Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, no matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are, the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations.

Our visit to the Taj would actually be in keeping with traditions of time - we would ride to the Taj in horse carriages, just as the locals would do. We would also find time here to escape into history with our guide and walk the narrow lanes of the typical medieval Indian bazaar next to the Moti Masjid.

Khajuraho is world famous for its western group of temples depicting erotic sculptures of love mak ing images of Gods and Goddesses and celestial Nymphs. The sexual fantasies displayed in the sculptures are mind boggling. It speaks very highly of the artistic creativity and imagination of the sculptors

Madurai is one of the oldest cities of southern India. It has been a centre of pilgrimage, for centuries. The Meenakshi temple, the main architectural attraction here, is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with gopurams or multi pillared halls, covered from top to bottom, in a profusion of multicoloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. However, besides the temple, our tour includes a walk along the main street leading to the temple. The well-organized confusion caused by pilgrims in traditional clothes, pavement shops of all shades, holy men in robes of different colours etc add an unmistakable colour and atmosphere to this fascinating Temple City.

Varanasi is one of the most important Hindu Pilgrimage centre in India and a major tourist attraction. The Ganges is the most secred and venerated river in India. We do a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the ritualistic aspect of Hinduism (Thread ceremony, Head Shaving, Food to departed souls , Cremation of the dead etc. ). We also see the bathing and laundry that take place here on the banks of river. Following the boatride, we walk through the fascinating and winding lanes and bye-lanes on the banks of the river for a greater feel. The lanes are wide enough to permit only a one way traffic of one holy cow at a time! colorful Shops, templed of all orders , pilgrims from different parts of India add colour and character to the area . Besides visit to sarnath where the Buddha preached his first sermons after attaining enlightenment we would explore the bustling city center bazaar. Varanasi is a major silk centre. We would visit some of the silk weaving and brocade centres of the city. We would have an opportunity to buy some of the finest silks in the world at an incredible price. You could also have dresses made to your need

Mysore, which has been for centuries an important centre for South Indian culture and learning. It is also the city of lingering aroma of Jasmine, Musk, rose, sandalwood, etc. This is so because Mysore is one of the major manufacturers of incense sticks through scores of family owned factories. The city is also a crafts centre. It is an extremely friendly and easygoing city and at an altitude of 770 metres it has a wonderful climate. The sites here include The Maharaja's Palace (1907), the temple of Shri Chamundeshwari, set on top of the Chamundi Hills (1602 metres.), the famous Nandy (Lord Shiva's Bull - His vehicle) carved out of a single solid piece of granite and 5 metres in height. True to our style we would feel Mysore by visiting the extremely colourful Devaraja Fruit and vegetable market where tropical fruits and vegetables are arranged in fascinating heaps and shapes. The adjoining local bazzar is also a very popular spot with local Indian shoppers where all things needed for daily use can be found.

World famous temple towns, slightly bigger than villages. The temples in typical Dravidian style are excellent examples of traditional Hindu architecture. These temples are the cream of what remains the most artistically exuberant periods of Hindu cultural development. The wealth of sculptural details on the temples make them easily the most outstanding example of art and architecture. Every inch of the outside wall and much of the interiors are covered with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, scenes from wars, hunting, agriculture, music and dance and some very sensual sculptures explicitly portraying the amorous lifestyles of the dancing girls. Also fascinating is the life outside the temples, which is extremely busy and colourful. Pilgrims, bare feet with horizontal or vertical sandalwood paste smearing on their foreheads and wearing traditionally coloured saffron or black pilgrim's costumes move in and out of the temple complex with flowers and other offerings in their hands. The pavement flower shops, shops selling religious artefacts, the fruit and tea stalls with pilgrims flocking around, add colour and character to the place

Haridwar, the spiritual heart of India, is located in the lap of the Himalayas in Uttaranchal. It is believed that having a dip here in the holy river Ganga opens doors to salvation and pilgrims come here from all over the world to ceremonially bathe in the holy Ganga. Several temples and ashrams are located in the town
Har-Ki-Pauri : This sacred ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari and the golden reflection of floral diyas in the river Ganges is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat.

Chandi Devi temple : It is situated on top of the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganges and was built in AD 1929 by Suchat Singh, the then King of Kashmir. The Chandi Devi Temple is now also accessible by a ropeway, which starts near the Gauri Shankar Temple.

