Pushkar Travel Guide

Location : Located in the state of Rajasthan in the north India.
Major Tourist Attractions : Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Nag Pahar, The Ghats.
Best Hangouts : Pushkar Lake
Best Buys : Cattle during the cattle fair (Pushkar Camel Fair)
Best Activity : Camel Ride during the Camel Fair
Festival : Pushkar Camel Fair
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Ajmer, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur.

About Pushkar
Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas, that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.

The legend about the Creator God, Bramha describes the creation of this lake. When the demon Vajra Nabha killed Brahma's children, he in turn struck him with his weapon, a lotus flower. Vajra Nabha died with the impact, and the petals of the lotus fell at three places. One of them is Pushkar, where a lake sprung into being. Brahma is supposed to have performed sacrifice at this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month), hallowing the place. Sacred to Brahma, Pushkar boasts of its temple dedicated to him, which is the only one of its kind in the world. A dip in the waters of Pushkar and worship at his temple ensure salvation. So thousands flock to Pushkar to observe the ritual on kartik Purnima, or on any of the four days preceding it.

Tourist Attractions in Pushkar :

Pushkar Temples
One can see numerous temples of all sizes here. The most famous temple is the Brahma Temple, said to be only one temple dedicated to Brahma in India. Another important temple is that of Goddess Savitri Temple, wife of Lord Brahma located on a hilltop. It takes a one-hour trek to reach the temple, but it has an amazing view of Pushkar Lake in the morning.

The Ghats
You can have a great spiritual experience at the numerous ghats of Pushkar running down the lake. The holy lake has 52 ghats and piligrim taking a ritual dip in the lake is a common sight.

The Pushkar Lake
The Pushkar Lake is considered no less sacred than the Holy Ganges. The lake has a mythological significance associated with it. On the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, devotees from all over the country throng the lake for a holy dip, which is believed to wash away the sins.

Pushkar Cattle Fair
Although a peaceful town, Pushkar bustles with life with the arrival of much awaited joyous celebration held on Kartik Purnima. Every year thousand of devotees pull into the town and throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake. A huge and colourful the Pushkar Camel Fair, is also held during this time. The festival is marked with dance, music and cultural events with several colourful shops springing up around to add more colours to this fair. Also on sale are mouth-watering traditional delicacies. Colourfully attired village folk enhance the fun of the occasion. Cattle auction and camel races are also a part of the festivities.

Getting There
Air : The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport (145 km), from where one can take flights for Delhi and Mumbai.
Rail : Ajmer is the nearest railway station from where one can take trains for the major destinations in Rajasthan and other parts of India.
Road : Pushkar is connected to Ajmer by road. Buses, jeeps and taxis are also available.

Accommodation in Pushkar
There are several luxury accommodations available in Pushkar. The Pushkar Hotels ranges between luxury and budget. We offer you best accommodation option available in Pushkar, keeping your interests and expenses in mind.

Temples in Pushkar & Ghats in Pushkar

Varah Temple
The Varah temple of Hindu was built in the 12th century and, and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is said to have destroyed it. Aurangzeb was understandably rather upset with the huge statue of Varah, the god with the body of a man and the head of a boar. However, Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur thought differently, and in 1727 reconstructed the temple which now has a highly decorated inner sanctum where an idol of Varah is placed.

Mahadeva Temple
The 19th century Mahadeva temple with its five-faced statue of Mahadeva is made entirely of white marble. This Hindu temple is remarkable for its elegance of structure, and is perhaps the finest of all temples in and around Ajmer and Pushkar.

Ramavaikunth Temple
The Ramavaikunth temple is an intricately carved Hindu temple dating to the 1920 and has images of 361 deities. Its high stone spires atop pagodas and the rest of the temple were built by masons especially brought for this purpose from south India. The Savitri temple is located on top of a hill overlooking the lake. The hike up the hill is long and arduous via a stairway built in the 4th century, and if panoramic views are a necessity for you, the trek will be worth it. This temple is dedicated to Brahma’s wife Savitri and its origin dates back to over 2,000 years.

