Incredible India | All Destinations

Porbandar

Porbandar is a coastal city in the state of Gujarat, best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The coastal city is also believed to be the birthplace of Sudama, Lord Krishna’s friend and devotee.The city had been a prosperous trading center for centuries, conducting much commerce with Arabian and Persian Gulf countries, as well as East Africa, under the Mughals, the Marathas and the British. The ancient jetties and ports around the coast are evidence that it was a hub of maritime activities.

Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar lies about 32 km North of Ahmedabad near the West banks of the Sabarmati River. A planned city, Gandhinagar is the state capital with wide streets and residential sectors with schools, shopping areas, playgrounds and parks. The capital complex and government offices including the Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), the Secretariat (Sachivalaya) and government offices are located in the centre. In recent years, Gandhinagar has grown into an educational hub with several prestigious institutions located here.

Chennai

Called the ‘Cultural Capital of India’ for its deep-rooted traditions and age-old heritage, Chennai also has a young heart. It has grown into a charming city within a span of just over 350 years. Gaining recognition when, in 1639, Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, agents of the English East India Company, acquired a strip of land, called Chennapatnam on lease from the Vijayanagar King. Fort St. George that serves as the Government Secretariat today, was built to set up a factory serving as a nucleus for British settlements. The city was known as Madras till 1996 and later renamed as Chennai. Today this buoyant metropolis is a blend of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. Spread over 200 sq km with the Bay of Bengal on the east, the city is the gateway to the rest of South India.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, was named after Sultan Ahmed Shah, who founded the city in 1411. It is one of the major cities of Gujarat. It served as the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970. Ahmedabad has a strong association with India’s struggle for independence. Mahatma Gandhi lived in Ahmedabad for several years and it was from here that he started the Dandi March, also known as the Salt March, an act of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience against British rule in India.Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, the city of Ahmedabad built its fortune on the thriving textile industry, which earned it the nickname ‘Manchester of the East’. Notwithstanding its attraction as a business destination, Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat remains steeped in history and has a wealth of historical attractions.

Kausani

Located 53 km. to the north of Almora, Kausani is a picturesque hill station famous for its scenic splendor and its spectacular view of the Himalayas. Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchachuli are the three peaks which make for a distinct view from Kausani. Previously known as Valna, this place is blessed with many attractions and a sight of sunset so captivating, that it is sure to leave you completely enchanted. A perfect getaway for honeymooners, nature lovers and vacation makers, this beautiful place offers a picture perfect view of snow clad peaks stretched across 350 kms. In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi stayed here at the Anasakti Ashram and titled Kausani as 'Switzerland of India'.

Mumbai

Mumbai is in all ways a mega-city driven by power, wealth, glamour and fame. It is also a city with strong historical links, wonderful British architecture, museums, beaches, places of worship, and above all, a true galaxy of stars where Bollywood reigns supreme. The seven islands that came to constitute Mumbai were earlier home to communities of fishing colonies. For centuries, the islands were under the control of successive indigenous empires before being ceded to the Portuguese and subsequently to the British East India Company. During the mid-18th century, Bombay was reshaped with the construction of major roads and railways, the reclamation project transformed Bombay into a major seaport on the Arabian Sea. Upon India’s independence in 1947 the city was incorporated into Bombay State. In 1960, following the Sanyukta Maharashtra movement, a new state of Maharashtra was created with Bombay as the capital. The city was renamed Mumbai in 1996. And in this short period of development, the city has transformed into the commercial and entertainment capital of India.

Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India and one of the oldest cities of the world, is unlike any other city on the planet. It’s a place that not only touches your pulse but even fastens it to a frenetic speed.With a history that goes back many centuries & empires, Delhi showcases an ancient culture and a rapidly modernising country. From the labyrinth of narrow lanes, old havelis and colourful bazaars of Old Delhi to the best features of a modern city such as a metro system, gleaming malls, bustling markets and fabulous eating places; the past and the present mix seamlessly together in Delhi. Centuries-old monuments are a part of the city’s daily life. An array of historical sites including the World Heritage Sites of Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar rest amongst several historical treasures in Delhi’s possession. Add to this the presence of diverse cultures, sprawling greenery, rich architecture and a famed cuisine, and Delhi becomes one of the undisputed highlights of the country.

Kolkata

Kolkata, or Calcutta as it was formerly called, is the present capital of the eastern state of West Bengal and one of the most densely populated cities in India. Kolkata became a British trading post in the last part of the 17th Century. The city that once served as the showpiece capital of the British power in India is noted for its colonial buildings including the grand Victoria Memorial. Other important sights include the Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel that links the city and Howrah Station, and the Indian Museum. Gateway to eastern India and home to prominent intellectuals, the city is known for its easy pace and intellectual prowess.

