AGRA
Agra attained its magnificence under the Emperor Akbar The Great. Once the capital of Mughal India in the 16th and 17th century, it depicts a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural creations and rich tradition of art and culture.
	Agra houses one of seven wonders of the world, the marble symphony of Emperor Shah Jahan - "The Taj Mahal". Discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen in other architectural marvels in Agra, the quintessential Mughal CIty. The Taj Mahal is a tear on the face of eternity - as described by the famous Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and symbolizes eternal love frozen in white marble. Emperor Shah Jahan constructed this famous Mughal Monument (closed on Fridays) in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

It is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, the emperor was heart broken when Mumtaz to whom he had been married for seventeen years, died in 1631 while giving birth to her 15th child. 

The Taj complex took 22 years and 20,000 workforce, including specialized craftsmen, to build.  Today it is counted as one of the seven wonders of the World. This white marble wonder is extraordinarily luminescent and even on the dull days one can find it glowing. De facto the Taj is believed to change its glow depending on the intensity and direction of the sunrays falling on it.

Emperor Akbar initiated the construction of the massive Agra Fort in 1565 and additions were continuously made until the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. While in Akbar’s time, the fort was principally a military structure, by Shah Jahan’s time it had partially become a palace. A visit to the fort is a must as many of the events, which led to the construction of the Taj Mahal, took place here. This fort also serves as vantage location to have the fabulous glimpse of The Taj.

The Empress Nur Jahan in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg – the commander of the Mughal forces, built Itma-Ud-Daullah - the marble mausoleum, between 1622 & 1628. The tomb is built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and beautiful inlay work of semiprecious stones. The central chamber contains the yellow marble tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and his wife. The tomb is painted with floral decorations and fine marble screens of geometric latticework.

Sikandra : High battlement walls pierced on each side by four gateways built of red sandstone enclose Sikandra - the mausoleum of Akbar, placed at the center of a huge garden. Crowning each corner of the gateway are four marble minarets. The burial chamber is reached by a corridor, which leads deep into the heart of the building. 

Mathura : 57 kms north of Agra lies the birth place of the Hindu epic hero Lord Krishna. Situated on the right bank of Yamuna river, Mathura is one of the seven holy cities of Hindus. Coincidentally it is also an important center for Buddhist art. Here the marble galleries adjoining the ghats are actually a study in elegance. Mathura boasts a museum which has  an excellent collection of sculptures -dating from 5th century BC to 1200 AD, terra-cotta and inscriptions.

AHMEDABAD
Founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah - I, this predominantly industrial city in Gujarat is today known for its fine Islamic monuments with their Indo – Sarcenic style of architecture.
	Here one can visit the Jumma Mosque or Friday Mosque which lies at the center of the city. The mosque was completed in 1423 AD and is entered from the north side by a flight of stairs. The interior is carried on 260 pillars which support 15 domes at staggered elevations. Much of this Mosque was destroyed in 1819 due to earthquake. One can also visit the Mosque of Sidi Syed, which stands in the Northeast corner of the citadel and once formed a part of the city walls.

Modhera Sun Temple : The Modhera Sun Temple,built by King Bhimdev - I, (1026 - 27) located 104 kms from Ahmedabad, is one of the finest Hindu Temples in Gujarat famous for its monumental conception and rich ornamentation. The temple mouldings have friezes of elephants, horses and miniature figures. The outer walls of the porch have bands of scrollwork and figural panels beneath inclined seating slabs. Here the columns on the periphery and within the gates are also richly ornamented. 

Patan : Patan was the 8th-15th century capital of Gujarat and has a breathtaking stepwell, known as Rani-Ki-Wav, and other architectural buildings. It is also famous for its double Ikat patola silk weaving. 

Lothal : Lothal is 80 kms from Ahmedabad, is a place of tremendous archaeological interests where the earliest known remnants of Mohenjodaro and Harappan civilization was unearthed. Lothal was important port and trade flourished with Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia. 

The Rann of Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary : The sanctuary is best known for its herds of chestnut-brown Asiatic Onager (wild ass), last surviving species of wild horses. Also it is the home of gazelle, blue bull, wolf, desert fox, jackal, jungle cat, hare and birds like houbara bustard, sandgrouse, courser, francolin, quail, eagle, falcon, harrier, vulture, warbler. The 11th century sandstone fortress at Patdi, temple around Munsar Tank at Virmgam and Darbargaddh of Dasada can also be visited en-route. Jeep excursions are arranged with prior notice.

