The lakes around Udaipur were primarily created by building dams to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the city and its neighborhood. Two islands, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are located within Pichola Lake, and have been developed with several palaces to provide views of the lake.

Three of the numerous lakes found in the vicinity of Udaipur which connect with the Pichola lake built by Maharana Dharma Chand Pichholiya and the Saroop Sagar Lake connected by an arched bridge built by Maharana Swaroop Singh (1842-1861) which in turn connects to the Fateh Sagar Lake, the crystal watered lake in the midst of tree lined hills and the smaller Arsi vilas.

Even as Commonwealth Games continue to raise eyebrows everywhere, one sector that will definitely not complain is tourism.
According to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), tourist hot-spots of North India are booked for the first half of October.
People of Delhi and the National Capital Region, where holidays have been announced for schools, colleges and even in some corporate offices during the upcoming Games, will be headed towards neighbouring Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and parts of Jammu and Punjab for “leisure tourism”.
The ASSOCHAM said increase in tourists to these places would help growth of medical tourism, contributing a good deal of revenue to respective States.
ASSOCHAM secretary-general D. S. Rawat said luxury and star-rated hotels in places like Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Kasauli, Nainital, Kashipur, Jim Corbett National Park, Mussoorie, Dehra Dun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Auli, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Pushkar, Jaisalmer are “already booked” and there was “hardly any space” left for those planning to go out during the Commonwealth Games.
The source of this information for ASSOCHAM, according to Mr. Rawat, is leading tour-operators in around and Delhi who have offered lucrative tour-packages and taken good advantage of the situation. Information was also received from Indian Association of Tour Operators and Hotel Association of India who shared details of hotel bookings during the period.
According to ASSOCHAM, Delhiites chose to visit these places in the first-half of October because of the shorter distance from the city and pleasant weather conditions prevalent in North India during this period. Another reason, said Mr. Rawat, was the good law and order situation in these States that are largely tourist-friendly and free from any sense of violence.

Sneak-peek at the Tour

Board the Royal hissing-Queen at Mumbai’s Chhatrapti Shivaji Terminus a Gothic building and a World Heritage Site, needless to say, a perfect place to herald your journey. Some exotic Jettys await you at the shores flanking the quaint Konkani villages. Some of world’s best Alphonso mangoes await you at Ratnagiri. Boat cruises, Forts. luncheon’s fill your following days. At the Shilpa Gram village at Sawantwadi, you can load your bags with the best of Maharashtra’s indigenous products. Goa beckons next, to partake in the activities at her baywatch-shoreline and rave parties. At Kolhapur, do not forget to try and buy your size jootis (Kolhapuri sandals). Ajanta and Ellora are where you will be more busy shooting than watching. Some moments are best captured in the photofilm. And as the train whistles back to where it all began, you will only wonder whether it was some dream or reality. Good, it is the latter, you can embark on another, at your wish!

Services and Amenities
This luxurious heritage train can house 80 passengers. Take a look at its array of services and facilities….

Luxurious coaches: The train has 21 exquisitely embellished coaches out of which 13 are passenger cars accommodating 8 people per coach (11 passenger Cars, 4 coupes per coach & 2 Presidential Suite Cars, 2 coupes per coach), 1 Conference Car, 2 Dinning Cars, 2 Generator Cars with Luggage Store, 1 Staff, replete with a Spa and a Bar Car.

On board facilities: These include channel music, intercom, cd/mp3 player, money exchange/credit cards facility, safety & security arrangements, health spa, bar, conference equipment, ticket booking / cancellation facilities.

Snek-peek at the Tour

The enticing journey through the lanes of Indian heritage befittingly begins at the Rajputana Capital – Jaipur. Your taste buds are feasted morning, noon and night to the best of the Rajasthani platters (Continental food also available). Shop till you drop at Bikaner. Tal Chappar has an interesting sanctuary, while Shekhawati’s havelis and artefacts are a visual fiesta for art admirers. The camel rides, eating at the Heritage Hotels add zing and gusto to the enticing extravaganza.

