Chandigarh

Chandigarh: A planned city with lots of gardens
Chandigarh is the first planned city of independent India, which was designed by the famous French architect Le Corbusier. Right from the roads to the skyscrapers, everything is nicely planned in this beautiful city, which is also the capital of prosperous north Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. Every year a large number of people from different parts of India, and the world come to visit this picturesque city, and enjoys its pleasant weather, modern lifestyle, and beautiful sightseeing.

The top experiences of Chandigarh are Nek Chand Rock Garden, Capitol Complex, Government Museum & Art Gallery, Sukhna Lake, Le Corbusier Centre, High Court, Chandigarh Architecture Museum, Natural History Museum, High Court Museum, Bhima Devi Museum, Secretariat, Open Hand Sculpture, Vidhan Sabha, National Gallery of Portraits, Pinjore Gardens, Bougainvillea Garden, Rose Garden, Garden of Fragrance, Terraced Garden

Important information about Chandigarh
The city is located on the slopes of Shivalyks, the mountain range of the Himalayas. Its weather mostly remains pleasant throughout the year. Some important information about this city are as follows:
• The city is 114 sq.km in area, and it is 304-365 meters above sea level.
• Chandigarh International Airport is the main airport of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
• In winter, maximum temperature remains 16 degree centigrade and in summer it may rise up to 40 degree centigrade. The city gets an annual rainfall of 1110mm on an average.

Chandigarh offers pleasant weather, modern lifestyle, and beautiful sightseeing

Transport in Chandigarh
Chandigarh is well-connected with the rest of the country through rail, road, and air:

Air: Chandigarh International Airport is connecting important Indian cities, like Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Srinagar, etc. through very upgraded air services provided by several airlines. Presently, some international flights are also connecting Chandigarh to Sharjah, and Dubai.

Road: Three national highways, viz. NH5, NH7, and NH152 are passing through this beautiful city. The internal road transport system of Chandigarh is also very strong. This city has the highest number of vehicles per capita in India. The state is connected with other parts of country like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi through public road transport system.

Rail: Chandigarh junction is an important railway station in north India. Regular trains are plying from this Chandigarh to Kolkata, Dibrugarh, Vishakhapatnam, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore, Kollam, Jaipur, Lucknow, Amritsar, Bhopal, Indore, and many other important places in India.

Famous destinations in Chandigarh
Some very attractive and famous sightseeing in this city includes the following locations:
• Sukhna Lake – This artificially created, rain-fed lake is located in Sector 1 area in Chandigarh. Its serene atmosphere is absolutely relaxing, and charming. It is also the most popular destination to observe many festivals unique to Punjab and Haryana.
• Rock Garden – Adjacent to Sukhna Lake is Chandigarh’s most famous sightseeing, Rock Garden. Its various sculptures, and interlinked causeways directed towards the waterfall of Sukhna lake are really attractive.
• Rose Garden – It is the largest botanical garden in Asia, where over 800 varieties of roses, and 33000 varieties of herbs and shrubs could be found.
• Leisure Valley – This 8Km stretched combination of various theme gardens in Chandigarh is starting from Sector 1 and ending at Sector 10.
• Capital Complex – It is located at the heart of the city. One can find the “Open hand sculpture”, a creation of Le Corbusier himself. The High court museum, and secretariat are just near to this place.

Besides, numerous other beautiful places like International doll’s museum, Terrace garden, Cactus garden, Art gallery, Government museum, and Natural history museum, etc. are visit-worthy places in this beautiful city in India.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashis Roy

Bangalore

India, Karnataka / By Ashis Roy

Bangalore: The garden city of India
Multicultural and multiethnic city Bangalore or Bengaluru is one of the most progressive and advanced cities in India, it is also the capital city of India’s one of the most developed state Karnataka. Bangalore is called the garden city of India, as innumerable beautiful garden spaces are scattered all over the city. Being the country’s topmost software, and IT hub, Bangalore is also popularly known as the “Silicon Valley” of India. Its pleasant weather, modern lifestyle, unique South Indian culture, top-graded hotels, and various popular sightseeing attract thousands of visitors every year.

Bangalore or Bengaluru is India topmost software and IT hub

Weather in Bangalore
The city possesses a pleasant weather throughout the year. Temperature remains within 25-32 degree centigrade in summer, but sometimes it rises up to 38 degree centigrade in May or June. In winter temperature, doesn’t lowers below 14 degree centigrade. The city receives pretty good rainfall during the monsoon season in India. In winter, it generally remains dry.

