Religious Tourism

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN VARANASI

Varanasi was once contemporary to the Babylon in Mesopotamia (3rd millennium BC). While most of the civilizations of that period have been lost into oblivion, Varanasi is still bustling with life, which earns for it the epithet the oldest living city. Since times immemorial, Varanasi has been the seat of Hinduism. The city is often said to have embodied the soul of Indian civilization. Crumbling old temples, the life giving river Ganges, teeming with austere Hindu monks clad in saffron lend an aura of sanctity to the land. Important tourist attractions in Varanasi are: Temples: Temples are one of the biggest tourist attractions in Varanasi. Most of the temples are located in the old city along the lanes and the lanes and by lanes. The most famous one is the temple of Kashi Vishwanatha, where Lord Shiva is the presiding deity. Catch up an evening aarti in the temple. Ghats along the Ganges: The River Ganges is part and parcel of the sacred city. The riverbank is punctuated with huge pavilions made of series of concrete steps going down right into the water body of the river. These are called the Ghats, which are major tourist attractions in Varanasi. Dashashwamedha Ghat, Asi, Barnasangam, Panchganga and Manikarnika are some notable Ghats in Varanasi. Several legends go into their makings. Take a boat ride in the early morning along the river to watch hordes of people come to take a dip in the river in the morning and worship the rising sun. Sarnath: Close to Varanasi, lies Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Ashoka the great later erected a stupa here. Several other Buddhist monuments were set up in Sarnath later. The remnants today lie in a serene ambience. Festival of Buddha Purnima is celebrated here with much fanfare.

RIVER FRONT - Varanasi lies along the sacred Ganges River and has a 4 km long river front with hordes of devotees performing rituals at all times of the day. The Ghats look the best at dawn and boats can also be hired at reasonable rates from the ‘Dashashwamedha’ ghat.

ALAMGIR MOSQUE - Popularly known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, this mosque is a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture. It was built by Aurangzeb on the site of the Vishnu Temple and overlooks the Panchganga Ghat.
DURGA TEMPLE - About 2 km south of Varanasi, this 18th century Durga Temple is also called the Monkey Temple due to aggressive monkeys that reside here. It has been built in a common north Indian style with an ornate shikhara, with five segments symbolizing the elements, supported by finely carved columns. Durga represented as shakti or female power is clad in red, riding a tiger and fully armed with a sword, Shiva’s trident and Vishnu’s discus. A forked stake in the courtyard was used in the past during festivals to sacrifel goats. Non-Hindus are allowed to the courtyard but not into the inner sanctum.

VISHWANATH TEMPLE - Located within the premises of the Banaras Hindu University this temple built by the Birlas was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. This temple is open to all people irrespective of caste or creed.

TULSI MANAS TEMPLE - Erected in 1964, this temple lies about 150 m south of this Durga Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Rama and is situated where Tulsidas, the great medieval saint, is believed to have written the great epic, Shri Ramcharitmanas. The two-tier walls are engraved with verses and scenes from this epic.

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY - One of the oldest educational centres of India, this university was was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1917 for the study of Sanskrit, Indian art, culture and music. The university campus extends over five square kms and contains the Bharat Kala Bhavan. The Bhavan has a beautiful collection of miniature paintings, sculptures dating from the first to the fifteenth centuries along with old photographs of Varanasi and brocade textiles. The campus premises also houses the New Vishwanatha Temple.

Mathura Tourist Attractions

Braj is the land of Krishna and Mathura is its epicenter. Since time immemorial, Mathura has been home to the follower of Krishna. The city of milkmaids has a lot to offer when it comes to 'Krishna Tourism'. The city has some of the beautiful temples and religious sites. We list a few of them: -

Dwarkadhish Temple
Dwarkadhish Temple is not only an important temple of Mathura but also of India. Built in 1814, Dwarkadhish Temple is situated in the heart of the city of Mathura. Dwarkadhish Temple that is currently managed by the followers of the Vallabhacharya sect is the most visited temple in Mathura. Located in the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River, the temple is architecturally very interesting.

Government Museum
Mathura Kusum Sarovar is the must visit site in Mathura. Kusum Sarovar is actually a 450 feet long tank that belongs to the era of Lord Krishna. Kusum Sarovar is 60 feet deep and has numerous flights of stairs from all sides. Kusum Sarovar is just half an hour walk from another famous tank named Radha Kunj.

