4. HYDERABAD

Golconda Fort - Golconda fort is undoubtedly one of most magnificent fortress complexes in India. The history of Golconda Fort goes back to early 13th century, when it was ruled by the Kakatiya’s followed by Qutub Shahi kings, who ruled the region in 16th and 17th century. The fortress rests on a granite hill 120 meters high while huge crenelated ramparts surround this structure.
It was initially called Shepherd’s Hill, meaning Golla Konda in Telugu while according to legend, on this rocky hill a shepherd boy had come across an idol and the information was conveyed to the ruling Kakatiya king at that time. The king constructed a mud fort around this holy spot and after 200 years, Bahamani rulers took possession of the place. Later the Qutub Shahi kings converted this into massive granite fort extending 5km in circumference. The fort is considered a mute witness to historic events. The Qutub Shahis reign at Golconda ended in 1687 when it was run over by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who intentionally left it in ruins Golconda still boasts of mounted cannons, four drawbridges, eight gateways, and majestic halls, magazines, stables etc. The outermost enclosure is called Fateh Darwaza meaning Victory gate, after Aurangzeb’s army marched successfully through this gate. At Fateh Darwaza one can witness fantastic acoustical effects, which is one among the many famous engineering marvels at Golconda.
Other Notable Sites in Hyderabad:

Char Minar - The Charminar was built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty of India. There are varying legends as to why he built the magnificent structure. One account says that the sultan built it in honor of his wife, Bhagyamathi
Chowmahalla Palace - The name Chowmahalla refers to four palaces. The construction of the palace was initiated in the year 1750 by Nizam Salabhat Jung but it was Nizam Afzar-ud-Dawla Bahadur who saw that the palace was completed between the years 1857 and 1869.
Hussain Sagar Lake - Large manmade lakes are a testimony to the efforts of our rulers in historical times. Take a stroll across the lake’s boulevards on a pleasant evening and it is when you notice the cool breeze smoothly caressing your senses welcoming you to this place.
Faluknama Palace - Perched 2,000 feet above the city of Hyderabad is Taj Falaknuma Palace, a jewel amongst the clouds. Built in 1894, it is the former palace of the Nizam, rumoured to be the richest man in the world at one time. Overlooking the twinkling City of Pearls, this enchanting palace hotel in Hyderabad exudes romance and grandeur that take one back to when the Nizam ruled Hyderabad. Walk the walk of kings through the Grand Staircase to retrace the steps of Nizams, European royalty, enchanting Begums and distinguished Heads of State.

5. MUMBAI

Elephanta Caves - The island of Elephanta, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva and an epitome of Hindu cave culture, consists of seven caves on an island in the Sea of Oman close to Mumbai which, with their decorated temples and the images from Hindu mythology, bear a unique testimony to a civilization that has disappeared. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly in the huge high reliefs in the main cave.
The island of Gharapuri, the 'City of Caves', situated about 10 km from Mumbai on the east side of the harbour, owes its name to the enormous stone elephant found there by Portuguese navigators. This elephant was cut into pieces, removed to Mumbai and somehow put together again. It is today the melancholy guardian of Victoria Gardens Zoo in Mumbai, the great metropolis of Maharashtra State and India's second city population-wise.
The date of the famous Elephanta Caves is still very much debated and varies from the 6th century to the 8th century according to different specialists. They constitute one of the most striking collections of rock-art in India. There are two groups of caves. To the east, Stupa Hill (thus named because of a small brick Buddhist monument at the top) contains two caves, one of which is unfinished, and several cisterns. To the west, the larger group consists of five rock-cut Hindu shrines. The main cave is universally famous for its carvings to the glory of Shiva, who is exalted in various forms and act ions. The cave consists of a square plan mandapa whose sides measure about 27 m.
Other Notable Sites in Mumbai –

Gateway of India - The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century in Bombay, India. The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, in Mumbai, is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. The building, designed by the British architect F. W. Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic City’ and the major international mercantile port of India. The terminal was built over 10 years, starting in 1878.
Dabbawala - Since 1890, Dressed in white outfit and traditional Gandhi Cap, Mumbai Army of 5,000 Dabbawalas fulfilling the hunger of almost 200,000 Mumbaikar with home-cooked food that is lug between home and office daily. For more than a century our team have been part of this grime-ridden metropolis-of-dreams.
Haji Ali Dargah - one of India’s most famous and prestigious landmarks situated about 500 yards from the Mumbai shoreline in the middle of the Arabian Sea off Lala Lajpatrai Marg. The structure was erected on a set of high rising rocks and was given its present day shape in the early 19th century after the Trust was legally formed as an entity in 1916.
Siddhivinayak Temple - Shree Ganesh is the first to be worshipped before beginning any new project or venture as he is the destroyer of obstacles (Vighnaharta). This is Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple at Prabhadevi in Mumbai, a two-century-old Temple that fulfills the desires of the worshipers.
Kanehri Caves - Deeply nestled among the tranquil surroundings of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali in Mumbai, are more than 100 Buddhist caves popularly known as the Kanheri Caves. Kanheri, known as Krishnagiri or Kanhagiri in ancient inscription, literally means black mountain (Krishna means black and giri is mountain) and is mostly named after its black basaltic stone. Spanning from the 1st century BC to 11th century AD, an era that saw the rise and decline of Buddhism
Mumbai Film City - Your visit to Mumbai is incomplete till you have had a taste of Bollywood. If you have been yearning to see the workings of the film industry up-close, we have it all sorted out for you. Take a Bollywood Tour, check out the behind-the-scenes action and simply live the magic of movies. Bollywood is the world's second largest movie and music industry and India's largest.