Bangalore (Bengaluru) is also popularly known as the “Silicon Valley” of India

General information about Bangalore
Here is some important information about Bangalore:
• It is the third largest city of India, and capital city of south Indian state Karnataka.
• It covers an area of about 740 Sq. Km.
• It is the 5th most populous city of India with a population of about 9 million.
• It is connected with the other parts of the country, as also with the world through Kempegowrah International Airport.
• According to Forbes, Bangalore is the fastest growing city of the country.
• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is established in Bangalore.
• It is the most important IT hub of India. It is the Indian head quarter of Google, Microsoft, Oracle, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and many more.

Transport in Bangalore
This city is well-connected with the other cities of India, and the world through air, rail, and road. Transport within the city and its suburban areas are also too strong and smooth. The airport is just 40Km away from the city center area, and several airlines are providing domestic, and international air services to and from Bangalore. It is the divisional HQ of Southwestern railway in India. As such, numerous trains are connecting this city with New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, etc.

The city is also having good communication with the other states and cities through several roads. NH 44 is passing though Bangalore that is crossing 6 major Indian states, and several cities, like Varanasi, Hyderabad, and Nagpur. Also, NH 48, NH 275, and SH 87 are passing through Bangalore connecting the other parts of the country.

Places to visit
Here are some popular places to visit while in Bangalore:
• National Gallery of Modern Art
• Lalbagh Botanical Garden
• Iskon Temple
• Tipu Sultan’s Palace
• Jamia Mosque
• Government Museum
• Bangalore Palace
• Bangalore Fort
• Bull Temple
• St. Mark’s cathedral
• Janapada Loka Folk Art Museum
• Venkatappa Art Gallery

Festivals in Bangalore
Several Hindu festivals are popular here including, Ugadi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Ram Navami. Besides, Karnataka State festival, St. Mary’s feast and Eid-ul-Fitr are celebrated here with great joy and enthusiasm.

Best time to visit Bangalore
Though tourists visit this city throughout the year, tourists at large prefer to visit the city during the winter season, as the weather becomes too cozy during winter. The number of tourists lowers significantly during April to June due to high temperature and dry weather.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashis Roy

Kolkata

India, West Bengal / By Ashis Roy

Kolkata: the cultural capital of India
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of West Bengal, an Indian state sharing its border with Bangladesh. Kolkata is a great place to visit, famous for its history, monuments, and culture. This city is also known as the cultural capital of West Bengal, due to its rich heritage of art, music, and literature.

Important information about Kolkata
Kolkata is the second largest city in India, and an extremely populated place, having a perfect confluence of multicultural people.

Some important information about Kolkata are as follows:
• It is situated on the bank of Hooghly river, a part of the Ganges.
• It was a British colony from the early British rule in India. A large part of Indian freedom movement had flourished in Kolkata.
• It was the birthplace of many Indian great personalities, like Raja Rammohun Roy, Swami Vivekananda, Subhash Ch. Bose, and Rabindra Nath Tagore.
• It is well-connected with the other parts of the country, and world through airways, railways, and roads.

Ways to Kolkata
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is connected with all major Indian cities, and other countries of the world. The city is also connected with other parts of the country through scores of trains that connects the city with New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Jammu, Amritsar, etc. and also through bus routes.

Weather in Kolkata
Kolkata has a tropical wet, and dry climate. In summer, the place becomes pretty hot, when whether sometimes touch 40-42 degrees centigrade. In winter, the weather becomes very pleasant, when the temperature varies from 10-23 degrees centigrade. Kolkata gets monsoon rainfall from June to September every year. It receives an average of 1550mm rainfall every year.

Places to visit in Kolkata
Tourists would like to visit innumerable places in Kolkata, but the most popular places of this city are as follows:
• Victoria Memorial Hall – Commissioned by Lord Curzon, the then viceroy of India, this large architectural wonder was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s demise in 1901.
• Fort William – It was constructed in 1780 during the tenure of viceroy Robert Clive to protect the British power from Mughal attacks. It is one of the most popular destinations in Kolkata.
• Indian Museum – It is the biggest and the oldest museum in India. The building itself is a monument with 200-year-old history.
• National Library – This is the largest government supported library in India. Many rare manuscripts and books of Indian writers are preserved here. The building is also a grandeur that worth visiting.
• Tagore’s house – Visit to Kolkata is never complete without visiting the Tagore’s house. This world-famous bard had spent a major part of his life in Kolkata.

Besides, innumerable locations in and around Kolkata are worth visiting, like Dakhineshwar, Howrah Bridge, Marble Palace, Birla Planetarium, Nicco Park, Saheed Minar, Swami Vivekananda’s house, College Street, Kalighat, etc.

