Metropolitan City

Kolkata

State
West Bengal

Kolkata, also referred as 'City of Joy' located on east bank of the River Hooghly, is a colonial city developed by the British East India Company and then the British Empire. The city was the capital of the British Indian empire till 1911 when the capital was relocated to Delhi. the city witnessed a fast rise as the second city of the British Empire in the 1800s accompanied by the development of a culture that was a coalescence of European philosophy with Indian tradition. The city was formerly known as Calcutta, is known as the Cultural Capital of India.

History

Kolkata city, one of the four metropolitan cities in India has a history of no more than 300 years. The city, formerly known by the name of Calcutta has undergone a sea change in a very short span of time. Kolkata as it stands today is the largest metropolitan city of India. The city has the distinction of being the procurer of many important movements encompassing politics, arts, literature, theatre, cinema, science and technology, in India.

There are more than one accounts of how the city got its name. According to some the name of the city has been derived from the Bengali word Kalikshetra, meaning the ground of goddess Kali. Yet others are of the opinion that the name has been derived from the term Kilkila, meaning flat surface in Bengali. The city was named Calcutta by the British Power and the place continued to be called so till 2001 A.D. when the city was officially renamed as Kolkata.

Kalikata or Kolkata city used to be a small village ruled by the emperors of different dynasties before the coming of the East India Company of British Power. From 8th century to 12th century there was a frequent change of the power ruling the village. The power shifted amongst the Pala, Sena and Deva dynasties. From 13th century to the concluding 17th century the place was dominated by a series of rulers including the Mamluk rulers, the Balbans, Shahs, Abyssinians and finally Afghans. With the opening of a factory at Cassim Bazar the East India Company established its colonial rule in the year 1690. The land revenue rights were bought by the East India Company and the region gained its own presidency. A fort was established and named after King Willam I. At that time Kolkata was not the capital of Bengal and the capital used to be Murshidabad, located some 60 miles north of Kolkata. The nawab of Bengal attacked the city in 1756 and captured the fort. The city however, was recaptured by the British in 1757 . After being victorious in the battle of Plassey in 1772 against Siraj Ud Daulah the East India Company established their base and the city became the capital of British India. The important offices were moved from Murshidabad to Kolkata. Till 1912 the city was the capital of India, when the British moved the capital to Delhi. In 1947 when India got its independence the city was included and made the capital of the West Bengal.

Accessibility

Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, located at Dumdum, is 17 km away from the heart of Kolkata. This airport is well connected to all major cities in India including north east capitals. Kolkata is a major international airport which is connected to many cities in abroad. Airport to the city center costs about Rs 400 by Tourist taxi car.

Rail: Howrah and Sealdah are two major railway stations in Kolkata. These stations are well connected to all major cities in India.

Metro rail system in Kolkata connects all the main junctions in Kolkata. It is the fastest way to reach the different parts of the big city.

Road: West Bengal state buses connect all parts of the state with Kolkata. The bus charges are less than Rs 2 per km. Deluxe and A/C luxury buses are available from Kolkata to various cities in the state and neighboring states.

Shopping

For those who have value for their money, Kolkata can be describe as a paradise. All over the city there are a number of markets and shopping complexes where you can buy everything from A to Z. Visit New Market, one of oldest and most famous markets of the city, it offers shoes, clothes and several other items. Park Street, Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, Shakespeare Sarani, Camac Street, Chowringhee Road, Dakshinapan Shopping Complex and Russel Street area are other famous shopping spots of the city. Here you will find numerous eating joints, multi-cuisine restaurants, bookstores and music stores. Charnock City at satellite township of Salt Lake is an air-conditioned shopping complex and it houses a number of shops dealing in various items.

Kolkata can be described as a 'shopping paradise' for those who want the value for their money. There are many markets spread all over the city. From 'cucumbers' to 'cargos' and from 'shoe-strings to 'sarees' everything is available under one roof at this century-old market.