6. JAIPUR

Amer Fort - Amer, originally, was the capital of the state before Jaipur. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amer Palace. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort. Though the fort is quite old and may even look so from the outside, it is beautiful on the inside and boasts of various buildings of prominence like the 'Diwan-i-Aam', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and even the 'Sukh Mahal'. The Amer Fort has influences of both Hindu and Muslim architecture.
The structure has four different parts, each with a separate entrance. The main entry to the fort is through the 'Suraj Pol' or Sun Gate which opens up into the main courtyard. This east-facing gate is also the main entrance to the palace and its position with respect to the rising sun is the source of its name. The 'Jaleb Chowk' is one of the four courtyards of the Amer Palace.
The Amer Fort/Palace is a beautiful structure that was built by Raja Man Sing in the 16th century. Don't forget to check out the 'Sheesh Mahal', 'Diwan-i-Aam' and 'Sukh Mahal' also. The fort is a ten minute walk uphill and your little trek will be worth the wonders that it offers. Don't miss the royal elephant ride while you are at it!
Other notable Sites in Jaipur –

Jal Mahal - The city is dotted with marvelous architectural beauties and Jal Mahal stands at the forefront of these works of art. Standing amidst the center of Man Sagar Lake, the palace, when you first look at it, will give you the illusion of almost floating atop the lake and that is the moment when this sight takes your breath away.
Nahargarh Fort - Overlooking the gorgeous Pink City of Jaipur lies a magnificent structure – Nahargarh Fort. Built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, encompassed a larger than life structure that would not only protect the city but also add to its charm and richness. It was originally named ‘Sudarshangarh Fort’ and was later changed to Nahargarh, which means ‘Abode of Tigers’.
City Palace - Located deep within the walled city, the City Palace Complex was conceived and built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. A beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family which lives in a private section of the palace. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is credited with building most of the structures, but it was expanded upon by later rulers as well.
Hawa Mahal - Hawa Mahal is also known as the Palace of Winds. The word ‘Hawa’ means Wind. An artistic facade, made in the shape of a crown, faces the road on the market area. This facade is what we usually see in most of the pictures of Hawa Mahal. Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799.
Jantar Mantar - The Jantar Mantar, in Jaipur, is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century. It includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments. They are monumental examples in masonry of known instruments but which in many cases have specific characteristics of their own. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations.
The Jhalana Leopard Reserve - or Jhalana Safari Park is the Indias 1st Leopard Reserve located in Jaipur city of Rajasthan state, India. It is surrounded by Aravali hills, the oldest mountain series of India. Jhalana became a leopard reserve in 2017. The reserve is spread over an area of 20 square kilometers, with immense flora and fauna present in the park.
Hathni Kund Trek - trek spot that goes along the rich green valleys. On the path, trekkers can appreciate the perspective on beautiful scenes with hypnotizing sand ridges all over. The trek to the Hathni Kund has various spots in the middle of like sand rises, thick backwoods, sanctuaries, cascades.

7. KHAJURAHO

Western & Eastern Temples - Known for the immaculate and erotic sculptures of its temples, Khajuraho has successfully taught the lessons of spirituality over greed. This wondrous heritage town is encircled with the Vindhya Mountain Ranges to make it even more delightful. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho showcases beautiful inscriptions also.
The Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950-1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders.
The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed.
Other notable Sites in Khajuraho –
Raneh Falls - Also known as the ‘Mini Grand Canyon’ of India, the scenic Raneh Falls is situated about 20 kms from Khajuraho. The waterfall is situated on the crater of a dead volcano. You will notice that the crater consists of 5 different types of rocks. Waking up early to experience the picturesque Raneh Falls is definitely worth it. For photo fanatics this place is a paradise. There is also a small museum here which displays information of all the animals found in the area.
Archaeological Museum- Archaeological Museum is located near the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho and was originally known as the Jardine Museum. Housing over 2000 items, the museum has relics from the 10th and 12th century temples of Hinduism and Jainism.
Khajuraho Dance Festival- Every year, Khajuraho dance festival is organized in February or March. This festival attracts loads of travellers including the international ones. They attend the festival enthusiastically and they get the opportunity to explore the rich Indian culture and its marvelous history.(br) This festival is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad. Many world famous artists come and perform here. The ambience around is full of art and passion and the background of the magnificent Khajuraho temples enhances the beauty of the festival.
Light and Sound Show - Undoubtedly among the most popular Khajuraho things to do in the evenings, the sound and light show held by the Western Group of Temples is a sight to behold. Illustrating various historical and religious facts and cultures of the ancient times, this paid event promises to satiate the burning curiosity of visitors like nothing else.
While the temples are beautiful by themselves, the sound and light show bathes them in a whole new light, quite literally.

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