Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is the northern-most state of India and shares its borders with Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and the neighbouring countries of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan. The state consists of three regions – Jammu, the Kashmir valley and Ladakh. The natural beauty and picturesque locations have made it a favoured destination for tourists across the world. Jammu is famous for its temples, while the Kashmir Valley is known for its lakes and gardens.
Here are some beautiful places to visit in jammu and kashmir:-
#1. Srinagar…Redefines Beauty
Srinagar is the capital of jammu and kashmir. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and famous places to visit in Kashmir as well as in India. From boating to trekking, bird watching to water skiing, Srinagar place has it all. Locally this place is known as the mirror to the mountains, Srinagar is a first stopover for every traveler and there are a long list of places to visit in Srinagar, Kashmir. The largest city of Kashmir, this place is enclosed by the green mountains and the main highlight being the Dal Lake which is the gem of the city. This place gives a close outlook to the Kashmiri cuisine and the state’s culture.
#2. Leh…Land of Queer Beauty and Sheer Adventure
Leh is one of the best and safe places to visit in Kashmir in summers. The lofty mountains, the alpine lakes, and the quaint settings enable Leh one of the best places to visit. This place is every biker’s dreamland. Clad in the beauty and love of nature, Leh offers breathtaking views, leaving no visitor disappointed. It is also very affordable. Along with that, Ladakh is often called Small Tibet because of Tibet’s cultural and religious influence on the city and people living here. The valley is surprisingly greener than most of us would have imagined, having driven through parched landscapes for hundreds of miles. It is like a small oasis in the middle of the desert.
#3. FLOATING VEGETABLE MARKET
Dal Lake is famed for its floating vegetable market. The unique floating gardens in the natural wetlands of Srinagar are the prime source of vegetables cultivation and these fresh vegetable are then sold on the floating Shikaras on the lake. One can easily get a glimpse of this floating market early in the morning. The pretty picture it proffers makes it one of the best Srinagar tourist places to visit.
#4. Gulmarg…Entailing Adventure and Excitement
Famously known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg is a treat to the eyes with its spread of vibrant flowers against snow capped mountains as backgrounds. This region of Kashmir is also known as the adventurer’s paradise because of its vast options of skiing in the snow while enjoying the views around. This is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for all right reasons.
#5. Hemis…Live the Spirit of Ladakh
The Hemis festival is one of the biggest and the most famous religious festivals of Ladakh and is an attraction for both the tourist and the local people. The festival of Hemis is a colorful two-day affair that falls on the 10th day (called Tse-Chu in the local language) of the Tibetan lunar month. This festival is a celebration of the birth anniversary of spiritual leader Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibet Tantric Buddhism. The main venue and stage for this festival is the courtyard of Hemis Gompa-the biggest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh.
Marine Drive is the most easily identifiable
landmark associated with Mumbai and is indicative of the glamor and glitter of
the city. It is essentially 3.6 km long, arc-shaped boulevard along the South
Mumbai coast that starts at the southern end of Nariman Point and ends at
Girgaum Chowpatty, popularly known as Chowpatty Beach. The coast wraps the
Arabian sea and is the best place in Mumbai to watch the sunset or even to
just take a leisurely stroll by the sea any time of the day or night. At
night, when the whole coastline lights up, it justifies its other moniker i.e.
Queen’s Necklace.
The whole curve of the coastline, shielded with palm trees makes for a spectacular view at night – you can go to either end of Marine Drive after sunset and see the lights glowing in a perfect arc all along the coast. People come to walk here in the evening to experience the brilliant sunset. It is also one of the places people visit late at night, and you will find vendors selling chai and cigarettes at all hours. The sound of the waves, a view of the Mumbai skyline and the starry sky easily make Marine Drive one of the most romantic spots in the city.
Marine Drive, Mumbai (Bombay), India
Gateway of India, Mumbai Overview
The Gateway of India is, without doubt, one of the most popular tourist hotspots of Mumbai. Sitting proudly on the Apollo Bunder, it overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is one of the defining monuments of the city of Mumbai and was built in the year 1924. The construction was undertaken by the famous architect George Wittet, to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The imposing structure of the monument is a beautiful confluence of Indian, Arabic and Western architecture and has become a popular tourist hub in the city. It is also the starting point of a number of ferry services that ply to the historic Elephanta Caves.
