NORTH INDIA

- Delhi

- Haryana

- Himachal Pradesh

- Jammu & Kashmir

- Punjab

- Rajasthan

- Uttar Pradesh

-Delhi

Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India. It is one of India's fastest growing cities. It has sprawled over the West Bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi & New Delhi. Delhi is the second most widely used entry point into the country, being on the route of most major airlines. It is well linked by rail, air and road to all parts of the country. The remains of seven distinctive capital cities - among them Shahjahanabad and Qutub Minar - can be seen. Here, museums, art galleries and cultural centers attract the finest exhibitions.

Delhi blends an historic past and a vibrant present. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas, the august heroes of the epic Mahabharata, originally founded Delhi, then called Indraprastha, around 1200 B.C. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities.

Climate:(deg C)-Summer - Max.41.2, Min.21.4, winter - Max.33.7, Min.6.8., Languages spoken: Hindi, English and Bengali in some parts, Best Season: September to May.

Places of Interest:
Moghul Monuments: Red Fort, Kabuli or Khuni Darwaza, Feroz Shah Kotla, Qutub Minar, Tughlaqabad, Nizamuddin Aulia, Humayun's Tomb, Lodi's Tomb, Safdarjung's Tomb, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar and Red Fort (Son-et-lumiere show). British Monuments: India Gate, The Secretariat Complex, Rashtrapati Bhavan & Mughal Gardens, Parliament House, Teen Murti House and Connaught Place (Son-et-Lumiere show).

Excursions: Badhkal Lake-32 kms, Ballabgarh-36.8 kms, Karnalake-132 kms, Dabchick- 92 kms, Dasna- 40 kms, Dhanaa- 41 kms, Dharudara-70 kms, Hindon- 19 kms, Hodal- 90 kms, Maur Bund- 32 kms, Okhla-11 kms, Sardhana- 24 kms, Sohna-56 kms and Suraj Kund- 18 kms. Other Monuments: The Supreme Court, Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana, Vijay Ghat, Ladakh Buddha Vihar, Bahai’s temple, Vigyan Bhavan, Diplomatic Enclave.

Reach -
By Air: Delhi is well connected with major cities in India.
By Rail: Well connected with all major towns.
By Road: Agra-203 kms, Almora-373 kms, Jaipur- 258 kms, Khajuraho-596 kms, Kullu-502 kms, Mathura-147 kms, Mussourie- 269 kms, Nainital-318 kms, Shimla -343 kms, Shrinagar-376 kms, Udaipur-663 kms.

-Haryana

Chandigarh

Chandigarh was a created to fulfill the need of a permanent capital of Punjab and Haryana, although Shimla was a temporary headquarters in those times. Chandigarh, the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, is the first Indian city to have been designed and planned by a single architect – Le Cobusier. The city, a model of wide roads and spacious residential colonies, is an excellent base for specialized sightseeing. The white domed temple of Goddess Chandi Devi that stands on the slope of a hill, situated in the north-east of Chandigarh, on the edge of the Shivalik hills, is from where the city obtains its name Chandigarh. From here one can travel northwards to the hill resorts of Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie. Chandigarh is not only the most modern city in the country but has been planned to perfection by the world famous French architect le Cobusier.

Altitude: 304.8 to 365.78 meters, Climate:(deg C)-Summer- Max 37, Min 23, Winter- Max 24, Min 5

Rainfall: 111.4 cms, Best Season: October to March.

Places of Interest:
The Secretariat, The Assembly & High Court, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Govt. Museum & Art Gallery & Punjab University Complex, International Doll Museum, National Gallery of Portraits.

Excursions:
Pinjore Gardens- 25 kms, Bhima Devi Temple- 22 kms, Chattbir Zoo- 22 kms, Mansa Mandir / Chandi Mandir- 10 kms, Bhakra Nangal- 116 kms, Ponta Sahib- 135 kms, Naina Devi- 110 kms.

Reach -
By Air: Well connected with Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar and Leh.
By Rail: Well connected with major towns.
By Road: Amritsar- 240 kms, Dehradun- 230 kms, Delhi- 248 kms, Shimla- 117 kms, Kullu- 279 kms, Bhakra- 116 kms, Kasauli- 77 kms and Jammu- 380 kms.

-Himachal Pradesh

Shimla-Dalhousie-Chamba-Dharamshala-Kullu Valley-Kinnaur, Spiti, Lahaul

Himachal Pradesh is totally a mountain state and a delight for the visitors, particularly during the summer season when people flock to this tiny hill station to escape the scorching heat of the plains. It came into being in its present form with the partition of the Punjab into Punjab and Haryana in 1966. High points of Himachal are as follows. The winding roads and high passes link its high mountains and valleys. While the picturesque valleys of Kullu and Kangra are a blend of colors. In marked contrast the stark and barren terrain of Lahaul and Spiti have a stunning lunar and scape like beauty.

