Varanasi
or Benaras, as it was called by the Britishers is one of the oldest living
cities of the world. This ancient sacred city of India is located in the
state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the holiest river of India--Ganga.
The association with the Ganges has attracted thousands of pilgrims to the
city. It is said that Varanasi is located on the land between the river
Varuna and Assi hence the name Varanasi. Varanasi is also called 'Kashi' or
the city of spiritual light.
How to Reach ?
Varanasi is well connected to all the major cities of India by air, rail
and road.
What to See ?
The Ghats Of Varanasi, St. Mary's Church, The Kashi Vishwanath Temple /
Gyanvapi Mosque, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple.
Dharmshala
(Mcleodganj) :
Dharamshala
is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 18 km
north east of Kangra town in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Dotted with oak
and conifer trees and snow capped peaks enfolding the three sides of the
town while the valley stretches in front. This is the most delightful hill
station in the fertile, undulating Kangra valley lying between the Shivalik
hills and the foothills of the mighty Dhauladhars. The valley known for the
beauty of its lush green surroundings, is worth visiting.
The main highlight of the Dharamshala is the Dalai Lama's residence at
Macleodganj, which is now a major center of Tibetan culture. McLeodganj is
best known as the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in Exile and home
of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. McLeodganj, a Tibetan settlement is a
colorful little town and a perennial haunt of tourists. McLeodganj is
immersed in Buddhist culture. Here you can find anything from Tibetan food,
good luck charms and thangkas to Enlightenment. In fact, tourists come here
seeking solace, meditation or to champion the Tibetan cause. This is one
place where you can chill out in and do your own thing.
How to Reach ?
The nearest airport is at Gaggal, 13 km from the town. The nearest broad
gauge railhead is at Pathankot. National Highway 1 and National Highway 1A
connect Dharamsala to Pathankot and Jalandhar. Dharamsala is also well
connected by road to other places in Himachal.
What to See ?
McLeodganj, Namgyal Monastery, Nechung Monastery, Church of St. John.
Auroville
(Pondicherry) :
Inaugurated
on February 28, 1968 in a ceremony attended by representatives from 124
nations and all the states of India, Auroville aims at becoming a model of
the 'city of the future' or 'the city the earth needs'. Located at a
distance of 10 kms from the Pondicherry town, Auroville is envisioned as a
universal town, where people from different nationalities, faiths and
beliefs, can live in peace and harmony.
The construction of this 'universal town' was commenced in 1968 under the
guidance of the mother, a Paris-born painter-musician who become Shri
Aurobindo's disciple and close companion from 1924 till his death in 1950.
Auroville invites people from all parts of the world to live harmoniously
and explore cultural, educational, scientific, spiritual, and other pursuits
as per the Auroville Charter.
Once in Pondicherry, it is easy to reach Auroville. The metropolis, Chennai
is easily accessible from all the parts of India by air, rail and road.
Kedarnath and
Gangotri :
»
Kedarnath Dham - Kedarnath is one of the four most revered holy
destinations of the Chaardham of the Garhwal Himalayas along with the
Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath. Amidst the picturesque mountain scapes of
the majestic Kedarnath range stands one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of
Kedar or Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3584 mts. on the head of river
Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for
the Hindus.On the other hand, Gangotri, the origin of the sacred river
Ganges, pulls in tourists in large numbers every year. The Shrine of
Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m above sea level. Set amidst
alluring surroundings along the right bank of Bhagirathi, Gangotri is 100 km
from Uttarkashi.
How to Reach ?
Both Kedarnath and Badrinath are accessible from Rishikesh, the Gateway to
the Himalayas.
spiritual cities
in india
Varanasi
or Benaras, as it was called by the Britishers is one of the oldest living
cities of the world. This ancient sacred city of India is located in the
state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the holiest river of India--Ganga.
The association with the Ganges has attracted thousands of pilgrims to the
city. It is said that Varanasi is located on the land between the river
Varuna and Assi hence the name Varanasi. Varanasi is also called 'Kashi' or
the city of spiritual light. 
Dharamshala
is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 18 km
north east of Kangra town in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Dotted with oak
and conifer trees and snow capped peaks enfolding the three sides of the
town while the valley stretches in front. This is the most delightful hill
station in the fertile, undulating Kangra valley lying between the Shivalik
hills and the foothills of the mighty Dhauladhars. The valley known for the
beauty of its lush green surroundings, is worth visiting. 
Inaugurated
on February 28, 1968 in a ceremony attended by representatives from 124
nations and all the states of India, Auroville aims at becoming a model of
the 'city of the future' or 'the city the earth needs'. Located at a
distance of 10 kms from the Pondicherry town, Auroville is envisioned as a
universal town, where people from different nationalities, faiths and
beliefs, can live in peace and harmony. 
»
Kedarnath Dham - Kedarnath is one of the four most revered holy
destinations of the Chaardham of the Garhwal Himalayas along with the
Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath. Amidst the picturesque mountain scapes of
the majestic Kedarnath range stands one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of
Kedar or Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3584 mts. on the head of river
Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for
the Hindus.On the other hand, Gangotri, the origin of the sacred river
Ganges, pulls in tourists in large numbers every year. The Shrine of
Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m above sea level. Set amidst
alluring surroundings along the right bank of Bhagirathi, Gangotri is 100 km
from Uttarkashi. 
