States of India

Andhra Pradesh, India's fifth largest state, is sprawled over an area of 275,068 sq. km. History has forged, and left behind vital links with the state, as is evident from the many edifices, monuments and architectural ruins, the legacy of dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Traces of the diverse and variegated facets of the culture of the Mauryas, Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagar, offer imposing vistas, that continue to fascinate the observer.

• Population: 76,210,007
• Language: Telugu
• Capital: Hyderabad

Places of Interest

Hyderabad: Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, along with its twin city Secunderabad has over 400 years of history. Hyderabad is a heady mixture of heritage, traditionally hospitality and a thriving software revolution.
Nagarjuna Sagar: Nagarjunasagar, a massive irrigation project on the River Krishna, about 150 km from Hyderabad, has a rich and interesting past. It was a valley in the Nallamala range of the Eastern Ghats with civilizations dating back to thousands of years.
Tirupati: The abode of the 'Kaliyuga' deity Lord Venkateswara, popularly known as Balaji, Tirupati has for centuries remained a destination divine and this feeling grows on one as one goes round the various temples and spots of natural beauty surrounding this major town.
Vijaywada: Vijayawada is known as the political as well as publishing capital of Andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada is a vital rail and road link between North and the South and is now known as 'the city that never sleeps'.
Visakhapatnam: The land of the golden beaches was just over half a century a small fishing village. One would be amazed at the manner in which this port city with a natural harbour developed into one of the fastest growing cities in Asia.
Warangal: The city was once the heartland of Telugu culture. The capital of the Kakatiya rulers. Warangal today contains some of the best forms of Architecute, especially in temples.

How to Reach Andra Pradesh

By Air: Andhra Pradesh has one international Airport in its capital - Hyderabad. Other important airports are located at Tirupathi and Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry and Vijayawada.
By Rail: Nearly 5,085 km of the railways route cover the state Andhra Pradesh out of which 4,362 km is broad-gauge, 686 km is metre-gauge and 37 km is narrow gauge.
By Road: Around 4,104 km of the National Highways network pass through Andhra Pradesh. State highways measure up to nearly 60,000 km and there is another 1, 04,000 km of Panchayati Raj road network.

The eastern crest of India cocoons a mystical land of bliss- Arunachal Pradesh. This 'Land of Rising Sun' has many wonders and attractions for travellers. The wavering rivers, the snow clad mountains, the stubborn plains, exclusive flora and fauna, legendary cultural heritage trailing since ancient times, the habitat of wild savages, the thick woodlands, the historical heritages, the tribal terrains.... Ahh! A lot many to have a rendezvous with. Each of the attractions in Arunachal Pradesh is at par. Among the thousands of species of orchids as many as 600 species of orchid are found in Arunachal Pradesh. The foreign tourists to Arunachal Pradesh require a Restricted Area Permit and the Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit.
Population: 1,091,120
Language:
Capital: Itanagar

Places of Interest

Itanagar: Its is capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. Tourists can visit many places of interest here which are evidences of glorious past of the state. Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, The Buddhist Temple, Ganga Lake (Gyaker Sinyi), The State Museum and Polo Park are of prime attraction.
Tawang: This region is a home of the Monpa tribes and a prominent place of the Mahayana Buddhists sect. The city is famous for the oldest Buddhist monastery or Gompa locally called as the 'Galden Namgyal Lhatse' overlooking the value of Tawang. It is just perfect for adventure sports like trekking and hiking.
Basar: It is census town and a shelter for tribal communities like Adi, Memba and Khamba. You can visit the popular Tibetan Buddhist temple, Mechuka Gompa here.
Bomdila: If you want to relax in the lap of nature visit Bomdila where you get to see the illustrious landscape, mountains wearing a scarf of snow, apple groves, pleasant weather, affectionate people and Buddhist Monasteries. This terrain is apt for trekking and hiking expeditions. Check out the Crafts Center manufacturing finest of the carpets with unique hues and motifs.
Bhalukpong / Tipi: A botanical delight, an orchidarium at Tipi, showcases 300 species of flora and fauna. Turbulent waterfalls, perennially fresh forests, and lavish expanse gives opportunity for photo adventure. The rambling Kameng River is hot spot for white water rafting and angling.
Malinithan: This legendary land located in the Siang foothills is associated with Lord Krishna. A number of pilgrims flock to this place revering this dilapidated temple site. The classical Akashi Ganga waterfalls, exotic view of titanic Brahmaputra River and its tributaries attract many tourists.
Ziro: Picturesque Ziro is located on the Apatani Plateau. It becomes a tourist attraction with its exquisite landscapes and tribal culture. Do not miss out on visiting Tarin, the high-altitude fish farm, the famous whispering pine grove and the craft centre. Enjoy watching sunrise from the hilltop where the sun rays touch you to make you feel the awe of nature.

How to Reach Arunachal Pradesh

By Air: The nearest airport is Lilabari in Assam, which is 67kms from Itanagar. Another important airport is Tezpur (Assam), which is 216kms from Itanagar and is connected to Kolkata. Indian Airlines has regular operation to Tezpur.
By Rail: The nearest railway station Harmuty is only 33 km from Itanagar. Most convenient railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam.
By Road: Road network connects Itanagar with Guwahati (381 km), Shillong (481kms), Agartala (980kms), Kolkata (1,539kms) and other important cities in the region.

Assam is a beautiful and diverse state with an incredible range of cultures and landscapes located in the northeast of India. It shares its borders in the North and East with the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Along the south lie Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Meghalaya lies to her South-West, Bengal and Bangladesh to her West.

Assam has many fascinating things to see and experience, including the Kaziranga National Park, home to the world famous and rare one horned rhinoceros, the remarkable Majuli Island, ancient Ahom architectural marvels and numerous Golf courses backed by beautiful heritage/luxury resorts and colonial tea bungalows. Renowned for its tea, rich flora and fauna and other rare species of wildlife on the verge of extinction, there is perhaps no part of the world where such a variety of wildlife exists barring Africa.

Travel to Assam and you will find everything, from spectacular scenery and rare wildlife to vibrant cultures and soul stirring places of pilgrimage.
Population: 26,655,528
Language:Assamese
Capital: Dispur

Places of Interest

• Kamakhya Temple
• Nabagraha Temple
• Kaziranga National Park
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary

How to Reach Assam

By Air: The state has one international Airport in Guwahati. Other airports are Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Silchar. Air India, Indian Airlines, Sahara Airlines, Jet Airways and Deccan Air operate regular flights also operates an international weekly flight between Bangkok and Guwahati.
By Rail: A convenient Indian Railways network runs throughout the state connecting major Indian cities with Assam.
By Road: - A network of National Highways and other roads connect Assam other Indian cities. The tourist destinations in Assam are also well connected by road network.

