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Archive for the ‘Metro Politan Cities’ Category

Chennai city is fully loaded with some interesting and amusing places. The metropolitan city houses all sorts of attractions, be it famous South Indian Temples, museums, monuments, parks, beaches or picnic spots. There is no dearth of attractions as such. The accredited mega city does not give any chance for a complaint to a globe trotter. And to add some spice, as is South known for, the place has a number of industrial and commercial hubs.

The popular places of interest in Chennai are the much crafted temples. These famous South Indian temples witness a great number of visitors every year. Next in line are the monuments, most of them built during the British occupancy. The monuments withhold the beauty of the past and some rich memories associated with them. The diverse wildlife of Chennai is featured by several parks and breeding centres. Beaches, likewise, pour in some more life in the city.

The Thousand Lights Mosque of Chennai is a popular pilgrimage destination of the Shia community of India. Located on Anna Salai Road in Chennai, Thousand Lights Mosque is famous for its architectural splendour.

St. George Fort is an important historic monument in Chennai. Located on Rajaji Salai in Chennai, Fort St. George is named after St. George who is believed to have preached in Chennai. St. George Fort was built by the British East India Company in the year 1640. This fort is regarded as the earliest settlement of the British in India. Fort St. George encloses other famous historic monuments such as St. Mary’s Church and St. George Fort Museum.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park is situated at Vandalur, which is about 35 km from the city of Chennai. Arignar Anna Zoological Park originated within Chennai city near Park Town in the year 1855. But due to expansion, it was moved out of the city in 1877.Lion Safari Park and Deer Safari Park are the other major attractions of this zoo where the animals can be seen in their natural habitat. Elephant Safari is also very popular. Nocturnal Section, Reptile Section, aquarium and library are the other features of Arignar Anna Zoological Park.

Located in the campus of the University of Madras, nearby Marina Beach, Senate House is an architectural marvel built by Robert Fellowes Chisholm. Built between 1869 – 1873, Senate House exhibits a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Byzantine styles of architecture.
The huge Central Hall of the Senate House is supported by six mammoth pillars. Senate House has two entrances, which are located on the northern and southern sides of the building. There are domes on each corner of Senate House which are intricately designed and coloured.

Commissioned by French clergymen, designed and built by an Indian architect, the Christ The King Church is a fine example of gothic architecture and stands proudly in the middle of Loyola College campus. The awe-inspiring edifice has beautiful pointed arches, ribbed vaults, rose windows, three-aisled nave and flying buttresses. With its beautiful stained glass windows, the church is an enthralling sight, inside and out.

Delhi the capital of India is a modern city with a historic past. A tour of Delhi will provide the visitor with much to see and admire from Mughal monuments to modern malls, from traditional arts and crafts to trendy fashion shows, from skyscrapers to parks and gardens – Delhi is a city that combines the historic and the modern in its own unique way.

Delhi Haat: It is a small ethnic India in the midst of greater India. India is such a diverse country in terms of culture, race and crafts. The real India is never available in a platter, at one place. Delhi Haat is an attempt to showcase India at one stage. And it did quite well. Known for good, affordable food, there are food stores representing almost every states of India. Apart from that- Indian textiles, hand looms, knick-knacks, handicraft works etc are displayed in all its glory.

Rashtrapati Bhawan: The president’s mansion is situated on Raisina Hill in the center of Delhi, overlooking the green lawns around India Gate. This elegant building, is truly worth seeing, for its architectural beauty and historic significance. The beautiful Mughal Gardens Delhi of Rashtrapati Bhawan, which are open to the public in spring, are an added attraction.

Humayun’s Tomb: Built by Humayun’s wife, Hamida Begum, in 1556, after Humayun’s death, this elegantly proportioned tomb, set on a platform amidst a garden, is believed to have influenced the design of the Taj Mahal.

Qutab Minar: Built during the reign of Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199 A.D., this 72.5 m high pillar is a symbol of the Delhi Sultanate. Near it can be seen the ruins of Kila Ri Pithora, the fort of Prithviraj Chauhan, and an amazing iron pillar from Gupta times which has not yet rusted.

Red Fort: This grand fort built during the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s reign, this majestic building made of red sandstone is the location from where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation every Independence Day. The Diwan-e-khas, and Diwan-e-am, the weaponry museum and the sound and light show are all worth seeing at the Red Fort.

India Gate: Situated on Rajpath, in the center of Delhi, this 42-meter high arch, was designed by Edwin Lutyens, in memory of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the first World War. Their names can be seen inscribed on the arch. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame, burns in memory of the unknown soldier, beneath the shelter of the arch, which is surrounded by green lawns, fountains and water bodies – an evergreen picnic zone in the heart of central Delhi.

The city of Bangalore has numerous tourist attractions to keep its visitors busy. Right from beautiful gardens to serene lake to magnificent palaces, the city offers a wide variety to those who are planning to go on Bangalore sightseeing tours. Check out the information given below before going on a tour to India.