Services and Amenities at Heritage on Wheels
Heritage on Wheels has 14 luxurious coaches that houses a delectable restaurant, a bar lounge, furnished cabins and what not. Have a dekko at what to expect at the regal train —

Luxurious rooms: 14 rooms representative of Indian culture and heritage in its adornments and service await your arrival. Each room can accommodate 8 guests in 4 bedrooms with two washrooms that has to be shared.

Restuarants: The two royal restaurants – Maharaja and Maharani – serve sumptuous delicacies from the kitchens of the Orients, especially Rajasthani, and also Continental delicacies.

The Bar: The Bar has a gorgeous lounge attached which serve as a relaxing zone with spirits to soothe your travel blues away.

Other Amenities: Deluxe coaches and Jeep safaris are arranged for. And expert guides accompany you to your trips to make it a more enriching experience.

Sneak-peek at the Tour

Beginning at Delhi, the sojourn encompasses all major states of Rajasthan, viz. Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore, Udaipur and Agra. Special Breakfast, lunch, dinner are all included in the itinerary. ‘Special’ because the chef’s amass the entire Rajasthani cuisine in your platter or you are treated like a king in one of the palaces (Heritage Hotels). Besides the nostalgic stroll through the rustic lanes flaked with palaces big and small, camel safaris, cultural functions, Tiger stalking trails at Ranthambore, elephant safaris, bird-watching at Bharatpur and of course that picture-perfect postcard snap with the Taj Mahal at the back-drop.

Services and Amentities at the Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels has elegantly furnished cabins, well stocked bar, sumptuous Indian delicacies served in its two dining cars, replete with traditional royal treatment of its guests. A quick peek at the facilities will help…. .

Exquisite Rooms: There is a choice of 14 AC deluxe rooms, lavishly embellished with carpeted floor and walls, intricately designed furniture with traditional motifs, intercom, attached toilets, hot and cold water. .

Royal Coaches: Fourteen majestic coaches, each named after former Rajput States, conjoin to form the regal train. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a dainty lounge to ensure availability of refreshments, no matter what time.

For Your Taste Buds: The train has two delectable restaurants “The Maharaja” and “The Maharani” bathed in Rajasthani ambience and serving scrumptious Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines.

Spirits For The Spirited: The train’s bar is a store-house of choicest of spirits of Indian and international origins.

You can pass your time admiring the trains majesty in one of its comfortable lounges with tranquil music on, or take up a book of your choice from its library. You can also make ISD calls in case the touring experience seems too much to contain.

Believe in ‘forever-n-ever’?
India hosts Earth’s most gorgeous monument, that a lover dedicated to his beloved (the Taj Mahal), is a honeymooning paradise, rated ‘Incredible’ by couples from across the world. Marriages will continue being made in heaven, but great honeymoons are plotted best in India. And considering the swelling tourist influx into India’s earmarked sites, the Tourism Industry has chiseled each of them to perfection with the best infrastructure, international standard amenities, accommodation facilities and so on.

Now, this one is going to be a dream-ride, are you ready?
Honeymooning Couple in India

India – a tale of love
India’s tale of love is as old as the nation itself. Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) cradled the celestial romance between the iconic couples Radhika and Lord Krishna, worshiped in unison. Shiv-Shakti (Lord Shiva and His consort Parvati) form another cosmic couple and the insignia of the belief that man and woman are halves of one another and one is incomplete without the other. India’s ancient and world’s most famous literature on the art of love-making, is the 4th century scholar Vatsyayana’s Kama Sutra or the technical text on the Aphorisms of Love. Translated first into English in 1883 Sir Richard Francis Burton, and then to almost all languages in the world and with shelves of literature, volumes of movie dedicated to it, a copy of Kama Sutra is a must buy, to gift your beloved as a memento of your special trip.

Designer sites for Honeymooners
Nature, when She laid open Her variegated bounty, must be done with by the time She reached India. For whatever was left of each type She emptied it all here. This is to say, India’s diverse landscape – deserts, beaches, backwaters, hill stations – offer a whole legion of vacationing ideas for you and your beloved to pick from.

