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Incredible India - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh India

An Overview
Location: State of Uttar Pradesh.
Famous for: The Ghats, Benaras Hindu University, Temples.
Ideal time to Visit: September- March.

About Varanasi
By visiting Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, you will be visiting one of the oldest living cities in the world. Some call it Varanasi, some call it Benaras while the devout refer to it as Kashi, meaning the city of light. Apart from being a living lesson on Hinduism, the city of Varanasi is also much popular for its rich tapestry of music, art and education. For shopping enthusiasts, Varanasi offers a wide range of Banarasi sarees, woven from silk. The sight of the sun setting over the holy Ganges, the pilgrim-packed ghats, soul stirring chants and above all a holy dip in the diving Ganges are the highlights of a Varanasi trip. Mahashivratri (Jan/Feb), Holi (Mar/Apr), Ganga Dussehra (May/Jun) and Shri Krishna Janmashtami (Sep/Nov) are some important Hindu festivals in Varanasi.

Major Tourist Attractions in Varanasi
Your trip to Varanasi is mostly spiritual and you are going to touch and feel the spiritual heart of India. So follow the codes of conduct and be determined enough. The highlights of your trip to Varanasi are as follows.

The Ghats
On the edge of river Ganga lies the eighteenth-nineteenth century temples. Every day thousands of devotees take a holy dip on the riverbanks. Ideal time to visit a Ghat is just after the sunrise. One can take a boat-ride to see the Hindu pilgrims taking dip in the holy waters of the river Ganga. The boat ride starts from Dasashwamedh Ghat and ends at Manikarnika Ghat along the sacred Ganges Famous Ghats are Asi Ghat to Kedara Ghat, Chauki Ghat to Chaumsathi Ghat, Dashashwamedha Ghat. According to belief, a dip in the holy waters purifies ones sins.

Vishwanatha Khanda
Vishwanatha Khanda is an old city of Varanasi and is famous for its magnificent temples. The temple Visheshwara commonly known as The Golden Temple is adorned with a 15.5m gold-plated minaret. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The prime attraction, the shivalingams, which is hidden behind the wall, can be access through the most unassuming gateways. Thousand of devotees visit the temple every day. Besides, there are other temples like the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, and the Durga Temple, which are prime attractions for the devotees.

Benaras Hindu University
Benaras Hindu University is one of the biggest and oldest universities in North India. It spreads on an area of 2000 acres. Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya established this great place of education for the study of Indian art, culture.

Bharat Kala Bhawan
It is a museum that houses one of the finest collections of Mughal miniature paintings and scripts.

Visit Timings: 10.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M.

Ram Nagar Fort and Museum
Ramnagar Fort was the residence of the Maharajali of Varanasi. Situated on the bank of river Ganga, the fort also treasures lot of precious wealth

Excursions from Varanasi
The Buddhist pilgrimage centre of Sarnath is just a few kilometres from the city of Varanasi. Other options of excursions from Varanasi are given below.

Sarnath
At a distance of 40 Km. Sarnath- the city of Buddhist pilgrimage retaining the ruins of the ancient seat of learning, a place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples. There is also a museum, which displays artifacts dating back to 3rd century BC.

Wildlife Sanctuary
Dense forests of Chandraprabha lie at a distance of 70km.from Varanasi. Amidst the sanctuary are the splashing waterfalls of Rajdari and Deodari, and is a home to many wild life species.

Vindhyachal/ Kausambhi
The famous temple of Vindhyavasini Devi, Ashtabhuja Devi and Kalikhoh are the major sites of tourist interest locates at a distance of 75km.Kausambhi Fort reminds of the ancient times of Mahabharata is located at a distance of 185km.

Popular Shopping Centres in Varanasi
Varanasi is famous for Banarasi silks, brassware and copper ware, wooden and clay toys and jewelry, the hand - knotted carpets of Mirzapur. The main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri bazaar, Godoulia , Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar. Specialty of Banaras : 'Langda Aam', a variety of mango, famous all over the world.

How to Reach Varanasi
Air: Indian Airlines connects Varanasi with Bhubaneshwar, Lucknow, Agra and Delhi.

Rail: Varanasi is connected by rail with all the major cities in India.

Road: Regular bus services connect Varanasi to major cities in India. Important highways: Delhi 710kms, Mumbai 1550kms, Agra 610 kms, Bodh Gaya 240 kms, Khajuraho 406 kms, Lumbini 320 kms and Patna 270 kms.

