Somnath Temple in Gujarat

Somnath, the shrine eternal facing the blue expanse of Arabian Sea is said to be as old as creation. Like a phoenix, it has risen seven times from ashes and depicts a saga of devotion and heroism. The legendary temple is believed to have been built by the Moon God – ‘Soma’ and enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlingas. Somnath celebrates a large fair on the day of the full moon of Kartik Purnima in November/December. Maha Shivratri in the month of March is also a major festival here. The present temple structure was commissioned by Sardar Patel in 1950’s. One can visit the place round the year but the best season to visit is winters-from October to March.

Reaching there:
By Air
The nearest airport from Somnath is Keshod 55 km away and linked to Mumbai. There are regular buses and taxis plying between Keshod and Somnath.
By Train
The nearest railhead is 6 km away at Veraval, which is connected by train to Ahmedabad and some other cities in Gujarat.
By Road
State transport corporation buses and private coaches run regular service to other cities in the region. Somnath is connected by a good road network to the other nearby places like Veraval 6 km, Mumbai 890 km, Ahmedabad 400 km, Bhavnagar 265 km, Junagarh 86 km, and Porbandar 121 km.

Surajkund in Haryana

Surajkund is located just 8 kms. from south Delhi on the Delhi-Agra National Highway and is also very well connected by road with Faridabad and Gurgaon. Today, it is synonymous with the world famous Surajkund Crafts Fair, held every year from Feb.1 to Feb15. Some of the finest handloom and handicraft traditions of India are on display here. Visitors can buy these products directly from the weavers or craftsperson, bypassing the middlemen and distributors. One can also view the craft and loom techniques in the demonstration sections. The fair is also an introduction to rural life in India. One can enjoy the various colorful cultural programmes as well as the authentic Indian cuisine at the mini Food Festival. Hermitage Huts, Rajhans and Sunbird are the three tourist resorts run by Haryana Tourism at Surajkund.

Reaching there:
By Road
Surajkund is 8 km from South Delhi. The approach road branches off from the Mehrauli-Tughlaqabad highway and goes past the Rifle Shooting Range. Alternatively, Surajkund and Badhkal can be approached from the Delhi-Agra highway, turning right before Faridabad.
By Air
Surajkund is 25 km from Palam Airport and 35 minute drive from the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
By Train
The nearest railway junction is Old Delhi railway station. Faridabad and Gurgaon are both connected to Delhi via railway lines. The car/cab/tourist coach is available from the railway station to Surajkund.

Chandannagar (at Hooghly) in West Bengal

Around Kolkata (39 kms from Kolkata)

Chandannagar (Chandernagore) : This former French colony on the banks of the river Hooghly is dotted with churches, convents and other relics of colonial past. A picturesque promenade beside the river hooghly is ideal for strolls; it is also called “Strand”. The city is also known for the Jagaddhatri Puja.

Jagaddhatri Puja: this is, the most important festival of Chandannagar, held in the month of November. Images of the four-armed Goddess are worshipped in houses and at Pandals erected specially for the Puja. After the four-day ceremony, these images are immersed in the river. Also lighting of this festival is very colorful & attractive. If you want to come in Chandannagar, this time of Jagaddhatri Puja i.e. Oct-Nov is the best season for coming.

Visiting places: Chandannagar Museum, Strand (alongside of the river), Sacred Heart Church, Library, Clock tower & Rabindra Vaban at strand, Jora Ghat (Twin quay/ bathing place), Nandadulal Temple, Temple of Maa Borai Chandi, Probartak Ashram, Bhasa Sahid Minar, Patal Bari (Underground home), KMDA & Chhuti park etc. Chandannagar is also called as “Jagaddhatri Nagar” for the famous festival of Jagaddhatri Puja. If you visit the West Bengal, you must visit this charming city for the one time and you will get plethora memorable experiences for lifetime.

Reaching there:
By Train
The city has a small railway station that is well connected to Howrah. Regular trains are available and this is a good option. Few express trains also halt at the station. Autos and taxis can be hired from the station to the city.
By Air
The nearest Airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport ( Dum Dum Airport). Distance of Airport to Chandannagar is about 40 kms. You can easily travel from airport to this city by taxi or Bus.
By Road
Chandannagar has good road connectivity and one can reach the place using buses or taxis. The city of Kolkata is situated at a distance of around 39 kilometers from the place.
By River
The city has a small quay (Rani Ghat) of ferry service which is well connected with Kolkata / Howrah by the river ‘Ganga’( Hooghly river). When you travel using the waterway for reaching Chandannagar, you can feel pleasant and see the scenic beauty alongside the ‘Ganga’ river which will be superb experience to you forever.

Darjeeling in West Bengal

Delightful Darjeeling, the ‘Queen of Himalayas’ perched at an altitude of 2,135 metres is said to be named after a Tibetan word, ‘Dorje ling’ or ‘Place of the Thunderbolt’. It is endowed with exceptional scenic beauty and offers a magnificent view of the grandeur and beauty of the mighty Himalayas. The beautiful town is indeed a paradise for holiday and adventure seekers as well as botanists, ornithologists, photographers and artists. The lovely lush woods around Darjeeling are full of conifers like fir, pine and birch and are known for exotic orchids and are home to rich animal and bird-life. The name Darjeeling is also synonymous with the most exquisite tea of the world. There has many attractable tourist spot; these are Batasia Loop(5kms.), Bhutia Basti Monastery, Dhirdham Temple, Chowrasta or Crossroad, Natural History Museum, Tenzing Norgay Mountaineering Institute, Observatory Hill, Lloyd Botanical Garden, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Garden, Japanese Peace Pagoda etc.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)
The famous Toy Train of Darjeeling is listed among the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO and is a living reminder of the 19th century Darjeeling. It runs between Shiliguri and Darjeeling, covering a distance of 82 kms. on a 610 mm gauge. The mini train is a marvel of rail engineering and weaves a magical spell as it passes through the beautiful landscape teeming with tea gardens, serpentine streams and excellent view points. The Ghoom railway station on this track is located at the highest altitude in the country. One should at least take a joy ride on this magnificent train from Darjeeling to Ghoom.

