Tourist Attractions of India
The country of India, being a place of exotic beaches and beautiful hill stations, has got lots of tourist attractions. Besides the natural places of visit, India houses numerous age-old palaces and forts, which are worth visiting. The rich culture and tradition of the nation attracts people from all over the world. Some of the famous tourist destinations in India are:
- Bangalore
- Delhi
- Goa
- Mumbai
Major tourist attractions in Bangalore
The city of Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is one of the major tourist centers of the state as well as the country. The place, famously called as the "Garden City of India", has got several tourist attractions staring from serene lakes to beautiful gardens and magnificent palaces to historical temples. The places, which one need not miss to visit while in Bangalore are:
Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens: The 0.97 sq. km. garden, made by Hyder Ali in 1760, houses more than 1000 species of plants. Besides the Glass House and 3000 million years' Lal Bagh Rock, the place is renowned for the annual flower exhibition held there.
Bangalore Palace: Situated near Cantonment Railway station and Mekhri Circle of Bangalore, the palace was built in the year 1862 to resemble England's Windsor Castle. Bangalore Palace was built by the Wodeyar dynasty in the Palace Gardens.
Tipu Sultan Fort: Though the fort was initially constructed by Kempe Gowda, Bangalore's founder but it was named after the Mysore Emperor Tipu Sultan, who extended it further. Dated back to 1537, the fort is located close to the City Market.
Bull Temple: Constructed by Kempe Gowda I, this temple houses Nandi's biggest granite monolith in the world. Located at Basavangudi, this primitive temple reflects the Dravidian architecture of 16th century.
Famous tourist places in Delhi
Being the capital city of the country of India, Delhi houses innumerable historical places. The city's architectural variety belonging to the Mughal Era leaves a tourist spellbound and throws one back to the imprints of the bygone aristocracy and grandeur. Besides the forts and monuments, Delhi even offers other places of visit. Some of the well-known tourist attractions in Delhi include:
Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid or Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, besides being the chief mosque of Old Delhi, is one of the renowened and largest mosques in India. This mosque was built in 1656 by Shah Jahan.
Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar, this historical monument comprises of 13 architectural instruments of astronomy. Those instruments were constructed in between the years 1727 to 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh II.
Lodhi Gardens: Spreading over an area of 90 acres, Lodhi Gardens is a park, which has got structural designs of the Pathan dynasty of the Lodhis and the Sayyids of 15th century.
Red Fort: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan initiated the construction of the Red Fort while changing his capital to Delhi. This magnificent fort is the seventh fort of the city. Though British acquisition has demolished major part of the fort, still the main structure has survived to reflect the then architecture. The Red Fort is still the venue of flag hoisting on the Indian Independence Day.
Qutub Minar: Qutub Minar, located in Mehrauli in the southern part of Delhi, is a tower of red sandstone. The 72.5 metres high tower has got intricate verses from the Quran carved on it. Being the first shrine constructed by India's Muslim ruler, this monument reflects a new art and architectural style.
Renowned tourist destinations in Goa
Goa, a former Portugal colony, is one of India's major tourist destinations. With its beautiful Portuguese churches and plush beaches, the place is a perfect blend of modern and traditional aspects. The spice farms, forests and waterfalls ensure to offer you a dream holiday. The prevalence of varied adventurous sports as well as river cruises in Goa has made the place famous across the globe. To name a few world famous tourist attractions in Goa are:Anjuna Beach: The main charm of the sun-kissed Anjuna Beach of Goa lies in its nightlife. Besides the enchanting parties, the sea beach is even famous for its Wednesday market offering you varied kind of used goods which includes even bikes.
Dona Paula Beach: Dona Paula Sea Beach, besides being famous for the painful love story of Dona Paula de Menzes, attracts people for its varied water sports like rides on water-scooter or motorboats, windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, harpoon fishing, yachting and many more. The renowned Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is situated in Dona Paula.
Dudhsagar Falls: Dudhsagar Falls, the falls of the river Mandovi is located at the border between Goa and Karnataka. The 5th tallest fall of India is best visited during monsoon when it turns itself to be one of India's most powerful waterfalls.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Built in the year 1605, Basilica of Bom Jesus is a significant church of Old Goa. Housing St. Francis Xavier's relics, this church is one of the World Heritage Monuments. Pilgrims are permitted to enter the church once in every ten years.
Mangueshi Temple: One of the most enchanting and largest serene in Goa, Mangueshi Temple houses the deity of Lord Mangueshi, who is believed to be Lord Shiva's incarnation. Festivals like Akshaya Tritiya, Ramanavami, Navaratri etc. are main attractions of the temple.
Major tourist attractions in Mumbai
The city of Mumbai, being famously known as Bollywood or the "Film city of India", attracts people for its glamour and unfaltering lifestyle. Though the place does not house any historical place of interest, but the city has got some of the age-old rock carved architectural structures. The city still holds its charm inherited from the British colonial rule. Some of the must visits while traveling to Mumbai includes:
Elephanta Caves: Elephanta Caves are referred to the caves on the Elephanta Island on the Arabian Sea. The place comprises of two sets of caves. The first set includes two caves belonging to the Buddhists. The second set includes five caves belonging to the Hindus, which contains stone sculptures and rock carvings of the Shiva and Parvati.
Gateway of India: Situated on the harbor area in the Southern part of Mumbai, Gateway of India is a combination of Muslim and Hindu architecture. The 85 feet high basalt arch is the place from where one can avail water transport to reach the Elephanta Caves.
Hanging Gardens: Hanging Gardens even called as the Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, is a terraced garden located on the Malabar Hill top. This garden offers a picturesque view of sunset.
Juhu Beach: Juhu Beach, the sprawling sea beach on the Arabian Sea shore is one of the posh areas of Mumbai. Known for its street food like bhelpuri, chaats, pani puri and pav bhaji, this beach attracts people mainly during evening or weekends. Juhu Beach even offers horse and camel rides.
Siddhivinayak Temple: Siddhivinayak Temple is even called as Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir for being the richest and dedicated Ganpati or Ganesh temple in Mumbai.