Incredible India - Trivandrum Tourist Attractions

An Overview

Location: Kerala
Tourist Attractions: Kovalam Beach, Thiruvallam, Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Local Tongue: Malayalam, Tamil, English
STD Code: (91) - 471
Best time to Visit: October to April

About Trivandrum
Trivandrum is the anglicised form of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala. The tourist-friendly city of Trivandrum is built over seven hills and is also popular the 'City of Anantha'; Anantha refers to the sacred serpent in Hindu mythology. The city has got ample facilities to make tourists and travellers feel at home. The city's geographical and socio-economic nature connects it well with the countries of the Middle East and South of India (Sri Lanka and Maldives). Trivandrum has its own full-fledged international airport and therefore serves as the major gateway to the key destinations of southern India. During your trip to Trivandrum, you can also visit popular beaches like Kovalam and Varkala in Kerala.

Climate & Best time to Visit Trivandrum
The climate of Trivandrum is moderate with high levels of humidity owing to its proximity to the sea. The conditions remain pleasant throughout the year with the average temperature remaining around 30 degrees during summers and mid 20's during the winters. Monsoon rains lash the area from May to September. The best time to visit the place is from October to April.

Major Tourist Attractions in Trivandrum
Awaiting travellers is a variety of tourist attractions in Trivandrum city. Your trip to Trivandrum also gives you an opportunity to visit Ayurveda centres, where you can fix an Ayurveda program for yourself. Given below are some popular tourist attractions in Trivandrum.

Kovalam Beach
Trivandrum is home to three enchanting beaches which with its silvery beaches have always been a major tourist magnet. Swaying palm trees, thrilling adventure sports and the sweet sound of water splashing against the rocks are some of its umpteen wonders. The lighthouse beach is the place where a number of hotels, yoga centres and restaurants have sprung up.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) is the city of the sacred serpent Anantha. The Padmanabhaswamy temple has been set up as a mark of respect for the same, which has an image of Lord Vishnu reclining on an annular snake (Anantha). The temple is built in a Dravidian style of architecture with its walls ornate with beautiful murals.

Thiruvallam
The serene backwater stretch at Thiruvallam is situated just 10 km from Trivandrum. Besides the quite houseboat rides, the tourists can also enjoy canoe rides.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
Situated inside an opulent palace built by Maharajah Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the museum houses a rare collection of wood carvings, miniature paintings and antique objects.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery
The art gallery displays priceless works from the personal collection of Raja Ravi Verma. Situated near the Napier Museum, the place also houses exquisite piece of art from the Rajput, Tanjore and Mughal dynasties.

Excursions from Trivandrum
Moving just a few kilometres away from Trivandrum will get you to famous tourist spots like Kanyakumari and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Following are the options of excursions from Trivandrum.

Kanyakumari
Also known as Cape Comorin, this is the southern most part of India. The land's end is the point where three seas, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal come in unison. The place is more popular as a religious destination while the view of the sun setting behind the ocean is also worth appreciating.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt for migratory and resident birds such as the Siberian stork, heron, egret, darter and teal. The most ideal way to spot birds is a boat cruise in the lake along the shores.

Popular Shopping Centres in Trivandrum
A number of souvenir and gift item shops are located on the M. G. Road and the Connemara Market. The must buys on a shoppers list are sandalwood items, brass statues and oil lamps. Antique shops are also a place where you can find some excellent memorabilia.

How to Reach Trivandrum
By Air: Trivandrum has an international airport connected to major cities across the world such as Colombo, Dubai, Kuwait, Mali and Abudhabi. Indian Airlines connects the city with other cities in India with daily flights to and from Cochin, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai and Chennai. A daily Indian Airlines flight departs from Delhi at 9:00 and arrives Trivandrum at 13:50.

By Rail: Trivandrum is a major rail junction of the south Indian railways. The main railway station is located at Thampanoor, which connects the city with other major Indian cities through a number of regularly plying passenger, express and super fast trains. A daily train between Delhi (Dep. 11:30) and Trivandrum (Arr. next day 14:20) is the Kerala Exp.

By Road: The main bus stand is located at Thampanoor, which is the place from where all the long distance buses leave and arrive at. KSRTC operates regular services to all the neighbouring cities in Kerala (including Kollam, Alleppey and Kochi) and Tamil Nadu. Buses also operate between Trivandrum - Kanyakumari and Trivandrum - Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary).

