Delhi - The Soul of India | Spark Destinations

DELHI WITH SPARK DESTINATIONS

Delhi, formally the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), is a city and an association domain of India. It is flanked by Haryana on three sides and by Uttar Pradesh toward the east. The NCT covers a territory of 1,484 square kilometers (573 sq mi).

Delhi has been persistently occupied since the sixth century BC. Through the vast majority of its history, Delhi has filled in as a capital of different kingdoms and realms. It has been caught, stripped and modified a few times, especially amid the medieval period, and present day Delhi is a group of various urban areas spread over the metropolitan district.

Spark Destinations provides you the best package for your travel and sightseeing in Delhi.

The people of Delhi are generally called as Delhiites or Dilliwalas.

History:

The area around Delhi was probably inhabited before the second millennium BC and there is evidence of continuous inhabitation since at least the 6th century BC. The city is believed to be the site of Indraprastha, the legendary capital of the Pandavas in the Indian epic Mahabharata.

According to Mahabharata, this land was initially a huge mass of forests called 'Khandavaprastha' which was burnt down to build the city of Indraprastha. The earliest architectural relics date back to the Maurya period (c. 300 BC); in 1966, an inscription of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (273–235 BC) was discovered near Srinivaspuri. Remains of eight major cities have been discovered in Delhi.

The first five cities were in the southern part of present-day Delhi. King Anang Pal of the Tomara dynasty founded the city of Lal Kot in AD 736. Prithviraj Chauhan conquered Lal Kot in 1178 and renamed it Qila Rai Pithora.

Best Places to Visit in Delhi

1. Red Fort

 

The Red Fort is an epitome of the Mughal era in India and is the face of tourist attractions in Delhi. Built in 1638, it is an outstanding marvel of Mughal architecture made of red sand stone.

Within its magnanimous walls, the chhata bazaar and an every evening sound and light show are special attractions. It is one of the most famous places in Delhi.

2. India Gate

 

India Gate is one monument that defines Delhi or India for that matter. It was built in 1931 as a memorial for martyrs of World War I and war in Afghanistan.

At Rajpath, the structure looks amazing in evening lights. The gardens that line the structure are a must visit among the sightseeing places in Delhi.

3. Qutub Minar

 

Among the other places to visit in Delhi, Qutub Minar stands tall with its 73 meter tall brick minaret. Built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the structure has five stories abundant with chiseled carvings and scriptures.

4. Khari Baoli

Khari Baoli is a street in Delhi, India known for its wholesale grocery and Asia's largest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice and tea.

Operating since the 17th century, the market is situated near the historic Delhi Red Fort, on the Khari Baoli Road adjacent to Fatehpuri Masjid at the western end of the Chandni Chowk, and over the years has remained a tourist attraction, especially those in the heritage circuit of Old Delhi.

Here, many shops are still known by their serial numbers, e.g., "Chawal Wale 13" or "21 Number Ki Dookan," and are run by the ninth- or tenth generation of the founders of these establishments dating to the 17th and 18th centuries

5. Jantar Mantar

 

Constructed in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory. Fascinating for their ingenuity, the instruments at Jantar Mantar can no longer be used accurately because of the tall buildings around.

However, a visit to admire the science of Indian astronomy makes it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Delhi.

6. Akshardham Temple

 

While sightseeing in Delhi, a visit is necessarily suggested to Swaminarayan Akshardham – one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. Built by the BAPS spiritual organization, it’s a stunning architectural work made of the pink stone and white marble.

7. Lotus Temple

 

Famously known as the Lotus temple in the list of famous tourist places in Delhi, Lotus in the Bahai Temple symbolizes four religions namely Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Islam. This temple belongs to the Bahai faith which proclaims that all people and religions are united. Worshippers of every religion are welcomed here.

8. Jama Masjid

 

Among the other tourist attractions in Delhi is the largest mosque in India–Jama Masjid. It can hold 25000 devotees at a time. It was Shah Jahan’s first architectural marvel.

