MOUNT ABU

Nakki Lake

Situated in the Aravalli ranges in Mount Abu, Nakki Lake, locally known as the Nakki Jheel is a paradise for nature lovers. Flanked by amazing natural wonders, this lake is truly a gem of Mount Abu. It is the first man-made lake in India with a depth of around 11,000 metres and a width of a quarter of a mile. Located in the centre of the hill station, the fascinating lake is surrounded by lush greenery, mountains and strangely shaped rocks. As you sail through the serene waters of Nakki Lake, it is exciting to see the life of Mount Abu unfolding in front of you. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and photography fiends.

Guru Shikhar

Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range and lies about 15 kilometres from Mount Abu. The height of the peak is 1722 meters from sea level thereby promising a breathtaking view of the Aravalli range and the hill station of Mount Abu. Guru Shikhar translates to 'the peak of the guru' and was named after Guru Dattatreya who is believed to have resided on the peak during his days as a monk. The cave atop the peak has been converted to a temple in his remembrance. Guru Shikhar is also home to the Mount Abu Observatory. After a 15 kilometre drive, you would need to climb a few steps to reach the top of Guru Shikhar Peak. When visited during October and November, the weather gets more cloudy and misty. At the top of Guru Shikhar is an age-old bell with the words '1411 AD' inscribed on it. Ringing that bell after hiking all the way to the peak is like announcing your achievement to the valley of Mount Abu. The sound of the bell chimes long and far.

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UDAIPUR

City Palace

Built on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace in Udaipur is considered to be the largest royal complex in Rajasthan. The magnificent palace was built in the year 1559 by Maharana Uday Singh and served as the main seat of power, where the Maharanas lived and administered the kingdom from. Subsequently, the palace was made even more splendid by his successors, who added a number of structures to it. The Palace now has an assortment of Mahals, courtyards, pavilions, corridors, terraces, rooms and hanging gardens. There is a museum here as well that showcases some of the finest elements of Rajput arts and culture - from colourful paintings to the typical architecture found in Rajasthani palaces.

Lake Pichola

The Lake Pichola is an artificial lake located in the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan. The oldest and one of the largest lakes of the city, the Lake Pichola observes lakhs of tourists because of its tranquillity and beauty. Flanked by lofty hills, heritage buildings and bathing ghats, it is a dream come true for peace and nature lovers. A visit to the Lake Pichola is incomplete without a boat ride, especially in the dawn. During evenings, it seems the entire place has been dipped in gold as you can see the heritage buildings and the pristine water turning golden with the sun's reflection. The enthralling views will take you to a different world of stillness and will also bring out your romantic side.

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JAIPUR

Amer Fort

Cradled on the top of a hill near Jaipur lies the Amer Fort, one of the most magnificent palaces in India. Also commonly known as the Amber Fort, this majestic building with its maze-like passages and serpentine staircases is an architectural masterpiece and with significant importance in Indian history. Only 11 kilometres away from Jaipur, Amer Fort is clad in pink and yellow sandstone and is a part of an extensive complex. Built by one of the most trusted generals of Akbar, Maharaja Man Singh I in the year 1592, Amer Fort served as the main residence of the Rajput Rulers.

Chokhi Dhani

Chokhi Dhani is a luxury heritage resort synonymous with Rajasthani village culture. It is located a little on the outskirts of the city on Tonk Road. The concept of the village is to give you a tangible feel of rural Rajasthan. It is a true depiction of traditional Rajasthan with ancient artefacts, handicrafts, paintings, folklore and sculptures. The village offers myriad entertainment options- folk dances, singing, camel rides, puppet shows, fortune-tellers, acrobatics, predicting parrots, magic shows, horse riding. etc. It is also known for its traditional Rajasthani food served with a dollop of clarified butter!

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JAISALMER

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort, nestled on the golden sands of Thar Desert, is not just a fort but a mini-town with houses, temples, shops, and restaurants. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it falls under the category of 'Hill Forts of India'. Built in 1156, Jaisalmer Fort gets its name from the former Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal. More than three thousand people live within the fort walls with multiple entrance gates on the path up top, the last of which directs you to the popular public square named Dashera Chowk. The fort stands at an impressive height of 250 ft. and is surrounded by 30 ft. tall walls. Owing to its altitude, it offers a stunning and panoramic view of Jaisalmer city draped in golden yellow!

