SHIMLA

Shimla originally called Simla, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of the erstwhile British Raj in India. A popular tourist destination, Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills" (a term coined by the British).

Located in north-west Himalayas at an altitude of 2,130 metres (6,988 ft), the city of Shimla, draped in forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak, experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is famous for its buildings styled in tudorbethan and neo-gothic architecture reminiscent of the colonial era. Shimla is connected to the city of Kalka by one of the longest narrow gauge railway routes still operating in India.[2] Shimla is approximately 115 km (71.4 miles) from Chandigarh, the nearest major city, and 365 km (226.8 miles) from New Delhi, the national capital. The city is named after the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali.

Shimla is full of tourist attractions that are worth visiting. They may intrigue some with their rich historical legacy and for some, they are the perfect places to indulge in some good photography. Shimla is a photographer's paradise and you will find some of the most picture perfect shots over here. Read on further about the famous tourist attractions of this lovely hill station of India and plan your tour to Simla.

Shimla Tourist Attractions

Mall Road Shimla
One place that you cannot ignore is definitely the Mall Road in Shimla. Located at the heart of the town, the Mall Road in Simla is one of the busiest commercial areas of this place. Built by the British during the colonial rule in India, the Mall Road was constructed keeping in mind the traffic on this route.

Shimla Ridge
Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction known as The Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge.



Annandale
Situated at a distance of 2 kilometers from the heart of the city, Annandale is a lovely picnic spot that is a major tourist attraction. One can relax and unwind over here and spend as much time as they want to.

Glenn
A thickly wooded forest, Glenn is a famous picnic spot that is located around 4 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The thick cover of the deodar trees makes this place a calm and tranquil locale. It used to be known as the playground of Shimla where racing, cricket and polo used to be the favorite pastime of the British.

Prospect Hill
Situated at a height of 2155 meters, the Prospect hill is a great place to visit and unwind in the natural surroundings. It is also famous for a hilltop temple dedicated to Kamna Devi.

State Museum & Library
The Shimla State Museum and Library is a famous tourist attraction that is located at a distance of around 2.5 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The museum is famous for is collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, coins and photographs. The museum has samples of the famous Pahari miniature art form, which ceased to exist when the Western art form took over. The museum should be visited by anyone who is coming to Shimla.

Summer Hill
The Summer Hill is located at a height of 1283 meters above sea level. This charming spot is famous for its university of Himachal Pradesh that is located here. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi used to come to stay here during his visit to Shimla.

Viceregal Lodge
The Viceregal Lodge is located at the top of Observatory Hills and was constructed by the British. This brilliant building served as the residence of the Viceroy, Lord Dufferin. It was completed by the year 1888 and it is still well maintained. This Lodge has now been transformed into the famous Institute of Advanced Studies and the six storey building still stands in all its splendor. The lodge has famous gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. The place is a very famous tourist attraction and must be visited.

OOTY

Location : Located at an altitude of 2240 meters, Ooty lie in beautiful Nilgiri Hills, and falls in Tamil Nadu state.
Climate condition : Being one the most popular hill stations of the country, Ooty has very pleasant climate. Temperature in summer dwells between 25º-10º C, and in winters it is around 20º C-0º C.
Best Time To Visit : Between June and February.

Thing to do
Ooty, The Queen Of Hill Stations, is teemed with numerous of beautiful natural spots enabling tourist to enjoy activities like angling, boating and other water sports, wildlife excursion at Mudumalai National Park and Bandipur National Park, nature walk in beautiful Botanical Garden and Golf.

Places of Interests

Botanical garden : Very well maintained lawns of the Botanical Garden is prime attraction of the town. The natural beauty of numerous of species of flowers and plants cast spell on people enjoying the nature ride in the garden. The main attraction of the garden is fossilised tree trunk, which are approx 20 million years old.

Rose Garden : Spreading across 10 acres of beautiful land atop the hill, Rose Garden is one of the most enchanting spots of Ooty. For newly wedded couples on their honeymoon, the Rose Garden with its more than 1900 variety of rose is the best place to go cozy with one's beloved. Beautiful path of the garden full of scent of roses make newly wedded couple love-stricken.