Gayatri Temple
The Gayatri temple on the other side of Pushkar is in honour of the wife who sat by Brahma’s side in Savitri’s absence during Brahma’s ceremonial sacrifice. Legend says that Gayatri was an untouchable and to purify her she was put into the mouth of a cow and taken out from the other end. To reach the Gayatri Hindu temple the best route to take is from behind the bus stand and walk up a hill. Both the Savitri temple in Pushkar and Gayatri temple in Pushkar are closed – so to say – during lunch hours and the best time to go is either before noon or in the evening.

Raghunath Temples
Two Raghunath temples exist in Pushkar; one is the old one and the other is relatively new. The Old Raghunath temple was built in 1823 and houses images of Venugopal, Narasimha (Vishnu’s fourth incarnation) and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. But there’s a bit of a problem for foreign tourists visiting these two temples because of one little sign which says "Foreigners not allowed." These are probably the only binary temples in India where such segregation exists.

Pap Mochini Temple
Towards the northen section of Pushkar is the Pap Mochini temple, not really popular for its architecture or deity but for the simple belief that anyone who kills a Brahmin will be purified of this deed by visiting the Hindu temple, of course, all that was applicable in olden times, for today a murder is a murder and the law would hear nothing else.

Bathing Ghats
Where there is a mass of holy water there will be bathing ghats, and in Pushkar it is the same as all over India. Pushkar lake is surrounded by hundreds of ghats where Hindu pilgrims assemble to bathe, pray or just loiter around. Removing ones shoes would be a good idea unless you want to be glared or shouted at! Photography is a strict no-no, especially of bathing women. Pushkar is quite used to tourists, but unlike Varanasi, is home for orthodox Hindus, and a little care to observe Hindu traditions can help.

Shopping & Recreation in Pushkar :
The contrast to the blank desert is the riot of Colours - the large gaudy turbans of the native males arriving here to trade their animals or to set up the stalls to cater to the booming captive market, and the loud hues of the pleated ghagaras (ankle-length skirts) of the belles bangled by the armful, be jewelled from head to toe-adding charm and zest to the massive affair. A large number of traders gather at the Pushkar Fair and set up shops. They sell a host of products like bead necklaces of Nagaur, woollen blankets of Merta, textiles printed in Ajmer and Jodhpur, brassware of Jodhpur and Jaipur etc. Also on sale are saddles, ropes, and assorted household items. Vendors peddle their dazzling range of wares at hundreds of roadside stalls. Small groups of men and women can be seen tatooing names and pictures on their hands and other parts of the body. During the fair, cultural shows and exhibitions are organized to enliven the event.

Adventure Uttaranchal

Skiing
The hills of Uttranchal have all the ingredients for adventure packed with excitement and thrills - an unexplored valley, towering peaks, flowing rivers, snow-capped mountains, a splendid combination of flora & fauna and vast tracts of virgin snow. The region also provides immense opportunities for adventure sports like skiing, water sports and Aero sports which make Garhwal an ideal venue for adventure seekers. amongst the glaciers. For the avid skier, cross-country runs of 10-20 kms. are now available, with the added advantage of fresh powder snow, away from criss-crossing streams of skiers that overThe large slopes of Garhwal covered with seasonal snow became an ideal place for skiing in the winter months. With their wide open spaces above the snowline, Garhwal offer yet another exciting possibility - ski touringtake the slopes of the European Alps. Because of their height and spread, Garhwal, like other sectors of the Himalayas, are in position to offer the thrills of exploratory long distance skiing round the year.

Auli 16 kms. from Joshimath is an ideal winter resort run by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). A 3 kms. long slope ranging from a height of 2519 mts. to 3049 mts. is a major attraction. The Auli resort run by GMVN has snow beaters which beat the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 mts.long ski-lift carries skiiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis.

Season :: End December to March

River Rafting
Initiation to White Water
Half Day Float trip from Brahmpuri to Muni Ki Reti (11 Kms) Best For Children between 5 to 10 years , Families with children & elderly people Inclusive of Transport to Starting point, Tea/ Soft drinks, Rafting with professional river guide and world class equipment.