New Market, located on Lindsay Street, is one of Kolkata's oldest and most renowned Markets. During the annual 'Durga Puja', the area in and around New Market wears a festive look as people from different parts of the state and even neighboring states come to shop here. Park Street, the fashion street of the city and the arterial roads, JL Nehru Road, Shakespeare Sarani, Camac Street and Russel Street area are other happening spots of the city. Spacious shopping malls, food joints, music stores, bookstores and a host of multi-cuisine restaurants are situated here. Charnock City in Kolkata's satellite Township of Salt Lake is an air-conditioned shopping complex spread over three floors. Chowringhee Rd is an amazing variety of pavement vendors who sell everything from water pistols to dancing dolls. Dakshinapan Shopping Complex is one place that is a favorite with college students looking for clothes to fit their budgets.

Accommodation

Hotels in Kolkata offer you the traditional Bengali hospitality together with the modern amenities and advanced technological facilities. Most of the hotels in Kolkata, India are ideally located near the main business districts, shopping areas and tourist destinations, making it feasible for you to easily access any part of Kolkata with perfect ease, visiting tourist attractions in Kolkata or shopping in Kolkata.

No other city offers a dining experience as varied as Kolkata. Right from the restaurants at the five-star hotels to the roadside eateries, the city has everything from Indian to Chinese, and from Continental to Mughlai and of course authentic Bengali cuisine. 'Tea' has been a favorite pastime of the Bengalis for ages. They believe that anytime is teatime and enjoy tea in any form offered.

FIVE STAR DELUXE HOTELS

Hyatt Regency Hotel
ITC Hotel Sonar Bangla Sheraton and Towers
Oberoi Grand Hotel
Taj Bengal Hotel
The Park Hotel

FOUR STAR HOTELS

Peerless Inn
The Kolkata Kenilworth Best Western Hotel

THREE STAR HOTELS

Lytton
Rutt Dean
Fort Radisson Resort

District
Kolkata
STD Code
033
Topic
Metropolitan City
Popular
Best time to visit
November to February

Bangalore

State
Karnataka

Bangalore, the bustling capital city of Karnataka, has historically been known as the "Garden City" because of its pleasant climate and moderate temperature and a good number of gardens, parks and natural lakes. After the IT boom Bangalore came to be described as the "Silicon Valley" of Asia with a number of industries like aerospace, telecommunications, defence organistaions etc setting up their base here. Bangalore is the anglicised version of Kannada language and the official name of the city is Bengaluru.

History

The name Bengaluru derived from the Kannada word ‘bhenda kaale ooru’ meaning ‘town of baked beans’. Legend says that the name came into being because of a 10th century incident when a local king, Vira Ballala, turned up hungry at the doorstep of an old lady and she fed boiled beans. Out of gratitude to the old lady, the king named the place after food she generously fed him. Some historians however propose that the name simply originates from the word "Benga" or "Ven-kai" tree. The name Bengaluru is also found mentioned in a 9th century inscription regarding Ganga.
In the 16th century a local chieftain and the founder of modern day Bangalore, Kempe Gowda, constructed a mud wall around the city (in 1537). The town was then named " GalluBhoomi" meaning the "Land of Heroes". Later, under the rule of Hyder Ali and then his son, Tipu Sultan, it became an important fortified city with beautiful gardens. When the British took over Mysore State from Tipu Sultan, they shifted the capital to Bangalore from Mysore. Bangalore remains the capital of the state that is now known as Karnataka.
The city progressed rapidly under the British who established civic amenities, constructed grand buildings and parks. In 1881, the Wodeyars were given control of the city.

Accessibility

Air: Bangalore International Airport is 40 km away from the heart of the city, Majestic. It costs about Rs 300 by auto rickshaw and Rs 600 by taxi. Pre paid taxi facilities are available in Airport. Bangalore airport is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities are also operated from Bangalore.

Rail: Bangalore Majestic, Bangalore Cantonment (8 km to Majestic) and Yeshwanthpur (10 km away from Majestic) are the three main stations in Bangalore. Bangalore Majestic is connected to all major cities in India.

Road: KSRTC buses connect all cities in the state to Bangalore. Many super deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore to Hyderabad, Cochin, Trivandrum, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa and Mysore.

Shopping

For shopper's Bangalore is a paradise. Traditional buys of Bangalore include silks, jewellery, sandalwood, agarbatties, antiques etc. Bangalore has a number of new shopping malls and other old markets as well. You will find outlets of all the renowned brands in the shopping malls of Bangalore. For traditional handicrafts Bangalore has a Arts and Crafts Emporim too. Visit the Kaveri Arts and Crafts Emporium which stocks a huge range of superb handcrafted tables, carvings, ivory ware, jewellery, ceramics, carpets and agarbatties.

