The very word Goa, conjures sun kissed beaches and fun filled holidays. Amidst the traditional India, Goa is one place where you forget all the cares, all the traditions, all the worries of daily life. You just let yourself free and soar in the sky with the wind. It is THE tourist place in India and a must visit in every Indians and India visitor’s itinerary.

Nowhere in India will you find so many tourists. It is the tourist hot spot with people from all over the world coming here. It is the smallest state in India with a small town ‘Panaji’ as its capital. Located on the beaches of the Arabian Sea, the beautiful blue waters mesmerize you.

Goa is dominated by Portuguese culture and there is an old world feel to it. Hence its largest city is suitably called Vasco de Gama. Hundreds and thousands of foreigners visit Goa especially during its tourist season in northern hemisphere winter. Goa beaches are beautiful beyond description no doubt, but apart from them there is world heritage architecture. It includes the famed ‘Basilica of Jesus’.

The flora and the fauna are rich because of its natural location on the plains. Goa has great long stretch of sunny beaches which make it a favourite of the Europeans during their winter months. The climate in Goa is warm and slightly humid throughout the year. But May is the hottest month. The day temperature may well cross 35 degrees centigrade. Monsoons arrive in early June, thus if you want to enjoy the sea in rains, this is the time to go. The rains go on till the end of September. It is never very cold in Goa. It is pleasantly cool in December to February.

The most renowned bird sanctuary in India, the Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is situated here and you come across some exotic birds. Like all sea beaches in India, Goa too has a ubiquitous presence of coconut trees. The coconut water is a delicious natural drink which works wonders on your digestive system. You can taste mangos, jackfruits blackberries and pineapples in Goa, depending on the season. There are cashew trees too.

In the jungles of Goa you can find migratory birds, wild boars and foxes. There are many snakes in Goa and thus the rodent population is pretty low. There are many National parks in Goa including the Bondla Wildlife sanctuary, Cotigao wildlife sanctuary and many others too. Tourism is the chief industry in Goa and it has the distinction of being the most beautiful state in India.

To enjoy your stay in Goa you may select among the five star hotels of Goa or the show string budget ones. The five stars are the Hotel Taj Exotica, The Leela palace, Taj Holiday village, the Aquada Hermitage, the Radisson, Hotel Kenilworth and many others. On the other hand there are shoe string budget hotels too like Image inn, villa bornfim hotel, Dukes Villa, Hotel Panjim Hill and countless others.

Because of its Portuguese culture, the Americans and the Europeans can identify themselves with the culture. There is a mixture of Christians, Hindus and Muslims in Goa which lend it a truly cosmopolitan look. This mixture of religions and culture is reflected in the food of Goa. You may go to any restaurant and order both, beef and pork! Alcoholic drinks are freely available and people are always in a joyous holiday mood.

Jaipur also known as The pink city is the capital of Rajasthan. According to legend, it was Raja Sawai Jai Singh who had his capital in Amber, and felt the need for more security and so shifted his capital to the newly built city of Jaipur. Jaipur was first planned and well-designed city by a great Bengali architect known as Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. According to the books of history, it was based on the Hindu treatise on the Shilpa Shastra, the Indian architecture.

It was coloured pink in honour of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Albert in 1876. Since then the colour pink has been associated with the royal and hospitable city of Jaipur.

Jaipur Tourist Attractions

Jaipur is world famous for its royal palaces, majestic forts and Havelis. Its architectural marvels are world-renowned. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal. Once upon a time it was used as form of veil by women folk of royal family to watch the processions. Another classic example of Rajput and Mughal architecture style is the City Palace built by Kachchwah Rajput rulers. A part of this spectacular palace is turned into a museum for foreign tourists who come to know about the rich culture and heritage of the regal city of Jaipur. There are rare manuscripts, Mughal carpets, their costumes, weapons and other things used by Rajput and Mughal royalty.

Another wonderful sight is Jantar Mantar which was built by Sawai Jai Singh. It was an observatory, which was specially built to observe the movements of stars. It is built in marble and stone. Amber Fort, built on a hilltop by Raja Man Singh is another famous fort. It is built with white marble and red stones on the styles of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The reason behind the fact that it is on a must-see list of every tourist is because it offers fabulous views of the surroundings. Other famous and must see places include, Nahargarh Fort, Laxmi Narayan temple, Jaigarh Fort, Govind Deoji mandir etc.

Hotels In Jaipur

Jaipur is a famous tourist spot for foreigners who are attracted to it because of its magnificent palaces and forts and rich cultural heritage. Its close location to the capital city of India Delhi, also makes it very accessible. There are number of places to stay at Jaipur that will suit any budget.

Some of the famous heritage hotels of Jaipur include Chirmi Palace, Samode Bagh, SMS hotel, Raj Palace Hotel, Diggi Palace Hotel, and Raj Mahal Palace etc. Some other luxury hotels where you can stay in comfort and magnificently are Bella Casa, KK Royal Days, Raj Vilas, Rambagh Palace and the Jaipur Palace.

If you are on an economic budget then you can stay at other hotels like Madhuban, Santha Bagh, Jas Vilas, Jai Niwas, Jaipur Inn, and HR Palace. Whether you want to stay at a deluxe hotel or a guesthouse, Jaipur has everything to offer you.