Andaman and Nicobar Islands

                       The Andaman and Nicobar Islands

This tourist destination might not be one everyone’s list and also off the beaten track. However that does’nt means it should be missed. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands which lie in the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman is separated to the north while Nicobar separated towards the south. Both the islands have been separated from Thailand and Burma by the Andaman Sea. Although these islands are one of the remote places on the planet, their beauty makes them a must visit destination.

Initially the islands were populated mainly by the local people who comprise of a bunch of aboriginal tribes some of which are totally cut off from the world. Port Blair does not have a glory past where it was used as a jail for rebels and freedom fighters by the Britishers. However contrary to that gory detail, the Andaman and Nicobar islands have some of the most beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and a good list of things to do along with places to visit.

Some of the places to see in these islands are the British colonial buildings in Port Blair (including the notorious Cellular Jail) and the World War II bunkers (awesome!). Also if you are a nature fan, check out the Neil Island which has lush green forests and pristine sandy beaches. But you shouldn’t leave these islands before having a peek at India’s only active volcano at the Barren Islands (always smoking!)

For people who love water sports, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a range of activities like Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Surfing. Also a must do is to see the coral reefs through a glass bottom boat at Jolly Buoy Island. If you are a land loving homo sapient, there are Camping, Trekking options as well.

Enjoy Deep Sea Diving In Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Island are indeed a very interesting tourist destination. They might not by your typical tourist destination but their asset lies in the un spoilt beauty, peace and quiet as well as a chance to see the only active volcano in India. Although our number 10 is an unconventional choice, we love it for this very reason. The Andaman and Nicobar islands give you a chance to go off the beaten track and experience awesome coastal tourism.

Amazing View of Andaman Beach

Since all good things come to an end, the Andaman and Nicobar islands are the last on our list of the 10 Best places to visit in India. We hope you liked reading this list as much as we enjoyed putting it together. If you have any more suggestions for even more awesome travel destinations, stories anything to do with travel, sound off in the comments or on our facebook page. Till next time, Happy Travelling!

 

Mount Everest

   

Mount Everest, Highest Mountain in the World

Mount Everest is said to be the tallest mountain on Earth. It literally means the top or the head of the sky. Mount Everest touches the borders of China, Tibet, and Nepal and is a part of the Himalayan Range… Its total height above sea level is 29,029 ft. During 1856, the name of Mount Everest was Peak XV. Its official name was given by the Geographical Society.
Despite the fact it is the highest peak in the world, hikers from all over the world come and climb this mountain despite all difficulties. A whole team of climbers can help both armature and novice climbers climb the peak. If one follows the standard route to climb, it is quite safe to climb the mountains. However, the problem in the Himalayas are faced with bad weather, fast wind and low breathing that can happen due to high altitude.

                                                                         
Climbers must pay heavy amount of money to climb the mountain, which acts as a continuous source of income to Nepal. However, an equal amount has to be raised to get license and permit of $25,000 to climb the Mount Everest. Till 2007, 210 people have lost their lives while climbing Mount Everest due to high storm.

There are two main routes for climbing Mt. Everest. One is from the Southeast of Nepal and the other is from the North of Tibet. The most preferred route out of the two is the Southeast that starts from Nepal. The best time to start climbing is during May, before the summer monsoon, as the direction of the wind is quite favorable during that time.

 

            

   Kashmir Valley

 Kashmir is a beautiful valley lying between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range. It is situated in the        northwest region of India and is 135 km long and 32 km wide. It is said that if there is heaven on earth, thenit is in Kashmir. Kashmir was made by the Jhelum River, it is said that during earlier days, it was an imperative part for the Hinduism and later for Buddhism. Srinagar is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmir is known for its breathtaking scenic beauty. The Kashmir Valley is in the shape of a saucer. The local people of Kashmir are mostly into agriculture and lead a very plain and simple life. The summer capital vfg is known for a very beautiful place called the Seven Springs. Visitors can see the beauty through the beautiful trolleys. I went to this divine place when I was doing my primary school and during those days, the trolley was open and could only accommodate 2 people. It was a very scary, yet a magnificent site from the up.

             Shikaras, also called as the wooden boats in Srinagar are yet again another breathtaking place to visit. In the clam beautiful lake with a picturesque view, everything looks beautiful just like a fresh canvas painting with bright and nice colors. Visitors spend a lot of time in this place. One can hire houseboats or rent and stay for as long as they want. The interiors of the houseboats are simply exotic. Kashmir is a hot piece of property for India, however, is being eyed by Pakistan. Despite the constant terror that prevails in Kashmir, visitors under army protection find it extremely safe to visit it.

