GOA-The beach paradise

Donapaula

Goa is a tourist resort known by its renowned beaches. It is the smallest state of India located in western coast bounded by Maharashtra to north and Karnataka to east and south. Goa was a province of Portuguese till 1961.So the influence of Portugal culture still exists.

A different face of Donapaula

Best time to visit: October to February

Attractions:            Goan beaches known as Anjuna, Agonda, Arambol, Baga,Betul, Calangute, Colva, Donapaula, Miramar,  Palolem, Polem and vagator, Goan Museum,Forts,Churches ,Temples , Mosque and Aquarium.

Miramar Beach

How to reach:

By Air:   Goa is connected by domestic flights to major cities of India. The Airport of Goa is at Dabolim near the port town, Vasco-da-Gama and 30 Kms away from Panaji, the capital city of Goa. The national airline Air India operates a few international flights, especially from the Gulf countries.  Besides  Air India,  Air Arabia and Qatar Airways also operate international flights to Goa.

A view in Goan Aquarium

By Rail: The railway network connects Goa with major cities of India especially New Delhi in north and Trivandrum in south. The high speed Konkan railway has daily trains from Mumbai to Goa which takes only 8-9 hours. The major railway stations in Goa are Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama. For advance booking and other details please visit: www.konkanrailway.com

By Road: Goa is connected with all the major towns in India via the National Highways NH4A, NH17 and NH17A. In most places along the way, the highway roads are in excellent condition and motorable at fairly good speeds. There are bus services operating from Goa to most towns and cities in neighboring states, such as Mumbai, Pune, Belgaum, Hubli, Bangalore, Mangalore etc. at fairly regular intervals throughout the day.

Shanta Durga Temple

Accommodation:

Goa Tourism department provide comfortable and safety accommodation on reasonable rate. For booking online visit:  http://www.goatourism.gov.in/staying-in-goa Many private hotels and guest houses are in Goa with luxury and comfortable rooms to suit your budget.

Se Cathedral

Basilica Church

Things to remember: Ø The peak season in Goa is between October and January. It is also the time when Goa is most crowded. Hotel tariff is high during this time. Ø  The south and north Goa trips of GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) almost cover Goa in full. Ø Do not concentrate only on the more famous beaches such as Calangute and Baga. Goa has a number of relatively less crowded beaches which will give you more privacy and even more pleasure. The seas in Goa are often rough on certain beaches especially around the monsoons. Ø Cuisine in Goa is not limited to just the Goan variety. In most places you can find everything from Continental, Chinese, Tibetan, Indonesian, Thai, Portuguese and even Mexican dishes on the menu. Fresh seafood dishes are probably the safest and tastiest bet in most small restaurants that you will visit. Ø If you are a foreign national (probably coming for the first time), be warned that you will be quoted some truly exorbitant prices for most things that you ask for, right from household goods to taxi rates etc. However always check around with a number of sources for an approximate reasonable price before striking a deal. Always be ready to bargain in most small establishments. As a thumb rule offer 20% of the asking price, and be prepared to pay 35-40% % of the original asked price. Ø Shop at Government emporia/handicraft centres for quality products at reasonable prices. Ø Guides may be hired from Government approved agencies. For verification, you may ask for identity card.

DELHI-The capital city of India

INDIA GATE

Delhi is the traditional and present capital of India. Delhi stands in a triangle formed by the river Yamuna in the east and spurs from the Aravali range in the west and south. Delhi is not only the largest commercial centre in Northern India, but also the largest centre of small industries. Delhi has two faces known as old Delhi and New Delhi. For map visit www.google.co.in/maps/preview#!q=Delhi&data

RED FORT

Best time to visit: October to March

Attractions:  Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Firozshaw  Kotla, Quatab Minar, Rajghat, India Gate, Purana Qila, Lotus Temple, Teen Murty Marg, National Museum, Jantar Mantar, Dilli Haat, Rashtrapathi Bhavan and Parliament House

RASHTRAPATHI BHAVAN

How to reach:

By Air: Delhi is well connected with domestic and international flights, to all the major cities within and outside India. Almost all the major airlines have their flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi. Domestic Airport connects Delhi to the major cities in India. Visit www.newdelhiairport.in

By Rail: The railway network connects Delhi to the all major and, nearly, all the minor destinations in India. The three important railway stations of Delhi are New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. For booking and enquiries visit http://www.indianrail.gov.in

By Road: Delhi is well connected, by a network of roads and national highways, with all the major cities in India. The three major bus stands in Delhi are Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan Bus Terminus and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus. Both the government and private transport providers provide frequent bus services. One can also get government as well as private taxis here.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Accommodation:  Many hotels and guest houses are in Delhi with comfortable rooms to suit your budget.