Distance from Trivandrum to Major Cities
Bangalore: 753 Km
Chennai: 70m
Coimbatore: 413 Km
Mysore: 598 Km
Madurai: 264 Km
Kozhikode: 382 Km
Kochi: 220 Km
Kaniyakumari: 87 Km
Pondicherry: 605 Km Rameswaram: 401 Km

Incredible India - Bollywood Mumbai

An Overview

Location: Maharashtra
Tourist Attractions: Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Chowpatty Beach
Best time to Visit: October to March
STD Code: (91) - 22

About Mumbai
India's financial powerhouse, Mumbai offers travellers a heady mix of shopping arcades, nightclubs, theatre, music, gourmet restaurants and numerous sightseeing options. The Koli fisherfolk were the original inhabitants of Mumbai (formerly Bombay), comprising of seven swampy islands. The city of Mumbai in Maharashtra also offers visitors a bunch of touristy beaches along the shores of the Arabian Sea. Today, thousands and thousands of fortune-seekers flock to the city of Mumbai as they call it the 'City of Dream'. On the one hand, you have the glitz and glamour of Mumbai to soak up. On the other, the city also reminds you of the British Era; the Victorian townscape is still quite much visible. During your trip to Mumbai, you can also participate in the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, celebrated with much pomp and show.

Climate & Best time to Visit Mumbai
Each season in Mumbai carries a unique charm. The climate in Mumbai remains pleasant throughout the year, with temperatures remaining constant (around mid 20s) during winters (November to February) and mid 30's during summers (March to June). Monsoon season arrives in July and the city is lashed by heavy rainfall. Although the best time to visit Mumbai is the months between October and March, the place can be visited throughout the year.

Major Tourist Attractions in Mumbai
In Mumbai, sightseeing is fun and makes a lot if sense. There is a good variety in terms of tourist attractions in Mumbai as well. You have to visit monuments, museums, beaches, tombs, cave and even hill stations. Some major tourist attractions in Mumbai are as follows.

Gateway of India
Over the years the gateway of India has become synonymous with Mumbai. The monument was built in the year 1911 to celebrate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to Mumbai. It was here that the last of the British troops departed from after India's independence. The surrounding area makes an excellent picnic and hangout spot.

Victoria Terminus
Popularly known as V T, the head quarters of the Peninsular Railway Company was designed by F W Stevens. Opened for public in 1887, the site is listed as one of the top 200 heritage monuments on the planet.

Chowpatty Beach
Chowpatty beach is one of the most popular places in the city which starts to teem with life every evening. People from all over Mumbai come here for leisure and enjoyment. While on a visit to the place, do not miss out on a spicy treat of 'bhel puri' (a local dish).

Marine Drive
The marine drive runs along the sea from Nariman Point to the Malabar Hills. A most favored long drive, it is an ideal place to watch the sunset.

Elephanta Caves
Nine kilometers from the Gateway of India, the Elephanta caves, situated on the Elephanta islands are a group of ancient rock cut caves dating back to the sixth century. The caves here house Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu.

Matheran
Just a few kilometers away from the din and bustle of Mumbai lies Matheran. Calm and serene, Matheran promises a refreshing break for the nature starved urban soles. Enjoy a beautiful view of sunset from the hills or just take a quite walk by the lake side, there is a unique charm in every aspect of life at Matheran.

Lonavala
Lonavala is a famous hill station located just 120 km from Mumbai. Ideal as a weekend getaway, the place is bestowed with numerous gifts by mother nature, being adorned with placid lakes, lush greenery and gurgling streams of water descending from the hills.

Popular Shopping Centres in Mumbai
Mumbai has a number of shopping locales where you can shop for everything from local hand made stuff to international brands. Places like Chor Bazaar, Zaveri Bazaar, Crawford Market and Bandra promise you an unforgettable experience while improving your bargaining skills. Some of the must buys include antiques, jewellery, leather goods and wooden articles.

Dining Out in Mumbai
Some of the best multi cuisine restaurants in Mumbai include Aangan The Restaurant (Vashi), Bagicha (Juhu), Delhi Darbar (Andheri), Desire (Vile Parle), Grass Hopper (Vile Parle), Jewel of India (Worli) and Just Kababs (Colaba).