Shopping in Bangalore can be a fascinating experience because Bangalore has something to offer every kind of customer. Whether you are looking for Kancheepuram Silk or Swarovski crystal, chances are you will find it in Bangalore.
Bangalore is famous for the shopping malls, which have some of the finest and biggest showrooms in India.

Commercial Street is one of the busiest and crowded shopping areas in Bangalore. The shops are filled with shoes, jewelry, art decors, stationery, novelties, and travel kits and sports goods. The South Parade of the British Period, now known as the MG Road still retains the colonial charm even after lot of development and advancement has been made.

This is the place for shopping for electronic equipments, books and magazines, silk saris, textiles, antiques and photography equipments. Brigade Road, which is adjacent to MG Road is famous for electronic items such as televisions, refrigerators, music systems, computers, and washing machines and government emporiums where one can find brassware, wooden furniture, antique jewelry, ethnic printed fabrics, saris and decorative items. One should check out the Majestic area, where one can come away with really good buys and bargains. There are also a couple of markets called the Hong Kong Market, Burma Bazaar with small shops selling imported perfumes, accessories and electronic goods.

Apart form those shopping areas, Bangalore has lots of other commercial areas famous in their own way for the products they have on offer. Richard Square in Russell Market, for instance, is known for cutlery, crockery and household items. Chickpet is famous for its Silk Sarees, Silver and Gold jewelers and Textiles and Arcot Srinivaschari Street for metal items like brass, silver and copperware.

On B.V.K. Iyengar Road one can find wood products, plywood, paper and electrical goods. Avenue Road is known for its stationery, stainless steel ware and silver jewellery. For upmarket shops with an air-conditioned ambience one can go to KempFort, Shopper's Stop or some of the new shopping malls in the city like Forum and Bangalore Central.

Commercial Street: Commercial Street in Bangalore is one of the main shopping complexes in India. The whole of the street is lit by a covering of lights that are threaded from lamppost to lamppost. The energy of the people shopping here is high and one can get a good sense of the chaos that is prevalent there.

The Commercial Street is one of the busiest areas in Bangalore. It is placed between Shivaji Nagar and Kamaraj Road. Garments, hosiery and textile stores form the major part of the shops. In addition there are shops selling shoes, art materials, jewellery, sport goods and other general goods.

Accommodation

Bangalore, the IT Hub of India, also known as the Silicon Valley of India has hotels with international standards. Bangalore hotels range from five-star hotels and luxury resorts to budget hotels.

Bangalore hotels offer well-equipped business centers and meeting rooms for the business traveler. For the economy and leisure tourist, there are hotels near the main shopping area, MG Road which offer a comfortable stay as well as opportunities for shopping in Bangalore. There are also tourist attractions in Bangalore, which are accessible to the tourist.

One of the frequented destinations of India, Bangalore is dotted with large number of hotels. Ranging from five star to budget hotels, Bangalore hotels provide a comfortable stay to guests. All the deluxe and luxury hotels are well-equipped with contemporary facilities, while you stay in Bangalore hotels you feel yourself at home. Important hotels of Bangalore include Hotel Oberoi, Leela Palace Kempinski, ITC Hotel Windsor Sheraton & Towers, Taj West End, The Park, Taj Residency, Le Meridien, Gateway Hotel, The Central Park, The Richmond Hotel, The Chancery etc.

Among the prominent hotels in Bangalore are:

FIVE STAR DELUXE HOTELS

The Oberoi
The Taj West End Hotel

FIVE STAR HOTELS

The Leela Palace Kempinski
Le Meridien
Taj Residency

BUDGET HOTELS

Hotel Basant Residency
Hotel Ramanshree
Nilgiris Nest
Kamat Yatrinivas

FIRST CLASS HOTELS

Hotel Ashok
St. Mark's Hotel
Central Park

There are numerous accommodation options available for the tourists throughout the city. Some of them are Ista Hotel, Ballal Residency, Casa Piccola, Cottage, Melange, Jayamahal Palace.