Beaches: Laze around in the palm-laced beaches at Kerala, just perfect if you can afford sometime to indulge in laxity building sand-castles and deciding which one would be which room. Quickies are those at Goa. Known for their feverish fun and rave parties, Goa is just the place for couples who love hip-shaking and salsa. Dance the nights away and sleep all day long.

Snuggling idea at beaches- How about gifting her a bronze-hued halter-neck jeweled with sea-shells? While you can surprise him with a Sabyasachi Mukherjee (famed Indian designer) fuchsia sarong.

Hill Stations: Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Nainital, Ooty, Darjeeling, Tawang, Dalhousie, Mussoorie, Patnitop are the best bets for that cozy honeymoon. Snowfall or no snowfall, you are bound to remain glued to one another. The resorts and their romantic saunas, skiing through the ice one after the other, swaying together to the waltz held in your honor, joining some jungle camps and spending the whole night counting the shooting stars, visiting one of the Indian temples or monasteries (you know what to pray) — your honeymoon in India’s highlands has many enchantments waiting to be explored.

Snuggling idea at hillstations- If you are in South India, impress the chef of your resort to teach you to make filter coffee. The next morning you sneak out of bed early, make your own breakfast and return impromptu. The aroma of fresh coffee will wake your mate before you do!
Honeymooning Couple in India

Honeymooners pick
The backwaters at Kerala with the tree-top resorts and houseboats incubate the best honeymoons and romances. Something you should not miss is a resplendent Ayurdevic massage and a herbal sauna therapy. The Heritage Resorts , the camel safari in the Thar desert, a night in the rolling caravan or one of the ancient havelis, luncheon in an oasis restaurant, taking part in folk performances, all these and more await you at India’s desertland Rajasthan. The sculptures of Khajuraho, a World Heritage site, are undoubtedly the best expressions in stone inspired by Kama Sutra and a sheer visual delight. The adventurous one’s will find many a tip to make it one of their most exciting honeymooning experience ever. Kashmir is India’s apple-pie and a ride in the Shinkara boats amongst valleys of myriad flowers is an experience that cannot be equaled with diction. Once there (safe and secure for tourists), you will realize why India has so jealously held on to it.

Snuggling idea – Time you read out your old love-poetry (write one if you haven’t written any). Buy a pair of Rajanthani puppets and the easy to use-strings help you do that cameo puppet show while your mobile plays your recorded poem. What say?

Off-the-beaten track spots
Andaman and Nicober Islands, a fantasy archipelago of 572 emerald islands, of sapphire skies, white sands, coral reefs, in the Indian Ocean. One of India’s richest marine reserves, the islands are a haven for scuba divers, anthropologists, adventurers and honeymooners. For a rendezvous with pre-historic life and for that secluded honeymoon, with just ‘you-me and the world as god made it’, fly to Port Blair from Chennai and Calcutta, or still better, sail from Chennai (1190 km), Calcutta (1255 km) and Vishakapatnam. Daman and Diu is another cloistered piece of land, where the tourism flood-lights are yet to be turned. Arunachal Pradesh in the North East India is another quite, yet overtly romantic destination. The hill-station Tawang is simply out-of-the world.

‘Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder’ is passe, for with almost every tourist destination revamped so as to please the vision, and meet the basic requirements, every couple will find their share of paradise in India’s honeymooning destinations. Honeymoon is an affair of a lifetime (unless you are very sure of marrying again) and so is the vacation. Welcome to India and you will find more than one reason to recall it with pride in the years of togetherness that will follow.

The Beaches
Malpe Beach (392 km from Bangalore): Just 6 km from Udupi is the beatific Malpe beache famous for the exotic St Mary’s Island, a boat-ride away.
Bhatkal Beach

Bhatkal Beach : A 16 km drive from Bhatkal brings you to the sprawling sands of its treasure trove – the beach and the ancient temple roosted on a small hillock by the shore. Its pristine height commands a majestic view of the Arabian sea devouring the vermilion sun.

Maravanthe Beach (525 km from Bangalore): With the West Coast Highway cruising along the Arabian Sea and the exquisite Sauparnika river serpenting against a verdant mountainous backdrop, the place looks just exotic. The beach forms an ideal jaunt for tourists with an ardor for adventure sports or looking for a languid vacation.

