Travel Service #7172525

Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. Narrating the city's Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. You will also discover lively and colorful bazaars that boast to cater all sorts of good and items at mind-blowing prices amidst a barely controlled chaotic ambience. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj. It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and tall and imposing government buildings. Punjabi cuisine and Mughlai delicacies like kababs and biryanis are popular in several parts of Delhi. Due to Delhi's large cosmopolitan population, cuisines from every part of India, including Rajasthani, Maharashtrian, Bengali, Hyderabadi cuisines, and South Indian food items like idli, sambar and dosa are widely available. Local delicacies include Chaat and Dahi-Papri. There are several food outlets in Delhi serving international cuisine including Italian and Chinese.

Rajasthan is a vibrant, exotic state where tradition and royal glory meet in a riot of colors against the vast backdrop of sand and desert. It has an unusual diversity in its entire forms- people, customs, culture, costumes, music, manners, dialects, cuisine and physiography. The land is endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palace havelis, rich culture and heritage, beauty and natural resources. It is a land rich in music, Dance, Art & Craft and Adventure, a land that never ceases to intrigue & enchant.There is a haunting air of romance, about the state, which is palpable in its every nook and corner. This abode of kings is one of the most exotic locales for tourist world over. The state has not only survived in all its ethnicity but owes its charisma and color to its enduring traditional way of life. It is one of the 26 states that, along with seven union territories, form the republic of India. So rich is the history of the land that every roadside village has its own tales of valour and sacrifice, the winds sing them and the sands shift to spread them. Rajasthan is Spicy, but then, what is life after all without little bit of spice, Rajasthan provides abundant scope to explore it. The panoramic outlook of the state is simply mesmerizing, with lofty hills of Aravali's - one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world and the golden sand dunes of the Great Indian Desert - the only desert of the sub-continent. No other region in the country is a conglomeration of so many paradoxes. It is a land of superlatives, everything over here is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating! The state is well connected with other parts of the country and can be easily approached from Delhi and Bombay. Fast trains, direct bus and air connections make travel easy and comfortable.

Himachal Pradesh is a state in the north-west of India. Himachal Pradesh is spread over 55, 780 square kilometres (21, 537 mi) and is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir on north, Punjab on west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on south, Uttarakhand on south-east and by Tibet area of China on the east. The literal meaning of Himachal Pradesh is Land of snowy mountains. Travel to Himachal Pradesh, the land of natural wonders. Set amidst snow capped mountains, luxuriant valleys, surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests, Himachal Pradesh located in the northern part of India is a perfect haunt for the holiday makers. The cities of Shimla, Dharmshala, Lahual Spiti, Kullu Manali are some of the well known destinations of Himachal Pradesh, which are a must visit for refreshing vacations. Each of the cities have their own charm and something unique to offer to its visitors. The cities of Himachal Pradesh not only attracts tourists for its luring surroundings but also for some adventurous activities. If you are looking for a action packed adventurous tour, then this is the place for you. Tourism Lying on the majestic Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is the hill state on the world's highest mountain ranges. Blessed with best the nature can bestow in a region, Himachal Pradesh offers some of the most magnificent views to the tourists. Snow-clad peaks, mighty glaciers, fertile valleys, verdant meadows, lush forests, deep gorges, gushing rivers, charming lakes, fruit laden orchards, blooming flowers and enchanting hill stations, Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh offers a variety of sights to the tourists.

