Archive for May, 2012

Bangalore

Located 949m above sea level in South India on the Deccan Plateau, Bangalore enjoys a salubrious climate throughout the year. The city has spacious gardens, parks, tree-lined avenues, and a profusion of flowering trees, lakes and parks, earning it the sobriquet of “Garden City.”

 

The once-sedate cantonment settlement of the British has now spread way beyond the mud fort and the four towers constructed by Kempegowda in 1537. With its booming economy and racy lifestyle, the capital of Karnataka has metamorphosed from a sleepy Garden City into one of India’s fastest growing, accommodating, technophiliac, and cosmopolitan cities. Bangalore is a city of contrasts, going by several other aliases: India’s Silicon Valley, Pub City, Shopper’s Paradise, Garden City, Air-conditioned City, Gourmet’s Delight, Pub Hopper’s Paradise and Shopper’s Hot Spot. The city not only plays host to several international IT companies, public sector enterprises, defence organizations, and reputed educational and research institutions, but also lays claim to be the hub of India’s emerging biotech industry.

 

Bangalore has lots to offer – a rich cultural heritage, historic monuments, cultural centers, traditional arts and crafts stores, exotic cuisine, and friendly people. Amusement parks, country clubs, resorts, golf courses, cyber cafes, pubs, discos, bowling alleys, billiard halls, pool parlors, bustling shopping malls, high-rise apartments and sophisticated hotels together form the new face of Bangalore. Infotainment, entertainment, science and technology parks and wildlife safari parks all merge into a vibrant, richly textured modern metropolis. Today, from a pensioner’s paradise, it has transformed into one of the hottest destination for young people chasing their dreams in IT, BPO, Biotechnology or knowledge management. The major attractions in Bangalore are Vidhan Soudha, TipuÆs Palace, Bangalore Palace, Lalbagh Garden, Bull Temple, Ulsoor Lake etc. Surrounded by weekend getaways, Bangalore makes an ideal hub for visitors who want to travel to hill stations and coastal towns of South India.

Udaipur

Udaipur also known as the City of Lakes, is a city, a Municipal Council and the administrative headquarter of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India. It is located 403 kilometres (250 mi) southwest of the state capital, Jaipur, 248 kilometres (154 mi) west of Kota, and 250 kilometres (155 mi) northeast from Ahmedabad. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in Rajputana Agency. Apart from its history, culture, and scenic locations, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. It is often called the “Venice of the East” and is nicknamed as the “Lake City. Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered asá some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

 

Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the final capital of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom, located southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River, the first capital of the Mewar kingdom. The rajvansh of Udaipur is the oldest running dynasty of the world. Even the Nepal kingdom and Jammu kingdom have originated from Udaipur. Udaipur is a popular tourist destination in India. The lakes, palaces and lively workspace and culture attract foreign and domestic visitors. It is also a favourite marriage destination. Many celebrities, including film stars, business families, and politicians chose Udaipur to hold marriage ceremonies and parties. The major attractions of Udaipur are the City Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Monsoon Palace, Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Magri, Shilpgram, Udaipur Solar Observatory etc

Mihirgarh

In the vibrant state of Rajasthan, 55 kms south west of Jodhpur City, there exists a sand dune called Mali Nathji ka Dhoraö, dedicated to the Warrior God. Mihir Garh,á perched dramatically upon this mound, is enriched in history and mythology and beautified by nature. Mihirgarh is easily accessible by air, as it is situated 40 km from the nearest airport at Jodhpur, a 45-minute drive through scenic countryside. It lies on the main highway from Jodhpur to Udaipur and on the way to the famous marble temples at Ranakpur. Jodhpur can also be easily reached by rail (55 kms) . Built in 2009 A.D., Mihirgarh or the Sun’s fortress is an experience in itself that stands majestically to embrace the travellers and showers upon them the legendary hospitality and diverse flavors of Marwar. The Desert region of Rajasthan. It is a Mud Fort themed boutique hotel of nine Luxury Suites (each suite with 1700 sq ft of private space) with numerous courtyards, a swimming pool and spa. The major attractions at Mihirgarh are the Rohet Safaris, Village Safaris, Royal Picnics, Bird watching, culinary workshops, The Marwari House and celebration of Gangaur festival.

Jodhpur

Raas, with view of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Jodhpur ûthe bustling desert city is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan after Jaipur. It is located 335 kilometres west from the state capital, Jaipur and 200 kilometers from the city of Ajmer. It was founded by Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore Clan in 1459 AD. In the reign of Maharaja Umed Singh Jodhpur grew into a modern city. The quintessence of Jodhpur was its velour and equestrian skill. Polo has been the traditional sport of the Jodhpur nobility since medieval times. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert.

 

The city is known as the “Sun City” for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the “Blue City” due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. However, the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades. Jodhpur lies near the geographic center of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base to travel in a region, which is much frequented by tourists. JodhpurÆs attractions include Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, and Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower). Jodhpur fairs and festivals seem to express the rich culture and traditions of Rajasthan. A number of festivals are celebrated in Jodhpur. However, the most famous fairs and festivals in Jodhpur, Rajasthan are: Marwar Festival, Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival & Nagaur Fair.