Dodda Betta : At the height of 8,606 ft, Dodda Betta is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. Dodda Betta being the junction of Western and Eastern Ghat offers a graceful and hilarious view of Nilgiri Hills. The tourism department organises trekking session every year here between March and May.

Ooty Lake : This artificial lake, built approx 200 years ago, is favourite picnic spot of the town. The beautiful lake garden, snack bar and toy train here attract mostly family and tourist in groups. Boating is the favourite excursion one can enjoy here.

Wenlock Downs : Covering the total area of 20,000 acres, Wenlock Downs is the most favourite picnic spot of Ooty. Zymkhana Golf Club, located at Wenlock Downs, has 18-hole golf course inviting golf lovers to try their hand.


Fun City : Newly built the fun city has been becoming a sought after hang out and entertainment place for commoners and tourist of the town.

Ooty, said to be Scotland of the east, has abundance to show off to tourist visiting here. Numerous of Eco destinations like its Tea gardens, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake and nearby wildlife parks like Mudumalai and Bandipur National Park constitute the best Eco vacation for nature lovers. Lying in the Nilgiri Hills, The Blue Mountain, Ooty with its many of pleasant sightseeing places is one of the most flocked hill stations in South india.

For adventure enthusiasts, Dodda Betta, the highest peak in Nilgiri Hills, is a very lucrative invitation for trekkers. Tourism department organises special trekking session every year between March and June, which is great joy for beginner trekkers. Besides, many of the rivers of Nilgiri give very fine opportunity to enjoy angling. To enjoy boating, one just needs to walk to Ooty lake, and enjoy boat ride while having excursion with companions.

Another Eco activity which hardly one would like to miss while being at Ooty is nature walk in its popular Rose Garden. Proud to be home of more than 1900 variety of roses, the garden invites couples wholeheartedly to enjoy walking arms-in-arms with bunch of fervent smack.

Besides, there are many other popular destinations close to Ooty where one can reach after a short drive. Coonoor (13 km) and Kotagiri (29 km) are two of very popular hills stations of South India, which are meant to spice up one 's honeymoon joy. Popular wildlife sanctuary like Mudumalai National Park and Bandipur National Park have always been nature lover's delight. Reached easily from Ooty, these two national parks give a splendid opportunity to enjoy wildlife viewing.

Reaching there
By Air : Coimbatore is the nearest airport (88 km), from where Ooty is easily reached by two hours drive. Taxis are easily available at airports costing around Rs. 1200-1400.

By Rail : Though Ooty has railway station on meter gauge, but reaching first Coiambatore is the best way to reach Ooty by train, as Ooty is very well connected to other part of the country.

By Road : Finding well road connection with prime locations like Coimbatore, Bangalore and Mysore, Ooty is reached very easily even by road. Buses are available from these cities for Ooty.

Shopping
ToToda shawls and Toda jewellry are the two best thing that one can shop while being at Ooty. Main bazaar area and Commercial Road are the best place to buy Toda shawls and jewellry along with other famous amenities like hand made chocolates, oil and spices.

Important tourist information centre

* Tamil Nadu Tourist Office Wenlock Road, Ooty-643001 Ph: 91-423-2443977
* Tourist Information Centre Railway Junction, Coimbatore
* Tourist Information Centre Govt. Of Tamilnadu G1, State Exporia Complex, Babha Kharak Singh Marg, Delhi Tel : 91-11-23735427

COORG

Location : Western Ghats , Karnataka
Main Attraction : River Cauvery, Coffee Plantations.
Best time : October to April.
Introduction :

Mudduraja , the Kodagu King had Mudduraja Keri as his capital. In the year 1681 he renamed it as Madikeri. It is the headquarters of Kodagu District at a height of 1170 meters.It is about 100 km from Mysore.Makikeri is famous for its coffee and oranges. It is famous as birthplace of the most famous river of Karnataka Cauvery.This place is famous for its scenic beauty.The fabulous paddy fields,coffee bushes and the morning mist form a sketch of some unforgettable memories for the tourists.