Best time to visit Kolkata
October to March is the best time to visit this city; however, tourists come here throughout the year in leaps and bounds. Tourists who can’t tolerate scorching summer should avoid visiting the city within April to June.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashis Roy

Mumbai

India, Maharashtra / By Ashis Roy

Mumbai: A glimpse into India’s melting pot
Mumbai is one of the biggest, and popular cities in India. It is the capital of Maharashtra, and also known as the “financial capital” of India. Apart from that, Mumbai is mostly recognized for its entertainment industry called “Bollywood”. People from different parts of India comes here for earning their livelihood. As such, today’s Mumbai is a genuine glimpse of the whole India, because of its multicultural, and multi-religious population. Mumbai is also a great destination of tourists all over the world.

Important information about Mumbai
Mumbai was previously known as Bombay. It is located in the west coast of the country on the bank of Arabian sea. Greater Mumbai actually consists of seven different islands: Isle of Bombay, Mazagaon, Colaba, Parel, Worli, Old Woman’s Island, and Salsette Island.

Some important information about Mumbai are as follows:
• It covers almost 603 sq.km
• Its temperature always stays within 25-32 degree centigrade throughout the year.
• It is one of the most populated city in the world, having nearly 22million population.
• It is very well-communicated with the other parts of India, as also rest of the world. Its communication with several Arab countries, and East Asia is very strong.

Coming to Mumbai
Mumbai is well-communicated with all major and minor cities in India, and many other cities of the world through airways, railways, and roads:
• Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport connects Mumbai with all other major cities of the world; it is also the biggest airport in India, located in the suburbs of Santa Cruz in Mumbai. Cities like London, New York, Hong Kong, Paris, Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Munich, etc. are connected with Mumbai through airways.
• Mumbai’s railway communication is divided into three halves: metro railways, local railways, and national railways. It is well communicated with Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and many other cities directly through railways.
• Roadways in Mumbai is one of the best land transport systems in India. The roads here communicate western India, with all other major cities in India, including Delhi, and Kolkata. Mumbai is a major part of NH6, NH46, and NH65.

Major destinations in Mumbai
Mumbai is a prime tourist destination in India. It is a historic place, as also a city with many ultramodern architectural creations, and a perfect confluence of traditional and modern arts, and cultures. This is the location of 20 of India’s most beautiful monuments. Some major destinations in Mumbai, which are must-visit for every tourist are as follows:
• Gateway of India
• Marine Drive
• Elephanta Caves
• Haji Ali Dargah
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Babulnath Temple
• Mahalakshmi Temple
• Rajabai Clock tower
• Jehangir Art Gallery
• Shivaji Park
• Horniman Circle Gardens
• Marve Beach
• Aksa Beach
• Worli Fort

Besides, numerous other famous, and visit-worthy places are scattered all over the city and its suburban areas.

Foods in Mumbai
Tourists can enjoy all sorts of foods, and delicacies in this truly international destination. However, for experiencing a true test of Mumbai or Maharashtra, one must try the street foods that are available everywhere in the city, especially on the beaches, as also in all famous restaurants. Foods like Bada Pao, Pav bhaji, Bheja Fry, Bhatata Vada, Bhel Puri, etc. are unforgettable pure Mumbai dishes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashis Roy

Jammu and Kashmir

India / By Ashis Roy

Jammu and Kashmir: The paradise of the world
Jammu and Kashmir, often abbreviated as J&K, is the northern- most state of India positioned on the lap of the Himalayas. This state of India has been gifted with nature’s most beautiful elements, and eternal tranquility that couldn’t be viewable anywhere in the earth. Over the centuries, J&K has remained one of the greatest attractions of international tourists for different reasons. It is a perfect romantic location for the couples, it is a destination for the travelers who seek adventure, it is a great attraction for the Hindus, and it is place having age-old culture, and down-to-earth people. As a whole, it is a must-visit for every tourist at least once in a lifetime.

Seasons in J&K
This beautiful state of India has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Spring is the most beautiful season in this state, and during this period the valley literally looks like a heaven. Spring extends from March to May, when temperature varies from 6-25 degrees centigrade. In this season, Srinagar experiences brief rains, which makes the place more beautiful.

During autumn, which ranges from September to November, the valley looks absolutely fabulous. The temperature during his period ranges from 10-23 degree centigrade.

Rainfall is quite common in this state with an annual rainfall averages around 1400mm in Kashmir, and 2000mm in Jammu.

