People People of Diu are very warm, friendly and show good hospitality. They are fun loving and enjoy all seasons with great zeal. Night life in Diu is quite enjoyable and safe. People of Diu enjoy going for walk, watching cinema, theater or just hanging out with family and friends. Besides enjoying good food people of Diu are fond of sports too, especially cricket. Diu has its own International cricket stadium popularly known as RMC where number of international matches having been played.
Festivals & Color All the festivals are celebrated with lots of enthusiasm starting with Makarshankranti in January till Christmas and New Year eve celebration in December. Diu is famous for its Diu Festival(Public Fair) which is held every year during in the month of December arranged by tourism department of Diu. Some of the festivals that are celebrated extensively with lots of pomp and zeal are Makarshankranti, Holi (festivals of colors), Janmashtami, Rakshanbandhan, Diwali, Id, Christmas and New Year.
The territories of Daman and Diu were under Portuguese regime before the liberation.
Traditionally they carry on the life pattern of Gujarat and Saurashtra Cultural region. Diu is an extension of Kathiawad Cultural Zone which influences language, dress, patterns, food habits, customs and practice and other culture elements. The ethnic mosaic of Daman and Diu comprises of Hindus, viz. the Kharwa, Koli Patel, Koli, Bhraman, Bania, Vanja, Salat, Sanghadia, Sager, Baria, Kamli, Mitna, Mangela, Bhandari, Macchi, Kumbhar, Mahyavanshi, the tribals, namely the Dhobia, Dubla and Siddi; The Muslim viz. Momin and Khoja descendants of Rajputs which referring to the ATAK (Surname) GOTRA (clan) names. While the Kharwa, Koli, Koli Patel, Vanja, Mangela, Bhandari, Sager and Salat claim to be the original inhabitants of Union Territory, other perceive them as migrants from various places of Gujarat and Saurashtra. The unique and adventurous atmosphere of the islet lures tourists to engage in a number of Diu Island activities. The beaches at this island are ideal destinations for a host of water sports activities like surfing. Apart from the marine activities in Diu Island, the tourists have the opportunity to engage in multitudinous recreational activities like hiking and gallivanting around the small island.
The beaches in Diu Island offer multiple opportunities to engage in water sports activities. The craggy and sharp edged Nagoa Beach facilitates sports activities. One can engage in Para sailing, sunbathing, surfing and swimming in the Ghoghla Beach of Diu Island. Apart from facilitating sports activities, the beaches of Diu Island are frequented by tourists for their natural and aesthetic beauty. Jallandhar and Chakratirth serve as popular Sunset Points. The fisher folk in the island arrange for sun set and sun rise cruises along the beaches of Diu Island.
Tourism has received an impetus due to the presence of an array of facilities to support sporting activities in Diu. However, the island also maintains strict prohibitory laws that preventsnational and foreign tourists from engaging into unlawful activities. Those interested in shopping may engage in gathering souvenirs from the bazaars and curio shops at the old city.
Diu Today Diu the first dedicated website about tourism and hotels in Diu, launched by Param Web Solutions. Diu is very popular tourist place of Gujarat. This site contains very useful information about tourist and busines places, accomodation,restaurants, famous temples, travel agents, special events and social life in Diu.
Being one of the popular tourist and business places in Gujarat many national and international travellers visit Diu frequently. Besides people visiting any nearby cities tourist attractions, pilgrimage places prefer to halt in Diu. This site is resourceful for online users to find various accomodation and travel related information. Since, this site is designed in a unique way and has been optimized to rank high in major search engines for Diu related search, The traffic on this site is getting exponential growth.
Clothing & Languages The tourist season spans September to May. Recommended clothing are cottons in summer, light woolens in winter. The languages spoken in Diu include Gujarati, English, Hindi, and Portuguese. Local transport is available from Una (Gujarat). Tourist destinations include the nearby Nagoa beach. An exciting past time is the boat ride to a light house, in the middle of the sea. There is also a very ancient Lord Shiva's Temple located on the "Gangeswar" coast. Old Diu has some very interesting architecture that can be seen from the island's streets. This includes the old fort, the church, and the museum, which all have a strong Portuguese feel.
Honeymoon in Diu Diu Island Honeymoon would be a memorable one for the newly wed couple. The secluded island at the southern most end of Gujarat is an ideal destination for the newly weds since it offers the perfect atmosphere for a romantic holiday. The sun soaked beaches, the rolling sea water along with the hospitality provided by the hotels in Diu Island forms a wonderful honeymoon destination. Simply strolling along the beach with one's spouse, hand in hand and sharing those lovely romantic moments would be an experience of lifetime for the couples.