Gandhinagar : 22 kms from Ahmedabad – the capital of Gujarat, has a modern secretariat building, Deer and amusement Park. Swami Narain Temple can also be visited along with an excellent mythological Theme Park.

AJMER
This erstwhile capital of the Rajputs is 131 kms from Jaipur and derived its name from Ajayameru or "invisible hill" to be called Ajmer. Here, one can visit Ana Sagar Lake built between 1135 & 1150 AD.
	The embankment has a row of elegant, polished marble pavilions built by Shah Jahan and was restored in 1899 by Lord Curzon. Visit The Taragarh Fort which is a rectangular fortress with thick walls and large corner bastions. The path to the top is rough but the views are worth the effort. Proceed towards the Dargah of Khwaja Muin-Ud-Din Chishti (1143-1235) where lies the tomb of a Sufi Saint of the first rank known as the "Sun of the Realm of India" -who had come to Ajmer in 1192.

Beyond the Dargah is a building of unusual architecture, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpran or two and a half day hut. This was originally a Sanskrit College but was later converted into a mosque in two and a half days by Mohammad of Ghori in 1198 A.D.

Pushkar : Pushkar located at distance of 150 Kms (03 Hrs & 30 Minutes) from Jaipur is famous for the annual fair. This historical and age old festival is arranged in the month of Kartik Purnima (Full moon day of Oct / November), when waters of Lake Pushkar, is believed to acquire divine properties and absolve all those who bathe here of all sins. 

Pushkar Lake is located on the edge of the desert and surrounded by hills on three sides, is separated from Ajmer by "Nag Pahar" the snake mountain. Pushkar abounds in temples and has the temple of Lord Brahma – The Creator of the World. Brahma in his quest to discover the holiest place on Earth dropped the Lotus flower here. He performed the supremely spiritual "Vedic Yagna" and thus the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma is located here. 

Pushkar is also known as "the Rose Garden of Rajasthan" and the species of Roses found here are renowned for its perfume and exported world over.

The Pushkar festival is a great attraction for animal trade and pilgrimage. It is essentially a camel fair where traders bring cattle for sale also. Animals are put on show and their skills are displayed before they are sold. This is the largest camel fair festival in the world. There are exciting camel-cart races and cultural events. Women come dressed in all their finery to take part in this spectacular mela or fair. 

ALLAHABAD
Allahabad also known as Prayag - the place of sacrifice is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre, located at the confluence of the Ganges & Yamuna river and the invisible Saraswati river.
	Well known as Triveni Sangam.  This place is famous for the Kumbha Mela / Fair, which is held every 12 years. Visit the Ashoka Column built in 3 B.C., later moved out in 1583 AD at the orders of Akbar to the present position within the Mughal fort and it now overlooks the confluence.  Proceed to the University of Allahabad and Kausambi museum, which is a treasure house of remarkable archaeological artefacts and a fine collection of coins.

There is also a fascinating display of paintings depicting haunting landscapes of Central Asia. Adjoining the museum is a library, which contains thousands of ancient Sanskrit manuscripts. The Anand Bhawan – the ancestral house of the first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru is also an interesting place to visit.

Chitrakoot : 132 kms from Allahabad, is believed to be the place where The Hindu Epic hero Lord Rama, stayed during his exile.

AMRITSAR
Right on the North -western border with Pakistan is Amritsar, the holy city of the SIkhs, known for its Golden Temple, the most sacred shrine of the Sikhs.
	The city shares the Wagah border with Pakistan which is still open as the land trading route between the two coutnries. Every evening there is a formal closing ceremony of the border gates by Army personell on both sides which is a must see. The Golden Temple, built by Guru Arjun Dev, is set in midst of a pool reputed to have miraculous healing powers. It is the holiest of Sikh temples where their holy book Guru Granth Sahib is read 24 hours a day. The present shrine stands in the middle of a large rectangular water tank reached by a marble causeway on the west.

The marble building is much influenced by Mughal architecture and the exterior is completely gilded with gold leaf, inlaid marble, carved woodwork, ivory mosaic and embossed gold and silver work interiors. Here the murals illustrate scenes from the lives of the Sikh Gurus. 

