Interlaken Interlaken is a charming little resort village tucked away in the Alps. This Swiss city is a paradise for mountaineers, skiers, and adventure sports lovers. Those who do not wish to be quite so exploratory on their vacation need not despair, Interlaken's splendid natural beauty, the icy majesty of the Alps, the little red trains chugging through green hillsides- all make Interlaken a nature lover's paradise. You can spend hours amidst the majestic Eiger and Monch, lost in contemplation; or if you are a poet, penning down some tribute to the beauty of Interlaken! The Jungfrau is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Interlaken, Switzerland. Once you have reached the summit by cable car, you will enter a winter wonderland that reminds you of Santa Claus' workshop! The Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Hall are also intriguingly beautiful. The Alpine Garden in Shynige Platte is great a visit for botany enthusiasts. The Shynige Platt also features a permanent Teddy Bear Exhibition that is sure to be a hit with children.
Lucerne Lucerne is the most populous city in Central Switzerland, and a nexus of transportation, telecommunications, and government of this region. The city's metropolitan area consists of 17 cities and towns located in three different cantons with an overall population of about 250,000 people. It has a number of bridges. The Bridge with its Tower is the city's most famous landmark.The twin needle towers of the Church of St. Leodegar, which was named after the city's patron saint, sit on a small hill just above the lake front.Contributing to Lucerne's cityscape alongside the world-famous Chapel Bridge and Water Tower are the Musegg Wall, the Jesuit Church, the Mill Bridge, the Lion Monument, the KKL culture and convention centre, and a host of other sites of interest. Lucerne is best discovered on foot – so why not take one of our many guided tours?
Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe The Jungfraujoch is a col or saddle between the Monch and the Jungfrau in the Bernese Alps on the boundary between the cantons of Bern and Valais, inside the Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area.Strictly, the Jungfraujoch is the lowest point on the mountain ridge between Monch and Jungfrau, at 3,471 meters (11,388 ft). It is just above this location that the mountain station of Jungfraubahn is located, Jungfraujoch railway station, which at an elevation of 3,454 meters (11,332 ft) is the highest railway station in Europe. The Jungfraujoch is often called the "Top of Europe" in tourist literature.
Mt. Titlis - A Landscape Close To Heaven The Titlis (3,238 m) is a mountain in the Urner Alps of Switzerland. It is located on the border between the cantons of Obwalden and Berne in Switzerland, overlooking Engelberg (Obwalden) and is famous as the site of the world's first revolving cable car. The cable car system connects Engelberg to the summit of Klein Titlis through the three stages of Gerschnialp (1,262 m), Trubsee (1,796 m) and Stand(2,428 m).
Lugano Lugano is located on the Italian border with Switzerland. So it is no surprise that the region has traces of Italian influence in its culture. The city of parks, a lake and beautiful hills is a tourist paradise. Switzerland Hub takes you on a tour of Lugano, as you enjoy the many wonderful sights and sounds of the cities of Switzerland The lush parks of Lugano are a sight for sore eyes. The Belvedere Garden on the shore of the Lake Geneva has wonderful walkways that allow you to stroll through the park, admiring the beauty of the flowers and plants. The Ciani Parkoffers you a splendid view of the Lake Ceresio, and has some grand old trees, gnarled and knotted with age.
Geneva Geneva is the one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. The city has over 40 museums, and many pubs, cafes, and nightclubs. The Art and History Museum and the Natural History Museum are a must visit for all those who wish to know about the history and culture of Geneva. The Red Cross Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the various humanitarian crises that have overshadowed the world from time to time and the stellar role played by the organization in alleviating the suffering of people. Another Geneva tourist attraction is the Jet d'Eau, the 140-meter high fountain in Lake Geneva that is visible from most parts of the city.The Jet d'Eau is a large fountain in Geneva and is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Five hundred litres (132 gallons) of water per second are jetted to an altitude of 140 metres (459 feet) by two 500 kW pumps, consuming over one megawatt of electricity. Geneva is also famous for its breathtaking beauty. Situated on the shores of the Lake Geneva, Geneva is a tourist paradise for thousands of people from around the world. The Flower Clock is a timekeeper made of real flowers, located inside a lush landscaped garden.