Nicknamed ‘Mumbai’s Taj Mahal’, the foundation of this landmark was laid in 1911 and it was inaugurated 13 years later in 1924. The structure in itself is a made of yellow basalt and solid concrete and is embellished with numerous Muslim and Hindu motifs as well. The basalt arch of the Gateway served as the entry and exit access to India through waterways before independence and was the exit point from where the last British ship left India for England. There are statues of Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji that have been installed near the Gateway as well. The view from the sea of the Gateway complex, especially at night is quite ethereal and beautiful. The Gateway of India is thus, not only a historic artefact but an example of marvellous architecture in itself!
Colaba Causeway, Mumbai Overview
One of the most exciting and eclectic places to visit in Mumbai is the Colaba Causeway, famous for being a shopper’s paradise. If someone ask to any Mumbaikar they will tell that the Causeway is pretty much the heart of Mumbai. Even after the terror attack, this shopping street stood up on its feet in no time. Apart from gorgeous clothes and accessories, especially earrings, you can also find great bargains on home decor stuff such as lampshades, curios and antiques. If designer stuff is your calling, there are a number of options for that as well. If you do feel like catching a bite and a beer, there are a number of restaurants that offer great food and booze at very affordable prices and Cafe Leopold and Cafe Mondegar are pretty much the best!
Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai Overview
The Siddhivinayak Temple in the Prabhadevi area is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the most significant and frequented temples in Mumbai. This temple was built in the year 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. The couple did not have any children of their own and decided to build the Siddhivinayak temple so as to fulfil the wishes of other infertile women. Interestingly, the statue of Lord Ganesha here is believed to be self-manifested and grants wishes.
The Temple has a small sanctum housing the idol of Shri Ganesha, which is about two and a half feet wide and made out of a single piece of black stone. The temple has attained a popular status not only because it is believed that the Ganesha in the temple is especially revered, but also because of its popularity with Film stars and the bigwigs of the industry. It is also the richest temple in Mumbai as it begets INR 100 Million in donations each year from devotees across the world.
Bandra Worli Sea Link, Mumbai Overview
Officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, this eight-lane cable-stayed bridge in Mumbai is the first project initiated by Maharashtra Government that commences West Island Freeway System. Bandra Worli Sea Link is one of the few bridges that is a cable-stayed with pre-stressed concrete-steel viaducts to hold it in place. Spanning across the arc of Mumbai’s coastline, this sea link is a civil engineering wonder that reflects the modern infrastructure of the city of Mumbai. The bridge is designed to cater around 37,500 vehicles per day while reducing the time travel between Bandra and Worli by a big margin. The beauty of the Bandra Worli Sea Link is in its engineering genius which compliments the sea that it is built over.
Overlooking the magnificent blue waters of Mahim Bay, this splendid architecture is a mighty sight to behold. Undeniably, the Bandra Worli Sea Link is an amalgamation of natural beauty and man-made marvel. Roll your windows down as you whizz past the bridge and let the salty sea breeze run through your hair. The spectacle of Mumbai is especially appealing from the elevation of the bridge and makes it the perfect destination to capture a few candid shots of the city in all its glory. Bandra Worli Sea Link also overlooks the Worli Bridge and has a small park located nearby. The beauty of this attraction is enhanced during the night when twinkling lights adorn the bridge.
Film City, Mumbai Overview
Spread across a vast area of 520 acres, the Film City is comprised of about twenty indoor studios and is located in Aarey Colony, Mumbai, Film City is often regarded as a home of Bollywood. The place is so vast that about 1000 film sets can be erected here simultaneously. Over the years, it has been the locations for a number of Bollywood films. Almost over 900 movies and many more television shows have also been shot here. Today, Film City has grown to be one of the best film studios, well-equipped with all the essential amenities and world-class facilities. Not only is it a great place for film shoots, but it is also filled with verdant greenery and refreshing expanses.
