TRAVEL SPECIAL..There's nothing like India

 There s nothing like India 

One can always find something new to see and do in India. Let ET-Travel chalk out an itinerary for you...

AURANGABAD, MAHARASHTRA
    Revisit a chapter in history as you tour Aurangabad. Begin with the Aurangabad Caves, which are believed to have been excavated between the second and sixth centuries AD. These caves are carved out of the hillside and some of them even have tantric influences. Bibi Ka Maqbara is another must-visit. Located just 5 kms away from Aurangabad, it was built by Prince Azam Shah, Aurangzeb’s son in memory of his mother. The mausoleum resembles the Taj Mahal in Agra to a large extent. Later, shoppers can pick up conventional hand woven shawls and sarees at the Himroo Factory. www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
    If you think that you’ve seen all that there is to in India, think again. Our country is so vast and varied that by the time you finish touring one destination there’s something new waiting to be witnessed in many other states. India has so many historical structures and temples that one can easily go on tours to see just these ‘blasts from the past’. In a few weeks from now, Kerala will celebrate the Elephant Festival, where a sea of people will be waiting to worship the decorated pachyderm. Gujarat is a tourist’s delight as there is a lot to see as well as to shop and eat making it a wholesome and ideal vacation destination. Let ET-Travel help you plan your next trip...
Compiled by Sujata Reddy sujata.reddy@timesgroup.com
HYDERABAD, ANDHRA PRADESH
    From shopping to sightseeing to indulging your taste buds — Hyderabad has a lot to offer every kind of tourist. Feel the serenity as you visit the Buddha statue situated in the Hussain Sagar Lake. Keep a few hours aside to tour the Salarjung Museum, an art museum in Darushifa. The kids will love the toy section and the musical clock show that chimes every hour here. The Charminar, a monument and mosque in Hyderabad is an iconic structure that features on the must-visit list of all visitors. Walk up the structure to get a view of the city or take a stroll in the nearby area to shop and eat. Chudi Bazaar has an endless number of shops selling the famous Hyderabadi bangles, which are made of lac and studded with glittering stones. They are available in various colours; remember to strike a bargain. Foodies can taste dishes like Hyderabadi biryani and Khubani ka Meetha, which is dried apricots with a scoop of ice cream at Pista House near Charminar. www.aptourism.in
THISSUR TOWN, KERALA
    That Kerala is soaked in greenery is good enough reason to want to go back time and again and rest your head in its lap. But if you want to see a spectacular event, plan your trip sometime during Mid April - mid May when the Elephant Festival is in full swing. The festival is referred to as Thrissur Pooram and though most festivals in Kerala have ceremonies that involve a procession of decorated elephants, this one is considered the mother of all festivals. The grand scale at which the Thrissur Pooram is held sets it apart. Pay your respects and take as many pictures as you want, but remember to keep your distance while doing so.
www.keralatourism.org
DWARKA GHAT, PALITANA TEMPLES, SOMNATH RIVER, GUJARAT
    Gujarat has a variety of experiences to offer its visitors as ample natural beauty, heritage, monuments, beaches, gardens, architectural sites and museums are some of its strengths. Visit the banks of River Gomti and the Shiva Temple and shrines of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna here. To experience a panaromic view of Dwarka Ghat, simply hire a boat and explore the waters. The Palitana Temples of Jainism, located on Mount Shatrunjaya in Gujarat are a breathtaking site. There are over 860 temples on the hills, so take your time to explore as many as you can. Wrap up your trip with a walk or a camel ride on the shores of Somnath Beach and feel the peace and tranquility here grow on you. www.gujarattourism.com
MOUNT ABU, RAJASTHAN
    Mount Abu is a blend of natural beauty, historical places and adventure, making it an attractive attraction for tourists. Visit the Dilwara Jain Temples, a complex of temples that are carved of white marble, built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD. The 14th century Achalgarh Fort also encloses many Jain temples like the Achaleswar Mahadev Temple and the Kantinath Temple. Nakki Lake is another popular tourist hot spot in Mount Abu. Challenge yourself to climb the Toad Rock situated on a hill near the lake or test your photography skills trying to capture it from various angles through your camera lens.
www.mountabu.com
ZANSKAR, LADAKH
    Ladakh is one of the remotest regions in India and a trekkers’ paradise. It boasts of snow-capped peaks, tranquil lakes, barren terrain and a unique culture. Trekking in Ladakh is a different experience because of the beautiful landscape and views that await visitors. Zanskar has ample options for both, first-timers and experienced trekkers. It is also a good bet for a serene holiday and adventurous activities like white water rafting, jeep safaris, cultural tours and professional photography. Take your pick or better still, try them all when you visit. www.jktourism.org
ZUNHEBOTO & KIPHIRE, NAGALAND
    Nagaland is a land full of hospitable people and boasts of a colourful, rich and vibrant culture. The Naga tribes celebrate many festivals with a lot of enthusiasm and their customs and traditions are a delight to watch and be a part of. Zunheboto has the Aizuto Village, Lake Aizuto, the forest and the
Ghosu Bird Sanctuary to visit. The village caves and Wawade Waterfall in Kiphire are also worth a visit. The Hornbill Festival in December showcases the best of Nagaland’s culture and diversity. This festival is attracting an increasing number of visitors. Block your dates...
tourismnagaland.com
BHUBANESWAR & PURI, ORISSA
    The Konark Sun Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Orissa. It was designed as a gigantic chariot for the Sun God Surya and dates back to the 13th century. It is 30 meters tall, stands on 12 massive wheels and is adorned with erotic carvings. Bhubaneswar, the capital city is also famous for the largest temple in Orissa, the Lingraj Mandir. The sunrise over Udayagiri here is a spectacular sight and not one to miss. Make time to visit Puri, which is located on the beach and is thronged by a number of devotees who come to visit the Jagannath Temple which was built in the 11th century and is famous for the Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival. www.orissatourism.gov.in 

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