Shahpura

Shahpura is a city and a municipality in Bhilwara district of Rajasthan. Nearest Airport is Sanganer (Jaipur) which is about 177 km away from Shahpura and other Dabok (Udaipur) which is located at about 202 km. Nearest Railway station is Bhilwara, which is about 52 km from Shahpura. Situated midway (4hrs drive, 220 km from both) between Jaipur and Udaipur and easily accessible from hotels in Udaipur, Shahpura Bagh was the summer residence of the rulers of Shahpura. Travelers, since time immemorial, have always stopped to rest and refresh themselves at this oasis and the Shahpura family is famous for their warmth and hospitality. Shahpura Bagh prides itself in providing an authentic home stay experience in Rajasthan. Life is unhurried here. The days are filled with sunshine, conversation and picnics, fishing and boating on the lakes with lazy sundowners to trap the blazing sunset. Spontaneous excursions can be traced back in the history. The surrounding wetlands are the birdwatcher’s paradise and even allures the unskilled person. An oasis in the middle of the desert, the Shahpura Bagh is located in the heart of a network of 250 lakes. The nearest lake is full of white lotuses and the sunsets here are beautiful. Beautiful gardens surround the property and the Haveli itself is pristine white in color. This is a perfect aristocratic retreat adorned with all usual ingredients period furniture, four poster beds, high ceilings, portraits of the royalty etc. But what wins you over is the incredible sense of space, the tastefully, lovingly done up spaces, personal attention, homemade food and the fact that all rooms open to lush green gardens.

Jaipur

Jaipuráalso popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, is theácapitaláandáthe largest cityáof Rajasthan. Jaipur, one of the finestáplanned citiesáináIndia, is located in the semi-desert lands of Rajasthan. The city, which once had been the capital of the royalty, now is the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur displays the taste of theáRajputsáand the Royal families. At present, Jaipur is a major business centre with all requisites of a metropolitan city. Jaipur is a very popular tourist destination both for Indians and foreigners. The Pink City was founded in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of the Kachhawaha dynasty.

 

All the buildings in the city were painted pink to give the impression of being built in red sandstone; the entire city was repainted in 1876 in honor of the visit of the Prince of Wales. Jaipur is located very close to the Indian capital of New Delhi and is well connected by road, rail and air. Jaipur has its own airport as well as railway station and as it is a part of the Golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur there is no dearth of tour buses that connect it with the major cities of north India. Major places of tourist interest in Jaipur are the The City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort etc. If you ask anyone what the biggest travel attraction of Jaipur is, the unanimous answer will be shopping. Jaipur is a shopaholic’s paradise. Besides, Jaipur is very affordable as compared to other big tourist cities in Rajasthan. Jaipur is filled with all kinds of hotels and guesthouses so it will not be tough to select one that fits your needs and your budget. The best season for Travel to Jaipur is from November to March.

Ranthambhore

Ranthambore National Park, one of the largestánational parks inánorthernáIndia, is situated in Sawai Madhopurádistrict of southeasternáRajasthan, about 180km south east of Jaipur. The nearest town and railway station is atáSawai Madhopur, about 11km away and Kota is another convenient Station as all the train stops at Kota, which is 110 kms from Ranthambhore. Ranthambhore was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of India, and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. Ranthambore became a national park in 1980. In 1984, the adjacent forests were declared the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary, and in 1991 the tiger reserve was enlarged to include Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries.

 

Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these majestic predators in the jungle. Tigers can easily be spotted even during the daytime. A good time to visit Ranthambore National Park is November and May when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The park lies at the edge of a plateau, and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore fortress, which lies within the national park. The park covers an area of 392km, and is known for its tiger population. Other major wild animals includeáleopard,nilgai,dhole,wild boar,sambar,hyena,sloth bear and chital. It is also home to wide variety of trees, plants,birds and reptiles. Ranthambore is also the site for one of the largest banyan trees in India.

Tree Of Life Resort & Spa – Jaipur

This resort is the perfect getaway! Close to Jaipur, to all the highlights of the Pink City, the cinema’s, the Bazaars and the shops. But you start and end your day in a peaceful, quite and relaxing resort. It feels like entering a fairytale

The Serai Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is the birthplace of the Hoysala Dynasty and of the Indian Coffee! Chikmagalur’s hill stations, rivers, waterfalls, ancient temples and wildlife sanctuaries are truly worth a visit. The resort lies at one of the most beautiful coffee estates of this town.


The Imperial Hotel New Delhi

The Imperial Hotel is one of Asia’s finest hotels. It’s a legend that offers a unique experience by embracing all the facets of India’s history. The restored 1930’s Victorian-style building is a perfect combination of old-world charm and modern day conveniences.