STD Code
080
Topic
Metropolitan City
Popular
WGW_Chennai
Termperature
Summer 23-33°C, Winter 12-23°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Chennai

State
Tamil Nadu

Chennai, located on the stretch of Coromandel coast, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and is the gateway to South India. It also has the distinction of being called the automobile capital of India with around 40% of automobiles giants having a plant there. Kollywood, the Tamil film industry is another energetic aspect of the people of Chennai. The city boasts of a long history from ancient South Indian empires through colonialism to its evolution in the 20th century as a services and manufacturing hub.

History

Chennai, formerly called Madras, has been present since times immemorial. Whatever is known about the capital city of Tamil Nadu, presently serves as the history of the modern city. Originally Chennai was a cluster of villages, perched amidst paddy fields, bordered by palm trees. The Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Vijaynagar Empire, all the popular dynasties of South India, have had an influence over the city. The origin of the metropolitan city started in 1639, when Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, two merchants of the East India Company, started a factory-cum-trading post here.

A settlement was built to serve as the control centre and it was completed on 23 Apr' 1640, St George's Day and was named as St George's Fort. The native town, officially called George Town, was established outside the ramparts of the Fort. George Town had several crowded lanes and each lane dealt in special trade, serving the British colonists. The Colonial decree made connections with the villages, together with the settlement at San Thome that was established by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

The 7th century Pallava Port, Kapalesvara Temple and Parthasarathi Temple are standing testimony to the fact that Chennai had been present since ages. In 1746, Chennai, along with Fort St George, came under the sway of the French, who ransacked the town and the nearby villages. The British again got command over Chennai in 1749, attributable to the Treaty of Aix-la-Chappell. They fortified the area so that this time no pirate could conquer it. By the late 18th century, they were able to overpower most of the region around Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and founded the Madras Presidency.

During the British rule, Chennai went under drastic changes, to become a prominent city, with strong naval base. With the introduction of railways in the late 19th century, Chennai got linked with other important cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. Facilities of trade and communication in the city boosted, connecting it with the hinterland too. Chennai was the only city of India that was attacked during the World War.

When India became independent in 1947, Chennai city was declared as the capital of Madras State, which was later renamed as Tamil Nadu in 1968. In 1997, the Government of Tamil Nadu officially changed the name of Madras to Chennai. However, it is the colonial rule which developed Chennai into a major commercial center. In the present day, George Town houses most of the pioneer business headquarters, while the State Government has its nerve centre in the Fort St George.

Accessibility

Air: Anna International Airport at Chennai is connected to many important cities in abroad including Singapore, Colombo. Kamraj Domestic Airport in Chennai is well connected to all major cities in India. All the major airlines provide their service from Chennai to other cities. Prepaid taxis are available and fare about Rs 250 to 300 from Airport to Chennai Central.

Rail: Chennai has 3 railway stations. They are Central, Egmore and Tambaram. Chennai Central is well connected to all the major cities in India.

Road: Chennai metro city is connected to all parts of the India by road. TSTC and other private bus services provide services to all cities in the state. Deluxe Volvo bus services are available from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin and Coimbatore.

Shopping

Chennai is a good place to shop for a large variety of items-- traditional bell metal items, bronze icons, and stone sculpture, as well as other crafts of the southern region at the local shops of Chennai. Besides these, the city of Chennai is famous for the beautiful Kancheepuram hand woven silk sarees.

A wide range of craft shops and various government emporia along Anna Salai specialise in conventional souvenirs and handicrafts made of rosewood, sandalwood, ivory, bronze and silver. Leather goods, silk and hand-woven fabrics, saris and jewellery are available at most of the upmarket shopping centres. The Victoria Technical Institute, run by nuns on behalf of development groups sells traditional crafts, handmade clothing, batik greeting cards, embroidered upholstery and finely carved wooden furniture besides other items. One can visit the Central Cottage Industries Emporium in Temple Towers, Anna Salai, and Nandanam for the choicest arts and crafts. Superbly decorated, it has an excellent range of handicrafts from all over India. For exquisite silks and cottons the government - sponsored Handloom House in George Town, or the more expensive India Silk House on Anna Salai are the right choices. Locals and visitors alike visit Kumaran and Nalli silk stores. In George Town near the Parry's corner are the self-styled duty free shops, which sell electronic goods, sweets and chocolates. Footpath stalls along Anna Salai or in front of Egmore station, are excellent places to pick up cheap 'export reject' clothes.