Bihar is divided into 9 divisions and 37 districts, and has Patna as its capital. It has a very rich history, and is also an attraction for travellers and tourists. There are various hotels to cater to the needs of tourists. The economy is mainly based on agricultural and trading activities. There have been some attempts to industrialize the state as well. An oil refinery in Barauni, a scooter plant at Fatuha, a power plant at Muzaffarpur and some agriculture-based industries such as sugar and vegetable oil, have been established in Bihar. It is also known for its famous mines at Dhanbad. The service sector comprises of Real estate, Mortgage and Insurance. Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Vikramsila and Sutanganj are a must visit for Buddhist pilgrims. All of these are very popular historical sites as well.
Population: 82,998,509
Language: Bihari, Maithili
Capital: Patna

Places of Interest

• Patna
• Bodh Gaya
• Vaishali
• Gaya
• National Park & Sanctuaries

How to Reach Bihar

By Air: All major airlines operate flights directly to Patna. Indian Airlines operates daily flights to, Delhi Kolkata and Ranchi and Lucknow.The office is located next to Hotel Maurya, Patna.Sahara Air and Air Deccan also has a daily flight from Patna to other cities. Some international flights also operate from Gaya airport. The airport is 7km west of the city centre.
By Rail:The railway station is located in the centre of the Patna. It connects the city to all major cities and towns of India. There are direct trains daily for New Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Ranchi and northeastern states like Assam.

Chhattisgarh is a recently formed state of India and is blessed with finest of the natural attractions that draw tourists from various parts of India. The geographical variation of Chhattisgarh is simply beyond compare and hardly any state of India has such wonderful natural endowments as of Chhattisgarh. Picturesque waterfalls, magnificent plateaus, meandering rivers, small hamlets and tribal villages and rich natural resources are some of the things that Chhattisgarh is known for. Most of the tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh are natural and are breathtakingly beautiful
Population: 20,795,956
Language: Chhattisgarhi
Capital: Raipur

Places of Interest

• Kawardha:The small age-old town of Kawardha is a tranquil retreat offering breathtaking views of nature and a rich tribal life. The royal palace introduces you to some finer glimpses of Indian royalty.
• Chitrakote Falls: Deep in the heart of Bastar forest, this enormous waterfall plunges down from a height of 100 feet.
• Kanker:This thousand year old town offers a splendid combination of forest, waterfalls and exquisite tribal villages nestled inside. Here is an old palace still resided by the royal family of the area, which itself is one of the major tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh.
• Bhoramdeo:It is often referred to as the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh because of its beautifully carved erotic sculptures.
• Chamaparan:: The erstwhile Champaranya was the birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya. The place is famous for his birth anniversary sometime in April-May and an annual fair sometime in Jan-Feb

How to Reach Chhattisgarh

By Air: Chhattisgarh is connected via airways through a domestic airport. Almost all major airports have their flights to and from the airport in Chhattisgarh. Regular flights are available for Chhattisgarh via Raipur.
By Rail:For those of you who are looking to travel to Chhattisgarh by railways, there won't be any difficulty. Thanks to the two major railway stations located there; one in Raipur and one in Bilaspur. All major trains serve this state regularly.
By Road: Reaching Chhattisgarh via roadways is also very easy. The road network in this state is perfect and it is connected through National Highways 6, 16 and 43. All states of India are connected to Chhattisgarh through the roadways.

Goa was known as the Golden Goa when Portuguese arrived at Goa. Goa was the Capital of Portuguese Empire in Asia. The Portuguese where great architects, they used to build great churches which symbolized their desire to spread an important motivation. As there is no doubt that Goan architecture still presents the Marvel of Portuguese architecture mixed with Indian elements. Goa is a land of deep religious roots which is in contrast to High Spirits that can be seen on Beaches of Goa.
Goa is a blend of various religions, due to Portuguese Rule for centuries Goa has lots of Churches; nevertheless Hindu Temples can also be seen in Goa along with Christian monuments. Goa is a land of rich and poor, where Huge Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Goa are contrasted by Small Budget Hotels, Paying Guest Accommodations in Goa and Fancy Restaurants along with Shacks on the Beaches & Cafes to chill you out.
Population: 1,400,000
Language: Konkani
Capital: Panaji

Places of Interest

• Alorna Fort
• Amthane Dam
• Ancestral Goa Museum / Big Foot
• Arvalam Waterfalls
• Chorao Island
• Divar Island
• San Jacinto Island
• Tiracol Fort
• Wax World Museum

How to Reach Goa

By Air: The Goa international airport is located at Dabolim, which is at a distance of 29 km away from Panaji. The airport connects the domestic cities as well as international cities in U.K. and Germany. Goa to Mumbai and Goa to Delhi flights are making daily services from Goa.
By Rail:With the starting of the operations of Konkan Railway, reaching Goa by trains has become much easier process. Regular trains, which connect Margao and Vasco Da Gama to main cities in India, run from here. Apart from this the South Western Railway, which was built in the colonial era operates in Goa.

Gujarat, a state in western India borders Pakistan, and Rajasthan to the north-east, Madhya Pradesh to the east, Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south. Its capital is Gandhinagar, while its largest city is Ahmedabad. Gujarat because it is here that these words ring truly and the guest is 'God' and the people of Gujarat are gregariously friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again.
Population: 50,671,017
Language: Gujarati
Capital: Gandhinagar

Places of Interest

• Ahmedabad:Ahmedabad blends harmoniously an ancient heritage with a vibrant present. The city's prosperous and eventful past and present is embodied in its rich kaleidoscope of history, art and culture, rich architecture and imposing monuments. Tourists can visit Ahmedabad throughout the year.
• Baroda :- - Baroda is known as the garden city of Gujarat. A name that has been derived from the profusion of banyan trees in the city. Once the capital of the princely Gaikwad Family, Vadodara is a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples, and museums. The city's Fine Arts College attracts students from around the country and abroad.
• Kanker:-This thousand year old town offers a splendid combination of forest, waterfalls and exquisite tribal villages nestled inside. Here is an old palace still resided by the royal family of the area, which itself is one of the major tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh.
• Gandhinagar: - Gandhinagar the capital city of Gujarat is the second capital city in the country, after Chandigarh, to built anew. The two cities are similar in more ways than one. Both the cities are very well laid out, with plenty of gardens and grid like houses and street structures. Local visit covers the most famous temple of "Swaminarayan Sect" the richest sect in the world. Pink stones with beautiful carving build Akshardham Temple. It is surrounded by lush greed gardens and admirable fountains.
• Surat:-The Ancient port of Surat has been renowned for its fine silks and exquisite brocades and its trade in Spices. Surat is ideal point to visit Hajira, Upharat, and Thithal etc.
• Bhavnagar
• Dwarka
• Jamnagar

