Gir has variety of hotels depending on the hotel fare, facilities offered, rank and location. People in huge magnitude visit Gir every year. Gir hotels are very famous for there accommodation and hospitality. Hotels in Gir are effortlessly available. Gir hotels are reasonable as well as hotels in Gir have very good status. There are various five star & three star hotels in Gir and many more hotels are developing in Gir considering the popularity of the place hence offering more choice to the tourist visiting Sasan Gir. Hotels in Gir are developed in such a way that all the tourist attraction places and shopping centers are near by so that the visitors can travel easily. Hotels in Gir even provide transportation facility. In Gir there are visitors and tourist coming from allover the world, they travel Gir for its attractive beauty, picturesque views and of course to see the king of the jungle, lion. There are various places of tourist attractions and sightseeing in and around Gir. Culture It is highly unlikely that those planning a tour to Gujarat will leave out Sasan Gir.Tour to Sasan Gir is a thrilling idea.To know in detail about Sasan Gir one should understand its history. The culture of Gir is abundantly reflected through its traditional customs, cuisine, art and architecture. Gir culture is in tandem with tradition and modern lifestyle. Gir shows colors of its earlier period culture at one hand and sophisticated and modern lifestyle on the other hand. Culture of Sasan Gir gives details of the legacy of its royal past. It is important to know about the traditions, culture and customs of Sasan Gir. Thecultural storyof Sasan Gir is not so deep but the people here pursue non rigid culture. The climate of Sasan Gir is of the extreme kind. The summers are scorching, with temperatures reaching 44 °C at times, while winters are chilly. People of Sasan Gir are very friendly and bid warm well com to the visitors. Many festivals are celebrated in Sasan Gir and life in Sasan Gir is to a great extent simple.
Sasangir National Park The Sasanagir national park commonly known as the Gir national park is the only abodeleft for the Asiatic lions and that's what makes it a popular tourist spot. If you opt for lion safari on a jeep, this will give you the experience of the real wild life; you can have in a jungle. In this national park apart from seeing lions, which are quite common here, you can also have the experience in viewing some of the rare species like panthers, caracal, hyena, wild cat, sambar, chital, chowsingha, wild boar, nilgai, langur, macaques, and chinkara. The first conservation act on this park started when the Nawab of Junagadh brought the park under protection. The sightseeing in the park is really mesmerizing.
Nalsarovar Lake Near the Gir national park, there are three water reservoirs and Nalsarovar Lake is one amongst them. The reason for it being more popular is because it is a favorite spot for many migratory birds which arrivein this part of the country in the months of winter. Some of the rare species birds which can be easily viewed here include partridges, wood peckers, sand grouse, cuckoos, bush quail, paradise flycatcher, eagles, parrots, and many more.
Kamleshwar Dam The most notable feature of this place is that you can see seven rivers in this area. Dams are also built on many of them, and Kamleshwar dam is one of them. However, built over river Hiran, it is also referred to as the lifeline of Sasangir.
Sasangir Temples
Tulsi Shyam Temple This is a tourist center for followers of Lord Vishnu in Una sub-district of Junagadh District. Situated in the center of Gir, 30 km from the town of Una, it is known for its great natural beauty. It has additional attraction of Hot Water springs and in the Puranas these are referred to as 'Taptodak'. Legend says that Lord Krishna eliminated the demon called Tul and so the place is associated with his name along with that of Krishna as Shyam and is thus called Tulsishyam. A story from the Puranas says that a demon called Jalandhar had great strength. His wife Vrinda was a very pious lady. No one in the three Loks (Worlds) could defeat Jalandhar and so even the gods were now tired of him. They appealed to Lord Vishnu for this, and the Lord assumed the form of the demon and went to his wife Vrinda and thus her 'pativrata' status came to an end. As the demon returned the trick was revealed to her and she cursed the Lord to turn into a stone. But she regretted her anger and so sat on a funeral pyre and burned herself to death. Lord Vishnu also regretted that he had resorted to such a trick on her to punish her husband. At the site of the pyre a plant of Tulsi had come up, and Lord Visnhu now began to shower his love over it. He promised that he will marry her in her next birth. Then Vrinda was born as Rukmini and she married Lord Krishna who was the Avatar of Lord Vishnu. This is why it is said that the Tulsi plant is very dear to Lord Vishnu and it acquired another name, Vishnupriya. On the 11th day of bright half of Kartik month, Tulsimarries Lord Shaligram, and on this day the 'Annakuta' is distributed. This place also has a temple of mother Kunti.