Nightlife in Mumbai
If you are a late-night freak and love to party, Mumbai is the place. As soon as night begins to fall, Mumbai seems to acquire a brand new persona. The city has countless nightclubs where you can shake a leg and sway your hips to popular western music. The suburbs of Colaba, Juhu and Bandra have come up with a number of nightclubs. Your concierge will provide you the complete update about where you can go and enjoy your nightlife in Mumbai.

How to Reach Mumbai
By Air: Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport is located just 29 km from the city centre. A number of international airlines ply regularly to Mumbai from countries all over the world such as Canada, France, Mauritius, Britain, Egypt, Japan etc. The domestic airport is located at santacruz in northern Mumbai. The major domestic flight carriers operating services to all major Indian cities include Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara and Air Deccan.

By Rail: Mumbai is an important railway station of both the western and central railways. Local trains, which can be boarded from Churchgate station, connect almost every locality in Mumbai and are the best means of local travel (though the tourists should avoid traveling by local trains during peak hours when these things can get extremely crowded). The interstate trains can be boarded from Mumbai Central Station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (VT) with computerised ticket booking system installed at both these locations.

By Road: The entire state of Maharashtra has a well built and well maintained network of metalled roads that connect the city with other major neighbouring cities. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation operates deluxe and standard buses to all the neighbouring cities in and outside the state including Pune, Gujarat, Goa and Andhra Pradesh. The main inter state bus stand of the city is located just outside the Mumbai Central Railway Station.

Local Transport: There are various means to travel across various destinations inside the city, which include BEST (one of the largest bus networks in the country) that also provides you with the added excitement of traveling in Double-Decker buses. Besides, metered taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available to travel across the city and its suburbs, which are easily recognized by their unique black and yellow colour. Cars are also available for hire, although you will need a valid international license to drive in Mumbai.

Distance from Mumbai to Major Cities
Ahmedabad: 545 Km
Aurangabad: 403 Km
Delhi: 1407 Km
Panaji: 593 Km
Pune: 163 Km
Surat: 263 Km

Incredible India - Pink City Jaipur

An Overview

Location: Rajasthan
Famous as: The Pink City
Ideal time to visit: October- March
Main Attractions: Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amer Palace, Palace on Wheels

About Jaipur
A traveler’s journey to the land of the maharajahs, Rajasthan, begins from the city of the maharajahs - Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan. It was back in the year 1727 when Maharaja Jai Singh, after whom the city is named, laid the foundation of Jaipur city. Known all around the world as the pink city, Jaipur forms the much popular tourist circuit of Golden Triangle along with the cities of Delhi and Agra. The old city of Jaipur is enclosed within seven gates, the most important of which are Chandpol, Jaipuri and Sanganeri. The city of Jaipur attracts a good number of both domestic and foreign travellers. Being at an easy striking distance of Delhi, Jaipur has become a major hub for tourists visiting northern India.

Major Tourist Attractions in Jaipur
The architectural heritage of Jaipur is the biggest attraction for travellers. If you are a history freak and would like to explore the elements of the Mughal and Rajpur architecture, Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan is the right place to head towards. Given below are some of the most visited tourist attractions in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

City Palace
The palace is a magnificent blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The part of the Palace is still used by the royal family as a residence and the rest portion is converted into a museum. The palace consists of several structures like Badal Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal and City Palace Museum. The palace also consists of an art gallery with a superior collection of miniature paintings, carpets and royal belongings. The palace is 3.5km.from Jaipur. The best time to make a visit is from October to March.

Hawa Mahal
Sawai Pratap Singh built the Palace of Winds in 1799. Lal Chand Ustad designed this impressive multi layered five-storey structure. It provides some excellent views of the colorful city. The Hawa Mahal was designed for the ladies of the royal house to watch the enchanting life on the street without being observed.

Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar a stone observatory was built by Sawai Jai Singh between 1728 and 1734. It was built to measure the local time, altitude, the declination of stars, planets and to determine eclipses. Jantar Mantar is a grand celebration of astronomical science and each instrument here serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading.

Jal Mahal
Sawai Pratap Singh built the Mahal in 1799 A.D for royal duck shooting parties. This red sandstone palace is located 6.5 kms from Jaipur on the road to Amber is one of the delightful site at the center of the Man Sagar Lake. First four floors of the structure are submerged in water, only the top floor remains outside. It is also a home to large number of migratory birds arrive at the lake during winters.

