Delhi
Delhi, the bastion of the capital of India, New Delhi, shows fusion of both ancient and the modern architecture. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, it unwinds a picture of a rich culture, with splendid architectural diversity.

Major attractions in Delhi include monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic locations like the Birla Mandir, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, Lodhi Garden, Qutub Minar etc, to name a few.

Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport (15 km from New Delhi Railway Station) acts as one of India's main domestic and international gateways. The New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is one of the major railheads of the Northern Railways.

Agra
Agra, one of the most powerful cities in the medieval world, is a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. A part of the great northern plains and situated on the West Bank of the river Yamuna, Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal City has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that mark the culminating points of Mughal architecture.

It was here that Babar, laid out the first Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Akbar, Babar's grandson had raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built the rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shahajahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble.

Important places to visit are Agra Fort, the Itmud-ud -daulah tomb, Jama Masjid, Akbar's Tomb, Palace of Mirror, the Pearl Mosque etc.

Flights connect Agra to Delhi, which lies at a distance of 204km, to Khajuraho (1109km) and to Varanasi (477km), while major trains halt at the Agra Cantonment railway station, which is a place of prominence.

Khajuraho
Khajuraho is a famous tourist and archaeological site known for its sculptured temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain patriarchs. Khajuraho was one of the capitals of the Chandela kings, who from the 9th to the 11th century CE developed a large realm, which at its height included almost all of what is now Madhya Pradesh state.

Unlike other cultural centers of North India, the temples of Khajuraho never underwent massive destruction and a number of them have survived. They are fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their salacious depiction of the traditional way of life during medieval times. They were rediscovered during the late 19th century and the jungles had taken a toll on some of the monuments.

The Khajuraho temples, constructed with spiral superstructures, adhere to a northern Indian shikhara temple style and often to a Panchayatana plan or layout. A few of the temples are dedicated to the Jain pantheon and the rest to Hindu deities - to God's Trio, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and various Devi forms, such as the Devi Jagadambi temple. A Panchayatana temple had four subordinate shrines on four corners and the main shrine in the center of the podium, which comprises their base. The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.

Ajanta & Ellora
Nestled in the Sahyadri Hills are two magical locations where, the rulers of the past thought it befitting to display the artistry of their times. Lying deep within the hills are the Ajanta & Ellora Caves, cut into curved mountainside above the Waghora River. The "temptation of Buddha" and the Parinirvana depict the breaking of earthly ties and Buddha's passing into nirvana.

The caves are located near the city of Aurangabad, which is at a distance of 392 km from Mumbai, in Maharastra State. The caves depict the architectural masterpiece of that period alongside the monolithic Kailasa Temple. From Auranagabad, the Ellora caves are at a distance of a mere 10-km while the Ajanta caves are at a distance of nearly 110-km.

The place can be reached from Mumbai International Airport while Rail services are available at Aurangabad Junction.

Jaipur
Jaipur, the famous "pink" capital of the colorfully parched Desert State of Rajasthan, is the land of the "once-powerful" Rajput dynasties. This enchanting, sprawling city is surrounded on three sides by the rugged and barren Aravalli Hills. With its timeless and almost biblical qualities, it has its own charm of bedlam with crowded, chaotic, and somewhat-polluted streets that turn out to be a visual feast of colorful people, markets, monuments, and festivals. Majestic-looking camels, pulling wagons through the city's wide streets is perhaps the most common and exciting sight to experience in this land of bravery.

Sightseeing, in Jaipur, is all about palaces, forts, and museums. The main attractions include Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal) , Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and City Palace. To stay a put there are some exotic hotels namely, the Narain Niwas Palace Hotel and the Holiday Inn etc. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to reach Jaipur from Delhi on road.

Pushkar
Pushkar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India. Pushkar means born due to a flower. In Hindu mythology it is said that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. It is situated 14 Km from Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus.) It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.

Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair.

