Top 5 Royal Palaces in India

Most Famous Palaces in India

India is country with one of the oldest history and culture. Tourists across the world are keen to discover the same and visit the oldest forts, monuments, palaces, temples and unique natural  gifts. We are analyzing herein below some of the most visited palaces and the largest Emperors Houses in India.  

 1.     Mysore Palace (Amba Palace) - Mysore, Karnataka

This is the most famous travel destination after Taj Mahal and is 140 kms from Bangaloru. Mysore palace was the home to Wodeyar Maharajas who ruled city for 500 years. Mysore Palace is priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom. The palace is now converted into a museum that treasures souvenirs, paintings, jewelry, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyar's. It's a Kaleidoscope of stained glass & mirrors. The tastefully decorated and intricately carved doors open into luxuriously decorated rooms.  The palace was designed by Henry Irwin a English Architect. the Palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. 

Where – Palace is situated in Mysore, Karnataka a state in South India

Things to keep in Mind

o   Opening Time                         -           10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

o   Children between                  -           10 - 18 Years : Rs. 20/-

o   Children below 10 years     -           Free Entrance

o   Foreign Tourist                       -           Rs. 200/- (Audio Kit Facility Included)

Best time to visit

Mysore Dassurah Festival (on this day Palace is illuminated with 97000 night bulbs) October to March or any time you can visit.

What to see - Gombe Thotti (Doll’s Pavilion) The Kalyana Mantap, The Diwan-e-aam, An armory and 12 Hindu Temples

Official site- http://www.mysoredasara.gov.in/ , www.mysorepalace.gov.in

2. City Palace, Jaipur - Jaipur, Rajasthan

This is another famous and oldest Palace situated in Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan. This palace was built by King Sawai Jaisingh in 1732 and later  rebuilt by his dynasty emperors. 

The history of the city palace is closely linked with the history of Jaipur city and its rulers, starting with Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who ruled from 1699-1744.

The City Palace is in the central-northeast part of the Jaipur city, which is laid in a grid pattern with wide avenues. It is a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples

Where – Jaipur, Rajasthan in North West India,

Things to keep in Mind

o   Timings                      - 9:30 to 17:00. (All 7 days a week)

o   Entry fee                    - foreigners Rs. 300/- each (including still camera)  Indians Adult Rs. 75/- each.

Best time to visit    - any time in a year

What to see - Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Pitam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam, Maharani palace, Bhaggi Khana, Govind Dev Ji temple Chandra Mahal Sukh Niwas, Chhavi Niwas, Shobha Niwas, Sri Niwas, Mukut Mandir

Official site- http://www.msmsmuseum.com/

3. THE LAKSHMI VILAS PALACE : Vadodara, Gujarat

 This is the largest Palace in World spread over 700 acre (2.8 km). It was built by  SayajiRao Gaekward III in 1890 and is reputed for its largest private dwelling built till date which is four times the size of Buckingham Palace

.

Where                                   – Vadodara, Gujarat

Best time to visit              - any time of the year, prefer between oct. To feb 

Things to keep in Mind

o   Timings                 -9.30 am to 5.00 pm, (Lunch time 1 pm to 1.30pm) Tuesday to Sunday

o   Entry fee               -Rs. 150/- (per person)

What to see             -Darbar Hall, Fateh Singh Museum, Motibaug Palace, Golf Course

Official site               - http://www.gaekwadsofbaroda.com/

4. Chowmahalla Palace- Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Chowmahalla Palace is located in Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, and Joint Capital city of Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. ThisPalace was  the home of Nizams and was built in 1880.  King Asaf Jahi Ruled from this Palace

The prestigious UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit award for cultural heritage conservation was presented to Chowmahalla Palace on March 15, 2010.

Where           – Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh,India

Best time to visit-

Things to keep in Mind

o   Timings                                  -       10am -5pm

o   Closed                                     -       Friday, National Holidays

o   Entry Fee s                            -       Indian Visitor - Rs. 40 and International Visitor - Rs. 150 

o   Camera                                   -      Rs.50/- Video Camera: Rs.100/-

What to see -: Sparkling fountains, lush gardens, Southern Courtyard, Northern Courtyard, The Clock Tower, The Council Hall, Durbar Hall

Official site- http://chowmahalla.com/

5. Umaid Bhawan Palace- Jodhpur, Rajasthan 

This is the world largest Palace cum private residence. Earlier it was known as Chittar Palace, situated on Chittar Hill which is highest point in the city. King Umaid Singh got it constructed in 1929. At present the Palace is divided into three parts first residence of the Royal Family, second Museum and third part is occupied by Taj Hotel.

