During the ancient times India was known as golden bird, a country embraced with natural and manmade hypnotic wonders. Even in the contemporary age it retains the same old world charm which is complemented by modern sophistications. The Kaleidoscopic Indian destinations are popular among foreign travellers. However, encompassing the large Indian landmass is not possible for a visitor, but don’t lose heart. Scores of tour packages of popular tourist circuits such as golden triangle tour allow travellers to explore and gain insight in Indian civilization that dates back to more the 5000 years.

India with great Himalayan ranges covering north and north east and peninsular region enclosing more than three fourth region of country proffers the scores of attractions for tourists’ enchantment. The great Himalayas hide angelic locations in form of exotic hill stations, glacial attractions and pilgrim circuits like Chardhams and Buddhist holy shrines. The captivating locations of Himalayan destinations perfect for the people who want to escape from the scorching heat of plains. Here one can enjoy all forms of adventurous sports including skiing, camping, mountaineering, white water river rafting, bungee jumping etc.

The peninsular India too is embraced with incalculable numbers of fascinating places. The vast stretch of coastline encircling nation from three sides grace the land with captivating views of golden and silver sand beaches. Every day the mischievous tides of ocean hug and kiss the soft sand beaches. People come here to see the unique natural horizon where land meets with sea. Arabian Sea in the west, Indian Ocean in the south and Bay of Bengal in the east surround peninsular part of country.  The dramatic geographical features of Western and Eastern Ghats, Deccan Plateau and Vindhyachal ranges in the central India embellish the region with cascading mountain streams, diverse flora & fauna and quaint hill stations. The stupefying beaches of Goa, backwaters & mountain retreats of Kerala and holy places of Tamil Nadu and Orissa are unique feature of southern states.

Furthermore, the great Indian Thar Desert covering approx. half landmass of Rajasthan and some portions of Gujarat too offer the cultural extravaganza and zone for enthralling sport activities. The camps for tourists are organized in the bewitching areas of Sam Sand Dunes, Khuri and Osian for the amusements of guests. Besides, other spectacles of heritage monuments and fairs & festivals are the celebrated attractions of the region.

Taj Mahal symbolizing the ‘India tourism’ in overseas market, Bangalore cashing the status of being Indian Silicon Valley, Rishikesh – The yoga capital of the world, Mumbai boasting upon bollywood, ancient cities like Haridwar and Varanasi exhibiting the cultural richness of past and rustic Indian villages fascinate and lure the people belonging to different corners of the world.

This south Asian nation is brimmed with myriad destinations of tourists’ interests which are congregated under several umbrella tour packages and Golden Triangle Tour itinerary is among them. Under the tour packages of golden triangle circuit several travel itineraries are coined to explore the historic cities: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and other north Indian destinations.

Next time when you decide touring India, we hope the above write-up would help in selecting the most appropriate destination.

Rajasthan Tours confine within itself umpteen varieties of charismatic adventures. This royal land is the largest state of India and is bestowed with magnanimous amount of astonishing natural beauty. The land of Maharajas and endless sightseeing, Rajasthan is a state eminent for its glorious royal past which gives youthful pleasures to visitors. Without a doubt the half desert Indian state is a heaven on earth breaking the so-called stereotypical wall with its historical old forts, dazzling lakes, majestic palaces, deserts and market areas.

With its old forts, sand dunes, safaris, lush green forest and mouth-watering cuisine the place is completely tempting to the adventurous explorers. India’s oldest mountain range, a fully-fledged blooming wildlife and temples with tinge of spirituality are bestowed in region. Most eye-catching activity is desert safari which is a lifetime experience.

In the tourism industry Rajasthan works like a booming thrust. Places like Udaipur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur are the most preferred destination for the tourists. State has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destination and without any doubt has an upper hand over all the other places. One can all day long visi t places without getting lethargic or bored as state allures with enchanting charm.

There are lots of places to hang around and shop. Local markets are filled with spectacular craving antique pieces, traditional clothes, decorative pieces and exquisite items etc. You can buy local items and gift it to your near and dear ones as a memorable antiquity which is difficult to obtain in the hustle and bustle of the city life.

At first glance Rajasthan scenery may suggest a depressive look with its barren land but to the one who takes initiative to explore, the experience is fascinating and all the more exotic. A state well known for colorful culture, tradition, heritage and ancient rituals set it apart from the entire modernized world. This aesthetic quality for sure draws attention of many tourists towards itself.