Karwar Beach (525 km from Bangalore): Karwar, 100 km from Goa, has all the makings of a perfect holiday destination – gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, a benign sun, glistening sands, peaceful alleys – what more can you ask for?

Murudeshwar Beach (151 km from Karwar): A lore says that the place was sanctified by the “Panchakshetras” (Five Holy Places) of Mahabaleshwara. And the intricate stone carvings and statues about the place seems to have survived the lore. The beach is impeccable fun.

Mangalore Beach (298 km from Bangalore): A fine stoppage between Goa and Kerala, Mangalore with its winding streets fringed with coconut palms, quaint houses with terracotta-tiled roofs, temples, churches and of course, some beautiful beaches. It was once a ship-building center in Hyder Ali’s time which has taken on this new role of a huge export base for coffee, spices and cashew.

How to Reach
The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore has its own airport, which is connected to all the major cities in the country like Thiruvananthpuram, Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Mangalore. Bangalore is also directly connected to other countries, cities of the world like Singapore, Dubai, London, Oman, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia by means of Airways.

Snore by the Shore
Mayura Group of Hotels is a chain of 24 budget class hotels, 6 Restaurants and 3 Boat Clubs setup and maintained by KSTDC across the State.

The Beaches
Gopalpur on Sea (180 km from Capital): Perched close to the Bay of Bengal, 18 km south-east of Berhampur, is the town of Gopalpur laced with an exotic beach popular for surfing, swimming, sun-basking. North-west of Gopalpur lies Taptapani, famous for its hot water sulphur spring known to cure skin ailments.
Puri Beach

Puri Beach (60 km from Capital): Famous for its golden sands and the majestic antics of the sun about the sea – sunset and sunrise. Pilgrims visiting the Jagannath temple here, throng the beaches during festivals.

Konark Beach (65 km from Capital): Rated one of the most exotic in the world, the beauty of the beach and that of the colossal Sun Temple or the Black Pagoda (a World Heritage Site), clash and blend to create an ambience of amusement and sanctity. After a day of sun-basking stroll into the temple premises and have a dekko at some of the best expressions captured in stone.

Paradeep Beach (125 km from Capital): Christened ‘Tulasi Kshetra’, the beach draws vacationers to its beatific estuary of the Mahanadi with islands and creeks, and plush green forests that add to the scenic beauty of the locale. October to May is the best time to head for this exciting destination. Some major tourist destinations – Udayagiri, Lalitagiri and Ratnagiri, are all within a 100 km radius.

Balasore (214 km NE of Capital): Balasore is convenient base point for excursions to Chandikpur and Remuna. Also noted for its traditional handicrafts of lacquered toys, brass-works and stone carvings.

Chandipur (230 km from Capital): 16 km east of Balasore, is Chandipur, another pristine beach. Here the sea, recedes 5 km at low tide and then flows rhythmically after a regular interval every day. This play of the tide combined with bracing environs make it a wonderful vacationing jaunt.

How to Reach
Air Sahara and Indian Airlines have 55-minute daily flights from Kolkata to Orissa. There are regular flights from Delhi (2 hr), and Mumbai (3 hr), and also to and from several destinations in South India, including Chennai and Hyderabad. If you want to travel by the train, try Rajdhani Express from Delhi (25 hr), the Howrah-Puri Express from Kolkata and so on. Puri is 1 ½ hr from Bhubaneswar, and there is regular train service between the two cities.

Snore by the Shore
Some of the most exotic beach resorts add that extra dose of spice to the Orissa vacationing expedition. The Palm Beach at Gopalpur on Sea; Hans Coco Palm Beach Resort, Hotel Toshali Sands, Hotel Nilachal Ashok on Puri are names to remember if luxury is your priority. Else budget accommodations can be had everywhere.