 

 

 

Golden Temple

                                     

                  Golden Temple of Amritsar

         The Golden Temple in India, which is often called the “Darbar Sahib or Harmandar Sahib” by the Indians, is one of the oldest places of worship for the ‘Sikhs’ and is located in Amritsar, Punjab. It is considered one of the holiest, blessed and sacrosanct places in India. It is a symbol of both beauty and peace. The temple is surrounded by a small man-made lake which has tons and tones of fishes in it. This lake is supposed to have holy water. The temple can be entered from four different sides and thus symbolizes openness, acceptance. This concept is based on the old tents which were open from all four sides, welcoming travelers from all directions.

The Golden Temple has three holy trees. There is also a small Sikh Museum near the Ghanta Ghar in Amritsar which is very rich in information, especially for the first time visitors. The entire top of the temple is made of pure gold and thus adds a lot of pride and beauty to the entire temple.

During the earlier days, this place was a huge lake surrounded by a thin line of forests. It is also said that Buddha journeyed to find out the real meaning of life spent some considerable time in this place. The first guru of the Sikh community called the Guru Nank also used to meditate in this peaceful place and years after he passed away, many of his disciples kept coming back to the site and then it finally became a sacred place. It was during the Fifth Guru, Arjana when the Temple was finally built 1604. It was Guru Arjan who installed the “Guru Granth Sahib” in the temple and appointed the first reader in August 1604. The temples architecture is that of both Hindu and Muslims. On many occasions, it was destroyed by a certain set of community and rebuilt by the Sikhs.

Taj Mahal

                                                                              

        Taj Mahal in Agra

          The Taj Mahal is a tomb situated in Agra, India. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is one of The Seven Wonders of the World and is said to be one of the finest art of the Mughal architecture. The architecture has a mixture of Persian, Ottoman, India and Islamic art. During the year 1983, the Taj became a part of the UNESCO, World heritage Site.

         Some of the legendary stories say that after the Taj was built, the Mughal Emperor cut off the hands of all the men who built the Taj so that the same masterpiece could not be made again. The Taj Mahal is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Agra. It was built in the year 1631 and got completed in the year 1653 spreading over 32 acres of land.

        The Taj Mahal is also called the Taj and is a symbol of love and is known for its monumental beauty. Taj is one of the main tourist’s hotspot in India and anyone who comes to visit India definitely takes a tour of the Taj. The beauty of the Taj goes beyond words and it is said that the place looks magnificent during the full moon night. It is a true dedication to love and romance. The word Taj Mahal means Crown Palace in English and it is made up off mainly white marbles and some colorful gemstones.

Taj Mahal Main Gateway

Darwaza-i-Rauza (gate of the mausoleum) – Taj Mahal Main gateway was constructed from the year 1632-1638. The gate is asserted to be designed by the architect named, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri – based on the writings of his son Lutfullah Munhadis.

 Structure

The 93 foot high and 150 foot wide, double-storey building is constructed from red sand stone. The vertically symmetrical gate way is one of the five main elements of the historical monument Taj Mahal and was the main entrance during its construction. The size and the function of the gateway have gained it more importance than the building. The doorway is of ogival arch shape that reaches the mid-height of the gateway structure.
At the corners of the gate are octagonal shaped towers, surrounded by an open-domed pavilion. There are eleven umbrella shaped marble cupolas over the central portion of the gateway. A big decorated arched chamber lies in the archway of the main gate. It has rooms with twists, branches and side branches to hallways, most probably built to confuse people entering them. These rooms have not been used from about three centuries.

                                                                                           

Petra

                                                                      

                     Petra in the Arabah

Petra is a site in the Arabah, Jordan that was discovered by a Swiss explorer called Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812 and is considered to be, yet another splendid beauty in the history of mankind. Arabah is a section of the Great Rift Valley and it is located between the Dead Sea (north) and the Gulf of Aqaba (south) forming part of the border between Jordan (east) and Israel (west).

Petra represents the ancient world’s heritage culture. It is a beauty hidden behind layers of mountain. The ones who have seen it say it is a treasure beyond comparison. It is now said to be one of the seventh wonder of the world and it belongs to the UNESCO world heritage site. The entire red rose city of Petra has such a charismatic appeal that it attracts anyone & everyone who enters the city, taking them to a different world of divine beauty and mystery. Petra mainly is admired because of its picture perfect architecture, its complex structure, quality and the non mentionable mere size.