Coorg is famous for oranges and coffee plantation.This region also is famous for spices. pepper, cardamoms etc can be seen.The coffee plantations in Madikeri alone accounts for almost half of Karnataka' s coffee production. Karnataka is known to be India' s largest producer of coffee even today

History :It is a place with disputed history. Some of the localites believe that this place was ruled by Lingayat rajas who ruled over Coorg.They established Madikeri as their capital.The famous gallient ruler Tipu Sultan in 1785 A.D, annexed Coorg into his kingdom. But,Maharaja Veerarajendra with the help of the British rulers was successful in getting Coorg free.He developed this place into a beautiful hillstation with beautiful coffee and oranges plantation.But,the joy of freedom of this place was short lived and in 1834 AD, the British took over power in Coorg. They imprisoned the last ruler Chikkaveera Rajendra.


How to Get There :
By Air : No direct air connection.
By Rail : Kodagu is the only district in Karnataka without an inch of rail track.
By Road : Kodagu is accessible only by road. Many buses operated by SKRTC. Pass through Madikeri enroute to Mangalore. KSTDC organises regular package
Places to visit :

Fort : The 19th century fort in the centre of the Madikeri town visualised some of the most ferocious battles of its time. From the fort the entire Coorg town is visible.The fort now contains a small museum having some historical paintings,arms,armours and possessions of the past rulers, the prison.The fort also contains a small palace.

Sri Omkareshwara Temple : This historical temple for Lord Shiva, was built in 1820 by the then King of Coorg. This temple is unique for its architectural beauty which is a combination of Islamic and Gothic style of architecture. Every year at the end of November, a colourful temple festival is held here.On the top of the dome of the temple is a guilded ball, with a weather clock.

Abbi Falls : Formerly this water fall was known as Jessey Falls.'Abbi' in the local language Kodagu means falls. This beautiful water fall is about 5 km from Coorg.
Raja's Seat : Kings of Kodagu spent their evenings to watch the unforgettable scenes of the sun set. From this point thrilling view of valleys, lush green fields and Western Ghats can be viewed.


Bhagamandala : This place is 30 km from Coorg. It is famous for temples and is known as the temple town of this region.This place also has significance as here Cauvery is at its confluence with river Sujyothi and Kannike.
Irupu Falls : This fresh water cascade is at a distance of 48 kms from Virajpet on the way to Nagarhole. This is a very famous picnic spot as well as a very good pilgrimage. On the banks of the river Lakshmanatheertha a tributary to the river Cauvery lies a very famous Shiva temple which is believed to have been dedicated by Lord Rama himself.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur Jodhpur, is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, it is the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert

The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur lies near the geographic center of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall.
The city of Jodhpur situated on the south end of a range of sandstone hills running east and West and is surrounded by a strong wall nearly 13 Kms in circumference, with seven gates each bearing the name of the town to which it leads. These gates are known as Nagori gate, Sojati gate, Merti gate, Jalori gate, Siwanchi gate etc. Some of the houses and the temples in the city are of red sandstone, richly carved in Indian Style.


This land of royalty is a glittering jewel set in the golden sands of barren desert landscape. The light that reflects of the golden sands engulf a land renowned for its vibrant colours, people in the bright clothes and beautiful jewellery, living in city dotted and dominated by towering fort and palaces that rise from sand like a mirage.

A valiant sentinel in the desert, on the eastern fringe of the Thar desert has the distinction of neither being a part of the Thar desert nor out of it. At best it is a doorway to the wonderland of sand dunes and stirrups, rocky terrain and thorny trees.

The home of the Rathores - the awesome princely state of Rajasthan. Marwar or Maroodesh, land of the sand, was conquered by them after the fall of Delhi and Kannauj.

The city lies at the foot of the hills. The clear distinction between the old and the new city is visible from the ramparts of the fort. On the other side of the city, facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace,one of the most spacious, sprawling and well planned palaces in India. And from here, as you look at fort, a tantalising view rises before your eyes at sunset.

The royal cenotaphs or "Devals" of Jodhpur rulers on a high plinth crowned with spires and ornate carving are amongst other attractions of the Mandore. The longest and finest of all cenotaphs, are those built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh and Maharaja Ajit Singh.