North Goa Beaches
Two majestic Forts stand as the guarding sentinels at Goa’s northern beach stretch – Tiracol and Agauda – from where the best sweep-of-vision can be had. The quaint seaside hamlets and their quainter rituals made this stretch more than a sunbathing lounge.
Arambol Beach
Arambol Beach (60 km from Airport): The northernmost beachfront of Goa after Keri, Arambol is both rocky and sandy and for the best views you will have to climb up the Waghcolomb Hill, which again has the tiny Paliem beach at its foothill. Go dolphin-spotting, paragliding and kite-surfing during the day and let your hair down for the wacky jam sessions at night at one of the many ravers out here.

Vagator beach (50 km from Airport): The mammoth Fort and stark red cliffs are the landmarks to look out for. Vagator, with the fresh water springs on the north, small hamlets with pleasant bars and cafes, low budget accommodation, the 18th century Chapora Fort (shooting site for the Bollywood flick ‘Dil Chahta Hai’), is the kind to head for a languid vacation.

Anjuna Beach (57 km from Airport): The Anjuna – Baga – Calangute beach-belt north of Panaji is most populous and developed. Ask any Goan and hew will load you with galores about Anjuna’s Wednesday Flea Market where everything from lovely trinkets and seashells to yak cheese and sarongs can be sampled. This one is rocky and not a good bet for watersports. But for nocturnals there are trance bars and rave parties that rock the beach almost everynight.

Baga Beach (15 km from Panaji): The crescent-shaped Baga with its soft white sands is a popular joint for water-sports activities like para sailing, jet skiing, body boarding and surfing. The dolphin cruises in the sea is a rage with tourists. Nocturnals stay back for the late-night parties here.

Calangute Beach (16 km from Panaji, 48 km from Airport): The massive white dome of the Church of St. Alex announces that you have reached Goa’s busiest of beaches. Right from hippies, roadside trinket sellers, Chapels, seafood eateries, to swanky Malini Ramani boutiques and exotic resorts, this is the hippest place to be. Its nickname, the Queen of Goan beaches, explains it all.

Candolim Beach (45 km from Airport, 13 from Panjim): The sequestered Portuguese Fort Aguada, the Chapel of St. Lawrence, Candolim Church – all conspire to give this beach its reclusive look. The crocodile and dolphin-spotting trips, fishing expeditions, river cruises and some exotic buys make it one of the noted names amongst the tourists.

Dona Paula Beach (32 km from Airport, 37 km from Margao): As pretty as its name is to the ears, Dona Paula is comparatively peaceful. The variegated water sports facilities like water scootering, angling create all the stir. Besides, it is a very picturesque locale commanding a grand view of the Zuari river and Mormugao Harbour, and an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. The legend of the Portuguese Governor’s daughter Dona Paula and the local fisherman’s son Gaspar’s love story lend the place its romantic aura.

South Goa Beaches
It is an uninterrupted coastline, yet the beaches take on a different name each as you trail through, which is because the Goan beaches are named after the village in its vicinity. Tidbit apart, welcome to quieter stretch – a 26 km frill of grainy, white sand, that is best called ‘best’.

Colva Beach
Colva Beach (26 km from Airport, 36 km from Panaji): Though agog with vacationers, this is one place where you can slice your own space amidst parasailing enthusiasts, swimmers, devotees (that swarm the place in October on their way to the church of Infant Jesus), crowded shacks, fishermen and what not. It’s silver-gray, powder-fine sand has served a good bait inspiring a number of folk songs and some branded resorts to set up their abodes here.

Benaulim Beach (28 km from Airport): South of Colva is this legendary place, where according to Hindu mythology, the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. The church of St. John the Baptist on the hill is a wonderful example of Goan Christian architecture. With the first drops of the Indian monsoon, the village breaks into a celebration of thanksgiving for the Feast of São João. The crocodile and dolphin-spotting cruises are a favorite at this pristine beach.

Palolem Beach (67 km from Airport, 43 km from Margoa): It is rated amongst the most beautiful beaches in the world, with the backdrop of the Western Ghats, where one visit only whets your appetite for more. The large InterContinental Grand resort, Pandava’s Drum – a cup-shaped rock which produces echoes if pelted on particular spots, a little island across the stream, the dolphin-spotting trips, a strange balming aura, make Palolem a must-go beach down south in Goa.

