MOST BEAUTIFUL TOURIST PLACES IN INDIA

v  The Taj Mahal, Agra

The name Taj Mahal, translates to the ‘Crown Palace’ and is one of the most famous and marvelous buildings in India. Located in the city of Agra, Taj Mahal is actually a mausoleum built to house the remains of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The building is known for its extensive use of white marble and was completed in the mid-17th century.

The nearest train station to Taj named Agra Fort Railway Station, 3KM to Taj Mahal.There is no direct train to Orchha. You can take train to Jhansi Junction and by bus to Orchha.

All trains to Jhansi Junction are depart at Agra Cantonment railway station, the railway station is 6KM from Taj.

v  Ghats at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Vranasi known as Banaras is a city situated on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. Ganga Ghats are main attraction of the holy city Varanasi. Ghats of Ganga are perhaps the holiest spots of Varanasi. It has numbers of Ghats more than 100 ghats along side Ganga. The city is considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Most of the ghats are bathing ghats, while others are used as cremation sites. Many ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while many ghats are privately owned. The former Kashi Naresh owns Shivala or Kali ghat. Morning boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitor's attraction.

It is believed that the pilgrims take a dip in the Ganges just becomes free from all sin. People worship ganges as goddess. Everyday in the evening it is worshiped by the priests. Priests sang prayers in sanskrit which includes hymns from the vedas and other holy books. Not only the local people but foreigners also enjoy this prayer. It is called the "Ganga Aarti". Ganga Aarti is main attraction of the Ganga Ghats.

·         Jama Masjid, Delhi

Known formally as ‘Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa’, the Jama Masjid was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century. The mosque is built in a majestic Indo-Islamic style mainly in Red Sandstone and marble. Jama Masjid has three gateways, 2 minarets and four towers that provide it with an imposing look.

·         Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Inaugurated in 2005, the Akshardham temple in Delhi is known as one of the major Hindu temples in India. The structure of the temple is made from sculpted sandstone and took almost 7000 artisans to complete. The entire complex is decorated with sculpted pillars, sculptures depicting deities, sadhus and animals along with scenes from the Hindu mythology.

To reach Akshardham , you have to take Noida City Centre Metro from Rajeev Chowk. Temple is at the Walking Distance from the Akshardham Metro Station.... You have to deposit your mobiles , Ladies Purse in lockers at the Temple entrance as its not allowed ( Gents can carry their wallets). ...Sehaj Water show is a must watch... This attraction needs 6-7 hrs as there are 2 Movie show explaining Saint Swaminarayan which are a total of around 2 Hrs....The Stone work inside the temple is awesome and shows the artistic Skills of Stone carving of Indian Craftsman ....In total the Attraction is Value for Time....!!

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan - November in the Golden City

What is avoided and unkempt in summers is festive, colorful and welcoming by the winters. With its sands a bit cooler, November in Jaisalmer looks forward to its desert safari, walking through its forts, palaces, and havelis and enjoying evenings by its lakes. It easily makes it to the best places to visit in November in India. Situated close to the Pakistan border, Jaisalmer’s Sonar Quilla is a living fort replete with hotels, shops and old and majestic havelis 

·         Sanasar Tourism At A Glance

One of the lesser known hill stations in Jammu-Kashmir region, Sanasar is an adventure enthusiasts' haven offering various activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, abseiling and trekking.

Sanasar is named after two local lakes and will offer you a quieter side of Jammu and Kashmir infused with adventure and excitement on demand. The twin villages of Sana and Sar, need a place in you list if you are in for spending some time in a village and that too an eco friendly one, with one its step in the past and one in a naturally sustainable future. The area could offer you an ideal extension to your trip to Jammu and Kashmir which is a little less full of activity and will tease the excitement in you with the host of activities it has to offer. The area is built in a cup-shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers.

v  Kud
This popular resort is situated 106 kms. from Jammu on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, at an altitude of 1738 metres.This place is an ideal picnic spot.It has a bracing climate. Heavy woolens are required in winters while as light/medium clothing is required in summers. It is a very well developed hill station in Udhampur District.It also experiences heavy rainfall in rainy season
Patnitop 
This famous hill resort is situated 112 kms. from Jammu.It is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes.It is surrounded by thick wooded forests. Patnitop has many beautiful picnic spots and breathtaking views of the mountainscape of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow. 

It provides opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the best developed tourist spot of Jammu. It has uncomparable natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. The occupancy of the huts and Dak Banglow is full in summer months. There is ambitious plan of Patnitop Development Authority to develop Patnitop, Kud, Sud-Mahadev, Mantalai circuit. The costruction work of Mall Road at Kud is also proposed to be taken up. Trekking route from Kud to Patnitop-Sanasar has already been completed. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-VaishnoDeviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending upto Latti-Dhuna. 