Things to remember:

A VIEW OF INDIA GATE FROM RASHTRAPATHI BHAVAN

Service of pre-paid taxis (A/C and non A/C) is available in air ports and railway stations. Don’t   hand over cash receipt received for pre- payment to taxi driver before reaching the place.

Before booking hotels ensure facilities and you should know the check in/check out time. Remember some hotels management is not honest.

Delhi metro rail net work is very useful for tourists. Experience the same maximum in journey within the city.

For city sightseeing, use flexible HOHO (Hop-On/Hop-Off) a/c buses operating by the DTDC (Delhi Tourism Development Corporation).( These tours are conducted in specially designed buses which move continuously along a route, allowing tourists to board or alight at any of the pickup/drop off points. The route of these buses covers monuments, museums, galleries, gardens, shopping malls, hotels and bazaars)

Agra, the city of TAJ MAHAL is only 165Kms away from Delhi. So don’t miss it. DTDC conducts trips to Agra on every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Though the private tour operators conducts trips on every day, DTDC trips are better.

MUMBAI-Sleepless city

TAJ HOTEL & GATE OF INDIA

Mumbai is the commercial and financial capital of India. The city is always active. It never sleeps. It was originally a cluster of seven islands which have been linked through successive reclamations. The name Mumbai is derived from “Mumbadevi” the Goddess of earlier inhabitants of these islands. The city is considered as gateway to India

GATE OF INDIA

Best time to visit: November  to February.

Main attractions: Gateway of India, Elephanta caves( 9 Kms from Gateway of India by boat), Chhatrapathy Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya ( Known as Prince of Wales Museum), Victoria gardens (Veermata Jeejabhai Bhonsele Udyan), Nehru Planetarium and Nehru Science centre, Film city, Marine drive, Nariman point, Bandra-Worli Sea link or Rajiv Ghandi sea link, Juhu beach, Indira Priyadharsini Park.

BOATS TO  ELEPHANTA CAVES

How to reach:

By Air: Reaching Mumbai by air is easy. Several international and domestic flights are available to Mumbai. Mumbai International Air port is 30Kms away from centre of the city. The airport is Chatrapati Shvaji International Airport formerly known as Sahar Air port. Domestic terminal named Santa Cruz is at a distance of 4Kms from here. Both the International and domestic air ports have facilities like tourist offices, restaurants, duty free shops, car rentals, pre-paid taxies ,money exchange and hotel bookings.

By Rail: The city is connected massively by rail. Super fast luxury and passenger trains connect the city with all prominent towns of India like Delhi, Culcutta, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Cochin.

By Road: Mumbai is well connected by road with rest of India. All kinds of buses like luxury, semi-luxury and ordinary buses are plying between Mumbai and other towns in Maharashtra and adjacent states.

Entrance to CST

Accommodation

Large number of hotels is in Mumbai with comfortable rooms to suit your budget. MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) also provide accommodation on reasonable rates. For details of MTDC visit www.maharashtratourism.gov.in .Some state governments have their own guest houses in Mumbai. These guest houses are also available for stay. For booking rooms in these guest houses you can visit concerned websites.

Prince Wales Museum

Things to remember 

Pre-paid taxis are available in Aerodromes and railway stations. Don’t hire taxis from outside. Service of Autoriksha is not available within the city limit of Mumbai.(CST, Mumbai central, Church gate, Dadar etc.) However it is available in northern areas like Andheri, Sion and new Mumbai (Eastern part).

Airport authorities operate buses between international and domestic airports for their passengers.

Travel by suburban railway is cheaper and time saving. Avoid travel during rush time ie., from 8 to 10.30 hrs in morning and 4 to 7 hrs in evening.

 MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) do not conducts sightseeing trips in Mumbai. So tourists are forced to depend on private tour operators. Try to choose best of them. Avoid tour operators like “MUMBAI DARSHAN”.

For visiting Elephanta caves no need of tour operators. Boats are available from Gate of India on payment of required charges.

KASHMIR-The Paradise on Earth

DAL LAKE -Ready for boating ?

Kashmir is called and known as the Paradise on Earth because of its   natural widespread beauty. It is located in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent.