Built on the lines of the Film City of California, today it is considered as synonymous to Bollywood. There is no denying the enigma that film-making holds on every one of us, and Film City gives a chance to live out our dream with its various tours. Some excursions are organised in the premises of the Film City which are aimed at the different aspects of movie – making, which are open to all who wish to experience it. You can visit sets that depict foreign locations right here in Mumbai, or learn the nuances of acting at the live movie shoot tours. A land where it is difficult to differentiate between reality and dreams, Film City is a must visit for all movie buffs.
Lokhandwala Market, Mumbai Overview
A visit to Mumbai is, of course, incomplete without shopping for some nice clothes and accessories, and this is when the Lokhandwala Market comes to the rescue! This local market has gained much popularity over the past few years and is now the one-stop shop to ticking off all items from your shopping list on your next visit to Mumbai. Located in western Mumbai, near Andheri, the Lokhandwala Market is one of the most popular suburbs. The area is one of the poshest in Mumbai and also houses a large commercial and residential complex, but it is the long stretch of roadside stalls and shops that characterise the much loved Lokhandwala Market.
The market is located just 5 kilometres away from the Andheri Station and is famous not only for its convenient location and accessibility but also because it offers a variety of items at really affordable prices. One can find everything ranging from footwear to fruits, and from jewellery to electronic items in this single market, and the shopkeepers are willing to bargain too! This is perhaps why Lokhandwala is mainly famous amongst college goers, who can buy the latest fashion at affordable prices. From roadside Bhel and Panipuri to international chains such as McDonald’s and Dominoes, there are more than enough options to tantalise your tastebuds.
Jama Masjid, Mumbai Overview
Just a kilometre and a half away from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Jama Masjid, popularly known as Friday Mosque, is the oldest mosque in the city of dreams – Mumbai. A popular place of pilgrimage, this mosque stands majestically on the renowned Sheikh Menon Street, near Crawford Market, in the southern part of Mumbai. The mosque boasts of beautiful and intricate carvings, breathtaking artworks and the fascinating marble stonework and has a fascinating history attached to it. A day trip to this mosque in blissful solitude will make you feel relaxed and peaceful to the core as tranquillity and peace will overpower your senses.
The original monument was originally located near Dongri but was destroyed at the commands of a Governor. After much delay, and after facing some hurdles and obstacles, the construction of the site was finally completed in 1802. Today, the place stands as a symbol of the rich culture and architecture that existed in those times and is an equally important place of religious importance as well. The place is exceptionally crowded on Fridays, which is the holy day of Namaz for the Islamic community.
Delhi, the national capital of India, with its endless beauty to amaze its tourists and people. It happens to be the only State in the world with a unique distinction of having not one but three UNESCO World Heritage sites within its boundaries.
If you have the will and energy to explore Delhi, there is no end to the interesting site of this city along with its adventures activities, scenic beauty, local markets and streets food. In fact one of the largest shopping mall (Ambience Mall) is in Gurgaon situated in the out skirts of Delhi. The city is full of bars, cafes, bazaars and other fun places, which has already made Delhi a central hub for all cultures after Mumbai. Delhi acts like a Stakeholder who helps other better known cities of the world a run for their money.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Delhi:
1. Gawking at the Qutab Minar
Qutab
Minar is one of Delhi’s top attraction and a renowned UNESCO world heritage site.
Standing
240 feet tall, this tower was established in the year 1192, by the very first
ruler of Delhi – Qutb-ud-din Aibak. This minaret is named after its
creator.
This five-storey tower is built purely from marble and red sandstone and has a spiral staircase which takes you to the top in 379 steps. However, this has been closed to public since 1974.
2. Find Inner Peace at Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple is an architectural delight. The whole complex from
top to bottom is made of pure marble.
The universal symbol of peace, a lotus flower, gives the temple
not only its name but shape as well.
Photography is restricted in the inner sanctum and there is a
strict code of silence to be maintained at all times. Open to all castes and
creeds, the temple is an ideal place for anyone who wishes to meditate
and pray. The temple is also known as the place of Baha’i faith.