Desert state does the magic spell on the visitor with ecstatic essence of providing taste of two worlds: the ancient historic Rajasthan and a Rajasthan which has melted itself with the gloom of modernity. So the mixture of two worlds is surely an enigmatic experience in itself which should not be neglected. The statistics of tourism industry provides enough testimony for its popularity in the tourism business. The place is definitely a favorite centre of attraction not only amongst the nationals but heftily for the foreign tourists as well.

The vast Indian stretch couldn’t be explored in single tour. This great nation is a confluence of topographical variations, rich history, architectural legacies, tantalizing cultural vibrancy and multi colored fairs and festivals. Encapsulating the rampant Indian civilization and wilderness in a tour is next to impossible. However, famous travel packages like golden triangle facilitates visitor with option of exploring some enchanting locations of culturally diverse country. Celebrated tourist circuit ‘Golden Triangle Tour’ avails exploration of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and other extended cities of north India as a part of tour itinerary.
Here in the blog we are briefing you two serene hill stations of India’s northern region: Manali and Dharamshala. These two imposing places often occur in travel itineraries of golden triangle packages.

Manali

Manali is situated on the banks of  Beas river valley in Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This summer retreat lies in the close proximity of Kullu valley’s northern end and is at a distance of approximately 250 km from the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla.
The serene hill station was the starting point of the ancient route to Ladakh and from there onwards to Karakoram pass in the deep Himalayas. With a small populous, not more than 30,000 people and splendid surroundings Manali have been of great significance in the country’s cultural heritage because it is believed to be the home of Saptrishi, literally meaning seven sages.
Tourism is the backbone of Manali’s economy. Amongst the numerous attractions are the Hadimba temple, Manu temple, Vashishta temple, three Buddhist monasteries, Jagatsukh with its temples and caves, Solang valley, the Rohtang pass, Club house and Café Junipar.
There are a large variety of options for accommodation but it is advisable to make all travel arrangements in advance. Being a major tourist spot, hill station’s nearest air link is at a town called Bhuntar which is approximately at a distance of 50 km from Manali. Chandigarh and New Delhi are approx. 273 km 521 km away respectively. The nearest Joginder Nagar railway station is 135 km away.

Dharamshala

In the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh lies a beautiful valley of Kangra. In the upper reaches of this valley is perched the world famous city of Dharamshala, the home to His Holiness Dalai Lama. The entire are is surrounded by dense coniferous forests dominated by Deodar trees.
It is the main centre for Tibetans in exile. They came in droves following his holiness and now the city has become a renowned travel destination for both national and foreign tourists. Its name is derived from a combination of two Hindi words meaning spiritual sanctuary.
The city is very well connected with major cities of north India with regular bus services. It is extremely well connected with regular train services to rest of the country.
Owing to its international standing as a major destination for tourists, Dharamshala does not have any dearth of boarding and lodging facilities of all budgets. The town, though small is amazingly cosmopolitan in nature and has become a hub of the Tibetan culture now-a-days.

The cosmopolitan metropolis and gateway to western India, Mumbai witnesses the large influx of travellers daily. Now-a-days this glamorous city has acquired a significant place in the tourism map of India. The city that never sleeps is home of various ethnic groups, diverse culture and different religions. Domestic and international travellers visit the city for myriad reasons like MICE activity, sightseeing, pilgrim tourism etc. Travellers coming to city have options to stay in five star accommodations or in low cost hotels depending upon their preferences and financial constraint. Hence, if you are seeking for a lavish stay in the city of glitz and glamour then Mumbai 5 star hotels are best option for you.

During the past decade various categories of hotels have expand in south and north Mumbai. Several luxurious hotels are now conveniently placed near the international and domestic airports. Grand Maratha and Hyatt Regency are set in the vicinity of international airport and Sahara Star and Grand Hyatt near to the domestic airport. The tremendous increase in arrivals of business travellers and leisure seekers are directly providing benefits to such luxury lodges. People who are in transit get direct benefit from such hotels.

Over the past few years Mumbai is witnessing leaps and bounds increase in corporate travellers and leisure seekers. The epitome of royal accommodation, five star hotels in Mumbai caters the demands of elite travellers. Some of the prominent 5 star rated accommodations are Leela Kempinski, Intercontinental, Taj Wellington Mews, Grand Maratha Sheraton and The Lalit Hotel. All these premium accommodations provide state-of –the-art amenities with the essence of eminent hospitality.

