Cochin, Kerala

One of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, Cochin likes to show itself off in the evenings. That is when the lights around the harbor and the seafront start twinkling and transport you to an almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. This idyllic setting is despite the fact that it is a major commercial hub of Kerala State handling spices, rubber, coir and fish products for the world.

Cochin comprises of mainland Ernakulam, the islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Matancherry in the south and Vypeen Island in the north. It is these islands and the smell of the sea air that lend Cochin its unique charm. While it has the busy harbor on the one end, on the other is M.G. Road, where modern designer boutiques and expensive gold shops exist almost cheek-in-jowl with places selling spices, dry fish and coconut products.

Cochin's claim to fame is its distinctive title as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. As an ancient port of call for the Chinese, the Arabs, the Jews, British, the French, and the Portuguese, the city absorbed the cultures of each nationality and gave Cochin its cosmopolitan character. This is reflected in the buildings and structures all around the older sections. Naturally, there is history in every step in the city.

The main area of the city is the MG Road, which has most of the shopping options. The road is a long stretch of about 3 kilometers with shops, restaurants, banks etc. on either side of the road. The road runing parallel to MG Road is Marine Drive, along the beach. There are quite a few eating and shopping outlets. There are a few shopping arcades too through which one can walk to the edge of the water. There is also an arched walkway, which leads to a jetty landing area for tourist boats. 

Cochin's best hotels are located on the man-made Willingdon Island, named after Lord Willingdon, one of the British Viceroys in India. The island houses the customs and trading centers, and the port trust.

Cochin is well connected by air. It has an international airport. Cochin has three railway stations: Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbor Terminus on Willingdon Island. However, Ernakulam Junction is the main rail access point with services from most regions of India. Some trains connecting Trivandrum and Cochin touch only Ernakulam Town Railway Station. Private and public transport services connect Cochin to all major cities in south India. There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam, the main jetty just off Fore Shore Road about the middle of the town, which covers services to Willingdon Island, Fort Cochin and Vypeen Island. The High Court jetty off Shanmugham Rod, near High Court, covers services to Bolgatty Island, etc. 

Places to see:

St. Francis Church: Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India's oldest European church. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. His tombstone i a major tourist attraction.

Santa Cruz Basilica: This church, dating back to 1558, has beautiful paintings.

Matancherry Palace: This palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557, was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin. On display are beautiful murals deoicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and some Puranic Hindu legends.

Synagogue: Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. It is famous for its 18th century hand-printed floor tiles from Canton, China and Hebrew inscriptions on the stone slabs.

Cherian Beach: Bordering Vypeen Island, this beach is ideal for a swim. One can occasionally spot dolphins here.

Bolgatty Island: This island is known for its palace. The Bolgatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744, and later taken over by the British. It has now been transformed into a hotel.

Pareekshith Thampuran Museum: Previously the Durbar Hall, this sprawling, traditional Kerala-style building houses 19th century oil paintings and a fabulous collection of old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintaings. 

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Coimbatore lies on the banks of the river Noyyal in the shadow of the Western Ghats. It enjoys a pleasant climate all round the year and looks distinctly different from the other cities in Tamil Nadu. The views of the hills and the river create an ecstatic feeling. Coimbatore is the textile capital of South India and is known as the Manchester of the East. The cotton crop that grows in the fertile black soil of this region helped in establishing the textiles industry as far back as 1888. It is a leading industrial city, renowned for the manufacturing of various engineering and electronic goods. 

Coimbatore is well connected by air. Coimbatore is also very well connected to Chennai and many other important cities by train. The city is also well serviced by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation buses and those of the Kerala State and Karnataka State Road Corporations and other private bus operators. 

Neemrana, Alwar, Rajasthan, India

Neemrana is an ancient historical town in Alwar district of Rajasthan, situated at 122 km from Delhi on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. It is the site of the 16th century hill-fort occupied by Chauhans till 1947. The erstwhile ruling family is considered to be the direct lineage of Prithviraj Chauhan. 

The Island of Diu, India

The island of Diu, an erstwhile Portuguese colony, is off the coast of Saurashtra Gujarat. There has been no major commercial exploitation or environmental degradation here and with a pleasant climate year round, Diu offers a filly laid back atmosphere. The major occupations here are fishing and farming. The Portuguese rule Diu for over 405 years, giving the island the battlement of Diu Fort, and the wood-paneled St. Paul's and St. Thomas churches. Diu is an hour's flight from Mumbai or a six-hour drive from Rajkot in Gujarat.

There are six beautiful beaches in Diu -- Ghoghia, Jallandhar, Kevdi, Nagoa, Gomatimata, and Chakratirth.  

