Thar Desert, Rajasthan
Also known as the Great Indian Desert, the Thar Desert extends into two states of north west India (Rajasthan and Gujarat) and in the eastern region of the neighbouring country, Pakistan. The arid region extends in an area which is 800 km long and 400 km wide. The desert is bordered by Indus and Sutlej river in the west and the Aravalli ranges in the east. The alluvial plains of Haryana and Punjab occupy the northern region. Nearly three fifth of the total Thar area is under farming while more than one fourth has been developed into pasture land.
The annual average rainfall is less than 25 cm and there is only one river, Luni, that flows from between the region. This river flows out to merge with the Arabian Sea. Farming in this region, as evident from the amount of rainfall, is not at all easy. Infact four out of ten years suffer a situation of severe drought. And then, there is strong winds that blow for nearly half the year in this region.
As many as 700 species of plants exist in this area of which 107 are grass alone. These plants have the capacity to survive in the driest of conditions and are usually edible, especially the grass variety. The animal species of the desert region is also noteworthy. Actually, The Thar Desert houses some of the best breed of livestock in the country and thereby contributes to production of wool in Rajasthan which is half the total wool production in the country.
The land of shifting sand dunes, broken rocks and scrub vegetation has the visitors in a state of great excitement because it is completely different from what they have been used to. Though the region is arid, there is no dearth of attractions. Three of the most attractive cities of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner are a part of the Great Indian Desert.
Marine Drive beach is located in the central Mumbai. Being situated in the most happening place of Mumbai, reaching this spot is not at all troublesome. It is said that Mumbai experience is incomplete without having tasted the famous Paav-Bhaaji at the Chowpaty Beach from one of the food vendors who are lined up on the beach. Chowpaty Beach is more famous as the site where the idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in the sea which the end of Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Mahabaleshwar is the grandest of all hill stations perched on the western ghats. This hill town is located some 245 km south east of Mumbai and is at a height of 4500 ft above sea level. This hill station once used to be the jewel in the British crown is much known for its cleanliness and healthy environment. It was constituted as a health resort in 1829 and was also used as a prison for convicts from China and Malaysia, it is said that after thr release their people never left the place and got settled at Mahabaleshwar for rest of their life. Mahabaleshwar is mainly a vast evergreen plateau of about 150 sq. km. Traveling is not a problem as the roads are wide, beautiful and well maintained. The places that are not to be missed on this marvel of nature are Wilson plateau, called the sunrise point and also the highest part of Mahabaleshwar, the Aurthur's point, the Baghdad point. Other sightseeing options are castle rock, Marjorie Point, Gaolani Point and Carnac Point.
Shirdi is a small town on the Ahmednagar- Manmad highway. Situated around 307 km northeast of Mumbai, the town is around 6 hr drive from Mumbai. Shirdi is a silent place with population of around 15000. The city earns the major part of its revenue from the tourists and pilgrims whose number sometimes crosses the 30000 mark with utmost ease. This holy destination is a home to a great legend Sai Baba who lived her for around eighty years before he went into his samadhi some 80 years ago in 1918. Shirdi is mainly a religious center. The town is tiny and is of just 2 Sq km. It has a main street and is full of narrow by lanes that are covered with small shops, most of them selling material that are offered at the temple.
The world heritage sites Ajanta- Ellora caves are wonders to the world with their pre-historic sculptures and exquisite stone carvings. People from various parts of the world make their visit to this place just to have a glimpse of those excellent sculpture that have seen many ravages of time. UNESCO did not hesitate to declare the caves as world heritage sites in 1983.
Sanchi is a small town on the outskirts of Bhopal, situated around 48 km from the capital city. The town comes under the district of Vidisha. Sanchi is the living example of visions and beliefs of Emperor Ashoka. The town is scattered with numerous Buddhist structures like pillars and stupas. Although the city is world known for these Buddhist sites, but Sanchi does not have great significance or consequences in Buddhist history. Though it is now considered as a pilgrimage town due to the monasteries that are present here. Emperor Ashoka came here and married the daughter of a local merchant. Sanchi thus became his center and he carried out the construction of many buildings. The Ashoka Pillar and the Great Sanchi stupa are the most exquisite works of those time. The Stupas were the earliest forms of Buddhist architecture that were the inspiration for many other buildings.
The highest point in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is the most scenic spot in entire central India. Situated amongst the sedate Satpura Range, Pachmarhi is located at an altitude of 3500 ft above sea level and at a distance of 200 km from the capital city Bhopal. This is one of the best getaway for a solitaire who is looking for a quiet, sleepy and subdued place, far from the chaos and clamor of cities. There are numerous walks through the deep Sal and bamboo forests that are mostly untrodden paths. Stride along these forests and deep valleys that enviously guard this pearl. Occasionally stop by for a refreshing dip in the many crisp ponds that you will find scattered through out the hill station. The saucer shaped town has few churches and army buildings that lend a colonial aura to the environment.