Many hotels are set in the premises of heritage buildings and some are the archetype contemporary craftsmanship.  The lavishly decorated guestrooms come with all updated in-room facilities such as exquisite decors, king size bed, work station, electronic safe, mini bar etc.  The suites of hotel offer more comfort and royalty with separate living room, dining area, and bedroom and so on.

Business centers, secretarial services, meeting venues and language translator are proffered for business travellers. Banquet halls for royal weddings and other informal meetings are also made available. Besides, all deluxe luxury accommodation provides pampering spa facility, several restaurants, swimming pool, shopping arcades, gymnasium, I/O games and others.

The 5 star hotels in Mumbai are the abodes of luxury that deals in offering world class facilities, friendly ambiance and heart stirring hospitality. Today these cocoons of comfort are mushroomed in almost all parts of Mumbai and are easily approachable from major means of transportation.

The largest Indian state Rajasthan is the most colorful and vibrant as well. The splendorous sun kissing desert to sky- piercing hills of Aravalli ranges, this spectacular Indian state is guarding the romanticized image in the meretricious royal cloak. The vast wonder land of Rajasthan is laced with diverse topography, wide spread wilderness, deep rooted culture, astounding heritages and merry making people. The land of fearsome Rajput worriers is hiding the numerous treasures, a few of glittering gems are discussed below:

Forts, Palaces & Havelis

Rajasthan is known for the heritage monuments of erstwhile Rajput Maharajas. The large colossal complexes of state play a vital role in Rajasthan Tourism and still cherish the tales of mighty Maharaja and their heroic acts. Due to harsh waves of fleeting time many architectural wonders are in ruined condition but some gracefully withstood the testing time and now look as elegant as they were used to be. The City Palace complex of Udaipur is best example, set in the backdrop of Aravalli ranges on the banks of Lake Pichola, the palace complex projects the picture perfect views of deluxe heritage hotels. Meherangarh fort of Jodhpur, giant golden sand castle of Jaisalmer and sprinkled havelis of Shekhawati region are a few archetypes out of many colossal inheritances of this desert state.

Thar Desert

The western provision of Rajasthan is formed of Desert, the large arid region that forms a boundary line between Indian and Pakistan. During the day time it acts like a furnace and in the night temperature could reach around 3o to 4o Celsius. From dawn to dusk sand dunes of Thar change colors like a chameleon. White, silvery, golden, magenta and orange, you can expect any color of sand with the changing position of sun. Want to enjoy the desert excursion! Sam Sand Dunes, Ludharwa, Kanoi, Kuldhara and Khuri Village would be the perfect host for you. Explore desert via jeep or camel safari and enjoy viewing sunrise, sunset and changing colors of sand dunes.

Wildlife 

Despite being a hostile terrain Rajasthan nurtures the life of several wild species whether mammals or birds. The vast size and latitude variation grace this land with dramatic topography: the green vistas of Aravalli ranges to hot and arid climate of Thar Desert, together they support dense to semi green forests and grasslands.  The natural habitat, mostly converted into wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are the home for herds of species. Ranthambhore Wildlife Sanctuary is the safe nest for Royal Bengal tiger where as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 230 bird species including the migratory birds. Take safari ride for wild excursion of Sariska Tiger Reserve, Desert national Park, Mount Abu Sanctuary etc. and other sanctuaries of Rajasthan.

Performing art 

The Indian desert state is worldwide popular for rugged charm and spell bounding monuments. However, rich history has also contributed in enriching the performing art forms of state. The folk dance and music of Rajasthan has gained the international recognition.  Ghoomar, Kalbeliya dance, Kathputli, Teratali, Kachchhighori, Bhopa, Chang and Ghindr are famous Performing art forms of largest state of India.

Fairs and Festivals

Festivals are the inseparable part of Rajasthani culture. Kaleidoscopic fairs and festivals keep locals life colorful amidst the inhospitable topography. The celebrations occur throughout the year. Some festivals are dedicated to deities, some welcome the arrival of particular season and a few are devoted to their domesticated animals. Holi, Teej, Desert Festival, Elephant Festival, Camel Festival and Pushkar Fair are a few among many celebrated fairs and festivals of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Travel

Though the numerous packages for Rajasthan tours are available, however, the best way to explore its verdant vistas is to opt for Golden Triangle tour itineraries. The golden triangle circuit along with extended other Rajasthani destinations avails visit to majestic monument Taj Mahal in Agra, Delhi’s colonial heritages and mammoth forts and palaces of Jaipur besides other magnetic locations of Rajasthan.

