Aopmc India Travel

The blue city of Jodhpur doesn’t have as many palace hotels as other cities in Rajasthan, but it does have the extraordinary Umaid Bhawan.

Umaid Bhawan Palace
A stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel is not likely to be forgotten in a hurry! This very grand and imposing Taj Group hotel, made out of yellow sandstone and located on a hill above the city, was completed in 1944 after 15 years in the making. It was one of the last great palaces to be built in India, and the royal family of Jodhpur still occupies a section of it.

If your budget doesn’t extend that far, the authentic Bal Samand Lake Palace is another luxury option.

Bal Samand Lake Palace
The red sandstone Bal Samand Lake Palace hotel is a quiet and peaceful place, located around 10 minutes from the city. It was built as a royal summer residence in typical ornate Rajput architectural style. The hotel’s expansive gardens and lake are soothing places to unwind.

Get more information about these Jodhpur palace hotels and compare rates at About.com’s booking partner, Kayak:

* Bal Samand Lake Palace
* Umaid Bhawan Palace

There are also a few smaller hotels in and around Jodhpur where you can have a regal stay. Some of the best are:

Ajit Bhawan
The Ajit Bhawan is a mansion that was built by Maharaja Ajit Singhji of Jodhpur. The hotel’s accommodations comprise a range of suites, luxury tents, and rooms. It’s a charming but not lavish mid-range place to stay, located a short distance from the city center. Visit Their Website

Fort Chanwa Luni
Not a palace but a fortress built around 100 years ago by Maharaja Dalip Singh, this tranquil hotel is located around 40 minutes from Jodhpur. Visit Their Website

Sardar Samand Palace
This hotel was originally a hunting lodge, built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933. It’s located in Pali, around one hour from Jodhpur. Visit Their Website

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If you’re a foreign tourist who’s planning on visiting the Taj Mahal, you might want to avoid the crowds and lines by buying your entry tickets in advance, from monuments elsewhere in India.

From November 16, 2009, entry tickets for the Taj Mahal will be available at other monuments across the country. It’s hoped that this initiative will help overcome the problems that foreign tourists often face in buying tickets at the Taj Mahal.

According to the press release, the entry tickets will cost 1,000 rupees ($25). This is comprised of 250 rupees of Entry Tax (Archeological Society of India) and 750 rupees Toll Tax (Agra Development Authority).

The 750 rupees Toll Tax is higher than the 500 rupees Toll Tax usually charged, and listed on the Archeological Society website, though. It’s unclear whether the price of tickets for the Taj Mahal has increased, or will only be more expensive if bought from other locations.

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The Taj Mahal looms fairytale-like from the banks of the Yamuna River. It’s India’s most recognized monument and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal has a rich history dating back to 1630 AD. It’s actually a tomb that contains the body of Mumtaz Mahal — the wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He had it built as an ode to his love for her. It’s made out of marble and took 22 years and 20 000 workers to complete. Words cannot do the Taj Mahal justice, its incredible detail simply has to be seen to be appreciated.
Taj Mahal Location:
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Delhi.
Getting to the Taj Mahal:

Agra is well connected by rail. The main railway station is Agra Cantt. High speed Shatabdi Express services operate from Delhi, Varanasi, and cities in Rajasthan. Alternatively you can fly from major Indian cities.

Trains from Delhi to Agra
Taj Mahal Opening Hours:
6 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Friday (when it’s closed for prayer). The Taj Mahal is also open for moonlight viewing from 8.30 p.m. until 12.30 a.m., two days before and after each full moon.
Taj Mahal Cost:
For foreigners, the entrance fee to the Taj Mahal consists of a 250 rupee Entry Tax (Archeological Society of India) and 500 rupees Toll Tax (Agra Development Authority). Indian nationals only pay is 20 rupees (50 cents). Children younger than 15 years are free. Night time tickets cost 750 rupees for foreigners and 500 rupees for Indian nationals, for half an hour’s admittance. These tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance from the Archaeological Survey of India office on Mall Road.
Taj Mahal Festivals:
The week long Taj Mahotsav takes place at Shilpgram in Agra, right near the Taj Mahal, from February 18-27 each year. The focus of this festival is on arts, crafts, Indian culture, and recreating the Mughal era. It gets underway with a spectacular procession that includes elephants, camels, and drummers. Elephant and camel rides are on offer, and there are also games for the kids, and a food festival. The venue has special significance, as it’s apparently located on the site where the artisans who built the Taj Mahal once lived.
Taj Mahal Travel Tips:
The Taj Mahal appears to gradually alter its color in the changing light of the day. It’s well worth the effort to get up early and spend sunrise there, as it majestically reveals itself. Be prepared to encounter plenty of beggars and touts at the entrance. If you don’t want to pay the costly admission fee or battle the crowds, you can get a great view of the Taj from across the river bank. Agra is a rather dirty and characterless city, so don’t spend more than a day there. The best time to visit is from November to February, otherwise it can be unbearably hot or rainy.