Visit Jallianwala Bagh, where the evidence of appalling Amritsar massacre on 13th April 1919 can be visited. Under a state of martial law, General Dyer dispersed a large crowd with heavy casualties. This place, which is now a national monument, still bears the bullet marks of the tragedy. Visit the Khalsa College, which is a large institution affiliated to the east Punjab University of art and science. The other places of interest are Rambagh Garden, Glency Medical College, Durgiana Temple and Kashmir Emporium. 

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS – PORT BLAIR
The coral-fringed Andaman and Nicobar Islands stretch over 700 kms in the Bay of Bengal. Abode of the Onge, Nicobari and Shompen tribe, the island is known for its virgin beaches and exotic sea life.
	A very popular 10 day festival called Island Tourism Festival is celebrated in the month of December every year where leading cultural troupes and artists of national and international fame in classical dance, vocal and instrumental music are invited. One can also find stalls displaying various handicraft items. Important Places of Interest and Excursions are Andaman Timber Industries, Anthropological Museum –depicting the life of aborigines, Cellular Jail – declared as a national memorial towards the homage to our freedom fighters, Chatham Saw Mill

– one of the oldest and largest saw mill in Asia, Corbyn’s Cove – a palm fringe beach, Forest Museum – housing large variety of colourful fish, Samudrika – a marine Museum set up by the Indian Navy to create awareness of oceanic environment, Zoological Garden & Mini Zoo – housing some of the rare and endemic birds and animals of these islands, Chidiya Tapu – southern most point of South Andaman which serves as a vantage sun set point, Cinque Island Sanctuary – located at a distance of 40 kms as a beautiful spot of viewing corals, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Island –part of Mahatma Gandhi marine national park and are known for colourful corals, beautiful mangrove creeks & marine life ( Snorkelling equipment are available here on hire) ; Ross Island – located across Aberdeen Sports Complex was the seat of British administration. 

According to Royal Greenwich Observatory, the first rays of Sun in the new millennium fell on a small island called ‘Katchal’ in the Nicobar Group of Islands on 1.1.2000 at 0600 hrs (local time). Katchal Island is on way to Campbell Bay from Port Blair towards south at a longitude of 93.30 degree. It is about 174 square km in area and 835 ft above sea level. This event made this place very popular.

Sound & Light Show : During the tourist season a Sound & Light show is organised in the evening at the famous Cellular Jail which beautifully presents a series of historical events.

AURANGABAD
An hours flight from Mumbai, Aurangabad is the most convenient point for visiting the world famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The city, which itself was the last bastion of the famous Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb, boasts of many architectural marvels of that era.
	In Aurangabad one can visit the Dargah of Baba Shah Muzaffar who was the spiritual guide of Emperor Aurangzeb. The Dargah has a mosque, a Madrasa (school for religious learning), a Kacheri (courtroom), Zenanas (Muslim ladies apartments) and Sarai (motel). The tomb is a plain edifice of red periphery surrounded by a screen of cusped arches. There are numerous fountains and tanks supplied by a Pan Chakki (water mill).

In the Southwest corner of the mosque is the tomb of a saint in beautiful marble. Here one can also visit the famous Bibi-ka-Maqbara which was intended to rival the Taj Mahal. Although the structure and form may lack the spiritual conviction and brilliance of the Taj, much of the applied surface ornament is distinguished; a testament to the continuing skill of the craftsmen after the spirit of the art had passed its climax. 

Ellora Caves : This World heritage site is celebrated for its successive groups of Buddhist, Hindu & Jain rock-cut cave temples. The monuments at Ellora (closed on Tuesday), located at a distance of 30 kms, represent the last phase in the evolution of rock cut architecture and are remarkable for large-scale sculptural compositions and the range of iconographic themes. There are 12 Buddhist cave temples built between the 07th and 08th centuries, 17 Hindu caves temples built between 06th and 09th century and 5 Jain cave temples built in the 09th century. Cave 16 is one of the most famous and has Lord Shiva sculpted on the rocks – the largest monolith in the world, said to have taken 7,000 labourers, working in continuous shifts, 150 years to build. The other popular cave is No.32, a shrine within contain the seated Lord Mahavir, last of the 24 Tirthankars of Jainism. The Lotus design details on the columns are the finest examples of this craftsmanship of Ellora complex.