The mosque has four towers and the southern tower gives a stunning view of the city. You’ve to be dressed appropriately to enter the mosque. If not, rent an attire provided by the mosque authority.

9. Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

 

With the gurgling sarovar inside its complex, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was first built as a small temple by Sikh General, Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783. The complex also houses a higher secondary school, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a library and a hospital. Delhi - The Soul of India.

10. National Rail Museum

 

With an exotic collection of over hundred exhibits of trains from Indian Railways, National Rail Museum is one of the coolest must visit places in Delhi, especially with your kids.

Static and working models, signaling equipment, antique furniture, historical photographs, Prince of Wales’ Saloon, Maharaja of Mysore’s Saloon are the major attractions. A mono toy train is the star attraction among kids.

Spark Destinations deals with all tours and travels be it Indian or International tours which includes but not limited to:

• Educational Tours (NASA tours)


• Corporate Tours


• Theme Destination Tours


• Cruise Tours

We, at Spark Destinations also provides Visa assistance to our clients.

11. Chandni Chowk

 

The main street of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is the heart of Delhi. Chaotically competing for space, its narrow lanes are filled with shops to buy inexpensive stuff. Also, Street food just doesn’t get better than Chandni Chowk.

Chandni Chowk was once the grandest Indian market. Mughal imperial processions passed through Chandni Chowk. The tradition was continued when Delhi Durbar was held in 1903. Delhi Town Hall was built in 1863 by the British.

Chandni Chowk's speciality is its variety and authenticity: food, delicacies and sweets of more than 1,000 kinds, sarees with chikan and zari. Narrow lanes host shops sell books, clothing, electronic, consumer goods, shoes and leather goods. It is the location of the original Haldiram's and brands such as Gianis. A particular local delicacy are the jalebis, which are fried in pure ghee (clarified butter).

12. Inexpensive Sarojini Nagar Market, Paradise for Shopaholics

Famous Places Connected To Delhi

There are lots of amazing places in India connected with Delhi route which includes

• Golden Triangle


• Hansi


• Vrindavan


• Haridwar


• Rishikesh


• Jodhpur

If you are planning a visit to Delhi, We (Spark Destinations) got you covered, from hotels to flights, leave everything to us and we'll get it done for you.

Delhi - The Soul of India

Marvelous Mandawa and its Castles

 

Marvelous Mandawa and It's Castles

 

 The medieval fort of Mandawa bit by bit rises on the horizon like a fantasy. A painted angled entryway decorated with Lord Krishna and his dairy animals prompts the bazaar. An amazing perspective of the town can be seen from the gallery of Castle Mandawa.

Mandawa is a town of roughly 25,000 in the Shekhawati locals, Jhunjhunu area of Rajasthan. It is well known for its various haveli's and the Mandawa Fort. The Mandawa Fort was built by Thakur Nawal Singh in 1755 AD.

The Fort has now been changed over into a legacy lodging and isn't open for free visits for guests. Guests need to pay a sum of  INR 500 to visit the fortress.

Mandawa is a residential community. The greater part of the purposes of intrigue can be seen by walking. 

Mandawa's fundamental fascination are the delightful frescoes on the numerous haveli's around the local area. A mobile visit with a nearby guide can be orchestrated by any inn.

While you can see a considerable measure alone, a nearby guide will have the capacity to call attention to numerous things you may miss. A nearby guide will likewise know which of the haveli's you are allowed to enter.

A half day guide will charge around INR 500, and it is definitely justified even despite the cost.

Mandawa Fort:

The post of Mandawa was established in the eighteenth century. Thakur Nawal Singh, child of Shardul Singh, established the fortification in Vikram Samvat 1812 (1755 AD).

The stronghold commands the town with a painted angled passage decorated with frescoes of Lord Krishna and his dairy animals.