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One of the most unforgettable and enchanting experiences you can have in India is to ride through the rippling, windswept desert on camel back and camp out under the stars. Taking a camel safari will also give you the opportunity to witness the rustic, rural desert life of India. While the desert can be barren, it’s also surprisingly well populated.
Where Can You Go on a Camel Safari in India:
The most popular place for camel safaris in India is in the desert surrounding Jaisalmer, in Rajasthan. Great camel safaris can also be done around Bikaner, also in Rajasthan. Many companies will give you the option of choosing your route, so you can decide if you want to take the road less traveled, or the more touristy track. It’s also possible to go on a camel safari in the the alpine desert around Leh Ladakh, mainly in the Nubra Valley from Hundar to Diskit. The camels on these trips are the double hump Bactrian variety.
What Reputable Companies Operate Camel Safaris in India:
Be sure to take care when booking your camel safari as the business is very competitive and it’s definitely a case of you get what you pay for. Cheaper deals may seem appealing initially, but you’ll find that the quality of food, bedding, and other necessities is lower. Most hotels in Jaisalmer will organize safaris but it’s better to go with specialist agencies such as Ganesh Travels (just inside the Fort, Ph: 250138. Email: ganeshtravel45@hotmail.com) and Sahara Travels (next to the Fort gate, Ph: 252609), which are both well regarded. Shahi Palace is also good. In Bikaner, Vino Desert Safari is highly recommended.
How Many Days Do Camel Safaris Go For:
It’s possible to go on a quick camel safari and return the same day. However, most people prefer to go deeper into the desert for up to four days. Many choose the two day/one night option. Longer seven, 14, or 21 day options are also available for hardcore enthusiasts! You can get an itinerary tailored to meet your needs.

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Nearly five thousand years back flourished India’s first major civilisation along the Indus River valley. The twin cities of Mohenjodaro and Harappa now in Pakistan were ruled by priests and held the rudiments of Hinduism. These civilisations are known to possess a sophisticated lifestyle, a highly developed sense of aesthetics, an astonishing knowledge of town planning and an undecipherable script language. The Indus civilization at one point of time extended nearly a million square kilometres across the Indus river valley. It existed at the same time as the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Sumer but far outlasted them. Surviving for nearly a thousand years the Indus valley civilisation fell to tectonic upheavals in about 1700 BC, which caused a series of floods. The coming of the Aryans around 1500 BC, gave the final blow to the collapsing Indus Valley civilisation. At the dawn of Vedic ages the Aryans came in from the North and spread through large parts of India bringing with them their culture and religious beliefs. The Four Vedas or the important books of Hinduism were compiled in this period.
In 567 B.C. the founder of the Buddhist Religion Gautama Buddha was born. During this time lived Mahavira, who founded the Jain Religion. The Indian subcontinent is full of caves and monuments devoted to these religions and are worth a visit. Two hundred years later, in the 4th century B.C., Emperor Ashoka, one of the greatest King of Indian history, led the Mauryan Empire to take over almost all of what is now modern India. This great leader embraced Buddhism and built the group of monuments at Sanchi (a UNESCO world heritage site). The Ashoka pillar at Sarnath has been adopted by India as its national emblem and the Dharma Chakra on the Ashoka Pillar adorns the National Flag. They were followed by the Guptas in the north, while in the south part of India several different Hindu empires, the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Cheras spread and grew, trading with Europe and other parts of Asia till the end of the 1100s. Christianinty entered India at about the same time from Europe. Legend has it that St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in India in 52 A.D. Even earlier than that people of the Jewish religion arrived on India’s shores. In approximately the 7th century A.D. a group of Zoroastrians, or Parsees, landed in Gujarat and became a part of the large mix of religions in India today, each of which adds its important and distinctive flavour. In the 15th century Guru Nanak laid the foundation of the Sikh religion in Punjab.
In 1192, Mohammed of Ghori, a ruler from Afghanistan, came into India and captured several places in the north including Delhi. When he went home he left one of his generals in charge who became the first Sultan of Delhi. During this time Islam, was introduced into a major part of Northern India. It may be mentioned that even before that, just after the period of the prophet, Islam was brought to the western coast of India by Arab traders and flourished in what is now Kerala. The Dehli Sultanate gradually took control of more and more of North India over the next 200 years, till Timur, who was called “Timur the Lame” or “Tamberlane” came from Turkey in 1398 to attack India. He and his army stole all the valuables that they could carry and left again, and after that the Delhi Sultanate was never so strong again. Soon the Mughals, who were from Iran, came in and took control of the north. In the meantime south , in 1336, the Hindu Vijayanagar empire was set up and became very strong. The Europeans – Portuguese, French, Dutch, Danish and British – started arriving in the early 1600s. All of them held territories in India and made friends and enemies among India’s rulers as they got more and more involved, with the Indian politics, but it was the British who eventually controlled most of India and finally made it one of their colonies. India got its independence from Britain in 1947 after a long struggle led mostly by Mahatma Gandhi. In the process of becoming independent, India became, two countries instead of one. In the years since independence India has made huge progress and coped with great problems, and has developed its industry and its agriculture, and has maintained a system of government which makes it the largest democracy in the world.