Where                                               - Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Best time to visit                             - any time in year

What to see                          - Mehrangarh, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada,Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Government Museum.

Things to keep in Mind

Timings                           -           9 am -8 pm

Official site- http://www.umaidbhawan.com/jodhpur,  http://tajhotels.com/

Some other famous Palaces in India

These were top 5 palaces and apart from these, below Palace are also quite famous:

1. Falaknuma Palace - royal residence, Hyderabad
2. Gohar Mahal - former royal residence, Bhopal
3. Grand Palace, Srinagar - former royal residence, today hotel, Srinagar
4. Hazarduari Palace - former royal residence, Murshidabad
5. Hill Palace, Tripunithura, Cochin - former Royal Residence of Maharaja of Cochin, now one of the largest archaeological museums in India
6.  Jhargram Palace - royal residence & heritage hotel, Jhargram
7. Khasbagh Palace - Palace of the Maharaja of Rampur
8. King Kothi Palace - Palace of VII Nizam, Osman Ali Khan
9. Lalgarh Palace - former royal residence, today hotel, Bikaner
10. Shaukat Mahal - former royal residence, Bhopal

  

Golden Triangle Tour Packages

Golden Triangle: an introduction

   Golden triangle is most popular tour in North West India. This is a famous and top travel destination among foreign tourists which includes  Delhi,the capital city of India, Agra famous for Taj Mahal and Jaipur capital city of Rajasthan, known for its palaces and desert area. Total distance between these three cities by triangular tour is about 1000 kilometers. This journey takes 7 to 8 days maximum and minimum 4 days from Delhi. This tour gives you a closer look of Indian culture and its history.

Why Golden Triangle?

   Because all three locations Delhi, Agra and Jaipur make a triangular shape of journey on India’s map, that’s why it’s called triangle tour in tourism communication. Numerous people visit these places every year and are popular destination among tourists. If you are planning to go on a tour in India this is the best tour circuit which will be a memorable journey in your life. This tour will include several historical, natural and cultural travel spots and new experience of seeing them together.

Places to see in Golden Triangle Tour:

1. Delhi- You will see  famous places such as- Chadni Chowk, India gate, President’s Palace, Raj Ghat (the cremation site of the father of nation – Mahatma Gandhi), Laxmi Narayan temple, Bangla Sahib – Sikh temple and Qutab Minar .
2. Agra- after reaching Agra, these places will be in your mind- Taj Mahal, Itmad Ud Daulah, Fatehpur Sikri, Memtabh Bagh
3. Jaipur- Jantar Mantar, Amer fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal the palace of  winds, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort will remain in your thoughts even after finishing the journey. 

How to reach

    Being a renowned tour operator since 1992 we would recommend you to book this package with a Recognized tour operator. After getting details of this package by a tour expert, you can start your happy journey. Tour operators provide all things like accommodation, food, tourist guide and good vehicle. You can chose from below your mode of journey:

1. Road -: You can start your journey by road from Delhi. Tour operator will provide you these facilities. Start your journey from your hotel using car. After visiting different famous places in Delhi you can move to Agra by  Yamuna Expressway and it will take 3 hours to reach safely. After visiting  Agra, move to Jaipur by road and back to Delhi by Jaipur- Delhi road.                                                        
2. Air-: The best thing of all these three cities is they are well connected with  airports. If you want to use flights then you can use Air India (airindia.com) and Jet Airways (jetairways.com) which fly daily from Delhi.                                 
3. Train-: There are several trains which connects all three cities. We recommend you Shatabdi express from Delhi to Agra and then Agra to Jaipur and you can come back to Delhi.  You can book your ticket using Indian railways website which provides online booking facility www.irctc.com .

How long it is ideal:

   This depends on a package you planned with tour operator. This  journey takes 3 to 4 days but if you want to see places extensively, then it may take 8 days and more. Tourists sometimes expand their tour adding some more places in their journey such as  Varanasi or Khajuraho. You  can summarize this journey in 8 nights and 9 days.