Burma Bazaar: Chennai is one of the important trade centers of south India and is a good place to shop for a large variety of things. One of the famous shopping places is Burma Bazar, where one can find all sorts of imported goods ranging from electronic gadgets to readymade and perfumes. Trading in almost all kinds of goods from plastic goods to textiles and stationery, and from ready-made garments to household items can be had here for reasonable prices. There are many new shopping complexes that offer a large range of shopping to be done under a single roof, have come all over the Burma Bazar. This is shoppers' paradise.

Second Avenue: Avenue is a common name given to sector of a township, like Anna Nagar, KK Nagar, Besant Nagar etc., in Chennai. Second Avenue means second sector of the specified township. Second Avenue of Anna Nagar has blown up to very famous with its shopping markets. Anna Nagar today is a self-sufficient township with its family entertainment centers, clubs, super markets, restaurants, theatre in addition to religious abodes and the beautiful parks. Anna Nagar is a second hub in Chennai. The Second Avenue in Anna Nagar has converted itself into something similar to a high street. The national and multinational big companies that have put up shop in Second Avenue include Food World, Pizza Hut, Gautier, Crocodile, Hutch Shop and Damro Furniture. Second Avenue became a shopping paradise and all tourists prefer Second Avenue for their shopping in Chennai.

The Weaver's Centre: The Welfare centers for handloom weavers instituted to promote, advance and facilitate the continuous growth of the handloom industry to compete in the global market are the so-called Weaver Centers. Weavers' Service center in Chennai is one of the first four Centers initially established throughout India in 1956. This center is the Headquarters of the Weavers Service Centers in South Zone. Organizational philosophy is "Friend for guidance and partner in progress through skills & technological up gradation and product development" and this center is the symbol and flagship of the victory of cooperation and sincerity.

Accommodation

Chennai Hotels are a perfect blending of tradition and modernity. There are plenty of hotels in Chennai ranging from five star deluxe hotels to the economic budget hotels. There are also beach resorts in Chennai quite popular with corporate executives as they have a variety of stress busting and rejuvenation packages.

FIVE STAR DELUXE HOTELS

Park Sheraton and Towers
Le Royal Meridien
Taj Coromandel

FIVE STAR HOTELS

Chola Sheraton
Fisherman's Cove
Taj Coromandel

BUDGET HOTELS

Aadithya Hotel
Hotel Breeze
Quality Inn Sabari

Attractions

Cuisine - Delight For Tongue
South Indian cuisine from Chennai could be the best memory that you take away from here. From the idlis and vadas, to idiyappam and dosa, Chennai is so full of different delicacies that once you have a taste of them, you will be left asking for more. Having your lunch on a banana leaf might not be on your wish list before you come to Chennai , but after one experience, it will definitely be there on your favorite's list, right on top. For the best in town vegetarian, you can go to Madras Cafe or Raj Restaurant. And for sumptuous non-vegetarian Chettinad cuisine which is considered to be a specialty in Tamil Nadu, Sea food restaurant-Kayal is a great option. Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai, is famous for its filter coffee called as 'Kaapi' without which your trip to Chennai is not complete.

District
Chennai
STD Code
044
Topic
Metropolitan City
Popular
Termperature
Summer 38-42°C, Winter 18-20°C
Best time to visit
November to February
Famous For
Capital of Tamil Nadu. Gateway to South India

Mumbai

State
Maharashtra

Mumbai is a city that do not go to sleep and has been compared to new york of India and is considered as the commercial capital of India. For decades the city has attracted migrants who come here to earn bread, many fail and those who survive are absorbed in the pace of Mumbai.

History

Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began to thrive here.

This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural colour.

In the 18th century Mumbai grew rapidly and it also became one of the leading centers for the activists in the freedom struggle. Britishers played their role by shifting the presidency from Surat to Bombay, the former name of Mumbai. Also, the first railway line on which train moved was laid between Bombay and Thane.

Bombay played a formative role in shaping the freedom struggle. It hosted the first Indian National Congress and was also a venue for the declaration of 'Quit India' by Gandhiji. Today Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra. Bombay was re-named as Mumbai in 1996.