Petra is said to have its origin before 106 AD; its culture is said to have been flourished in almost 400 years old. The one’s who visited it say that it is a site that can never be forgotten. The city of Petra takes its name, which is the Greek word for “rock”, from the fact that it is most notable for its buildings and tombs that are carved directly into the red sandstone that serves as the city’s natural protection from invaders. Its popularity with tourists may also have a connection to the city’s Biblical significance. It is here where King Aretas called for the arrest of the Apostle Paul at the time of his conversion.

Location & How to Get to Petra

This historical fortress is located 170 miles southwest of Amman, Jordan on the edges of the Wadi Araba desert. It is also 50 miles south of the Dead Sea and the only way to enter the city is through a narrow crevice called the Siq. One has to uncover a very narrow path of mountains, kilometer by kilometer before they get to see the majestic beauty of Petra.This path is only about five meters wide, with sandstone walls towering up hundreds of meters high on both sides. This long, narrow & not very well lighted gorge is very cool & soothes the visitors before it unfolds the mystery step by step.

A taxi is the best means of transportation to get from the Queen Alia International Airport to Amman. Remember to ask the driver to take you to the Wahdat bus terminal, since there are two major bus stations in Amman. Destinations are usually printed in Arabic on the respective buses, so if you do not read Arabic, ask to be shown to the bus that will take you to Petra.

Pictures & Photos

                                   El Deir Petra by David Roberts, created in 8 March 1839 

 

  Monastery at Petra

Great Wall of China

 ChinaWall

 

 A Beautiful Shot of The Great Wall With a Gorgeous Sky

The Great Wall of China, a memorable landmark, is the most popular tourist attraction in China. The Wall has fascinated the minds of many in the world and it is part of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Wall is the ultimate tourist destination for sightseeing. People from all over the world visit China to see this exotic architecture because it is one of the most appealing attractions of China. It has its share of fans including those who spread speculations about it being seen from the moon.

Why, When, and Who Built The Great Wall?

Looking down at the Great Wall from the sky is truly amazing, the Wall resembles a Chinese dragon circling the mountains. There is a common term use by The Chinese call “Wan Li Chang Cheng” which defines as “Wall of 10,000 Li”  (10,000 Li = 5,000 km). There were three main Chinese dynasties that contributed to the construction of the Great Wall: first, the Qin from 221-207 B.C., then the Han from 206 B.C – 220 A.D and the Ming from 1368-1644 A.D. Their common purpose was to stop the “barbaric” Huns in the North from invading the Chinese borders. Millions of people labored on the Great Wall and many died while working.

 

  Snaking View of The Great Wall of China

How Long is The Great Wall?

After the Qin emperor unified China, he connected the walls across the country into one, The Wall extended up to 10,000 Li (5000 km) and it helps keep out intruders from the north. What seems to be a Chinese zigzag dragon, the Great Wall of China spreads across deserts, rivers, mountains, grasslands and plateaus expanding nearly 6,700 kilometers. It has been built for over 2 millenniums and it stretches from the east side to the west side of China. Due to modern technologies and lack of usefulness, pieces of the structure are left in ruins and the Chinese leaders do not care to fix it. This marvelous segment of Chinese heritage swept through Shanhaiguan Pass, then to Liaoning, then Hebei, continuing onto Tianjin, expanding to Beijing, reaching Shanxi, and into Inner Mongolia, next to Ningxia, arriving at Gansu and finally ends in Jiayuguan Pass. The Great Wall length measures about 6,700 km long. Height wise, it is 4.5m to 9m. Depth wise, it is 4.5m to 8m. The entire structure was built by hand using stone, bricks, soil, sand, straw, wood, clay or whatever was available depending on the territory and time period.

 
                                         Great Wall of China Direct View With Dark Lighting

                                               

The Great Wall Today

The existing Wall today was constructed by the Ming Dynasty over 600 years ago. During that time, the original wall was in ruins. Ming emperors order to rebuilt the wall over the course of 200 years. The reason the wall still stand today is because there was an invention during that time, mixing rice flour to create extremely tough bricks and mortar. Today, few parts of the Great Wall are in great condition because it was restored to attract tourists. To get a good deal on a tour to The Great Wall visit China Great Wall Tours.

5 Best Beaches of Ireland

1. Bundoran Beach

Surfers know beaches, and the world championships were held at Bundoran in ’97. Since then, this little town has played host to a number of other high-profile tournaments.
They come for The Peak, one of Europe’s best waves, and the locals will be only too pleased to tell you about its “nice clean barrel” and “steep, steep drop-in.”
No, I don’t understand either. But the beach itself is a real beauty, stretching for over 2km, and surfing is not compulsory.