Shimla

In the days before independence, Shimla was the most important British hill station, and in the summer season became the summer capital. The British in 1819A.D first discovered Shimla, but it was not until 1822 A.D that the first permanent house was erected and not until many years later that Shimla became the summer capital. The name Shimla is derived from the Himalayan Goddess Shamla a synonym of Kali. Area: 18 sq. km., Altitude: 2,213 meters, Climate: (deg C)--Summer- Max.27, Min.14.5, Winter- Max.16.5, Min.5.2,Clothing: Summer - Light woollens, winter - Heavy woolens, Best Season: April to Mid-July, Mid-September to Mid-November, Languages spoken: Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English.

Places Of Interest: Jakhoo Hill, Glen, Summer Hill, Chadwick Falls, Zoo, Navbahar, Sanket Mochen, Tara Devi Temple, Institute of Advance Studies, Aviary at Old Raj Bhavan, Tibetan Monastery, Dhengu Mata Temple.

Excursions: Naldhera- 23 kms, Tattapani- 43 kms, Wildflower Hall-13 kms, Mashobra- 13 kms, Craignano-16 kms, Fruit Research Station- 08 kms, Kufri- 16 kms, Indira Holiday Home- 18 kms, Chail- 43 kms, Barog- 55 kms, Kasauli– 77 kms, Kiarighat - 23 kms, Solan- 48 kms, Bon Monastery Uohghat- 61 kms, Fagu - 22 kms, Narkanda- 64 kms, Kotgarh- 82 kms.

Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Kullu- 23 kms. By Rail: Nearest railhead is Kalka- 90 kms. By Road: Chandigarh- 117 kms, Kullu- 220 kms, Manali- 260 kms, Delhi- 343 kms, Pathankot- 380 kms, Ambala- 151 kms, Chail- 43 kms, Dehradun- 240 kms etc. Dalhousie Dalhousie is named after the British Governor – General of the 19th century Lord Dalhousie. The town’s height varies between 1525m and 2378m and is surrounded by varied vegetation. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar Mountains are also visible from this enchanting town. Area: 13 sq. km. Altitude: 2036 meters, Climate:Clothing: Summer - Light woollens, Winter - Heavy woolens, Best season:Languages spoken: Pahari, Hindi, English (deg C)-Summer - Max 23.5, Min 15.5, Winter - Max 10, Min 1, April to November, Places Of Interest: Panjpulla, Subhash Baoli & Jandri Ghat, The Round, Dainkund, Khajjiar, Kalatop Wild Life Sanctuary. Excursions: Kugti Wild Life Sanctuary- 35 kms, Tundah Wild Life Sanctuary- 45 kms. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Amritsar- 118 kms & Jammu- 188 kms. By Rail: Nearest railhead is Pathankot- 80 kms. By Road: Amritsar- 188 kms, Jalandhar- 192 kms, Pathankot- 80 kms, Chamba- 56 kms, Manali- 402 kms, Delhi- 563 kms, Chandigarh- 352 kms, Dharamshala- 143 kms, Khajjiar- 27 kms, Jammu-188 kms. Chamba Chamba, the land of antiquity, art and scenic beauty, is a wonder in itself for every visitor. Situated at the height of 996 m. above sea level on the south bank of the Ravi River, the ancient Pahari capital was founded in 920 A.D. by Raja Sahil Verma, who named it after his favourite daughter Champavati. Chamba valley is noted for the magnificence of it's scenery-touching the fringe of the Shivaliks and having three well-defined snowy ranges, the Dauladhar, constituting the outer Himalayas, the Pir Panjal or the mid Himalayas, and the Zanskar range or the inner Himalayas. Area: 2.4 sq. km., Altitude: 926 meters, Climate: (deg C)-Summer- Max. 39, Min. 8, Winter- Max. 10, Min. 1.1, Clothing: Summer- Light woollens, Winter- Heavy woollens, Best Season: April to Mid July and Mid September to December, Languages Spoken: Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English. Places Of Interest: Lakshman Narayan Temple, Chamunda Temple, Katasan Devi Temple, Bhuj Sing Museum, Chaugan. Excursions: Chirmaya Topovan- 10 kms, Dal Lake- 11 kms, Dharamkot- 11 kms, Triund -17 kms, Kareri- 22 kms, Kangra- 18 kms, Jwalamukhi- 56 kms, Nadaun- 10 kms, Chintpurni- 80 kms, Masroor- 40 kms, Trilokpur- 41 kms, Nurpur- 66 kms, Sujanpur Tira- 80 kms, Chamunda Devi Temple- 15 kms, Palampur- 35 kms, Pong Wild life Sanctuary. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Amritsar -200 kms. By Rail: Pathankot -90 kms is connected to major cities in India. By Road: Chandigarh- 239 kms, Delhi- 514 kms, Dalhousie- 143 kms, Jammu-197 kms, Kangra- 18 kms, Kullu- 214 kms, Manali -253 kms, Palampur- 35 kms, Shimla- 322 kms. Dharamshala Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar Mountains, Dharamshala is perched on the high slopes in upper reaches of Kangra Valley. It is charming town with elegant bungalows nestling in thick coniferous forests. Dharamshala is also the home of Dalai Lama, spiritual head of Buddhists. Little Lhasa is an enchanting world where spinning prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags spread the message of peace and universal harmony. Area: 28.81 sq. km., Altitude: Between 1250 meters and 1982 meters, Climate: (deg C)-Summer - Max.33, Min.22, Winter - Max.15, Min. 0, Clothing: Summer - Light woollens, Winter - Heavy woolens, Best Season: April to June and September to November, Languages Spoken: Pahari ,Hindi. Places Of Interest: MC leodganj , Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute, Bhagsunath, St. John's Church , Kunal Pathri, War Memorial. Excursions: Chirmaya Topovan- 10 kms, Dal Lake- 11 kms, Dharamkot- 11 kms, Triund -17 kms, Kareri- 22 kms, Kangra- 18 kms, Jwalamukhi- 56 kms, Nadaun- 10 kms, Chintpurni- 80 kms, Masroor- 40 kms, Trilokpur- 41 kms, Nurpur- 66 kms, Sujanpur Tira- 80 kms, Chamunda Devi Temple- 15 kms, Palampur- 35 kms, Pong Wild life Sanctuary. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Amritsar -200 kms. By Rail: Pathankot -90 kms is connected to major cities in India. By Road: Chandigarh- 239 kms, Delhi- 514 kms, Dalhousie- 143 kms, Jammu-197 kms, Kangra- 18 kms, Kullu- 214 kms, Manali -253 kms, Palampur- 35 kms, Shimla- 322 kms. Kullu Valley Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'. The 'Silver Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high meadows. The Valley of Gods, as the Kullu Valley has come to be known, if perhaps the most delightful region in the Western Himalayas. Situated on the banks of the river Beas, Kullu, the headquarters of the district, serves as a nerve centre of the valley and is the starting place for a number of treks. Area: 6.68 sq. km., Altitude: 1,219 meters, Climate: (deg C)-Summer- Max. 30.8, Min. 18.8, Winter- Max. 16.4, Min. 5.2, Rainfall: 102 cms, Clothing: Summer- Light woollens, Winter- Heavy woolens, Best Season: Mid-March to Mid-November. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Bhuntar -50 kms. By Rail: Nearest railhead is Chandigarh -272 kms. By Road: Ambala -606 kms, Chandigarh -556 kms, Delhi -798 kms, Pathankot -278 kms, Shimla -240 kms, Manali -40 kms, Palampur -164 kms, Rohtang Pass -91 kms, Dharamshala -213 kms, Dalhousie -334 kms, Jogindarnagar -166 kms. Kinnaur, Spiti, Lahaul Lahaul and Spiti are two remote Himalayan valleys of Himachal Pradesh lying on the Indo-Tibet border. Strange, exciting, primitive, these valleys are incomparable in mountain scape, in the rugged beauty of their rocky escapements and the splendor of their snow covered peaks. Kinnaur is one of the most scenic but less known districts of Pradesh Located on the Indo-Tibetan border, it is surrounded by Tibet to the east, Garhwal Himalayas to the south, Spiti valley to the north and Kullu to the west. The Satluj River, which rises on the southern slopes of Kailash Parbat near Mansarovar in Tibet, flows through the Kinnaur valley. Places of Interest & Excursions: At Kinnaur: Bhabha Nagar, Nichar , Sangla Valley, Poari, Recong, Kalpa, Kothi, Ribba, Moorang, Pooh, Nako, Tashigang Gompa, Tilasangh Monastery. At Spiti: As Kullu is the valley of Gods we can say Spiti is the valley of Monasteries. Monasteries like Tabo, Gulling, Dhankar and Kee are located in this valley. Sumdo, Schichiling, Attergu, Kaza, Losar, Kunzam Pass. At Lahaul: Batal, Bara Singri Glacier, Koksar, Gondhla, Tandi, Bara Lacha Pass, Udaipur, Trilokinath Temple, Suraj Tal, Sarchu, Lake Chandra Tal, and some Monasteries viz. Kardang, Shashur, Tayl, Guru Ghantal. Reach - Kinnaur By Air: Nearest airport is Shimla is- 224 kms. By Rail: Nearest railhead is Kalka- 314 kms. By Road: Shimla- 224 kms, Rampur- 108 kms, Pooh- 94 kms, Wangtu- 34 kms, Narkanda- 160 kms, Chakrata- 248 kms, Kufri- 210 kms, Sarahan- 77 kms, Tashigang- 116 kms, Shipki La- 126 kms. Lahaul & Spiti By Air: Kullu and Shimla are the nearest two airports. By Rail: Shimla and Pathankot are nearest railheads. By Road: Kullu-158 kms, Manali-118 kms, Pathankot-436 kms, Jogindarnagar- 284 kms, Rahla-102 kms, Rohtang- 67 kms, Khoksar- 46 kms, Gondhla-18 kms, Udaipur- 48 kms.

-Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir-Vaishno Devi-Leh (Ladakh)-Srinagar-Amarnath Yatra / Trek

Jammu and Kashmir, India’s fascinating northernmost state consists of three regions differing in topography and culture. Jammu was the stronghold of Hindu Dogra kings and abounds with popular temples and secluded forest retreats. Jammu the whole city of is sprinkled with temples, so much so it is often called the city of temples. Kashmir is an emerald valley, cradled in the Himalayas, under crystalline blue skies, and against the backdrop of snow capped mountains. Kashmir’s capital city, Srinagar offers delightful holidays on the lakes with their shikaras and houseboats.

Ladakh is the northern most province of the state, with a highland desert lying between the Karakoram and the Himalayan ranges. It is now organized in to two districts: Leh and Kargil. Hilltop monasteries and a colorful way of life, completely at one with the surroundings, make Ladakh one of the best living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in the world today.

Jammu & Kashmir

Amongst the three regions of Jammu & Kashmir State, Jammu, perhaps, offers the widest diversity of terrain and beauty. The entire region is pocketed with lakes and valleys, some still little explored. The foundation of the settlement of Jammu is attributed to King Jambulochan of the 9th century BC. In 1730 AD, it came under the Dogra rule of Raja Dhruv Deva and Jammu became an important centre for arts and culture, now renowned as the Pahari School. The city also has some picturesque spots, in which Mansar is a beautiful lake fringed by the forest covered hills. Religion plays an important part as the whole cityi is sprinkled with temples.

Area: 20.36 sq. km., Altitude: 305 meters, Climate: (deg C)-Summer Max.39.9, Min.23.4; Winter Max.20.2, Min.4.5,Rainfall: 107 cms (June to September),Clothing: Summer: Light cottons, Winter: Heavy Woollens, Languages Spoken: Dogri, Kashmiri, Hindi, English, Best Season: Throughout the year.

Places Of Interest: Ranbireshwar Temple; Raghunath Temple, Ranbir Canal, Bahu Fort, Bage Bahu, Amar Mahal Palace Museum, Dogra Art Gallery.

Excursions: Akhnoor- 32 kms, Batote-113 kms, Kud-106 kms, Mansar Lake- 80 kms, Purmandal (Chhota Kashi)- 39 kms, Patnitop- 112 kms, Ramban-148 kms, Ramnagar- 102 kms, Sanasar-129 kms, Sudhmahadev- 120 kms, Surinsar Lake- 42 kms, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park- 248 kms.