Diu a former Portuguese enclave, and now a Union Territory, is steeped in history. It was a seaport and naval base of considerable strategic importance from the 14th to 16th Centuries. It was also a vital trade link with the rest of India for traders overseas. Diu was under the sway of Chanda and Vaghela dynasties till the 14th Century. The Muslim rulers ruled over the island town till 1380 AD. Then came the mighty wave of invasion of the foreign rule that lasted well nigh upto 450 years.
Some of the major tourist attractions in Diu are Diu Fort Gangeshwar Temple Nagoa Beach Ghoghla Beach Panikotha Hoka Tree Church of St. Francis of Assisi
Mythology believes that Diu was ruled by a ‘Daitya' (Demon-king) called Jallandhar, who was beheaded by Lord Vishnu with his Sudarshan-Chakra. According to the Gazetteer of Goa, Daman and Diu; Diu was known as ‘Jallandhar Ksshetra' during Satyug. In fact, the temple of Jallandhar is still there in Diu and is a famous ancestral relic of the Demon-king. It also forms a major tourist attraction of the place.
Diu was governed by the Mauryans during 322-320 BC and was the major trade center on the Saurashtra Coast. The Kshatrapas ruled the entire state of Saurashtra including Diu from 1st century AD to 415 AD. They were followed by the Guptas who ruled Diu from 415 AD to 467 AD, by the Maitrakas who ruled from 470 AD to 788 AD. From 789 AD to 941 AD, it was under the regime of the Chavda Dynasty. Later the Chalukyas succeeded the Chavda rulers and governed Diu.
Thus, Diu saw a march of various bloody battles among the rulers of various dynasties. It was under the Sultans of Oman during the 14th and 16th centuries, when it emerged as a strong naval base and a successful trade center. Finally the Portuguese established their rule in Diu in 1529, and made use of its strategic location to usher in a new era of colonization and commercialization. Diu remained under colonial subjugation, till it gained independence in 1961 and became a part of the Indian Republic, along with Daman and Goa.
Nagoa Beach It is located near the Nagoa hamlet of the village of Bucharwada. The Beach is exceptionally beautiful and quiet. In this horse - shoe shaped beach, various water sports facilities are available. It is completely safe for swimming. Plenty of Hoka trees whisper and sway in the intoxicating sea breeze all day long. The virginity of the beach and serenity of the surroundings give the visitor peace and pleasure beyond expression.
A perfect semi circle beach where the gentle lapping waves beckon you to wade into them for a fun filled time of swimming, gamboling or just lolling around the soft sand shores or to find you napping under the palm trees filled with the soothing breeze.
Ghoghla Beach The Ghoghla Beach is a sandy beach. A tourist complex nearby provides all basic amenities to tourists. It is the largest and gentlest beach of Diu.
The Golden sand beach undulates into the horizon while the Arabian Sea laps away at the edge as though imploring the sands to let it find its own peach. You can do swimming, sunbathing, parasailing, surfing etc.
Jallandhar Beach Jallandhar Shrine is located on a hillock close to the beach. This small shrine crowned with a dome houses a stone carved face of Jallandhar a mythological demon who was killed by Lord Krishna. Near by there is also a temple of Goddess Chandrika. The beach is at a distance of 1 km from Diu Town.
Temple
Gangeshwar Temple This is situated 3 Km away from Diu in Fudam village. Five shivlings, are located in the midst of the rocks on the seashore, washed by the tidal waves of the sea. It is believed that the 5 Pandavas during their exile worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.
The gentle sea waves offering their obeisance to the "Shiva Lingas" in stone have a mystic aura around them in the cave temple of Gangeshwar where the Lord makes his presence felt.
Churches St. Paul's Church St. Paul's church is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The construction of the church was started in 1601 and was completed in the year 1610. The main facade of the church is perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India. The facade has been illuminated by flood lights.
The church adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell - like motifs and the magnificent wood carving is considered to be the most elaborate of all the Portugese churches in India. St. Paul Church, built in 1691 is consecrated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. In architectural style it resembles Bom Jesus Church at Goa. The dominant features are, no doubt, Gothic. The wood - panelling of the church is rated one of the best in church craftmanship.
St. Francis of Assisi It was the friary of the Franciscans. It was built in 1593. The Church is still in use and the cloister has been converted into a hospital.