Punjab, the land of five rivers and integrated cultural history, is a treasure trove for an avid tourist. For this land of the great gurus not only boasts of ancient monuments but throbs with historical embodiments. It is no secret that whoever comes to this land of yellow fields with blue mountains providing the romantic and picturesque backdrop has never gone back without imbibing the essence of Punjab. There is no dearth of breathtaking palaces, for Punjab was the seat of royalty, as the imposing Quila Mubarak will tell you. Museums galore and so are the religious places with the Golden Temple offering succour to the mind and soul of any one visiting. If you are a wild life freak, then Punjab can take you on a tour of the sanctuaries, which are hot favourites with migratory birds. Since this state borders Pakistan, there are two main posts from which you can peep into the land that was once an integral part of Punjab and experience the feelings of the people separated by a line. The much truncated India's portion of present Punjab is divided into three natural regions :the Majha, the Doaba and the Malwa

Haryana has a proud history, dating back to the Vedic age. The state of Haryana was home to the legendary Bharata dynasty, which gave the name Bharat to India. Kurukshetra, the scene of the epic battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, is situated in Haryana. Haryana was made into a full fledged state on 1st November 1966 from the Hindi - speaking regions of Punjab state. The state is located to the southeast of Punjab state. Chandigarh is the capital of both Haryana and Punjab states. Most of the population is engaged in agriculture yielding grain, sugar, oilseeds, and cotton. Historically, Haryana goes back to Mahabharat times, for it was here, at Kurukshetra, that the war was fought. On the Mahabharata war battlefield, Lord Krishna preached his divine message The Bhagavad Gita, to Arjuna. Haryana has a network of 43 tourist complexes, named after birds. These have been set up along the national/state highways and at districts, towns and at places around Delhi. Imagine a land where opulence is determined by the number of cows each family has! Where the morning sun skates its rays over lush green paddy fields and evenings dive into the heart of a colourful horizon that bespeaks an impeccable embroidery of a martial language and inimitable cordiality. Embraced by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in the north, and Rajasthan to the west and south, the state of Haryana is sliced by the blue waters of Yamuna in the eastern border to Uttaranchal & Uttar Pradesh. Applauded as the grainery of this great nation, Haryana actively participated in the Green Revolution and White Revolution that took place in India during the 1970s. It fed thousands of Indians and today, it rejoices the kudos via the colourful festival of Baisakhi that sprinkles showers of merriment all over the state. It is a state that blazed a trail of holiday traditions, with its highway tourism policy, creating all roads to success.

Uttar Pradesh is the rainbow land where the multi-hued Indian Culture has blossomed from times immemorial. Blessed with a varaity of geographical land and many cultural diversities, Uttar Pradesh, has been the area of activity of historical heroes like - Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Ashoka, Harsha, Akbar and Mahatma Gandhi. Rich and tranquil expanses of meadows, perennial rivers, dense forestsand fertile soil of Uttar Pradesh have contributed numerous golden chapters to the annals of Indian History. Dotted with various holy shrines and piligrim places, full of joyous festivals, it plays an important role in the politics, education, culture, industry, agriculture and tourism of India. Uttar Pradesh covers a large part of the highly fertile and densely populated upper Gangetic plain. Located in North India, it shares an international border with Nepal and is bounded by the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar. The administrative and legislative capital of Uttar Pradesh is Lucknow, and the financial and industrial capital is Kanpur. Garlanded by the Ganga and Yamuna. The two pious rivers of Indian mythology, Uttar Pradesh is surrounded by Bihar in the East, Madhya Pradesh in the South, Rajasthan, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana in the west and Uttaranchal in the north and Nepal touch the northern borders of Uttar Pradesh, it assumes strategic importance for Indian defence. Its area of 2, 36, 286 sq kms. lies between latitude 24 deg to 31 deg and longitude 77 deg to 84 deg East. Area wise it is the fourth largest State of India. In sheer magnitude it is half of the area of France, three times of Portugal, four times of Ireland, seven times of Switzerland, ten times of Belgium and a little bigger than England

Chandigarh also called The City Beautiful , is a city in India that serves as the capital of two states: Punjab and Haryana. However, administratively, the city is not under the jurisdiction of either state, it is administered by the Central government and hence classified as a union territory. The Governor of the Punjab is the Administrator of Chandigarh. The city derives its name from a temple of goddess Chandi (the Chandi Mandir) located in nearby Panchkula District of Haryana. The word Chandigarh literally means "the fort of Chandi". Chandigarh is one of the most significant urban planning experiments of the 20th century. It is the only one of the numerous urban planning schemes of Le Corbusier, the famous French architect-planner, to have actually been executed. It is also the site of some of his greatest architectural creations. The city has had far-reaching impact, ushering in a modern idiom of architecture and city planning all over India and has become a symbol of planned urbanism. It is as famous for its landscaping as for its architectural ambience. Most of the buildings are in pure, cubical form, geometrically subdivided with emphasis on proportion, scale and detail.