Orchha is a small yet interesting town situated on the banks of River Betwa in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. The town was once covered with thick forest from all four sides and was discovered by Bundela rulers only in the year 1531. It also served as a capital to the Bundela Kings. It is dotted with numerous temples and palaces, which were built between 16th and 17th century. The monuments build by the Bundela rulers are deemed as the best example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Situated south of Satpura Range on the Malwa Plateau, Indore is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh. The city is called the cosmopolitan capital of Madhya Pradesh and is definitely the most living as well. The city, which was founded by landlords in year 1715, gets its name from temples of Indreshwar and Indrapur. The city served as the summer capital of former state of Madhya Bharat before it was taken into Madhya Pradesh. Today Indore is a center of garment industries and is some times also referred to as ‘Textile City’.
Jai Vilas Palace has turned out to be a great landmark for Gwalior City. This magnificent palace currently serves as a residence to the Scindia Family. The Palace from both inside and outside gives us a peek into the luxurious lifestyle of royal people in India. The structure of Jai Vilas Palace is Italianate to which, Tuscan and Corinthian architectural style add extra grandeur. The Durbar hall inside the palace is the main attraction. There are two mammoth chandeliers on the ceiling of this spacious room that weigh a couple of tonnes. Before they were on the ceiling, 10 elephants were used to examine the strength of the roof.
Bhimbetka Caves, in a very short span of time have become the most visited attraction in Madhya Pradesh and have earned a place in the list of one of the best in India. Situated just 46 km from Bhopal, these exquisite caves are surrounded by the northern limits of Vindhya mountain Range. As the legend goes, these hills got their name after Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers. The name 'Bhim-bet-ka' means 'where Bhim sat down'. There are more than 600 caves that have the collection of oldest Prehistoric paintings in India. These caves were found by Dr. V.S Wakankar, the famous Indian archaeologists in the year 1958. It took around 16 years to excavate the entire area covered by these caves. Although there are more than 600 caves , only 12 are open for tourists at the moment, but they show you the best paintings that are there in all other caves. And out of the 24 world heritage sites that have been recognized by UNESCO in India, Bhimbetka caves are the oldest one.
Today, we feel the presence of Chandelas the most as they were the one who gave India and the World, the valuable endowment of Khajuraho Temples. These temples have brought Madhya Pradesh in the frame of the most visited state in India. During the many invasions, the tribal population fled to the south of Vindhyas and since then have resided there. Still, these tribal communities are completely secluded from the development and have their own customs, tradition and arts, totally unruffled by outside world. So if one wishes to learn more about the unhampered lifestyle of tribals, Madhya Pradesh is the place for you.
The temples were built by the rulers of Chandela dynasty between 10th and 11th century. The construction of the temple just took around 100 years to complete. There were around 85 temples in the area but now only 22 exist. Rest are nothing more than ruins. They sure have gained popularity due to the erotic sculptures carved on the walls. However such sculptures cover only a small portion. The major share of sculptures are depicting the daily life of people in the rural India.
Kufri, a tiny hill resort in the southern part of Himachal, is situated quiet close to Shimla. Perhaps, it is for this reason that the history of Kufri is inextricably linked with that of Shimla. In earlier times, Shimla and its surrounding areas, including Kufri formed part of the Kingdom of Nepal. During this time, not much of attention was given to this area. However, things changed when the British discovered this region in 1819. They were mighty impressed by the fresh air and beauty around. Shimla gained the status of summer capital in 1864 and retained its enviable position till 1939. With Shimla gaining prominence, Kufri couldn't probably remain behind. Gradually, it made its position as 'an important place to visit near Shimla' secure.
Situated in the North-west Himalayas, Shimla is the Capital of Himachal Pradesh. It was once famous as the Summer Capital of "The Raj". Though evocative of a bygone era, it is today a thriving Capital of a State, famous for its snowcapped peaks, apples, pine forests, flowers and gentle smiling people.
A splendid landscaped garden surrounds the 15th century tombs of the Lodi kings. Ibrahim Lodi the last Lodi ruler was defeated in 1526 by Babur who established the Mughal Empire in India. A walk amidst the ancient, fat trees gives a true pleasure in the heart of Delhi. This is a favourite destination of the lovers of the city.
This fascinating observatory, with enormous astronomical instruments constructed in brick and plaster, was erected by that intrepid astronomer and king, Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1724. He also built similar observatories in Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura and Varanasi.