India Tourist Attractions 2

Kochi (Cochin)

With its wealth of historical associations, and its magnificent setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities of coastal South India. It is a city with indelible marks of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Jewish traditions. Of Special mention is the older parts of the Fort Cochin area. It more or less exists as it used to be a 1000-year behind our times. This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal, Dutch and English country life grafted on to the tropical Malabar coast. The 16th century Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace is a fascinating fort with elegant buildings and interesting collections from the Royal traditions of the region. The unique feature of Cochin is the unexpected and isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52.

They are self-contained and have there own Synagogue. The area around the Synagogue, known as 'Jew Town' is one of the main centres of spice trade. Scores of small firms huddle together in old dilapidated buildings and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. The area is very busy.

Hotels Kochi (Cochin)

Taj Malabar Cochin Hotel Kochi   Situated on Willingdon Island with a magnificent view of Cochin harbour, Taj Malabar Cochin Hotel Kochi combines old-world elegance with modern day convenience. The hotel comprises twp wings, namely the heritage wing with its graceful Victorian interiors and the tower wing housing elegant guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary. All guestrooms at Taj Malabar offer distinctive elegance and comfort, equipped with modern amenities. The hotel offers a unique dining experience, one that explores the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favourites. Taj Malabar offers four banquet halls as well as Business Centre with two small boardrooms.

The harbour at Kochi is one of the finest in the world and is called the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. It offers complete protection against the fury of the monsoons.
Kochi comprises a number of islands and a part of the mainland. The Willingdon island which was dredged from the sea bed, the Bolghatty island and the Vypin island (where Chinese fishing nets can be seen billowing against the skyline) are three of these islands.
The Chinese fishing net was introduced into Kerala by traders from Kublai Khan's court. The huge net is lowered into the water on the end of a pole, which rotates about a fulcrum. A lantern on top attracts fish into the meshes. At least half a dozen men are needed at the other end of the pole to lift the haul out.
Fort Kochi, which lies by the side of the harbour on the mainland is believed to be the oldest European settlement in India.
The Church of St. Francis, built by the Portuguese in 1510, is the oldest existing European church in the country. The mortal remains of Vasco da Gama, who died at Kochi in 1524, were interred in this church. His gravestone, enclosed by polished brass railings, can be seen on the church's southern side. His body, however, was taken to Portugal by his son in 1538.
Mattancheri, to the south of Fort Kochi, is the home of the Kerala Jews. The number of Jews has fallen drastically as many of them have migrated to Israel, The Jewish colony at Mattancheri was established in the 4th century A.D. The synagogue, called the Paradesi synagogue, was built around 430 years back. A clock tower, built in the mid-18th century dominates the synagogue.
Close to the synagogue is the double-storeyed Mattancheri
Palace, whose inner walls are decorated with murals depicting the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. A part of the palace serves as a museum housing palanquins and royal costumes used by the Kochi maharajas.
The palace was earlier called the Dutch Palace although it was not built by the Dutch. It was constructed by the Portuguese as a peace offering to the Raja of Kochi, whose palace they had destroyed. The Dutch however, renovated the palace adding the typical Dutch-style roof to the structure.
The palace's floor gives the impression of being made of polished black marble, but is actually made from a mixture of burnt coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites. The art of making such flooring, unique to Kerala, has been lost over the years and there are very few places where it can be seen today.

Kolkata

Formerly Calcutta and, more rarely, Kolcutta, Kolkata by any name still conjures up images of squalor, poverty and urban disaster. Too few bother to discover its enchanting colonial beauty, the energy and humour of its people and the charm of the city's distinctly Bengali soul.

Kolkota isn't an ancient city like Delhi - in fact it's largely a British creation that dates back a mere 300 years. As a crumbling snapshot of British colonialism, it is unrivalled. For such a smoggy, frantic city, it is also notable for its lovely green spaces.

Hotels Kolkata (Calcutta)

Oberoi Grand Hotel Kolkata Located in Chowringhee, the heart of Kolkata’s commercial district and shopping centre, Oberoi Grand Hotel Kolkata makes an impressive, luxurious and convenient base for travellers. The hotel is close to all the major convention centres, legislative offices, banks, Consulates and Deputy High Commissions and Chambers of Commerce as well as clubs. Guests can go golfing, horse riding or play a game of tennis and squash, nearby. All 213 rooms and suites are elegantly furnished and equipped with a host of modern amenities. The in house restaurant and bar serves a wide variety of Indian and Thai specialities. A well-equipped business centre and conference rooms are also available onsite. Recreation facilities include a spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.

Mumbai

Mumbai (AKA Bombay) is the glamour of Bollywood cinema, cricket on the maidans on weekends, bhelpuri on the beach at Chowpatty and red double-decker buses. It is also the infamous cages of the red-light district, Asia's largest slums, communalist politics and powerful mafia dons.