Goddess Mansa Devi temple : on top of the Bilwa Parvat is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi and one can have an endless view of Haridwar, the Ganges, and the countryside from here

Rishikesh, an important pilgrimage in the country is located in northern Uttaranchal, surrounded by hills and cut across by the holy Ganges. Today it is considered as the `Yoga Capital of the World'. The town of Rishikesh lies in the foothills of the Garhwal region and is the gateway to the upper Garhwal region and is the starting point for pilgrim routes to the four dhams of Uttarakhand-Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

In the 1960s Rishikesh gained instant fame because Beatles the famous music band came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Lakshman Jhula : This suspended iron bridge was built in 1939 and is a major attraction among the tourists. Ram Jhula is the other suspended Iron bridge was recently constructed between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram.

Gita Bhavan : Built recently, this building is famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology and is situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.

Triveni Ghat : This is a bathing ghat where daily in the morning and evening thousands of people come to take bath and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed

Here, one is transported in to a world of the past, a world of glory and of pride; a world of vibrant colour s and spectacular magnificence. Exquisitely carved furniture, delicate hand block prints, original paintings and photographs decorate your rooms, which though redolent with the romance of a bygone era, provide all the most modern amenities. Outside the fort, the small feudal town of Rohet seems to be straight out of the Arabian Nights with its primitive clay plastered huts and pigeon hole shops set up along dust trails. As evening descends upon our hotel, the darkness of the night is lit up by the flickering flames of fire around which the rhythmic movements of the folk dancers assumes shape in brilliant colours; truly an electrifying experience

In a land steeped with heritage, picturesque with exquisite architecture, in a state vibrant with heroic memories and romance, lies the dream city of Jaipur . The people are dynamic, martial and, need we say it, colourful. Here every walk through the by lanes is a walk through history. Indeed, Jaipur could be compared to a vast open-air museum. Pink turbans jostle with saffron 'odhinis' (ladies scarves). Camel buggies and elephants are as commonly found as motor cars and buses…..Besides riding an elephant to top of the majestic Amber Fort and a guided tour of the impressive City palace and the incredible observatory, in Jaipur, we are also looking for escorted walks with our guide. The city is best explored on foot and the inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas (Streets) and galis (inner lanes) can feel the spirit of the city. There's an amazing appeal to Jaipur's colorful bazaars, beautifully laid out gardens & parks. Jaipur, popularly known as Pinkcity, was built in 1727 AD in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture….. Jaipur is a shopper's Paradise. Whether you are looking for jewellery, handmade fabrics, handmade carpets , handmade blue pottery or any crafts of any order. We would create an opportunity and time to shop for these while in Jaipur today. Also, we would have escorted walks through popular bazaars of the city ; even the pavements have shops

Jodhpur, the land of Royalty is a glittering jewel in the golden sands of the barren desert landscape. The light that reflects of the golden sands engulf a land renowned for its vibrant colours, people in the bright clothes and beautiful jewellery, living in city dotted and dominated by towering fort and palaces that rise from sand like a mirage. Besides a tour of the massive and impregnable Mehrangarh Fort, we also decide to go Native here. We ride horse carriages, as do the natives, to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is guaranteed to be a fun experience as the carriage plods along through bustling parts of the Old city. The Clock Tower bazaar itself is a fascinating and colourful "you name it we have it" kind of bazaar. Watch out for the pavement barbers and "dental parts" stalls

Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird called garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan Art. Udaipur is a place for undiluted leisure. We also recommend independent walks through the bustling bazaars of the old city where the average Indian does his daily shopping. Udaipur offers some lovely scenic walks around its lakes. A boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola is also a fascinating experience. The island palace on the Lake called Jagmandir Palace is very charming. The banks of the lake provide interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and the laundry that takes place here. Looking across the lake, with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island palace, is a scene of rare beauty

The royal walled city of Bikaner, the northern most point on the triangle of desert cities, was founded in 1488 AD., by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha. Like Jaisalmer, in the south, it was, once, a n important trade centre. The old city is bolstered, by 7 km long imposing walls, with 5 entrance gates, built in the 18th century. The fort and palace, made of the same reddish-pink sandstone, as the famous structures in Jaipur, lie outside the city walls. The influence of the outside world is minimal here, and the traditional lifestyle of yore endures.

A region coveted by several Rajput clans, Bikaner is well known as the land of the finest riding camels, in the world. Home to the famous Camel Research Centre, Bikaner also has several Jain temples and monasteries outside the fort.

Chittaurgarh-The town of the brave, known for its massive fort atop a hill, which can be singled out for its glorious past.