Drive(20 Minutes) to Brahmpuri. Arrive and walk down to the river. After preparation and safety briefing enboat to raft down till Muni ki Reti. We hit Initiation, Double Trouble , Hilton and terminator rapids. One can try body surfing & cliff jump on this section. In the later part we float past Suspension bridges, ashrams and temples. Certainly the best angle to see Rishikesh the town of Gods ,Ghats & the Ganges. Trip terminates upon arrival at Muni Ki Reti.

We are a team of 25 young professionals including experienced trekking and river guides, cooks and other camp staff, our own Guest House at Tapovan, Rishikesh, River/ beach camp at Brahmpuri, Nature camp at Shivpuri, with “A” Class trekking and rafting equipment, and fleet of brand new vehicles etc.

Fairs and festivals in Uttarakhand

Fairs and festivals have constantly been an essential part of the life of Indians and people of Uttarakhand are no different. The state of Uttaranchal has several fairs and temples, intrinsic to the culture of the hills. These fairs are considered very auspicious and form important trading centers for the people from different sectors of crafts to sell their works and animals, especially hill ponies. Many folk songs and dances are alive today because of these fairs doubling up as social gatherings.

There are many fairs in Uttarakhand like Ardh Kumbh Mela, Nandadevi Fair, Jauljibi & Thal Fair, Uttarayani Fair, Hatkalika Fair, Khataltua Fair, Somnath Fair and Devidhura Fair. The Somnath fair in Almora is one of the best fairs that happen in Uttaranchal which is held on the auspicious Vishuwat Sankranti day in November / December. Somnath is another name for Lord Shiva so it is a big day for his devotees. The venue for the fair is the Shiva Temple at Masi.

The Devidhura fair on the other hand is held on the day of Raksha Bandhan at the Varahi Devi temple at Devidhura. Almora, Pithoragarh and Nainital form a common point of Devidhura. A strange ritual of this fair is that two groups of people throw stones at each other and defending themselves with roofs as shields. There are many other things that one will be surprised to know about so read on to find more about the fairs of Uttarakhand.

Bikhauti Fair
Uttarakhand have vivacious people celebrating life on any given occasion. Any fair or festival is a part of these celebrations surrounding the lives of ordinary people. Bikhauti Fair is celebrated on the day of Vishuwat Sankranti day commemorating an ancient victory.

Haatkalika Fair
The Haatkalika fair is held in Gangolihat, a small town in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand. The fair is organized in honor of Goddess Haatkalika, a divine embodiment of Maa Kali.

Jageshwar Fair
Imagine a single fair for a cluster of almost two hundered temples. Think of a crowd of thousands of people amidst these ancient places of worship with a legend older than the temple building.

Jauljibi & Thal
Fairs and festivals are an important part of lives of the people of Uttaranchal. The fairs are a place to socialize and meet people and do business. Jauljibi and Thal are such popular fairs celebrated in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

Haridwar Kumbh
Ardh Kumbh Mela is held every six years at the banks of the holy Ganges River in Haridwar. Millions of people gather to be part of a religious fervor and inspite of the rush still manage to have a good time.

Nanda Devi Fair
Fairs in Uttarakhand serve as a meeting point for mingling with people from other parts of the state, trade items of local produce and of course celebrate something of religious importance.

Purnagiri Fair
Purnagiri is located on the top of a hill and is 20 kms from Tanakpur. Purnagiri It is located on the right bank of the river kali. Also known as Punyagiri (meaning the mountain of good deeds), the Purnagiri temple is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year.

Uttarayani Fair
The people of the state of Uttarakhand celebrate a number of fairs and festivals. The Uttarayani Fair is a perfect example of the highly sacred sentiments of the local residents. Of all the places, the Bageshwar temple fair attracts the largest number of people.

Basant Panchami
A festival not only gives a welcome break but also adds colors to our life. Basant Panchami is the festival celebrating spring season which comes accompanied by a huge variety of flowers presenting a riot of colors to the environment.