This temple is said to be seven hundred years old. You need to climb around 100 steep steps to reach up to this temple of Rukshmanidevi. Rukshmani was the chief wife of Lord Krishna. The statue of Rukshmani is made of black marble and is around 2 feet tall. The small statue of Lord Krishna is also kept near the main statue of Rukshmanidevi. The temple offers very peaceful environment and the tourists love to sit here quietly for some time. There are three hot water springs at Tulsi Shyam. The first spring is has warm water. The second one has slightly hot water. But the third one is has boiling water. The steam can be seen coming out of the water from the third spring. Visitors take bath in these water springs to get rid of their skin diseases. However, one must be careful while taking a bath in the spring having boiling water as they may get the skin burns.
Kankai Mata Temple n the heart of the jungle, 50 kms from Sasan Gir, there is a shrine to Kankai Mata, the benefactor of the shepherds of Gir forest. A supremely wild place, here you can hear lions roar at night and animals gathering at the nearby lake. There is a bus from Junagadh every morning that leaves at 8 am, stays one hour at the temple, and departs on the return journey at 9:45 am. But to really experience the place, go for a private transport and stay the night. The high temple walls ensure your safety, and once night falls, you can watch the stars through the jungle treetops, hear lions roaming outside and experience a night in the true wilderness.
Temple of Mallinath Tourists coming to Junagadh would be enchanted by its numerous temples, forts and museums. Amongst the holy places in Junagadh, the Temple of Mallinath, Junagadh deserves a special mention. As Junagadh is well linked to other key locations of Gujarat via regular bus services, reaching this temple would not pose any problem. The credit of the construction of Temple of Mallinath, Junagadh, Gujarat, India goes to two brothers named Vastupal and Tejpal. Junagadh Temple of Mallinath was erected in 1177 by this duo. Actually the Junagadh Temple of Mallinath is a triple temple. The exteriors of this temple are exquisitely carved and present a stunning sight to behold. At this temple, you would be able to get a captivating insight into Jain religious rituals. Akin to a Hindu temple, pilgrims at this place also offer leaves, fruit, flowers, vermilion, sandalwood paste and grains to the deity, amidst ringing of the bells and chanting of mantras. Once the pooja gets over, these devotees adorn their foreheads with liberal daubs of vermilion as well as sandalwood paste. A generous amount of money is also offered for the upkeep of the shrine.
Bhavnath Mahadev Temple Located at the foot hills of the Girnar Hills, the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is one of the foremost Holy Places in Junagadh. Nothing much is knownabout its precise origin but there is no scope of doubt about its historicity. It has stood there since ancient times. Visited by religious mindeddevotees all along the year, it is however best known for being the venue of the famous Bhavnath Fair. Held in the month of Magha as per the Hinducalendar (roughly coincides with January/February) this fair is the meeting point of a large number of people and is celebrated with a great deal ofmirth and good cheer. It continues for five days. Events include performances put up by folk singers and dancers. One of the most striking featuresof this fair hosted at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is the active participation of the Naga Bavas.The worship starts at mid night on the 14th day ofthe dark half in the Magha month and as soon as the puja commences these sages are seen advancing towards the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple seated onelephants holding flags in their hands. The air reverberates with the sounds of the conch shells, the tungis and the turis. A strong belief isprevalent that on this day Lord Shiva himself visits the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple. The organizers serve free meals to the visitors on this auspiciousoccasion.
Temple of Gorakhnath Tourists coming to Junagadh would be captivated by its various museums, temples and forts. In the category of the holy places in Junagadh, the Temple of Gorakhnath, Junagadh merits a special mention. As buses ply regularly between Junagadh and other key locations of the state of Gujarat, you would be able to reach this temple without any trouble. The Temple of Gorakhnath, Junagadh, Gujarat, India is an ancient temple. However, no comprehensive records are found till date to establish the date of its construction. Junagadh Temple of Gorakhnath is positioned at the Girnar Hill in the district of Junagadh, Gujarat. Girnar Hill lies about 5 kms to the east of Junagadh. The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Gorakhnath. In the vicinity of this beautiful temple, you would get the chance to see several other Hindu temples along with a number of Jain temples.
Historical Places
Talala Talala, 75 kms from Junagadh, is famous for two things: the Bhimdeval Sun Temple and its huge orchards of kesar mangoes. Summertime is a good time to be around here as it a season of mangoes. One must take a visit to the orchards and enjoy the delicious sweet fruits. After enjoying the sweet mangoes a visit to the cathedral-like Bhimdeval Sun Temple nearby truelly befits the whole purpose of the journey; whose spire you can climb to the top for an excellent view of the surrounding area.