The natural environment of Pushkar and the sacred lake has become increasingly degraded in the last few decades. The problems stem mainly from overdevelopment of tourist facilities and the deforestation of the surrounding area.

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.

The Ramayan mentions Pushkar and says that Vishvamitra performed tapa here. It further says that the Apsara Menaka came to Pushkara to bathe in its sacred waters.

The Mahabharata says that while laying down a programme for Maharaja Yudhishthara’s travel, “Maharaja after entering the Jungles of Sind and crossing the small rivers on the way should bathe in Pushkara". And, per Vaman Purana, Prahlada on his pilgrimage to holy places visited Pushkarayana.

Alleppey
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, set in the labyrinth of Backwater channels. The town, one of the best gateways to explore the unspoiled, was one of the best known ports along the coast of Malabar. The Backwaters of Alleppey can be best experienced in a country- boat; viewing the bustling, messy town of ramshackle wood and corrugated roof houses. The large network of canals provides Alleppey its lifeline along with a spectacular long sandy beach. To add to it, are the dense palm groves that are so central to Keralian life.

Prominent places of tourist's interest in Alleppey include Ambalapuzha Temple, Chettykulangara Bhagwati Temple, Arthunkal church. Out of ordinary, the Krishapuram Palace with its gabled roofs, dormer windows and narrow corridors is a typical example of Kerala's architecture.

Located 220 km from Calicut International Airport and 80 Km from Kochi International Airport, Alleppey, which lies 64 Km North of Kochi (in Kerala), can be reached via the National Highway-47.

Udaipur
Udaipur is located southwest of Jaipur, bordering the state of Gujarat at the southern end of the Aravalli Range. Set amidst the lakes and dotted with palaces, the place is renowned as one of the most romantic cities in the world. Built around the crystal clear waters of the lake Pichola, Udaipur, with its exquisite, intricately carved palaces and beautifully laid out lakeside gardens, has many sobriquets to its credit. Also called the City of Lakes and the Venice of the East the City houses several fascinating attractions for the travellers, including the impressive Chittorgarh fort and the marvelous Jain Temples of Ranakpur and Nathdwara.

Udaipur attracts a multitude of tourists during the famous Mewar festival, which marks the advent of spring.

Dabok Airport is 24 km. from Udaipur City and is linked by daily air service from New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad and Mumbai. Train from Chittrogarh, Ajmer, Jaipur and Delhi connects Udaipur.

Bikaner
If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in north west part of Rajasthan state in INDIA. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's lust for "dessert" or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner.

The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur. The barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers, and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the 'Shankhlas'. When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages.

Varanasi
It is still unknown as to how and by whom Varanasi was founded. According to a myth, the city was founded by the Hindu deity, Shiva, thus making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the country. It is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. Many Hindu scriptures, including Rigveda, Skanda Purana, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, describe the city.

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.

Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her 'Theosophical Society' and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute 'Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days.

Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part of their lives

Mathura
The City of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra. Covering an area of about 3,800 sq. km., today, Brajbhoomi can be divided into two distinct units - the eastern part in the trans-Yamuna tract with places like Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and Bajna and the western side of the Yamuna covering the Mathura region that encompasses Vrindavan, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon.

The land of Braj starts from Kotban near Hodel about 95 km from Delhi and ends at Runakuta which is known specially for its association with the poet Surdas, an ardent Krishna devotee.

Shri Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born in the Dwapara Yuga as the eighth son of the Yadava prince Vasudev and his wife Devaki. To save him from the murderous intentions of his maternal uncle Kansa, the ruler of Mathura, the infant Krishna was spirited away soon after birth to Gokul, the village of the gopas (cowherds) in Braj (their pastureland). It was here that he grew to manhood, in the tender care of his foster parents Nand and Yashoda in the happy company of the cowherds.

Vrindavan
Vrindavan, just 15 km from Mathura, is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is the wood where he frolicked with the gopis and tenderly wooed Radha.

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