Food and Accommodation:

   There are several luxurious hotels available in these cities. And if you have selected a tour packages by reputed tour operator then you need not to worry about accommodation. They will recommend you best hotels in your budget.

Cost:

 The cost of the tour depends on various things such as duration, accommodation and tour spots you want to visit.

   Normally different tour operating companies and agencies charge in different way but overall we can analyze it costs  INR 45000 (USD 490) per person on wards. That also depends on hotels and transportation you have chosen. 

  "We wish you a happy and safe journey"- Minar Travels India Pvt. Ltd.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in New York City

New York, the largest city in the U.S., is an architectural marvel with plenty of historic monuments, magnificent buildings and countless dazzling skyscrapers. There are many tourist destinations which attracts millions of people across the world. Times Square, Central Park, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Fifth Avenue, Wall Street, Flatiron Building, United Nations Headquarters,  Chrysler Building,  Grand Central Terminal,  Rockefeller Center,  St. Patrick's Cathedral,  9/11 Memorial, World Trade Center. We have selected top 10 destinations for you

1 Statue of Liberty and Battery Park

This is the world’s largest statue which was built in 1886. This was a gift to the United States from France. It is a famous world symbol of freedom and one of the greatest American icons.

It is the world's largest statue and stands just less than 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighs approximately 450,000 pounds.

Its base is an 11-pointed star measuring 150 feet [45 m] across, made of granite faced concrete;

It was dedicated by U.S. President Grover Cleveland and became a national monument in 1924.

"Liberty Enlightening the World" was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States to commemorate the 100th anniversary of American Independence.

In 1984, the statue was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the world famous tour designation and approximately 4 Million people visit the statue each year

It is located on Liberty Island and a short boat ride is required to get to the statue. To see the statue from shore, Battery Park sits on the southern tip of Manhattan and affords great views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

From here visitors can catch the ferry to the statue and Ellis Island.

2. Central Park

Central Park is beautiful place in New York and can be called a playground of New Yorker’s not a concrete jungle. It was first public landscaped park in all of the United States. The park’s main entrance, the Grand Army Plaza (which has a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln, memorial arch, columns, two pavilions, and nine-foot tall eagles) was created to commemorate the Union victory in the Civil War.

The Park is spread over 843 acres of land and has many attractions within its borders.

There are more than 30,000 trees in Prospect Park and the oldest is 300 years old (Fallen Black Oak on Elephant Hill)

The park includes several lakes, theaters, ice rinks, fountains, tennis courts, baseball fields, many playgrounds and other facilities.

It is also home to the Central Park Zoo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Especially during the weekends, when cars are not allowed into the park, Central Park is a welcome oasis in this hectic city.

Some of the places of note within this green space that visitors will probably be familiar with are Strawberry Fields, the Central Park Zoo, and the Lake, which is used for skating in winter, and paddling in summer.

3. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or "The Met" as it is commonly known, was founded in 1870.

The present Central Park location became the home of the Met in 1880 and began expanding by 1888. The original structure is now completely surrounded by expansions. The latest architectural plan, designed to make the museum more accessible, was initiated in 1971 and completed in 1991.

The museum started with a collection of 174 European paintings but is now home to more than 2,000 European paintings (12 to 19th centuries). It includes American decorative arts, arms and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, and photographs, along with much more. The Cloisters in northern Manhattan is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art which focuses on the art and architecture of medieval Europe.

4. Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is well known as an unrivaled shopping street in New York. Almost any upscale retailer has a prestigious store located at this street. Along Central Park Fifth Avenue becomes a more residential street with a large number of interesting museums.

it has long had a reputation as New York's premier shopping area. Many famous designers have their stores at here. Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the famous Apple Store Fifth Avenue, and of course Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as many others line the posh avenue. Even none shoppers can enjoy a walk along Fifth Avenue.

5. Brooklyn Bridge

The world’s first steel constructed bridge was Brooklyn Bridge which was completed in 1883, The New York Bridge or Brooklyn Bridge and as the East River Bridge was opened for use on May 24, 1883. The bridge's cost when it was built was $15.1 million It spans the East River from Manhattan.

The bridge is an American landmark that has inspired generations of poets, songwriters and painters.

Engineer John Roebling conceived of the bridge in 1855 and worked out every detail from its two granite towers to its four suspended steel cables.

