Golden Triangle Destinations of India

India, sobriquet as a land of “unity in diversity” is one of the famous tourist destination of South-east Asia. This ancient land of Raja-Rajwadas is an unique land, bedecked with endless arrays of natural and artificial treasures of tourism significance.

Every region of this ancient land possesses some diverse topographical features as well as vibrant cultures of various communities. One of such region of our country is Golden Triangle Circuit. As the name reflects, this circuit is a triangle comprising three of the most celebrated destinations of India such as Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. All these three destinations are famous for their royal touch and possesses several interesting tales of their development.

Lets talk about Delhi. Famous as a 'melting pot' of various culture, Delhi is the national capital of our country. From time immemorial, this new emerging cosmopolitan city of world was the power seat of various chivalrous rulers. Since from the time of Mahabharta to Mughals to Britishers and till date, Delhi is serving as capital of India or Hindustan. This erstwhile royal city is dotted with numerous architectural masterpieces of bygone era such as Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Old Fort, Humayun's tomb , India Gate, Parliament House and so on. Some of these edifices are counted among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Apart from these, Delhi also has some sparkling spots which showcases its recent makeover such as glamorous shopping malls, multiplexes, discotheques, amusement parks etc.

Unlike Delhi's charm, Agra is a crowded and dusty town of Uttar pradesh. This city too has a strong Mughal touch and exhibits some of the finest monuments of Mughal architectural zenith. For instance, Taj Mahal, the epitome of eternal love, the formidable Agra Fort, Sikandara, the last resting place of Emperor Akbar, Chini ka Rauza, etc. Apart from its monuments, Agra is also famous for its sweet delicacy like Agra Ka Petha and friendly nature of the residents. While your trip to Agra, don't miss out to explore Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted city built of red sand stone. This ancient Mughal city was constructed by Emperor Akbar and houses the dargah of Sufi saint Salim Chisti, Joda bhai's palace, Bulud Darwaza, Jama Masjid,Birbal's house etc.

Last, but not the least, Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan is another golden triangle destination of India. Heralded as “Pink city of our country', Jaipur was the royal capital of Kachchawa clan of Rajputana dynasty. This city of the state boast numerous palaceas and forts of Hindu and Mughal artistic designs. City palace complex, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar are the striking landmarks of the city. Apart from sight seeing , Jaipur also offers camel safari, a sojourn at Chokhi dhani to its guests.

So, if you are planning to visit India during the upcoming Common Wealth Games, 2010 or any other time than don't miss to explore these fantastic destinations of golden triangle circuit.

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Taj Mahotsav 2010

Festival Time: 18th-27^th February, 2010

Venue: Shilpgram (500 meters from Taj Mahal), Agra

Significance: Cultural Craft Fair

Entry Ticket: Available on Entry Gate

Come Spring Season and the Taj City of India announces the festival of art, craft, culture and cuisine, all together. Introduced way back in 1992, Taj Mahotsav is one of its kind in the festival catalog of the country. The 10-day cultural event is organized by the Tourism Department of Uttar Pradesh. It welcomes artisans from different parts of the world and offers them a platform to display their talent before the countless visitors.

Cultural Extravaganza

Taj Mahotsav acts as a brilliant way to exhibit the color of Indian culture. Folk lore, classical dances and local music bands cast magic spell and captivate the mind of tourist visiting Agra. Poetry competitions, Nautanki and special dances programmes performed by the folks of Rajasthan, Maharashtra etc also add flavor to the festival spirit.

Scheduled Programmes during Taj Mahotsava 2010

Seven Sates Folk Dances : 18/02/2010

Punjabi Night : 19/02/2010

Ghazal Night : 20/02/2010

Sriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra : 21/02/2010

Folk Night : 22/02/2010

Dance Night : 23/02/2010

Classical Night : 24/02/2010

Qawaali : 25/02/2010

Melodious Night : 26/02/2010

Star Night : 27/02/2010

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Feel The Exotic Thrill In Delhi's Chill

Serene evenings of November, heavy rush in coffee or tea shops, alluring smell of roasted peanuts, corns and sweet potatoes marks the onset of a completely different season in the capital city of India. The season of dense fog mornings and shivering nights. Yes, its the winters in Delhi.

Alike other seasons, winter in Delhi is also very unique. Its the only season in the capital when large number of flights and trains get rescheduled. But, still Delhi'ites love the season a lot.

Despite the cold breeze and long traffic jams, people of this lovely city loves to hangout with friends and families. Even large number of foreign tourists likes to explore Delhi during winters as it enables them to get rid of the scorching sun rays of summer season. During winter evenings, India Gate,one of the perfect exemplar of British rule in India became the melting pot of people of various communities.

 Located in Lutyen's Delhi, India Gate chock-a-blocks with fun loving visitors. Every year on the occasion of New year i.e on 1st January, people from various corners of the city comes here to enjoy the cold weather while sipping a cup of hot tea. Some people even engage themselves in photograph clicking near India Gate and Amar Jyoti Jawan.
Another ideal way to laze out in a winter season is by involving oneself in boating. A fabulous boat ride on the shimmering waters of lake behind Purana Quilla will offer you to grasp the bright sun rays, beholding the beauty of Purana Quilla. Even you can hire a tonga and roam around the historical monuments of the city.

Winters also make it a nice time to visit the Mughal garden and Zoological Park in the city. Every year from 14th February to 28th February, Mughal Garden in Rashtrapati Bhawan remained open for the flower lovers. Its that time of the year when numerous colorful rose species, along with other exotic flowers blooms in the garden.

Some other common sights of Delhi's winter includes evening get-togethers, glamorous weddings, long queue in front of Omellete wallas, crowded shops of Sarojini or Lajput Nagar. So, don't restrict yourself under heavy blankets, come out and enjoy the chilling waves of Delhi's winter.

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