Zurich The Zurich Great Minster, dating back to the 12th century, has none of the light whimsicality associated with the monuments of Switzerland. The dark, brooding aspect of the monument is probably a testimony of its times, since the period was one of the more turbulent ones in the history of Switzerland. The Swiss National Museum is another Zurich tourist attraction. Here, you will get to know more about the history and culture of Zurich. The museum is situated just behind the Main Station, making it easily accessible by Metro Train. When you are near any lake in Switzerland, your experience remains incomplete without a lake cruise in Switzerland. The Lake Zurich, placid and serene, is a paradise for those who love boat cruises. As you cruise from Burkliplatz to Bahnhofstrasse, you will be able to take in some lovely scenery and understand why Switzerland is so popular as a tourist destination.
Bern The capital of Switzerland, Bern, is a charming blend of the modern and traditional. The latest models in cars whiz past the UNESCO recognized Heritage Site of the city, as the tall church spires and 18th century mansions jostle for space with spanking new exhibition centers, Grand Prix racetracks and pubs And when it comes to Museums and Theaters, Bern relegates competitors to the background. The Bern Art Gallery, inaugurated in 1918, is a symbol of Bernese culture cultural accomplishments. The Collection of Classical Antiquitiesdisplays fascinating artifacts from the Greek, Roman and Egyptian Empires of the ancient world.
The Swaminarayan Temple Located in an unexpected and fairly barren area on the edge of north-west London this stunning Hindu temple is an amazing spiritual and architectural gem, well worth the trip out to the suburbs - in fact, the bleak location makes the beauty and symbolism of the temple all the most spectacular. The first traditional Hindu Mandir in Europe, every one of the 26,300 individually carved pieces that make up Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in its entirety were carved in India and shipped over to London. All of these pieces were then fitted together in just three years, between 1992 and 1995. Inside and outside this place, also known as the Neasden Temple, is absolutely stunning.
The London Eye This is the UK's most popular paid for visitor attraction, visited by over 3.5 million people a year.At 135m high The London Eye is the tallest ferris wheel in Europe and travels gently at a speed of 26cm per second. Each rotation takes 30 minutes in which time you can marvel at the views that span (on a clear day) up to 40km in all directions. Since its opening, the Eye has become a major landmark and tourist attraction and one of the iconic sights of London. From January 2011, it's official name was changed to the EDF Energy London Eye.Everyone love the big wheel at a fair ground, so the London Eye is a fantastic way of getting a bird's - eye view of the city. It is fantastic!
St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral was designed by court architect Sir Christopher Wren and was completed in 1710. Its famous dome is one of the world's largest, measuring 111.3 metres high and is an iconic part of London's skyline. St Pauls is one of the places where national events of great importance take place. Over the years, decoration has been added and removed so that today the history of the nation can be seen in mosaics and stone carvings throughout the building. The Whispering Gallery which runs around the interior of the Dome and is 259 steps up from ground-level fascinates both children and adults because a whisper made against its walls can be heard on the opposite side.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Madam Tussaud created her first wax figure, of Voltaire, in 1777. In her memoirs she claims that she searched through corpses to find the decapitated heads of executed citizens, from which she would make death masks. Madame Tussauds is a museum that contains wax models of famous people. There are numerous galleries such as Pirates of the Caribbean, World leaders, Warhol's women The Royal Family, Sports Stars, the Culture zone and the History of London. There are interactive tasks such as entering the Big Brother diary room, umpiring an Andy Murray tennis match or taking a penalty alongside David Beckham. You can have your picture taken alongside A - list celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Orlando Bloom, Nicole Kidman and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official London residence and is used to receive and entertain guests on state, ceremonial and official occasions for the Royal Family. The palace was originally built in 1705 for the Duke of Buckingham. There is an entry fee and tickets are limited so you should book ahead if possible. The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11.30 every day in summer, every other day in winter.The New Guard marches to the Palace from Wellington Barracks with a Guards band, the Old Guard hands over in a ceremony during which the sentries are changed and then returns to barracks.
Dreamy Disney Land In a Magical Kingdom not so far away - somewhere between a place where you wish upon a star and dreams come true - Disney heroes and heroines live in fairytales that are, happily, never ending. Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain Mission 2 offer big thrills for the grown-ups, while little ones can sail around the world at "it's a small world". Of course, family fun can be found in every corner of the Park, from "Pirates of the Caribbean" to the "Mad Hatter's Tea Cups".