Worked according to a medieval topic, the stronghold of Mandawa is embellished with lovely frescoes. Rooms in the royal residence are enriched with depictions of Lord Krishna, dazzling carvings and astonishing mirror work.

The castle's Durbar Hall houses various collectibles and artistic creations.

Arranged amidst the town, the Mandawa Fort has been changed over into a legacy inn.

Traditional handicrafts such as hand carved wooden marionettes are available here. Textile shops carry a stunning variety of hand sewn items such as mirrored and embroidered patchwork, from table runners to bedspreads and everything in between.

The town is small. You can find whatever interests you by merely walking around.

How to reach Mandawa:

 By Train

Jhunjhunu Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Mandawa that is well-connected to the all prime cities of Rajasthan as well as country’s capital city Delhi. You can easily reach Mandawa from Delhi, by train.

 By Air

The Jaipur international airport is the nearest airport to Mandawa. This airport is well-connected to all the major cities of India along with Delhi. You can hire a taxi from here to go to Mandawa. This airport is around 190 km away..

 By Road

Mandawa is well-connected by road to Delhi. Hire a private taxi for a smooth ride. You can opt for state-run buses or even private buses to go to Mandawa.

         

5 Popular Adventurous Destinations in India

Adventure travel is massively famous in India, as there is such an extensive variety of activities. The Himalaya area is the setting for some experience exercises in India. In any case, there are a lot of choices in other part of the country too! Here are 5 popular adventurous destinations in India...

1. Leh Ladakh

A perfect place for experience lovers, the valley of Leh Ladakh is no counterpart for the other tough districts of India. Experience in this Trans-Himalayan district of India has its very own taste and significance. It provides various activities such as

• Mountain Biking 

• Trekking

• River Rafting

2. Rishikesh

From explorers to families, Rishikesh is a charming venture to relinquish your feelings of trepidation and surrender yourself to the soul of experience in the tranquil mood of Himalayas. Here are few adventurous things you can do in Rishikesh

•  River Rafting

•  Bungee Jumping

•  Giant Swing

•  Rock Climbing

3. Rajasthan

Camping, Jeep safaris, horse safaris, wildlife safaris, hot air ballooning and camel safaris can be done to make adventure tours in Rajasthan what they are supposed to be.

• Hot Air Ballooning

• Wildlife Safari

• Desert Safari

4. Kerala

Kerala is one of the most desired places to visit because here you can experience wondering beauty in every corner that cannot be put in words. Plenty of interesting places of Kerala are worth to visit and for the adventure seekers there are many more options like Climbing, Paragliding, water sports, Biking and many more.

• Water Sports

• Flying Fox 

• Paragliding

• Kayaking

5. Goa

Goa is the unpredictable beauty in West India over-packed with colorful beaches and parties. Though the core of adventure lies in water, the beaches, land based adventure has more admirers now as it is the newest findings that Goa is not just of water but beyond prejudices and predictions.

• Scuba Diving

• Trekking

• ATV Biking

The Great Rann of Kutch

The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India. It is about 7500 sq km ( 2900 sq miles) in area and is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world.

The Great Rann of Kutch, along with the Little Rann of Kutch and the Banni grasslands on its southern edge, is situated in the district of Kutch and comprises some 30,000 square kilometres (10,000 sq mi) between the Gulf of Kutch and the mouth of the Indus River in southern Pakistan. The marsh can be accessed from the village of Kharaghoda in Surendranagar District. The Great Rann of Kutch together with the Little Rann of Kutch is called Rann of Kutch

This area has been inhabited by the Kutchi people

In India's summer monsoon, the flat desert of salty clay and mudflats, which average 15 meters above sea level, fills with standing water. In very wet years, the wetland extends from the Gulf of Kutch on the west through to the Gulf of Cambay on the east.

The Luni River, which originates in Rajasthan, drains into the desert in the northeast corner of the Rann. Other rivers feeding into the marsh include the Rupen from the east and the West Banas River from the northeast. Nara Canal or Puran river which is a delta channel of Indus River empties during floods into Kori Creek located in the Great Rann of Kutch.