Accessibility

By Air: Mumbai has its own domestic and international airport, known as Chatrapati Shivaji international airport.

By Rail: Mumbai is the headquarters of Indian railway system. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station is the major one which connects all most parts of Indian cities to Mumbai.

By Road: Mumbai has an excellent road transportation system. State owned buses connect Mumbai to all neighboring points.

Mumbai offers an excellent water journey within the country and abroad. Many private companies offer their cruises from Mumbai to foreign countries.

Shopping

Mumbai is a paradise for shoppers and any trip to the city is incomplete without shopping. Here in Mumbai you will find everything of daily use that include clothes, shoes, perfumes and cosmetics, gadgets and gizmos, furnitures, books etc. There are certain areas of the city where you find a bit of everything, besides, you will also find hawkers who sell a variety of items. Mumbai has a number of shopping malls, which have several branded outlets. Some of the important shopping markets of Mumbai are Chor Bazaar, Oshiwara Joona-Poorana Market, Zaveri Bazaar, Gandhi Market, Crawford market etc.

Colaba Causeway: Colaba Causeway, a prime spot of vibrant tourist activities, is a major road link elevated by a bank between Mumbai’s Old Woman’s Island and Colaba. The causeway, established by English east India Company, is parallel to Gate way of India and is thickly populated with shops, hotels, cinema halls and restaurants.

Colaba Causeway is a dynamic shopping suburban area, visited by all shopping tourist freaks. All varieties of clothing materials, electronics equipments, Indian and imported high values items and cosmetics are available plenty in the shops of Colaba Causeway.

Church of St John the Evangelist (Afghan Church) and the Sasson Dock are main tourist attractions in this area. When you visit Mumbai, do not forget to shop at Colaba Causeway.

Fashion Street: Fashion Street in Mumbai is located in bust MG Road. This is the dream place of trendy fashions. Plenty of textile shops selling all varieties of fashion dresses are the main attractions of the street. The super malls to small petty shops sell beautiful varieties of dresses for all ages. Shopping freaks can get all kinds of items from traditional dresses to state of the art most modern trendy styled wears.

Export quality dress materials are available here in cheap prizes. Do not forget to bargain on the prices. You can get a good amount of saving by bargain. Apart from textile items, tourist can venture out here to get jeweler items, bags, shoes and kids toys.

Accommodation

Plenty of accommodation is available in Mumbai ranging from five star hotels to budget hotels. Equipped with the contemporary facilities the hotels of Mumbai provide comfortable stay to guests. Some of the popular hotels of Mumbai include :

Luxury Hotels : JW Marriott, Renaissance Mumbai Hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton & Towers, The Oberoi, Hilton Towers, The Leela Kempinski, The Taj President, Le Royal Meridien, Taj Land's End, Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency.

Deluxe Hotels : The Orchid, The Marine Plaza, Ramada Palm Grove, Best Western the Emerald, Sun-N-Sand, Sea Princess and Lotus Suites.

Standard Hotels : The Ambassador, The Fariyas, Rodas, The Gordon House Hotel and Y.W.C.A International Guest House.

Oberoi Towers
One of the five-star deluxe hotels in Mumbai, Oberoi Towers is situated in the heart of the city. It has facilities like Coffee shop, Bar, Fax, Safe Deposit, Business Centre, Banquet Hall, Conference Room, Beauty Parlor, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Discotheque, Shopping Complex, Money Changer, Banking, Baby Sitting Arrangements, etc.

Taj Mahal Hotel
Taj Mahal Intercontinental Hotel is one of the premier hotels in Mumbai, situated on the waterfront adjacent to the Gateway of India. It has facilities like Bar, Fax, Safe Deposit, Business Centre, Banquet Hall, Conference Hall, Beauty Parlor, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Lounge, Shopping Complex, Money Changer, Florist, Baby Sitting Arrangements, Book Shops, etc.

J.W. Mariott
J.W. Marriot is counted amongst the best five-star deluxe hotels of Mumbai. It has facilities like Live Entertainment Lounge, Swimming Pools, Whirlpool with beach access, Shopping Gallery, Business Centre, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Cocktail Lounge, Child Care Services, Hair Salon, Gift Shop, Massage & Spa Treatment, Aerobics Studio, Card & Board Games, Billiards Tables, Gymnasium, Safe Deposit, Night Club 'Enigma', etc.

