Friday 1 March 2013

Highlights of Northern India


Northern zone of India is tourists’ delights. There are many interesting tourist places and travel destinations in this region, which are visited by a number of domestic and international tourists each year. Tourism in North India is a unique lifetime experience.

Few Highlights of Northern India for tourists are:

1. Delhi: It is the capital city of India. A fine blend of old and new, ancient and modern, Delhi is a melting pot of cultures and religions. Delhi has many renowned historic monuments such as Qutub Minar, Tughlaqabad fort, Purana Quila, Lodhi Gardens, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort, and Safdarjung's Tomb. Modern monuments include Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Laxminarayan Temple, Baha’i House of Worship: Lotus Temple and biggest Hindu Temple: Akshardham Temple.

Delhi is home to numerous political landmarks, national museums, Islamic shrines, Hindu temples, green parks, and trendy malls. Hence, Delhi definitely is one of the Highlights of Northern India for tourists.

2. Agra, Uttar Pradesh: It is famous for historical and heritage monuments. TajMahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daullah Tomb, Dayal Bagh and Fatehpur Sikri are must see in the city.

Fatehpur Sikri is a town located about 40 km away from Agra and is one of the renowned World Heritage site by UNESCO. This city is enriched with many historical monuments such as Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Jama Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas and the Sheikh Salim Chisti tomb.

3. Jaipur, Rajasthan: Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur is a prominent tourist destination. Famed as the Pink City of India it is famous for magnificent forts and palaces. City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort and Albert Hall Museum are must see in the city. It was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. And this makes Jaipur, one of the Highlights of Northern India.

4. Varanasi/ Banaras, Uttar Pradesh: It is a famous pilgrimage site and tourist destination. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River it is famous for ancient Hindu temples. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Banaras Hindu University and Sarnath Archaeological Museum are major tourist sites in this holy city.

5. Amritsar, Punjab: It is one of the most ancient and sacred cities of India.  Abode of the famous Golden Temple, it is the center of Sikh history and culture. The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome; it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. Other places to be visited are Wagah Border and Jallian Wala Bagh.

Amritsar takes you, into the charm of old un-partitioned India, which makes it truly one of the Highlights of Northern India Tourism.

6. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh: Serenely spiritual Dharamsala is home to the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. It’s known for its religious iconography and is the monastery of the Dalai Lama, who holds public lectures a few times a year. Once you’ve restored your spiritual energy, enjoy a picturesque stroll to Bhagsu Waterfall or climb the hill to Triund to bask in stunning views of the Himalayas.

7. Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir: The spectacular crown of India, Ladakh an enchanting place. It is uniquely placed between the massive Himalayas and the Karakoram Mountains. The snow-capped peaks of Himalayas, scenic wonders of nature, crystal blue waters, colorful nomads, rugged terrains overlooking majestic peaks of the Himalayas, green valleys - those are the memories that stay with you once you have been to Ladakh. The experience of trekking in Ladakh is simply exhilarating. And this uniqueness of Ladakh makes it a Highlights of Northern India.