Standing in the edge of the vast Thar desert, Jodhpur is an ancient city that has victoriously withstood the ravages of time.Five hundred and forty years after it was created, it still holds its head up high, reminiscent of its founder, Rao Jodha, a proud Rajput chieftain.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal.It is the headquarters of Darjeeling district, in the Shiwalik Hills on the lower range of the Himalaya, at an average elevation of 6,982 ft (2,128 m). During the British Raj in India, Darjeeling's temperate climate led to its development as a hill station (hill town) for British residents to escape the heat of the plains during the summers, becoming known as the Summer Capital.
Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas.

Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.

Darjeeling - the name is derived from the Tibetian word 'Dorje' which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical sceptre, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and 'ling' - a place, hence the land of the thunderbolt. The sceptre of Indra is believed to have fallen at a place where now stands the Observatory Hill.

Darjeeling is a fascinating place, where the tourist can see Buddhist monasteries, visit a tea plantation, see how the tea is processed, go for a ride on the chairlift, go shopping in the colourful markets or go trekking to high altitude spots, near the border with Sikkim. Darjeeling has the unique feature of a toy train, which takes you from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling through the steep mountainsides.

Srinagar

Languages : Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and English
Best time to Visit : April-June
STD Code : 0194

Srinagar, a romantic Kashmiri city situated around glistening lakes and snowy tree forested mountain slopes, is a lively, vibrant, and organic canal city, with one on the most pleasant climates in all of India (The climate chart is incorrect). The summer paradise for many of the great rulers of antiquity, Srinagar lays claim to many wonderful oppurtunities for exploration and relaxation, such as hiking in the unique destinations scattered around the fabled valley, or reading a lovely novel while resting in an ornate floating palace. Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley is a dream adventure for those of an open mind, and when security concerns die away, the city should become a top international destination for all.

Srinagar and Garhwal are interwowen with each other. Let us have a little look at a compilation of sentiments and expressions by a veteran Srinagari Ramaprasad Ghildiyal, compiled by Shri Dharmanand Uniyal, Journalist - Historian, Srinagar. The soulful sentiments convey us a lot about the Hills and Valley of Srinagar, hamlets and legacy of Garhwal, which all happen to engage Srinagar dynamically.





Randomly, remembering the years of early 1900s, he recalls those days of Garhwal Soldiers' participation in World War-I. Ramaprasad acknolwedges the faith and devotion of people, their faith in the supreme, faith in Badri Vishal, as he noticed them heading for their duty at regular interval at the World War-I, chanting 'Badri Vishal Ki Jai' (Lord Badrinath! Thy are great!)! Many soldiers, he could met in the barracks were those from generations of his mother or even earlier. He remembers the years during 1900-1920, those discussions and talks between his father and some Srinagar personalities, their concerns and thoughts about the heritage and legacy of Srinagar which motivated him deeply.


This was a crucial period and prime time, kind of awakening for Garhwal, and, Srinagar was playing very crucial role in this evolution. This is why the culture and people of Garhwal have 'Srinagar' imprinted upon them. The typical Garhwal folklore and rural life are much influenced by Srinagar and its culture. Srinagar, when established as capital of Garhwal, covered the Alaknanda territory from Devprayag uptill Rudraprayag. People inhabitated few miles on both the sides along this Alaknannda track of some 40-50 miles length. This is precisely a chief, Central Garhwal region where the culture, language, traditions flourished during 14th century and onwards. Pauri & Tehri (representing Pauri Garhwal and Tehri Garhwal respectively) were very much the participants and candidates of Srinagar era.

After manifestation and emerging of Garhwal culture, all those small, big, scattered and seperate divisions, different villages and hamlets started reciprocating oneness and commonness among them which was the perfect reflection of this entire valley. They all resembled to the one, the One Garhwal, the Pahar.

Kovalam

Kovalam, meaning "a groove of coconut trees," is just 10 km from the state capital of Kerala- Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam is actually a combination of three small beaches. Among these, the southernmost beach, named Lighthouse Beach, is the most frequented beach in Kovalam. Earlier this beach of Kovalam was an anglers' paradise. It still has some small villages, just a few kilometres away, which belong to the fishing commu
nity. Gradually, this beach of Kovalam has been transformed to a tourist spot of great interest. Kovalam is an ideal place for a sunbath during the winter. Tourists to Kovalam can also experience the typical Kerala massage from the parlours available a few kilometers away along the Kovalam beaches.