Madhya Pradesh, in its present form, cameinto existence on November 1, 2000 following its bifurcation to create a new state of Chhattisgarh.The undivided Madhya Pradesh was founded on November 1, 1956. Madhya Pradesh, because of its central location in India, has remained a crucible of historical currents from North, South, East and West. Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Iron Age Cultures have flourished in the state along Narmada Valley and other river valleys. Rich archaeological wealth has been unearthed in various parts of the state throwing light on its history. Madhya Pradesh is situated at the heart of India. The magnificent paintings and other archaeological discoveries made in rock shelters and caves at Bhimbetka, illustrate the continuity of settlement for over half a million years. Ujjain with historic palaces, Sanchi with ancient Buddhist monuments, Gwalior with beautiful forts, Khajuraho with beautiful temples and Bhopal the lake side capital city are the main tourist centres. Bhimbetka Caves, in a very short span of time have become the most visited attraction in Madhya Pradesh and have earned a place in the list of one of the best in India. Situated just 46 km from Bhopal, these exquisite caves are surrounded by the northern limits of Vindhya mountain Range. As the legend goes, these hills got their name after Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers. The name 'Bhim-bet-ka' means 'where Bhim sat down'. There are more than 600 caves that have the collection of oldest Prehistoric paintings in India.

Gujarat has been exposed to people from far off lands coming here to trade or settle, the Muslims, Zorastrians, Portugese etc. The cultural mix combined with over 4500 years of history has endowed Gujarat with some of the greatest historical and archaeological monuments. While Lothal offers an unparalleled insight of the Harappan civilization, Ahmedabad has specimens of Indo-Sarcenic architecture, Palitana has a profusion of temples in the Jain style, Junagadh displays Buddhist caves and Rajput architecture appears all over different parts of Gujarat. Gujarat today offers a wide range of the most spectacular attractions - which includes breathtaking locations and scenic landscapes. Gujarat is also a melting pot of several civilizations resulting in a vibrant culture and a rich heritage. Gujarat is home to several architectural marvels, witnesses of its glorious history and pilgrim centres for many faiths. Finally, it is also the land of several mythological & historical figures like the legendary Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi the apostle of non-violence.

Maharashtra is India's third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. It is bordered by the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The Arabian Sea makes up the state's western coast. Mumbai, India's largest city, is the capital of Maharashtra. Mumbai is an international city as well as the financial capital of the country. The word Maharashtra, the land of the Marathi speaking people, appears to be derived from Maharashtri, an old form of Prakrit. Some believe that the word indicates that it was the land of the Mahars and the Rattas, while others consider it to be a corruption of the term 'Maha Kantara' (the Great Forest), a synonym for 'Dandakaranya'. In contrast to the agrarian economy that characterises India, Maharashtra stands out, with the highest level of urbanisation of all Indian states. The mountainous topography and soil are not as suitable for intensive agriculture as the plains of North India; therefore, the proportion of the urban population (38.69 per cent) contrasts starkly with the national average (25.7 per cent). The state has one metropolitan city, two mini-metropolises and many large towns. Mumbai is the state capital, with a population of approximately 9.926 million people. The other large cities are Pune, Nasik, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Kolhapur. The landscape of Maharashtra is dotted with many forts, like Raigad and Pratapgad which played an extremely important part in the establishment of the Maratha empire and also sea forts like the one at Sindhudurg. There are around 450 plus forts in Maharashtra. It includes hill forts, land forts and sea forts. An illustrative list of forts in Maharashtra in drop down box below.