3. Take a walk to India Gate
Dedicated
to the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Afghan war, a visit
to this 42 m high iconic and historic landmark of Delhi is not only an
educational experience but also a photographer’s delight.
The
walls bear the names of each of the 13,500 people who laid down their lives
fighting on the Northwest Frontier.
India
Gate is best visited in the evenings when the monument is brilliantly lit up
and the beautiful fountains around it give the place a truly magical look.
4. Pay obeyence at the Akshardham temple
A
place of worship, complete with exhibits, boat rides, water shows and lush
gardens, the Akshardham temple situated in East Delhi is unlike any other, not
only in India but the entire world.
Considered
to be among some of the largest Hindu temples in the world, the architectural
beauty and decoration of the area is sure to leave you spellbound.
Sadly,
photography is strictly prohibited inside this temple.
5. Visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan
The
official residence of the President of India, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, is a
splendid palatial building having more than 400 rooms. Apart from the
President, it houses the bodyguards, stables and other utility staff.
In
size, it is second to only the residence of the President of Turkey. The palace
doors are thrown open to visitors on weekends by a registration process which
can be accessed online.
The
pride of the presidential place here are the stunning Mughal Gardens, which
attract a large number of visitors, both local and foreign.
6. Experience a different culture at Jama Masjid
The
largest Islamic mosque in the city, Jama Masjid, was constructed way back in
the 17th century. The imposing building is an iconic landmark of Old Delhi and
an important place of worship.
The
mosque can hold up to 25,000 people and the sight of such a number, especially
during Friday prayers, is a scene to behold.
The
main structure has multiple entry points, all of which eventually lead to the
main deck. Entry is free and open to all nationalities, except that you need to
cover up from head to toe. A nominal fee for photography is levied if one
intends to take pictures
7. Party away at Connaught Place
The
nightlife in Delhi may not be so vibrant, but it has its fair share of
restobars, clubs and music outlets in Connaught Place, the commercial and party
hub of Delhi.
Joints like, Excuse Me Boss, Lord of the Drinks and Junkyard cafe have a large and energetic crowd following. Modeled like the Royal Crescent of Bath,England, Connaught Place is without doubt the number one night out destination of Delhi.
8. Go boating at the Old Fort
The
Old Fort, or Purana Qila as called locally, has a quaint boating area set
amidst the ruins of the Fort and the Delhi Zoo as a boundary.
A
perfect place to unwind on all days, except Monday, among the backdrop of the
historical fort. The construction of this imposing structure was started by
Sher Shah Suri and completed by Humayun.
9. Take a rickshaw tour of Chandni Chowk
Chandni
Chowk, translated as Moonlight street is the commercial heart of Old Delhi.
One
of the oldest markets of India, its small narrow lanes are a beehive of
activity from daybreak, offering on sale every product you can imagine of under
the sun.
The
best way to prevent getting carried away in the mass of humanity which
assembles here is to take a leisurely tour by cycle rickshaw.
The
rickshaw driver doubles up as a local guide and happily imparts vital inputs on
everything, including places to eat, shop and visit. To see how the real Delhi
survives, a visit to Chandni Chowk should be high on every tourist’s agenda.
10. Enjoy a meal at India Habitat Centre
This
spectacle 9 acre complex, adjoining the Lodhi Gardens, is a venue for
conferences, art galleries, auditorium and hospitality areas.
The
top draw here are the number of restaurants serving finger-licking food from
most corners of the world. Set among a stunning landscape full of gardens and
fountains, adds to the ambiance of the this architectural marvel.
11. Savour the food at Paranthe Wali Gali
This
narrow and famous street of Chandni Chowk, is home to some of the most
lip-smacking paranthas, or fried bread. The recipes offered by some of the
stalls are said to be generations old.
The alleys are packed with customers at most times of the day, with the smell of oil and food filling the atmosphere all around. Different types of pastes and chutneys do the rounds with the main course. The din of the shopkeepers, calling for customers, fills the air as people jostle with each other to refill their plates for more and more of the delicious offerings.
This
can be quite a sight in itself even if you want to skip the oily stuffed Indian
flat breads.