Bangalore Aquarium
Bangalore Aquarium is situated on Kasturba Road, at the entrance of the magnificent Cubbon Park. It is housed inside an octagonal-shaped building and boasts of having an exotic variety of aquatic life.

Attara Kacheri
Attara Kacheri of Bangalore is a building housing the High Court. Situated opposite the Vidhana Soudha, it dates back to the year 1867. One of the major attractions of the Attara Kacheri is its Gothic Style of architecture. It is a two-storied building, built in the European classical style.

Bangalore Bal Bhavan
Bangalore Bal Bhavan is a beautifully planned amusement park as well as a recreation center, designed for children. There is a small toy train inside the park that runs on a track of almost 3/4th mile inside the beautiful Cubbon Park.

Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace is situated in the Palace Gardens, at the heart of the Bangalore city of India. Built in the year 1887 by Wodeyar dynasty, it is adorned with magnificent woodcarvings and Tudor-style architecture on the inside.

Bangalore Gandhi Bhavan
Gandhi Bhavan of Bangalore is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. The Bhavan was set up with the intention of promoting the life and teachings of Gandhiji.

Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park is situated near Gandhi Nagar in Bangalore. Dating back to the year 1864, the park was laid by Sir Mark Cubbon, the then viceroy of India. Infact, the park has been named after him only. The fairy fountains and an august bandstand were added later on.

Government Museum
The Government Museum of Bangalore counts amongst the oldest museums in India. It is located at the Kasturba Gandhi Road, quite near to the magnificent Cubbon Park. Colonel Sankey designed the main building of the Government museum and got it constructed in the year 1876.

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is situated at T. Chowdiah Road in Bangalore. Established in the year 1989, it counts amongst the popular tourist attractions of the city. There is a sky theater inside the planetarium, with a huge dome that has a diameter of fifteen meters.

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
Hyder Ali, the Emperor of Mysore, laid down the foundation of the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens in the 18th century. The gardens were later completed by his son, Tipu Sultan.

Tipu Sultan Fort
Tipu Sultan Fort was initially built by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore. The fort was later extended by Tipu Sultan, the Emperor of Mysore. Situated near the City Market, the fort dates back to the year 1537.

Ulsoor Lake
Ulsoor Lake is situated on the northeastern fringe of the city center, near the busy M. G. Road. The lake was constructed by Kempe Gowda II, during the later half of the second century. Spread over an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers, the Ulsoor lake of Bangalore is dotted with islands.

Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha counts amongst the most impressive as well as the most magnificent buildings in the Bangalore city of India. It is mainly famous for hosing the Legislative Chambers of the state government.

Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum is situated on the Kasturba Road in Bangalore. Named after M. Visveswaraya, the Dewan of Mysore, it comprises of five galleries, namely Popular Science Gallery, Kimbe Paper Metals Gallery, Children’s Science Gallery, Electronic Technology Gallery and Engine Hall Gallery.

Mumbai’s most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway.

The Gateway is built from yellow Kharodi basalt and reinforced concrete. The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet above ground at its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the centre of the town. The cost of the construction was Rs. 21 lakhs, borne mainly by the Government of India. For lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and the Gateway now stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.

Today this symbol of colonialism has got Indianised, drawing droves of local tourists and citizens. Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai’s splendid natural harbour.

West Bengal, also known as ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal), is an Indian State diverse with different cultural and ethnic groups. Nestled against the eastern part of the legendary nation, West Bengal has a lot to offer for travel-buffs. Enter this site to traverse this wonderful land.

Bay of Bengal which is the largest bay in the world can be one of your next adventure travel’s destination. But before you pack up to travel go to there, it’s good once you know more about the Bay of Bengal

Bay of Bengal is a plot of the triangle that forms the northeast corner of the Indian Ocean and is the largest bay in the world, The crown is huge delta at the mouth of the Ganges River that forms border with Bangladesh.

North of Kolkata is the Eastern Himalayas and the sub-Himalayan Dooars. Snow-clad mountains, rolling hills, lush tea gardens and dense forests. All ideal locations for trekking, wildlife adventure or to relax. The Ganga, India’s most revered river, flows through the plains. From Murshidabad, through Kolkata to the Bay of Bengal, the Gangetic plains abide rich in Hindu/Buddhist-Mughal-British history. Explore temples, heritage sites or take a pleasure trip sailing down the river.

Bay of Bengal reached the deepest point of 4694 meters, while its average depth is 2600 meters. In December 2004, an earthquake measuring 9.3 Richter scale on the coast of Sumatra led to a tsunami that killed more than 250,000 people around the Bay of Bengal.

The capital of the state of Sikkim, Gangtok is an attractive tourist destination, reflecting a unique ambience which derives from its happy blend of tradition and modernity. Alongside the deeply felt presence of stupas and monasteries, Gangtok also bustles like any other thriving town. Some of the key places to visit include Rumtek Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point and the local bazaar, Lal Bazaar.