The fort has checkered history, it has witnessed some of the bloodiest battles iln history, three great Sakas and some of the most heroic deeds of valor, which are still sung by the local musicians. The antiquity of Chittaurgarh is difficult to trace, but it is believed that Bhim the legendary figure of the Mahabharta, visited this place to learn the secrets of immortality and became the disciple of a sage, but his impatience to perform all the rites deprived him of his goal, and out of sheer anger he stamped on ground creating water reservoir, this reservoir is called as Bhim Lat. Later on, it came under the Mauryas or Muri Rajputs, there are different opinions as to when ilt came under the Mewar ruler, but it remained the capital of Mewar till 1568, when it was shifted to Udaipur.

It is believed that Bappa Rawal the legendary founder of the Sisodia clan, received Chittaur in the middle of 8th century, as a part of the dowry after marriage with the last Solanki princess, after that his descendants ruled Mewar which stretched from Gujarat to Ajmer, upto the 16th century

Jaisalmer - the golden beauty, etched in yellow sandstone. Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand. Epitomising the desolate, awesome charm of the desert. The 'Golden City' of Jaisalmer was founded in the year 1156 by a Bhatti Rajput prime Jaisala named the city from the vulnerable former capital of Lodhruva, 15 kms to the south-east. After he sought counsel of a hermit who lived in a cave near aspring on top of a rocky hill. The sucession of Maharajas of Jaisalmer trace their lineage back to the ruler of Bhatti Rajput Clan Jailasimha. Jaisalmer, the city of the golden fort is a fantasy in yellow sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput King. Legend has it, that Lord Krishna - the head of Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled, when in 1156 AD Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, founded the city of Jaisalmer.

Every November, the sleepy little township of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India comes alive with a riot of colors and a frenzied burst of activity. The occasion: PUSHKAR FAIR. Very few, if at all any, fairs in the world can match the liveliness of Pushkar. Most people associate the Pushkar Fair with the world's largest camel fair. But it is much more than that.

It is an occasion for villagers from far and near to gather together and enjoy a welcome break from their harsh life of the arid desert. And enjoy they do! In dazzling style and colors.

It is an occasion for Hindu pilgrims to converge for a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake to "wash away the sins of a lifetime" and pay obeisance at the ONLY Brahma temple in the world.

For the visitor, it is an unparalleled and unforgettable experience to capture the vibrancy of the entire state of Rajasthan in one place. This website attempts to give you a glimpse of the magic of Pushkar. Of course, you have to be there to truly understand it.

With its wealth of historical associations, and its magnificent setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities of coastal South India. It is a city with indelible marks of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Jewish traditions. Of Special mention is the older parts of the Fort Cochin area. It more or less exists as it used to be a 1000-year behind our times. This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal, Dutch and English country life grafted on to the tropical Malabar coast. The 16th century Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace is a fascinating fort with elegant buildings and interesting collections from the Royal traditions of the region. The unique feature of Cochin is the unexpected and isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52.

They are self-contained and have there own Synagogue. The area around the Synagogue, known as 'Jew Town' is one of the main centres of spice trade. Scores of small firms huddle together in old dilapidated buildings and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. The area is very busy

Gwalior is an historical place of Madhya Pradesh . It is surrounded by District Morena in the North, District Shivpuri in the south, District Bhind in the East and District Datia in the west. The District is having two sub-divisions , namely, Gwalior & Dabra. There are three tehsils, namely, Gwalior, Dabra & Bhitarwar and four Development Blocks namely, Ghatigaon (Barai), Morar, DGwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence, he founded this city by his name. The new city of Gwalior became existance over the centuries. The cradle of great dynasties ruled the city Gwalior. With different Dynasty, the city gained a new dimension from the warrior kings, poets, musicians, and saints who contributed to making it renowned throughout the country. The city is also the setting for the memorials of freedom fighters such as Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi. Today the old settings stand side by side with the trappings of modernity.

Fashioned by the colonial British in the manner of a grand European capital--yet now set in one of the poorest and most overpopulated regions of India--Calcutta has grown into a city of sharp contrasts and contradictions. Calcutta has had to assimilate strong European influences and overcome the limitations of its colonial legacy in order to find its own unique identity. In the process it created an amalgam of East and West that found its expression in the life and works of the 19th-century Bengali elite and its most noteworthy figure, the poet and mystic Rabindranath Tagore. This largest and most vibrant of Indian cities thrives amidst seemingly insurmountable economic, social, and political problems. Its citizens exhibit a great joie de vivre that is demonstrated in a penchant for art and culture and a level of intellectual vitality and political awareness unsurpassed in the rest of the country. No other Indian city can draw the kinds of crowds that throng to Calcutta's book fairs, art exhibitions, and concerts. The city's energy, penetrates even to the meanest of slums, as a large number of Calcuttans sincerely support the efforts of Mother Teresa and her missionaries who minister to the poor and suffering. In short, Calcutta remains an enigma to many Indians as well as to foreigners. It continues to puzzle newcomers and to arouse an abiding nostalgia in the minds of those who have lived there. Our tour and visits in this city would be an attempt to search the soul of this city and in someways uplift ourselves from within.