Krishna Janambhoomi
Krishna Janambhoomi is one of the most visited tourist destination in India. The place has been named so because it is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. 'Janam' means 'Birth' and 'Bhoomi' means 'Place' in Hindi. It is supposed that the present temple is built over spot of the prison where Lord Krishna took birth.

Kusum Sarovar
Kusum Sarovar is the must visit site in Mathura. Kusum Sarovar is actually a 450 feet long tank that belongs to the era of Lord Krishna. Kusum Sarovar is 60 feet deep and has numerous flights of stairs from all sides. Kusum Sarovar is just half an hour walk from another famous tank named Radha Kunj.

Vrindavan, just 15 km from Mathura, is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is the wood where he frolicked with the gopis and tenderly wooed Radha.Set in idyllic environs, this beautiful city has many jewel palaces and temples surrounded by the best of nature's bounty. The regal swans in the waters of the Yamuna, among the beautiful lotus flowers, the kadamba trees, fragrant flowers and the sweetly singing make it place of spiritual peace. There are over 5,000 temples in Vrindavan. Attracting about 500 000 pilgrims every year, mainly during major festivals like Janmashtami, Holi and Radhashtami, it is noted for its numerous temples, both old and modern, big and small, believed to be around 5000 in number! Tourist Attractions of Vrindavan ISKCON Temple Newly constructed ISKON temple is one of the most impressive ones with funds coming from devotees overseas. The marble buildings exude their own brilliance and present an example of intricate carving. It owes its existence to Swami Prabhupada, a Hindu devotee born in Bengal in 1896. Today, ISKON is a worldwide movement with followers from many different ethnic backgrounds   Pagal Baba Temple Founded by Late Pagal Baba, this gleaming white temple has eleven stories in all. One of the modern architectural examples, the temple retains the playfulness of Pagal Baba in the spirit of his disciples who are ready to welcome the visitors into the temple's interior. One can get some good views of the surrounding area from the ninth storey. The main attractions are the puppets exhibited in the temple. Some of them are mechanized and depict scenes from Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Govind Dev Temple Govinda Dev Temple was a grand seven-story structure, with an altar of marble, silver and gold. Architecturally this temple is one of the finest in North India. A sculptured lotus flower weighing several tons decorates the main hall ceiling. It was built in 1590 by Raja Man Singh from Jaipur, a general in Akbar's army. It was said to have cost ten million rupees and several thousand men were working for five full years to complete it. Bankey Bihari Temple One of the most important and lively temples is the Bankey Bihari, which houses a sacred image of Krishna known as Thakur Ji, which shows Krishna embodied in almost black color. Devotees can be seen playing amall cymbals to timeless tunes of worship and singing hymns to its rhythm and offering garlands of flower petals and offer them to the statue while Brahmins occasionally draw across the curtain to let the devotees catch the glimpse of the great Lord.