General information about J&K
Some important information about this state are as follows:
• From October to March, the capital of this state is Jammu, and from March to October the capital is transferred to Srinagar.
• The STD code of Jammu is 0191, and that of Srinagar is 0194.
• Three important airports for common people are Shaikh Ul Alam Airport in Srinagar, Leh Airport in Leh, and Jammu Airport in Jammu.
• The most famous tourist destinations in this state are Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Katra

How to reach Jammu?
Jammu is almost 580Kms from New Delhi, 436Kms from Chandigarh, and 240Kms from Amritsar.

Domestic flights from Delhi, and Srinagar are available up to Jammu Airport on a regular basis. So, it is very easy to reach in this state through the air.

Jammu Tawi is the most important railway station of this state, which is connected with the test of the country, including Delhi, Kolkata, and several South Indian states. Jammu is also connected with all the major locations in North India through roads. Daily bus services are available from New Delhi, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ambala, Ludhiana, and many other destinations.

Foods of J&K
This part of the country has its own special and distinctive cuisines. Again, different parts of the stave have some distinctive characteristics too. Rice, wheat, millet, vegetables, fruits, goat meat, yak milk, etc. is their main foods. Pure Kashmiri foods are characterized by their exotic tastes, and smells that are completely unique in Kashmir.

Best time to visit J&K
Normally, Jammu and Kashmir can be visited at any time. However, winter, and spring are the busiest seasons for the hotels, and resorts here, because during these seasons the natural beauty of the Kashmir valley reaches a different height. It snows throughout the winter months, and Gulmarg becomes a popular destination in winter. However, travelling to the upper reaches of Leh, and Ladakh is suitable and enjoyable during the summer season.

Best activities in J&K
This is a land of snow-covered mountains, splendid flowers, cherries, apples, shikaras, and many more. Hence, sightseeing takes the major part of the itinerary of a tourist in J&K. People also come here for religious tour at Vaishno Devi in Amarnath, and plenty of outdoor sports activities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashis Roy

Amritsar

India, Punjab / By Kanika Behl

The city of Amritsar in Punjab, India, is that the center of the Sikh faith. Individuals from all over the country have come here to travel the Golden Temple and luxuriate within the cultural & historical potpourri city should offer. This lovely city is found inside the northwestern a section of Asian nation, inside the Indian state of the geographic area, merely twenty-five metric long measure off from the Indo-Pakistan Border. The city has contacted a section of 5094 sqm metric linear measure, at an associate altitude of 218 m on high of the standard water level and incorporates a semi-arid climate. It includes extreme hot and dry summers (April-June), cold winters (November-March) and moderate monsoon (July- September), with a mean annual precipitation of 542 metric linear unit. The simplest time to go to this town is throughout the month of October to March. Being a significant industrial, cultural, transportation and nonsecular center of Asian nation, Amritsar is visited by thousands of holiday makers daily, together with pilgrims (domestic & foreigners) and businessmen.

The city is famous for its heart, the spectacular Golden Temple

Golden Temple | Shri Harmandir Sahib | Amritsar | Punjab

Sarovar Bath | Gurudwara | Amritsar | Punjab

Vaisakhi | Indian Festival | Amritsar | Punjab

Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, etc are the must visit places in Amritsar

Some Basic information for the tourists are as follows:
• Its capital city is Chandigarh
• The STD code of Amritsar is 0183
• Its Airport is: – Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
• Currency: – Rupees

History of Amritsar
Amritsar is the seat of religious belief, a monotheistic faith that was based on the fifteenth century by Guru Nanak Dev. Amritsar is additionally home to the Sri Harmandir European (also referred to as The Golden Temple), the foremost consecrated shrine of the Sikhs everywhere the globe. Traditionally, the town of Amritsar is believed to own been purchased by the Sikh Guru Ram Das around 1570 AD from the villagers of Aleurites fordii for associate degree quantity of 700 federal agency to arrange a settlement yet as dig a tank.

Origin its name from the Amrit Sarovar, the pure tank that surrounds The Golden Temple and translating to ‘pool of nectar’ in English, Amritsar might be a thriving example of history, gastronomy, and verve.

How to reach Amritsar
Home to the notable Golden Temple, Amritsar has been attracting guests from all across the world as a result of its legendary landmarks. the town is definitely approachable through all modes of transportation. Amritsar airport, popularly referred to as Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, is found at a distance of regarding ten metric linear unit far from the town center. Those traveling by train will book their tickets up to Amritsar depot, that is well coupled with major Indian cities. One can even reach Amritsar by road from near cities by taking roadways and state operated buses, that area unit very comfy and straightforward in the pocket.

Festivals in Amritsar
Various famous festivals take place in Amritsar throughout the year. Those festivals are: –
• Baisakhi
• Guru Parb
• Lohri
• Ram Tirath Fair etc.