Besides visiting such tourist sights as Humayun's Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar, Red Fort and the regular sites, we also try to get to the soul of this vibrant city.
We would as would the natives do, ride 3 wheel cycle rickshaws through the narrow, bustling and Colourful streets of Old Delhi, brief visit to a progressive Hindu temple to witness the evening prayer service and the spiritual ambience of the institute or visit an Indian family for a taste of traditional Indian hospitality as well as traditional Indian food. You will have an opportunity to interact with different generations of a typical Indian middle class family and learn more about India and Indians. The evening is designed as an effort to give a " human feel" to the country you are visiting - not just a tourist overview.

Hampi contain rocks and temples and monuments dating back to 15th century which have historic significance. The inherited heritage of the then kings are now under ruins and tell their story with silent tears. HAMPI, the seat of the famed VIJAYANAGARA empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states - Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. They reduced the city to ruins amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring description. Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.

Mahabalipuram has retained its fame in stone, great contribution of Pallava artisans. It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture ShoreTempleone of the oldest temples of South India the sacred shrine dates back to the early 8th century. The temple exemplifies a fine creativity of the structural architecture of the Dravidian style. Arjuna's Penance The pride of Mahabalipuram, Arjuna’s Penance is the world's largest bas-relief creation measuring up to 27m in height and 9m in width. Five Rathas The Pancha Pandava Rathas are the five Monolithic temples built in different style and forms. Among them four are believed to be created out from a large single rock

The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today, it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India. This restored, attractive, former French colony exudes a Mediterranean aura with its chic streets, elegant houses, ornamental gardens and the Hotel de Ville. Being a small and quiet enclave of Tamil Nadu, it has imbibed the Tamilian culture. Apart from the charming atmosphere, excellent restaurants and cheap beer, what attract most travellers to Pondicherry are the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot, Auroville, 10 km outside town. The ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in the year 1926,

Thanjavur was the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas. Thanjavur was at height of its glory during Rajaraja Cholan. Thanjavur was the cultural capital of the country in 1790. The Tanjore paintings are very popular and are renown around the world. The artists use a combination of canvas background with glass, metals, etc. to depict and decorate various scenes from Hindu mythology. Chola rulers built the Brihadeshwara Temple and the Fort in the 10th century AD. It is an exceptional example of Chola architecture and is listed in world heritage. The temple is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top by being pulled on an inclined ramp 6 km. long, a technique used by pyramid builders of Egypt. The temple has been the center of continuous worship for over thousand years. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

Aurangabad, the ancient city of Mughals, is now famous as a base for a visit to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora. In fact, Aurangabad has a number of tourists attractions and not so overshadowed by the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves. Situated on the right bank of the Kham River, the city is the district headquarters of Ahmedabad districts. Aurangabad has a long artistic and cultural history, contibuted by several dynasties over the years. The city, named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, houses several monuments and boasts of a rich culture. Under the regime of Aurangzeb, the town was the seat of the powerful Mughal Empire and became the only city apart from Delhi Ellora Caves : The world famous caves of Ellora are situated at a distance of about 34 kms from Aurangabad. There are 34 caves at Ellora - 12 Buddhists, 17 Hindu and five Jain, which are famous as the masterpieces of sculpture. The caves are cut into a hillside running north to south. It is thought that Buddhist caves were constructed around 600 to 800 A.D, the Hindu caves were built around 900 A.D, while the Jain caves were completed by 1000 A.D. Ajanta Caves : Located 99 kms away from Aurangabad, the Ajanta caves were built during the Gupta period, between the 2nd and 1st century B.C. The caves of Ajanta are all Buddhist, and are famous for its magnificent paintings. The cave paintings intially suffered some deterioration after their discovery but they have been carefully preserved now. Ajanta Caves : Located 99 kms away from Aurangabad, the Ajanta caves were built during the Gupta period, between the 2nd and 1st century B.C. The caves of Ajanta are all Buddhist, and are famous for its magnificent paintings. The cave paintings intially suffered some deterioration after their discovery but they have been carefully preserved now.