Ajanta Caves : Excursion to Ajanta caves (closed on Monday), located at a distance of 100 kms, is known for remarkably well preserved sculptures and paintings. The cave temples at Ajanta provide the most complete illustration of early Buddhist traditions in India. The cave temples are cut into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent shaped gorge, at the head of which is a natural pool-fed by a waterfall. The caves at Ajanta are fine examples of rock cut halls and monasteries. They contain an impressive array of sculptures: principal images, accessory figures, narrative episodes and an elaborate repertory of decorative motifs. Here one can find 29 caves built between the 1st and 5th centuries. 

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
Bandhavgarh National Park falls within one of India’s last remaining traces of substantial forest. Originally part of the princely state Rewa, from where the few captive white tigers came, the forests around Bandhavgarh were protected for shoots and hence exist today.
	The National Park abounds in many of India’s rarer and endangered animals; Cheetal or spotted deer, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Black Buck, Chinkara, fore horned antelope, Gaur (the largest of the world’s wild oxen), Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Leopard and the Royal Bengal Tiger. The park and surrounding forests have a rich and varied bird life; hornbills, partridges, golden orioles, blossom headed parakeets, golden eagle, falcons, hawks and sun birds.

As a park for game viewing, Bandhavgarh is considered by many, as one of the best in India. The park is undulating and situated in the Vindhya Range of hills, which stretch across central India. Many of the valleys are grasslands with bamboo clumps along the forest edge and these meadows offer amazing opportunities to the photographer, while in the jungle each encounter is an unexpected thrill. 

BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK
Bandipur National Park - a part of the Project Tiger, covering an area of 803 sq. kilometres is a true delight for the enthusiastic and genuine naturalist and lovers of wild life.
	Situated adjacent to the Wayanad plateau of Kerala, Bandipur National Park is a rich deciduous forest. It is located at an average elevation of 3500 ft. providing a salubrious climate to the Tiger, the Panther, Elephants, Gaur (Indian bison), Sambar, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chital (spotted deer), Kakar (mountain deer), Wild Dog and a host of other mammals and birds. Pythons, Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and other reptiles may also be observed here with fascination.

BANGALORE
Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka state and can be rightfully proclaimed as the Silicone Valley of India.
	It is here that the Indian IT industry has matured to such an extent that it is now in great demand overseas. It is a beautiful city which is filled with the tranquility of the greenery of its numerous parks and gardens which have also given it the name of the Garden city of India.

Srirangapatnam : Visit Srirangapatnam, which is renowned as the capital of Mysore Rulers - Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan and also known for the bloody struggles against the British in the late 18^th century. The southern entrance to the fort is the Mysore gate where about 10, 000 captives seized the opportunity afforded by Cornwallis’s in 1792 to break out of the city. Close by, to the west lies a picturesque Elephant gate and a marble slab which carries a fulsome Persian inscription. Also visit the Jami Mosque which was built by Tipu Sultan and is a graceful affair with pierced minarets crowned by onion domes, containing narrow staircases. The circuit ends at the Garrison cemetery which is an appropriate place to contemplate the bloody history of Srirangapatnam.

Belur & Halebid : At Belur visit the Chennakeshava temple - one of the early masterpieces of the Hoysala period. Entirely built of grey-green chloride, the temple itself consists of a sanctuary with minor shrines on three sides and a columned mandapa partly open as a porch. Beneath the overhanging eave, angled brackets carved as maidens are supported on the column capitals. These bracket figures are the finest examples of Hoysala art. 

In Halebid, visit the Hoysaleshvara temple, which belong to mid 12^th century. Both architecturally and artistically renowned, the temple represents the Hoysala style. Two identical temples are linked to form a complex with two sanctuaries and two mandapas. In the grounds of the temple are collections of sculptures gathered from all over the sites. Also visit the Kedareshvara temple dating back to the 13^th century.

Sravanabelagola : This is one of the most celebrated Jain religious sites in southern India. The monuments and temples are located on two granite hills as well as in the village that lies between. Visit the Gommateshvara image – this monolithic sculpture representing Bahubali, the son of the first Tirthankara (ruler). At 58 feet, this is the highest freestanding sculpture in India, carved out of a single stone. 