Haridwar

Introduction The gateway to the Char Dham in the Garhwal- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar is one of the most important pilgrimages in India. Haridwar is believed to be one of the four spots where the elixir of immortality- Amrita spilled over from the Kumbh in which it was being carried by Garuda, the holy bird and the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Haridwar being a pilgrimage spot, tourist attractions in Haridwar consist mainly of temples. Most of the tourist attractions in Haridwar are all located well within the reach of tourists and within the city bounds. Haridwar, the name literally translates to the Gateway (Dwar) to Lord Vishnu (Hari)!  In other words, it can be said that Haridwar is the place from where you can gain access to the Lord. Situated at the foot of the Himalayas, the holy city is said to have entertained the Hindu Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, in the epic times. Adding to its sanctity is the fact that it is from Haridwar that the holy Ganges enters the plains, giving it the name of ‘Ganga-Dwara’ (Gateway of Ganga). Thousands of pilgrims congregate at the city every year, to take a dip in the holy waters around ‘Har-ki-Paudi’ (a bathing ghat). With more than 300 temples within its precincts, Haridwar is considered the best place to trace the roots of Hinduism. Places to See in Haridwar Har ki Paudi The most popular as well as the most scared of all the tourist attractions in Haridwar is the Har ki Paudi. It is basically a bathing ghat that holds as much reverence for the devotees as the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. As per the legends, ‘Har ki Paudi’, meaning the Steps (Paudi) of Vishnu (Har), was once visited by Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and even served as the venue of a yagna by Lord Brahma. Taking a dip in the holy waters around the bathing ghat is one of the main reasons why pilgrims come to the city. Mansa Devi Temple A trip to Haridwar, without a visit to the Mansa Devi temple, is totally incomplete. The temple, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Mansa Devi - an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is situated atop the Bilwa hill. Health conscious people prefer to trek their way to the temple, while the adventure enthusiasts can make use of the ropeway cable car. Pawan Dham Temple Situated at a distance of around 2 km from the heart of Haridwar is the Pawan Dham Temple. Dating back to the ancient times, the magnificent temple stands ornamented with intricate glasswork on its walls. The extensively festooned idols of the temple also make it worth paying a visit. Maya Devi Temple Another temple in Haridwar that is dedicated to a goddess is the Maya Devi Temple. It enshrines the image of Goddess, as an incarnation of Power or Shakti. One of the major attractions of the temple is that it forms one of the Shaktipeeths in India. Along with that, Maya Devi Temple is believed to be the place that became the recipient of the heart & navel of Sati (wife of Lord Shiva). Vaishno Devi Temple Vaishno Devi Temple is amongst those temples in Haridwar that do not have an ancient lineage and were built sometime back only. The major attraction of the temple arises from the fact that its design is majorly based on the Vaishno Devi Temple of Jammu. Bharat Mata Temple The most unique and unusual temple of Haridwar is the ‘Bharat Mata Temple’. It is totally different from the typical Hindu temples and is dedicated, not to various Gods and Goddesses, but those people who have influenced the country in one way or the other. Each of the eight stories in the temple is dedicated to a different group, like spiritual leaders, freedom fighters, etc. Chandi Devi Temple Chandi Devi Temple dates back to the year 1929, when it was built under the aegis of Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir. It is situated atop the Neel Parvat and enshrines the idol of Chandi Devi, the Goddess who killed the demon brothers Shumbh-Nishumbh. Legends say that the idol was enshrined there by Adi Shankracharya, in 8th century. Accommodation As far as accommodation is concerned, visitors to Haridwar will have no reason to complain. Dharamshalas, hotels or ashrams - you name it and you will find it in the holy city. The hotels in Haridwar cater to every need and budget. If the royal past is what you are wishing for, ‘Haveli Hari Ganga’ heritage hotel will suit you perfectly. If you want the latest amenities, then hotels like Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Hotel Classic Residency, Hotel Park View and Sun Hotel are amongst the best ones. If money is your problem, you can stay at budget hotels like Hotel Alaknanda, Hotel Alpana, Hotel Midtown, etc. For the austere travelers, ashrams are not far away. How to Reach Haridwar By Air Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun, situated approximately 35 km away, falls the nearest from Haridwar. By Rail The railway station at Haridwar connects it with all the important cities of India. All the trains going to Dehradun also make a stoppage here. ByRoad With the National Highway passing through it, Haridwar is easily accessible from the key cities in India, by road. You can get buses as well as taxis, from cities like Delhi and Dehradun, for reaching the place.

Tourist Attractions in Allahabad

With a strong and long historical, political and religious backdrop, Allahabad, one of the most favored tourist destinations in India, offers a number of tourist spots that are considered as some of the best tourist attractions in Allahabad. Located on the meeting point of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna, and offering a range of tourist attractions, it draws huge crowds every year. Witness to the visits by educational and political greats like Hiuen Tsang, Fa Hien, Harsha, Akbar, Dara Shikoh, Khusro and Queen Victoria, the city of Allahabad with a chequered past is in itself one of the greatest tourist attractions. The various tourist attractions in Allahabad are discussed as follows: Sangam Located approximately 7 km from Civil Lines, it is actually the confluence of three holy rivers-Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It becomes a center of attraction for hundreds and thousands of religious travelers after every twelve years when it hosts the famous Kumbh Mela. It stands as one of the greatest tourist attractions on your tour to India. Allahabad Fort Built by Akbar in AD 1583, the Allahabad Fort exhibits fine depictions of art, design, architecture, and craftsmanship of the fort. Visitors are allowed to view the Ashoka Pillar, Saraswati Kup and Jodhabai Palace. Patalpuri Temple and Akshaya Vat Located inside the Allahabad Fort, this is actually an underground temple, alluding to associations with Lord Rama. The famous Akshaya Vat one of the most revered trees of the Hindus is also sited within the temple. Anand Bhawan The ancestral home of the Nehrus, the Anand Bhawan now houses a memorabilia of the Nehru-Gandhi family and one of the excellent museums of India. Swaraj Bhawan Located next to the Anand Bhawan, and built by Pt. Moti Lal Nehru, it is the house where the former Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born. Khusrau Bagh This huge garden houses the mausoleums of Khusrau, his sister, and his Rajput mother. Hanuman Mandir Located near the Allahabad Fort, it is famous for the image of the reclined position monkey-god Hanuman Allahabad Museum Situated near Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, the Allahabad Museum preserves the paintings of Nicholas Roerich, terracotta figurines, Rajasthani miniatures, coins and stone sculptures from the 2nd century BC till date. Weekend Trips/Excursions: Trips to tourist attractions around Allahabad can be equally rewarding. These options include Jhusi, Kaushambi, Bhita, Shringverpur, Kara, Upardaha Lake and the Tons River Aqueduct. Events and Festivals: The events and festivals of any city or town are some of the greatest tourist attractions and the Kumbh Mela is the prime north Indian festival. Held once every four years by turns, on the banks of holy rivers-the Godavari in Nasik, the Shipra in Ujjain, the Ganga in Haridwar and the Sangam in Allahabad. Several travelers, priests, saints and religious seekers visit this place every twelve years with an expectation of purgation and cleansing, medically and spiritually. The Magh Mela is another of the fairs celebrated in the month of February. Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information about Tourist Attractions, booking for India travel tours and tour packages on your tour to India