Climate :
The tourist arrival starts at the end of September which lasts till the end of March. The peak season is between mid-December till mid- January. In winter the average temperature is 30 - 32 degree Celsius whereas the summer temperature is 30- 35 degree Celsius. The monsoon starts at the beginning of June, which lasts till the beginning of August. The second turn of monsoon starts at the end of October for the next two weeks.



Getting There :
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, 14 km away to Kovalam. Many International Airlines are operating flights to and from here. Indian Airlines and Jet airways are operating domestic flights. There are direct flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.
Trivandrum Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station. From here trains are available to all major parts of India.
Foreign money exchanging facilities are available in all the major hotels and in some authorized centers in Kovalam.


Catamaran cruises :
Catamaran cruises on the country raft is hugely popular in Kovalam. Many marine activities are possible at Kovalam. The local fishermen provide sunrise and sun set cruises in fishing boats. Angling for deep-sea fishing is highly catching up with tourists who come for vacation in Kovalam. Surfboards and boogie boards can also be hired on the beach.

Goa

Incredible Goa is considered to be a king among profitable paradises which situated in the western coastal of Indian peninsula. It is equipped with immeasurable scenic beauty and also endowed with an abundant cultural heritage. This state has attracted humanity from very diverse cultures as well as becoming an embodiment of mundaris which is considered to be the most unique kind of state for its virgin beauty. There is another name for Goa which is considered to be the garden shepherds which has the attractive capabilities of many avid European travelers which has embellished this state by crowned names such as Perola do Oriento or Goa Dourada or Golden Gao. It is also described as with many other names which gives its crowning glory for the purposes of giving the desired charm and embarrassing lifestyle for giving the umpteen numbers of pleasure, joy as well as enjoyment.




The capital city of Goa is enchanting Panaji which spreads all over the southern banks of the Mandovi River. This city is very well acclaimed and is noted for its magnificent red roofed houses in various styles with a network of streets laid out at proper angles. There are lots of trees such as Gulmohar, Acacia, as well as other ornamental trees which give the feelings of varieties of cool angles to take care of a blend of buildings, architectures, churches, as well as towns within an aim to bring in a mad rush of tourists for boosting its economy. There is also a township called Mapusa which is known as the queen of holidaying on the beaches of northern Goa. Old Goa which happens to be the former capital of this Portuguese empire is known as the pearl of orient.



Margao is considered to be the second important city of Goa which was considered to be the epicenter of myriads of nearby temples. These temples are abundant with vast treasure of wealth which will bring about diverse cultures to have a blend with your own. There is a village called Loutulim which is considered to be very peaceful and generous for an ongoing exploration of countryside with its abundant architecture which can take care of mentioning its place well worth reckoning.


To conclude, this state has emerged as a king of paradise for the avid lovers of nature as well as water sports lovers. It is dotted with plenty of temples, tombs, churches, villas as well as resorts which are resplendent with rich architecture of the style which befits the city of Goa.

Andaman and Nicobar islands

State Capital : Port Blair
Location : Stretches from 6o N to 14o N and 92o E and 94o E longitude.
Area : 8,249 sq. km.
Population : 356,265 (according to the 2001 census)
Seasons : Summer - January to April, and
Monsoon - May to December.
Climate : Tropical climate. Andaman and Nicobar Islands come in hot and torrid zone and has no winter season. Rain season lasts for 180 days in a year.

Relative Humidity: 70% to 90%.
Altitude: From sea-level to 732 m above sea level, highest point being Saddle Peak in North Andaman near Kalipur beach.
Topography: Except a few small islands of the Nicobar district, others have rising and falling terrain with main ridges running North-South and spurs running East-West in between the main ridges. The submerged valleys form deep inlets and creeks. Only in Great Nicobar one can see 5 perennial rivers. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs in most parts.
Climate: Tropical climate. Andaman and Nicobar Islands come in hot and torrid zone and has no winter season. Rain season lasts for 180 days in a year.
Seasons: Summer - January to April, and
Monsoon - May to December.
Relative Humidity: 70% to 90%.
Altitude: From sea-level to 732 m above sea level, highest point being Saddle Peak in North Andaman near Kalipur beach.
Topography: Except a few small islands of the Nicobar district, others have rising and falling terrain with main ridges running North-South and spurs running East-West in between the main ridges. The submerged valleys form deep inlets and creeks. Only in Great Nicobar one can see 5 perennial rivers. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs in most parts.