St. Thomas Church - Museum The old St. Thomas Church has been converted into a museum which houses antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings and idols, in evening, multicolored fountains and special lighting of the imposing building fascinate everyone.
A huge edifice in gothic architecture was built in 1598. A part of it has been converted into a museum - an archaeological treasure house.
Museum Sea Shell Museum - Nagoa First museum in Asia which has maximum sea shells. First museum in World where sea shells are displayed in magnifyng glass of various sizes. The collection of about 2500 to 3000 sea shells in museum. Place:- Near Nagoa Beach, Near Airport East, Diu.
INS Khukri Memorial Indian Naval ship Khukri was a frigate of the Indian Navy. During the India Pakistan War in 1971 she fell prey to three torpedoes fired at her by a Pakistani Submarine She sank 40 nautical miles off the coast of Diu taking down with her a crew of l8 Officers and 176 sailors. Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla Mahavir Chakra (Post humous) of the Indian Navy, the then Commanding Officer of the ship, chose to go down with the warship. The heroic act of Captain Mulla and his valiant crew is a shining example of unyielding spirit and indomitable courage glorifying the heist traditions of the Indian Navy. There is an amphitheatre just adjoining the memorial.
It was inaugurated on 15th December, 1999 in memory of the officers and the sailors who chose to go down with the warship INS KHUKRI when it was hit by a salve of three torpedoes fired from PNS Hangor, a Pakistani Submarine on 9/12/1971 during the INDO-PAK war.
Hoka Trees at Nagoa Diu has plenty Branching Palm tree called "Hokka" (Hyphaene Indica) which are found nowhere else in the country.. Only one Indian species of African genus. Brought by Portuguese. Diu, the only place in India to have luxuriant growth of these trees. Fruit is cute & edible, believed to have medicinal properties.
Fortim-do-Mar (Pani Kotha) The Fortress of Panikotha is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. Approximately one nautical mile from the Diu jetty, it also has a light house and a small chaple dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. Located in the middle of the sea, the fortress creates a beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort, from the Village of Ghoghla or from Diu proper. Special light effects at night give it a mesmerizing beauty. To reach Panikotha, tourists boats are available.
Legend has it that this ship shape structure was one connected with land by an under sea tunnel. You can see this monument in famous bollywood movie "QAYAMAT".
Diu Fort Among the places of tourist interest, the Fort of Diu occupies a prominent position. It is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of sea. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD.
The fort is skirted by the Sea on the three sides. On the fort stands a giant Light House. Several canons still stare menacingly from top. The main front wall is having five huge windows with stone galleries. The Fort has been creatively lit, which creates a breath taking views at night.
Rugged yet gentle, fierce yet loving. The majestic structure stands on the coast of DIU as a sentinel. Once inside, you are overwhelmed by the gaunt majesty of the ancient stone work which transports you to a bygone era of gallant soldiers where time stands still.
by Air Diu do have one airport at Nagoa which provides Diu-Mumbai daily flights by Jet Airways except saturdays.
by Rail Nearest railway station is Veraval. Veraval is directly connected to Rajkot, Ahmedabad and other major cities by Train.
by Road Gujarat & Maharashtra are connected through many road links which connects to major National Highways of the country.