Tourist Attractions in Mount Abu

Set amidst lush surroundings of Aravali hills at an altitude of 1,220 m above the sea level, Mount Abu is the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan. It enjoys a cool and pleasant climate all round the year with temperatures hovering between 21°-33° C during summer and between 11°-28° C during winter, offering much-needed relief from the heat and dust of Rajasthan. Besides its exceptional scenic beauty, Mount Abu is also famous for its 11-13th century Hindu and Jain temples. Dilwara Jain Temples: The most famous tourist attraction in Mount Abu, the Dilwara temples were constructed between 11th and 13th centuries AD. Sacred to Jain, they are considered masterpieces of temple architecture. The Vimal Vasahi temple in the complex is worth mentioning as the temple took about 14 years to complete and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankaras. These beautifully carved temples in white marbles are dedicated to different tirthankaras. One can also see intricately carved images of female figures in dancing poses on some of the 48 pillars. Nakki Lake: Nakki Lake is a beautiful picnic spot in Mount Abu. According to the legend, the lake was created by a Hindu God using his nails, and so derives its name Nakki (nail) Lake. The lake offers breathtaking view of surrounding hills and offers ideal spot for boating. Guru Shikar: Guru Shikar is the highest peak of the Aravali range, located at about15 km northeast of Mount Abu. It's an important Hindu pilgrimage site, worth visiting on your Mount Abu Tour. Other famous attractions in Mount Abu include the Gaumukh Temple, which derives its name from a sculpted cow situated in the temple compound, Adhar Devi Temple and Shri Raghunathji Temple. Things to Do in Mount Abu Mount Abu offers an exciting range of leisure options to its visitors. You can enjoy sunset viewing, as Mount Abu offers spectacular views of the sunset. There are many sunset and honeymoon points in Mount Abu, offering a breathtaking view of sunset. You can also enjoy an exciting horse ride to explore various points in the hill station. A boat cruising in the lovely Nakki Lake is another not to be missed attraction in Mount Abu. You can also enjoy day trekking trips to nearby Shanti Shikhar (the peak of peace), Achalgarh (11 km) and Guru Shikhar (15 km), all of them offering breathtaking views of enchanting surroundings. The Mahavira Jayanti and the Summer Festival are other must enjoy attractions in Mount Abu. You can enjoy the traditional folk dances and melodious folk music of Mount Abu during festivals. Museums in Mount Abu: The museums in Mount Abu constitute the primary attraction of this place. They are an integral part of Indian culture. Some of the important Museums in Mount Abu are Archaeological Museum, Mount Abu and Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University and Museum, Mount Abu. Both of them are very important Tourist Attractions in Mount Abu. Monuments in Mount Abu: The Monuments in Mount Abu are vital Tourist Places in Mount Abu. These structures reflect admirable architectural skills and are manifestations of the power of the royal rulers of yore. Some of the Monuments in Mount Abu are Sunset Point, Mount Abu, Honeymoon Point, Mount Abu and The Crags, Mount Abu. Forts and Palaces in Mount Abu: The Forts and Monuments in Mount Abu are significant Tourist Attractions in Rajasthan India. Belonging to the ancient kings and queens, they have stood against the ravages of time. The Forts and Palaces also speak much of the ancient architecture of India, the culture and taste of the erstwhile kings and a display of their wealth. Some of the famous Forts and Palaces are Achalgarh Fort, Mount Abu, Sunrise Palace, Mount Abu and Kesar Bhawan Palace, Mount Abu. Gardens in Mount Abu: The Rajputs were great lovers of art and architecture. Not only did they adore the beauty of forts, palaces and museums, but they also had an aptitude for enhancing natural beauty by gardening and planting flowering plants. As a result many gardens enhanced the beauty of Rajasthan. The Gardens constitute great Tourist Attraction in Mount Abu Rajasthan. Some of them are Ashok Vatika, Mount Abu, Gandhi Park, Mount Abu and Terrace Garden, Mount Abu. Bazaars in Mount Abu: Tourists will definitely enjoy Shopping in the various bazaars of Mount Abu. The shops here are flooded with a variety of items.