Boat Tour of The Seine River Seeing some of Paris' most beautiful sites glide past as you drift down the Seine river is an unforgettable and essential experience. Companies such as Bateaux Parisiens offer 1-hour tours of the Seine year-round for about 10 Euros. You can hop on near Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower. Go at night to enjoy the shimmering play of light on the water, and dress warmly- the wind from off the Seine can be chilly. You can also take tours of some of Paris' canals and waterways, which will allow you to see a semi-hidden side of the city of light.
Eiffel Tower More than any other landmark, the Eiffel Tower has come to represent an elegant and contemporary Paris. The iron tower, which was built for the 1889 World Exposition by Gustave Eiffel, was wildly unpopular with Parisians when it was unveiled, and was nearly torn down. It has since attracted over 220 million visitors, and it would be hard to imagine Paris now without it. The tower crowns the Paris night sky with its festive light, and glitters up a storm every hour. Cliche? Maybe. But essential.
By air The flight distance from India to Mauritius is : 3,066 miles / 4,935 km.
History of Chandigarh August 15, 1947, the day of independence of India was also the day of division of a nation into India and Pakistan, this was also the day of division of State of Punjab (Punj+Aab) named so for being the land of five rivers being divided into two states West Punjab gone in Pakistan with retaining Lahore as its capital and East Punjab in India became a state without a capital. Shimla which used to be the summer capital of India and had the infrastructure was selected as the temporary capital of Punjab.
The Government of Punjab selected brilliant young engineer Mr. P.L. Verma to undertake the tasks of search for a permanent Capital City for the State of Punjab.
At that time the Punjabis were very nostalgic about Lahore. Till the last moment they hoped that Lahore would remain with India. The loss was felt acutely and people were eager for a city similar to Lahore be built. So Verma and his team of engineers savoured the concept of a larger independent town, when most of the bureaucrats and politicians favoured the concept of a small settlement attached to one of the existing towns. Bureaucrats were conscious of the acute shortage of funds and the very small financial outlay for Punjab. Each politician was eager that this capital be built in the area from where he came. All politicians were trying to pull the capital towards their own constituency.
Under such circumstances Mr. Verma had to lobby intensively with the bureaucrats and the politicians. And it was essentially an account of his dedicated and relentless efforts and lobbying that this idea of a large independent town was finally accepted by Government of Punjab.
Rock garden has been established in the form of an open-air exhibition hall. The garden houses sculptures made by using a variety of different discarded waste materials like frames, mudguards, forks, handle bars, metal wires, play marbles, porcelain, auto parts, broken bangles etc. Rock garden in Chandigarh, India is a unique creation and connoisseurs come from different parts of the world to see this amazing garden. Sukhna Lake Sukhna Lake is a beautiful lake that lies in the foothills of Shivalik range. The unique thing about Sukhna is that it is a manmade lake. It is a 3 km long lake that was created in the year 1958. It was done by damming the Sukhna Choe, which is a seasonal stream flowing down from the Shivalik hills. Sukhana Lake of Chandigarh, India has become an integral part of the city
People visit this place in the morning to enjoy the cool breeze and the beauty of nature. Chandigarh Sukhna Lake serves as a great picnic spot and an apt place for pursuing water sport activities like boating, yachting and water skiing etc. The atmosphere over here is very serene and thus apt for meditating. Also, you can savor the melodious humming of birds. People come here in the evening time to forget their worries and relax for a while. So, if you want to rejuvenate yourself, then Sukhna Lake is the perfect destination for you. Rose Garden The largest rose garden in Asia, started in 1967, Zakir Rose Garden is spread across a vast area of 17 acres. It exhibits all types of rose plants numbering up to 1,600 plant varieties. It is not just roses that this garden houses, but it is also a hub of rare plant species, which has got enormous medicinal value. This well planned and neatly maintained garden is open to public from morning to evening.