How to Reach Gujarat

By Air: The state of Gujarat has 10 domestic airports and an international airport in the state capital Ahmadabad. All major airlines of India like Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Spice Jet, Air Deccan, and Kingfisher Airlines have regular operations in the airports of Gujarat including Ahmadabad.
By Rail: Extensive railways network runs through the state of Gujarat. The state is served by several important trains.
By Road: Total 68,900kms of roadways comprising of National Highways, State Highways and other roads run through the state connecting the major cities of the state with the rest of the country.

Haryana is a landlocked state in northern India, surrounded by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to the north and Rajasthan to the west and south. Its eastern border touches Uttaranchal & Uttar Pradesh which is defined by river Yamuna. The state also surrounds Delhi on three sides, forming the northern, western and southern borders of Delhi. A large area of the state is included in the National Capital Region (NCR). Two emerging cities - Gurgaon and Faridabad are close to Delhi and major hubs for IT and software industry.Haryana the Madhyama Dis (middle region) of the Later Vedic Period was the birthplace of the Hindu religion. The land was the home of the legendary Bharata dynasty, which gave India its Hindi name, Bharat. The epic battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas, recorded in the Indian epic poem, the Mahabharata, took place at Kurukshetra (a place in Haryana).
Population: 21,082,989
Language: Haryanvi
Capital: Chandigarh (shared)

Places of Interest

Just a short drive from Delhi, one can visit Haryana tourist complexes for a day. Tourist Attractions -Badhkal Lake, Dabchik, Jungle Babler, Karna Lake, Sohna, Surajkund, Dumdama, Sultanpur, Kurukshetra.

• Surajkund:-:The internationally famous Surajkund Crafts Mela is held every year in the month of February, to promote Indian arts and handicrafts at Surajkund is only 10 kms from Delhi.
• Dumdama:-Dumdama is basically a lake surrounded by the enchanting Aravali Ranges and is popullar for rock climbing, paragliding and ballooning. Motorable from Delhi.
• Sultanpur:-Sultanpur was declared a waterbird reserve in 1972. The grounds are lush with lawns, trees and shrubs and masses of bougainvillaea. Sultanpur is a good place for birdwatching. Motorable from Delhi (46kms).
• Kurukshetra:-Gandhinagar the capital city of Gujarat is the second capital city in the country, after Chandigarh, to built anew. The two cities are similar in more ways than one. Both the cities are very well laid out, with plenty of gardens and grid like houses and street structures. Local visit covers the most famous temple of "Swaminarayan Sect" the richest sect in the world. Pink stones with beautiful carving build Akshardham Temple. It is surrounded by lush greed gardens and admirable fountains.
• Surat:-About 154 kms. From Delhi is Kurukshetra, the place where the famous battle of the epic, Mahabharata was fougdht. It was here that the message of the Gita, the doctrine of Hindus, was given by Lord Krishana to doubt ridden Arjuna on the battleflied.

How to Reach Haryana

By Air: The state capital Chandigarh provides excellent air services to the commuters, and it is linked with Ludhiana and Amritsar. It also has a daily air service to New Delhi. Some parts of Haryana viz. Gurgaon and Faridabad are also very close to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi which also provides an easy access to the state. Furthermore, Amritsar airport is an international airport.
By Rail:The state of Haryana has well developed network of railways and highly developed railway stations. The main railway station is at Chandigarh. Apart from that, Delhi has four railway stations, which are within approachable distance from any part of Haryana. The cities like Gurgaon and Faridabad borders New Delhi hence can be approached from the New Delhi railway station. Other towns such as Ambala, Panipat, Karnal and Ferozpur have their own railway stations.
By Road: Haryana is one of the several states of the country having excellent road network connecting various towns and cities of the neighbouring states. Some parts of the state are within the National Capital Region (NCR) and are located at a short distance from Delhi. A good network of Express Highways and State Highways also serves other parts of the state. Haryana Roadways also provides bus services within the state and to neighbouring states. The road transport is comfortable and easily available.

Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill state situated in Northern India. Nestled in Western Himalyas with an area of 21,629 Sq M, the state is landlocked by Jammu and Kashmir on north, Punjab on west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on south, Uttarakhand on south-east and by Tibet, China on the east. Beautiful landscapes having fresh water lakes, gushing rivers, snow capped mountains, flowers and fruits laden trees, glaring and colourful diversity of culture, arts, living style of people etc make Himachal Pradesh, a tourist's paradise. The state is dominated by three main mountain ranges namely the Dhauladhar Range, Pir Pinjal Range and the Great Himalayan Range. Himachal Pradesh was accredited as a Union Territory in 1950 and after the state of Himachal Pradesh act in 1971, it was emerged as the 18th state of India.
Population: 6,077,900
Language: Hindi and Pahari
Capital: Shimla

Places of Interest

• Dalhousie
• Dharamshala
• Shimla
• Kullu.Manali
• Mandi
• Chamba
• Palampur
• Kangra
• Bilaspur
• Una
• Solan

How to Reach Himachal Pradesh

By Air:The state has three airports at Bhuntar, Gaggal, and Jubbarhatti, which connect the state to Delhi and Chandigarh via regular flights by Indian Airlines. There is no international airport in Himachal Pradesh.
By Rail:Only few places in Himachal Pradesh are connected by trains, as the construction of new lines are very difficult in the rugged, high altitude regions. The longest railway line is from Pathankot in Punjab to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. Other railway tracks touch Shimla, Solan, and Una.
By Road: Despite problems in constructing new roads and maintaining them, most of the important places in the state are connected with a good road network. Some of the roads are closed during the winter and monsoon seasons due to the heavy snowfall and landslides that occur regularly in this region.