Agonda Beach (10 km north of Palolem): This one is just perfect for back-packers who are looking for some solitude. The waters are crystal clear and one can actually see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Just watch out for the sharp barnacles if you decide to climb the cliffs there. The more adventurous can rent a bicycle in the village and cycle cross country to the beach.

How to Reach
Goa’s international-cum-domestic airport, Dabolim, is 29 km from Panaji, on the coast near Vasco da Gama. You can fly in from Mumbai or opt for the eight-hour trip to Goa by Konkan railway or a sixteen-hour bus journey from Mumbai.

Snore by the Shore
Wake up with the fishermen’s call and clear your curtains to let in the tranquil rays of a benign sun that has just buoyed itself out from a turquoise sea. This and a plethora of active pursuits on and off the beach awaits you at the luxuriant beach Resorts. Check out our Resort section for details. Budget accommodations and shacks also available around the beaches.

The Beaches
» Beaches at Thiruvananthapuram
Kovalam Beach (16 km from city): Three crescent shaped beaches – Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra – has made it an international favorite ever since. The Ayurvedic spas, resorts (Ashok Beach Resort), add to the fun with the sands. Stalls sell colorful fabrics, pseudo-ethnic hippie trinkets, and fresh fruit, fish, and coconut water.
Kovalam Beach

Varkala Beach (40 km from city): An otherwise Hindu pilgrimage center, Varkala is known for the therapeutic mineral springs and the closely guarded age-old massaging techniques. The seaside resort and the spa, needless to say, are traveler-busted here.

Shanghumukham Beach (8 km from city): The neighboring spots include the Veli Tourist Village and the Thiruvanathapuram Airport. The 250 m tiled walkway with granite seats make perfect seats to watch the sunset vista. The recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a 35 m long mermaid sclupture), the star-fish shaped restaurants are what awaits the vision out there, other than a smart beach.

» Beaches at Kollam
Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km from town): Ideal for early morning walks, with the fishermen swarming the shore-line. Bathing and lounging under the sun is pleasant out here.

Thangassery Beach (5 km from town): A sea side village of historic importance with ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and the 144 ft lighthouse are the other beach attractions.

» Beaches at Alappuzha
Alappuzha Beach (66 km from Kochi Airport): This golden piece of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons and canals in south Kerala is often labeled as ‘The Venice of the East’. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. The Ayurvedic steam bath, herbal and oil treatment provided by some centers in the vicinity is something one should not miss.

» Beaches at Malappuram
Tanur Beach: Among the earliest Portuguese settlements in India, comes a small coastal fishing town of Tanur. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited this place in the year 1546 AD. The Keraladeshapuram temple, 3 km south is believed to be the oldest in Kerala.

» Beaches at Kozhikode
Beypore Beach (10 km south): This was an once important ports and fishing harbors of Kerala, still retaining part of its ship building industry in the form of constructing Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel.

Kappad Beach (16 km from town): It is the historical gateway to the Malabar coast – the one where Vasco da Gama landed way back in 1498 and a solitary pillar still stands tall with the inscription of the event. It is one of those placid and quiet beaches honeymooners would rate ideal.

Kappad Beach

» Beaches at Kannur
Muzhappilangad Beach (15 km from town): Fringed by huge black rocks, this beach is the longest in Kerala, with shallow waters just perfect for swimming. This beach is also the only drive-in beach in India.

The Dharmadam Island (17 km from town): Coconut palm groves and plenitude of greenery make it a seeming treasure trove from the distance and once there, you realize it is more than true. However, this is a private island and prior permission is required to enter it. Our agents will get the formalities done, at your behest.

» Beaches at Kasaragod
Bekal Beach (14 km from town): The beach embellishment is the ancient Bekal Fort with canons on its ramparts reminiscent of the trading ships approaching the shore under strict guard against pirate ships and rival merchant ships. A nearby mosque built by Tipu Sultan adds to the historic attractions of Bekal Beach.

Snore by the Shore
Beach Resorts with Ayurveda centers, spa joints are the ideal lodging spots. Budget accommodations, though not very popular, also exist in plenty.