Badami : Badami, also identified as Vatapi, was the capital of the early rulers during the 06th to 08th centuries. Today Badami is better known for its Hindu & Jain cave temples. The temples at Badami provide important evidence of the formative stages of southern Indian architecture. Examples of the later evolution of early Chalukya architecture are at the nearby sites of Aihole, Mahakutta & Pattadakal. Of the structural temples at Badami the Mahakuteshwara and Naganath Shivalaya Temples are worth visiting for its remarkable architectural beauty. Visit the Badami Fort which comprises a lower fort enclosing the town, commended by two strong forts on the hills above, the northern one known as the 52 rocks fort and the southern one known as the battlefield fort. 

Mysore : Once the capital of Wodeyar kingdom, Mysore is still one of the finest cities of southern India. The frangance city of sandalwood and jasmine, this city is a blend of palaces, temples and gardens. The city was also home to the fierce warrior king Tipu Sultan who challenged the might of the entire British Empire and very nearly succeeded in driving them out of South India.

The City Palace, the seat of Wodeyar dynasty was built in 1897 and is a contrasting mixture of Indian and Victorian architectural styles. Visit the well-laid out Brindavan Gardens which is worth a visit at night when it is floodlit. Other interesting places are the Zoological Gardens, Mysore Arts and Crafts Centre.

Hassan : 115 kms from Mysore, this calm and peaceful town is a convenient base to visit Sravanbelagola, Belur and Helebid. 

Hampi : Hampi was the capital of Vijaynagar is situated on the southern banks of river Tungbhadra. Vijaynagar reached its pinnacle of glory under its greatest scion, Krishnadevaraya. Here one can visit Queen’s Bath – an engineering feat, Vijay Bhawan, Stone Trough, Hazaarama Temple – a sculptural master-piece, Zenana Enclosure, Elephant’s Stable, Narsimha Monolith and Lotus Mahal – exemplifying synthesis of Hindu Islamic style.

BARODA
Baroda (Vadodara) – the then capital of the Gaekwad state (literally means protector of cows, a tile of religious merit), is situated in Gujarat.
	It is very prosperous, neat and well maintained with broad tree line avenues, extensive parks and numerous buildings of considerable distinction, with various exceptional museums and art galleries.  One can visit Lakshmi Vilas Palace, a romantic confection of Rajput and Mughal forms, Jain domes, Gothic and classical sources and Hindu martial architecture.

The Laxmi Vilas palace is faced in red sandstone from Agra, with dressings of blue trap stone from Pune and marbles from Rajasthan. Visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which contains some of the state collection of European art, including works by Murillo, Titian and Raphael as well as Chinese, Japanese and Indian exhibits.

BHARATPUR NATIONAL PARK
Bharatpur National Park covers 29 square kilometers. It used to be the royal hunting preserve of the princely family of Bharatpur and is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India.
	Today, the Painted Stork, Pelican Ibis, Spoonbills, Grey Heron etc. are found here. the Open Billed Stork, This is migrants from Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Tibet as well as the Greylag also home to exotic Geese Cranes from the Arctic, Bar headed geese from China and Siberian cranes from Siberia.

BHAVNAGAR
Bhavnagar is an important coastal town and a modern seaport.
	Drive past the Old Palace that lies in the heart of the city and now used as bank offices. Also, see the Town Hall, Nagina and the Jami mosque. Visit the Barton museum that has a good collection of arms, armoury and coins. In the same building are the Gandhi memorial museum and the art gallery.

Palitana : Visit Satrunjaya, the largest Jain Temple City of India. Numerous temples occupy the twin summits of the hill that rise about 600 meters above the plain. A sinuous line of temples and shrines crown the two ridges as well as filling the intermediate valley, creating a complex multi-spired silhouette. Each morning pilgrims ascend the hills, a climb of almost 2 hours to pay reverence to the different Jain saviors and saints. Since no decent accommodation is available one has to return by nightfall. The city thereafter lies empty and silent. Arches and fluted domes indicate the impact of contemporary Islamic architecture. Adinath temple, Nanddishvara Dvipa temple, Vallabhai temple are some of the many other beautiful and unique temples to be visited.