Goa Variously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, Karnataka to the east and south and the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer. Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area. Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.

Daman is situated on the west coast of India on the Arabian Sea are exotic locations that are blessed with sun, sand & sea. Due to their Locational advantages, they offer excellent potential for tourist traffic. It is surrounded by the Kolak River on the north, Gujarat on the east, Kalai River on the south and Gulf of Cambay on the west. The clean and picturesque beached of Daman are very inviting to all the tourists especially the ever tensed and tired urbanites. The easygoing land of Daman is adorned with sun-kissed beaches, the bubbling waves of which portray this sedate land as a dancing diva. Shores of childlike waves running to wash your feet is indeed impressive. Kick back one holiday afternoon at the casuarina-lined Devka Beach, nestling 5 km to the north of Daman. It is a fun to mess with the blackish sands while they tan your body. However, this sandy beach is unsafe for swimming because of the rocky formations underwater. Come here through the bright lights of the restaurants, bars and fancy hotels that promise a rocking evening. The local tourism department has recently developed a beachside amusement park which is a nice option for children to enjoy. Enjoy with your loved ones the forgotten pleasures of childhood by riding the Toy Train and the merry-go-round, located inside the park premises, before you move to fill your appetite with mouth-watering delicacies at the nearby fast-food restaurant and ice-cream parlour. Pandavas during their fourteen years of exile are believed to have passed a few days at a place known as Mani Nagar (DIU) which was under the Yadavas led by Krishna Vasudeva during Mahabharata period. According to mythology, Diu was ruled by the great king Jallandhar who was a daitya (Demon) and was killed by Lord Vishnu with his Sudarshan Chakra. The temple of Jallandhar still exists in Diu.

Andhra Pradesh is the third largest state in India with an area of 275, 000 sq. km. A state in the southern region of India, Andhra Pradesh is bordered on the south by Tamil Nadu state, on the west by Karnataka state, on the north and northwest by Maharashtra state, on the northeast by Madhya Pradesh and Orissa states, and on the east by the Bay of Bengal. The northern area of Andhra Pradesh is mountainous. The highest peak Mahendragiri rises 1500 m above the sea level. The climate is generally hot and humid. Annual rainfall is 125 cm. The Krishna and The Godavari are the major river systems in the state. Andhra Pradesh has a very rich cultural background. Historians date life in the area to the Palaeolithic age of some 3, 00, 000 years ago. Of course, recorded history points to existence of societies as early as the sixth century BC in the Krishna and Godavari valleys. From such a background emerges the modern day Andhra Pradesh, on the forefront not just alphabetically. Its people are achievers who display a rare hospitality and courtesy. The State is today on the top internationally in regard to information technology and its capital Hyderabad has metamorphosed into one of the best cities in the country.

Karnataka Situated in the southern part of India, the province of Karnataka spreads over the Deccan Plateau. At 300B.C., it had formed the southern tip of Mauryan empire. Its boundaries enlarged or receded swaying to the drum beats of history & today it accounts for a sixteenth area of India & has a population of about 45 million. Its language is Kannada & its people are known as kannadigas. The three distinct regions are a narrow coastal area along Arabian Sea; high hills, the Western Ghats; & sprawling plains towards the east. The name of the land Karnataka has come from `Kari-nadu` meaning the land of black soil say the scholars, & some others hold that `Karunadu` also means beautiful country; either way the land is celebrated as beautiful throughout its ancient literature. The water-soaked western strip across the Arabian sea is humid & warm in summer, water-soaked in monsoon, profuse with coconut grooves & paddy fields criss crossed by strips of silvery streams & sparkling stretches of sand. The hilly uplands of Malnad, One of the wettest regions of the world, where the bamboo flourishes wild & areca, teak, rosewood & matti are grown. It is also the home of the stately gaur & langur. In its southern reaches frequent kheddas are held to capture roaming groups of elephants. Also the swift deer & the deadly tiger, whose eyes burning bright in forest night roam animatedly in the forests.

