It comprises three historically immortal cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur - traversing three northern states of Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. No visit to the northern part of India will be complete without an encounter with history through the famed Golden Triangle.

01. Delhi - Old & New

The capital of India and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis that presents a vast panorama of fascinating images. The city combines in its folds - ancient with the modern. Amidst the vast spiraling skyscrapers, remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region's ancient legacy. It is a city where forts, tombs and ruins share the skyline with high-rise buildings, stately homes and temples & mosques. For any visitor the wide tree-lined avenues of New Delhi give an impression of a garden city that gives way to the crowded narrow lanes of old Delhi - presenting the contrast in lifestyle, which is the legacy of the city.

Top Sights

Purana Quila

The centuries old Purana Quila or the "Old Fort" was built by Sher Shah, which was the earlier seat of the Mughals. The Light & Sound show here captures the highlights of the historic past of India.

India Gate

A memorial to the soldiers who died in the first World war.

Rashtrapati Bhawan

The official residence of India's President is worth seeing. It serves as the arena for the colorful spectacle of the Republic Day celebrations on 26th Jan every year.

Connaught Place

One of the many business districts it also serves as one of the shopping areas for handicrafts and textiles from different regions of India.

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir

It is a famous architectural landmark built by one of the leading industrial groups from India.

Qutab Minar

Qutbu'd Din built this minaret as a memorial to victory and as an accessory to the adjoining mosque to call the faithful to the prayer.

Bahai Temple

An Ashokan rock-edict was discovered in South Delhi, where the present Bahai temple stands. It is a breathtaking pure white marble structure depicting a lotus in full bloom.

Red Fort

It stands on the west bank of Yamuna River, built as royal residential and official complex by Shah Jahan.

Chandni Chowk

Is the commercial heart of old Delhi with many wholesale markets - especially silver Jewelry and handicrafts.

Jama Masjid

A "Congregational Mosque", constructed on natural elevation by Shah Jahan during 1651-56 - impressive and one of the largest mosques in Asia.

Rajghat

On the banks of the legendary Yamuna River that flows past Delhi is the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, which has become an essential point of call for all visiting dignitaries.

Agra

In terms of ambience the city is still associated with Moghul period. Taj has not only become synonymous with Agra but India as a whole. Majority of the buildings in the modern areas of the town date back over a hundred years. The city has immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewelry.

Worth a visit is Tansen's Baradari, Caravanserai, Naubatkhana, The Karkhanas, The Astrologers seat, The Panch mahal, Place of Jodha Bai, house of Birbal, The Jama Masjid, and Bulund Darwaza. In the courtyard of the Masjid is the famous tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, built in marble with beautiful marble jali screen.

Top Sights

Taj Mahal

A greatest monument to love built by Shah Jahan for his beloved Noor Jehan.

Agra Fort

The imposing citadel of Akbar is made of red sandstone.

Sikandra

It is 12 Kms from Agra, where the mighty Akbar lies interred.

Itmad-ud-Daula

Opposite the Taj, is the mausoleum of Ghiyas Beg, father of Noor Jehan.

Fatehpur Sikri

The founding of the place reads like a fairy tale. When all else had failed, Emperor Akbar came here in search of Sufi mystic, Sheikh Salim Chisti, to ask the blessing of a son. His prayer was heard and soon a son was born who created a history!

Jaipur

The origin of the city dates back to eighteenth century, when Jai Singh II ascended Amber throne in 1699. In 1727 he set about building the palace city. It is called the Pink City due to extensive usage of locally abundant pink stone in forts, places, temples and gardens. All through Jaipur has retained strong Rajputana flavor tempered with prominent Mughal influence.

Top Sights

Hawa Mahal

It is the signature building of Jaipur. A delicate looking, multi-layered Palace with a profusion of windows and stone screens.

Jantar Mantar

It is an open-air observatory of out-sized astronomical instruments raised in the 8th century by an astronomer-king.

Amer Palace

The majestic fort is a landmark you can not miss. The experience of visiting the palace is simply fascinating. You ride up on the elephants to the former capital of the royals, set to the backdrop of wooded hills.

Jaigarh & Nahargarh

These are two fortresses overlooking Amer Palace.

Birla Mandir

A newly built temple is a unique monument with exquisite marble carvings. For best effect must be seen on a moonlit night.

An enchanting piece of land in the south-west of India! It is said the land derived its name from "Keram" - the coconut palm. Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters - forty four rivers cut across the state with many tributaries and branches forming backwaters. It is a verdant paradise with many natural splendors - mountains & valleys, lush paddy fields & lazy lagoons and beautiful beaches & backwaters. Last but not the least it is land of Ayurveda, evolved 600 BC in India and practiced ever since, Kerala is supposed to have an ideal climate for Ayurveda therapy!