Desert Safari

Jaisalmerin Rajasthan is frequented by tourists for its large stretches of desert sand. Popular Desert Safaris in Jaisalmer takes place in Sam Sand Dunes. A Jeep takes you to a point near Sam Sand Dunes (around 45km from the city) from where the camel ride starts and lasts for around 90 minutes. You will also stop by at a few attractions on your way.

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CHITTORGARH

Padmini Palace

Padmini Palace is the palace where Rani Padmini lived after she married Rawal Ratan Singh, the ruler of Mewar Kingdom who ruled between 1302 and 1303 CE. The majestic palace is a historical monument related to the self-sacrifice of Rani Padmini after Chittorgarh was attacked by the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji. The two storey monument stands rather strong right at the centre of the Chittorgarh Fort elevated on rocky terrain. The fort is surrounded by a lotus pool which adds to the charm of the monument. One can imagine how glorious this site would have been when the royal ladies used it, the pool having colourful lotuses depicting grace and beauty in the rugged Chittor Fort. Those exploring Chittorgarh Fort must visit the Padmini Palace.

Maha Sati

About 110 km away from Chittorgarh, this is the sacred place where Udaipur Rulers used to be cremated. This beautiful structure, glistening in the sun attracts tourists also because of a water reservoir which it believed to have the waters of Ganges emerging from it. The Ahar Cenotaphs have 19 chhatris to commemorate the 19 Kings who were cremated here. In all, there are more than 250 cenotaphs here.

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AJMER

Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Ajmer Sharif Dargah, also known as Ajmer Dargah, is the tomb of Moinuddin Chishti is one of the holiest places of worship in India not only for the Muslims but followers of every faith. Being the final resting place of the Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, it has had an enormous contribution in spreading the ethical and spiritual values of Islam amongst masses. Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti was a great Sufi Saint and dedicated his entire life to the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. The shrine is visited by millions of people every year, as it is considered very sacred by people of all religions. Ajmer Sharif was built by the Mughal Emperor Humayun, hence justifying the rich Mughal Architecture. The Dargah has various constituents like tombs, courtyards and Daalaans. The major among these structures are- Nizam Gate, Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Aulia Masjid, Dargah Shrine, Mehfilkhana and about a dozen of other prominent establishments. One can spot two huge cauldrons in the inner courtyard of the shrine. These containers have a capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 kg and are used during special occasions to cook sweet delicacies like Kheer.

Ana Sagar Lake

The gorgeous Ana Sagar Lake is a magnificent artificial lake that is located in the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India. This lake is best visited during the sunsets when the views are extraordinarily marvellous to look at. The sight of the lake from the nearby temple is particularly enchanting. Do not forget to take a camera to capture the fantastic and heavenly views that you behold here. However, the lake may dry up during the summers.

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PUSHKAR

Savitri Temple

a temple in pushkar

Brahma Temple

the only brahma's temple in india

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DELHI

India Gate

The All India War Memorial, popularly known as the India Gate, is located along the Rajpath in New Delhi. The imposing structure of India Gate is an awe-inspiring sight and is often compared to the Arch de Triomphe in France, the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Arch of Constantine in Rome. This 42-meter tall historical structure was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is one of the largest war memorials in the country. India Gate is also famous for hosting the Republic Day Parade every year.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a minaret or a victory tower located in Qutub complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi's Mehrauli area. With the height of 72.5 metres (238 ft), Qutub Minar is the second tallest monument of Delhi. Its construction was started in 1192 by Qutb Ud-Din-Aibak, founder of Delhi Sultanate after he defeated the last Hindu Ruler of Delhi. He constructed the basement, after which the construction was taken over by his son-in-law and successor Iltutmish who constructed three additional stories. The fourth and fifth storeys were built by Firoz Shah Tuglak.