A perfect symphony of colours and the rich fragrance of the lovely flowers is eye catching spectacle which tempts the visitor to come back again and again. The therapeutic plants that can be marked here include bahera, bel, camphor, harar and yellow gulmohar. Rose garden serves as the venue for hosting the annual festival of gardens, a major cultural event of the city. Each year this garden hosts a rose festival with cultural festivities and contests, which turns to be a major crowd puller in the city. Open Hand Monument Open hand in Chandigarh, India is one of the most significant monuments of the city. The credit for laying down its plan goes to Le Corbusier. It is located in sector 1 in the Capitol Complex. Chandigarh open hand monument has been designed in the form of a giant hand made from metal sheets that rotates like a weathercock, indicating the direction of wind. This giant hand is 14 metres high and weighs around 50 tonnes. The significance of open hand is that it conveys the social message of peace and unity that is "open to give & open to receive." Open hand is the city's official emblem. Capitol Complex Chandigarh capitol complex houses the seat of Government. Initially, it served as the seat only for the Govt of Punjab, but now it has the headquarters of both, the Govt of Punjab and Haryana. The credit for the awesome designing of the Capitol complex goes to Le Corbusier. Located in Sector 1, capitol complex in Chandigarh, India consists of three main edifices, namely, the Secretariat, the Legislative Assembly and the High Court. There was a plan to build a fourth building also, which is going to be the Raj Bhavan, as in the Governor's Palace or a Museum of Knowledge. However, till yet, it has not come into existence. The three buildings of the Capitol complex stand majestically representing themselves as the temples of democracy of free India. Terrace Garden Spread over a vast extend of 10 acres, Terraced garden is located in Sector 33. Set up in the year 1979, this garden allures the visitors with its illuminated musical fountain. A myriad of flowering plants makes a colourful vista in the garden. The park is a frequented place of locals and the picnickers since the multi hued of flowering plants that covers the entire stretch of the garden presents a mesmerizing and imposing appeal. The serene and soothing environment of this Terraced garden offers a relaxing feeling, which tempt people to spend their evenings in this pleasant ambiance. This well planned orchard of blossoming plants houses the annual Chrysanthemums show, which is significant for the large-scale participation of the general public and the nature lovers. The show, which is organized in the month of December, carpets the city with multi coloured blooms of chrysanthemums. Diverse competitions are organised on the eve of the show in which scores of city gardeners actively take part. Bougainvillea Garden Established in the year 1976, Bougainvillea Garden has acquired a prime position in the tourism arena of Chandigarh within a short span of time. This exceptional garden is set in Sector-3, and exhibits more than fifty attractive varieties of bougainvillea plants. Bougainvillea Garden is comprised of a total area of 20 acres and the park houses bougainvilleas that is shaped in to different forms like an arch, pavilions, a cluster of bowers, and arcades. These thorny shrubs are just right for bonsai type planting. The annual Bougainvillea festival conducted in the park is very popular and it attracts large number of people. Apart from these paper beauties, the park also holds fitness tracks, which provides a good walk and morning exercise field amidst a colourful brigade. Pinjore Garden A must visit spectacle in Chandigarh is the Pinjore Garden, which covers a large area of 100 acres of land. This vast expansion of land houses an array of attractions to the visitors. Also called as Yadavindra Gardens, it is located in the suburbs of the city. It has got a great mythological value also. Mythology says that the Pandavas had come here during their period of exile. A popular picnic spot, this garden offers a delightful time with its mini zoo, Japanese garden, nursery and a number of gorgeous lawns. Pinjore Gardens appears more imposing during night times when colorful lights and fountains got illuminated. Another impressive feature of this lovely location is its descending terraces that provide a miraculous effect. During the months of April to June the garden would be clothed in a festive mood since it is the time of the Baisakhi Festival and the annual mango festival. Celebrated with much gaiety, these festivals became remarkable owing to the large-scale participation of people. Latest varieties of Mangoes are being displayed here in the festival by the Agricultural Universities. These celebrations grabs more and more crowds to the garden year after year. getting to Chandigarh By Air Nearest airport is 11 km from downtown. Taxis are available for Airport transfer. By Rail Chandigarh Railway Station is 8 Kms from the city centre in Sector 17. The twice daily Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi and Himalayan Queen connects New Delhi and Chandigarh. By Road The National Highways No. 21 (Ambala-Kinnaur) and 22 (Chandigarh-Leh) are the chief road arteries linking Chandigarh with the rest of the country
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.