Ambassador Hotel
Also known as 'Queens Necklace', Ambassador Hotel has Mumbai's only revolving restaurant 'The Pearl of The Orient'. It has facilities like Separate Executive Floor, Banquet Hall, Conference Rooms, Laundry, Money Changer, Safe Deposit, Fax, E- room for Internet surfing, Swimming Pool, etc.

Guesthouses
For those who are looking for cheap accommodation, guesthouses are one of the best options. They are available are at very reasonable rates and even the services provided there are quite good.

Home Stays
In cities like Mumbai and Chennai, you have the option of arranging home stays also. For this, you will be required to contact the local tourist office. This boarding is extremely reasonable and is the best way to explore the culture and people of the city.

Attractions

Ganesha Chaturthi
Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Mumbai. The ten day long event held in August/September was given religious and cultural dimensions to engender feelings of nationalism and self-esteem by Lokmanya Tilak during the freedom movement. Colourful pavilions house ornate statues of the God Ganesh and the nights come alive with the folk dances- Dandiya and Garba- before the festival culminates with the idols ceremoniously taken in procession to be immersed in the sea on Chowpatty beach. The Hindu festivals of Dashera or Navratri and Diwali; Muslim festivals of Id and Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas are celebrated with great community participation and gusto. The cultural year begins with the Banganga Festival of Music held near Banganga Tank every January. The Elephanta Festival held in February on the Elephanta Island is a festival of classical Indian dance and music organised by the MTDC. Famous classical dancers, singers and musicians perform during this festival. The Kala Ghoda Festival showcases the country and particularly regional arts and crafts and is held every Sunday from November to January.

STD Code
022
Topic
Metropolitan City
Popular
WGW_Pune
Best time to visit
October to April

Hyderabad

State
Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, popularly known as the 'City of Nizam', is almost 500 years old and is located on the Deccan Plateau with most of the regions have rocky terrain.

The city of Hyderabad was originally established on the southern banks of the river Musi. Now, the so-called original Hyderabad city is called as the historical Old City, dwelling to the Charminar and the Mecca Masjid. Hyderabad has a twin city known as 'Secunderabad'. Hussain Sagar Lake divides and beautifies the milieu of these two cities.

History

The city's history begins with the establishment of the Qutb Shahi dynasty when Quli Qutb Shah seized the power from the Bahamani Kingdom in 1512, establishing the city of Golconda. Owing to water scarcity and frequent epidemics of cholera and plague, Quli Qutb Shah wanted to establish a city outside of Golconda. Charminar became the center of this new city and there were four major roads arising from the Charminar along the four cardinal directions.

The wealth and strategic location of Hyderabad and Golconda attracted Aurangazeb. After a tough eight-month siege, Quli Qutb Shah gave in, and in 1687, the Moghul Empire was established. During the Moghul rule, the city experienced partial ruins and lost its importance. However, having no mighty emperors after Aurangazeb, the Moghul emperor soon lost its glory and hold, and then began Asaf Jahi dynasty. Asaf Jah I proclaimed himself the Nizam of Hyderabad and established independent rule of the Deccan. The city regained its importance and became the capital city of the Asif Jahi dynasty until Andhra Pradesh was merged into the Indian Union 1948.

Accessibility

Air: Indian Airlines has flights connecting Hyderabad with all major cities in India. The nearest airport Begumpet airport is situated on the main road between Begumpet and Parade grounds (Secunderabad), roughly 5 Km from Secunderabad Railway Station.

Rail: The world's second largest railway under one management the Indian Railways carries more than ten million people every day. Main railway stations are Begumpet Station, Hyderabad Station and Secunderabad Station.

Bus: The AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has a busy district service that connects Hyderabad to every city, town and almost all villages.

Shopping

Hyderabad is an ultimate, shopping paradise and any trip to the city is incomplete without some shopping. Shopping in the markets of Hyderabad will be a fascinating experience for you. While shopping in Hyderabad you can buy birdiware, banjar mirrors, lac bangles, kalamkari fabric, leather puppets, venkatigiri sarees, perfumes and the famour pearls. Most popular shopping centres of Hyderabad include Basheerbagh, Abids, Nampally, Begum Bazaar, Osmanganj, Charminar, Patthargatti, Laad Bazaar, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Narayanguda etc.