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MUMBAI

Elephanta Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. The caves are located on the Elephanta or Gharapuri island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Mumbai. Natively known as Gharapurichi Leni, the Elephanta Caves that exist today are ruins of what were once elaborately painted artworks. It also provides an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline. You can reach the Elephanta Caves via a ferry ride from Gateway of India. This collection of cave temples dates back to 5th to 7th centuries and most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is the most easily identifiable landmark associated with Mumbai and is indicative of the glamor and glitter of the city. It is essentially 3.6 km long, arc-shaped boulevard along the South Mumbai coast that starts at the southern end of Nariman Point and ends at Girgaum Chowpatty, popularly known as Chowpatty Beach. The coast wraps the Arabian sea and is the best place in Mumbai to watch the sunset or even to just take a leisurely stroll by the sea any time of the day or night. At night, when the whole coastline lights up, it justifies its other moniker i.e. Queen's Necklace.

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AURANGABAD

Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Dated back to the 2nd century, Ajanta & Ellora Caves are one of the most visited sites of Aurangabad Maharashtra. Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1983, these caves are a brilliant example of ancient Indian rock architecture. Murals, paintings, and carvings on the walls of these caves represent three different religions, namely Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, it is one of the best tourist places in Aurangabad. Historians believe that ancient Buddhist monks used these caves for seeking enlightenment. The Ajanta Caves itself have around 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments while Ellora Caves have around 34 cave monuments. The Kailasa in Ellora Cave 16 is regarded as the world’s largest megalith unearthing, which is carved out of a single rock. It is a splendid epitome of Dravidian architecture showcasing the skilled workmanship of that period. Other prominent caves that are popular among tourists include Vishwakarma (cave 10) Dashavatara (cave 15), Rameshvara (cave 21) and IndraSabha (cave 32), these caves are also amongst one of the best places to visit near Shirdi.

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is a replica of the famous love symbol Taj Mahal and is one of the most historical places to visit in Aurangabad. Looked after by the Archeological Survey of India, this mausoleum was built by Prince Azam Shah, who was Aurangzeb’s son, in memory of his beloved mother Begum Rabia Durani. Called Mini Taj, this tomb will leave you awestruck with its exquisite marbles adorned up to the dado level. These marbles are said to be brought from the mines of Jaipur. As per the inscription laid on the main entrance, Bibi Ka Maqbara was erected by Ata-ullah and Hanspat Rai, two famous architects of the Mughal Empire. The mausoleum is erected on a square platform and is embraced by four minarets at its corners. There is also a mosque in and an archaeological museum just behind making it one of the best tourist places in Aurangabad.

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AHMEDABAD

Swaminarayan Temple

Located in the Kalupur area of Ahmedabad, Shri Swaminarayan Temple (also known as Akshardham Temple) is a shrine dedicated to Narayan Dev. This splendid temple was built in the year 1822 on the instructions of Swaminarayan, who was the founder of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism.

Sabarmati Riverfront

Sabarmati Riverfront is a waterfront developed on the banks of river Sabarmati in Ahmedabad. Started with an objective for sustainable development and environmental improvement, the pace has now become a major tourist attraction owing to its lush green promenades, beautiful parks and plazas and an all-around soothing ambience.

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VADODARA

Statue of Unity

Statue of Unity is a memorial to The Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The statue has been erected to propagate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's vision of India and to inspire the Citizens of India through his patriotism and freedom struggle. The Bronze statue of the founding father of the Republic of India stands 182 metres tall grabbing the attention of the whole world as the 'Tallest statue in the World'. The statue of Unity is Located in Gujrat, by the banks of River Narmada on the River Island of Sadhu Bet overlooking the Narmada Dam (Sardar Sarovar Dam) from 3.2 km away.

Lukshmi Vilas Palace

Lukshmi Villas Palace is the Official residence of the Maharaja Of Baroda.The royal family still resides in this magnificent palace builtin 1889.A part of the palace is open for visitors during the day 10 am to 5 pm. Mondays is the weekly off day. Weekends can get crowded , so best to come on any other day.The ticket cost Rs. 200 And it includes a complimentary audio tour guide in either english , hindi & marathi.Photographs inside the palace are not permitted. The tour takes about an hour. Water & other cold beverages are available at a charge for visitors

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