Tamil Nadu is the land of the Tamils and it has a history that dates back to a several thousand years. It is a land where traditions and culture blend and continue to live in harmony. The state abounds in monuments and temples that are ancient and each has its own story of religious, artistic and cultural accomplishment and specialty waiting to be heard. Are there answers to be found on her beaches and hill stations as they welcome the traveler? We are sure you will form your own opinions and have your own perceptions as we welcome you to this enchanting and ancient Dravidian land, in the extreme south of peninsular India. Tamil Nadu has a long coastline that stretches nearly a 1000 kms. The Coromandel Coast, along the Bay of Bengal, boasts of many ideal locations for sun and surf. Golden sands of the beach are dotted with coconut palm and casuarina groves. The sea washes ashore pebbles and shells and the gentle breeze sways the yachts and catamarans into the deeper waters of the sea and the waters form small dunes on the shore. Crabs play hide-and-seek by coming out of one burrow, and taking refuge in another. Sea gulls hover in the sky and then rest on the sails of the fishing boats. There are many more breathtaking sights that will please you and hold you spell bound in Tamil Nadu.

Kerala With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. Kerala, India's most advanced society : A hundred percent literate people. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. Kerala is a prosperous state of India, a treasure trove of the enchanting beauty of the nature. The lands beauty comes from its coconut groves and paddy fields, wide beaches and emerald backwaters, verdant hills and rain forests and the architectural monuments. Hear the soothing sound of water rippling alongside your houseboat, as you drift on a Kerala backwater. Feel completely relaxed as you enter a world of serenity and natural beauty in Kerala. See the green countryside, swaying palm trees, emerald rice fields and children waving from the banks of the backwaters of Kerala, India, as you sail on traditional Ketuvalloms or houseboats, on a Kerala backwater.

Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory of India. The group is located 200 to 300 km off of the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea. The total land area of the territory is 32 km. Eleven of the islands are inhabited. Lakshadweep is the northern part of the erstwhile Lakshadweepa. Lakshadweep is a sort of navigators compass, the word meaning destination. The name laksha is only symbolic since the total number of Islands doesnt even add up to a 1000. The word laksha: means 1, 00, 000 in Malayalam and Sanskrit. But it has other meanings too! For example, Lakshya means Purpose and Lakshadweep lies in the hub of the Arabian African-Asian trade route One of the worlds most spectacular tropical island systems, Lakshadweep is tucked away at 220-240 kms. Off the Malabar Coast. The islands comprise of 4200 sq.km. of lagoon rich in marine wealth ad 36 islands in an area of 32 sq.km. Each island here is fringed by snow white coral sands. The crystal clear water and the rich marine flora and fauna enhance the mystique of these islands.

Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory of India. The group is located 200 to 300 km off of the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea. The total land area of the territory is 32 km. Eleven of the islands are inhabited. Lakshadweep is the northern part of the erstwhile Lakshadweepa. Lakshadweep is a sort of navigators compass, the word meaning destination. The name laksha is only symbolic since the total number of Islands doesnt even add up to a 1000. The word laksha: means 1, 00, 000 in Malayalam and Sanskrit. But it has other meanings too! For example, Lakshya means Purpose and Lakshadweep lies in the hub of the Arabian African-Asian trade route One of the worlds most spectacular tropical island systems, Lakshadweep is tucked away at 220-240 kms. Off the Malabar Coast. The islands comprise of 4200 sq.km. of lagoon rich in marine wealth ad 36 islands in an area of 32 sq.km. Each island here is fringed by snow white coral sands. The crystal clear water and the rich marine flora and fauna enhance the mystique of these islands.