In the past few decades India as tourist destinations has generated immense curiosity among travellers. The vast landmass, vivid topography, different climatic conditions have given rise to entirely different set of flora, fauna, culture and heritage. If someone thinks he can measure the entire country in single long stretched tour then he is definitely building castle in the air because India as nation is endowed with such a diversity that if even a person spends entire life here could not guarantee of exploring its every stretch. Sizes of a few Indian states are even bigger than some small countries of the world, thus, it’s an impossible task to encapsulate the entire nation at one go. However, the famous destinations of country are covered in some of the popular tourist circuit and one of such famous circuit is Golden Triangle India .

Golden triangle tourist circuit is comprised of three north Indian cities, namely: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. They are called golden triangle because of their geographical positioning. The three cities are positioned adjacent to each other in approximately equal distances in geometrical triangular shape. Besides, each city has great historical, topographical and cultural legacies to show the visitors.

National capital Delhi is popular by various names, some call it ‘Mini India’ some says Lutyen’s Delhi. However, this historic city is the microcosm of India which exhibits the cultural concentration of this vast land.  Broadly city is categorized in two parts: Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi formerly known as Shajahanabad was established by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as his new capital but now this part of the city is better known for heritage buildings and Culture. The major attractions of Old Delhi are Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. The crematory of ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Ghandhi ‘Raj Ghat’ also receives the heavy influx of visitors. New Delhi is the hub of national politics and houses the offices of major commercial sectors. Sprawling shopping malls, institutions, wide roads and medieval and colonial era architectural marvelous, it shows the larger than life size image of the city. Some famous tourist spots of New Delhi are India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Lodi Garden and Lotus temple.

Agra, the former capital of Mughal Sultanate is well known for Islamic architectural wonders, art and craft industry, leather goods and of course the Mughlai cuisines. This small city of Indian state Uttar Pradesh is known for housing the three world heritage sites: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Apart from these monuments the other enchantments of the city are Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb and Akbar’s fort. The last destination of tourist circuit is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Since the formation the ambiance of the Pink City has been extended manifold from its core area. Counted among the fastest developing cities of country Jaipur shows its tryst with modernity as well as nostalgia for past eras. Three hill top forts, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar are the popular heritage sites of Jaipur.

Moreover, the tours of Golden Triangle circuit are shorter in duration and are available in cost effective rates. Golden Triangle Tour Prices could vary from $30 to $300 depending upon the number of days of tour packages.

The 5 Nights Golden Triangle Tour package  is apt for exploring the heritage sites and cultural extravaganza of the three cities. Apart from sightseeing of various historical monuments a traveller can spend quality time in observing tradition. Strolling around old lanes of Chandni Chowk in Delhi, Shilpgram in Agra and spending quality time at Chowki Dhani in Jaipur would provide a deeper look into north Indian culture.

he historic city of Agra located on the banks of Yamuna River met with glorious days when Jalal-ud-Din Muhammad Akbar got triumph over Badalgarh Fort and transformed it into his seat, the Agra Fort during the fifteenth century AD. Since then the Mughal sultanate ruled over the country for more than three centuries. Agra, the tiny city in Indian state Uttar Pradesh, is still appeared to be hypnotized by the Mughlia charm and is continuously refraining to leave it. The attachment of Agra to fascinating past appears genuine to some extent. After all, during the long period of their rule in Agra, they endowed the city with numerous architectural pearls on the like of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri which are three world heritage sites as well.

The historical testimonies of Agra have put the city on the global tourist destination map. Travellers from across the globe come to see the fascinating monuments built by Mughal rulers. Short briefings on such buildings are understated:

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal Tours are immensely popular among the world travellers basically because of two reasons. Firstly, its gorgeous architecture. The Taj complex narrates the story of scientific approach applied by architects in construction. In the entry point one could feel the charisma of science. From far of Taj appears like thin line of Jewel, at main gate view of complex get completely disappeared and on the edge of the gate right below the hanging giant red sandstone carving the whole spectacular Taj complex in front of you. Other such mesmerizing techniques just amplify the beauty of White marble mausoleum. Secondly, the soul of the monument “eternal love”. The graceful monument is regarded as the ‘Symbol of eternal love’ which was the vision of a ruler ‘Shah Jahan’ who was so much in grief and pain after losing his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal that he ended up constructing this spectacular masterpiece in her fond memory.

