Indian Cities

If you go on a vacation in Himachal Pradesh, India, do not forget to visit its capital city known as Shimla. Once you arrived at the picturesque place, you will surely be captivated by its charming and interesting environment.

The main tourist sites at Shimla are The Ridge and Mall. So if you love shopping, you will have a grand shopping spree holiday at Shimla. Another prime tourist spot is the Jakhoo Hill, wherein tourists get to see one spectacular view of the Hanuman Temple and the whole city of Shimla. Shimla's The Mall, located in the area of the Ridge, is always packed with tourists. It is the city's most famous hub, which sells almost everything a tourist shopper can ask for.

In addition, you can also visit and explore Shimla's state museum. It houses a collection of rich heritage treasures in the Indian district of Himachal Pradesh. The art collections include painting, carvings, sculptures, and other archaeological finds. Finally, you must never forget to take a look at the city's beautiful suburb called Mashobra. The tracks of Mashobra lead you to the glade of Sipur. When your stay at Shimla is over, the city's unforgettable sites and historical tourist attractions will surely draw you back for another holiday trip.

New Delhi boasts with a very rich history. The landmarks as well as magnificent palaces and mansions found in the city are all evidences of its colorful past. The ancient name of Delhi is Indraprastha and was believed to have been established by a man named Pandavas.

Two dynasties played major roles in the recognition of Delhi as a beautiful capital city. Around 320, the Maurya dynasty, as well as the Gupta, was astonished by the vistas of the city. They stayed in Delhi for a very long period of time until the Muslim monarchs conquered Delhi. Several occupants followed and as these peoples rule in Delhi, they eventually made changes within the city and built there own monuments and mansions.

Long before Delhi, Agra is the capital of India. The declaration was made by an emperor named Babar. However, his descendants preferred Delhi so eventually the title shifted there. In early 1910’s architecture flourished in Delhi. The intricate designs and beautifully crafted buildings like the Parliament House, the Indian Gate, and other government buildings all reflect the artistry of ancient peoples. Today, Delhi is proud of its tourism achievement. Travelers go to India to witness religious festivals, and visit the sacred places. Delhi also have luxury hotels and recreational area. The weather in Delhi is perfect for a long quiet walk. Shopping is also nice in Delhi. I have always wanted to have a sari, the original from India. Before I forget, Delhi is full of restaurants that prepare delicious dishes.

The city of Bangalore, considered to be the 'Silicon Valley' of India, is the capital of the state of Karnataka. Any seasoned traveler who visits this cosmopolitan city would wonder in astonishment why they call it as such, but true to its label, Bangalore is a hub of high technology industries and scientific establishments. Bangalore is not only a place to find computer geeks and tech savvy geniuses, it is also filled with activities for everyone. It is a good place for dining, shopping, histo-cultural enlightenment, and nature-tripping.

Bangalore has a rich collection of palaces, museums, and parks that would certainly delight any tourist. A must see attraction is the Bangalore Palace and Fort built in 1887. This place is much like Britain's Windor Castle. Inside the fort lies the Ganapathi Temple which still carries its 16th century beauty. The Government Museum is one of the pride of the city because it is one of the oldest museums in India. The museum has an antique collection that dates back from the Mojendaro period.

The city is considered an entry point to other Indian cities like Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta. This is why the city has a bustling commerial life. Shopping in Bangalore is like no other. The streets of M.G. Road, Commercial Street, Brigade Road, and Residency Road are sanctuaries for shoppers because of the numerous souvenir and specialty shops, shopping centers, and stores that cater to your every shopping need.

The City of Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India. It was established in 1727 by a king named Sawai Jai Singh who was also an astrologer. Because of its rich history Jaipur has magnificent landmarks and architecture that is unique to it. The imposing structures in the city are a combination of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. It was called the Pink City because the city's structures were painted pink in order to attract the attention of Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, who visited the city in 1876.

There are a number of places that can catch the interest of any tourist who visits the city. Not to mention the close proximity of Jaipur to the city of Delhi makes for easy access of the tourists. A glimpse of the more important landmarks of the city can be best done on foot. One can go a tour in the walled city where the most important landmark of Jaipur is located -- City Palace. It is a complex built by King Signh which houses magnificent palaces, courtyards, and temples. Inside, you can see the Chandra Mahal, Diwan-E-Am or Hall of Public Audience and the Diwan-E-Khas or Hall of Private Audience which now serves as a museum housing collections of old costumes and manuscripts.