Distance from major cities Veraval (Somnath) - 90 kms Junagadh - 185 Kms Porbandar - 230 Kms Dwarka - 340 Kms Palitana - 175 Kms Rajkot - 295 Kms Sasangir - 120 Kms Bhavnagar - 215 Kms Vadodara - 595 Kms Daman - 675 Kms Ahmedabad - 495 Kms Mumbai - 980 Kms
Geography Katra or Katra Vaishno Devi, as it is popularly known, is a small town in Jammu and Kashmir, India, situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, where the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located. It is part of the Udhampur District and is located 42 km from the city of Jammu Mata Vaishno Deviji The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave. The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave. A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts lakhs of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds 5 million. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad. Mata Vaishno Devi is a form of the Hindu goddess Durga. According to legend a young girl Vaishno was created by the Gods to fight the demons in the Treta yug. According to common Hindu religious belief Mata Vaishno grants the four important boons of righteousness, material pursuits, contentment and enlightenment to all those who visit this sacred place of worship. Usually devotees offer coconuts, dry fruits and red net scarves as a token of worship to the deity tourist attraction Vaishno Devi Shrine Katra Regarded as one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages, the Vaishno Devi Shrine is frequented by a large number of devotees every year to seek the blessings of Mother Goddess who resides in the cave. The Goddess here is worshipped in three forms -Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Mahalakshmi. Jahan Kosha Katra Located just a km away from Katra, Jahan Kosha-a massive canon which is about 17.5ft long was built by Janardhan Karmakar, a 17th century craftsman from Dhaka. There is a lovely mosque which is believed to have the footprint of the revered prophet Hazrat Mohammad. Baba Dhansar Katra A popular picnic spot, Baba Dhansar is situated at a distance of 10kms from Katra. Known for its picturesque setting with dense grove of trees, lovely spring dipping out of the mountainside, cluster of lovely watefalls, a naturally formed Shivling where one can really see water dipping naturally throughout the year make this place a pictorial delight. This place is also known for the huge fair that is held during Shivratri. Dera Baba Banda Katra Located at a distance of 30 kms from the town, Dera Baba Banda is one of the revered Hindu-Sikh pilgrimage centres. Baba Banda Bairaagi also known as the 'Saint Soldier' of Guru Gobind Singh. The Gurudwara built by Baba Bairaagi on the banks of river Chenaab is frequented by people of other faiths. Aghar Jitto Katra Aghar Jitto or the Shrine of Baba Jitto, a devotee of Maa Vaishno Devi is situated at a distance of 5km from the town. It is believed that if any pre- natal women take a dip in the holy spring water flowing in front of the shrine, safe delivery of baby is assured. Shivkhori Katra Placed at a distance of 70km from the town, Shivkhori or the Holy Cave in the shape of the Damroo of Lord Shiva which is about half a kilometre long and has a 4feet high naturally formed Shiv-lingam right in the heart of the Sanctom Sanctorum. The most attractive feature of the cave is the sight of the natural milky water falling from the top of the Lingam signifying the eternity of the river Ganga. getting to Katra By Air The Jammu Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 55kms from Katra. One can easily get several airline offices which provide regular flight service to Jammu By Rail The Jammu Railway station located at a distance of 50kms is the nearest railway station from Katra. Jammu is easily accessible from any part of Indiaas it enjoys healthy rail network. By Road The National Highway connects Katra with other parts of India. One can hire taxis which are easily available at Jammu and Katra.
AMRITSAR history The history of Amritsar boasts of a perfect mix of Hindu and Sikh culture. Founded by Guru Ram Das in the year 1547, the city has been the home to various sages and saints. Although the history of Amritsar can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, it also has been referred in the various Puranas and the famous mythological epic Ramayana. According to the legend, this city was the site of the ashram of Rishi Balmiki as well as the birth place of Lord Ram’s son – Luv and Kush. The city boasts of Greek influence under Alexander during 326 BC. However, the Mauryas defeated the Greeks thus possessing the throne of Amritsar. The rulers of the Gupta Empire ruled here from the 4th to the 6th century followed by the rule of Shahi Dynasty and further under the kingship of Sultan Mahmood of Ghazani. Sikh came on the scene of Amritsar in the 16th century when Sikh Guru Ram Das and his successor Guru Arjan Dev established a temple around a small pool. It was during this time, that the city got its name Amritsar. The city is famous for the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy in which thousands of people were killed by the British.
location Amritsar is 280 miles from Delhi and only 16 miles from Wagha, an outpost of the Indo-Pakistan border. With a population of about 4,00,000 and a number of educational institutions, business enterprises, industrial concerns, banks, hotels, parks and restaurants, Amritsar still remains the largest and the most important city of Punjab.