• 1. Thiruvananthapuram
  Commonly called as Trivandrum, is the capital city of the state of Kerala. The city is named after "Anantha" - the thousand headed serpent of mythology. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is worth a visit. Here the main idol rests on the reclining Anantha serpent. Entry is restricted to Hindus.
• 2. Sri Chithra Art Gallery
  - in Trivandrum, apart from housing miniature paintings, has a great collection of paintings by one of India's world famous artist - Raja Ravi Varma of Travancore.
• 3. Kovalam
  One of the best beaches in the country is barely 12 Kms from Trivandrum. Kovalam curves a silver crescent around a sheltered bay, and tall palms afford it privacy. You can choose a variety of water sports available here.
• 4. Ponmudi
  It is an hour's drive from Trivandrum and its deep forests have exciting trekking trails and picnic spots.
• 5. Kollam
  One and half hour drive from Trivandrum, this ancient seaport received ships from around the world. There is a beautiful Astamadi Lake and plenty of ancient churches and Hindu shrines. A backwater cruises can be organized from here to Allepy.
• 6. Cochin
  Kerala's commercial capital spreads over several islands - Willingdon, Bolghatty, Ernakulam, Gundu and Vypin. It has a cosmopolitan character with one of finest harbors in the country.
  A visit to the Dutch Palace built by Portuguese is a must. Its interiors are decorated with murals from Ramayana & Mahabharata.
  A Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town built in 16th century decorated with copper plates bearing the Hebrew script.
  Fort Cochin, a typical English suburb, complete with charming bungalows set amidst leafy gardens. There are Chinese fishing nets that line the sea-front for mechanical method of catching fish, introduced by Chinese traders to this coastal town.
• 7. Munnar
  A hill resort, which is three hour ride from Kochi. Tea plantations abound in its salubrious climate. There are two Wildlife sanctuaries, lakes and streams making it a perfect resort to relax.
• 8. Thekkady
  One of the finest game sanctuaries in the country - Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve, is housed here. You can view herds of playful wild Elephants frolicking here in the lake Periyar. Apart from Elephant the sanctuary has leopard, wild dog, wild boar, bison, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque and tiger.
• 9. Alappuzha
  More commonly Allepy, has often been called - the Venice of the East. Built along the Vemband Lake, it is the heart of the backwaters in Kerala. The spectacular "snakeboat racing" events are held here every year during the monsoon months of July and August. It is 64 Kms from Kochi.
• 10. Thrissur & Guruvayoor
  Both the towns are known for temple celebrations. A ten day festival is held every year in February-march in Guruvayoor. North of Thrissur is Cheruthuruthy - home to tradition of Kathakali dance form. Thrissur Kerala Mandalam here has given best Kathakali performers to the country. It also specializes in other dance forms - Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottamthullal.

Rudyard Kipling extolled her as the 'Mother of cities'. The history of Bombay or Mumbai as it is now known is the story of an incredible transformation of 7 low-lying swampy islands to the present modern metropolis British built expressly for trade. Originally inhabited by Koli fisher folk, through the Portuguese conquest became a part of dowry to Princess Catharine Braganza of Portugal when she married Prince Charles II of England. Mumbai was and still is the Gateway to India, commemorated by a monument of that name built to mark the visit of King George and his consort, Mary.

Today, Mumbai is India's premiere commercial and financial city. It is the only city in the world with a reserve forest in the middle of the megapolis. It is a melting pot of various races and cultures as such you will see many churches, temples, mosques, gurudwaras, agyaris & synagogues. It is home to Bollywood - one of the largest movie production centers in the world. Truly a city of dreams and reality, a city that never sleeps & ever on the move!

