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It has been raided and ruled by dynasties from all over the world and this multi cultural ethos can be felt even today. North India is a popular tourist destination and there are multiple tours that are organized to help visitors explore this richly historical region.
The most popular tours include the following destinations -
Delhi - Landmarked by the Qutub Minar, Delhi is famous for its historical as well as modern marvels. Delhi is home to the Red Fort, the Lodi Gardens, India Gate as well as the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House). New Delhi being the capital of India is a bustling metropolis choc-a-bloc with skyscrapers, shopping centers and world-class hotels. It also provides a good starting point for most tours of north India due to its proximity and excellent connectivity to these destinations.
Himachal Pradesh - This beautiful state of lush valleys situated in the trans Himalayan region of Lahaul and Spiti is a feast for the eyes. Endowed with many picture perfect tourist spots like the Kulu Valley, Dharamsala (the residence of the Dalai Lama), the Rohtang Pass and the famous hill station of Shimla, this state is a must do on any itinerary.
Jammu and Kashmir - The northernmost state of India it can be divided into three very distinct regions -
Ladakh - Ladakh is a cold desert land, surrounded by towering high, perpetually snow capped mountain peaks. Home to the Siachen glacier (the largest glacier outside the polar region), the Ladakh valley has a dizzying variation in heights from a nominal 8,000 feet to 15,000 feet while mountain passes of 20,000 feet and peaks reaching over 25,000 feet are part of this tough landscape. However amidst this harsh environment, Ladakh rewards the adventurous tourist with a wide selection of cultural and adventure tours. Being a predominantly Buddhist land, Ladakh has a large number of ancient monasteries which are rich in Buddhist art. One can also enjoy treks to Lamayuru, Markha and Zanskar.
Kashmir - The legendary valley with beautiful gardens and lakes, the postcard pretty shikaras (house boats) and the intricately woven carpets and shawls has witnessed a return to tourism from the bleak years of the recent past. Tourists can now safely enjoy the Chinar trees, the Apple and Cherry orchards and the huge roses and chrysanthemums that have endeared Kashmir to all, through the ages.
Jammu - Geographically the southernmost part of the state, Jammu is sometimes known as the winter capital of the state as it is the seat of the government when Kashmir is cloaked in snow. Jammu is fairly modern with a decadent old world charm to it. Due to a large number of temples that abound here it has also earned itself the nomenclature of "the city of temples". The most popular historical attraction in Jammu is Amar Mahal Place built by a French architect for an erstwhile ruler of Jammu, this palace resembles a fairytale castle complete with the mandatory turrets and towers that characterizes most European castles.
Punjab - The land of the five rivers is one of the most prosperous states in India. Primarily an agricultural society there may not be many tourist spots in Punjab but its lush open fields, its lively people and their penchant for joie-de-vivre should not be missed. Punjab is the homeland of the Sikhs and the primary place of interest here is the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Rajasthan - The third largest state in India, this is the state of contrasts. On one hand lies the endless, bleak Thar Desert and on the other the colorful culture of the Rajasthani people. A land where tales of valor not only of the brave Rajputs but of the even braver Rajputanis for whom death by "jauhar" was better than a life of captivity, still resound in the numerous forts and palaces. The main cities of interest are already famous. They include Jaipur - The pink city, Udiapur - The city of Sunrise and Mount Abu - The hill resort of Rajasthan. The ancient fortresses of Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Jaisalmer and Bharatpur are also a must see.
Uttar Pradesh - The most heavily populated state in India, Uttar Pradesh can geographically be divided into three regions- the mountainous region crisscrossed by the Himalayas and the Shiwalik mountain ranges, the plains where the Ganga and Yamuna have carved out what is called the Gangetic Plain and the fringe of rough and stony land area where the state meets the Deccan Plateau. Uttar Pradesh is one of the most ancient regions in India; it was here that the first Aryans had made their home calling it Aryavarta. Most tourist spots especially those with religious significance revolve around the Ganga. Situated at the foot of the Shiwalik range, on the right bank of the Ganga lies Haridwar, which is sacred to the Hindus. The most famous bathing ghat (area selectively used for bathing in the river) is Har-ki-Pauri (the foot of God). Hardwar is also one of the four venues of the famous Kumbh Mela, which is held in rotation once every twelve years. Another popular destination is Benaras or Varanasi. It is located on a crescent like curve of the Ganga and has eighteen ghats where throngs of people pay their homage. The piece-de-resistance of Uttar Pradesh is of course the Taj Mahal located at Agra, eulogized by poets down the ages; the Taj is truly a wonder in marble and a glorious picture in the moonlight.
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