India's Insider

07/09/2021

Chittorgarh is home to the Chittor Fort, the largest fort in India and Asia. It was sacked thrice In 1303 by Alauddin Khalji, again in 1535 by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, and lastly by the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Invader in 1568. Its Hindu Rajput rulers fought fiercely to maintain their independence.

07/09/2021

The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones.

Located in the eastern part of the province of Rajasthan, it was built by King Chanda somewhere in the 9th century. The Chand Baori is not an easy landmark to find, thus it is one of the hidden secrets of India!

Stepwells, also called bawdi or baori, are unique to this nation. The wells have steps built into the sides that lead down to the water.

07/09/2021

Parvati Valley is situated in the northern Indian state Himachal Pradesh. From the confluence of the Parvati River with the River Beas, the Parvati Valley runs eastwards, through a steep-sided valley from the town of Bhuntar, in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh in Northern India.

07/09/2021

Humayun’s Tomb was built in the 1560’s, with the patronage of Humayun’s son, the Emperor Akbar. Persian and Indian craftsmen worked together to build the garden-tomb, far grander than any tomb built before in the Islamic world. Humayun’s garden-tomb is an example of the charbagh (a four quadrant garden with the four rivers of Quranic paradise represented), with pools joined by channels. The garden is entered from lofty gateways on the south and from the west with pavilions located in the centre of the eastern and northern walls.

04/09/2021

The magnificent Bahá'í House of Worship, also known as the Lotus Temple due to its nine sides and stunning central dome, is an architectural masterpiece. Constructed of white concrete and marble, the entire structure looks as delicate as the flower it resembles. Rising from the surrounding nine pools of water, it almost appears as if it might burst into bloom at any moment. Built in 1986, the temple has since attracted more than 70 million visitors, making it one of the world's most visited attractions (interestingly, this remarkable place of worship has no idols, religious pictures, or outward symbols of religion)

04/09/2021

Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus is another UNESCO World Heritage Site situated right in the heart of Mumbai. Built in the year 1888, during the British colonial period, this edifice exemplifies the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture. And guess what, the magnificent CST is the most photographed building in India after Taj Mahal!

20/08/2021

Entrance Gopuram (100 ft height) of Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1003 CE. Dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva & known as Dhakshina Meru. This Great Living Chola Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

19/08/2021

Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India, as well as the largest lake in the state of Kerala. With an area of 2033 square kilometers, it is the second largest Ramsar site in India only after the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Spanning several districts in the state of Kerala, it is known as Vembanadu Lake in Kottayam, Vaikom, Changanassery, Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Punnappra, Kuttanadu and Kochi Lake in Kochi. Several groups of small islands including Vypin, Mulavukad, Maradu, Udayamperoor, Vallarpadam, Willingdon Island are located in the Kochi Lake portion. Kochi Port is built around the Willingdon Island and the Vallarpadam island.

19/08/2021

The Red Fort or Lal Qila is a historic fort in the city of Delhi that served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi.
The fort was plundered of its artwork and jewels during Nadir Shah's invasion of the Mughal Empire in 1739. Most of the fort's marble structures were subsequently demolished by the British following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The fort's defensive walls were largely undamaged, and the fortress was subsequently used as a garrison.

18/08/2021

Mahabat Maqbara, a 19th-century mausoleum is a renowned landmark of Junagadh. The monument was built on the behest of Mahabat Khanji, and later in 1892 his successor Bahadur Kanji got the construction completed under his regime.

Be it the pillars, arches, windows or stone carved walls, Mahabat Maqbara is an awesome architectural wonder that has not got much press in modern times. It has staircases that encircle the minarets and the domes that add much beauty to the monument.

18/08/2021

The bamboo rafting programme takes place in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. What makes it different is that it takes you through the richest forest tracts of the dense forest. The tour begins with a hike into the forest where one can spot several species of animals and birds. It is followed by three hours of ride on bamboo rafts.

18/08/2021

Akshardham' means the divine abode of God. It is hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity and peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham at New Delhi is a Mandir – an abode of God, a Hindu house of worship, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. Timeless Hindu spiritual messages, vibrant devotional traditions and ancient architecture all are echoed in its art and architecture.The mandir is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830), the avatars, devas and great sages of Hinduism. The traditionally-styled complex was inaugurated on 6 November 2005 with the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and through the devoted efforts of skilled artisans and volunteers.