• 1. Gateway of India
  Built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911, it is a magnificent structure overlooking the Arabian Sea in south Mumbai.
• 2. Prince of Wales Museum
  Is a five minute walk from Gateway of India, designed in the Indo-Saracenic style that combines Gothic and Moorish architectures. It boasts of a significant collection of Indus valley artifacts some of them dating back to more than 5000 years. Most impressive are the miniature paintings - nearly 2000 of them - from various stylistic schools of India.
• 3. Mumbai University
  It is the high seat of learning in the city & an architectural piece. It houses the Rajabai Tower with a huge 100-year old clock, akin to London's Big Ben.
• 4. Mumbai High Court
  One of the heritage buildings of the city over 100 years old where the justice is expedited.
• 5. Marine Drive
  It runs along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea from Nariman point to Malabar hill. Also called Queens Necklace as the breeze from the Sea comes over the street lights in the evening and the sight from the south Bombay skyscrapers is that of a Queens Necklace!
• 6. Chowpatty Beach
  This place comes to life when the sun goes down. Eating "Bhelpuri" and various "chats" from the various food stalls is a ritual here.
• 7. Malabar Hill
  It is one of the posh residential areas from where you get a lovely view of Arabian Sea. Tower of silence - a round construction, where Parsis leave their dead to be eaten by vultures and Kamla Nehru Park is in the vicinity.
• 8. Haji Ali
  A beautiful mausoleum situated at the culmination of a causeway jutting out into the Arabian Sea. It is the tombstone of the famous Muslim saint Haji Ali. It can be reached only at low tide.
• 9. Mani Bhavan
  It was Mahatma Gandhi's temporary residence converted now into a museum housing artifacts concerning Father of the Nation.
• 10. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
  110 sq. Kms of protected area - this is the largest forest reserve in the midst of a sprawling metropolis anywhere in the world, with leopards, peacocks, deer, monkeys, birds and reptiles all sharing space in their natural habitat. The main draw of the park is the lion safari and a toy train for children / adults.
• 11. Kanheri Caves
  These are the glorious examples of rock-cut Buddhist architecture found in ancient caves that are a marvel by themselves.
• 12. Essel World & Fantasy Land
  Huge theme parks having numerous and exciting rides and games. It is highly popular amongst children.
• 13. Elephanta Caves
  Ancient caves situated 9 Kms adrift of Mumbai harbor in the Arabian Sea. Carved from rock face, these caves are a tribute to Maurya Dynasty which ruled here. The caves depict Lord Shiva in various forms and facets.
• 14. Siddhivinayak Temple
  Is a famous temple of Lord Ganesha, where people from all over the state come to worship on Tuesday, when long serpentine queues can be seen from wee hours of morning.
  

Over the last 500 years conquerors, travelers, poets and evangelists have described Goa variously: Goa Dourada (Golden Goa), Perola Do Oriente (Peral of the East), and Roma Do Oriente (Rome of the East)!!!

This is an unrivalled holiday destination, with azure expanse of the Arabian Sea on one hand and leafy foothills of Western Ghats on the other. Beautiful beaches spread over 105 Kms of coastline, historic cities and picturesque villages, wildlife parks and bird sanctuaries and cultural heritage which is a blend of Indian & Portuguese traditions. Last but not the least; warm welcome of the local people & the mouth watering local cuisine completes some of the ingredients that makes a trip to Goa truly relaxing and memorable.

• 1. Beaches, beaches and beaches…..
  Goa's crowning glory is its beautiful beaches all along the coastline. Three most popular beaches in North Goa in the shape of an arc and stretching for 7 kms are Sinquerim (Aguada beach), Calangute & Baga. North of this is Anjuna with a rocky promontory on either side. Further north are Vagator and Chapora beaches which on a day may give you a feel that you own it. Ideal for honeymooners or someone wanting to spend some quiet moments or simply meditate!!
  In the south, beaches extend for a stretch of 25 kms - Velsao, Uttorda, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Fatrade and Cavellosim. Most of the beaches have private homes offered as budget accommodations. Cavellosim has some first class and luxury resorts on it. Bordering Karnataka in the extreme south is Palolem beach considered to be the best with a backdrop of Wesern Ghats and its wooded trails offering trekking trails.
  You can simply choose to laze on a beach or have exciting action through any of the sports - surfing, diving, snorkeling; or parasailing and balloon rides.
• 2. Song & dance sun-set cruise
  At the sun-set Santa Monica yacht over the Mandovi river cruises to the beat and music of an on-board band with colorful dancers in local attires.
• 3. Churches, Chapels & Temples
  In Old Goa, 10 kms from Panjim - the city center is the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus where the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier are kept in a casket.
  Se Cathedral is the most imposing church in Goa - its vaulted interior overwhelms the visitor by its sheer grandeur. The Church of St. Francis of Assissi has its interior illustrated with exquisite paintings. St. Cajetan Church was built in the style of the St. Peters Basilica in Rome. Church of Our Lady of Rosary is one of the earliest built churches in Goa.
  There are more temples in Goa than churches. Among the most revered are - Shri Manguesh Temple at Mangueshi, Mahalsa Narayani Temple at Mardol, and Shanta Durga Temple at Kavlem. In the hills safe from the depredation of the invaders is the sole survivor - Kadamba Temple. Built in black basalt stone is the Mahadeva Temple at Tamdi.

• 4. Wildlife Sanctuaries
  Four wildlife sanctuaries - Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary (60 kms. east of Panaji), the Bondla Sanctuary (55 Kms from Panaji) and the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (60 Kms. south of Panaji). The wet deciduous forests of these preserves have abundant birdlife and are the habitat of animals like the bison, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, chital, pangolin etc.

Tamil Nadu is a part of India where the ancient culture and tradition is still relevant. It is a journey into timeless India, a place steeped in tradition where the landscape of the past - temples & shrines, forts and palaces are at ease with the present! It is here that you get to see temple architecture that is unparalleled in the towering Gateways or commonly referred "Gopurams".