About 78,000 vehicles cross the nearby Manhattan Bridge every weekday. By comparison, averages of 144,000 vehicles cross the Brooklyn Bridge each weekday

6. Times Square

Formerly Long acre Square, Times Square was named in 1904 after the New York Times tower. The newspaper first posted current headlines along its famous moving sign, the world's first, in 1928. Long the heart of the Theater District, Times Square fell into decay during the Depression when many theaters shut down. The city cleaned up the area by inviting corporations such as Disney to move into the area. Today, Times Square has become a much safer place, day and night, with shopping, theaters and restaurants galore, not to mention its mammoth billboards.

The location has been used in numerous films, including Vanilla Sky when it is depicted as eerily quiet, and a post-apocalyptic version in I Am Legend. It is famous for its electric, neon and illuminated signs including Coca-Cola, Toshiba and the curved NASDAQ sign. In February this year, Times Square became smoke free.

7. Wall Street

Wall Street was originally called "de Waal Straat", named by the Dutch when New York was a Dutch Settlement known as New Amsterdam. It is believed that it was named Wall Street because of a wall built by the Dutch to protect the area from the British.

Stretching for 8 city blocks from Broadway to South Street is the world famous Wall Street. This street and the surrounding area are home to some of the most important exchanges in the world including the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ, and the New York Mercantile Exchange.

 Also located nearby are the impressive Trinity Church and the Federal Reserve.

Wall Street and its surrounding financial district make New York the second in a list of the world's financial centers according to the Global Financial Centers Index.

Wall Street is a popular tourist attraction and it is common to see a large number of tourists walking around craning their necks looking up at the impressive skyscrapers

8. South Street Seaport

 The South Street Seaport was New York's port during the 19th century. Today, after restoration and development, the seaport is brimming with stores, restaurants, historic buildings and museums, the Fulton Fish Market, and views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River.

Historic ships dock alongside the piers and a nineteenth-century paddle wheeler offers harbor cruises. This National Register Historic District lies between the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, Fletcher Alley, Pearl, and South Streets.

9. St Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of New York's finest examples of Gothic Revival, with its massive bronze doors (weighing 20,000 lb each), white marble facade, 330 ft spires, the Great Organ, rose window, bronze baldachin, 2,400 seating capacity, and the statue of Pieta at the side of the Lady Chapel. With more than 5.5 million visitors annually, the cathedral is a major destination for believers and tourists alike. The building was erected in 1879 and has been carefully restored and maintained throughout its existence.

10. Empire State Building

More than any other building in the world, the Empire State Building embodies the ambition of humans to build towers that reach for the skies. The skyscraper is probably New York's best known building and can be seen on many postcards.

The Empire State Building also features in many films, most notably the classic film 'King Kong' from 1933. Even today, though the building has been stripped from its title of the world's tallest building, it is a symbol of New York itself, visited by more than three million people each year

Wild Life in Goa

Goa is divided into north and south Goa. while north is more popular for activities, adventures, pilgrimage and south Goa is famous for serene beaches 

Wildlife Sanctuaries in South Goa:

South Goa is also famous for its wildlife hub that includes various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Near to the Karnataka border, this wildlife sanctuary serves as a home to a variety of a treasure trove of luxuriant flora and varied fauna. This is biggest security in Goa which is spreading over 240 sq. KM, surrounded by thick forests and different types of trees.

It’s a place for several animals like Gaur, Sambar, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Slender Toris, and Jungle cats, Giant Squirrels, Pythons and Cobras.

You can see different birds and insects besides these animals. These birds can also be heard and seen all over the place.

Keep in Mind

• The park is open from 8 am till 5 pm
• Charge Rs 20 for adults and Rs 5 per child.
• Vehicle entry charges and camera fee are Rs 40 (two wheeler), 120(cars) and Rs 30(still camera) and Rs 150(video camera)
• Closest City: Margao, 54 kms
• Closest Airport: Dabolim, 80 kms
• Closest Station: Collem 6 kms

What to See?

Dudhsagar Falls, Devil's Canyon, Lord Mahadev's Temple (Tambdi Surla Temple), Bird Watching

2. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Canacona Taluka, South Goa district, of Goa, India. It covers an area of over 105 sq km There is an Eco-tourism complex at the entrance of the sanctuary that houses a nature interpretation center, cottages, toilets, library, reception area, rescue center, canteen, children's park, and forest ranger office.