Ashokan Edicts The Ashokan Edicts, situated at the foothills of the mountains of Girnar, is one of the major tourist attractions in Junagadh exuding the religious tolerance of the great Emperor, Ashoka. The inscription speaks of the greatness of the king in matters of secularism and depicts him as a king who encouraged unity and integrity. History of the Ashokan Edicts, etched in a huge boulder, the edicts were founded by James Todd, but it was much later by 1837 that Rev. Dr. John Wilson who made them properly known to the world by copying the edicts and in 1843 they were enlisted in the Bombay branch journal by the Royal Asiatic Society. With roots around 250 B.C, the Ashokan Edicts, Junagadh, fourteen in number, are extremely valuable assets of India's rich cultural past. The edicts of Ashoka have been scripted in Brahmi in Pali language and engraved into large granite stone they give and spread the word of Ashoka's philosophy to the world and thereby convey and propagate the word of Buddha to the whole world.
Sasangir Museums
Junagadh Zoo Museum The Junagadh Zoo Museum in Junagadh is one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Junagadh. A museum incorporated within the premises of a zoological garden is undoubtedly exclusive in its own sense. It is situated at the foothills of Mount Girnar. Set up in 1863 A.D, and situated 4 kms north of the southern part of Junagadh, the Sakkar Bagh Zoo, Junagadh, is oldest of its kind in the entire state of Gujarat, set up by the Nawab with a view to keep poaching under control of the Asiatic lion. It is a well maintained animal park , home to several species of motley colored birds, including flamingos, tigers, lions, leopards and other royal beasts. In the very premises of the zoo, there exists the Junagadh Zoo Museum with various objects which emit cultural evidences from the past. The co-existence of a zoo and a museum undoubtedly makes Junagadh Zoo Museum one of the most visited Tourist attractions in Junagadh. The zoo, comprising of the various animals and birds of a variety of taxonomic categories, also is home to a museum which preserves the very valuable documents, manuscripts, sovereigns, sculptures, various letterings andminiature paintings.
Ahmedpur Mandwi This is a fabulous beach located to the south of Gujarat. The island of Diu is just across the creek and can be seen from the beach. The long virgin beach is a wonderful retreat, offering delicious food in beach side shacks and an impressive array of water sports. The distance from Gir is 140 kms.
Junagadh unagadh is the headquarters of the Junagadh district, and a historic town. The area was part of the former princely state of Junagadh. It has many tourist attractions including the Uperkot fort, Mahabat maqbara ( tomb), Durbar hall Museum, and the hill temples of Girnar. It is the base for tourists to Gir and Somnath. Junagadh is located about 65 kms from Sasangir.
Chorwad Beach A visit to Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India, offers ample of opportunity to the tourists to know about the ins and outs of the Chorwad Beach. Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India is yet another beautiful and scenic spot which if marketed well can figure high in the itinerary of the domestic and international tourists. Chorwad Beach is an interesting and alluring amalgamation of rocky crags and bowlderish seafront along with jaunty boat rides across the Chorwad seafront and to cap it all with opportunities to visit Porbandar and Somnath and other nearby beach destinations and other travel destinations worth their salt in terms of beauty and ambience. Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, is home to a Palace which has now been transformed into a lovable and attractive resort which was constructed in the past by Nawab Saheb Mohabbat Khan, who was the regional satrap of the times. Nawab Saheb Mohabbat Khan, is one person who organized his dog's bizarre weddings, royal banquets and other related royal processions to his own merriment and since then the memories of such a memorably royal past lie embedded in the confines of the Palace Resort on the Chorwad Beach in Gujarat. The Daria Mahal Palace is another structure which is considered attractive in the confines of the Chorwad Beach in Gujarat.The exquisite Chorwad Beach also has an association with Mahatma Gandhi.
getting To Sasan Gir by Air The nearest airport is Rajkot (160 Km), which is connected to many Indian cities by regular flights operated by several airlines.
by Road A convenient road network connects Sasan Gir to important cities in Gujarat and western India. Cities like Dwarka (317 Kms), Junagadh (54 Kms), Rajkot (160 Kms), Mount Abu (567 Kms), Mumbai (802 Kms) are well connected by road from Sasan Gir.
by Rail Sasan is a railway station on the meter gauge line. However, the convenient railhead is Junagadh (54 Km).
Distance from various city Mumbai- Sasan Gir 833km Pune- Sasan Gir 957 km Junagadh- Sasan Gir 58km Chennai- Sasan Gir 1346km Rajkot- Sasan Gir 132km Jamnagar- Sasan Gir 124 km Delhi- Sasan Gir 1067 km Baroda- Sasan Gir 312km Jaipur- Sasan Gir 814 km
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.