Regional Language : Due to its being cosmopolitan, most of the In languages are spoken in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The main languages used here are Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, Marathi, Kannada, Oriya, Gujarati, Karen with Burmese script and alphabets along with tribal dialects including Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese, Andamanese and Nicobarese.
By Air: Port Blair is connected to and from Chennai and Calcutta by regular flights.
By Ship: Port Blair is connected to and from Chennai, Calcutta and Vishakhapatnam by regular passenger ship services.

The inaccessible and mysterious islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are now within reach of the inquisitive tourists who fly or cruise to the place to take a look at these paradisiacal tropical islands of Bay of Bengal that are an epitome of beauty and present scenic natural picturesque panorama created by its dense forest covers, multitude of exotic flowers, colorful plumaged friends and solitary and cozy romantic atmosphere. These islands tickle the imagination of the poems with white beaches, meandering coastline, swaying palm trees and gentle waves of the sea that produce a divine music with an added charm of the drumbeats of the tribals of the land and decorated with the technicolor fish and aquatic life that can be easily spotted in the crystal clear water.



The matchless naturally beautiful islands are of great maritime importance. The 'Kala Pani' or 'Black Water Prison' of the British Raj Period, dreaded political leaders and criminals were deported from mainland of India to the Cellular Jail - the Indian Bastille, which was situated in the northeastern part of Port Blair. These groups of islands consist of 572 islands in all consisting of big and small, inhabited and uninhabited islands, islets and rocks in the Bay of Bengal lying in a long and narrow broken archaic chain, nearly 800 km long. Soils of these Islands are nutritionally poor and their organic matter content is on decline. The Nicobars are said to be just off the edge of the principal lines of weakness consisting of volcanoes and prone to violent earthquakes in the earth's surface while Andamans are at a safer distance from these lines threatening of natural calamities.

Spotlights:
Shell crafts and wooden handicrafts are the main items that can be bought from here as souvenirs and are a specialty of the region. Aberseen Bazaar at Port Blair is the main shopping and commercial centre while the other notable places to go on a shopping spree are Clock Tower, Goalghar, Junglighat, Prem Nagar and Delanipur.

Lakshadweep islands

The spell bound expanse of emerald isles, Lakshadweep, studded in the blue water of the Arabian Sea unfolds another world in itself. The panorama encompasses magnificent lagoons, sylvan sea shores, miles of sun drenched sand and the enchantment of swaying palms, spectacular marine flora and fauna, All these harmonise to form a colourful kaleidoscope typical of an archipelago paradise.
These enchanting coral islands in the Arabian Sea were called the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi islands, though they were popularly known as the Laccadives or Lakshadweep (hundred thousand islands). The territory was officially named Lakshadweep on 1 November 1973. The Lakshadweep islands had been declared a Union Territory of India in 1956.

The archipelago consists of 36 coral islands in the Arabian Sea, about 185 miles (300 km) off the Kerala coast. It consists of 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks.

The atolls poised on submarine banks, harbour these islands with a total area of 32 square km (12 square miles). The islands form the smallest of the Union Territories of India and the country’s only coral islands. . Of its twenty-seven islands, only ten are inhabited. Recently a previously uninhabited island, Bangaram, has been developed by the administration for promoting tourism. In Pitti island, which is uninhabited and is located only 24 km from Kavarathi, crows(absent elsewhere in the islands)and many other birds are found. Pitti has been declared a bird sanctuary
Though the land area is extremely small, its lagoon area of about 4,200 sq km, 20,000 sq km of territorial waters and about 7,00,000 sq km of economic zone, if considered, Lakshadweep is one of the largest territories of our nation.
The coral atolls have two important mineral deposits— the phosphate deposits (guano) in the islands and the calcium carbonate in the lagoons. The lagoons and the adjacent areas of Lakshadweep are found to have algae which is of great economic importance.