Getting there: Leave the N15 at Bundoran and drive through town following the coast road to the signposted beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Rossnowlagh Beach

Also known as the Heavenly Cove, this is a little farther up the coast and is another destination for surfers. If you’re not exactly world-class material you might prefer it here, where you won’t be lining up beside the best of the best for a crack at The Peak.

Wind-surfing, kite-surfing, and of course swimming are also popular, and the beach is well served with a surf club, a lifeguard station, and a bar in the nearby Sandhouse Hotel. You can also take your car right onto the sand, though the speed limit down there is 15km/h for obvious reasons.

A lot of people come during the summer months, but at the same time it’s hidden away and you could easily pass by without knowing it. When I was driving in, I passed a shop who’s owners felt the need to advertise “open all year,” and a tiny brown church made entirely from corrugated iron.

Getting there: Leave Bundoran on the N15 northbound, and after approx. 5km take the R231 at Ballyshannon. The beach is signed after another 9km or so.

 

3. Murvagh Beach

Okay, you’ve gotten away from all those surfers.
Even though we’re in the northwest of Ireland here, the water at Murvagh Beach is probably the warmest anywhere in the country during the summer months, as the tide has to come in over a kilometer of shallow sandbanks, giving the sun plenty of time to do its work.

This also makes it an ideal beach for children, with swimming for adults being limited to an hour or so each side of the tide.
The beach is approached through some beautiful woodland, and the dunes inland are designated a Special Area of Conservation.

Getting there: Rejoin the N15 at Ballintra. Head north. After about 3km, turn left at the sign for Donegal Golf Club. Continue to the next T-junction and turn left, and then after approx. 1km you’ll see a sign for Murvagh Forest Park. Turn right into the park to reach the beach car park

4. Fintragh Beach

You’ll be sick of the sight of Blue Flags by the time you drive down the horribly, horribly steep hill to Fintragh Beach. Rocky outcrops stud this otherwise smooth strand. Not a surfer in sight.

Actually, there was no one of any kind in sight when I arrived. Only some little bunnies, hopping about on the grassy slopes behind the sand. It’s a hard place to leave, and I spent much longer than I meant to.

Getting there: Leave Killybegs heading west on the Fintragh Road. After approx. 2km, turn left where the beach is signposted.

5. The Silver Strand

This is the only one of the five not to have Blue Flag status, which is ironic, because in my opinion it’s the best of the lot.

 

Not a beach for watersports; it’s a hidden little cove that makes me think more of brochures for the Greek Islands, only with sheep photoshopped in.

Hundreds of stone steps lead down a steep drop to a horseshoe-shaped strand, surrounded by a crescent of eroded cliffs and caves. The turquoise water is clear and most certainly not Greek in temperature.

Getting there: Follow the coast road around the southwest Donegal peninsula. Take a left where Malin Bheg is signposted and keep going for about 10 minutes. You’ll see signs for The Silver Strand.

Amazing Places To Experience Around The Globe

                      Preachers Rock, Preikestolen, Norway

Blue Caves – Zakynthos Island, Greece

 Plitvice Lakes – Croatia

10 Best Tourist Attractions in Europe

From the rolling greens of Scotland to the beautiful ancient ruins of Greece, there are a variety of interesting places to visit in Europe. Take a trip to Europe and your most difficult decision is going to be which places to visit during your vacation. Some of the major cities on this diverse continent include London, Paris, Venice, Rome, Madrid, and Frankfurt.

Since there are so many interesting places to visit in Europe, you may need a bit of help deciding where to go. The following are 10 of the best places to visit for a great time.

Eiffel Tower

It’s known as one of the most famous landmarks in the world, there is no structure that has ever been built like the Eiffel Tower. The tower is 984 feet high and one of the tallest buildings in the world. The view of Paris from the tower is a definitely must see if you are in Europe.

Acropolis 

If you are interested in history, one historical site in Europe that you won’t want to miss is the Acropolis. Located in Athens, you’ll see sites such as the Parthenon, sites built as far back as the 5th Century BC. Not only will you get to have a close up look at all these ancient buildings and ruins, but you’ll also get a great view of the city of Athens from here as well.

The Roman Coliseum

Another of the many interesting places to visit in Europe is the Roman Coliseum. This grand site was originally a huge amphitheater that could seat more than 50,000 people. With amazing ancient architecture, even in disrepair, this is a magnificent site that you definitely have to see.