Agra Fort

Agra fort, as discussed above was the seat of Mughal rulers. Commissioned by the great Mughal emperor Akbar, the architecture of the building was completed on 1573 after the continuous work for eight years with the use of bricks and red sandstone. However, his grandson Shah Jahan reconstructed the entire structure with the embellishing elements of white marble and precious and semi precious stones except Jahangiri Mahal. The current look of walled city ‘Agra Fort’ was framed by Shah Jahan. The exterior of almost every palace and other monuments inside fort are in white marble, only Jahangiri Mahal still has the look of red sand stone. Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Golden Pavilions, Takht-i-Jahangir, Shah Jahani Mahal are among the famous structures of Agra Fort.

 Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a ghost town located in the outskirt of Agra. It was again built by none other than Emperor Akbar. He constructed the walled city ‘Fatehpur Sikir’ to honour sufi saint Salim Chisti in the year 1569 and relocated his capital here. However, after ruling country for fifteen years from the Fatehpur Sikri he was compelled to leave the fort due to huge shortage of water. The lake supplying water to the fort went dry. Nevertheless, it was the place where the stories of his nine jewels (Navaratnas) become famous and this world heritage site still houses some of the best preserved Muhgal architectures such as Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal, Birbal’s House, Naubat Khana, Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Palace and Pachisi Court.

Itimad-Ud-Daulah, Akbar’s Tomb, Chini-Ka-Rauza, Mehtab Bagh and Samadhi Swamiji Maharaj Bagh are the other attractions of Agra apart from aforesaid monuments. Besides, traveler could enjoy shopping around street market.

Travellers think visit to north India is incomplete without visiting Taj Mahal. Its popularity could be measured from fact that travel enthusiasts opt for Same Day Taj Mahal Tours even if they are occupied by busy schedules.

Pushkar is the Hindu holy town perched in the Ajmer district of Indian half desert state Rajasthan. Well known for the more than 400 temples and the holy Pushkar Lake, this sacred shrine is the only place in the world where temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is enshrined.

The holy town Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of the world continuously inhabited by humans and counted among the sacred five Dhams. Who founded the holy city is still unknown, however, Hindu mythology says Lord Brahma has created it.

Legend Associated with Pushkar

Lord Bharama was in search of place to perform Mahayagna and he found Pushkar ideal for that. Another saga says after the death of wife Sati, lord Shiva mourns so heavily that the tears coming from his eye formed the Pushkar Lake. According to mythology, when Lord Brahma intoned a mantra on a lotus flower to kill the demon Vajranash, in the process lotus petals dropped to three different lands, namely: Jyaistha, Madhya and Kanistha Pushkar. To protect the land from demon Lord Brahma had to perform a Yagna for which he needed the presence of Devi Saraswati for offering Ahuti. When she didn’t turn up in time, he married a Gujjar girl named Gayatri to complete the Yagna. When the goddess Saraswati came, she got furious to see another lady in her place. She cursed the lord Brahma that he would not be worshipped anywhere else in the world except Pushkar.

Pushkar Fair

Hindu believes the Char Dham Yatra will go in wane if Pushkar is not visited. Every year Pushkar fair is organized for five days from Nawami to Karthik Poornima according to Hindu calendar (October or November). Pilgrim travellers across the nations visit to this sacred land to take bath in the Ghats of holy Lake Pushkar, seeking for the attainment of Salvation.

One of the biggest attractions of Pushkar is camel fair. It is held during the same auspicious days of Karthik monthfor five days. Fair draws the attention of large number of domestic and foreign travellers.  In this largest cattle fair of the country more than 50,000 camels and other livestock are traded.

Interestingly, owners decorate their camels with silver jewelries and beads and expensive clothing. Competitions are organized like “matka phod”, “bridal competition” and “longest moustache” for the amusement of guests.  Now-a-days a cricket match is also organized between local Pushkar club and foreign travellers.

In recent years the popularity of Pushkar fair has grown up so much that it has become the intrinsic part of extended famous north Indian tourists circuit ‘Golden Triangle Tours of India’.

Golden Triangle with Pushkar proffers the treat for eyes. One site “Taj Mahal” in Agra quests the thirst of viewing monument crafted sheer out of materialistic desires and another site “Pushkar” shows the path of divinity.