18/08/2021

Mehrangarh the Fort of Jodhpur crowns a rocky hill that rises 400 feet above the surrounding plain, and appears both to command and to meld with the landscape. One of the largest forts in Rajasthan, it contains some of the finest palaces and preserves in its museum many priceless relics of Indian courtly life.

14/08/2021

Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kutia, is an ashram close to the north Indian city of Rishikesh in the state of Uttarakhand. During the 1960s and 1970s, as the International Academy of Meditation, it was the training centre for students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who devised the Transcendental Meditation technique. The ashram gained international attention between February and April 1968 when the English rock band the Beatles studied meditation there, along with celebrities such as Donovan, Mia Farrow and Mike Love. It was the setting for the band's most productive period as songwriters, where they composed most of the songs for their self-titled double album, also known as the "White Album".

14/08/2021

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu legends are associated with it: according to one, Brahma created it to welcome Shiva, and in another, Brahma sacrificed ten horses during Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna performed here.
The present ghat was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in the year 1748.
Ganga Aarti (ritual of offering prayer to the Ganges river) is held daily at dusk. Several priests perform this ritual by carrying deepam and moving it up and down in a rhythmic tune of bhajans.[2] Special aartis are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals.
The Ganga Aarti starts soon after sunset and lasts for about 45 minutes. In summer the Aarti begins at about 7pm due to late sunsets and in winter it starts at around 6pm. Hundreds of people gather at the ghat every evening to watch the event.

13/08/2021

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India. Located to the northwest of Ajmer, the tranquil city of Pushkar is a favoured destination for thousands of tourists and devotees flocking to Rajasthan. Situated at a height of 510 metres, Pushkar is surrounded by hillocks on three sides. The ‘Nag Pahar’, literally meaning Snake Mountain forms a natural border between Ajmer and Pushkar. Known as ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan’, the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported all over the world. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city.

13/08/2021

Gulmarg (meadow of flowers') is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination in Northern Indian State Jammu & Kashmir. The town is situated in the Pir Panjal Range in the Western Himalayas and lies within the boundaries of Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary.

12/08/2021

Bhaja Caves is a group of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC located in the city of Pune, India. The caves are 400 feet above the village of Bhaja, on an important ancient trade route running from the Arabian Sea eastward into the Deccan Plateau (the division between North India and South India). The inscriptions and the cave temple are protected as a Monument of National Importance, by the Archaeological Survey of India. It belongs to the Hinayana Buddhism sect in Maharashtra. The carvings prove that tabla – a percussion instrument – was used in India for at least 2300 years, disproving the centuries-held belief that the tabla was introduced to India by outsiders or from Turko-Arab. The carving shows a woman playing tabla and another woman, performing dance.

12/08/2021

Adalaj Stepwell is a stepwell located in the village of Adalaj, close to Ahmedabad city and in Gandhinagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat, and considered a fine example of Indian architecture work. It was built in 1498 in the memory of Rana Veer Singh (the Vaghela dynasty of Dandai Des), by his wife Queen Rudadevi.

11/08/2021

Kalpa is a small village in the Sutlej river valley, above Reckong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Northern India, in the Indian Himalaya. Inhabited by Kinnauri people and known for its apple orchards. Apples are a major cash-crop for the region.

10/08/2021

Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas in the north-eastern part of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name "Spiti" means "The middle land", i.e. the land between Tibet and India.

10/08/2021

Surrounded by beautiful hills and lots of greenery, Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2,130 m. The climate is not too harsh and the sight of the stunning Lidder River flowing through the town is beautiful. Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and surrounded by tall fir-covered mountains and snow-clad peaks forming a spectacular sight. It is believed that Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village. It is also the starting point of the annual Amarnath Yatra when thousands of Shiva devotees gather here. The town of Pahalgam is extremely tourist friendly with lots of hotels and lodges to cater to all your needs. Pahalgam is also very popular amongst the trekking and adventure community; also amongst shoppers!

10/08/2021

The Gommateshwara Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola is one of the most important tirthas (pilgrimage destinations) in Jainism, one that reached a peak in architectural and sculptural activity under the patronage of Western Ganga dynasty of Talakad. Chandragupta Maurya is said to have died here in 298 BCE after he became a Jain monk and assumed an ascetic life style

10/08/2021

Built in 1772 by the Jat rulers as a luxurious summer resort, the Deeg Palace is another beautiful architectural specimen that reflects the typical Mughal style of architecture. It is crafted with many princely slated rooms, carved gates and windows having stone slabs, ornate beams and marble jalis. It also houses a pavilion, Keshav Bhawan, which maintains a canal with several fountains. It is one of the must visit places in Rajasthan after your sightseeing in Bharatpur, which includes the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Lohagarh Fort.

