Gujarat is a centre of cultural activities and diverse traditions of different ethnic and religious communities.’Kaapyo Chhey’ and ‘Utarayan-an annual kite-flying day on 14 January’ are among the popular festivals of the city.The nine nights of Navratri are celebrated with people performing Garba-the folk dance of Gujarat. Other festivals include deepavali Holi, Eid ul-Fitr and Christmas. During the Muslim holy month of Muharram the procession of Taija and annual procession of rath yatra on the Ashadh-sud-bij dateconsitutes the integral part of the culture.

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Ahmedabad is located at 23.03° N 72.58° E in a sandy and dry area. The climate is dry aside from the monsoon season.The weather is hot through the months of March to June. From November to February,the climate is extremely dry. Cold northerly winds are responsible for a mild chill in January.

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Jama Masjid

Ahmedabad contains a number of architectural monuments of historical importance. Jama Masjid was built in 1424 by Sultan Ahmed Shah I.It is one of the biggest and oldest mosque for Friday Prayers. It is one of the finest mosques in India with 256 pillars supporting 15 domes at different elevations. There is a spacious courtyard in marble. There are intricate Hindu carvings on the pillars.The mosque had minarets which were destroyed in an earthquake.

Rani Rupmati’s Mosque

Rani Rupmati’s mosque is situated in the north of city.The mosque is named after the Hindu wife of Sultan Mahmud Begado. The mosque was built between 1430 and 1440 and represents a harmonious synthesis of Hindu and Muslim styles. It has three domes supported by pillars with the central domes slightly elevated which allows natural light into the mosque. The mosque lost its minarets in the earthquake of 1818.

Rani Sipri’s mosque

Rani Sipri’s mosque is situated on Sardar Patel Road.This mosque is also known as the Masjid - e- Nagira, or jewel of a mosque. It has ornamented minarets and a tomb of Rani Sipri, who had the mosque built after her son was executed for a minor crimel. It is another beautiful specimen of Hindu art in a Muslim monument.

Sidi Saiyad’s Mosque

Sidi Saiyad’s Mosque was constructed i n the year 1573 by Sidi Saiyad, a slave of Ahmed Shah.The mosque has ten screen windows (jalis)of pierced stone, worked in style of a tree with palm leaves and curving tendrils. A superb and peerless example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree. Wooden models of these windows, a fine example of Indo-Sarcenic architecture are kept in the New York and Kensington museums.

Sidi Bashirs mosque

Sidi Bashirs mosque is one of the most popular monuments in Ahemdabad .It is also known as Jhulta minars or shaking minarets .The minarets have three floors, adorned by carved stones. The style is a complete innovation. The mosque is designed as such that the response to vibration is transmitted to the other via a stone bridge joining both .The massive earth quake of 2001 had an impact on the monument.

Raj Babri Mosque
The Raj Babri Mosqueis situated in the suburb of Gomtipur,the main feature of the moqque is that it has shaking minarets.

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Ahmedabad is the largest city of Gujarat with the population of 51 lakhs.The city is
located to the East of Sabarmati.It was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970; the capital was shifted to Gandhinagar thereafter.

HISTORY OF AHMEDABAD

According to the datas of archaeological records , the area around Ahmedabad has been inhabited since the 11th century, when it was known as Ashapalli or Ashaval. At that time, Karandev I, the Solanki ruler of Anhilwara (modern Patan), waged a successful war against the Bhil king of Ashaval. Soon after the victory, he established a city called Karnavati on the banks of the Sabarmati at the site of modern Ahmedabad..In 1411 Sultan Ahmed Shah conquered Karnavati,and therefore the city’s name was changed from Karnavati to Ahemdabad.

The city was fortified with an outer wall 10 km (6 miles) in circumference and consisting of twelve gates, Shahjahan constructed the Moti Shahi Mahal in Shahibaug.A famine in 1630 and the constant conflicts between the Peshwa and the Gaekwad armies virtually destroyed many parts of the city, causing its population to flee.Mahatama Gandhi established two ashrams- the the Kochrab Ashram near Paldi in 1915 and the Satyagraha Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati in 1917.

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The name Gujarat has been derived from “Gujjar Rashtra” which means the land of the Gujjars.

The state Gujarat is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west, Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north and north-east respectively, Madhya Pradesh in the south east and Maharashtra in south.

Gujarat is dotted with several places to visit and see. Amongst the popular tourist destinations of Gujarat are Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Jamnagar, Patan, Vadodara, Pavagadh, Champaner, Surat, Saputara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Uperkot, Porbandar, Kutch and Bhuj.