12. Pay homage at Raj Ghat
Raj
Ghat is the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. The memorial
is located on the banks of the river Yamuna, amidst beautiful landscaped
gardens. An eternal flame burns at one end in perpetual homage to the great man
who laid down his life for the freedom of India.
Memorials
of other famous leaders surround this holy ground. A prayer meeting takes place
here every Friday, while the teachings of Gandhi are portrayed through sound,
light and sculpture narration between 1000 hrs – 1700 hrs daily, except
Monday.
13. Enjoy a heritage walk
The
city of Delhi enjoys a long and chequered history, where several century old
monuments mingle with towers of new buildings.
To
make the locals and visitors aware of this rich heritage and culture and
maintain a harmonious relation with them, a series of Heritage walks were
envisaged, way back in 2005.
These
now hugely popular walks are conducted every weekend by some extremely
knowledgeable guides and tour leaders.
For
a nominal fee of around 5 $ per person, one can cover several important areas
of rich culture and architectural heritage which are far removed from the usual
tourist itinerary.
14. Lose yourself at the Jantar Mantar
The
Jantar Mantar, or Maze Puzzle, is a complex in the heart of Central Delhi. The
area comprises of an open air observatory, having thirteen different
instruments, which involves the use of the different structures to observe the
astronomic cycles.
The
walls of the structure are designed for astronomical observations that resemble
a maize where a visitor can get easily disorientated, hence the name
Jantar Mantar. A nominal entry fee is levied for all visitors.
15. Join the chanting at the ISKCON temple
Situated
just a few kilometers away from the Lotus temple, this is the largest temple in
Delhi devoted to ISKCON or International Society of Krishna Consciousness, as
it is commonly called.
It
is an ideal place to walk around freely and participate in the constant drum
and chant of Hare Krishna which resonates over the entire temple.
16. Relive your childhood days at the Children’s Park
Located
in the backdrop of India Gate, the Children’s Park is a huge playground set in
the sprawling lawns of Central Delhi. There are endless playing areas, rides,
swings etc which can keep the young and old alike active the whole day.
The
park and its environs, light up during the evening hours, enhancing the beauty
of the place by giving an enchanting look. Entry is free and unrestricted from
dawn to dusk.
17. Take a toy train ride at National Rail Museum
Spread
over 10 acres of land in a sprawling open area, adjacent to the plush
diplomatic enclave in New Delhi, the National Rail Museum displays the true
heritage of the Indian Railways.
The
museum is literally a treasure trove of rare steam engines, rail artifacts,
photos and working models of trains which run the length and breadth of India.
The
star attraction here is the toy train, which is enjoyed by one and all. The
museum is a highly informative place and the souvenir shop an excellent place
to take back a train model.
18. Watch a street play
In
spite of strong competition from television, cinema and other channels of
entertainment, the street theatre scene in Delhi has established it’s roots
firmly in the capital.The street theatre scheme has caught the fancy of most
colleges too, with their numbers going up over the years.
Street
play competitions are held throughout the year, which in turn has significantly
improved the quality of the theatre. The Jana Natya Manch is one such amateur
theatre company specializing in Delhi since 1973.
Delhi
had rich theatre culture, with the street theatre scene bursting at the seams
with activity. The various groups, perform regularly across Delhi on topics
like Road safety, Clean India and other themes pertaining to welfare of the
people.
19. Get inspired at Ghalib ki Haveli
Located
in an obscure lane in a place known as Ballimaran, lies the home or haveli of
one of the most noted Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib. A heritage site declared by the
Archeological Survey of India, Mirza Ghalib penned all his poems in Persian and
Urdu.
For
people who are familiar with his couplets and work, a visit to this home will
be a fulfilling experience. One of the frequently visited places for those
seeking inspiration and knowledge from the great poet.
20. Go for a morning walk at Lodhi Gardens
Lodhi
Gardens, in Central Delhi, is a public garden on a very grand and
impressive scale. Amidst the sprawling greens you will come across ancient 500
year’s old structures and tombs of the Mughal era.