09/08/2021

Wonders of Bharat (India) : 1000 Pillar hall of Jambukeswarar Temple Tamil Nadu.
This Temple built by Kochenga Chola around 1800 - 2000 years ago & widely expanded by Hoysala King Vira Someshwara in 1236 CE.

06/08/2021

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the east of the Indian mainland geographically, float in splendid isolation in the Bay of Bengal. Once a hill range extending from Myanmar to Indonesia, these picturesque undulating islands, islets numbering around 836, are covered with dense rain-fed, damp and evergreen forests and endless varieties of exotic flora and fauna

06/08/2021

Nubra Valley, Known for its orchards, scenic vistas, Bactrian camels and monasteries; Nubra Valley is the northernmost part of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated about 150 km from Leh, Nubra Valley is known as the Orchard of Ladakh and was originally called Ldumra which meant the valley of flowers.
Surrounded by snowcapped Himalayan ranges, Nubra valley lies sandwiched between Tibet and Kashmir. The view of the valley is picturesque and breathtaking. During winter, the whole valley looks like landscape of the moon (reason for calling Moonland) and in summer full of greenery.

06/08/2021

Dal is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is an urban lake, which is the second largest in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The shore line of the lake, about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras.

04/08/2021

Salabhanjika or Shalabhajika Sculpture (sculpture of a woman, displaying stylized feminine features), Chennakesava Temple, Belur, Karnataka, India

The Chennakesava Temple, was built on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, by the Hoysala Empire King Vishnuvardhana. Belur, which was an early Hoysala capital is in the Hassan district of Karnataka state, India.These temple complexes have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The temple was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 AD. Scholars are divided about the reasons for the construction of the temple.

03/08/2021

First thing that comes in anybody’s mind when thinks about traveling to India is “Food”. Indian cuisine are globally popular as like its touristic destinations. But which Indian cuisine. As there are 100’s of different cuisine one can find if travel across from North to South and East to West in India

03/08/2021

What attracts most of the tourists to Rajasthan, I will say there are lots of factor which make Rajasthan one of the most visited state by foreign tourists. It can be food, forts, palaces, cultures, heritage, wild-life & many more. There is endless list of factors which make Rajasthan a vibrant and most colorful destination.

02/08/2021

Bandipur National Park, established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, is a national park located in the Indian state of Karnataka, which is the state with the second highest tiger population in India. ... Bandipur is known for its wildlife and has many types of biomes, but dry deciduous forest is dominant.

31/07/2021

Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading center and a princely state in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. Known as the "Golden City," it's distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. Dominating the skyline is Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions. Behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja's Palace and intricately carved Jain temples.

31/07/2021

31/07/2021

Hawa Mahal ("The Palace of Winds" or "The Palace of Breeze") is a palace in Jaipur. Built from red and pink sandstone, the palace sits on the edge of the City Palace, Jaipur, and extends to the Zenana or women's chambers

30/07/2021

Kaziranga National Park a world heritage site is famous for the Great Indian one horned rhinoceros, the landscape of Kaziranga is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes & shallow pools. It has been declared as National Park in 1974.

30/07/2021

Besides Africa, Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where you can spot lions roaming free in the wild. The Government notified the large geographical extent of Sasan Gir as wildlife sanctuary on 18th September, 1965 in order to conserve the Asiatic Lion. It covers total area of 1412 square kilometers of which 258 Km forms the core area of the National Park.

29/07/2021

Jal Mahal is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, India. The palace was originally constructed in 1799; the building and the lake around it were later renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber.

29/07/2021

Varanasi grew as an important industrial centre famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BCE when he gave his first sermon, "The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma", at nearby Sarnath. The city's religious importance continued to grow in the 8th century, when Adi Shankara established the worship of Shiva as an official sect of Varanasi.

29/07/2021

The Taj Mahal represents the finest and most sophisticated example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Its origins lie in the moving circumstances of its commission and the culture and history of an Islamic Mughal empire's rule of large parts of India. The distraught Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the project upon the death of one of his favorite wives Mumtaz Mahal.