Darjeeling

Lying amidst the slopes of the Lesser Himalayas and blanketed by emerald green plantations of tea, Darjeeling is a picturesque town in the Indian state of West Bengal. The majestic Kanchenjunga (also known as Kangchenjunga) towers over this beautiful town, which is the third highest mountain in the world. Popularly known as the ' Queen of the Hills' ,Darjeeling is a favoured tourist destination, noted for its scenic beauty, ancient forests, quaint houses , friendly peopleand the mountain panorama that it provides.

Madurai

The oldest city existing in the Indian peninsula and one of the continuously inhabited cities in the world, Madurai is richly steeped in cultural heritage. It is called as Thoonga Nagaram that means a ‘city that never sleeps’. The city, earlier known as Madhurapuri, grew around a huge temple built by Pandian King Kulasekhara 2,500 years ago. Madurai became famous during the Sangam period through the third and last conglomeration of Tamil scholars, which existed for more than 100 years. Historically it is also called as the Athens of the East. Megasthanes visited Madurai as early as 3rd BC. Later Romans and Greeks started visiting this erstwhile Pandya Kingdom and there were serious trade connections between them that flourished till the 10th century. The city was the magnificent capital of Pandya kings and visited by travellers such as Pliny (77 AD), Ptolemy (140 AD), Marco Polo (1203 AD) and IbuBatuta (1333 AD). Today, Madurai is synonymous with the awe-inspiring Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple.The oldest city existing in the Indian peninsula and one of the continuously inhabited cities in the world, Madurai is richly steeped in cultural heritage. It is called as Thoonga Nagaram that means a ‘city that never sleeps’. The city, earlier known as Madhurapuri, grew around a huge temple built by Pandian King Kulasekhara 2,500 years ago. Madurai became famous during the Sangam period through the third and last conglomeration of Tamil scholars, which existed for more than 100 years. Historically it is also called as the Athens of the East. Megasthanes visited Madurai as early as 3rd BC. Later Romans and Greeks started visiting this erstwhile Pandya Kingdom and there were serious trade connections between them that flourished till the 10th century. The city was the magnificent capital of Pandya kings and visited by travellers such as Pliny (77 AD), Ptolemy (140 AD), Marco Polo (1203 AD) and IbuBatuta (1333 AD). Today, Madurai is synonymous with the awe-inspiring Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple.

Pune

Home to some prestigious universities educational and research institutes, Pune, aptly dubbed 'The Oxford of the East', has more than a rarefied academic and cultural air to it. Once the bastion of the Maratha power, today, the city is one of the fastest growing metros in India and is a major hub for the automotive, information technology and engineering industries, besides being a seat for quality education. The city also boasts of beautiful architecture, museums and a wide array of restaurants, cafes and entertainment. Pune has also earned the sobriquet of the 'Queen of Deccan' for its scenic beauty due to the idyllic setting of the city on the Sahyadri Mountain Range. This second largest city in Maharashtra is also a travel destination for its religious places.

Shimla

One of the most stunning hill resorts, Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in northern India. Situated at an altitude of 2,205 meters, it used to be the summer capital of British India with a well-planned architecture. The town is famous for pleasant walking experiences on hillsides surrounded by pine and oak forests. This capital city of Himachal Pradesh is famous for The Mall, ridge, and toy train. With colonial style buildings, the town has relics of ancient past that lend it a distinct look. Along a ridge of 12 km, its steep hillsides converge into all directions. The connecting road of the town, The Mall, bustles with locals and vacationers during morning and evening hours. South Shimla has a market cascading steeply down to the cart road. From mid-July to mid-September, it is covered with a snow blanket making it a muse for all nature lovers.

Patna

An ancient place, settled beautifully on the southern bank of river Ganga, Patna is the capital city of Bihar. It’s a perfect setting for history lovers and a guide to spiritual legacy. Culturally vibrant, it is an excellent starting point for visiting various Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centers. As old as 493 BC, the city has been a capital to the Magadha Empire, which guided it towards becoming a cultural and educational hub. Patna comes alive with its festivals; Chatth puja, Makar-sankranti and Holi, which are celebrated with great zeal. Tiny shops surround narrow streets, a flourishing trade center with prospects of a bright future. The city is sure to charm you.

Surat

Surat, situated on the banks of the Tapi river, used to be a large seaport and is now a center for diamond cutting and polishing and textiles.The city has a vibrant present and an equally varied heritage of the past. It is the city where the British first landed in India. The Dutch and the Portuguese also established their business centers in Surat, the remnants of which are still preserved in the modern day Surat. In past this was a glorious port with ships of more than 84 countries anchored in its harbour at any time. Surat is one of the cleanest cities of India and is also known by several other names like "The Silk City", "The Diamond City", "The Green City", etc.