Jammu and Kashmir described as "heaven on earth". The northernmost state of the Indian union consists of three divisions -Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. It has two capitals- Jammu, the winter capital and Srinagar, the summer capital. The state is almost mountainous with stretches of valleys and some mountain lakes. Srinagar is famous for its lakes and houseboats while Kashmir, known for its scenic natural beauty and rich cuisine is quite popular among tourists. The Dal Lake houseboats are one of the major attractions of Kashmir. Kashmir valley of India is also popular for various adventure sports that it offers. Skiing, golf, trekking, river rafting, paragliding, camping and a number of other sports draw large number of tourists to the Kashmir valley.
Population: 10,143,700
Language: Kashmiri
Capital: Srinagar (summer), Jammu (winter)

Places of Interest

• Srinagar
• Jammu
• Katra
• Patnitop
• Gulmarg
• Pahalgam
• Sonmarg
• Leh Ladak
• Kargil

How to Reach Kashmir

By Air:Srinagar is well connected by air with Delhi. There is a daily flight to Delhi via Jammu by various airlines.
By Rail:The nearest railhead for Srinagar is Jammu Tawi (305 kms) where trains arrive from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Ahmadabad, etc. As with flights, train bookings have to be made well in advance. During the holiday season, additional trains operate to and from various parts of the country.
By Road:National Highway 1-A, connecting Srinagar with Jammu, is a good, all-weather road with several sharp inclines and hairpin bends. It is maintained by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), which clears the road of any obstructions resulting from natural causes like landslides and heavy snowfall. The famous Jawahar Tunnel that connects Jammu with the Kashmir Valley across the Pir Panjal range falls en route.

The new State Jharkhand formerly a part of Bihar state, was formed on November 15th, 2000 with Ranchi as its capital. Jharkhand is the 28th state of the Indian Union. The new state largely comprises of the forest tracks of Chhotanagpur plateau and Santhal Pargana and has distinct cultural traditions. This area in and around the districts of Chotanagpur and Santhal Parganas was formerly Southern Bihar and is thickly wooded and consists of a succession of hills. Jharkhand is also popularly known as 'Vananchal' means a land mass covered with forests.
Population: 26,909,428
Language:
Capital: Ranchi

Places of Interest

• Bhaduli
• Bhoganadih and Panchkathiya
• Rajmahal
• Chatra
• Ranchi

How to Reach Jharkhand

By Air: Ranchi is connected by regular Indian Airlines services with Calcutta, Patna, Mumbai, Lucknow and New Delhi.
By Rail:Ranchi is on the South Eastern Railway and is directly connected with Calcutta, Patna, Rourkela, Delhi etc.
By Road:Ranchi is situated on National Highway No.23 & 33 and there are nets of good roads around it. Ranchi is directly connected by regular bus services with all the main places in the state and also outside the state.

The land of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari is also celebrated as karunadu which welcomed and blessed all people from all over the world. Mother tongue of the great land is (kasturi) Kannada, its ancient literature and scholars and poets made Karnataka as the distinct state of India. Exploration moves beyond Mauryan empire, the glory of kannada land has many golden age. Karnataka has produced noble poets and academicians and it accounts for great treasure of Gold, Spices, Sandalwood, Coffee, Areca, paddy, coconut and supplies 60% of the country's silk.
Population: 52,850,562
Language: Kannada
Capital: Banglore

Places of Interest

• Bangalore:-The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore is located in the south-east of the State. Rapid industrialisation has not drastically altered the pace of life here, which is comparitively unhurried. This, coupled with the agreeable climate, the greenery, the cleanliness, the sense of order, make Bangalore India's most congenial City.
• MysoreMysore, once the capital of the Wodeyars, still remains its old-world charm. Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills and Brindavan Gardens are the main attractions.
• MangaloreMangalore, District Headquarters of Dakshina Kannada and a modern major port which boasts of a long history of maritime trade. Places of interest are Kadri Hill, Manjunath Temple, St. Aloysius College of Chapel and Jumma Masjid.

How to Reach Karnataka

By Air: The major airport is Bangalore International Airport where regular flights connect it with all the major metropolis of India Delhi,Kolkata,Mumbai,Chennai as well as to Chennai, Trivandrum,Ahmedabad etc.
By Rail:Bangalore railway station is the most important railway terminal .With the services of Southern and South-eastern Railways being here, Bangalore is well connected with rest of India. You have overnight trains from Chennai to Bangalore. Also many other tourist spots of South India can be reached through train from Bangalore.
By Road:Excellent road network with all the major cities and tourist hotspots connected to Bangalore There are number of state highways linking different parts of Karnataka.

The land of India comprises the narrow coastal strip bounded by the Western Ghats n the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. In the words of Sreedhara Menon Its unique geographical position and peculiar physical features have invested Kerala with a distinct individuality. Hence it has played a vital role in the commercial and cultural history of India. Kerala has been describes as the favourite child of nature. Like Kashmir in the north, Kerala in the south is famous for its breath-taking natural beauty. With its evergreen mountains, dense forests stately palms, swift flowing rivers, extensive backwaters and blue lagoons, it looks like a fairyland. This atmosphere of beauty and peace has nurtured religion and art in Kerala and enabled her to become a precious gem in the necklace of Indian culture.
Population: 31,841,374
Language: Malayalam
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram

Places of Interest

• Kovalam: - is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, and convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.
• Munnar: - It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking. Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.
• Thekkady: - - The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

How to Reach Kerala

By Air: There are three airports in the state - Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. Thiruvananthapuram is also an international airport, connecting the state to many places in India and the world.
By Rail:There are around 200 railway stations in Kerala connecting most of the places in the state to places in the other parts of India and inside the state. Long-distance express trains connect important places in the state to places outside Kerala like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.
By Road: An extensive network of metalled roads connects most of the places in the state. National highways 47, 17, and 49 connect Kerala with other parts of India.