Attractions:

 Dal Lake,Gardens-Shalimar, Nishat ,JNMBotanical & IGMTulip, Gulmarg(for experiencing snowfall) and Pahalgam

TULIP

How to reach: You can reach Srinagar by air, rail and road .Road journey is tire-some. Rail is only up to Jammu. So, better transport is by air even if it is costly.

By Air: 

Nearest domestic Aerodromes: Srinagar (14 km to the city) Jammu (357km to Srinagar by road. Flights are available from here) Amritsar ( Srinagar flights from here) Delhi (Srinagar flights are conveniently available.Delhi is also well connected with international and domestic flights  

By Rail:

Nearest Railway station:              Jammu Tawi-This is the nearest railway station to Srinagar, which is at a distance of 290 km. Jammu railway station is well connected to all major cities in India by rail. Direct train services are available from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Trivandrum. Taxi services are available from Jammu to Srinagar and the fare is about Rs 6,000. You can also get govt. buses to Srinagar. For railway booking and informations visit www.irctc.co.in

By Road:                    Srinagar is well connected by road with major cities like Delhi (876 km), Chandigarh (646 km), Leh (424 km) and Jammu (258 km).There are good services of Buses and Cabs available.

A MYRIAD VIEW OF TULIP  FLOWERS

Accommodation:               In Srinagar, there are hotels to suit every requirement in terms of price, location and facilities. The most desirable location for a hotel is considered the Boulevard, which overlooks the Dal Lake. Hotel rooms that overlook the lake cost more than those opening in the opposite direction. Dalgate, which is fairly central for shopping and nearest to the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), has mostly budget accommodation. Some good hotels are also located in Sonawar and Rajbagh, which are largely residential areas within 2 kms of the TRC. Also there are several hotels on Residency Road, which is right in the middle of a shopping centre, very close to the TRC. Lal Chowk, in the city’s centre, has several medium category hotels, mostly preferred by visit

HORSE RIDING AT PAHALGAM

J&KTDC (Jammu Kashmir Tourism development Corporation) ,the govt. owned agency, provides accommodation on reasonable rate. It`s hutments at Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Patnitop are furnished and attractive for those who have their own transport. It has also hotel blocks where rooms are allotted for transit visitors. Advance booking is necessary for these rooms. The J&KTDC has also started 80-roomed Heemal hotel which is conveniently located on the Boulevard. For booking and other details visit www.jktdc.co.in

SNOWFALL AT GULMARG

Things to remember:       Avoid travel by road possibly, even though we    could enjoy the beauty of valley and hills covered with snow.

Select hotel for accommodation judiciously. Don’t forget to take sweater, jacket and sports shoe. (To visit Gulmarg jacket is compulsory. This is available there for hire. But, don’t expect clean one)

For communication Post-paid mobile phone is must

MUGHAL GARDEN NISHAT

AMRITSAR-The Holy City

Golden temple in "holy pool of nectar"

The name of the city,Amritsar, derives from the name of the pool around the Golden Temple and means "holy pool of nectar" (Amrit: elixir; Sar: lake). It is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion, and they are rightfully very proud of the city and their very beautiful and unique Gurdwara (place of worship).

Best time to visit :

Between October and March

Main attractions:

Golden Temple, Jallianvala Bagh, Matha Temple, summer palace of Maharaja Ranjith singh, Ramthirth and Wagah border

How to reach:

By Air: Amritsar International airport is about 11Km away from the city .Domestic and international flights are available here. Almost all domestic flights are connected with Delhi. Direct flights from ….are also available to Amritsar. International flights from London, Doha, Toranto, Bergama, Barcelona, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Birmingham, and Bratislava operates to Amritsar.

By Rail: Amritsar is well-connected with Indian cities by rail. For train schedule, seatavailability,fare etc. please visit  http://www.indianrail.gov.in/between_Imp_Stations.html

By Road: Amritsar is well-connected by bus to most major cities and the northern areas within a day’s drive.  JALANDHAR is about 80 kms from here, KAPURTHALA (royal city) is about 65 kms from here. There are daily direct buses to Delhi, Jammu,Srinagar,Katra, Chandigarh etc. You will also get luxury/Volvo buses from  Delhi, Chandigarh and Katra to Amritsar. Best HAVELIS (hotels) are on the way from Delhi to Amritsar.

Wagah Border in Ceremony

Large number of hotels and guest houses are in Amritsar with comfortable rooms to suit your budget. Some budget hotels are given hereunder.