Bhaitauli & Harela
The people of Uttarakhand have great enthusiasm for their festivals. Harela is curiously a Kumauni festival celebrated to mark the beginning of the rainy season or the monsoon. The celebration falls on the first day of Shrawan

Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dusshera is celebrated in Uttarakhand with lot of enthusiasm. This festival starts on the tenth day of Jaishtha (May-June) according to the Hindu calendar. It begins on the Amavasya night (dark moon night) and continues till Dashami tithi or the tenth phase of the moon.

Makar Sankranti
Sankranti or Sankrant is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘to move’ and usually symbolizes a harvest festival not only in India but in many South-East Asian countries as well. Makar Sankranti is one of the major festivals of the Indian subcontinent.

Phool Dei
The land of Uttarakhand is known for numerous fairs and festivals. All the festivals celebrated here have an immense deal of ceremonial grace and magnificence. Both the festivals of Phool Dei and Olgia/ Ghee Sankranti have a relation with nature

Pilgrimage in Uttranchal

Panch Badri
All as the apt tribute to Lord Vishnu reveres the five Badris. Badrinath is devoted to the worship of Vishnu who, according to an amusing tale, Usurped this place from Shiva. For Vishnu had come here as the gods once did, to offer penance. He loved the place so much that he plotted to unseat Shiva from his meditation here. He took on the form of a beautiful child and began to wail. Shiva's wife, Parvati picked him up but could not calm the child.

Since his wailing continued to disturb Shiva, he shifted to Kedamath in exasperation, leaving the spot free for Vishnu to occupy. But remainders of Shiva's stay continue to linger, most visibly in the name, badri, a kind of berry that Shiva was S most fond of, and the gigantic tree, invisible to the mortal eye, that served Shiva. Considered one of the Chair Dham or four principal places of Hindu worship, Badrinath's four subsidiary badris include Bhavishya Badri, Yogdhyan Badri,Vridht Badri, and Adi Badri.

Panch Kedar
The five Kedar lies in the valleys between the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. The term Kedar itself means a natural rock formation or a glacial moraine. According to legend, Kedarnath, the chief seat of the Panch Kedar, come into being during the period when the five Pandava brothers were asked to seek Shiva's blessings, purging them off sin of fratricide, or killing their cousin brothers in the terrifying bettle of Kurukshetra. Shiva disguised himself as a bull and started to plunge underground when he was spotted by Pandavas. No wonder the natural rock formation that is worshipped here resembles the rump of bull. The other four places where Shiva is worshipped take their appearance from different part of his body - the navel at Madmaheshwar, the arm at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, and the matted hair at Kalpeshwar.

Panch Prayag
Panch Prayag, confluence of most sacred rivers, is considered the epitome of immortal piety. River confluences in India are considered very sacred, especially since rivers themselves are extolled ad goddesses. And outside of Prayag, the great confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at Allahabad, the most revered confluences are in the Garhwal Himalayas. Since the two mighty rivers and tributaries trace their source to these mountains, the points at which they meet are sanctified as major pilgrimage centers. It is here that propitiatory and cleansing ceremonies are performed as part of the tenets of Hindu religion. Five Prayags are Vishnu Prayag, Nand Prayag, Karna Prayag, Rudra Prayag and Deo Prayag.

Gangotri
Panch Prayag, confluence of most sacred rivers, is considered the epitome of immortal piety. River confluences in India are considered very sacred, especially since rivers themselves are extolled ad goddesses. And outside of Prayag, the great confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at Allahabad, the most revered confluences are in the Garhwal Himalayas. Since the two mighty rivers and tributaries trace their source to these mountains, the points at which they meet are sanctified as major pilgrimage centers. It is here that propitiatory and cleansing ceremonies are performed as part of the tenets of Hindu religion. Five Prayags are Vishnu Prayag, Nand Prayag, Karna Prayag, Rudra Prayag and Deo Prayag.

Yamanotri
The shrine of Yamunotri,situated at an elevation of about 3,235 mt is a point of paramount religious importance for Hindus and an essential pilgrimage. Situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri,the road bifurcates froma place called Dharasu,somewhere between Rishikesh- Uttarkashi and goes on to Yamunotri.The shrine can also be visited via mussorie and Barkot.