Madhya Pradesh has some interesting sites for tourists. The state is crossed by the Vindhya and Satpura mountains and its main river is the Narmada. The northern part is famous for Khajuraho temples, while the eastern region has two of India's finest game sanctuaries - the Bandavgarh and Kanha. The southwestern part of Madhya Pradesh offers some elegant monuments - the Buddhist stupa of Sanchi and 15th - 16th century citadels of Mandu are worth visiting. The state has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the state. The natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh is equally varied. There are spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles of dense forests which offer unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings.
Population:60,385,118
Language: Hindi
Capital: Bhopal

Places of Interest

• Bhopal: - Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja.Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques and palaces still bear the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers; among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926.
• Khajuraho: - In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, came up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time; these remain as a collective paean to life, to joy and to creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator.
• Ujjain: - Modern Ujjain is situated on the banks of the river Shipra, regarded since times immemorial as sacred. The belief in the sacredness of Shipra has its origins in the ancient Hindu mythological tale of churning of the Ocean by the Gods and the Demons, with Vasuki, the serpent as the rope. The ocean bed first yielded fourteen gems, then Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, and finally the coveted vessel of Nectar. Then began the wild scramble for immortality with the demons chasing the Gods across the skies, and in the process, a few drops were spilt, and fell at Hardwar, Nasik, Prayag, and Ujjain. Hence the sanctity of the waters of the Shipra.
• OrchhaOrchha grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection.
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How to Reach Madhya Pradesh

By Air: : A number of airports are located within Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior, Khajuraho, Indore, Jabalpur including capital Bhopal, the state is major airports in Madhya Pradesh. All public and private airlines operate regular flights to these airports.
By Rail:Bhopal is the main key railway station in Madhya Pradesh, which is served by important trains connecting it to the rest of the country.
By Road:A strategic network of National Highways and State Highways interlink the cities of Madhya Pradesh to the other cities of India. The tourist destinations within the state located at convenient distance from Bhopal.

The state of Maharashtra is one of the largest in India. Most of the state stands on the high Deccan plateau which stretches east some 800 km. from the Western Ghats. Located on the western part of India, the State is surrounded by the Arabian sea in the west, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh on the north, Madhya Pradesh in the east and Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on the south. Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra. Maharashtra, the Land of Caves, Forts and Temples are a large, populous and economically important state. The present state of Maharashtra was formed on May 1, 1960 when the Marathi and Gujarati linguistic areas of the former Bombay state were separated.
Population:96,752,247
Language: Marathi
Capital: Mumbai

Places of Interest

• Mumbai: - - Mumbai or Bombay is the capital of Maharashtra famous as commercial and financial capital of India. Mumbai is also major tourist hub of India holding the attractions of Gateway of India, Haji Ali's Tomb, Chhatrapati Terminus, Marine Drive, Chowpaty Juhu beach and much more.
• Aurangabad: - - Aurangabad is an ancient city with many historical memoirs strewn within the region. This city is also the proud owner of the World heritage Sites of splendid Ajanta and Ellora caves. One of the most important is the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, an imitation of the Taj Mahal. Famous Buddhist caves are the other world renowned attraction.
• Mahabaleshwar: - Mahabalehwar is a famous hill station, situated at a height of 1372 meters. During the British rule, this hill station was the summer capital of Bombay Presidency. It is famous for its scenic beauty, beautiful views, Venna Lake, and strawberries.
• Nagpur: - Nagpur, regarded as the second capital of Maharashtra and is situated on the banks of river Nag, in the northeastern part of Maharashtra. It is famous for its large Orange orchards, producing good quality Oranges.
• Pune: - Pune is a small city known for its rich historical legacy. Since Pune is the cultural hub of the western India, it showcases Lal Deval, Bund Garden, Osho Ashram, Shindyanchi Chhatri and Pataleshwar Cave Temple. The major festivals celebrated here are the Pune Festival and the Shaniwarwada Dance Festival.
• Nasik: - Nasik, one of the holiest places in India with mesmerizing temples and enchanting ghats. Apart from its religious significance, Nasik's beautiful surroundings cool and pleasant climate attracts innumerable tourists. Truely, a vibrant and colourful city.

How to Reach Maharashtra

By Air: The state has two airports - one international (Sahar International Airport) and another domestic (Santa Cruz Domestic Airport) - in its capital city Mumbai. All public and private airlines, like: Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Kingfisher Airlines, Spice Jet, Air Deccan, operate regularly to and from Mumbai.
By Rail:Mumbai is the state's most important Railway Station. A large number of important trains link the city to other cities of India. There are also major Railway Stations in or close by the tourist destinations.
By Road:: The state enjoys exceptionally good road network. A number of National Highways and State Highways crisscross the state making it convenient to approach any city of Maharashtra from any part of the country.

Manipur in northeast India is a small state with the state capital at Imphal.The word Manipur literally means a jeweled land and the state was described as the Jewel of India by the late Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

The state is blessed with lush green beauty and is surrounded by blue hills with an oval shaped valley.The state is the birth place of the game Polo and is also famous for its Manipuri dance the Ras Lila created by Rajashree Bhagyachandra.Manipur is bounded by Nagaland in the North, Mizoram in the South, Assam in the west, and by the borders of the country Myanmar in the east.
Population:2,388,634
Language: Manipuri
Capital: Imphal

Places of Interest

• Shri Shri Govindajee Temple: - -This temple adjacent to the palace of the former rulers of Manipur is a sacred center for Vaisnavites. It is a simple and beautiful structure with twin gold domes, a paved courtyard and a large congregation hall. The presiding deity, Radha Govinda is flanked by idols of Balaram and Krishna on one and Jaganath, Balabhadra and Subhadra on the other.
• Saheed Minar: - The imposing Minar of Bir Tikendrajit Park standing tall in the eastern tall in the eastern side of the Imphal Pologround of the state capital commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting against the Britist in 1891. The eye-catching Minar also serves as an ideal background for photo shoots.
• Manipur Zoological Garden: - About 6 Kms. From Imphal towards the west, lies the Zoological Garden at Iroishemba, hidden half-a-mile from the Imphal-Kangchup road. Graceful brow-antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest species in the world, can be seen there in sylvan surroundings. A trip to this garden at the foot of pine-covered hillocks in the western-most corner of Lamphelpat will be an affair to remember. It will be the children day out.
• Loktak Lake: - Loktak Lake is like a miniature sea. It is the largest fresh water lake in the North-East. Sendra is a hillock of an island of Loktak lake, 48Kms away from Imphal City on Tidim road. From the Tourist bunglow, set atop Sendra Island, visitors can get a birds eye-view of the unique Loktak Lake and the floating mass called Phumdis.

How to Reach Manipur:

By Air: Manipur has an airport in its capital Imphal, which is well connected with Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. Indian airlines have regular operation to this city and other important cities in northeast India.
By Rail:Manipur does not have any train service. But there are other north-eastern cities like Guwahati, Dimapur, and Silchar which have Railway Stations and are serviced by important trains to and from the rest of the country. From these cities one can reach Manipur by road.
By Road:the road network is quite efficient in Manipur. National Highway 39 connects Manipur with major cities like Guwahati, Dimapur, Kohima, Schilchar in the north-eastern part on India.