Climate
This is one of the hottest areas of India – with summer temperatures averaging and peaking at 49.5 °C. Winter temperatures reduce dramatically and can go below 0 °C (32 °F)

Rann Utsav

The Government of Gujarat has a yearly three month long celebration amid winter called the Rann Utsav where sightseers can see the different sights of the Rann. For 2017, the celebration of Rann began on 1 November 2017.

Rann Utsav allows guests not exclusively to encounter full moon on salt deserts yet in addition experience the neighborhood culture, cooking and neighborliness. Uncommonly fabricated neighborhood houses are likewise used to house vacationers to give them an essence of nearby tradition. Many experience clubs and travel clubs compose endeavors

Rann Utsav is not only the festive extravaganza but also the celebration of life that crams colors into the salt-encrusted desert plains. The soul-stirring splendour of nature, calm & serene surrounding, rich Kutchi culture, intricate handicrafts and outdoor activities make this desert carnival a perfect holiday destination. With traditional dance forms and musical moments, many thrilling activities like cultural act shows, camel safari, parasailing and dirt biking enhance different colors of the festivity.

 

Tent City

Event calendar for the next four years

• 
  

  1st November 2018 to 28th February 2019



• 
  

  1st November 2019 to 28th February 2020



• 
  

  1st November 2020 to 28th February 2021



• 
  

  1st November 2021 to 28th February 2022

The festival is visited and enjoyed by more than 8000 tourists from all over the world. This is one time when natives of the region and travelers along with Government administrative officers all together come along to celebrate the mystical magic of Kutch and its diversity.

How to reach Rann of Kutch:

The best way to reach Rann of Kutch is via Bhuj. Dhordo is the Gateway to the Rann. Nearest airport/railway station to Kutch is in the city of Bhuj, then hire a cab from Bhuj to reach Kutch.

Medical Tourism in India

Medical tourism is a developing part in India. In October 2015, India's restorative tourism division was evaluated to be worth US$3 billion. It is anticipated to develop to $7– 8 billion by 2020. As indicated by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the essential reason that draws in restorative esteem travel to India is cost-adequacy, and treatment from authorize offices at standard with created nations at much lower cost.

The Medical Tourism Market Report: 2015 found that India was "one of the least expense and most noteworthy nature of all therapeutic tourism goals, it offers wide assortment of methodology at around one-tenth the expense of comparable techniques in the United States."

 

Remote patients venturing out to India to look for therapeutic treatment in 2012, 2013 and 2014 numbered 171,021, 236,898, and 184,298 respectively.Traditionally, the United States and the United Kingdom have been the biggest source nations for medicinal tourism to India. In any case, as indicated by a CII-Grant Thornton report discharged in October 2015, Bangladeshis and Afghans represented 34% of outside patients, the most extreme offer, basically because of their nearness with India and poor medicinal services framework. Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) represented 30% offer of remote medicinal vacationer landings.

Other real wellsprings of patients incorporate Africa and the Middle East, especially the Persian Gulf countries.In 2015, India turned into the best goal for Russians looking for restorative treatment. Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and the National Capital Region got the most elevated number of outside patients basically from South Eastern nations

Each patient over the globe has a right to look for the largest amount of value medical treatment at an affordable cost, regardless of whether they need to movement abroad for it.

India has advanced to end up one of such choice therapeutic tourism goals which gloats to give reasonable yet subjective treatment, in this manner scoring high on a few angles, including persistent fulfillment, quality doctor's facilities and famous specialists to give some examples.

Medical tourism in India has developed enormously over the most recent couple of years. The present restorative tourism industry in India is evaluated to be worth $3 billion and is required to develop by another $4 - $5 billion in the following three years.