Reach - By Air: Well connected with Delhi, Leh and Srinagar. By Rail: Nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi. By Road: Amritsar- 243 kms, Chandigarh- 436 kms, Delhi- 586 kms, Katra- 48 kms, Srinagar- 305 kms, Manali- 428 kms. Vaishno Devi The holy cave shrine of Vaishno devi is situated in a beautiful racess of the Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas as in the state of Jammu & Kashmir at an altitude of over 5000 feet. In the cave there are images of three deities viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. For the devotees it is a journey to peace and solace. For nature lovers it is an excursion amidst breathtaking scenic beauty. The shrine can be visited throughout the year, but during the winter season the route is often blocked by snowfall. Places Of Interest: Bhumika Temple, Darshani Darwaza, Ban Ganga Temple, Charan Paduka, Adhkunwari Temple, Kalika Temple, Ram Mandir, Shiva Goompha. Reach - By Air: Jammu- 62 kms is the nearest airport. By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railhead. By Road: Jammu-Katra- 48 kms and Katra-Vaishno Devi-14 kms Route from Katra to Vaishno Devi: Katra - Ban Ganga Ban Ganga - Charan Paduka ,Charan Paduka - Adhkunwari ,Adhkunwari - Bhavan- 8 kms. Leh (Ladakh) A distinctive region in the Jammu & Kashmir state, Ladakh is a vast highland desert lying between the Karakoram and the Himalayan ranges. The region is now organized into two districts: Leh and Kargil. Situated at the apex of a triangular plateau formed by the Indus, at an altitude of 3500meters above sea level is Leh – the biggest oasis of the mountain region and the heart of Ladakh. The city is a great tourist attraction for the foreign tourists especially during the Hemis Festival – the birthday of Guru Padmasambava, founder of the red sect of Buddhism in Ladakh. Ladakh is the abode of rare Kiang & highland Yak. Leh its capital city lies at the Tri junction of the historic silk route from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India. Altitude: 3500 meters, Climate: (deg C)-Summer – Max, Min, winter – Max, min, Best Season: May to November. Places Of Interest: At Leh: Leh Khar Palace, Leh Monastery, Leh Mosque, Tsamo Gompa. At Kargil: Kargil has beautiful Imambaras at Trespone and Sankho representing Turkish architecture. Attached to these Imambaras there are famous Arabic and Persian speaking Muslim divines known as ghas. Excursions: Mulbak Monastary- 190 kms, Lamayura- 125 kms, Alehi Gompa- 135 kms, Likir Gompa- 140 kms, Phiyang Gompa- 20 kms, Spitak Monastary- 8 kms, Snaker Gompa- 3 kms, Shey Palace Monastary- 15 kms, Thiksey Monastary-19 kms, Hemis- 49 kms. Reach - By Air: The nearest airport is Leh. By Rail: Nearest railhead Jammu - 690 kms. By Road: Leh to Srinagar- 434 kms, Kargil- 230 kms. Manali- 497 kms, Keylong- 380 kms. Srinagar Srinagar is at the North of Delhi via Pathankot and Jammu. It is on both the sides of River Jhelum and is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes Jammu. The God has graced this city with such a beauty, which is often compared to Venice. Walk down Sonwar or Residency Road and you will see half – timbered houses and brick churches surrounded by magnolia trees in the garden. Enter a houseboat and you are instantly transported to another world. Area: 103.3 sq. km., Altitude: 1,730 meters, Climate: (deg C)-Summer- Max.29.5, Min.10.6; Winter- Max.7.3, Min.-1.9, Rainfall: 529 mms (Mid June to Mid September), Clothing: Summer- Cottons/Tropical; Winter- Heavy woolens, Best Season: Throughout the year, though winter months are quite cold, Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English. Places Of Interest: Pather Masjid, Shah Hamdan Mosque ,Jamia Masjid, Hari Parbat Fort, Nagin Lake, Hazratbal, Shalimar Bagh, Harwan, Nishat Bagh, Cheshma Shahi, Pari Mahal, Shankracharya Temple, Daal Lake and Shri Pratap Singh Museum at Lal Mandi. Excursions: Pampore-13 kms. (The only place in the world, where saffron is grown), Mattan- 61 kms, Martand- 64 kms, Achabal- 58 kms via Anantnag, Kokernag- 70 kms, Verinag- 80 kms, Daksum- 85 kms, Yusmarg- 40 kms, Acharbal- 51 kms, Kounsernag Lake- 11 kms, Manasbal- 32 kms, Burzahon- 24 kms, Ganderbal- 19 kms, Wular Lake- 60 kms, Charari-Sharif- 30 kms, Dachigam National Park- 21 kms. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Srinagar- 14 kms. By Rail: Nearest railhead Jammu Tawi. By Road: Srinagar-Jammu 293kms, Leh- 434 kms, Kargil- 204 kms, Gulmarg- 52 kms, Pahalgam- 96 kms, Delhi- 876 kms, Chandigarh- 630 kms. Amarnath Yatra / Trek What is there in Amarnath Cave? It's a Shiva linga. Shiva is one of the holy Trinity of the Indian mythology. And linga? Well, that is the phallic symbol of Shiva. Shiva lingas are a common sight everywhere and worshipped in every nook and corner of India. Then what is so special about the one in Amarnath? Here it is a natural formation of snow seen only during July-August every year. And it waxes and wanes with the moon. There is not just one. There are two more ice stalagmite, close to the main one. These represent Parvati, Shiva's consort, and their son, Ganesha. Altitude: 3880-4218 meters, Best Season: Mid-June to Mid-October, Grade: Moderate. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Jammu. By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railhead.