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India’s desert state of Rajasthan isn’t only famous for its vast and barren Thar Desert. The region, known as Land of Kings, shows India at its bright and colorful best.

Home to the fearless Rajput warriors, Rajasthan is full of forts, palaces, and beautiful old havelis (mansions). What’s really appealing is that many of them have been converted into palace hotels that you can stay in.

Some of the most popular cities in Rajasthan are:

* Bikaner — renowned for the bizarre Karni Mata rat temple (thousands of huge rats reside there!), is also a less touristy option than Jaisalmer for desert camel safaris.

* Jaipur — the “pink city”, is a must visit for the best forts, palaces, and places to shop.

* Jodhpur — the “blue city”, with its blue painted buildings, looks stunning when viewed from the lookout in the imposing Meherangarh Fort.

* Jaisalmer — a fairytale sandstone city, with a living fort that rises up out of the desert, offers romance and camel safaris.

* Pushkar — is a hippie holy town that holds an amusing camel fair every year.

* Udaipur — the city of lakes and palaces, is another place that’s perfect for a romantic vacation.

For those that have some spare cash, a unique and sought after way of exploring Rajasthan is on a luxury tourist train such as the Palace on Wheels, which goes on a week long tour to the most important attractions.

Rajasthan can also be viewed from a peaceful place in the sky, by taking a hot air balloon flight above Jaipur, Pushkar, or Ranthambore National Park.

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A highlight of any visit to India, and a unique way of experiencing the country’s fascinating heritage, is to stay in one of India’s majestic palace hotels.

These hotels were actually once home to India’s royalty, and in some cases still are, but have been converted into accommodations in recent years as a way of sustaining their existence. The necessity for this, and the rise and fall of India’s palaces, can be traced back through India’s ever evolving history.

Hundreds of years ago, India was a vastly divided country that consisted of an incredible 565 kingdoms. The richest and most grandiose of these were the Rajput kingdoms, located in what is now known as the desert state of Rajasthan. This is where India’s most opulent palace hotels can be found.

The British also contributed to extensively to the building of lavish residences, particularly in India’s hill settlements where they retreated during the summer months to escape the relentless heat.

After the British left and India achieved independence in 1947, all states merged into the Republic of India. Many of the British mansions were purchased by India’s royal families, who used them as summer palaces for themselves. Then, in 1971, the Constitution of India abolished the status of royalty in the India and all royal privileges were withdrawn.

Some palaces and mansions were retained by the once royal families, some sold off or leased to hotel chains, and others were assumed by the Indian government. However, the end result is that India now has some exquisite palace hotels where guests can stay and experience how royalty once lived.

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Udaipur could possibly be the most romantic city in India. It’s an enchanting place full of old mansions, beautiful gardens, intricate temples, and grand palaces overlooking expansive shimmering lakes.

The City Palace, which stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, leaves visitors spellbound. The way it’s been constructed is exquisite, with Rajput military architecture and Mughal style decorative techniques both combined together. For an added touch of romance, there are captivating views of the lake and city below from its many balconies, courtyards, and towers.
Where to Stay

Since Udaipur is a city of palaces, it’s only natural that you’d want to stay in one! Not only is this possible but there are many options on offer. You’ll find a wide range of authentic palace hotels in Udaipur to suit every taste and requirement.

If money isn’t a concern, the best choice for a romantic stay would have to be the Taj Lake Palace. Often referred to as one of the world’s most romantic hotels, it’s a magical 250 year old white marble and mosaic summer palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola. It seems to miraculously float on the lake, but is actually built on a natural foundation of four acres of rock. As if this doesn’t make the hotel special enough, the level of service there is quite like no other. With a 350 employees for 83 rooms, the staff-to-guest ratio is particularly high. Each room even has its own butler! A real treat is the royal spa boat, which will take you on a romantic escapade while you soak in the hot tub with a glass of fine wine or champagne.

