhra Pradesh. Tholubommalaata, a shadow puppetry theatre is a fascinating folk art.
Andhra's Handicrafts
Lacquer toys, Anakapalli articles, Ikat weaving, Pembarthi Sheet Metal Ware, Nirmal pottery, Bidriwork as well as Gadhwal, Pochampalli and Dharmavaram silk saris are some of the amazing handlooms and handicrafts Andhra Pradesh is renowned for. Durgi, Allagadda and Tirupati are three of the major centers of stone art. Telengana is particularly well known for its folk paintings. Banjara needle craft, Kalamkari, the pen-painted fabrics of Machilipatnam and Kalahasti; Silver Filigree of Karimnagar and Budithi handicraft of Srikakulam are other handicraft specimens.
Occupation in Andhra
More than 70 per cent of its population live by agriculture, growing rice, other cereals and pulses. The major bulk of India's virginia tobacco crop is grown in Andhrapradesh. Industrial growth has transformed the landscape into precious pits of copper, mica, coal and manganese.
Climate of Andhra Pradesh
varies from 41-20 degree centigrade in summer (March to May) to 32 -13 degree centigrade in winter (january to February). June to December are the monsoon months and the weather remains hot and sultry. October to February is the best season.
Festivals of Andhra Pradesh
The Deccan Festival, with its cultural programmes is celebrated in February. Bakri-Id is celebrated with ritualistic fervor in Andhra Pradesh and in particular, the old city of Hyderabad. The Andhra Ugaadi which heralds the New Year also means a season of mango-pickling and more literary pursuits such as poetry competitions.The state also observes typical indian festivals such as Nag Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Gandhi Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti and others.

Lakshadweep

People and Culture
Ethnically, the people of the islands are very similar to the people of Kerala, even their language is the same except in Minicoy where Mahl is spoken. As Muslims, they have conservative customs and traditions and yet they are liberal in approach. Each island, has several mosques. Ladies are not permitted to enter.Non-availability of drinking water accounts for a number of islands being uninhabited. After many difficulties he was able to carry out his mission, and to this day, the people of Lakshadweep follow Islam. Traces of the old culture still linger however; despite the influence of Islam, a caste system still prevails based on occupation- landowners, sailors and cultivators. Although Madrassas in all the islands impart religious instruction to school-going children, many individuals bear two names. Not much is known of the early history of Lakshadweep. From the 7th century onwards, however, enough evidence exists to piece together a history of the islands. The people converted to Islam under the influence of Hazrat Ubaidullah who set off from Mecca after Prophet Mohammed appeared to him in a dream, commanding him to leave for distant shores to propagate Islam. The ship on which Hazrat Ubaidullah was sailing was wrecked and after drifting on a plank of wood he reached the island of Amini where his mission met with fierce opposition. History comes alive in folk ballads that women chant during their house - hold chores. Events of the past - the arrival of Hazrat Ubaidullah in Lakshadweep, the plunder of the islands by the Portuguese, have been perpetuated by the balladeer.

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