The various cities in Gujarat are easily accessible through air, road and rail. Gujarat has 10 domestic airports apart from an international airport at Ahmedabad. Most of the domestic airlines operate out of Ahmedabad connecting it to rest of the country.

Along with its varied destinations, the attractive handicrafts, the delicious cuisine and colourful lifestyle of the people of Gujarat, add to its charm. Famous for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals, Gujarat is one state that shall be explored by every tourist. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts, and natural grandeur, of Gujurat makes states a breathtaking destination.

Rich in crafts, history and natural beauty, the remarkable coastal state of Gujarat - the home state of Mahatma Gandhi - continues to attract artists, scholars, the intellectual elite and businessmen from the world over.

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Entertainment in Mumbai

Mumbai is regarded as the New York of India. It is also known as the city that never sleeps. People of Mumbai enjoy their evenings after working hard throughout the day. The late night parties thrown by the business elites, jam packed pubs and discotheques tell us about the young atmosphere of the city.

The renowned Chowpatty and Juhu beaches of Mumbai are the most hot and happening evening hang out places. These beaches are the soul of this beautiful city. At the beaches you can enjoy horse rides, cool breeze and snacks stalls offering a variety of mouthwatering eatables. These beaches are perfect for family enjoyment.

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Eastern International Hotel

Balraj Sahani Marg
Juhu Beach
Mumbai - 400049
Phone No.6693-4444

The Retreat

Madh Marve Road ,Malad
Mumbai - 400061
Phone No. 2881-3500

Hotel Hilton Towers
Nariman Point
Mumbai - 400021
Phone No.5632-4343

The Leela

Sahar Airport
Mumbai - 400059
Phone No. 6691-1234

Fax No. 6691-1212

Hyatt Regency

Sahar Airport Road
Mumbai - 400099
Phone No.6696-1234

The Orchid Hotel

Nehru Road, Vile Parle (East)
Mumbai - 400099
Phone No. 2610-0707

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Major Attraction Of Mumbai.

Chowpatty Beach

Chowpatty is a major tourist attraction in Mumbai. The charm of Chwpatti Beach gets increased much more during the annual Ganesh Chatturathi Festival.Ganesh Chatturathi festival is the major festival of Maharashtra. Alarge image of Lord Ganesha is immersed into the water at chowpatty.

Chowpatty is a place with major attraction for children. There are many things for amusement like The Ferris Wheels, Merry-goround, Camel ride and pony ride. “Bhel- Puri” of Chawpatti is famous all over India, besides there are many other mouth watering attractions available at Chowpatty like golas, chat and kulfi. Snake charmers monkey shows, eunuchs, astrologers and drug peddlers are some other sources of entertainment. The recently opened “Nana Nani Park” along Chowpatty Beach serves good for the elderly to walk around in, sit and enjoy the sea breeze.

A visit to this beach provides an interesting outing with many permanent little kiosks. Chowpatty acts as a base “station between” leading upto Malabar Hill as it is linked to Malabar Hill, Girgaum, Gamdeviand Khetwadi

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Nowhere in India is dining more rewarding than in Mumbai. The city literally holds thousands of restaurants, and being a city of migrants, every kind of Indian cuisine is represented over here.

Snacks Of Mumbai

When we talk of Mumbai and what immediately comes to mind is Bhel-Puri, the Ragda Patties, Batata Vadas, Sandwich, Kulfi, Coconut and other snacks. Mumbai’ s fast food is not restricted to Bhel and Pani Puri anymore; roadside shacks now sell eclectic stuff, comprising of Dosas, Pizzas, Hamburgers, Pulao, Biryani and many more. In Mumbai, the ‘Paan’ culture has been raised to an art form. An example of this is the Cold and Sweet Paan in which the sweet filling is chilled.

The most popular items include the Mumbai’s Vada Pav, the unique taste of which is unbeatable, Sandwich, a light snack made of bread, Zpudina Chutney and fresh vegetables, Pani Puri, a light snack made up of puffed Puris, sprouts and other spices, “Dahi Batata Puri”, good substitute for breakfast or mini meals during summer days, Pav Bhaji, medley of variety of vegetables cooked in different style, Misal as the name suggests, a spicy mixture of pulses, potatoes and other spices, Bhel Puri a very famous Chowpatty chat popular all over India, “Sev Batata Puri” a light snack made of flat Puris garnished with mashed potatoes, chutneys and other condiments

Konkan Cuisine

Konkan cuisine has two styles of cooking, “Konkanast Brahmin Cuisine”, which uses few spices and is more coconut based, and the spicy non-Brahmin version. A little further inland, the Konkan cuisine has peanuts, sesame and coriander as the main spicing agents.