Right around two hundred thousand patients travel to India every year to look for restorative consideration. Add up to hip arthroplasty, knee substitution, heart sidestep, coronary conduit sidestep joining (CABG) and liver, kidney, and heart transplant are a portion of the mainstream and life-sparing methodology for which therapeutic vacationers visit India.

High caliber of restorative administrations and moderate expense of medicinal treatment in India are the two driving purposes for the blast in human services tourism in the nation. A vast greater part of inbound therapeutic vacationers to India are from Bangladesh and Afghanistan (34%), Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (30%), the Middle East, (10%), Africa (10%), and the UK and the US (16%).

Restorative tourism organizations in India enable outside patients to look for reasonable treatment at a portion of the best healing centers in India, which are situated over the length and broadness of the nation. New Delhi and NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai are a portion of the best Indian goals that get most astounding number of medicinal voyagers every year.

 

Cost:
Most estimates found that treatment costs in India start at around one-tenth of the price of comparable treatment in the United States or the United Kingdom. The most popular treatments sought in India by medical tourists are alternative medicine, bone-marrow transplant, cardiac bypass, eye surgery and hip replacement. India is known in particular for heart surgery, hip resurfacing and other areas of advanced medicine.

 

Source: Wikipedia

7 Must Visit Temples in South India

Experience the grand structured temples of South India carved in Vijay Nagara and Dravidian style.Southern India is a glorious dwelling place superb landmarks, standing grandly from ages. The design of the South Indian landmarks is stunningly delightful and great.

Here are 7 must visit temples in south India that every Indian should visit.

1.   Sabrimala Temple, Kerala

Sabarimala is a Hindu pilgrimage centre located at the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta District, Perunad grama panchayat in the state of Kerala. It is one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world with an estimated 17-20 million devotees visiting every year.

Main Deity : Lord Ayyappa

2. Sri Krishna Temple, Guruvayur

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Guruvayurappan (a four-armed affiliation of the Hindus god Vishnu), located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus of Kerala and is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikunta, which translates to as "Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth".

Main Deity: Lord Vishnu (Worshiped in the form of Guruvayurappan)

3. Murudeshwara Temple, Murdeshwar

 Murudeshwara Temple’s main attraction is the 22-storied high gopuram better known as the monumental tower. But soon after the new addition of the statue of Lord Shiva which is noted to be the second tallest in the world, the tourism grew even more. Located on the edge of the Kanduka hill overlooking the Arabian Sea, one can simply visit this place and seek bliss.

Main Deity: Lord Shiva

4. Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Nataraja Temple is one of the best temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Chidambaram that was once called as Thillai, you’ll find beautiful wall carvings that display 108 karanas from the Natya Shastra. With the temple’s architecture the gives a mixture of arts and spirituality.

.

Main Deity: Lord Shiva

5. Anjaneya Temple, Paritala

Located in the village of Paritala, Anjaneya Temple displays the tallest statue of Lord Hanuman, which is said to be 41 metres in height. Anjaneya Temple in Paritala offers a spiritual ambience for Hanuman devotees and an open playground for the monkeys that play around showing their mischievous nature. In addition, the statue in Anjaneya Temple is also said to be taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Main Deity: Lord Hanuman

6. Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijaywada

One of the most famous Durga temples in Andhra, Kanaka Durga Temple is located amid the greens of the Indrakeeladri hill near by the Krishna River. Here, a sight you’ll probably not miss is the golden coloured shrine in the centre of the temple complex that houses the idol of Goddess Durga. Surrounded by huge fenced walls and a colourful monumental tower that displays images of deities, Kanaka Durga Temple is a must visit holy destination.

Main Deity: Goddess Durga

7. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram

Located on the Pamban Island of Rameswaram, this temple with the same name offers a strong spiritual vibe during the visit. Perhaps, it has something to do with the legend of Ramayana where the Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness in order to kill his devotee Ravana. Inside the temple complex, you’ll find one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and 22 teerthams or waterbodies in the form of tanks and wells.

Main Deity: Lord Shiva