Daman, India

Daman, an erstwhile Portuguese enclave and a picturesque port-town, is popular getaway. Located on the West Coast and hugged by the Arabian Sea and casuarinas, Daman was liberated in 1961 to form a part of the Indian Union. Daman is ideal for sunbathers, beachcombers, sightseers, swimmers, monument lovers and shoppers. There are modern restaurants and bars that serve exquisite seafood to satisfy the palate. Daman is has a total area of just 72 sq.km. but there is everything a tourist would look for: soft sands, gentle winds, inviting waters, historic churches, majestic forts, coconut groves, stately palms, and sleepy villages nestled on the creeks. There is accommodation to suit every taste and pocket and the local people are unique in their diversity and hospitality. Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Parsees -- all live in harmony. These communities and local fishermen make Daman a heartwarming place.

There are three popular beaches: Devka (3 km from downtown Nani Daman), Fisherman's Beach at Sea Face in Nani Daman, and Jampore (4 km from Moti Daman). Devka is rocky with blackish sand, while Fisherman's and Jampore are good sandy beaches. Jampore is best for bathing. At Fisherman's Beach, boat rides into the sea and pony rides are popular. Horse-riding is also available at Jampore Beach.

Though Daman has no distinctive cuisine, dining and wining is the most popular pleasure. Seafood features quite prominently. Most restaurants combine a bar. Beach-side and garden dining is very popular, given the cool evenings and sea breeze in Daman. Most hotels have beach-side restaurants and bars.

Just 13 km away, Vapi in Gujarat is the primary access point for Daman. It is the railhead, the turn-off point on the National Highway No. 8 (Delhi-Mumbai). Daman is only linked by road to the rest of the country. Vapi, on Western Railway's main Delhi-Mumbai and Ahmedabad-Mumbai lines, is very well linked to all parts of the country, through Mumbai and Ahmedabad. There are frequent inter-city express train services from  both Ahmedabad and Mumbai including Shatabdi Express. From Vapi, transfer to Dman is possible by taxi and auto rickshaws. These are readily available at Vapi railway station, bus stand and other parts of the city.

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh and situated around two artificial lakes amidst picturesque settings is also known as 'city of lakes'. The city is laidback and charming. The old city with its crowded market places, fine old mosques and palaces intermingle with the new city with broad avenues, high-rise offices and exquisitely laid out parks and gardens. The city is famous for silver jewelry, intricately fashioned bead-work, embroidered and sequined velvet purses and cushions. The city is also a gateway to the 3rd century Buddhist center - Sanchi - and the Neolithic caves of Bhimbetka. 

Places to see:

Bharat Bhawan: Designed by prominent architect, Charles Correa, and opened in 1982, the large complex contains a number of museums, art galleries and theatres highlighting and displaying works of many artists. Bharat Bhawan regularly organizes cultural events throughout the year.

Indira Gandhi National Museum of Man: A large complex spread over 200 acres projects through actual exhibits, the tribal and regional cultures, arts and crafts of India. Different States of India have been provided large spaces for display. The complex has two access gates: one from Shamla Hills and the other along Lake Drive.

Van Vihar National Park: Spread over 4.45 sq.km area on the slopes of Shamla Hill bordering Bara Talab, Van Vihar is an interesting concept of an open zoo. Most of the animals are either allowed to roam free or have been ;provided very large enclosures that stretch along the 4 km road, allowing near-natural environment. The Park is open throughout the year. 

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, India

Dalhousie is a quiet hill station with a sense of enchantment that spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the River Ravi. Named after a former British governor-general, Dalhousie retains a whiff of colonial air and some charming architecture. The pine-covered slopes are intersected with paths and treks that are ideal for short walks.

Places to visit:

Jandhri Ghat: Around half a kilometer away from the Subhash Baoli, Jandhri Ghat enfolds an elegant palace n the midst of tall pine trees. Chamba's erstwhile rulers governed from here till the advent of Lord Dalhousie. 

Bakrota Hills: Less than 5 km from the twon center, the Bakrota Hills frame a breathtaking view of the snow-clad peaks.

Satdhara: On the way to Panjpulla, at an altitude of 2036 meters, these seven springs are reputed to have great therapeutic value as they contain mica with medicinal properties.

The Catholic Church of St. Francis: Dalhousie is another hill station with a number of old churches. This Church near the GPO looks untouched by time. 

Kangra Fort, Kngra, Himachal Pradesh, India

Kangra Fort:

McLeod Ganj Revisited

Dharamshala has largely come to be associated with the Tibetan government in exile. It serves as a stopover to go to McLeod Ganj, the Tibetan settlement near the town. Kotwali Bazaar is the main area of the town, lined with shops for essentials. But McLeod Ganj, about 10 km away from the city center, is where the activity is. The place bears a distinct ambiance with Tibetan children running on the roads, monks strolling in their robes and rows of shops displaying Tibetan ware from silver jewelry, imported goods, prayer wheels, gemstone rosary beads and figurines of Tibetan gods. There are many cultural centers here to acquaint oneself with the Tibetan culture and many places where one can learn meditation. 

A five-minute walk from the town center is the Tsuglagkhang Complex that houses the official residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Chapel that renders a special aura to the place with three magnificent images including that of the Sakyamuni Buddha.