MT. KANCHENJUNGA, SIKKIM.

Mighty And Magnificent - Mt. Kanchenjunga

A Treasure Guarded By Mighty Himalayas

Nestling amidst the lofty Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is the least populated state and second smallest state in India. Sikkim covers an area of just over 7000 sq. km of diverse landscape ranging from plains to sky kissing peaks. Altitude of Sikkim fluctuates between 300 m to 8540 m above sea level. Sikkim is bordered by three different countries namely Nepal (West), Tibet Autonomous Region of China (North and East) and Bhutan (South-East). Indian state of West Bengal lies in the southern part of Sikkim. The most famous aspect of Sikkim landscape is the presence of world's third largest highest peak Mt Kanchenjunga. This variety in landscape provides tourists with some of the most stunning visuals and an experience of two different worlds at the same time. The Climate too changes drastically from subtropical heat to chill high alpine. Sikkim is divided into four districts containing 8 towns. The four districts are East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim with their headquarters at Gangtok, Geyzing, Mangan, and Namchi respectively. Gangtok is the state capital of Sikkim.

Sikkim is a state with much to see, lot to do and loads to experience. The main tourist attractions in the state are the many monasteries that adorn these lands. They have hugely influenced the religion and culture of the state. The monasteries here are considered among the most important ones in India. A walk inside these monasteries will virtually give you a glimpse into the entire history of Buddhism in Sikkim. And there are probably none better places than Sikkim monasteries for some peaceful, solitary and self enriching moments. Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Enchey Monastery and Phodong Monastery are the most important monasteries of all that are there in Sikkim.

TAJ MAHAL , AGRA , INDIA .

Taj Mahal - An Epitome of Love

Taj Mahal Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal, where poet's words find an ultimate direction to articulate their emotion. It is a place where the artistry embraces the eternity and love attains divine salvation. The marble edifice situated on the bank of river Yamuna has suffered many ravages of time and with each sunrise and sunset, it has become immortal with its grandeur of heritage and legend. Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to enshrine the remains of his beloved empress Begum Mumtaz Mahal which manifested the immortal love between the two.

A Monument that Redefines Artistry

Designed by the Persian architect Ustad Isa, Taj Mahal is renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. Resting on 313 square feet marble platform, Taj Mahal is guarded by four marble minarets that are embellished with intricate marble inlay work. The main dome is offset by four smaller domes; in fact, from whichever angle you look at it, the Taj presents a graceful configuration of lines, curves, colour and perspective. The graves of Emperor and Empress lie in the basement where no one is allowed to enter and a false grave structure is made for visitors which is enclosed by a screen of exquisitely wrought white marble, fine as lace. The jewel-inlaid cenotaph of the king and queen have the verses of the holy Quran inscribed on them. Intricately proportioned filigree work and scooping tiny excavations in the marble wall are nothing but masterpiece in itself. Touch the small holes in the wall which used to contain precious stones in the Mughal era and now holding the reminiscence of the past. Moreover, Pietra dura – the superb craftsmanship of inlaying semi-precious stones into the beautiful patterns are something that give Taj Mahal a unique look.

Taj Fascinates All Day Long

The Taj, which is nothing but a tender elegy in marble, blossoms with its marvelous beauty uniquely at different hours of the day. As the sun spreads its vermilion in the East, Taj blooms like a fine pink rose and its marble architecture seem to spread fragrance, but it takes no time to change its view to a sparkling diamond as the sun reaches the mid sky. In the evening, when the sun completes its journey for the day, and moon comes to heal the world, Taj becomes a mystery in itself. You may even forget to breathe or blink wondering it to be real or some illusion.

FASCINATING CALCUTTA, INDIA !

Kolkata City - Capital of West Bengal

A Theatre For Life Itself

Kolkata is a city that, in all senses, can be termed as India of past, of present and of future. No other cities, probably in the world show this striking difference between the economic conditions of people living in different parts of the city. On one hand, Kolkata is seen as a city reeling under poverty and human sufferings; and on the other hand, it is considered as the intellectual and cultural capital of India. Drive through Kolkata, and its history zips past you on every corner. Kolkata was the former capital of British India and one can still see the glimpses of that era in the numerous colonial buildings still dominating the surrounding landscape. Situated on the banks of the important Hooghly River, Kolkata was home few of the most eminent and legendary personalities like Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Philosopher Ramakrishna and well known film director Satyajit Ray. Today, one can visit Kolkata for India's most famous museums like Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum and Science City.

Kolkata is not called the cultural capital of India for no reason. Everyday in Kolkata is as good as a festival, let alone time when a famous festival comes up. No matter where you are, during Durga Puja celebrations, you just can't afford to be anywhere else than Kolkata. Every street, every corner, every house and every heart is drenched in multi colors of festivities. Kolkata is a heaven for food lovers with some of the best known restaurants and street food outlets in India. Don't forget to taste the fabulous 'RasoGulla', a sweet dish.