tourist attraction Shri Hari Mandir Sahib - Golden Temple Amritsar The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen-down the philosophy, ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than a of description. As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest. The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome. The Jalianwala Bagh The Jallianwala Bagh is located about a quarter of a mile from the Golden Temple. It is the Memorial which commemorates the sacrifices of hundreds of men, women and children who were victims of ruthless firing of the British forces. The incident took place on April 13, 1919, when thousands of people had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh to voice their feelings against the repressive policies of the British Government. General Dyer tried to silence the gathered crowd with volleys of bullets which, according to official estimates, took a toll of 397 lives and wounded another 1,200 persons. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre accentuated political awakening in India and brought Mahatma Gandhi to the forefront of Indian political life. The bullet marks can be seen to this day on the boundary walls of the garden. Jallianwala Bagh has been turned into a spacious and well-laid park where people from all parts of the country come to visit. The historic Rambagh Garden outside the City is a big attraction in the evenings when people throng its green parks to relax and breathe fresh air. This garden is laid out in the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore. Several clubs operate in the Garden which also houses the well-known summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Durgiana Temple A partial replica of the Golden Temple, the Durgiana temple is situated outside the Lohgarh Gate. It is dedicated to the Goddess Durga and is frequented by devout Hindus. Wagah Border The international borderline between India and Pakistan, Wagah is always been in the news headlines of both countries. Convoluted buildings, barriers and roads mark both sides of the border. The fencing between the borders is electrified with very high voltage. The Swarna Jayanthi gate, which is the entry gate of the outpost, commands the magnificent scenery of verdant landscapes. Situated in between Lahore and Amritsar, evenings in this army outpost is very charming and colourful with the "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. The pageantry and pomp, and the change of guard within a short expanse make an appealing spectacle, which grabs large gathering. The most important segment of the ceremonial parade is the bringing down of the respective flags of both countries. Tourists and the locals throng near the border to witness the ceremonial parade of the Soldiers of the two countries. When the sun sets in the horizon, the soldiers take their departure amidst the beatings of the drums and beguiles. The entire ceremony nearly takes thirty minutes. getting to amritsar
about delhi Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators. The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to present days writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets. Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi. tourist attraction Akshardham Temple Swaminarayan Akshardham reflects the essence and magnitude of India's ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spirituality.
The main monument, depicting ancient Indian "vastu shastra" and architecture, is a marvel in pink sandstone and white marble that is 141 feet high, 316 feet wide and 370 feet long with 234 ornate pillars, over 20,000 sculptures and statues of deities, eleven 72-foot-high huge domes (mandapams) and decorative arches. And like a necklace, a double-storied parikrama of red sandstone encircles the monuments with over 155 small domes and 1,160 pillars. The whole monument rises on the shoulders of 148 huge elephants with 11-feet tall panchdhatu statue of Swaminarayan presiding over the structure. The other attractions of the complex are three exhibition halls spaced around two huge ponds, where one is a venue for light-and-sound show. The three halls are "Sahajanand Darshan", "Neelkanth Darsdhan" and "Sanskruti Vihar". "Sahajanand Darshan" is where life of Swaminarayan is displayed through robotic shows, while "Neelkanth Darsdhan" has a huge I-Max theatre screening movie based on the life of the Lord. Another amazing presentation is "Sanskruti Vihar" with 12-minute boat ride experience of India's glorious heritage.
The sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham complex spread over 30 acres on the banks of the Yamuna near Noida Mor in East Delhi. For visitors, entry to the complex is free. However, those who want to visit exhibition halls and theatres, Rs.125 is to be paid and for children and senior citizens the charges are Rs.75. "Over 6,000 visitors could easily witness the shows and enjoy boat-rides everyday, while over 25,000 people can visit the temple. We have deployed almost 140 guides who will facilitate visitors during their visit. It requires at least four hours to visit the entire complex thoroughly and see all the shows," said a temple management committee member, adding that the opening ceremony would be telecast live on Aastha channel. Elaborate security arrangements have also been made for the entire complex. Besides installing close circuit television cameras it has also deployed hundreds of its own security personnel.
The Rs.400-crore cultural complex, inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), will be popularised by its builders as "a place for cultural education and entertainment". The temple complex has drawn inspiration for its architecture from the historic temples of Badrinath (Uttaranchal), Somnath (Gujarat) and Konark (Orissa). It is the second Akshardham complex in the country after the one at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Azad Hind Gram Azad Hind Gram Tourist Complex at Tikri Kalan is a project developed by Delhi Tourism to honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and to create quality leisure space and wayside amenities for the citizens.Located within two kilometers of the Delhi Haryana border on NH-10, the architecture of the project is inspired by North Indian achitectural style and the traditions of Indian craftsmanship.
The elaborate mosaic domes surrounding the museum and the memorial are the focus of the complex which offers the facilities of extensive plazas, an amphitheatre, tourist information centre, souvenir and garden shop, food kiosks, a restaurant, public toilets, drinking water, public telephone and convention facilities. Bahai Temple East of Nehru place, this temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai's temples built around the world. Completed in1986 it is set among the lush green landscaped gardens.
The structure is made up of pure white marble The architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate.
Around the blooming petals there are nine pools of water, which light up, in natural light. It looks spectacular at dusk when it is flood lit. Birla Mandir Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is one of Delhi's major temples and a major tourist attraction. Built by the industrialst G.D. Birla in 1938, this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place.