BHOPAL
Half hidden among mountains and nestling in rich foliage, Bhopal lies in the heart of Malwa and is the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh.
	It houses the memories of the great Hindu King – Raja Bhoj and renowned as a prominent centre of Buddhist culture. An outstanding feature of Bhopal are its two picturesque lakes. The sunset on the lakes and a view of the festive city lights from the two high points of Idgah and Shamla is fabulous.

City tour of Bhopal includes visit to Taj-Ul-Mosque of the 19th century. It is one of the largest mosques in India and has a huge pink structure with two colossal white-domed minarets and three bulbous domes a striking landmark visible for miles around. The other places to be visited are the Secretariat, Vidhan Sabha, Moti mosque, Sadar Manzil, Fatehgarh Fort, National Archives, Tagore Memorial and the lakes. 

Sanchi : Sanchi is an important centre of Buddhist pilgrimage. The great Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka (who abandoned war and embraced Buddhism), is a grey-brown hemisphere of massive proportions. The form of the four gateways guarding the Stupa, is actually derived from Bamboo fences. They are carved with scene from the Buddha’s life and previous incarnations and rate amongst the finest specimen of early Buddhist art.

Examples of almost all kinds of Buddhist structures, are preserved at Sanchi dating from the 03rd century BC to 06th & 07th centuries AD. The most important monument is the Stupa 1 and consists of 7 solid hemisphere, 120 meters in diameter and this is truncated at the top and crowned with a triple stone umbrella set within a square railing. Also, visit the archaeological museum located close by. 

Udaigiri caves : Six kilometres west of Sanchi is the sandstone ridge of Udaigiri with its series of rock-cut Gupta monuments, dating from 320 to 606 A.D. Of the 20 Hindu cave-temples on this hill, half the numbers are merely niches of varying dimensions and others are artificially excavated sanctuaries entered through small column porches. The carved panels and doorways of the caves provide the evidence for the beginning of monumental Hindu art. 

Ujjain : One of the greatest cities of ancient India, Ujjain’s links with its glorious past have endured into the present day, making it a city renowned for its traditions of spiritual learning and culture.

Tracing its origins to the age of great Hindu scriptures, the Upnishads and the Puranas, legend has it that the King Shiva commemorated his victory over the demon ruler of Tripuri by changing the name of his capital to Ujjainyini: one who conquers with pride. Today the Shikhar spires of temple still dominate the skyline of the city and the sacred river Shipra that flows through it draws pilgrims by the thousands to take a purifying dip in its water. Every 12 years, a Simhastha Mela transforms Ujjain into a city where faith reins supreme.

The Temple of Mahalakeshwar, Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, the Bhartrihari caves, Kaliadeh Palace and the Observatory are also worth visiting.

BIKANER
Rao Bikaji, the sixth son of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur also founded Bikaner in 1488 - the fourth largest city of Rajasthan.
	Located at the Northern -most point on the triangle of desert cities, Bikaner is a 15th century walled city. A bustling trade centre, it was an important transaction centre with Africa and West Asia. Bikaner is also known and famous for the best riding camels in the world. Visit the Junagarh Fort which was built between 1588-1593 by Raja Rai Singh, one of the generals of Emperor Akbar.

The outer walls of the fort are 986 meters in circuit, reinforced with 37 pavilions silhouetted against the skyline. Within the walls are a series of palaces built by successive rulers. The fort and palaces, are beautifully preserved and well maintained and each palace contains particular treasures.

Also, visit the camel breeding farms. The legendary Bikaner camel corps, one of the great auxiliary forces of the empire that fought with such courage in Egypt and Somaliland,was founded here. Later drive through the city.

Deshnoke temple : Ganga Singh, one of the rulers of Jodhpur, erected Deshnoke temple in the early 20^th century. This Hindu shrine dedicated to a 15^th century female saint, Karni Mata - is revered as an incarnation of Durga (the Goddess of strength). The interior is populated by hundreds of rats; as the sacred animal of the temple and they are allowed to move freely. The temple is built in Mughal style, mostly in marble. It is lavishly decorated, especially the delicately worked doorways, colonnades, pavilions and balconies. Petalled dome rises over the sanctuary.

BODHGAYA
Marking the spot of Buddha's enlightenment, Bodhgaya is greatly revered by Buddhist especially for the Bodhi tree beneath which the Master sat in meditation to attain Nirvana (Salvation).
	This place is considered as the "holiest of the holies" for Buddhists. After the death of Buddha, Bodhgaya flourished as an important religious centre and numerous shrines, Stupas and monasteries subsequently got enacted.  The magnificent Maha Bodhi temple in Bodhgaya is a 170 feet high pyramidal spire inside which lies the colossal gilded image of Buddha and is symbolic of an architectural amalgamation of many cultures.