The surface soil of coral sand contains 95 per cent calcium, hence most of the islands are barren with little spontaneous vegetation. However, the soil and the climatic conditions are ideal for coconut cultivation, and coconut therefore forms the staple product. Coconut is the spine of the island economy, with copra and coir forming the major export items, besides fish.

However, the marine life of a coral sea is very elaborate and colourful.
Tuna, shark, sailfish, seer, flying fish, turtles, etc., are found in the Lakshadweep sea area. Out of total fish catch, 80 per cent is of tuna. Turtles are of two types, green turtles and hawksbills The importance of molluscan forms cannot be overlooked since they are magnificent in appearance and important from the economic point of view for the islanders. The money cowrie is abundant in the shallow waters of the lagoons and on the reefs. Cowries are picked up from the reef area at low tide, mainly by the womenfolk during their spare time, and are largely sold on the mainland.
The early inhabitants of the islands are believed to have been Hindus who migrated from the Malabar Coast. Later they were converted to Islam by an Arab saint and are now Muslims. They were declared a Scheduled Tribe as per the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes List (Modification) Order, 1956
Laksdhadweep is already on the tourism map of India. A visit to the island is an enriching and rewarding experience.

Top 10 Honeymoon Spots in India

1. Lakshadweep islands

The spectacular marine life is worth a watch or sleeping by the sea with only night sky covering you. This place holds the peace and natural beauty like no other place. If you want to have a tranquil beach holiday then this is the best destination. The tourists are attracted by wild sea and the virtuous nature. This place is perfect honeymoon terminus. The romantic ambience attracts lots of newly wed couples.

2. Andaman and Nicobar islands

If you don’t want to follow the rut and are looking for making it perhaps the most memorable event of your life, be selfish and take time off to go to The Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The beauty of the virgin islands has to be seen to be believed and this wonderful yet relatively untapped tourist spot is perhaps the most ideal place for all nature lovers and adventurous kind.




3. Goa

The scintillating combination of Sun, surf, sand and sea makes Goa one of the picture perfect destinations in India. For the romantic start of your life check out: golden Goa. If heaven were a place on Earth Goa would be the destination. If you are looking for a very special place to spend your honeymoon, Goa is definitely the place for you.




4. Kovalam

Kovalam is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Kerala. Dreaming of an exotic Honeymoon? Kerala is for lovers, romantics and those in search of a tropical vacation. Cuddle up in a warm beach cottage, dine and vine under the stars, or getaway to your own clandestine vacation hill station with a picnic lunch. Kerala is a perfect place for your island vacation.




5. Srinagar

Srinagar is a big hit with the honeymooners who find the serene environments and the picturesque surroundings at Srinagar very enticing. There’s ‘something’ in the landscapes that makes the couples shed their inhibitions and express their love for each other. No wonder, Srinagar is sometimes called the “Lovers’ Paradise”.




6. Darjeeling

It is the most ideal location for most of you honeymooners to spend some quality time together. The green and cool environment coupled with fresh breeze would definitely make you the happiest couple together in the lap of nature. It is a paradise for the honeymooners. The serenity of the secluded hill stations and the Dooars jungles attracts many honeymoon couples to the region.




7. Jodhpur

To go on Honeymoon in Jodhpur will give a high that you will not experience in any other destination. Jodhpur offers a unique honeymoon experience sans the run-of-the-mill mountains and beaches. If you are a couple who are fascinated by the rustic villages, heritage structures and palaces, Jodhpur is where you want to go.




8. Coorg

Coorg is called as the 'Scotland of India' and 'Kashmir of the South' by the people who have visited it and been enthralled by its beauty. The place is a treat for the eye for the honeymoon goers. It is abundant with green forests, greener coffee estates and pale green rice valleys. The most ideal location for most of you honeymooners to spend some quality time together.




9. Ooty

This place is a tourist delight and honey mooners ever tested destination. The Botanical Garden, full of shady trees, myriad exotic plants and flowers is a treat to watch. Don’t forget to take a snap of you together in this wonderfully maintained place. The place is a paradise and heaven for nature lovers. The place is ideal for honeymooners with its breathtaking scenic beauty.




10. Shimla

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. Salubrious climate, picturesque locations, serene settings, superior accommodation facilities and convenient location are the primary reasons for the newly married couples to opt for Honeymoon in Shimla.