The temple is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes will be allowed to enter the temple. Delhi Haat The craftsmen who are registered with D.C.Handicrafts are the ones who are eligible to find a place here. The stalls selling handicrafts are allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen who come from all corners of the vast & varied land of India at nominal payment for a period of 15 Days. This ensures that visitors get to buy authentic wares at prices that have not been inflated by high maintenance costs. You can also savour the inimitable flavors of the delightful local foods from the various regions of India be it the momos from Sikkim or the Bamboos hot chicken from Nagaland, Kahwa & Kebabs from Jammu, Pooranpoli from Maharastra or the Gujrati Dhokla. The food stalls offer you variety of foods served in an Eco friendly manner.
The DILLI HAAT provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food and cultural activity.
This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine, A unique bazaar, in the heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a permanent basis. Garden of Five Senses The Garden of Five Senses is not just a park, it is a space with a variety of activities, inviting public interaction and exploration. The project, developed by Delhi Tourism Transportation Development Corporation, was conceptualized to answer to the city's need for leisure space for the public, for people to socialize and unwind. Such spaces add atmosphere and life to a city and cater to all sections of the society. The twenty-acre site, located at Said-Ul-Azaib village, close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi, is spectacular. The Garden was inaugurated in February 2003. Majestic rocks stand silhouetted against the sky, others lie strewn upon the ground in a casual yet alluring display of nature's sculptural genius. It was the ideal ground on which to realize the concept of a public leisure space that would awaken a sensory response and thereby a sensitivity to the environment. Jama Masjid This great mosque of Old Delhi is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The highly decorative mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and
white marble. Travellers can hire robes at the northern gate. This may be the only time you get to dress like a local without feeling like an outsider so make the most of it. India Gate At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and it was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added much later, after India got its independence. The eternal flame burns day and night under the arch to remind the nation of soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971. Jantar Mantar Jantar Mantar (Yantra - instruments, mantra - formulae) was constrcted in 1724. Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur who built this observatory went on to build other observatories in Ujjain , Varanasi and Mathura. Jai Singh had found the existing astronomical instruments too small to take correct measurements and so he built these larger and more accurate instruments. The instruments at Jantar Mantar are fascinating for their ingenuity, but
accurate observations can no longer be made from here because of the tall buildings around. Parliament House The Parliament house is a cirular colonnaded building . It also houses ministerial offices,numerous committee rooms and an excellent library as well. Conceived in the Imperial Style, the Parliament House consists of an open verandah with 144 columns. The domed circular central hall with oak paneled walls and the three semi circular buildings are used for the Rajya Shabha and Lok Shabha meetings. The instruments at Jantar Mantar are fascinating for their ingenuity, but
accurate observations can no longer be made from here because of the tall buildings around. Purana Quila One does not have to go far to see the old fort or Purana Quila standing stoically amidst wild greenery.Built on the site of the most ancient of the numerous cities of Delhi, Indraprastha, Purana Quila is roughly rectangular in shape having a circuit of nearly two kilometers. The thick ramparts crowned by merlons have three gateways provided with bastions on either side. It was surrounded by a wide moat, connected to river Yamuna, which used to flow on the east of the fort. The northern gate way, called the Talaqui darwaza or the forbidden gateway, combines the typically Islamic pointed arch with Hindu Chhatris and brackets; whereas the southern gateway called the
Humayun Darwaza also had a similar plan. Qutab Minar Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled. The origins of Qutab Minar are shrouded in controversy. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more storeys, and in 1368,Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey. Red Fort The Red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort (Lal Qila) rise 33-m above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. The walls, built in 1638, were designed to keep out invaders, now they mainly keep out the noise and confusion of the city. The main gate, Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional and symbolic focal points of the modern Indian nation and attracts a major crowd on eachIndependence Day. The vaulted arcade of Chatta Chowk, a bazaar selling tourist trinkets, leads into the huge fort compound. Inside is a veritable treasure trove of buildings, including the Drum House, the Hall of Public Audiences, thewhite marble Hall of Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color. getting to Delhi By Air Nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is 12 km far from certral city of Delhi. By Rail Nearest railway head is Delhi Cantt. Though Delhi has five railway stations, the New Delhi Station and the Old Delhi station are the major ones. Some major trains like the Mumbai-Rajdhani-Nizamuddin operates from Nizamuddin railway station which is in south Delhi. By Road Delhi is well connected with bus services of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and state roadways of the neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to all important cities and destinations in North India.