RAJASTHAN
Rajasthan travel promises a holiday filled with color and enjoyment. Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of India and is bounded by Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. With its rich cultural heritage, sand dunes, safaris and wildlife, the state has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. Rajasthan seems to be an open museum, where the tourists can get a glimpse of the socio-cultural pattern of the state. The state, covering an area of 342,239 square kilometers, is dotted with marvelous palaces and forts. Rajasthan had been a part of the republics of Saka Satraps, Hunas, Arjunyas, Malavas, Yaudhyas, Kushans and Guptas and was also a constituent of the Mauryan Empire. The forts and palaces sprawled across the territory bear the rich imprints of the past rulers. Rajasthan was inhabited by the Rajput clan in the 8th century. The waning of their power led to the emergence of Jats, Nath, Ahirs, Gujars, Bhils and Meenas, who established their dominance in the different districts of Rajasthan. It is noteworthy that these clans largely influenced the culture of Rajasthan. The 12th century heralded the rule of the Muslims, who were followed by the Mughals. The people, culture and architecture of Rajasthan largely owe to the Mughal Empire. The extreme climatic conditions of Rajasthan make the state experience scorching heat during the summers and chilling cold during the winters. Those who wishes to visit Rajasthan are advised to avoid the summer months, as the temperature during this time ranges between 32ºC and 45ºC. During the winter months, the temperature falls below 0ºC. Tourists prefer to come to Rajasthan between July and September. During this period, the weather condition of the state remains quite pleasant and suitable for tourism. The Rajasthan state has a lot to offer in terms of flora and fauna. The state possesses about 32549.64 square kilometers of forest area spread across northern, eastern, south-eastern and southern parts of the territory. Being a rich reserve of wildlife, Rajasthan is known for panther, blue bull, jackal, fox, hyena, sambhar, wild boar, jungle cat and many other species of animals. The state of Rajasthan is well connected with an excellent network of transportation to the different parts of the country. Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur are the three main airports in Rajasthan, which are regularly operated by domestic and international flights. Some of the major railway stations in Rajasthan are at Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Jaipur. Besides, the state is also known to possess a well-knit network of roads. The National Highways and State Highways connect the different towns and cities of Rajasthan within the different parts of the country. Tourists can get a glimpse of the Mughal architecture at different forts and palaces situated at various parts of Rajasthan. Rajasthan also possesses a number of other appeals that attract tourists from all corners of the world. Some of the noteworthy tourism sites of Rajasthan include:
Jodhpur - Which is popular for Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan, among others Ajmer - Which houses Pushkar Lake and Dargah Jaisalmer – Where one can find the Gadsiser Lake and Jaisalmer Fort Bundi – Where tourists can come to visit Taragarh and Sukhmahal Jaipur – Tourists can explore the elegance of Hawamahal and Jalmahal in this Pink City of Rajasthan Bikaner – Where tourists can come to visit Junagarh and Lalgarh Shekhawati – Which houses Mandawa and Nalwalgarh Mt Abu - Dilwara Temple and Gurusikher are the prime attractions of this place Udaipur – Where the famous Pichola Lake and City Palace are located Pushakr fair, Desert festival of Jaisalmer, Camel festival in Bikaner, Marwar festival in Jodhpur, Elephant festival in Jaipur and Gangaur festival in Jaipur are some well-known festivities of Rajasthan