Jaipur can also be shoppers' haven. There are markets along the streets of the city that sell specialized products and ornaments. In Jauhari Bazaar, tourists can buy precious stones, while Badi Chaupar offers Indian textiles including the 'bandhej,' a textile that is dyed with different colors. Hawa Mahal has a line of shops that sell antiques, while Tripolia Bazaar specializes in Indian accessories such as bangles and jutis.

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of one of India’s states, Kerala. I know the name sounds a bit like a tongue twister but wait till you here these fascinating facts about the city they call as “The Holy Serpent City.” Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient city known for its exotic beauty. The city’s former name was Trivandrum and it is located near the Southern edge of India’s mainland. Filled with lush green coastal hills, Thiruvananthapuram is popularly known as the City of the Holy Serpent. You might think that there are no modern facilities here, but you are mistaken.

The city’s name Thiruvananthapuram literally means “abode of the sacred serpent Ananta.”
The city is the entry point to India from countries such as Maldives, Sri Lanka, and other countries west of the Arabian Sea. It also has one of the busiest harbors in India and acts as a major business center. Modern facilities abound in the city perfect for those who wish to explore the Back Waters of Kerala and the rest of Southern India.

Tourists visiting the city should not miss to include on their itinerary a visit to one of the sacred shrines of India that is located in Thiruvananthapuram --the Padmanabhaswami temple that has a tower that soars upwards into the heavens. A boat-ride in Thiruvananthapuram’s waterways to explore the city’s landscapes, beaches, and the friendly people will complete a very worthy and satisfying trip.

When traveling in Asia, you must not miss out on what the southern region has to offer. In India, there is a city that actually is worth visiting, especially if you are keen on learning more about the religious history of the country. The city of Amritsar would suit your taste.

Amritsar can be considered as one culturally rich city in India. Located in the Punjab state, Amritsar was believed to be the area where the sons of the famous Lord Ram had their education from the sage Valmiki. Eventually, the proliferation of the Sikhism religion became a trademark of this place, as hundreds of pilgrims poured into Amritsar. The famous Golden Temple, in fact, remains as the house of the Sikh people and the major tourist attraction in the city. However, there are also other temples and gardens that symbolize the spirituality of Amritsar, including the Durgiana Temple and the Jalianwala Bagh.

Getting to this "holy pool of nectar" is not so difficult. There are many modes of transportation, like train, plane, and buses that you could take to get a glimpse of this city. There also various kinds of accommodation, from budget inns to luxury hotels, surrounding Amritsar.

Dispur, the capital of Assam, bordering around Guwahati, East of India is a magnificent place to visit when traveling around India. Dispur is a famous place for Tea, and its vast, green golf courses. It's also known as the "Auction Market of Tea." I am very much into Dispur tea for it is healthy and very exotic. And Dispur is a good bargain place for people who religiously drink tea because it has the most variations of tea. Also, tourists have always visited this place, it's nearby Guwahati, Chandrapur and Basistha. All of which are also interesting to visit.

Agra is the most popular city of India which is located in Uttar Pradesh. It became famous for its Taj Mahal, built in 1631 by Shah Jahan as a burial tomb for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal died in Burhanpur when she was accompanying her husband to defeat the rebels. the Taj Mahal has a remarkable architectural design with its magnificient dome and the tomb itself is made of agates, corals, onyx, garnet, and amethyst transported from different parts of the world.

Aside from the Taj Mahal, Agra is known for their handicraft products. Some of them are leather apparels, footwears, brasswear, carpets, jewelleries, embroideries, and zaris.

If you are interested to visit Mahatma Gandhi's home in India, and experience where he peacefully lived, there are daily flights to Madurai, Gandhi's town, and also, India's temple town. The Madurai airport is 10 kms from the city, you can also reach Madurai by train, it will take you 7 hours if you're already in Chennai Egmore. And if you're planning to drive, South India's roads all connect to Madurai. There are other interesting sites
in Madurai as well, the town's ancient temples and towns.