India Destinations
Agra, India: Tourist Guide to the City of the Taj Mahal
Agra stands on the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh and was the capital of the Mughal Empire under Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. They left behind some of the finest architecture in the world, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Agra is about 230 km from Delhi, 240 km from Jaipur and 125 km from Mathura. It is a key stop on...
Dharamshala Tourist Guide: McLeod Ganj, Triund and Tibetan Culture in the Himalayas.
Set against the snow-capped Dhauladhar range, Dharamshala is one of North India's most rewarding hill destinations. It combines Himalayan scenery, living Tibetan culture and a calm spiritual atmosphere, with enough trekking, cafés and sightseeing to fill several days. It's the home of the 14th Dalai Lama and the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, which gives the town its global reputation. Two Towns, One Destination. Dharamshala is split into two areas...
Himachal Pradesh: Tourist Guide to the Valley of the Gods
Manali sits at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, at about 2,050 m on the banks of the Beas River. Snow-covered peaks, deodar forests and apple orchards surround it. It works for families, honeymooners, backpackers and adventure seekers alike, and it is also the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti. It is roughly 540 km from Delhi, about 310 km from Chandigarh and 50 km from Bhuntar airport. 3 to...
Jaisalmer Tourist Guide: Golden Fort, Havelis and Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert
Rising out of the Thar Desert near the Pakistan border, Jaisalmer is one of India's most atmospheric destinations. Founded in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, it grew rich on caravan trade between India, Persia, Arabia and Africa. Almost every building is made of local yellow sandstone, which is why it is called the "Golden City". At sunset the whole town glows amber. It sits about 575 km west of Jaipur...
Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Tourist Guide to the Blue City and Mehrangarh Fort
Jodhpur sits on the edge of the Thar Desert and is often called its gateway. Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan founded it in 1459, and it became the capital of the Marwar kingdom. It's known as the "Blue City" for the indigo-washed houses of its old town, which spread out below the great fort of Mehrangarh. It's also known as the "Sun City" for its bright, sunny weather. Jodhpur...
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh: Tourist Guide to the Hamlet of Parvati Valley
Kasol is a small village in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, at about 1,580 m on the banks of the Parvati River. It is surrounded by pine forests and snow peaks, and it has become one of India's best-known backpacker stops. Treks, riverside cafés and nearby mountain villages mean 3 to 5 days is a good amount of time. It is roughly 520 km from Delhi, about 31 km...
Udaipur, Rajasthan: Tourist Guide to the City of Lakes
Udaipur is in the Mewar region of southern Rajasthan, set among the Aravalli Hills around a chain of lakes. Maharana Udai Singh II founded it in 1559 as the new capital of Mewar after Chittorgarh was repeatedly attacked. Its hills and water gave it natural protection, and the Sisodia Rajput rulers built palaces, temples and gardens that still define the city. Udaipur is often called the most romantic city in...