The temple bears stamp of the architecture of the Gupta dynasty and subsequent ages. On the walls of temples, one sees Buddha carved in different aspects. The temple carries inscriptions recording the visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, China and Myanmar (Burma) in the 07th and 10th century AD. Hieung Tsang, the famous Chinese traveller also visited the temple in the seventh century. Here one can also visit the Bodhgaya archaeological museum which houses the Buddhist sculpture collection from the 01st Century BC to 11th Century AD at one place. 

Gaya : This town was closely associated with Buddhism, it being in close proximity to Bodhgaya. But since 10th century, Gaya has been an important Hindu religious centre where Hindu pilgrims come from all over India to offer ‘Pindas’ or funeral cakes for the peace of the departed souls. The centre of pilgrimage is the Sikharn style Vishnupad Temple constructed in 1787 by Queen Ahalya Bai of Indore. A 30m octagonal tower surmounts the temple. Inside is a 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu, imprinted in solid rock and surrounded by silver plated basin.

BHUBANESWAR
Bhubaneswar, the Temple city of India, is struck with the magnificence of three ancient monuments that dominate its skyline viz.
	The soaring spires of Lingaraja Temple, the wide dome of peace Pagoda of the Dhauli hill and the pink temple of Mahavir Jain. These three monuments epitomise the rise of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism during the different periods.  Visit the Raja Rani Temple, one of the finest examples of the mature Orissan style belonging to the early 11th century.

The Mukteswara Temple belonging to the late 10th century is the most exquisitely ornamented temple of the Bhubaneswar series and marks a transition between the earlier group and the more fully evolved projects of the 11th-12th centuries. The gateway is remarkable for the heavy curved arch created. Also visit to the Parasurameswara Temple built in the mid 7th century - remarkable for its delicately carved figural sculpture and ornament. 

Konark : Though the great Surya sanctuary on the Bay of Bengal is now abandoned, thousands of pilgrims come to bathe here at the spring festival when the birth of Hindu Sun God is celebrated. For the remaining of the year, the ruined monument stands in majestic solitude. Conceived as a colossal chariot of the Sun God, drawn on 12 pairs of wheels by a team of seven horses, this 13th century Sun temple is one of the most magnificent examples of Hindu sacred architecture. 

Puri : This is one of the holiest cities for Hindus, the principal centre for the cult of Jagannath, another name for Krishna, whose temple is located here. Each June-July there is a chariot festival in which the images of the Gods is transported throughout the town. More than one hundred thousand pilgrims come every year to witness this event- the largest of its kind in India. The 12th century Jagannath temple dominates the entire area. Another facet of the city's attraction the "Puri Beach" miles of golden sand and the blue water of Bay of Bengal. 

Khandagiri & Udaigiri caves : In the sandstone outcrops of the twin hills of Khandagiri & Udaigiri, 6 kilometres west of Bhubaneswar, is an important series of Jain cave temples. These are datable to the 1st century BC - a period when coastal Orissa was ruled by kings of the Chedi dynasty. The rock cut sanctuaries provide the earliest evidence of the artistic traditions in this region. There are thirty-five excavated monuments on the two hills. Some are natural caverns, enlarged and suitably fashioned by artificial cuttings; others are single cells or have verandas. 

BUNDI
This delightful town is completely unspoiled, being situated well off the usual tourist route. The Fort here is dominated by a huge tower, the Bhim Burj, which provided a gun platform for a vast cannon which is now lost.
	Visit the Chhatar Mahal Palace which was built by Chhatar Sal, a royal servant of Emperor Shahjahan. It is the largest and the most impressive of the jumble of palaces that cascade down the hillside. The Chitra Mahal, an open courtyard with the gallery running around the garden of fountains, has a fine collection of Rajput miniatures in the local Bundi style.

The colour scheme in blue, green, white and turquoise is exquisite. The murals on the walls are some of the finest in Rajput art. (to see the Chhatra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Chand Mahal, prior permission with one day’s notice has to be procured from the Maharaja of Bundi)