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General Information

Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants.Being a cosmopolitan city, one can find in Mumbai a potpourri of various communities and cultures which is best seen in its cuisine, history and architectural landmarks which is both Victorian as well as Indian

There are several working families in Mumbai, belonging to different strata of society, who depend on the food supplied by hawkers. Food is available cheaply at the hawkers’ joints and if hawkers stopped selling food items a majority of the working population would be deprived of their lunch

BEST SEASON: October -March

Come on over and be a part of the Magic called Mumbai and life wont be the same ever again.

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Besides being famed for lively beaches, monolithic churches, artistic temples and fabulous flora and fauna, Goa is also popular for its Grand Carnival. Carnival at Goa resides at the top among the many and various colorful feasts and festivals celebrated in Goa.

This unique and exclusive Carnival was introduced by the Portuguese. It is held in February when the legendary king Momo takes over the state and the streets come alive with music and color. Goa Carnival is a non-stop three days festival of color, song and music, enjoyed by people of all age groups. Although, the three-day festival is primarily celebrated by Christians, it has also absorbed Hindu tradition revelry, western dance forms, and turned into a pageantry of sorts. Though started as a celebration of the local population, today it has crossed the state boundaries to attract 1000’s people from all over the country.

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Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is the nearest beach from the capital of the Goa, Panaji. The beach is just 3 km from Panaji in the north of the state and a km away from Dona Paula. It lies adjoining the estuary of the river Mandovi as it opens into the Arabian sea.

A lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees, Miramar is one of the most popular beaches.It was originally known as the “Gasper Dias Beach”.From here one has an excellent view of the Aguada fort just across the river . If you wish to watch the sunset from Panaji then the best location would be this beach, which is fifteen minutes’ walk along the riverfront avenue called Dayanand Bandodker Marg.It is not a safe beach to swim. There is a strong undercurrent.

One can have an excellent view of Fort Aguada. Apart from its proximity to Panaji, it is very much commercialized and a large number of hotels and exclusive homes of Goa’s rich and famous stud the area. The beach is crowded with locals and tourists alike on most days.

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The Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is also known as “Paradise Beach”. This beach in south Goa is about a mile long and it provides idyllic scenery. The most idyllic beach of Goa, Palolem beach has a sweeping crescent of white sand, fringed by a sandy rim of coconut palms. It has a crescent shaped bay lined with swaying coconut palms hemmed by a pair of rocky crags. The white sand beach in an arc is picture perfect. The village located nearby has several cafes and souvenir stalls catering to day-trippers and vacationers who arrive in droves on sightseeing tours of the beaches. The beach still looks very virgin. Its unlike the beaches of North Goa, which are more or less full with dirt, filth and visitors.

Some of the major activities on Palolem beach can be Dolphin watching, beach activities, swimming and shopping. The resorts and other agents can book a good trip to the sea on a boat for dolphin watching. Shopping on the sea side markets of Palolem can be a fun, and the road side eateries offer a sumptous meal at a reasonably low price.

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Arambol Beach

Arambol a small remote fishing village in Goa, lies 50kms from Panaji. The place has two beaches, more popular is the main beach (Harmal beach), the northernmost beach in Goa with clean sand, some bays and fresh water pools good for swimming. The beach is beautiful and the village is quiet and friendly, with just a few hundred locals mostly fishing people. The rocky headland or the cliffs near the beaches are popular for paragliding. The second, more picturesque beach lies beyond the rocky headband and can only be reached on foot and is bordered by steep cliffs on both sides.

Every tourists dream, the beautiful beach is secluded and has a primitive, untouched feel to it. The place is ideally peaceful allowing you to have a close experience of local life and culture. The relaxed environment coupled with peace and tranquility attracts many vacationers from other beaches of Goa.

Arambol is along the Goa border with its fresh water lagoon. Due to its isolation, some tourists has been unable to reach this beach.It is the 16-km-long sea beach. The main beach has adequate body surfing and there are several attractive bays a short walk to the north. Beyond an idyllic, rocky-bottomed cove, the trail emerges to a board strip of soft white sand hemmed in on both sides by steep cliffs.

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