Puducherry Away from the hustle and bustle of big city, puducherry is a quiet little town on the southern coast. The unmistakable French connection, the tree lined boulevards, the quaint colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual scene, the endless stretches of unspoilt virgin beaches, backwater, a surprising choice of restaurants serving a melange of cuisines, provide a heady mix that draw travellers from near and far. It is the perfect place dto come to if you wants tko take the pace of life down a few notches. The Union Territory of puducherry comprises of four coastal regions viz- puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. puducherry and Karaikal are situated on the East Coasts in Tamil Nadu, Yanam in Andra Pradesh and Mahe on the West Coast in Kerala. puducherry is the Capital of this Union Territory. It is on the east coast about 162 kms south of Chennai (Madras) located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. There are no hills or forests in this region. The main soil types in this region are red ferrallitic, black clay and coastal alluvial. Main languages spoken in the region are Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. English and French are other languages, which are spoken by a considerable number of people. Majorities of the people are Hindus. There are quite a number of Christians and Muslims, whereas very few Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists.

Bihar finds mention in the Vedas, Puranas, Epics etc and was the main scene of activities of the Buddha and the 24 Jain Tirthankaras. It is also one of the important places in the annals of Indian history which has seen the rise and fall of major empires. With its historical past, there are many tourist destinations especially pilgrim centres in the state like Patna, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Vaishali and ruins of the the world famous, ancient university of Nalanda etc. The best time to visit is from October to March. Temperature varies from 43 C- 21 C in summer and 20 C - 6 C in winter. Bihar, an eastern Indian state and the place that gave birth toBuddhism and Jainism and helped in the growth of Sikhism and Hinduism, has a past that is unmatched anywhere in the world. It was the center of first republic in the world at Vaishali and the city of Patliputra was largest and grandest in the world at the height of its glory. Even today, the state is the largest mineral producing region in India and contributes immensely in national wealth creation. There is an array of tourist destinations of diverse interests in the state, though their potential has not been exploited fully till now. The state that represents every thing good and bad within the country is waiting to be explored and rediscovered.

Bihar finds mention in the vedas, puranas, epics etc and was the main scene of activities of the buddha and the 24 jain tirthankaras. It is also one of the important places in the annals of indian history which has seen the rise and fall of major empires. With its historical past, there are many tourist destinations especially pilgrim centres in the state like patna, bodhgaya, rajgir, vaishali and ruins of the the world famous, ancient university of nalanda etc. The best time to visit is from october to march. Temperature varies from 43 c- 21 c in summer and 20 c - 6 c in winter. bihar, an eastern indian state and the place that gave birth tobuddhism and jainism and helped in the growth of sikhism and hinduism, has a past that is unmatched anywhere in the world. It was the center of first republic in the world at vaishali and the city of patliputra was largest and grandest in the world at the height of its glory. Even today, the state is the largest mineral producing region in india and contributes immensely in national wealth creation. There is an array of tourist destinations of diverse interests in the state, though their potential has not been exploited fully till now. The state that represents every thing good and bad within the country is waiting to be explored and rediscovered.

West Bengal the gateway to the exotic east - is a land of sheer passion and poetry, natural beauty and strong people, marked by a humaneness, evident in every facet of their life. West Bengal covers the bottleneck of India in the east, stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. Countries that share international boundaries with West Bengal include Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal while Sikkim, Assam, Orissa and Bihar frame its domestic borders. The alluvial plain in the south is watered by the legendary River Hooghly and its tributaries. The Himalayan north, comprising the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Bihar are watered by the swift flowing rivers Tista, Torsa, Jaldhaka and Ranjit.

Arunachal Pradesh One of the most sparsely populated states of India, covers an area of 83743 sq. Kms. This region acquired an independent political status in January 20, 1972, when it was declared as Union Territory under the name of Arunachal Pradesh. The state of Arunachal Pradesh Bill was passed by the Parliament in 1986 and with effect from February 20, 1987 Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th state of Indian Union. It is a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus. The land is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan range along the northern borders criss-crossed with ranges running north-south. These divide the state into five river valleys: the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap. All these are fed by snow from the Himalayas and countless rivers and rivulets.