Get more information and reviews about the Taj Lake Palace, and compare rates at About.com’s booking partner, Kayak: Taj Lake Palace

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1. Varkala

Sharell Cook

Stunningly picturesque Varkala beach lies around one hour north of Trivandrum in Kerala, and provides a relatively peaceful alternative to the now commercialized Kovalam. The setting of this beach is striking enough to take your breath away, with a long winding stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea.

2. Gokarna

www.flickr.com user ctrlw

Gokarna is a small and remote holy town in northern Karnataka, with four of India’s most secluded and pristine beaches nestled nearby. It draws both pious pilgrims and hedonistic holiday makers with equal enthusiasm. Go there to get a feel for what Goa was like in its heyday, although time is limited as developers are already seeing the potential of this area.

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3. Palolem

www.flickr.com user yogasanft

Picturesque Palolem Beach, enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms in far south Goa, is arguably the state’s most beautiful beach. This mile long, shady, semi-circle shaped beach continues to grow in popularity every year, and it’s become very lively with the diverse crowd that it attracts.

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4. Baga

Sharell Cook

For sure, Baga Beach in north Goa may be touristy and busy but for those who like action, it’s one of the most happening beaches on the coast. Water sports, para sailing, dolphin sightseeing trips, beach shacks, bars, clubs, and fine dining restaurants — you’ll find them all there!

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5. Marari

www.flickr.com user jynxzero

Little known Marari Beach, not far from Alleppey in Kerala, is perfect for those people exploring the Kerala backwaters who feel like some time at the beach as well. This beach is very quiet, clean, and unspoilt. A big drawcard there is the earth conscious Marari Beach Resort.

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6. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

www.flickr.com user cprogrammer

Want to enjoy the beach atmosphere but can’t get to the west coast of India? Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram as it’s otherwise called), around one hour south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, is the pick of the beaches on the east coast. The town is full of interesting rock sculptures and temples, including the windswept Shore Temple right on the water’s edge. There’s also a thriving backpacker scene.

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There are a number of things you should do before you travel to India, but where to start with it all? These steps and information will help you get your trip planned and organized in no time at all, and hopefully take some of the stress out of your preparations.
Decide Where You Want to Visit
Deciding where to visit in India is probably the one thing that causes people the most headaches and indecision. India is so vast and varied, it really is difficult to decide where to go, especially if you’ve got time constraints — which most people unfortunately do have! Therefore, a guidebook can be invaluable in helping plan your trip to India. A good guide book will provide you with information about each area, as well recommendations about what to see and do.

Book Trains and Flights
Many people prefer not to make advance reservations for transport in India as they don’t like to be constrained by set itineraries. However, the number of people traveling on Indian Railways has increased a great deal in recent times, as train travel is a cheaper alternative to expensive flights. Some trains can fill up months in advance on popular routes during holiday times, making early bookings a must. Advance reservations for flights aren’t as necessary as for trains, however many airlines do offer discounts for 14 or 21 day advance ticket purchases.

* Transport Options for Domestic Travel in India
* How to Make an Indian Railways Reservation
* Guide to Domestic Airlines in India

Book Accommodations
While it can be possible to get great deals on hotels by walking in and negotiating the rate in many places, it’s a good idea to book your accommodations in advance for major cities, particularly Delhi. International flights often arrive at night and it’s easy to feel disorientated in an unfamiliar place. Plenty of people prey on unsuspecting tourists by taking them to inferior quality hotels where they get paid a commission for doing so.

* Cheap & Clean Hotels in Paharganj Delhi
* Affordable Delhi Bed & Breakfasts
* Top New Delhi Luxury Hotels

Visit Your Doctor
As India is a developing nation, health is an important concern of travelers. You should visit your doctor well in advance of your trip to India to find out what precautions you need to take against certain illnesses. The medications and immunizations that are necessary will greatly depend on the regions you intend to visit (for example, some areas are particularly malaria prone, while others have very little risk of infection) and time of year (during and straight after the monsoon is the riskiest time for health problems).

* Common Health Concerns for Visitors to India
* Top Post Monsoon Health Concerns

Get Your Visa
All visitors need a visa for India, except citizens of neighboring Nepal and Bhutan. Your Indian visa must be obtained before arriving in India as there’s no provision for the issue of visas on arrival. Visitors staying in India for less than 72 hours can obtain a Transit Visa, otherwise an Indian Tourist Visa is necessary. The Indian Embassy has started outsourcing the Indian visa application process to private processing agencies in many countries to make it more efficient.

* Obtaining a Visa for India

Familarize Yourself With India’s Culture
If you’re visiting India for the first time, you’re probably feeling a bit apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. The risk of culture shock can be overcome to a certain extent by reading as much as you can about India, as well as watching documentaries and other programs on India. In order to to be as prepared as possible, you should also familiarize yourself with as much information as you can about scams, dangers, and annoyances.

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