Ram Niwas Garden
Located just outside the walled city is the sprawling Ram Niwas Garden. The garden houses the majestic Albert Hall Museum opened in 1887 AD, this impressive building displays a rich collection of paintings, carpets, ivory, stone and metal sculpture among other objects.

Excursion from Jaipur
During your trip to Jaipur, you can easily enjoy excursions from Jaipur. Don't miss to visit the following tourist spots around Jaipur while you are here and do not mind moving away a few kilometres.

Amber Fort
Amber fort lies at a distance of 11km from Jaipur is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Raja Man Singh built it in the 16th century. The fort crowns on top of the hillside, the walls and ceiling of the fort are engrave with ravishing glass mirrors that helps in splashing the sun rays all over the premises. Amber is also known for the marvelous Sheesh Mahal, Jai Mandir, Diwan-i-Aam, Sikh Niwas and the small Kali.

Jaigarh
Jaigarh, or the Fort of Victory, is a rugged fort built in 1726. The world's largest cannon on wheels is preserved here. The spacious parkotas (wallls) watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh are main source of attraction. The fort slso houses a museum, which displays a collection of weapons and cannons, used by the Rajput rulers. There is an excellent view of the Amer Palace from the fort. It is 11km. from Jaipur.

Bairath
The remnant of Buddhist temple 86km from Jaipur lies at Bairath. A mint constructed by Akbar, a charming Mughal garden and an unprecedented monument with carved and painted walls built by Jahangir.

Sanganer
Sanganer 40 km. from Jaipur, is known for its textile block printing, papermaking and Jaipur blue pottery, besides several temples and an old palace. This small town attracts lot of tourist from all over the world.

Popular Shopping Centres in Jaipur
Jaipur is a shopper's paradise. It is famous for leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye sheets, scarves and other exotic wares. Jaipur's craft, especially lacquer bangles are famous all over the world. Main shopping areas in Jaipur include Jaipur Handicrafts, Aravali Bazaar, Johari Bazaar, Mirza Ismail Road and Bapu Bazaar.

Famous Festivals in Jaipur

Kite festival
Held annually in January, it is the festival of kites with lights in them and fireworks that brighten the night sky.

Elephant festival
The festival is celebrated in the month of March. It is a festival of colors, and various elephant sports.

Gangaur Fair
Gangaur festival is a unique festival held in April and is celebrated in honor of goddess Guar.

Teej festival
Comes in the month of August essentially a woman festival, it marks the coming of monsoon.

How to Go Jaipur
Air: Through Sanganer Airport, the city of Jaipur is well connected to all the major cities, that include Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Udaipur. Indian Airlines flights have also started to Dubai from Jaipur.

Train: Jaipur is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India. There are daily trains from Delhi in morning Shatabdhi Exp. Luxurious Palace on Wheel train starts on every Wednesday from Delhi.

Road: Comfortable deluxe and air-conditioned buses are run by Rajasthan Roadways from Delhi (India Gate) to Jaipur. The roads are very good, and it takes around 5-6 hrs from Delhi.

Incredible India - Hyderabad City Tour

An Overview
Location: Andhra Pradesh
Tourist Attractions: Charminar, Golconda Fort
Local Tongue: Urdu, Telugu, Hindi and English
Best time to Visit: September to February
STD Code: (91) - 40

About Hyderabad
The city of Hyderabad in southern India is a complete delight for trip-makers. The imposing Char Minar, the Jama Masjid and the Mecca Masjid are a few grand names that make travellers flock to Hyderabad, the capital city of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is mostly remembered for its Qutub Shahi period wonders. Today, the city is known not only in terms of historical importance but also because of its being the information technology hub of India. The city of Hyderabad was first ruled by the Qutub Shahi rulers. Next, it was reigned by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the Asaf Jahi dynasty, finally being merged into the Indian Union. Apart from giving you wonderful sightseeing options, Hyderabad also offers travellers the choicest of cuisines, that leave a good taste for a long time.

Major Tourist Attractions in Hyderabad
Sightseeing in Hyderabad is truly a wonderful experience. There are lakes, museums, mosques, forts and palaces to visit. Given below are some of the most visited tourist attractions in Hyderabad.