Hotel PR residency

Akal Residency Hotel

CJ international Hotel

Singh International Hotel

Shiraz Regency

City Heart Hotel

Hotel Teg Royal

Grand Hotel

Many web sites are available for hotel review and booking. As far as possible, book hotels directly after seeing the review. You will get phone number and site address of hotels from the sites.

Jallianvala Bagh

Things to Remember:

If you are travelling in summer (April-June), carry only cotton garments, shorts, light colored clothing. A trip in winter season (October-February) necessitates woolen clothing as the temperature often touches sub-zero levels.

Budget travelers can minimize their expenses by eating as often as possible at the Langar (The Common Kitchen) in the Golden Temple and other gurudhwaras.

When you visit the Golden Temple, make sure you leave your footwear out and cover your head with a piece of cloth. Visit the temple early morning so as to avoid long waiting.

Jallianvala bagh is very near to the golden temple at walkable distance.

Wagah border is 27 Km away from Amritsar. To get seat for seeing border ceremony, you should reach there by 3.30 PM

AGRA- the city of Taj Mahal

FRONT VIEW OF TAJ

Agra is the city of TAJ MAHAL, one of the wonders in the world. It is in Uttar Pradesh, the northern state of India, and 200 Kms away from Delhi. 

Main Attractions:

Taj Mahal : This is the world famous white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife ,Mumthaz.

Agra Fort :   Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar,grand father of Shah Jahan, in 1565 AD (4.7 Kms  from Agra cantonment railway station)  

 Fatehpursikri: An epic in red sandstone built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1564 AD(39 Kms from Agra city)

AGRA FORT

How to reach:

By Air: Delhi International Air port is the nearest air port which situates 200 Kms away from Agra. Reaching Delhi by flight is very easy. Because this city, capital of India, is well connected domestically and internationally with other cities of the world by air.

By Rail: Agra is connected with other cities of India by rail. From Delhi you can reach Agra within 3-4hrs by superfast and express trains. For booking and enquiries visit http://www.indianrail.gov.in/between_Imp_Stations.html. The nearest railway stations to Taj Mahal are Agra fort and Agra cantonment. The distance from these stations to Tajmahal is 3 Kms and 6 kms respectively. Trains coming from Delhi stop at Agra Cantonment and trains from Varanasi stop at Agra fort. Taxi and Autoriksha services are available at both stations.

By Road: Agra is also well connected to the major cities by road. Delhi, Chandigarh, Mathura, Kanpur, luck now, Varanasi and Jhansi are some of them. All kinds of buses, luxury, A/C, non A/c etc., are available from these cities.

INNER SIDE OF AGRA FORT

Accomadation:

(Under Govt )

o   UPSTDC Taj Khema, Eastern Gate Taj Mahal, Tel : (0562)2330140.

o   Youth Hostel, Sanjay Place, M.G. Road, Tel : (0562) 2854462.

o   District Board Guest House, Baluganj, Agra,

o   PWD Inspection Bungalow, M.G. Road, Agra Cantt.

o   Railway Retiring Rooms, Agra Cantt. Railway Station.

o   Railway Retiring Rooms, Agra Fort Railway Station, Tel : (0562)2464131.

o   Archaeological Survey Rest House, Fatehpur Sikri Campus.

Agra Club Mall road - 2226579

There are many hotels in private sector too. Choose hotel according to your requirement in terms of facilities and location.

TAJ (In a different angle)

For Tourism information contact:

UP. Govt. Tourism office, 64, Taj Road, Agra Tel : (0562)2226431, e-mail:agrauptourism@gmail.com, touristbeuro@dataone.in

Government of India Tourism Office, 191, The Mall, Tel : (0562)2226368, 2226378

U.P. Government Tourist Reception Counter, Agra Cantt, Railway Station, Tel : (0562)2421204

Entry Fee For Taj Mahal

S.No. Tourist Type Amount (Rs.) (Inclusive of ASI & ADA fees ) 1. Foreign tourist 750/- 2. Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries 510/- 3. Domestic/Indian Rs. 20/-

Note- For all the World Heritage Sites tickets are available on Ticket Counters of World Heritage Sites in India. A composite ticket of Taj Mahal (Inclusive of ASI & ADA fees) is available at all World Heritage Sites in india. No Entry fee for children below the age of 15 years. (both Domestic and Foreigner)

Things to remember:

·        Fridays are holiday for Taj. Don’t travel this day. It opens from sunrise to sunset on other days.

·        Use disposable foot wears (Poly foot cover which is available) while walking on basement of Taj during summer to avoid foot burn. 

MAIN ENTRANCE TO TAJ