Sanasar 
It is situated 119 kms. from Jammu and 17 kms. from Patnitop. Sanasar is cup shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers which has now been developed as a golf course. It also provides opportunities for para-gliding. 
Batote
It is situated 125 kms. from Jammu at an altitude of 1560 metres on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. This resort straddles the forested slopes of the Patnitop mountain range, overlooking the 
spectacular lie of the Chenab gorge. This place is a very well developed tourist resort with lots 
of commercial activity and facilities
Mantalai
It is situated a few kilometers further away from Shud Mahadev. It is surrounded by deodar forests, at an altitude of over 2000 metres. It is believed that Lord Shiva had got married to the Goddess Parvati here. 
Mansar Lake
It is situated 60 kms.from Jammu. It is a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are available on the spot. Every year around Baisakhi, a wood and crafts festival is organised here by J&K Tourism.
Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary 
Named for the two lakes on each corner of it, this sanctuary comprises an area of 98 sq.km and has a mammal population of 8 species and 15 species of birds. 

Jhajjar Kotli
It is situated 35 kms.from Jammu on the National Highway leading towards Srinagar. The Jajjar Kotli Tourist Complex is built on the banks of Jujjar rivulet. The crystal clear, cool water of Jajjar forms a very exiting picnic spot during the summer months. A Tourist Cafetaria, a Bar and a small Tourist Bungalow are the facilities provided here by JKTDC.

Akhnoor
It is situated 32 kms. south west of Jammu on the banks of mighty Chenab river.It is the historic town of Akhnoor. This town is associated with the legend of Soni-Mahiwal. Ruins of the Indus-Valley Civilization are to be seen along the river bank.
Mubarak Mandi Palace 
The oldest building in this Palace complex date to 1824. The architecture is a combination of Rajasthani, Mugal and even Baroque European influences. The most attractive structure is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall, now houses of Dogra Art Museum, has miniature paintings of the various Hill Schools. It was the royal residence of the Dogra Kings about 150 years ago. It has a beautiful location was carefully with a commanding view of river Tawi on one side and the City on the other side. The Palaces are built as a group of buildings around a courtyard. 

The Complex has halls and Galleries where official functions and ceremonies were held.With the passage of time the kings felt the need to have separate buildings to house full fledged Royal Secretariat. These buildings were constructed around a garden cum courtyard which ultimately beacme the venue for important events for Royal audience for conman man. 

Dogra Art Gallery 

This is located in the Pink Hall of the old Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex. This museum has 800 rare and beautiful paintings from different schools of paintings viz:Basohli, Jammu and Kangra. Gold painted bow and arrow of Shah Jehan and a number carpentary tools make an important section of the display. The museum also has Shahnama and Sikandernama hand written manuscripts in Persian. 

Open in Winter : 10.30 a.m. - 04.30 p.m. 
Summer : 08.00 a.m. - 01.30 p.m. 
Amar Mahal Palace Museum 
This beautiful palace is built of red sand stone which stands in the middle of the most pictursque environments of Jammu. There is beautiful view of the Shivaliks at the north and the River Tawi flows down below. This was once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh. The palace has been converted to a museum and is looked after by Hari-Tara Charitable trust. The museum has a golden throne made of 120kg pure 

gold sofa and has golden lions embedded into it. The throne is placed in a hexagonal room. 
The museum has a gallery of paintings known as NAL DAMYANTI. It has a library which has around 25000 books on various subjects and disciplines. This is really a beautiful spot to be visited 


round the year in Jammu. Hotel Hari Nivas Palace Hotel :A heritage Hotel is also located adjacent to this. 
Nishat Garden
This garden was laid by Queen Nur-Jehan's brother Asif Khan in 1633 AD. It is situated on the banks of world famous Dal-Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills . This garden exhibits magnificient view of the lake.The beauty of the Garden is enhanced with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle. 

Shalimar Garden
This Garden was built by Emperor Shah-Jehan for his beloved wife Nur-Jehan. The Garden has four terraces and is 539x182 meters It gets water from Harwan through a canal which is lined with a number of beautiful fountains. The 4th terrace was once reserved for royal ladies. The Garden blooms with different varities of flowers in spring and autumn. 

Chashmashahi & Parimahal
Chashmashahi or the Royal spring was built by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD . It is famous for the spring of crystal clear digestive mineral water. Fountains are laid right through the middle of the garden. The Garden has innumerable kinds of fruit and flower plants. Some huge Chinars are also found there. Pari Mahal is situated 2 Kms uphill from Chashma shahi and there was a school of astrology and philosophy based on various religions there. 

