India, the land of diversities and dynamism, antique and au courant, culture and charisma, unveils its magical mask in front of all to drown in its esoteric ethnicity to the core. The soil where tradition and technology co-exist and mingle to conjure up the perfect harmony is a cauldron of mixed surprises that allures everyone to its sway.
The rich heritage and wealth of India have attracted many a travelers and emperors since time immemorial and this charm is still retained in the plethora of architectural wonders, grand palaces, wildlife sanctuaries and cultural sites that it embraces. Take a virtual tour through some of the cities in India, which you must include in your itinerary on your trip to this captivating country.
Delhi
How about embarking on your trip to India with a visit to its capital city? New Delhi, the political hub of the country is a booming, bustling city, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. From the busy streets of Chandni Chowk, teeming with berserk crowds and bonking cars to the niches of modernity of Connaught Place, Delhi offers a rich amalgam of the historic past and peppy present. Behold the treasures of the past through a visit to the Mughal magnum opus such as the Red Fort, the Qutab Minar, Jama Masjid and Humayun's tomb. A trip to the relatively modern edifices of spirituality like the Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple is sure to be a fulfilling one.
Agra
Coming from Delhi your next halt should indubitably be the amazing Agra, the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the World; the Taj Mahal. The city which had been embellished by the grandson of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, Shah Jahan, still oozes in its bewitching beauty, the true reflection of which can be witnessed in the marvelous marble mausoleum Taj Mahal. No less fascinating are the Fatehpur Sikri and the Agra Fort, which fills your mind with a feeling of nostalgia. The resplendence of the past and the exquisite artistic taste of the Mughals are well borne out by the exotic edifices and works of art.
Jaipur
The pristine yet peppy, Pink City of Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, splashed in pink hues all over is bubbling with energy and enthusiasm of its people and its sprightly festive spirit. The city's magnificence lies in its palatial mansions, pompous palaces, and ostentatious gardens nestled amidst the jagged Aravalli hills. Not to speak of its people dressed in vibrant colorful attires and turbans enveloping their heads, whose bonhomie entices you from the core of the heart. Jaipur, is a shopper's paradise with its potpourri of shimmering jewelries and trinkets, intricate handicrafts and handlooms as well as ravishing traditional trousseau displayed in the kaleidoscopic bazaars. Some must-visit sites comprise the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the Amber Fort.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad, the city, which enthralls all with its architectural marvels, bustling bazaars, luscious lakes and without doubt its scrumptious, ambrosial cuisine, is a 'must visit' city on your trip to India. The capital city of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad exudes the fine harmony of the Muslim and Hindu cultures that interweave to form a beautiful savoir-faire in all its aspects. The 400 years old city is a resplendent repertoire of minarets, mosques, pearls, handicrafts on one hand, and technology, skyscrapers and shopping plazas on the other to create a fine blend of the traditional and modern.
Puri
Coming to the eastern corners of the country, keep some time aside to drown in the spiritualism of the holy Temple Town of Puri in Orissa. Festivals make the city vivacious, as does the renowned Jagannath Temple, which attracts zillions of tourists every year. Located on the coasts of Bay of Bengal, the scintillating sea with its gargantuan waves is an added attraction. The Chilka Lake that forms one of the largest salt-water lakes in the country is home to a diverse array of birds, presenting a picturesque spectacle. The Konarak Temple or the Temple of the Sun God is an epitome of architectural accomplishment. Other places of attraction in Puri include Nandan Kanan, Gundicha Temple, Sakhigopal temple, Manikapatana, Dhavalgiri and the likes.
Finally, the city of Kolkata in West Bengal in the eastern part, with her rich legacy and mouthwatering culinary delights and the stunning Ladakh in the north-west, with its gorgeous glaciers located as it is in the midst of two colossal ranges of Himalayas and Karakoram, will lend your trip to India indelible memories to cherish to the lees.