The
park is huge and one can easily spend the better part of the day exploring the
ruins and wandering around. The garden is also a haven for birdwatchers, with
almost 60 different species of birds being sighted here.
An
excellent indoor and outdoor restaurant called the Lodhi, lies adjacent to the
garden entrance. The place serves delicious food, so make sure to make a
reservation as there can be a long queue sometimes.
21. Attend a session of Parliament
The
Parliament House, located in New Delhi, is the home of the Indian Parliament.
Designed by the famous architect Edwin Lutyens, construction began in the year
1921 and the first session was held in 1927 by the then Viceroy of India, Lord
Irwin.
One
can register online to witness a session and decision making from the visitor’s
gallery of this circular building. A must visit spot if you are interested in
being a part of the history and politics of India.
22. Head to the Delhi Zoo
The
Delhi Zoo, or the National Zoological Park, lies adjacent to the Old fort, with
the ramparts forming a natural boundary at one end. These scenic environments
are home to nearly 2000 different species of animals and birds.
The
zoo is best visited on foot, though a battery operated car does regular rounds
as well. A library, cafeteria and opportunities for nature lovers to do
photography and birdwatching abound.
23. Partake in a Langar at Bangla Sahib
One
of the most friendly and welcoming Sikh shrine in Delhi is undoubtedly Bangla
Sahib, located in the heart of New Delhi. Unlike other temples like Jama
Masjid, for example, where you are likely to be pestered, this temple is a
revelation.
There
is a continuous Sikh group playing music and religious songs which adds to the
ambiance of this remarkable place. Every afternoon a massive free lunch
(langar) is prepared for the devotees which is shared and enjoyed by everyone
together.
24. Take out time for the National Science Centre
The
National Science Centre, lies adjacent to Pragati Maidan, the Old Fort and the
Delhi Zoo, making it a convenient stop over on your local itinerary.
Constructed
over 8 floors this museum houses exhibits ranging from art, culture, heritage
to prehistoric specimens in the Dinosaur gallery.
Though
it is a paradise of learning for all age groups, children in particular, can
spend a full day at the fun packed multimedia centre, the first of it’s kind in
the country. A sea water as well as a fresh water aquarium is also on display
to enhance the educative value.
The
museum is high on the popularity list of students and visitors and gives total
value for the time and is an excellent educational experience.
25. Family fun at Worlds of Wonder
This
excellent theme park is located in Noida, another suburb of Delhi. Worlds of
Wonder is a water cum entertainment park designed by the best consultants in
the world. The park is conveniently located amidst shopping malls and other
popular outlets, making it suitable for themed parties and social gatherings.
Apart
from the many themed rides, there are plenty of eateries to delight your taste
buds. This largest amusement park in North India also has a go-karting track.
The park has an exclusive area to host private parties, seminars and even
weddings. The park opens from 1230 pm to 9 pm on all days of the week.
26. Combine history with glamour at Hauz Khas
The
Hauz Khas complex is situated in South Delhi. It is a collection of ancient
ruins, which include tombs and mosques. A water tank, once a lifeline to this
place, still stands in it’s original splendor with the ruins providing a
spectacular backdrop.
Today
the area surrounding the ruins has been merged into an upscale outdoor shopping
and pub street. People throng here for high end boutiques, restaurants, cafes,
pubs and clubs.
27. National gallery of Modern Art
The
National Gallery of Modern Art, is situated in Jaipur House, near India Gate.
This premier institution opened it’s doors to the public in 1954. The museum
used to be the residence of the then Maharaja of Jaipur.
The
museum has a splendid collection of paintings, some as old as 150 years, which
include such renowned British names like Thomas Daniell and his nephew
William.The gallery today has an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings
and photos of Indian and Internationally acclaimed modern artists.
28. Light and Sound Show at Red Fort
The
Light and Sound show at the Red Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site combines
artistic story telling with visual animation.This incredible experience, where
expert musicians and artists portray historical events through narratives and
music, is next to none.
The hour long extravaganza comes in English and Hindi at different times. During this period the ramparts of the fort come alive with colorful lights, music and perfectly synchronized narration. An ideal way to gain insight on the history of the capital through the wonders of technology.
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