Meghalaya is an embodiment of eternal bliss and tranquillity wrapped in utter beauty. The "Abode of Clouds" acquires its charm from the picturesque locales, bountiful nature, fresh and sedating surroundings and yes the adventure sports. The exposition of exuberant emerald hills and glens often bathing in frequent drizzles will resuscitate your spirits. Trip to Meghalaya promises a rendezvous with the exclusive flora and fauna, the amicable tribal folks and their cultural heritage. Tour to Meghalaya can be for adventure, for sightseeing, for resurrection or simply to relax and enjoy.
Population:2,306,069
Language:
Capital: Shillong

Places of Interest

• Shillong: The Capital City Of Meghalaya, Shillong, Is Marked With Charming Valleys, Huge Mountains, and Lovely Lush Parks. Some Of The Famous Destinations Like Lady Hydari Park, Shillong Peak, Museum Of Entomology, Golf Links, Waterfalls, And Ward'S Lake In Shillong Form An Inevitable Part Of Tourism In Meghalaya.
• Cherapunjee: Known To Get The Maximum Amount Of Rainfall In The World It Is Famous For Nohsngithiang Falls In Meghalaya. The Beauty Of Exquisite Waterfalls Entices People From All Over The World.
• Mawsynram: Situated About 56 Km. Away From Shillong, It Is Known For The Huge Stalagmite Creation Shaped Like A Shivlinga And Known As 'Mawjymbuin'. Mawsynram Has Awesome Climate And So Allures The Tourist For Its Serene Ambiance.
• Jakrem: Famous For The Hot Water Springs, It Has Nawphlang And Ranigodam As Favorite Spots For Picnic And Angling.
• Jowai: The Gateway To Nartiang, A Delightful Village Further North That Has A Interesting Collection Of Druid Stones, Is An Amusement Park. Traverse Through The Region And Explore A Monument Dedicated To The First Freedom Fighter Hanged By Britishers.

How to Reach Meghalaya:

By Air:The state has no airport. Guwahati is the nearest aiprport from Shillong (128Kms). But a helicopter services is operated by Guwahati and Tura for Shillong.
By Rail:The state has no railway station. Guwahati is the closest railway station.
By Road:The state has a good Road Network which encompasses the state conveniently. NH 40 connects the state with Guwahati and other cities of the country

The hilly city Aizawl located nearly 4,000 feet above sea-level is a religious and cultural centre of Mizoram where indigenous handicrafts are also available. Champhai is a beautiful resort on the Myanmar border. Tamdil a natural lake with virgin forest is 60 km from Aizawl and 10 km from tourist resort of Saitual, Vantawng falls, five km from hill station Thezawl, are the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Mizoram. The department of tourism has opened Tourist Lodge at Aizawl, Lunglei, Champhai and wayside restaurant at Thingdawl, Hnahthial, recreational centre at Beraw Tiang and Alpine picnic hut at District Park near Zobawk.
Population:888,573
Language:Mizo
Capital: Aizawl

How to Reach Mizoram

By Air:: Aizawl is the nearest airport. It is connected to Kolkata, (1 hr) and Imphal (30 min). Indian Airlines (Alliance Air) flights Kolkata - Aizawl - Kolkata ( daily service ) and Kolkata - Aizawl - Imphal - Aizawl - Kolkata (Monday, Wednesday, Friday ), Guwahati - Aizawl (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday).
By Rail:Nearest railhead is Silchar which is in Assam (184 km away). From Guwahati, travel to Silchar by Barak Valley Express, Cachar Express or the Tripura Passenger. The journey takes about 19 hrs.
By Road:: NH - 54 connects Aizawl with the rest of the country through Silchar. Buses and taxis are available from Silchar to Aizawl (6-8 hrs). Night services are also available. Aizawl is also accessible by road from Shillong and Guwahati.

Nagaland, the land of the hospitable and warm Nagas, lies in the corner of India North-East-bordering Myanmar. It has always evoked a sense of awe and wonder in the minds of people including the visitors. Although most of the Nagas have now become Christians, they still preserve the remnants of their early animist culture and ancient traditions.
Population:1,988,636
Language:Naga
Capital: Kohima

Places of Interest

• Dimapur
• Kohima
• Kiphire
• Longleng
• Mokokchung
• Peren

How to Reach Nagaland

By Air: Dimapur is the only airport in Nagaland and it is well connected by flights from Delhi and Calcutta and the rest of the country.
By Rail:important railhead in Nagaland is Dimapur on the North Eastern Railway Track.
By Road:The towns and villages of Nagaland are connected by the Nagaland State Transport Association. Buses are frequent from Dimapur to Guwahati, Shillong, and Mokokchung.

Situated on the coast along the Bay of Bengal, Orissa stands for its ancient glory and modern endeavour. Endowed with nature's bounty, a 482 km stretch of coastline with virgin beaches, serpentine rivers, mighty waterfalls, forest-clad blue hills of Eastern Ghats with rich wild life, Orissa is dotted with exquisite temples, historic monuments as well as pieces of modern engineering feat. The land, while retaining its pristine glory, also offers the visitors modern amenities.
Population:36,706,920
Language:Oriya
Capital: Bhubaneswar

Places of Interest

• Bhubaneswar
• Puri
• Dhauli Hills
• Konark
• Ratnagiri
• Similipal National Park
• Bhitar Kanika Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gopalpur-on-Sea

How to Reach Orissa

By Air:Regular flights landing at the only major airport of the city namely Biju Patnaik Airport connect it to all the major cities of the country such as Calcutta, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Raipur.
By Rail:There is a good train network also that connects Calcutta, Puri, Madras, Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Tirupati and Trivandrum to Bhubaneswar by express and super express trains plying to and fro on a daily basis.
By Road:is well connected to its neighbouring states through a good road network.