Goa

Travel to Goa

Goa travel is one of the high points of the India tourist circuit. Goa is an enchanting land blessed with exotic landscapes, silvery golden beaches, green hills, lip smacking sea food and other tangible and intangible allures. A travel to Goa refreshes the physical body as well as the soul. Goa was inhabited from ancient times. The area was part of the larger Mauryan Empire. The advent of the 14th century saw Goa administered by the Sultanate. Goa became a Portuguese colony in 1510. This was made possible by the military conquest of Goa led by the Portuguese Admiral Afonso de Albuquerque. Christian missionaries arrived soon after. The native people adopted the Christian religion either by choice or by force. Portugal retained control over the territory until 1961. The year saw the Indian army invading Goa and making it a part of the Indian nation. Goa became an Indian state in 1987. A Goa India travel brings to light such momentous activities in a clearly visible form. The culture of Goa is a mix of Indian and Portuguese cultures. This was due to more than 300 years of Portuguese rule. Portuguese influence is clearly evident in the native Goan architectural designs. The official language of Goa is the native Konkani language. English is another language that most Goans could speak and write. The Goan people are reputed for their welcoming nature. The population of Goa is avowedly secular. They try to lead an idyllic way of life. The visitor to Goa may encounter the 'siesta' or break period during the day. This takes place in the summertime between 1pm and 4pm. Native Goans take physical rest during this time. Shops and other business establishments remain closed. The traveler to Goa may enjoy the excellent cuisine of the coastal region. Fish curry and rice is the most common food available in Goa. The tiny Indian state is famous for its numerous variations of fish dishes. The food is decidedly spicy and contains a large proportion of coconut and coconut derivatives. Pork dishes are also popular among the Goanese people. Vegetarians may find delight in khatkhate-a vegetable stew with a uniquely Goan taste. Visitors with an affinity for wildlife and its conservation may find pleasure at the many varieties of wild life inhabiting the Indian state. The native ox animal-Gaur is the state animal of Goa Tourism. The state bird is the Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul. Wild boars and foxes are found in the state. The rivers and coastal strips of Goa yield substantial quantities of lobsters, shrimps, oysters, catfish and jellyfish. The renowned Salim Ali bird sanctuary is present in Goa. Travel to Goa is a beach lover's delight. The Indian state is home to a number of sun-baked clean beaches bordered by the clear waters of the Arabian Sea. These beaches attract numerous people from distant corners of the world throughout the year. The notable beaches in Goa are:
Baga Beach
Bogmolo Beach
Cavelosim Beach
Colva Beach
Miramar Beach
Vagator Beach
Arjuna Beach
Benaulim Beach
Calangute Beach
Chopara Beach
Dona Paula Beach
Pololem Beach
Varca Beach
Goa is well known for its unparalleled collection of churches and temples. The excellently built old churches are classic examples of Portuguese architectural style. Each of the famous temples in Goa are wonderfully sculptured and carved. The architecture of Goa travel guide is strongly influenced by the Portuguese domination of the land. The place was an important port town to the Portuguese in the colonial era. The temples and churches are of signature sloping roofs. The design bears a resemblance to the Italian renaissance architectural era. Secular buildings are brightly colored. Indian red, pale green and yellow ochre pigments are contrasted with white to create a picture perfect appearance. Churches are painted white-symbolizing purity. The list of notable temples in Goa includes the following places of worship:
Sri Ananta Temple
Sri Chandreswar Temple
Sri Kalika Temple
Sri Mahalakshmi Temple
Sri Shantadurga Temple Some of the notable Churches in Goa are:
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier
The Chapel of our Lady of the Mount
The Church of our Lady of the Rosary
The Royal Chapel of St. Anthony Goa travel enjoys pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year. However the best time to visit Goa is between October and March. This time of the year is accompanied by pleasantly balmy weather and perfect blue skies. Temperatures may reach 35° Centigrade in the summer, while it drops to 15° Centigrade in winter. Goa is superbly linked to other Indian cities. There are several flights from other parts of India to Dabolim Airport. International passengers are required to transit via Mumbai. There are regular scheduled flights from other Indian cities like Chennai, Pune and Delhi. Daily flights to Goa are available from Mumbai. Express trains like Jan Shatabdi, Netravati Express, Matsyagandha Express, Konkan Kanya and Madgaon Express have their terminus at either Margao or Vasco da Gama railway stations. Passengers from Mumbai may also avail of the bus service to Goa. Air-conditioned coaches are also available. The pick up points in Mumbai include a number of places like Kandivli, Goregaon, Vile Parle, Bandra, Chembur, Borivli, Malad, Jogeshwari, Andheri, Santacruz and Sion.