About North India
States Covered in North India
Delhi
Delhi's history goes much further back in time than
the 13th century. In 1955, excavations at the Purana Qila revealed that the
site was inhabited 3000 years ago. Ware pottery known as Painted Gray Ware
and dated to 1000 BC confirmed this as being yet another site associated
with the epic Mahabharata. The excavations also cut through houses and
streets of the Sultanate, Rajput, post-Gupta, Gupta, Saka-Kushan and Sunga
periods, reaching down to the Mauryan era (300 BC), thus revealing almost
continuous habitaion. The association of Emperor Ashoka (273-36 BC) with
Delhi has come to light with the discovery of a Minor Rock Edict in the
locality known as Srinivaspuri. A clearer picture of the city emerges from
the end of the 10th century, when the Tomar Rajputs established themselves
in the in the Aravalli hills south of Delhi. The isolated, rocky outcrop
facilitated the defence of the royal resort which the Rajputs called Dhilli
or Dhillika. The core of the first of the seven cities was created by
Anangpal Tomar who is said to have built Lal Kot, which is the first known
regular defence work in Delhi. The Chauhan Rajputs later captured Delhi from
the Tomars . Prithviraj III, also known as Rai Pithora, extended Lal Kot,
adding massive ramparts and gates, and made Qila Rai Pithora the first city
of Delhi.
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Rajasthan
Rajasthan is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have
come together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and
rugged forts, men and women in colorful turbans and skirts, bustling towns
and quiet villages, camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the
cool evening breeze - are all there in abundance. But they form only part of
an intricate tapestry. Beneath the surface, expect to find many
contradictions. Where ever you travel, particularly when you escape from
the popular tourist destinations you will come across the unexpected,
whether it is a local fair or breathtaking view. The mood and the rhythm of
the country side changes from one region to another, and from season to
season. It is a land of surprises; it is a land of amazing natural beauty
that can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller. The history of
Rajasthan goes back 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich as its
landscape, from the grand palaces and rugged forts to its tranquil and camel
safaris to trekking. Those looking for taste of royal lifestyle just need to
check into one of the several palace hotels or heritage hotels that will
make it possible for them to be treated like royal guests.Whether you are
visiting Rajasthan's big cities with a fast-moving westernised lifestyle, or
exploring historic towns or quaint villages, you will always find the people
warm and friendly. And if you want to move away from the regular tourist
beat, it is very easy to organise your own tour.
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Uttar
Pradesh The wealth of its monuments, mystical call of
its mountains and lakes, and the religious fervour that it evokes, have
rendered Uttar Pradesh, one of the most fascinating states of the Indian
Union. Whether one is on a spiritual quest, or in search of adventure, or
just on a curiosity trip, Uttar Pradesh has something to offer to everyone.
Situated in the northern part of India, it has the distinction of being the
most populous state of India. In terms of area, it is the fourth largest,
among all the states. It is divisible into three distinct regions
geographically; the Himalayan region on the north, the vast Gangetic plain
at the centre, and the Vindhya Range and plateau on the south. Uttar Pradesh
is watered by the mighty rivers of northern India - Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga,
Gomati and Ghaghara. Almost all the important towns and trading centres of
the state, are clustered around these rivers. The confluence of the Ganga
and Yamuna, the two most sacred rivers of India, at Allahabad, has been a
vital pilgrimage site through the centuries.
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Himachal
Pradesh Himachal Pradesh is a tiny hill state whose
pleasant summers make it a popular holiday resort. The Raj still lingers in
Shimla, the state capital and former summer capital during British rule.
Kullu-Manali are neighbouring resorts, surrounded by pine covered hills and
lush meadows. Himachal has, in addition to popular resort towns, a series of
secluded hill retreats ideal for interested anglers, trekkers and those
wanting a quiet getaway. Many of these include: from Shimla - Mashobra,
Kufri, Naldehra; those around Kullu-Manali include Manikaran, Naggar and
Brighu Lake; the barely accessible valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are a trekkers
delight.
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Jammu
- Kashmir Tucked away in the foothills of the
Himalayas, with the picturesque river Tawi flowing alongside, stands the
land that Raja Jambu Lochan discovered one day while he was hunting. Legend
has it that he suddenly came upon a clearing where he saw a sight that left
him speechless. A tiger and a goat stood side by side drinking water from
the same place in the Tawi river. He was so struck by this unsual sight that
he decided to build a city on this soil where no-living creature seemed to
bear enmity towards each other. Today, as if in testimony, the city of Jammu
is popularly known as the "City of Temeples". Innumerable temples
and shrines with glittering "Shikhars" soar into the sky, like
caretakers of the city, creating the ambience of a truly holy city.
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Uttaranchal
Garhwal lying in the north -west of Uttaranchal comprises of the 5 districts
of Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi and Chamoli. The archaeological
remains lying scatterd at many places reveal that a rich civilization
flourished here from very early times. The mahabharata gives vivid accounts
of the land and its people. Emperor Ashoka's domain encompassed a part of
the terrain , evidence of which is "chitrashila" or "chhatrashila",
a quartz rock bnearing his edicts, dicoverd near kalsi. Hieun tsang, the 7th
century chyinese pilgrim traversed a part of the garhwal and adi
shankaracharya, the 8th century hindu saint and reformer, visited the
remotest regions and to him we owe the establishment of some of the most
sacred shrines of garhwal.
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Punjab
Punjab, the chief wheat producing area of the country, is the overland entry
point into India. The state is also known for its production of sports and
hosiery goods. The holiest shrine for the Sikhs is the Golden Temple in
Amritsar, so called because the dome is covered with gold leaf. Home of the
fiercly proud and independent sikhs, the state of Punjab is steeped in
histroy and culture of India. For centuries, the sikh warriors have provided
the fighting force for armies of the great kings of India, British Raj and
now the people of United India.Through sheer hard work, the men and women of
Punjab have turned this into one the greenest states in India. Universally
famous for their deligence, they have done much to contribute to the welfare
of India.
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Haryana
Haryana Virtually the 'green' state Haryana surrounds Delhi on almost three
sides. Its close proximity to Delhi also makes the areas around Delhi ,
industrial townships. Haryana is primarily an agricultural state with some
major industrial areas being developed by the government of India. It is one
of the more developing states and offers a network of 45 tourist complexes,
set up along the national and state highways. Just a short drive from Delhi,
one can visit Haryana 's tourist complexes for a day. Tourist Attractions
-Badhkal Lake, Dabchik, Jungle Babler, Karna Lake, Sohna, Surajkund,
Dumdama, Sultanpur, Kurukshetra.