Charminar
The most popular landmark in Hyderabad, Charminar is situated in the centre of the old city amidst bustling bazaars. The four sided towering structure was built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 in the newly formed city of Bhagyanagar (later renamed Hyderabad) shortly after shifting his capital there from Golconda. The ruler built the monument in the memory of his wife Bhagmati and is believed to have been constructed on the exact spot where he saw her for the first time.

Golconda Fort
Just a stone's throw away from Hyderabad, Golconda Fort is a magnificent fortress built by the Kakatiya rulers during the 13th century. Built on a 120 mts high granite hill, the fort was originally built as a mud construction but was later extended to include granite structures that are almost 5 km in circumference.

Hyderabad Palaces
The historic city of Hyderabad houses a number of beautiful palaces that stand as witnesses to its rich historical past. Two of the most amazing structures in Hyderabad are the Falaknuma Palace built by Nawab Vikar Ulmara and the Ashmangarh Palace built by Asman Jah, the former prime minister of Hyderabad.

HITECH City
The old part of Hyderabad is laden with ancient structures while the newer version of the place presents a completely different aspect with ultramodern structures, beautiful architecture and contemporary shopping complexes studded in every nook and corner. HITECH city (Hyderabad Information Technology Engineering Consultancy City), situated in the Madhpur area is a 10 storeyed cylindrical structure that houses offices of Indian and International IT giants in over 5,00,000 sq. feet of area.

Popular Shopping Centres in Hyderabad
One of the must visits in Hyderabad is the pearl bazaar where beautiful pearls coming in from all over the world pass through the hands of skilled craftsmen to be molded into gorgeous Jewellery. Other nearby markets sell clothing items including colorful attire as sported by some of the known tribes of Andhra Pradesh.

Biryani Delights
The Mughals have left a deep impression on Indian culture including everything from its architecture to cuisine. Biryani (a dish made of rice and mutton) is an integral part of the Hyderabadi cuisine that best showcases the impact of Mughal culture on a platter. For non-vegetarians, biryani promises a complete gastronomical treat which makes an inherent part of every Hyderabadi celebration. The Hyderabadi biryani has become famous all over the country for its unique flavour and aroma and the spices used ensure complete satisfaction of taste and hungriness. While in Hyderabad, do not miss out on a huge platter of delectable biryani.

Popular Getaways from Hyderabad
Excursions always add to a traveller's taste. And from Hyderabad as well, you can plan quite a few getaways to make the most of your trip to India. Here are some of the most preferred getaways from Hyderabad.

Warangal
The historical city of Warangal is located 140 km north of Hyderabad. The erstwhile capital of the Kakatiya rulers dates back to the 11th century and houses a number of ancient structures of tourist interest. An ancient star shaped temple dating back to the 13th century is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other places of tourist interest around Warangal are Vinayak Sagar and Kondapuram.

Nagarjunakonda
An important Buddhist centre, Nagarjunakonda lies 150 km south-east of Hyderabad. Among the major tourist attractions here are the 2nd century ruins of a Buddhist centre and the world's largest masonry dam built on river Krishna.

Bidar
History comes alive in the form of 15th and 16th century old ruins at Bidar, situated at a distance of 150 km west of Hyderabad. The prominent tourist attractions at the place include the rangeen mahal or the colorful palace.

How to Go Hyderabad
By Air: The Begumpet airport located at Hyderabad connects the city with all other major Indian cities and a number of International cities including those in the middle east, Singapore and more recently Chicago. An International airport is being constructed in the outskirts of the city and once complete will connect with a number of other destinations. Indian Airlines and other private carriers operate several flights a day connecting Hyderabad with other major Indian cities including Delhi and Mumbai.

By Rail: The Secunderabad railway station, situated at the centre of the city receives regular trains from all the major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, Bhubaneshwar and Rajkot. Daily trains between Delhi and Hyderabad are Dakshin Exp. and A P Exp.

By Road: Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses connect Hyderabad with all the neigbouring cities in and outside the state. National Highways 7 & 9 pass through the city.