This was built by Dara Shikoh.He was killed in war of succession to the Mughal Empire. 
Dal Lake
Sir Walter Lawrence described the world famous water body as Lake Par-Excellence . It is the Kohinoor in the crown of the Kashmir.Its beauty motivatesis the poets. Tourists do not find words to praise it. The lake is 6x3 Kms and is divided in four parts by causeways known as Gagribal, Lokut Dal,Bod Dal and Nagin. The Dal Lake's main attraction is the world famous Shikaras and Houseboats which vie with each other with eye catching names. Dal Lake changes 

its moods and scenic view throught the day and after every few kilometers. It is lined with world famous Boulevard road. 
Harwan
Harwan is a huge Garden with flower beds and massive Chinar Trees.It has a beautiful canal flowing right through the middle. The canal is fed from a beautiful lake which lies behind the garden. The vast big green carpeted lawns form an ideal spot for picnics. This spot is very popular with the locals for picnics and excursions. 
Gulmarg
Gulmarg : It is a world famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. It is a meadow of flowers. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters.It is surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers.Gulmarg is known for its beauty. Its beauty is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world.It is famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course. It is premier resort for winter sports in the country. 
Pahalgam
It is a village of nomads. The ravages of progress has not brought much change in it.. This is a quite little village on the banks of river Lidder. The natural inhabitant of the thick Pine and Cedar forests are large brown bears. Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available. People visit Kolahoi via Aru a charming meadow. Pahalgam is base camp for the pilgrims of Amarnath. 

Sonamarg
Sonammarg : As its name it is a Golden Meadow at an altitude of 2740 meters and is agateway to Ladakh.It has massive forests of innumerable trees & flowers of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch,fir and pine; Sonamarg is a place of enthralling beauty. Three lakes viz Kishensar,Vishensar and Gangabal can be viewed from Nichnai Pass. 20 Kms east of Sonamarg is Zoji-La Pass at 3540 mtrs which leads into Ladakh Plateau.
Wullar Lake
It is the largest fresh-water lake in India.It is 60 km from Srinagar. It spreads over an area of 125 km. The lake draws off excess water from the Jhelum, therefore it acts as a natural flood reservoir. Interesting ruins in the centre of the lake are the remains of an island created by King Zain-ul-abidin. Wular represents Nature at her utmost beauty.

shardham, Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham

shardham, Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham is a hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. The temple is situated on the bank of river Yamuna. The temple displays the soul of Indian culture, civilization, traditions and spirituality. On 17th december 2007, guinness world record was presented to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) for Akshardham as the world's largest comprehensive hindu temple.

The complex was planned by Yogiji Maharaj since 1968, the spiritual head of the BAPS at that time. In 1971, Yogiji Maharaj died. In 1982, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, successor of Yogiji Maharaj as spiritual head of BAPS, started working towards fulfilling the dream of his guru and encouraged his devotees to look into the possibility of building the complex in Delhi. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the 83 year old spiritual leader has over 11 lakh followers across the globe. In april 2000, the Delhi Development Authority and Uttar Pradesh government offered 60 acres and 30 acres of land for the project respectively. Construction work of temple began on 8th november 2000 and temple was officially opened on 6 november 2005. The construction work was completed in 4 years and 363 days. Over 6,000 tons of pink sandstone was brought from Rajasthan. The cost of construction of temple was 400 crores. Pramukh Swami Maharaj's 3,000 volunteers helped 7,000 craftmans to construct the temple.The temple was inaugurated by then president of India Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, prime minister of India Mr. Manmohan Singh and leader of opposition Mr. L.K Advani in the presence of 25,000 guests on 6th november 2005.

The main monument at the centre of complex is built according to vastu shasthra and pancharatra shasthra. The monument is 141 foot high, 316 foot wide and 370 foot long and is covered top to bottom with engraved details of flora, fauna, dancers, and deities. In the monument, under the central dome lies a statue of Swaminarayan which is 11 foot high and made up of paanch daatu in accordance with hindu tradition. The other attractions of complex are three exhibition halls. The halls are sahajanand darshan, neelkanth darsdhan and sanskruti vihar. At sahajanand darshan, life of swaminarayan is displayed by robotics. The neelkanth darsdhan has a huge I-max theatre screening movie based on the life of lord and finally sanskruthi vihar takes visitors on a journey of Indian history in approximately 13 minutes in peacock shaped boats. Akshardham has become a place of education, experience and enlighten.