Punjab, located in the north west of India, is one of the smallest and the most prosperous states of India. The five rivers Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum gave it its name 'punj-ab' or the 'land of five waters'. These five rivers divide the state into three regions: Majha, Doaba and Malwa.Punjab is certainly a primarily agricultural state and enjoys the natural benefits of fertile soils and abundant waters. As a civilization, it is one of the most ancient in the world with a distinguished culture.
Population:24,289,296
Language:Punjabi
Capital: Chandigarh (shared)

Places of Interest

• Amritsar
  Golden Temple:Golden Temple in Amritsar is a place frequented by Sikhs all round the year. Countless pilgrims visit Golden Temple to pay homage to the holy shrine. Golden Temple is also known as Hari Mandir meaning Temple of God.
  Jallianwala Bagh: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, was named after the Jallianwala Bagh (Garden) in Amritsar, where, on April 13, 1919, British Indian Army soldiers opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children. Official sources place the casualties at 379. According to private sources, the number was over 1000, with more than 1200 wounded, and Civil Surgeon Dr Smith indicated that they were over 1800. The figures were never fully ascertained for political reasons.
• Chandigarh
  Rock Garden: full of art objects made of industrial and urban waste, is an epitome of human creativity and innovation.
  Sukhna Lake: a three km long unique man-made lake is a scenic lake that lies in the foothills of Shivalik range. Open hand in Chandigarh, is one of the most significant monuments of the city. This monument, 14 metres high and weighing around 50 tonnes, was made from metal sheets that rotate like a weathercock, indicating the direction of wind.
• Ludhiana
• Patiala: Easily accessible and well maintained, Patiala is a unique that would give one the much-needed calmness far from the madding urban chaos. Patiala is certainly among the most elegant cities of Punjab. Stroll through the streets of Patiala and you would be able to perceive it being a once princely state. The best of them all is the Moti Bagh Palace that strikingly resembles the Shalimar Garden of Lahore. Today it houses National Institute of Sports and a well-maintained and nicely stocked art gallery. Attraction like Quila Mubarak complex, Sheesh Mahal and Lachman Jhoola are great crowd pullers..
• Jalandhar: situated at a distance of 90 km from Amritsar, is among the most ancient cities of Punjab. To visit Punjab and not visit Jalandhar may be an unforgivable omission. The main attractions of this old city are the 800 year old Imran Musoleum, 400 year old Jamma Masjid and the magnificent Devi Talab Mandir. All these time-honored monuments are known for their splendid architecture and marvellous carvings. Spread over 72 acres, Science City is the biggest science project in India. Science City has several well-known attractions, which make it a unique destination for the tourists visiting Punjab.

How to Reach Punjab:

By Air:Chandigarh and Amritsar both have airports are connected to other cities in India by regular flights. Indian airlines do have regular flights from Chandigarh to Delhi, Lucknow, Leh, and Amritsar. Jet air also has regular flights to Chandigarh.
By Rail:Punjab is extensively linked to the other parts of the country by rail. Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Jalandhar are the major railway hubs in the state from where one can take trains for most parts of the country.
By Road:The entire state is connected through an extensive network of medalled roads. State Highways connect major cities to the state capital. NH 1 or the Grand Trunk Road connects the state with most of the north as well as east India.

Rajasthan, the land of kings, endowed with magnificent havelis, beautiful palaces, invincible forts and rich cultural heritage. Rajasthan is an exciting travel destination and tourism opportunities in Rajasthan are endless. Tour of Rajasthan offers exotic regal experience through its variegated activities like camel safari on the sand dunes of Thar Desert, wildlife adventures, forts and palaces, temples, colourful fairs and festivals. Rajasthan tourism presents variety of tours to unravel the charisma and traditional heritage of Rajasthan.
Population:56,473,122
Language:Rajasthan
Capital: Jaipur

Places of Interest

• Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
• Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
• Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur
• Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
• The Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
• Dargah Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, Ajmer

How to Reach Rajasthan

By Air:: international airport in Rajasthan is located in the capital city Jaipur. The airport caters to many international and domestic flights. It is located in a place called Sanganer in Jaipur. Apart from this airport, there are three more domestic airports in Rajasthan. They are at Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Rajasthan is well connected to strategic places in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Aurangabad, etc.
By Rail:Rajasthan is well connected to the rest of India by a wide network of railway lines. You can get train service to Rajasthan from just about any state in India. Rajasthan also has the much-famed Palace on Wheels, which is an absolutely royal treat for anyone who wants to travel in this royal train.
By Road:: Rajasthan is well connected by a wide network of roads. There are many National Highways that pass through Rajasthan thus making travelling much more easy from nearby places like Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad and Bhopal. Commuting from one place to other within Rajasthan is also very easy as there is a wide and well-maintained network of roads within the state.

Sikkim is a wonderland in the bosom of Eastern Himalayas with its avant garde surroundings and spectacular tableau. The Shangrila, the Mt. Kanchenjunga makes Sikkim a charming land representing a concoction of Buddhism and Tibetology. With Buddhism predominant in the state you will see many monasteries and ruby clad monks here. For you, the nature lovers, the state has eminent orchids sanctuary where 500 indigenous species of orchids are found. An adventure tour in Sikkim has many druthers for adventurers. On your way to trekking you will witness many quaint dales and mountain lakes. A base for mountaineering expeditions the rivers of Teesta and Rangeet are superb for river rafting.
Population:540,493
Language:
Capital: Gangtok

Places of Interest

• Gangatok
• Pelling
• Yuksom
• Lachung

How to Reach Sikkim

By Air:The nearest airport Bagdogra, near Siliguri in West Bengal, is connected by air to New Delhi, Kolkata and Guawahati. You can also commute by helicopter to Sikkim.
By Rail:Siliguri (114 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (125 kms) are the two closest railway stations connecting Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati and other important cities in India with Sikkim.
By Road:The state is connected by road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and also to all the District Headquarters within Sikkim. Also a bus service is offered by The Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) from all major cities and towns in North Bengal to Gangtok.

Tamil Nadu is a land that has existed since prehistoric times. Along with the land, it has a culture and language that has lasted just as long. The Indian culture and artwork of this region are considered to be some of the oldest in the world. The language, Tamil, has been documented as being around for at least 5000 years in written form, but was spoken long before that. English is also widely spoken and understood in the most educated parts of the state. Although Tamil is the official language, Telegu, Malayalam, Hindi and other Indian languages are also spoken throughout Tamil Nadu. The literacy rate is considered to be relatively high because a large portion of the state is rural. However, there is still approximatly 25% of people who do not know how to read. Although Tamil Nadu has grown rapidly, it has still held tight to its old traditions and heritage.
Population:66,396,000
Language: Tamil
Capital: Chennai

Places of Interest

• Chennai
• Kanniyakumari
• Madurai
• Kanchipuram
• Ooty
• Rameshwaram

How to Reach Tamil Nadu

By Air: Tamil Nadu has an International Airport near Chennai, which serves as the most convenient entry point for Tamil Nadu. International airlines from countries like Sri Lanka, Dubai, Germany, Jakarta, Malaysia, England, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore operate regular flights to connect Chennai. You can also approach Chennai from any part of the country by most public and private airlines in India.
By Rail:An extensive network of roadways covers Tamil Nadu. A number of national highways and state highways literally crisscross the land. Most of the major cities like: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore are linked by road to Chennai and other important cities in the state.
By Road:The main Railway Station in Tamil Nadu is in Chennai. Many important trains connect Chennai to major Railway Stations in the country.

