New Delhi Palampur Paragpur Dharamshala Amritsar
New Delhi, Delhi
Highlights: It's a mega contrast between rich and poor. India's teeming capital city is home to centuries of fine buildings - and unexpected parks. They say over the centuries since the Mughals first invaded seven
Delhi's have been built on different hills beside the Yamuna river. It means there's so much to see and to do you can get overwhelmed by the choice - but one thing's for sure, you won't be bored. The building's still going on - a metro is rapidly connecting parts of this sprawling city.
But while traveling through the streets in a cycle- or auto-rickshaw can be slightly hair-raising it's still one of the best ways to see the city - bargain and agree the price before you set off. It's no surprise to find old, older and newest. As befits the country's capital and a rapidly-expanding economy there's no shortage of modern among the ancient. Pizza, Chinese and burger-style fast food are all big in Indian cities but for something a little different how about Murgh Doner (spicy Indian chicken in a kebab-style wrap) from Fusion? - It's near the entrance to Greater Kailash 1 Market, where you can browse the small shops and the market hall.
When to Go: "The best time to visit
New Delhi is during the spring seasons of February to April and August to November.
Delhi wears a festive look between February and April, the blooming season. Summers in
Delhi are very hot and it is not recommended to visit it during May, June or July."
Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights: The Kangra valley of which Palampur (1249 m) is a major station, was the `Trigarta' of old. It was one of the leading hill states and was once a part of the kingdom of Jalandhara. In local parlance, the world for `lots of water' is `pulum' . This is what has given Palampur its name and it is water that has given the valley so much of its character. Countless streams and brooks criss - cross the landscape and in their intricate mesh, hold tea gardens and rice paddies.
When to Go: Throughout Year.
Paragpur, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights: The small gauge 'Kangra Valley Rail System' , with most of its control equipment dating to the first quarter of last century, still traverses the lush countryside, at places skirting the gurgling River Beas, before coming to a halt at Paragpur. At dusk, the signal for the train is still lit manually with an oil lamp the way it was done 75 years ago.
When to Go: October to Mid April.
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights: Blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travelers paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time. It is full of life and yet peaceful . A perfect destination , away from hustles and buckles of the cities.
When to Go: March to June and September to October.
Amritsar, Punjab
Highlights: The word Amritsar means the holy pool of nectar. 1573 Work began on digging the holy pool. 1601 Harmandir Sahib completed.
1604 Guru Granth Sahib installed. Alongside people representing 52 professions settled. In Maharaja Ranjit Singh's time Amritsar had superceded Lahore as the pre-eminent city of the Orient.
When to Go: Year Round.