Sarnath

About The City

Buddhists worldwide look upon India as the land of the Buddha and a visit to this country means a pilgrimage to those places sacred to the memory of the Enlightened One.      After the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya he came to Sarnath. Here in the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon, or in religious language, set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra Pravartan.). On the day before his death Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers.       The Emperor Ashoka, who spread Lord Buddha’s message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, visited Sarnath around 234 BC, and erected a stupa here. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. Sarnath is 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi, and is an exceedingly tranquil place. The ruins, the museum and temple are all within walking distance.

Area : 2.80 sq. km. Altitude : 80.71 (1991 census) Season : October-March Clothing : Summer - Cottons; Winter - Woolens Language : Hindi and English Festivals : Buddha Purnima (Full Moon, April-May), Anniversary of First Sermon (Full Moon, July-August) Local Transport : Buses/Cycle-Rickshaws/Taxis STD Code : 0542

Place Of Interest

Chaukhandi Stupa Chaukhandi is the first monument one encounters as one enters Sarnath. It is a lofty mound of brick - work whose square edifice is surrounded by a Octagonal tower. Originally said to be built by Emperor Ashoka. Dhamek Stupa   The most remarkable structure at Sarnath, is the cylindrical Dhamek stupa, 28 mts. in diameter at the base and 43.6 mts. in height, built party of stone and partly of brick. The stone facing the lower part is adorned with delicate floral carvings of Gupta origin. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar This modern temple has been erected by the Mahabodhi Society. It has excellent Frescoes made by Kosetsu Nosu, Japan’s foremost painter and is a rich repository of Buddhist literature. The ancient Mulagandha Kuti Temple is among the brick ruins of Sarnath. Sarnath Museum Sarnath yielded a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images. Considered amongst the finest specimens of Buddhist art, these have been housed at the museum, adjacent to the site. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, and closed on Fridays. Apart from the above the other objects of Interest at Sarnath are the Dharmrajika Stupa, magnificent Lion capital, India’s National Emblem at Sarnath Museum, the Saddharmachakra Vihar’s at excavated ruins.

Palitana

Top of Form Palitana Bottom of Form

Palitana General Information Population: 45000 Altitude: 182 metres Area: 13 square km Climate: 24 to 46 Degree Celsius in Summers and 17 to 38 degree Celsius in Winters Annual Rainfall: 580 mm Best season: November to March Information about Palitana Palitana is a sacred city of the Jains located about 215 km. from Ahmedabad and 51 kms southwest of Bhavnagar. It was the capital of a small princely

state founded by Shahji, a Gohel Rajput who belonged to the same clan as the Maharaja of Bhavnagar. Palitana is situated at an altitude of 182 metres and covers an area of 13 square km. Palitana is one of Jainism's holiest pilgrimage sites and gateway to the Shatrunjaya hill. Besides being a pilgrimage centre, Paliatana is also knowm for the horse-breeding. The best season to visit Palitana is from November to March.

Tourist Attractions in Palitana

The main tourist attraction in Palitana is the Shatrunjaya Hill.