It was an important trade centre between the British and Tibet during the 19th century. Gangtok was made the capital of Sikkim in 1894 by Thutob Namgyal, who was a monarch under the British Rule. When India gained independence in 1947, Sikkim chose to be an independent monarchy and Gangtok continued to be its capital.

However, in 1975, after a period of strife and struggle, Sikkim was finally made an Indian state and Gangtok was made its official capital. The city suffered a major setback in its trade relations with Tibet after the Nathu La Pass was closed following the Sino-Indian war of 1962. However, the Pass has been opened in 2006, and Gangtok has again started functioning as a major trade point between India and Tibet.

The best time to visit Gangtok is mid March to May and October to mid December. Gangtok tourism provides a beautiful tourist destination, designed with broad roads, flyovers, high-class markets, various fast food outlets, nightclubs, discos and all other kinds of modern amenities that one can ask for. Makemytrip.com offers satisfactory discounts on the online ticket booking services to the travelers.

Set in the lap of nature, Rourkela has come into prominence with the establishment of the first of the three public sector steel plants set up in India in 1955. Situated in the minerally rich belt of Orissa, Rourkela marked a new era in the Steel Industry of India being the only steel plant devoted primarily to the production of flat products and sheets. Rourkela serves as the most convenient base for visiting the places of interest in the district of Sundargarh.

Rourkela is located at 84.54E longitude and 22.12N latitude in Sundergarh district of odisha at an elevation of about 219 meters above mean sea level.

History states that Rourkela was initially occupied by a tribal community called “Raulia” from whom the village got its name. It was only in 1931 after the declaration of a small area as an urban town Rourkela started picking up its status with a primary school, an office of the forester, a sub-post office, some tea stalls and restaurants. Gradually a train line was connected to Birmitrapur and Rourkela could avail a status of a junction and the number of railway employees also started increasing. After this slowly different companies from different parts of the country started involving themselves in the constructing the steel plant.

The city that never sleeps! Pulsating, Alive, On the Move, Vibrant, Fun — this is Mumbai or as it is still frequently referred to — Bombay. The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernisation. The city of Mumbai has a history that is both long and diverse. The city is actually a combination of seven islands that was reclaimed slowly. The place was a part of the kingdom of Ashoka, a famous king of medieval India. After the death of Ashoka, the region was ruled by a number of rulers in succession and then it fell in the hands of the Muslim invaders. In the year 1534, Mumbai was occupied by the Portuguese. St. Andrew’s church at Bandra in Mumbai still stands testament to the Portuguese occupation.

Over the years, as colonialism gave way to independence, Mumbai has transformed itself into an entity with thriving markets, business houses and many different communities reflecting a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere. On the surface, it represents the ever-changing face of today’s India — the old coupled with the dynamic new, and yet at its very core, the heart of the city is steeped in Indian customs and values.

Then known as Bombay, the city became the home of Parsi families who came to India from Iran to avoid religious persecution. The original inhabitants of the islands, however, were the Kolis who were fisher folks by profession. Kolis worshiped a Hindu deity called Mumbadevi. Bombay was later renamed Mumbai taking into consideration the culture and tradition of the inhabitants of the region.

Best Tourist Places In Mumbai Are :

Film City

Film City is an integrated film studio complex situated near Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Goregaon, Mumbai in India. It has several recording rooms, gardens, lakes, theatres and grounds that serve as the venue of many Bollywood film shootings.[1] It was built by the state government to provide facilities and concessions to the film industry. It was renamed Dadasaheb Phalke Nagar in memory of the Marathi producer-director-screenwriter Dadasaheb Phalke who was father of Indian film industry.

Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally “the city of caves”) in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the god Shiva.

Chowpatty

Chaupati, commonly known as just Chaupati (pronounced as chow-patty), is one of the most famous public beaches adjoining Marine Drive in the Girgaum area of Mumbai, India. The beach is famous for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations when hundreds of people from all over Mumbai come to immerse the idols of Lord Ganapati in the Arabian Sea. It is also one of the many places in the city where the Ramlila is performed on a stage every year.

Juhu

Juhu is a suburban neighbourhood of West Mumbai. It is famous for the sprawling Juhu Beach. It is surrounded by Arabian Sea in the west, Versova in the north, Santacruz and Vile Parle in the east and Khar to the south. Juhu is one of the most affluent areas of Mumbai and many Bollywood celebrities live there.

Nehru Planetarium

Nehru Planetarium is the name given to five planetariums in India, named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. These are located in Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune and Bangalore, plus there is a Jawahar Planetarium in Allahabad. Nehru Planetarium in Pune was the first one in Asia, established in 1954.

Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is a monument built during the British Raj in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India.[2] Located on the waterfront in the Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai, the monument overlooks the Arabian Sea.[3][4] The gateway is a basalt arch, 26 metres (85 feet) high. It lies at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg at the water’s edge in the harbor of Bombay.