Having tall trees, the forest supports moist deciduous trees, semi-evergreen trees, and evergreen trees. A special feature of the sanctuary is a treetop watchtower positioned 25 meters above a watering hole where animals go to drink.

Animals - the flying squirrel, slender Loris, Indian pangolin, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, Malabar pit viper, hump-nosed pit viper, white-bellied woodpecker, Malabar trogon, velvet-fronted nuthatch, heart-spotted woodpecker, speckled piculet, Malayan bittern, Draco or flying lizard, golden-back glides snake, and Malabar tree toad.

What to See

Animals, tigers (May be or not), Some 200 species, Indian Pied Horn-bill, Larger Golden Backed Woodpecker and the Great Indian Woodpecker.

 

Keep in Mind

• Visit 7:00 to 5:30 pm.
• Admission ticket 5 INR, 25 INR for a camera.
• Closest City: Margao, 46 kms
• Closest Airport: Dabolim, 75 kms
• Closest Station: Canacona, 12 kms

Wildlife Attractions in North Goa:

The area encompassing North Goa has many wildlife resorts that tourists should not miss visiting.

3. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary - This is the smallest sanctuary in Goa spreading in 8 SQR KMS area which is 50 km away from Panji the Capital city of Goa state. In other words we can say this is a jungle resort and a major attraction for school goers and natural sight lovers.

Bondla forest is also famous for the varied species of animals such as the Sambhar and Wild Boar. Besides, it is famous for bird watching similar to its counterparts in Cotigao and Chorao and the elephant rides provide the much-needed entertainment in this secluded place.

 Elephant safari is an added attraction. Cottages are also available and provide good accommodation.

Places to see:-

Zoological Park, Deer Safari Park, Formal Gardens, Botanic Gardens, Nature Education Centre , Birds, Wild Animals, Nature Trails.

THE RAJASTHAN: TOURISM

Rajasthan, the biggest state in west India, is among the most traveled to tourist destinations in India. The state possesses chronicled outposts, majestic palaces, magnificent monuments, attractive lagoons and flower beds. 

Rajasthan - the place is renowned as a generous state whose states have been ruled by diverse Maharaja's and monarchs. The historical monuments depict the article of the regal era.

The Rajasthan Packages supply the tourists an opening to know-how the camel safaris, wildlife safaris, the local markets, lip-smacking authentic Rajasthan cuisines and delicacies for which Rajasthan is renowned for.

Rajasthan wonderfully has a loaded wildlife and is the house of a number of mammals and birds. The state is also recognized for its plants, fauna, wild sanctuaries and Parks. Rajasthan offers half green forests of Mount Abu, and as of the arid deciduous spike forest of Aravali. Rajasthan prides on three national parks and over a dozen of sanctuaries.

For those seem for venture, these wildlife sanctuaries of Rajasthan give the type of thrill that actually makes the adrenaline flood.

The Ranthambhor National Park positioned at the close to the external border of the Thar Desert and bounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges. It is mainly well recognized tiger keep under Project Tiger. Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary a quite new sanctuary, it was establishing in 1983 and wrap a total area of 229 sq km of scrub and arid deciduous forest.

The Desert National Park is positioned at a distance of 40kms, from Jaisalmer. The park is crowded with wildlife and a few of the local species take in chinkara.

The Gajner wildlife Sanctuary is positioned at a space of 32 kms. From the city of Bikaner. There is a shining pond in the sanctuary and in the scorching.

The Jaisamand Sanctuary is famed for deer, wild boar, panther, four horned antelope, chital, chinkara and numerous avian species. It is sanctuary was establish in the year 1957 by an part of 160 sq.kms.

The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is located at just 7 kms absent from the city of Bharatpur. Sariska National Park was confirmed in 1955. The park is increase over an part of 479 sq. Kms .

Rajasthan has four famed Wildlife Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries that is, the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Desert National Park. The most hold for all the wildlife lovers call Rajasthan is a variety of safaris they can decide to take pleasure in of wildlife of the state. Don't be amazed if you approach face to face with a tiger or other wild animals.

Other wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan are:-

o   Sitamata

o   Darrah

o   Chambal

o   Tal Chapper

o   Jamwa Ramgarh

o   Kaila Devi

o   Van Vihar

o   Ramgarh

o   Shergarh

o   Todgarh-Rad

o   Jawahar Sagar.