Darjeeling Ropeway
There are two ropeway systems at Darjeeling. The first one is 1,410 m long, connecting Darjeeling with Bijanbari at the little Rangeet Valley. While the second one is a bi-cable passenger ropeway that connects Darjeeling’s North Point and Singla, covering an aerial distance of 8 kms. It is the first bi-cable passenger-carrying ropeway in India and the longest of its kind in Asia.

Reaching there:
By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is at a distance of 92 km from Darjeeling. This airport is connected to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. International travelers can get connecting flights from Kolkata or Delhi. Both are well connected with many cities in India and abroad.
By Train
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. This is well connected to most of the major cities in India. The town of Darjeeling is approachable from Siliguri, nearly 80 km away, by Darjeeling Himalayan Railway also known as Toy Train.
By Road
Regular bus services connect Darjeeling with many cities in and around Darjeeling. Siliguri, Kurseong, Gangtok and Kalimpong are well connected by private vehicles also.

Kollam in Kerala

Kollam, one of the oldest sea ports on the Malabar Coast was a flourishing centre of trade and commerce and had trade links with the Arab, China, Greek, Roman and later on with Portuguese, Dutch and British. Early travelers mentioned it as the largest port in the world and its market as one of the finest in India.

Ashtamudi Lake: The scenic lake amidst red cliffs and swaying palms, stretches northwards from Kollam town. The huge lake is named ‘Ashtamudi’ as it branches off into 8 creeks. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the back waters of Kerala. It also provides extensive facilities for retting coconut husks which makes the district a hub of coir industry. Chinese fishing nets add to the spectacular scenic beauty of the lake.

Kochupilamodu Beach: The model park at the beach is worth a visit.

Thirumullavaram Beach (6 kms. from Kollam): It is yet another attraction of Kollam.

Reaching there:
By Air
The nearest airport from Kollam is Thiruvananthapuram, which is 71 km away from Kollam.
By Rail
Kollam is connected by rail with several important cities of Kerala and India.
By Bus
Kollam is also connected through a well laid out network of roads making it accessible from anywhere in Kerala.

Mysore Palace in Karnataka

Mysore
Majestic Mysore, the city of palaces and parks is the ‘cultural capital’ of Karnataka. The historical town has legendary origins and its name is said to be derived from the word “Mahishasurana Ooru”, which means the town of Mahishasura.
Mysore Palace: This magnificent three storeyed palace in the heart of the town was built between 1897-1912 on the foundation of an old palace which was partially destroyed in a fire in 1897. The palace has splendid square towers at cardinal points, crowned with domes. The main attractions are-‘Durbar Hall’ with its ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars and the Kalyanamandapam (Marriage Pavilion), noted for its chandeliers, cast-iron pillars, Belgian stained glass arranged in peacock designs in the domed ceilings and glazed tiled flooring. The palace is also known for its rich collection of priceless articles like, a golden howdah (elephant seat), fine paintings and a 200 kg. gold throne encrusted with precious stones. About 97,500 electric bulbs light up the palace in the evenings on Sunday, Public Holidays and during the Dassara celebrations.

Reaching there:
By Air
The nearest airport to Mysore is Bangalore (139 km). All the domestic airlines in the country operate their flights to Bangalore from all the major cities in the country. Some international airlines too have flights to Bangalore. Bangalore is to have an international airport shortly.
By Train
Mysore is connected with a number of trains to Bangalore. The super fast luxury train the Shatabdi Express connects Mysore to Madras. The quickest and most comfortable way to reach Mysore is via Bangalore.
By Road
Mysore is 139kms to the south west of Bangalore. The state highway that connects these two cities is very well maintained. Traveling from Bangalore to Mysore by road is a pleasant experience and will take about 3hrs. The Karnataka Road Transport Corporation has excellent bus service to Mysore. There are ordinary buses, semi-luxury buses and luxury buses operated by the Government of Karnataka.

Murud-Janjira Fort in Maharashtra

The beautiful coastal town is famous for Janjira, an impregnable island-fortress, 5 kms. south of Murud & 165 kms. from Mumbai. It was built in 1140, by Siddi Johar and became the capital of Siddis during 16th century. The fort remained virtually invincible in its lifespan. The palace of the Nawab and the Janjira Caves are worth visiting.
Reaching there :
By Air
The nearest airport is Mumbai International Airport which is 165 km away from Murud Janjira. Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport is well connected to all major cities in India and connected to many cities in abroad.
By Rail
Roha (50 kms.) railway station on the Konkan line is the nearest one which is connected by rail to Mumbai. Murud Janjira is connected to all major railheads through Mumbai.
By Road
State owned buses connect nearest cities with Murud Janjira. Buses are available from Pune, Thane, Borivli, Mumbai central and Dadar.