Tower Bridge

Since 1894, this beautifully designed bridge has been standing over the River Thames in the city of London. From the bridge’s beautiful walkways you can see some breathtaking views of London. You can also visit the engine rooms containing the steam engines that power the bridge. Whether you go in the day or at night, this is a breathtaking must-see.

Edinburgh Castle

 

Edinburgh Castle is another of the most interesting places to visit in Europe. It is over 1,000 years old and once you see this magnificent castle you’ll soon understand why more than a million people visit it each year. You can tour the castle, enjoy the views and visit the surrounding gardens as well.

Buckingham Palace 

Since 1837 Buckingham Palace has been the residence of British royalty, and what would a trip to Europe be without taking the time to see the home of the Queen of England. If you visit during August or September you’ll even be able to see inside the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace.

Big Ben 

The world’s largest turret clock tower, Big Ben is one of the best known landmarks in London and definitely one of the most interesting places to visit in Europe. Although it is not open for public tours, it looks spectacular, especially at night when it is all lit up.

La Sagrada Familia 

While in Europe, another must see is the unfinished church La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, designed and worked on by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. Unfortunately, he died before the structure was completed. With amazingly designed towers and innovative architecture, however, this is an excellent place to visit while in Europe.

Cathedral Notre-Dame

No visit to France is complete without stopping by the Cathedral Notre-Dame. History buffs will enjoy the rich history of this attraction while art lovers will enjoy the beautiful statues, columns and windows.

India is an extremely diverse country, with every state offering something different. This can make planning a trip challenging. Where to go? What to see? And all in so little time! This guide to India tourist places by region provides a roundup of all the highlights of each state in India to give you an idea of where you should focus your attention.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Kulpreet Yadav

India isn't just mainland. Around 1,000 kilometers off the east coast of India, in the Bay of Bengal, the tropical Andaman and Nicobar Islands also fall under Indian territory. Havelock Island is the most popular place to visit, and offers snorkeling and scuba diving. Foreigners need a permit, issued on arrival at Port Blair.

• 5 Best Havelock Island Hotels for all Budgets

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Andhra Pradesh

Getty Images/Win Initiative

Andhra Pradesh is predominately visited by Hindu pilgrims, who go in droves to the temple at Tirupati. The capital, Hyderabad, also draws visitors to the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and royal tombs.

Bihar

Mona Lisa

Bihar has changed and improved a lot in recent years, and now has huge potential as a tourist destination in terms of spiritual and rural tourism. One of the main reasons you'd want to visit Bihar is to explore the birth place of Buddhism in India, including Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi Temple. A convenient ways of doing this is by taking the Buddhist tourist train. The Sonepur Fair is known for its elephants.

Goa

www.flickr.com user Enygmatic-Halycon

Goa has always been one of the most popular tourist places in India. People to flock there for its beaches. However, that's not all the state offers. Adrenaline activities, shopping, spice plantations, nature, and history are added attractions.

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Gujarat

www.flickr.com user Umang Dutt

Gujarat, a state known for its entrepreneurial ability, doesn't commonly feature on the tourist trail in India. Yet, it does have some notable attractions. Most famous is the Sabarmati Ashram that Gandhi founded in Ahmedabad, and which served as his headquarters during India's struggle for independence. The Great Rann of Kutch white salt desert, Indian wild ass on the salt plains of the Little Rann of Kutch, tribal villages and textiles in the Kutch district, and lions at Gir national park are other things worth a look. If you're there for the Navaratri festival, don't miss the famous Gujarati garba dancing!

Himachal Pradesh

www.flickr.com user Nomad Tales

Want mountains? Himachal Pradesh is the place! Its mountainous landscape, at the foothills of the Himalayas, is made up of a series of valleys and snow covered peaks. Himachal Pradesh is deservedly sought out by adventure lovers. Alternatively, the state provides a refreshing escape for those who are craving crisp mountain air. Enjoy historic toy trains, Buddhist meditation and philosophy, remote high altitude villages, and even skiing during the winter!

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Jammu & Kashmir

www.flickr.com user watchsmart

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is one of India's most controversial tourist places, and one which many people don't feel comfortable visiting. There has been significant unrest there in the past, particularly between Hindu Jammu and Muslim Kashmir. However, plenty of visitors head to Leh, in the Buddhist Ladakh region. Otherwise, visitors tend to prefer the hill station of Srinagar where houseboating is popular. The Shiva caves in Jammu and Kashmir also attract pilgrims, along with the Buddhist monasteries.