Uttarakhand Wildlife Tour

Uttarakhand is a wonderful tourist destination. Thousands of people go there every year to rejuvenate themselves amidst the mountains. The mountains in Uttarakhand are home to rare species of plants and animals which are protected by sanctuaries and reserves. The major sanctuaries and reserves of the area are Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, Govind National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Rajaji National Park and Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary.

The most common animals found in Uttarakhand are wild sheep, goat, oxen, antelopes and butterflies but rare and endangered animals such as Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Ghorals and Monal are also found here.

Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand. Established by the British government as a reserve area to protect tigers, today one can observer them in their natural habitat.

The Nanda Devi National Park & Valley of Flowers have been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since the Valley of Flowers resembles Kashmir when in full bloom, it is worth giving a visit.

Rajaji National Park and Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary are very close to Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. Though one cannot cover both of them in a day, one can certainly make Dehradun the base and then explore both the wonderful places, especially for a wildlife aficionado.

Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary
Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary was established in the year 1967 as a small man-made wetland at the convergence point of Rivers Yamuna and Asan in Dehradun. Since it is near to Dhalipur power house, it is also known as Dhalipur Lake.

Govind National Park
Govind National Park, also known as Govind Pashu Vihar, was established to save the increasingly endangered species. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 957.969 sq. kms with a varying altitude of 1,300 m to 6,323 m.

Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park used to be just another Himalayan forest until in 1936 it was demarcated as a reserve area by the British Government. Jim Corbett Park is spread over 520 sq kms and is covered with huge stretches of Savannah type grasslands and Sal forests.

Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park along with the nearby Valley of Flowers was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Nanda Devi National Park is a forest reserve cum national park (established 1982) in the area surrounding the Nanda Devi peak and covers an area of 630.33 sq kms.

Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park was established in 1983 amidst the bio diverse area of the Shivalik Hill range on the Himalayan foothills. The national park’s name has been dedicated to C. Rajagopalachari, fondly known as Raja Ji.

Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers is as full of flowers as of exotic animal species and birds. It is a sight to watch, explore and absorb. The valley is a riot of colors and fragrances so unique and exotic that one needs an entire day just to take in whatever nature is giving us that time.

Tourist Attractions In Agra

Location : 58-km From Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Founded By : Badal Singh
Established In : 1475
Main Attractions : Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort

Taj Mahal is a major tourist attraction in Agra, and is open to all even on full moon nights, so that you can take your beloved by the hand and walk down the gardens as moon and its entourage of stars light your path on your tour to Agra under the Agra Travels by Adventure Tours of India. Besides Taj Mahal, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Agra that will keep your hands full on your tour to Agra.

Built in massive red sandstones on the bank of Yamuna, Agra Fort is another major tourist attraction in Agra. It is popular with tourists as a towering fort as well as for the many palaces and mosques build within its premises by Jahangir and Shah Jahan, after Emperor Akbar began its construction in 1565. Some of the prominent mosques within Agra's Red Fort include the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque). Upgraded as a palace under Shah Jahan's reign, Agra Fort is famous for Jahangir's Palace, Khas Mahal and Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace). Other places to see at this tourist attraction Agra include Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Am, Ladies' Bazaar, Amar Singh Gate and Musamman Burj.

Chini-Ka-Rauza (China Tomb) is another tourist attraction in Agra. A Persian style tomb, it is built of glazed tiles and is dedicated to the memory of Afzal Khan, prime minister in the court of Akbar. Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb, built by empress Nur Jahan (Jahangir's wife) in memory of her father, wazir in the Mughal Emperor's court is another tourist attraction Agra that you can visit on your tour to Agra. Built from 1622 to 1628, the tomb makes use of pietra dura (the delicate marble work) that was later to become the hallmark of Taj Mahal.