Many travellers spend their time cocooned in Colaba, but there's much more to explore - take the time to check out the majestic remnants of colonial history, the galleries showing the latest in Indian contemporary art, the busy markets and the evening parade of locals at Chowpatty Beach.

Mumbai's Dhobi Ghat

The sight, which is surrounded by filth, overflowing drains and old buildings, is one of Mumbai's best-loved tourist spots. The dhobi ghat where the city's traditional launderers provide a much valued service of washing dirty clothes and ironing them for a meager fee.

Mysore

Mysore, which has been for centuries an important centre for South Indian culture and learning. It is also the city of lingering aroma of Jasmine, Musk, rose, sandalwood, etc. This is so because Mysore is one of the major manufacturers of incense sticks through scores of family owned factories. The city is also a crafts centre. It is an extremely friendly and easygoing city and at an altitude of 770 metres it has a wonderful climate. The sites here include The Maharaja's Palace (1907), the temple of Shri Chamundeshwari, set on top of the Chamundi Hills (1602 metres.), the famous Nandy (Lord Shiva's Bull - His vehicle) carved out of a single solid piece of granite and 5 metres in height. True to our style we would feel Mysore by visiting the extremely colourful Devaraja Fruit and vegetable market where tropical fruits and vegetables are arranged in fascinating heaps and shapes. The adjoining local bazzar is also a very popular spot with local Indian shoppers where all things needed for daily use can be found.

Shimla

Situated in the north-west Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Spread across 12 kms along a ridge that overlooks terraced hillsides and cultivations, Shimla is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak and pine, fur and rhododendron, and it is best to travel here on the slow train from Kalka. Shimla also is a convenient base for variety of adventure sports such as Skiing, Trekking, Fishing and Golfing etc.

The Nepalese call Shimla (it was once part of Nepal), Shyamala, another name of the Hindu goddess Kali. But the Himachal town became an important destination only after the British made it the summer capital of India. From then onwards every summer till 1939, it played host to the British administration, the scene of a hectic social life: balls, bridges and parades.

Shopping is a wonderful experience here, such is the variety. Exquisitely designed shawls of Kinnaur, the distinctive woolen caps of Kullu, and the embroidered handkerchiefs of Chamba accent their colourful, festive clothing. The Kangra Valley school of paintings are other popular souvenirs.

Hotels Shimla

Oberoi Clarke's Hotel Shimla   Oberoi Clarke's Hotel is situated towards the East of Shimla, in front of the High-Court of Himachal Pradesh. Located about 21 kilometres away from the airport, the hotel is less than a kilometre from the railway station. The hotel has a unique old style British colonial architecture dating back to 1898. Clarke's Hotel embodies the elegance and charm of yesteryear, with modern conveniences of today. Placed on Shimla's main promenade, The Mall, you are immediately welcomed into a warm and graceful environment. The hotel has comfortable guestrooms that are spacious and elegantly furnished, many offering spectacular views of the mountains around Shimla. Each room is equipped with modern conveniences such as televisions, mini bars, direct dial phones and attached baths. The uniquely magnificent dining hall, built during the British Raj serves Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine, and a sumptuous buffet. The late 18th century bar adjoining the reception, serves pleasant cocktails and beverages to order. It is a perfect place where you can relax and enjoy a quiet drink. The quiet, serene atmosphere at Clarke's Hotel is ideal for hosting meetings and conferences. The conference hall can accommodate up to 100 persons and is equipped with modern facilities. Click here for more information and Booking Details

Udaipur

The most romantic city in Rajasthan, built around the lovely Lake Pichola, has been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, the city is a harmonious Indian blend of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces, lakeside gardens, temples and havelis (traditional mansions).

It boasts an enviable artistic heritage, a proud reputation for performing arts and a relatively plentiful water supply, which make it an oasis of civilisation and colour in the midst of drab aridity. The lake is the city's centrepiece and contains the island palaces of Jagniwas and Jagmandir.

Hotels Udaipur

Oberoi Udaivilas Resort Udaipur   Located on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, The Oberoi Udaivilas Resort is only 4 kilometres from the city centre. Udaipur, also called the City of Dawn is surrounded by the ancient Arravali Mountains and is set on the edge of three lakes. Crystal Gallery, City Place, Jagdish Temple, Sajjan Garh, Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar are some of the tourist attractions in the city. Oberoi Udaivilas offers 63 richly appointed deluxe rooms, all with private walled courtyards, complete with silken parasols, table and chairs. The hotel's restaurant serves a fusion of western, Mediterranean and Thai style dishes. Guests can also dine by candlelight on a rich variety of traditional, Rajasthani and North Indian fare in regal surrounding. The spa is a haven of peace and relaxation where guests can unwind and feel rejuvenated from the inside out. Click here for more information and Booking Details