Karnataka

Vivek Chugh

Karnataka, in south India, has a lot to offer. Unfortunately though, travel to Karnataka is often overlooked in favor of more popular places in Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Those who visit Karnataka's tourist places will be rewarded with a memorable mix of ancient ruins, royal heritage, coffee plantations, yoga, national parks, and beach.

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Kerala

www.flickr.com user MACSURAK

Kerala, in south India, is often referred to as "God's Own Country". This coastal state has grown to be one of the most popular tourist places in India, up there with Rajasthan and Goa. It's rich in distinctive traditions and culture, and lush unspoiled tropical beauty. Most of all, Kerala is known for its elephants, elaborate temple festivals, and the tranquil backwaters. The pace of life is slow, making Kerala the perfect place for a leisurely vacation.

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Madhya Pradesh

www.flickr.com user Carol Mitchell

Madhya Pradhesh, in central India, draws visitors with well preserved remnants of its compelling history. Its many abandoned cities provide an intriguing window to the past, so different to the congested India of today. In further contrast, the national parks of Madhya Pradesh offer some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities in India. However, the erotic temples at Khajuraho are the most famed attraction.

Maharastra

www.cepholina.com

Maharastra is a very large and diverse coastal state that attracts visitors with ancient cave temples, forts, mountains, wineries, tribes, and beaches. Of course, there is cosmopolitan Mumbai as well.

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North East

www.flickr.com user Rita Willaert

The North East of India is made up of seven separate states, and is the most tribal region of India. Although the mountainous scenery is arresting, the north east region remains the least visited part of India due to entry restrictions and permit requirements. You'll find everything from Buddhist monasteries, to tea plantations and natural caves there.

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Orissa

www.flickr.com user Nir Nussbaum

Orissa is one of India's less frequented states, as it's predominantly rural and "off the beaten track". However, tourist interest in Orissa's unique combination of attractions including temples, tribes, and traditional dance festivals is growing. Silver jewelry is a specialty, along with an endearing array of specialized handicrafts.

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Punjab

www.flickr.com user Koshyk

Punjab, with its fertile farming land, is one of India's most prosperous states. Home to bhangra music, the brotherhood of the Sikh religion, the Golden Temple, and Wagah border, it has a lively culture. Capital city Chandigarh is a modern day planned city that's different to any other in India. However, to get a real taste of Punjab, it's necessary to venture further afield to discover the simplicity and charm of rural life, amidst an ever growing urban life.

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Rajasthan

www.flickr.com user Pondspider.

Rajasthan is one of the most visited states in India. It's not surprising because it shows India at its most colorful and exotic best. All the things that come to mind when you think of India can be found in Rajasthan -- palaces, forts, desert, camels, elephants, twirled mustaches, and snake charmers.

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Sikkim

Bordered by China, Nepal and Bhutan, Sikkim has long been regarded as one of the last Himalayan Shangri-las. Because of its remoteness and the fact that permits are required, Sikkim isn't the most accessible area to visit in India. However, it certainly is one of the most energetic and refreshing. There's something very soothing to the soul about the mountainous beauty and ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture in Sikkim. Trekking is a popular activity as well.

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Tamil Nadu

www.flickr.com user Panoramas

Tamil Nadu, in south India, is a fascinating state full of ancient Dravidian architecture. Intricately crafted temples, rock carvings, and classical dance are some of the attractions in Tamil Nadu. The hill stations are also popular destinations.

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Uttar Pradesh

The vast area of Uttar Pradesh is home to some of India's much loved, and well known, spiritual and historical destinations. These include the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and Varanasi. Rural Uttar Pradesh, the poorest part of India, is best avoided however. There is little to see there, and women travelers may feel uncomfortable.

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Uttarakhand

www.flickr.com user wribs

Uttarakhand, bordered by Nepal and Tibet, and shadowed by towering Himalayan peaks, is full of unspoiled natural beauty. It's divided into two regions -- Garhwal in the north, and Kumaon in the south. Ancient holy places, forests and valleys, national parks, and an abundance of trekking options are some of the attractions that make travel to Uttarakhand worthwhile.

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West Bengal

www.flickr.com user Rajarshi Roychowdhury

India's cultural cauldron of West Bengal combines the arts, the city, the countryside, mountains, and nature. Whether you're intellectually inclined and want to be amongst writers and wandering minstrels, or adventurous and want to be amongst elephants and rhinoceroses, there's something for everyone!