Destinations of North India
Delhi
Delhi's
history goes much further back in time than the 13th century. In 1955, excavations
at the Purana Qila revealed that the site was inhabited 3000 years ago. Ware
pottery known as Painted Gray Ware and dated to 1000 BC confirmed this as being
yet another site associated with the epic Mahabharata. The excavations also
cut through houses and streets of the Sultanate, Rajput, post-Gupta, Gupta,
Saka-Kushan and Sunga periods, reaching down to the Mauryan era (300 BC), thus
revealing almost continuous habitaion. The association of Emperor Ashoka (273-36
BC) with Delhi has come to light with the discovery of a Minor Rock Edict in
the locality known as Srinivaspuri. A clearer picture of the city emerges from
the end of the 10th century, when the Tomar Rajputs established themselves in
the in the Aravalli hills south of Delhi. The isolated, rocky outcrop facilitated
the defence of the royal resort which the Rajputs called Dhilli or Dhillika.
The core of the first of the seven cities was created by Anangpal Tomar who
is said to have built Lal Kot, which is the first known regular defence work
in Delhi. The Chauhan Rajputs later captured Delhi from the Tomars . Prithviraj
III, also known as Rai Pithora, extended Lal Kot, adding massive ramparts and
gates, and made Qila Rai Pithora the first city of Delhi.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan
is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have come together.
Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts, men and
women in colorful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels,
elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze - are all there
in abundance. But they form only part of an intricate tapestry. Beneath the
surface, expect to find many contradictions. Where ever you travel, particularly
when you escape from the popular tourist destinations you will come across the
unexpected, whether it is a local fair or breathtaking view. The mood and the
rhythm of the country side changes from one region to another, and from season
to season. It is a land of surprises; it is a land of amazing natural beauty
that can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller. The history of Rajasthan
goes back 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich as its landscape, from the
grand palaces and rugged forts to its tranquil and camel safaris to trekking.
Those looking for taste of royal lifestyle just need to check into one of the
several palace hotels or heritage hotels that will make it possible for them
to be treated like royal guests.Whether you are visiting Rajasthan's big cities
with a fast-moving westernised lifestyle, or exploring historic towns or quaint
villages, you will always find the people warm and friendly. And if you want
to move away from the regular tourist beat, it is very easy to organise your
own tour.
Uttar Pradesh
The wealth of its monuments, mystical call of its mountains and lakes, and the
religious fervour that it evokes, have rendered Uttar Pradesh, one of the most
fascinating states of the Indian Union. Whether one is on a spiritual quest,
or in search of adventure, or just on a curiosity trip, Uttar Pradesh has something
to offer to everyone. Situated in the northern part of India, it has the distinction
of being the most populous state of India. In terms of area, it is the fourth
largest, among all the states. It is divisible into three distinct regions geographically;
the Himalayan region on the north, the vast Gangetic plain at the centre, and
the Vindhya Range and plateau on the south. Uttar Pradesh is watered by the
mighty rivers of northern India - Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Gomati and Ghaghara.
Almost all the important towns and trading centres of the state, are clustered
around these rivers. The confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, the two most sacred
rivers of India, at Allahabad, has been a vital pilgrimage site through the
centuries.
Himachal
Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a tiny hill state whose pleasant summers make it a popular
holiday resort. The Raj still lingers in Shimla, the state capital and former
summer capital during British rule. Kullu-Manali are neighbouring resorts, surrounded
by pine covered hills and lush meadows. Himachal has, in addition to popular
resort towns, a series of secluded hill retreats ideal for interested anglers,
trekkers and those wanting a quiet getaway. Many of these include: from Shimla
- Mashobra, Kufri, Naldehra; those around Kullu-Manali include Manikaran, Naggar
and Brighu Lake; the barely accessible valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are a trekker’s
delight.
Jammu - Kashmir
Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas, with the picturesque river Tawi
flowing alongside, stands the land that Raja Jambu Lochan discovered one day
while he was hunting. Legend has it that he suddenly came upon a clearing where
he saw a sight that left him speechless. A tiger and a goat stood side by side
drinking water from the same place in the Tawi river. He was so struck by this
unsual sight that he decided to build a city on this soil where no-living creature
seemed to bear enmity towards each other. Today, as if in testimony, the city
of Jammu is popularly known as the "City of Temeples". Innumerable
temples and shrines with glittering "Shikhars" soar into the sky,
like caretakers of the city, creating the ambience of a truly holy city.
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