• 1. Chennai
  This 350-year-old city can be called the "Gateway to the South India". Among the places to visit is Fort St. George, where most of the Chennai history was written. Today the fort houses Secretariat and the Legislative assembly. The St. Mary's church within its walls was consecrated in 1680 AD and is believed to be oldest Anglican Church in the east.
  The National Art Gallery contains a splendid collection of Chola bronzes (Chola Dynasty).
  Kapaleeswarar Temple is architecturally magnificent with its massive and intricately carved Gopuram towering into the sky. Parthasarathy Temple is a splendid 8th century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
  Marina beach is also city sea-front and also the fine Elliot's beach.
  The Kalakshetra, founded by late Rukmini Devi Arundale, is a renowned institution that keeps alive the traditions of Bharata Natyam and Carnatic music.
• 2. Mamallapuram
  Commonly referred to as Mahabalipuram is 58 Kms. south of Chennai and the ancient seaport of the Pallava dynasty. Declared the heritage centre by United Nations, the monuments are hewn out of solid rock, though ravaged by sea and wind bear testimony to Dravidian architecture. Shore Temple, one of the oldest in South India, stands on the seashore with its paved forecourts. There are beautiful beaches and fine resorts in this historical place. Dance festival from December to February is highly acclaimed.
• 3. Kanchipuram
  Or the land of thousand temples - is one of the seven sacred cities in India, 71 Kms. from Chennai. The town is dotted with soaring spires of thousand temples. A seat of learning and a centre of culture since early times, Ekambareswarar Temple here is famed for its thousand pillared hall.
• Chidambaram
  Is home to the famous Annamalai University and temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja. 16 Kms. from here is Pichchavaram with serene backwaters and dense mangrove forests.
• 4. Thanjavur
  The home of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and traditional handicrafts, is famous for its Brahadeeswarar Temple. Nagore (85 Kms.) is a renowned pilgrim centre for Muslims and Velanganni (90 Kms.) is sacred for Christians.
• 5. Tiruchirappalli
  Or Trichi is known for its Rock Fort and its temple at a height of over 83 meters. Other temples are Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) and the Shiva Temple at Tiruvanaikkaval and Samayapuram Mariamman Temple.
• Rameswaram
  One of the most sacred towns of India. It is well known for its temple corridor - the longest in India.
• 6. Madurai
  The capital city of Pandyas it is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. It is famous for Meenakshi Temple with Gopuram and rare sculptures. A sound and light show at Thirumalai Naicker Palace is worth seeing. There are several other temples at a distance of 8 to 125 kms - Azhagar Temple, Lord Subramanya Temple, and Palani Temple. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is 146 Kms. across the border in Kerala.
• 7. Coimbatore
  Third largest city in Tamil Nadu is called "Manchester of South India".
• 8. Kanyakumari
  Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin is India's lands end and is unique in being surrounded by three seas - the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, the confluence is called "Thriveni Sangamam" and is a pilgrim centre.
• 9. Ooty
  Udhagamandalam or Ooty is known as the queen of hill stations. Situated in the picturesque Nilgiri range at a height of 2268 meters has a salubrious climate and scenic beauty. It is favorite spot of tourists to escape from oppressive heat of summer.
• 10. Kodaikanal
  It is a beautiful hill station with a star shaped lake which is a famous tourist destination thronged all through the year.

Or Banares as it was known previously, is the ultimate pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Varanasi has predominated Hindu life in every facet for the last three millennia. It derives its name from two streams - the Varuna on the North of the city and the Assi, a small trickle on the south. The city is also called Kashi "The City of light" by Hindus and is one of the Seven Sacred Cities of Hinduism. It is a belief that anyone dying within the area marked by the Panch Kosi Road is transported to heaven. Varanasi is also prominent centre of Sanskrit learning in India. The Sanskrit University here has 15000 rare manuscripts. Tulsidas, the famous Hindi poet wrote Shri Ram Charit Manas here.

• 1. The Temples
  The places of interest are - Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishweshwara, constructed by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. Tulsi Manas Temple and the Bharat Mata Temple with an impressive relief map of India carved in marble. Annapurna Temple & Sankatmochan Temple is other attractions.
  The most fascinating aspect of Varanasi is the life at dawn. The ghats and temples on the riverfront are filled with pilgrims paying homage to Sun God and holy Ganga.
  Religious excursions are conducted to Sarnath (8 Kms), Vindhyachal (90Kms), Chunar (40 Kms), Allahabad (128 Kms), Jaunpur (58 Kms) and Ayodhya (209 Kms).
• 2. Khajuraho
  It lies in the state of Madhya Pradesh and the capital of Chandela Kings; Khajuraho is famous for its magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three groups - Western Group, Eastern Group and Southern Group.