Amritsar is populous by joyous those that prefer to get pleasure from each moment of their life. In reality, the whole region of the geographic area is filled with such those that celebrate each single occasion with equal fanfare and zeal.

Foods in Amritsar
Food is a part of the Punjabi culture and plenty of them area unit inherent components of various festivals. Foods like:-
• A Glass of Fresh Lassi in the Morning Puri Chana for Breakfast
• True Ghee Experience at Kesar da Dhaba
• Langar at Golden Temple
• Gurdas Ram de Jalebi Wale
• Kaala Khatta at Ramkaran Cool Spot
• A-One Kulfa
• Chungi de Kulche for your afternoon Kulche Lunch

Places to visit in Amritsar
• Golden Temple
• Jallianwala Bagh
• Durgiana Temple
• Central Sikh Museum
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
• Param Pujya Mata Lal Devi Mandir
• Sun City
• Gurudwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib
• Mandir Baba Balak Nath Ji
• Gurudwara Pipli Sahib
• Niwas Asthan Bhai Sahib Dr. Vir Singh Ji
• Company Bagh
• Khairuddin Mosque
• Partition Museum
• Hanuman Mandir
• Solar Clock
• Sri Amritsar City Gateway
• India Gate

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kanika Behl
Currently she is working with the leading IT company of Jaipur. She hails from beautiful city, Bathinda. A prolific blogger, shopaholic, fashionista, story teller, poet. She loves to write technical blogs, interior decor blogs, fashion blogs. She also loves to express her thoughts in the form of stories and poetries. Her works have been featured in various website. So feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I believe that life is too short to make your all the dreams come true so don’t just go on dreaming but start working for your dreams.

Kerala

India / By Ashis Roy

With the great Western Ghats in the east, and the Arabian Sea, and the part of the Indian ocean in the west, Kerala is one of the most beautiful states in India. There are 44 rivers crisscrossing this state, and one could find the longest shoreline with serene beaches only in this lush, naturally tranquil state in India. For all its natural beauty, greenery, and very down-to-earth people, Kerala is truly called “Gods own place”. Kerala is attractive in every aspect. Every year, thousands of tourists come here to enjoy swanky hill stations, awesome wildlife, classy waterfalls, ever-cherishing festivals, and the oldest history of India. Kerala is also one of the major hubs for Ayurvedic health centers, and delicious South Indian cuisines. Kerala has everything that a tourist want to enjoy in a place.

General information about Kerala
Kerala is located in the southwestern coast of India, which is also known as Malabar coast. The state has a coastline of about 590Km, which is the 4th longest coastline in India. The state falls under equatorial tropical region, but the temperature in the hill stations never crosses 20 degree centigrade. Temperature in the other parts of the state varies from 28-32 degrees centigrade. The state gets pretty good rainfall with a yearly average of 3000mm.

Some important information for the tourists are as follows:
• Its capital city is Thiruvananthapuram
• The STD code of Thiruvananthapuram is 0471
• Its three Airports are Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Cochin International Airport, and Calicut International Airport.
• The major cities in Kerala are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kovalam, Kozhikode.

How to reach Kerala?
Kerala is one of the best-connected state in India, with plenty of national and international airlines providing services to all of its three international airports. The state is also well-connected with the other states, and their capital cities through railways, and roadways. Normally, it takes 3.30 hours to 4 hours to reach Thiruvananthapuram from New Delhi, and 2.30 hours to reach from Mumbai through airways.

History of Kerala
The history of this famous state in India is mostly connected with the trade of agricultural produce, especially spices. It has remained one of the major spice exporters in Asia, since 3000BCE. Its spices are so popular that still it is abbreviated as the “garden of spices”. In ancient times, traders from Europe, Arab, and other African countries arrived here in search of spices. These traders, and travelers had lived and roamed around this state in large numbers, and had left their marks in the form of splendid architectures, literatures, artifacts, and cuisines.

Festivals in Kerala
Various famous festivals take place in Kerala throughout the year. In fact, cultural tourism is getting momentum in this southern Indian state, like many other states in India. Some of the famous festivals here are Onam, Thrissur Puram, Makaravilakku, etc.

Foods in Kerala
Food is a part of Keralan culture, and many of them are inherent parts of different festivals. Foods like puttu and kadala curry, appam, erissery, palada payasam, chemmem curry, pazham pori, etc. are some of the best Keralan dishes preferred by international tourists.

Socially, and economically, Kerala is counted among the most advanced states in India, with 100% literacy, top-class health care system, and the highest life expectancy rates. Over the decades, Kerala has been attracting international tourists due to its friendly people, mind-boggling serenity, spices, foods, and culture.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashis Roy