Another popular tourist attraction in Agra is the dome-shaped Jama Masjid, located near Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb. Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 in the name of his daughter Jahanara, Jama Masjid is a distinct mosque for its minaret-less courts. Akbar's mausoleum, built of red sandstone and marble, combines the motifs and styles of Hindu, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian architecture. Supervised by Akbar himself, it is a must see on your tour of tourist attractions in Agra.

The Persian styled Mughal Gardens of Ram Bagh, Dayal Bagh and Soami Bagh are other tourist attractions in Agra that you can visit on your tour to Agra. Excursions to nearby tourist attractions such as Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura, Patna Bird Sanctuary and Sur Sarovar are popular diversions on your tour of tourist attractions in Agra.

Taj Mahal: The symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died at a young age of 38 while giving birth to their 14th child. Situated on the bank of Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal represents a fine blend of Mughal, Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture. The most impressive and remarkable features of the Taj Mahal are its four tall minarets (162.5 feet high) at four corners of the structure, the black and white chessboard marble floor and the majestic dome (213 feet high and 58 feet in diameter) in the middle. Taj Mahal is one of the most visited and most photographed monuments in the world.

Agra Fort: The Mughal Emperor Akbar laid the foundation of the Agra Fort in 1565 AD. It took eight years to complete this massive fort at a cost of 3.5 million rupees at that time. After Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan also added some new features to the fort. The fort is known for its magnificent architectural styles reflected in its various features. Some of the main attractions in the fort include the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), the Nagina Masjid and the Palace of Mirrors.

Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah: Built by Noor Jahan - the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir -- in memory of his father, the white marble tomb represents a fine example of Indo-Persian architecture. Enjoying the privilege of being the first marble tomb of the Mughal period, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah must be visited to see its beautiful inlay designs and carvings, which are considered even superior to the Taj Mahal. The tomb is popularly known as the 'Baby Taj'.

Jama Masjid: Built by Jahan Ara Begum -- the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan who was also imprisoned with him -- in 1648, the mosque has a unique shaped dome with no minarets.

Akbar's Mausoleum: The mausoleum of Akbar is located at Sikandra at about 10 Km from Agra. Akbar himself designed and started its construction. The beautiful tomb enjoys a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain motifs.

Fatehpur Sikri: Located at a distance of about 37 Km from Agra, the Red Sandstone town of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar as his capital during 1571 and 1585. The city represents a fine blend of Indo- Mughal architecture. The main attractions Fatehpur Sikri are the Buland Darwaza (54m high) - the largest gateway in the world and the tomb of famous Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti.

Goa Tour Travel Packages

Tour Duration : 06 Nights / 07 Days

Destinations Covered : Mumbai - Goa - Mumbai

Day 01: Mumbai
Arrive in Bombay and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure. Stay overnight at the Hotel in Mumbai.

Day 02: Mumbai
After breakfast in the morning, enjoy a half day morning excursion to Elephanta, a World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 7th century, the cave temples on Elephanta dedicated to Lord Shiva contain some of the most magnificent sculptures in the Deccan region. The most spectacular is the Maheshamurti panel, which depicts Shiva as a creator, protector and destroyer. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of the bustling city of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, built to commemorate the royal visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Stop by the Dhobi Ghat and the Flora Fountain. Drive down Marine Drive, pass Chowpatty Beach and the Parsi 'Towers of Silence'. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day03: Mumbai - Goa: 1hr by air
After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Goa. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stay overnight at the Hotel in Goa.

Day 04: Goa
After breakfast in the morning, explore the lovely beaches of north Goa at Calangute and Anjuna. Play beach volleyball, get a good tan or just loll around. Later, travel further south to unwind on the beaches in Colva, Miramar and Bogmallo. Quieter than the shores of north Goa, these palm-fringed shores promise a calmer time. You have an option of taking a cruise on river Mandovi in the evening. (This is subject to the weather conditions). Stay overnight at the Hotel in Goa.

Day 05: Goa
After breakfast in the morning, enjoy the day at leisure on the beach or catch up with some sightseeing to churches and monuments, reflective of the Portuguese, who ruled the land once upon a time. Stay overnight at the Hotel of Goa.