Tripura is one of the seven states in the north eastern part of India. There is a common belief that the name of the State has originated from "Tripura Sundari" - the presiding deity of the land which is famous as one of the 51 pethos of Hindu Pilgrims. Apart from this traditional view it is believed that originally the land was known as "Tuipra" meaning a land adjoining the water. It is fact that in days of yore the boundary of Tripura was extended up to the Bay of Bengal when its rulers held sway from Garo hills to Arakan.
Population:3,199,203
Language: Bengali
Capital: Agartala

Places of Interest

• Agartala
• Ujjayanta
• Kunjaban
• Unakoti

How to Reach Tripura

By Air: There are direct flights to Agartala from Kolkata and Guwahati. The airport is 5 km away from Agartala city and taxis and autos will take you to the city.
By Rail:Kumarghat, 140 km away, is the nearest rail station. But Kumarghat is insurgengy prone so check the current situation before going there. From Kumarghat you can take a bus to Agartala, the capital. Although it is possible to hire a 4WD with a chauffeur, it is safer to travel by bus.
By Road:Roads also link the neighbouring states to Agartala. Direct buses from Guwahati (25 hours) and Silchar (12 hours) ply regularly. You may even hire 4WDs but buses are definitely safer.

A tour to Uttar Pradesh would take you to the popular shrines and pilgrimage sites, which hold a special significance in the lives of the Indian people. The famous Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years at Allahabad and Haridwar.Uttar Pradesh has an ideal location, in the north its is guarded by the majestic Himalayas, decked by the holy rivers of Ganga and Yamuna. The state has a strategic importance for Indian Defense as it touches Tibet and Nepal on the Northern Border of the country. Jaunpur, Jhansi, Kalinjar, Kanpur and Lucknow form some of the main cities of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Places like the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra are popular tourist spots in Uttar Pradesh.
Population:190,891,000
Language: Hindi, Urdu
Capital:Lucknow

Places of Interest

• Agra(Taj Mahal)
• Allahabad
• Mathura
• Faizabad(Fatehpur Sikri)
• Lucknow
• Varanasi

How to Reach Uttar Pradesh

By Air:The state has four domestic airports at Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi. As the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is well connected to the major cities of India like Kolkata, Patna, Delhi and Mumbai by domestic carriers as well as to the important tourist destinations of Khajuraho and Varanasi.
By Rail:Train is the more convienent mode of transportation to reach Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow is the main junction of the northern network. Other important railway junctions are Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Mughalsarai, Jhansi, Moradabad, Varanasi, Tundla, Gorakhpur, Gonda, Faizabad, Bareilly and Sitapur. All the cities, towns and almost all the villages of Uttar Pradesh are connected by rail though the trains may vary from superfast to mail trains that halt at every little station on the line.
By Road:The total road length of PWD in the State is 131969 km. This includes 3794 km of national highways, 8449 km of state highways, 119726 of other district roads and 72,931 km of rural roads. All parts of the state are connected to most of the important cities in India. Both Government and Private buses operate from major cities.

Uttarakhand, once known as the Abode of God and a perfect tourist destination.Uttaranchal is a state of natural beauty and some of the untouched and un spoilt natural places such nainital, valley of flowers, dehradun, Himalaya, kausani etc. Also famous for its lakes, mountains, forests, national parks, santuries and is also a favorite destination of wildlife lovers.
Population:8,479,562
Language: Hindi, Urdu
Capital:Dehradun

Places of Interest

• Rishikesh
• Haridwar
• Nainital
• Dehradun
• Mussoorie
• Ranikhet
• Kedarnath

How to Reach Uttarakhand

By Air:Jolly Grant near Dehradun, the capital city, is the only airport. There are regular flights to Delhi by Indian Airlines. Otherwise, you can travel to Delhi by road or rail and then catch a flight to your onward destination.
By Rail:Dehradun, Haridwar, and Kathgodam are the major railway stations connected to the rest of the country by regular trains. Within the state, railway lines are fewer due to the difficult terrains. To visit places at higher altitudes, trekking and road routes are the best options.
By Road:All-weather metalled roads connect almost all the important places in the state. Many places in the higher altitudes may still remain inaccessible for some time during the year due to landslides and snowfall.

West Bengal is one of the first destinations in a tourist's itinerary visiting the eastern part of the country. Calcutta (Kolkata), the capital of the state, is the proud intellectual capital of the country. The city has made outstanding contribution to the country in the fields of art, science, medicine, social reform and literature. The city retains some of the most striking colonial buildings of the country. It used to be the capital of the British East India Company and the evidence of the British colonization continues in the city even today. The Victoria Memorial is a majestic house constructed in the memory of Queen Victoria. This building houses a number of rare specimens of the historical preserves of the land. Moreover, the manuscripts, the paintings and the sculptures here are outstanding. Howrah Bridge is yet another landmark that denotes this city of joy. This hanging bridge is an architectural marvel of the country. The second largest planetarium in Asia, the Birla Planetarium, is another site that attracts attention of all, regardless of their age.
Population:80,221,171
Language:Bengali
Capital:Kolkata

Places of Interest

• Kolkata
• Darjeeling
• Kochbihar
• Malda

How to Reach West Bengal

By Air:There is no direct flight to Asansol. The nearest airport from the city is in Kolkata, from where you can hire a bus, cab or taxi to reach Asansol. However, there is also a private airstrip at Burnpur, suitable for small planes.
By Rail:Asansol is a prominent junction on the Howrah-Delhi track. Most of the trains on this route stop at this junction. There are ample numbers of trains for this place and the route is also considered to be one best in Indian Railways. Direct trains are available from many parts of India to Asansol.
By Road:The road route to Asansol is very straight, as the city is located on Grand Trunk Road (NH 2). This is one of the best road routes in India, with four lanes and a divider in place. If you traveling towards Asansol from Kolkata, you must take the Durgapur Expressway from Dankuni and then switch to follow the GT Road.