Shopping in Hyderabad will be a fascinating experience for the tourist. Hyderabad is famous for its bidriware, lac bangles, banjara mirrors, ikat and kalamkari fabric, pochampalli and venkatgiri sarees, leather puppets, kondapalli toys, perfumes and pearls A major trading center for centuries, it has been influenced by cultures from all directions - largely because its former rulers controlled both of India's coastlines.

Basheerbagh-Abids-Nampally can be considered to be the most prominent shopping area in Hyderabad.Some of the biggest showrooms for jewellery, textiles, handicrafts, footwear, readymade and general goods are located in this area.
Begum Bazaar, now known mainly for brassware shops was one time a large commodities center. Osmanganj is a thriving wholesale market.

Close by is Mozaam Jahi Market with its fruit vendors, and Sabzi Mandi, the vegetable market. Charminar-Patthargatti-Lad Bazaar is the oldest commercial area in the twin cities and a traditional seat for silversmiths and pearl dealers. This is also the largest and the best area for Zardozi (gold-silver thread and sequin work on fine cloth). Mahatma Gandhi Road - General Bazaar - Rashtrapathi Road is the major shopping district in Secunderabad.

The M.G.Road complex has several new, trendy apparel show rooms, boutiques and gift emporia. Connecting R.P.Road and M.G. Road is the General Bazaar lanes with shops selling imitation jewellery stores, stationery and paper and shops selling tailoring materials, wool and threads. Off to the east of R.P.Road is Market Street, the heart of which is the teeming, noisy but colorful Monda Market, the biggest vegetable market in the city. Narayanguda-Chikkadpally area comprises a long stretch lined on either side with shops and commercial enterprises. Secretariat Road-Khairatabad is another interesting shopping area with a variety of shops, mainly textile showrooms. Sultan Bazaar-Koti-Troop Bazaar is a colorful and extremely busy commercial center with heavy traffic throughout the day-- from large modern showrooms to pushcarts on the streets selling wares ranging from vegetables and sweets to silks and shoes.

Accommodation

Hotels in Hyderabad range from the exclusive to the ordinary. Hyderabad, famous as the "city of pearls" is now a growing business and tourist center. For the business traveler, there are business, luxury and deluxe hotels with modern comforts and amenities. Hyderabad hotels suit the budget travelers too as the room tariffs in Hyderabad are comparatively lower than the other metropolitan cities of India.

Hyderabad also affords the pleasure of visiting the historical tourist attractions in the city for those who want a peep into the four hundred year old history of the city. The city is equally modern with shopping malls, eating places and entertainment facilities.

Luxury Hotels
Kakatiya Sheraton and Towers (5 Star)
Taj Krishna (5 Star)
Tulip Manohar Hotel (5 Star)
Taj Banjara Hotel (5 Star)
Taj Residency (5 Star)
Hotel Green Park (4 Star)
Hotel Amrutha Castle (4 Star)
Hotel Golkonda (3 Star)
The Central Court Hotel (3 Star)
Quality Inn Residency Hotel (3 Star)

Budget Hotels
Aditya Deluxe Hotel
Aditya Park Inn
Aghai Hotel
Begumpet Palace
Belman Hotel
Bottles and Chimney
Brindavan Resorts
City Light Hotel
City Park Hotel
Class Apart, Banjara Hills
Club View Hotel
Comfort Inn City Park Hotel

Resorts
Dhola Ri Dhani
Dodsal Hotels and Resorts
Emmanuel Resorts
Family World
Fateh Maidan Club
Garden Retreat Resorts
Golkonda Resorts and Spa
Hola-Ri-Dhani
IES Clubs and Resorts

Things to do

Boating
Go boating in the Hussain Sagar Lake. Built as early as 1562 by the Qutb Shahi emperors, the lake separates the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. An island anchored in the center of the lake hold a monolithic statue of Buddha.

District
Hyderabad
STD Code
040
Topic
Metropolitan City
Popular
Termperature
Summer 30-40°C, Winter 14-22°C
Best time to visit
October to February
Famous For
Capital of Andhra Pradesh
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