Day 06: Goa - Mumbai: 1 hr by air
After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Depart Mumbai
After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Cultures Of India

Indian culture is unique and varied. This section on culture of India contains information on various aspects of the great Indian culture. The culture of India is one of the oldest and unique. In India, there is amazing cultural diversity throughout the country. The South, North, and Northeast have their own distinct cultures and almost every state has carved out its own cultural niche. There is hardly any culture in the world that is as varied and unique as India.

India is a vast country, having variety of geographical features and climatic conditions. India is home to some of the most ancient civilizations, including four major world religions, Hinduism , Buddhism , Jainism and Sikhism .A combination of these factors has resulted into an exclusive culture- Indian culture. Indian culture is a composite mixture of varying styles and influences. In the matter of cuisine, for instance, the North and the South are totally different.

Festivals in India are characterized by color, gaiety, enthusiasm, prayers and rituals. In the realm of music, there are varieties of folk, popular, pop, and classical music. The classical tradition of music in India includes the Carnatic and the Hindustani music .

Indian Music
Music is one of the oldest and finest forms of human expression. The Vedas are set to a distinctive melody that has been passed down through the centuries in an unbroken oral tradition. According to a Hindu legend, music is a divine gift to man. Sarasvati, consort of Brahma, is the goddess of music and all five arts.

Paintings in India
Hindu legends and myths mention the making of Poraiture Chitralekha is mentioned as the first woman painter who was an accomplished port raitist. Such paintings were to be found in palaces of Kosala and Magadha. Walls were decorated with co loured murals representing human beings, animals, religious paintings were being made on cloth or wood.

Indian Art and Handicrafts
India's vast cultural diversity has resulted in a treasure trove of handicrafts. The cultural exuberance and composite tradition that make this blend has found full expression in heart-warming creations of master craftspersons. These creators are extraordinary and have inherited and honed ancestral skills to perfection.

Cuisines and Dining Choices
Indians food is a gift of gods and is treated with respect. Based on pragmatic medical precepts evolved over centuries of experimentation and observation, Indian food is aimed at nourishing the body and is pleasing to the mind and eyes. Ingredients of each meals are based on six rasas or flavors-sweet, salty, bitter, astringent, sour and pungent each ingredient believed to have particular physical benefit on application of the right proportionate use.

Museums And Art Galleries
Museums and art galleries are the treasure houses of Indian cultural heritage and display collections of artefact's, scientifically classified transporting visitors on a quick fulfilling journey to ancient times of imperial dynasties to view for themselves the wonder that was India. The British in the 19th century set up a number of institutions to explore and document the wealth of material available in the country.

Indian Dances
The tradition of the performing arts in India has its roots in the Vedas in which ritual manifested itself through music and dance. Dance is perhaps one of the earliest fine arts evolved by mankind and considered as part of the religion as the first dance performed is believed to be the cosmic dance of Shiva at the creation of the universe.

Indian Sculptures
Indus valley civilization "3000 BC and possibly 5000 BC" cites specimen of beads, animals carved on limestone trees and some human figure , a small stone dancing, an exquisitely bronze girl and the bust of a priest with a shawl with a trefoil pattern. Terracotta is the medium for objects used in rituals like the mother goddess figurines as well as as for recreation like toys.

Shopping In India
An inextricable part of the great Indian shopping scene are the local fairs held periodically all over the country, street side bazaars with their pavement stalls, and in dimly lit shops that invariably surround many of the country's ancient monuments. In Mumbai's Chor Bazaar ( Thieves Market), it is literally possible to buy everything from a pin to an elephant and an antique, if one is lucky.

Temples In India
Temple is a place of worship. Hindu temple was center of all community life and towns grew up around temples. The great temples look many years to build and gave employment to thousands of skilled and unskilled workers. Hundreds of others were employed in the service of the deity and perform the daily rituals of the temple, which can be witnessed even today.