Shatrunjaya Hill, Palitana The Shatrunjaya Hill is located at a height of 591 metres. The Shatrunjaya Temple is the most sacred temple of the Jains and one of the largest of its kind in India. One has to climb up the hill for about 4 kms (600 meters) on a stepped path to Shatrunjaya (place of victory over worldliness). You can reach this place either in Doli or lift chairs or by walking. The rich persons visit this place on richly caparisoned elephants. There are about 863 white marble Jain temples, built over 900 years on the hilltop, each with its own enclosure. There is a stunning view from the top of the hill and the air is filled with the scent of

the jasmine trees. On a clear day, you can also see the Gulf of Cambay. All the temples are enriched with gold, silver and jewels donated by rich merchants. According to local tradition, Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankara, visited the hill several times and the first temple was erected by his son. Thereafter the emple builders could not stop. Jains believe that Pundarika, the chief disciple of Adinatha attained nirvana there. There are two series of temples strung along the two ridges of the hill with further temples in the hollow between linking them. All are surrounded by a tall battlement, erected for the defence. These fortifications

are called tuks and have created a series of nine enclosures, each with a central temple and various other minor temples. Most of the temples are named after their founders, nearly all the structures dating from the 16th century. Many of these temples were built in the 11th century but were destroyed by the Muslims in the 14th and 15th centuries. Later, Jains obtained religious toleration and began rebuilding. Approaching from the right, the first and finest temple that you will visit is dedicated to Shri Adishwar, one of the most important Jain Tirthankars. This temple is one of the most magnificent and sacred temple of the Jains community.

The Khartaravasi Tuk is the largest and highest of the temples along the north ridge and includes the Adinath or Chaumukh or four-faced temple. The Adinath temple is the biggest temple located on the hill. This temple was built by a wealthy merchant in 1618 to save his soul. This temple has an image of Adinath which face out in the four cardinal directions. There are quadruple Tirthankara images inside the sanctuary over which rises a slender tower. The Vallabhai temple with its finely clustered spires and the large Motisah temple occupy the middle ground between the ridges. The Vimalavasi Tuk occupies the west end of the sssssouth ridge. In it is the Adishvara Temple which dominates the site. It is similar in

layout to the Adinatha temple and has a double storey mandapa inside which is a large image of Rishabhanatha with crystal eyes and a gold crown of jewels. Other temples in the southern group are the Temples of Ramaji Gandharia and the Bhulavani which is a series of crypt like chambers each surmounted with a dome. The Hathiapol (Elephant gate) faces south east. On the top of the hill a Muslim shrine of Angar Pir is also located where the childless women offer tiny cradles in the hope of conceiving. Besides these, there are various other temples like Kumar Pal, Vimal Shah and Sampriti Raj, named after the wealthy Jain merchants.

Shopping in Palitana The local handicrafts are embroidery on sarees, dresses, purses, bags, wall hangings, metal engraving and diamond cutting. Local industries manufacture harmonium reeds and weighing scales. How to reach Palitana By Air: The nearest airport is located at Bhavnagar, about 56 kms from Palitana and has daily flights with Mumbai. By Rail: Palitana is on the metre gauge of the Western Railway and has a connection only with Bhavnagar. The nearest railway station connected with all parts of India is Ahmedabad. By Road: Palitana is connected by good motorable roads with Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Ahmedabad, Porbandar, Dwaraka, Gandhidham, Mumbai and Delhi.