Distance from Hyderabad to Major Cities
Aurangabad: 554 Km
Bangalore: 562 Km
Nagpur: 487 Km
Pune: 548 Km
Tirupati: 592 Km
Vijaywada: 267 Km

Incredible India - Goa Tour and Travel

An Overview
Location: Western India
Tourist Attractions: Beaches, Churches, Panaji, Old Goa
Languages: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English and Portuguese
Best time to Visit: October to March

About Goa
In Goa, it is often said, life is an unending party. The plethora of tourist magnets on offer at Goa includes every attraction you can ever dream of. While Goa's endless sprawls of beaches present a pulsating nightlife, incessant rave parties and quite picturesque beaches that take you to a life laid back and completely away from the bustle of the city, the other attractions of the place include ancient churches and charming relics of the Portuguese architecture. Besides, Goa also has an assemblage of diverse wildlife which makes the place a complete vacation package. The Goa carnival, a four day festival celebrated every year during February, is an event when Goa sparkles in its true colours with tourists pouring in from all corners of the globe.

Climate & Best time to Visit
The climate of Goa is generally humid owing to its proximity to the sea although it remains cool and pleasant during the winter months from December to February (avg. temperature between 21 and 32 degrees Celsius). March to May are the hot and humid summer months (avg temperature between 24 and 35 degrees Celsius) while June to September are the wet rainy times when the humidity levels can be extremely high. The best time to visit the place is from October to March.

Tourist Attractions

Goa Beaches
Whether you are looking for endless rave parties, serene getaways or exciting water sports, the beaches of Goa offer it all under the same roof. Take a walk on the sandy beaches and witness the beauty of swaying palm trees and crystal water rolling up the stones or try exciting water sports such as water skiing, water scooter rides, surfing, scuba diving etc. The most prominent beaches in Goa include Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Benaulim Beach, Bogmolo Beach, Calangute Beach, Colva Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Varca Beach, Candolim Beach, Majorda Beach and Vagator Beach.

Churches in Goa
Goa houses some of the most charming and ancient churches in the country, mostly erected during the Portuguese rule. The churches besides being architectural marvels are also historically significant sites. Some of the most popular churches in Goa are Church of Our Lady Rosary, Convent and Church of St. Francis, Basilica De Bom Jesus Church and St. Cathedral Church.

Panaji
The capital of Goa, Panaji is a beautiful little place soaked up in a colonial ambiance. The most pleasant way to explore the place is on foot, passing through the labyrinth of lanes lines with colonial villas and beautiful Portuguese architectural structures. The Church of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1541 is one of the most popular of Goa's tourist attractions.

Old Goa
The former capital of Goa, Old Goa was one of the most enchanting tourist attractions during its hey days. The place has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site and houses a number of cultural attractions including ancient temples and churches. Old Goa is home to the largest church in India, constructed in 1640, the Tuscan St. Catherine's Cathedral took eighty years to complete.

Things to Do

Shopping
The most important shopping hot spot in Goa is the flea market at Anjuna. Once popular as a hangout place for backpack travellers, the Anjuna flea market has over the years developed into a full scale shoppers hub with wide range of goods on sale. Traders from all corners of the country come to the place with their local specialties including colorful traditional attire, Kashmiri woollens, silver jewellery and much more. The market held every Wednesday is also a good place to get along with the local people.

Dine Out
Goa is a food lover's paradise with unique culinary delights which are a delectable mix of varied cooking styles. The sumptuous sea food will make you lick fingers. Some of the must try out delicacies while in Goa include Pork Vindaloo, Sorpotel and Chicken Xacuti. Besides these, a variety of sweets also form a major component of the Goan platter.

How to Reach Goa

By Air: Goa's Dabolim international airport is located just 55 km from Panaji near Vasco Da Gama. International flights including chartered planes from a number of European and Middle East countries arrive here, especially during the tourist season. Indian Airlines and some private carriers operate regular services to Goa from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Patna. The approximate flight time between Mumbai and Goa is 45 minutes.

By Rail: Goa is connected to other cities in India through its two major railway stations at Margao (southern railways terminus) and Vasco Da Gama (Konkan Railways Terminus). Daily trains from Goa connect the state with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune.

By Road: Goa is conveniently connected by road to all the neighbouring cities and states including Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. State transport corporation operates daily buses between Goa and Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Mangalore and Hyderabad.

Local Transport: Tourist taxis are available to travel between various destinations across Goa while auto rickshaws are also available to cover short distances. Motor boats and ferry boats are also available that connect certain destinations. Cars are also available for hire.

Distance from Major Cities
Mumbai: 594 Km
Bangalore: 632 Km
Mangalore: 371 Km
Mysore: 677 Km
Pune: 471 Km