India Luxury Tour Travel Packages

Taj Mahal Tour Package With Rajasthan Trip

Duration : 18 Nights / 19 Days
Destination : Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwalior - Agra - Jaipur - Chhatrasagar - Deogarh - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Delhi

Romantic Tour Package Of Rajasthan

Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Destination : Delhi - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Khimsar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi

Royal And Rustic Tour Package Of Rajasthan

Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destination : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai

Rajasthan Heritage Tour Package

Duration : 22 Days / 21 Nights
Destination : Delhi - Neemrana - Samode - Nawalgarh - Bikaner - Jaisalmer -Rohet - Udaipur - Dungarpur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi

Tour Package Of North East India

Duration : 14 Nights 15 Days
Destination : Delhi - Bagdogra - Gangtok - Khandong - Rabongola - Legchip - Pemyangtse - Yuksom - Bakhim - Dzongri - Tuksom - Darjeeling - Bagdogra.

Royal Palaces Tour Package Of Rajasthan

Duration : 20 Nights / 21 Days
Destination : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranthambhore - Kota - Bundi - Chittaurgarh - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi

Royal Rajasthan Tour Package

Duration : 18 Nights / 19 Days
Destination : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Manvaar - Jodhpur - Mount Abu - Udaipur - Pushkar - Samode - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi

East India Tribal Tour Package

Duration : 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destination : Delhi - Bhubaneshwar - Baliguda - Rayadaga - Chatikona - Jeypore Onukudelli - Gupteswar - Taptapani - Puri - Konark

Rural Glory Tour Package Of Rajasthan

Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days
Destination : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Mandore - Udaipur - Chittorgarh -Bundi - Kota - Jaipur - Delhi

Exclusive Holidays Tour Package Of Rajasthan

Duration : 15 Days Tour
Destination : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur Rohetgarh - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri Agra - Delhi

Rajasthan Divine Tour Package

Duration : 23 Nights / 24 Days
Destination : Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Mount Abu - Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - Kota - Sawai Madhopur - Agra - Delhi

Royal And Rustic India Tour Package

Duration : 21 Nights / 22 Days
Places to See : Mumbai - Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwalior - Agra - Jaipur - Luni - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Khimsar - Jodhpur - Narlai - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Ahmedabad - Mumbai

Golden Triangle Tour Package

Tour Duration: 05 Nights / 06 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrival at Delhi, Transfer to hotel in Delhi. Afternoon sightseeing tour of old and new Delhi visiting mughal monuments like the Lal Qila Or Red Fort, Jama Masjid, qutub minar And Humayun Tomb. Evening stay at Delhi Hotel.

Day 02: Delhi
Full day sightseeing of Old & New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar, Salimgarh Fort, Shah Alam Tomb, St. James Church, Sultan Ghari Tomb, William Fraser Bungalow, Amusement Theme Parks In Delhi, Rajghat, Parks And Gardens In Delhi, St. Stephens Church, Telegraph Memorial, Old Fort, Parliament House, Rajghat, Razia Sultan Tomb, National Children Museum, Mirza Ghalib Haveli, Moth-ki-Masjid, Lodi Gardens, Meena Bazaar, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Indira Gandhi National Center, Cathedral Church Of The Redemption. Overnight at the Hotel in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi / Agra
Morning - Half day New Delhi Tour covering. India Gate, Parliament House, President House, Qutub Minar, National Museum, Lotus Temple.
After Noon - Drive to Agra, Visit Agra Fort on arrival check into Hotel Overnight stay at Hotel in Agra.

Day 04: Agra / Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. - The city of victory beautifully preserved. The sandstone mansions of Sikri Are experiments in art and architecture and to a great extent uphold Akbar's ideals and visions. Overnight Stay At Hotel in Jaipur.

Day 05: Jaipur
We would take a tour of the pink city of Rajasthan built in the 1727 a. D. To visit Hawa Mahal Jaipur - palace of winds , City Palace Museum Jaipur, Jaigarh Fort In Jaipur, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal In Jaipur, Govind Devji Temple JAipur and Jantar Mantar Jaipur, a 18th century observatory. Overnight Stay At Hotel of Jaipur.

Day 06: Jaipur/Delhi
Morning drive to Delhi enroute visiting amber fort on a hill ascending the fort on elephant back .