Tourist Attractions in Ajmer The tourist attractions of Ajmer enchant you with their skillful architecture and a mystical yet pleasing blend of Sufi and Hindu traditions. Tour the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti and feel an indescribable calm as you pray to the departed saint. Notice the fascinating blend of Indo-Islamic architecture of the Dargah Sharief on your Ajmer Tourist Attractions tour with Indian Horizons.
The massive and spectacular entrance to the Dargah was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Akbari Masjid and Shah Jahan's Masjid located within the Dargah are splendid illustrations of Islamic architectural skills. The Taragarh Fort is one of the most important tourist attractions of Ajmer and attracts tourists into its labyrinth of stone stairs, colonnades, pillared halls, royal quarters wonderfully carved passages and towers. Visit the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra and other brilliantly constructed mosques with Persian inscriptions and sculpted columns on your tours to Ajmer tourist attractions. Indian Horizons shows you a desert world gleaming with tales of valor and chivalrous exploits. Tour the tourist attractions of Ajmer and discover the vibrant Ajmer soul that envelops you with its unmatched charm. So come and tour the delightful Ajmer tourist attractions with Indian Horizons and seek the blessings of Khawaja Garib Nawaz, tour the Pushkar fair and marvel at the aesthetically carved palaces and havelis of Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
Dargah-e-Sharif Ajmer: Located at the foot of a barren hill, the Dargah-e- Sharif is the place where the Khawaja Moin-ud-din Chisti's mortal remains lie buried. The Dargah has a beautiful marble dome and a courtyard, surrounded by a silver platform. It's believed that the tomb is a place of wish fulfillment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts. People of all religious faiths visit the Dargah and make offerings of rose and jasmine flowers to seek the blessings of the Khawaja. The famous annual 'Urs' festival is a major tourist attraction of Ajmer when millions of devotees from around the world visit the Dargah to pay their homage and seek blessing of Khawaja. Taragarh Fort: The 7th century Taragarh Fort (Star Fort) was built by Ajaipal Chauhan, the founder of the city of Ajmer. Perched on a high hill, the fort offers a breathtaking view of Ajmer city. Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra: The Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra is a small and beautiful mosque, situated on the outskirts of Ajmer. Built by Alauddin Khilji, a Delhi Sultant king, it's one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. The mosque is built on pillars and surprisingly no two pillars are alike. Its archways and the pillars are finely engraved with Kufi and Jughra inscriptions from the holy Quran. Ana Sagar Lake: A beautiful artificial lake, Ana Sagar Lake was built by Anaji between 1135-1150 AD. Later the Mughal Emperors made additional constructions to beautify the Lake. While the Baradari, a beautiful marble pavilion, was built by Shah Jehan, Jehangir added the Daulat Bagh Gardens. Other not to be missed tourist attractions in Ajmer include Circuit House, Mayo College, Daulat Khana, Daulat Bagh, Akabr's Palace, Shah Jehan Mosque and the Museum. Situated in the heart of Ajmer, the 19th century Nasiyan Jain Temple is also worth paying a visit. Things to Do in Jaipur On tours to Ajmer, you can enjoy excursions to a number of exciting tourist attractions nearby. Visit Pushkar (12 km), famous for Pushkar Lake and the Brahma temple; Foy Sagar (5 km), a picturesque artificial lake and a famous picnic spot; and Kishan Garh (27 km) famous for miniature paintings. You can also enjoy shopping for silver jewelry and other colorful items of the region.
	Tourist Attractions in Amritsar
	Popularly believed to have been laid in 1574, the city of Amritsar is one of the most traveled tourist destinations in India due to the existence of several religious sites. It actually offers a host sightseeing options that are considered as some of the best tourist attractions in Amritsar. The various tourist attractions in Amritsar are discussed as follows: Golden Temple: Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple was laid by Guru Ram Das in the 14th century. It is acclaimed as one of the holiest sites of the Sikhs. It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches. Reflecting influences of both Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance which draws the attention of numerous tourists around the globe. Although principally a pilgrimage spot for the Sikhs, it is visited by people of all religions and proves to be one of the greatest tourist attractions in Amritsar on your tour to India. Jalianwala Bagh: Sited near the Golden Temple, it bears testimony to the disaster called Jallianwala Bagh Massacre at the time of the rule of the British Raj. A congregation, attended by several Punjabis on the occasion of Baisakhi (New Year) celebrations on 13 April 1919 was set on fire by General Dyer. Till date it serves as one of the greatest tourist attractions in Amritsar. Durgiana Mandir: Located close to the Golden Temple, this temple, modeled in the style of the Golden Temple, is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. However, it also offers prayers to deities of Lakshmi and Narayana. Believed to have been built in the 16th century AD, the temple stands in the center of a lake. Baba Atal Rai Tower: Situated not far from the main town, Baba Atal Rai Tower is believed to have been the place where Guru Har Gobind died. Christened after the son of Guru Har Gobind, this nine-storey building gives you a panoramic view from the top. The first floor of the tower preserves some of the trinkets that bear associations to Guru Nanak’s life and his teachings. Wagah Border: Literally defining the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is just 28 km from the main town of Amritsar. The ‘change of guards ceremony’ at sunset draws a good many spectators. Weekend Trips/Excursions: Tarn Taran: Situated at 25 km from Amritsar, Tarn Taran houses a sacred tank which is believed to have healing powers. It has a Gurudwara as well which was built by Guru Arjan Dev in AD 1768. Also excursions to Gobindwal Sahib, Amanat Khan Serai, Baba Bakala and Dharamshala from Amritsar can be highly rewarding. Events and Festivals: Baisakhi and Guru Nanak Jayanti are two of the most important festivals that are celebrated in Amritsar.