About North India States
Covered in North India 
Delhi
Delhi's history goes much further back in time than the 13th century. In 1955,
excavations at the Purana Qila revealed that the site was inhabited 3000 years
ago. Ware pottery known as Painted Gray Ware and dated to 1000 BC confirmed this
as being yet another site associated with the epic Mahabharata. The excavations
also cut through houses and streets of the Sultanate, Rajput, post-Gupta, Gupta,
Saka-Kushan and Sunga periods, reaching down to the Mauryan era (300 BC), thus
revealing almost continuous habitaion. The association of Emperor Ashoka (273-36
BC) with Delhi has come to light with the discovery of a Minor Rock Edict in the
locality known as Srinivaspuri. A clearer picture of the city emerges from the
end of the 10th century, when the Tomar Rajputs established themselves in the
in the Aravalli hills south of Delhi. The isolated, rocky outcrop facilitated
the defence of the royal resort which the Rajputs called Dhilli or Dhillika. The
core of the first of the seven cities was created by Anangpal Tomar who is said
to have built Lal Kot, which is the first known regular defence work in Delhi.
The Chauhan Rajputs later captured Delhi from the Tomars . Prithviraj III, also
known as Rai Pithora, extended Lal Kot, adding massive ramparts and gates, and
made Qila Rai Pithora the first city of Delhi.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have come
together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts,
men and women in colorful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages,
camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze - are
all there in abundance. But they form only part of an intricate tapestry. Beneath
the surface, expect to find many contradictions. Where ever you travel, particularly
when you escape from the popular tourist destinations you will come across the
unexpected, whether it is a local fair or breathtaking view. The mood and the
rhythm of the country side changes from one region to another, and from season
to season. It is a land of surprises; it is a land of amazing natural beauty that
can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller. The history of Rajasthan goes
back 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich as its landscape, from the grand
palaces and rugged forts to its tranquil and camel safaris to trekking. Those
looking for taste of royal lifestyle just need to check into one of the several
palace hotels or heritage hotels that will make it possible for them to be treated
like royal guests.Whether you are visiting Rajasthan's big cities with a fast-moving
westernised lifestyle, or exploring historic towns or quaint villages, you will
always find the people warm and friendly. And if you want to move away from the
regular tourist beat, it is very easy to organise your own tour.
Uttar
Pradesh The wealth of its monuments, mystical call of its mountains and
lakes, and the religious fervour that it evokes, have rendered Uttar Pradesh,
one of the most fascinating states of the Indian Union. Whether one is on a spiritual
quest, or in search of adventure, or just on a curiosity trip, Uttar Pradesh has
something to offer to everyone. Situated in the northern part of India, it has
the distinction of being the most populous state of India. In terms of area, it
is the fourth largest, among all the states. It is divisible into three distinct
regions geographically; the Himalayan region on the north, the vast Gangetic plain
at the centre, and the Vindhya Range and plateau on the south. Uttar Pradesh is
watered by the mighty rivers of northern India - Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Gomati
and Ghaghara. Almost all the important towns and trading centres of the state,
are clustered around these rivers. The confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, the
two most sacred rivers of India, at Allahabad, has been a vital pilgrimage site
through the centuries.
Himachal
Pradesh Himachal Pradesh is a tiny hill state whose pleasant summers make
it a popular holiday resort. The Raj still lingers in Shimla, the state capital
and former summer capital during British rule. Kullu-Manali are neighbouring resorts,
surrounded by pine covered hills and lush meadows. Himachal has, in addition to
popular resort towns, a series of secluded hill retreats ideal for interested
anglers, trekkers and those wanting a quiet getaway. Many of these include: from
Shimla - Mashobra, Kufri, Naldehra; those around Kullu-Manali include Manikaran,
Naggar and Brighu Lake; the barely accessible valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are
a trekker’s delight.
Jammu
- Kashmir Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas, with the picturesque
river Tawi flowing alongside, stands the land that Raja Jambu Lochan discovered
one day while he was hunting. Legend has it that he suddenly came upon a clearing
where he saw a sight that left him speechless. A tiger and a goat stood side by
side drinking water from the same place in the Tawi river. He was so struck by
this unsual sight that he decided to build a city on this soil where no-living
creature seemed to bear enmity towards each other. Today, as if in testimony,
the city of Jammu is popularly known as the "City of Temeples". Innumerable
temples and shrines with glittering "Shikhars" soar into the sky, like
caretakers of the city, creating the ambience of a truly holy city.
Uttaranchal
Garhwal lying in the north -west of Uttaranchal comprises of the 5 districts of
Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi and Chamoli. The archaeological remains lying
scatterd at many places reveal that a rich civilization flourished here from very
early times. The mahabharata gives vivid accounts of the land and its people.
Emperor Ashoka's domain encompassed a part of the terrain , evidence of which
is "chitrashila" or "chhatrashila", a quartz rock bnearing
his edicts, dicoverd near kalsi. Hieun tsang, the 7th century chyinese pilgrim
traversed a part of the garhwal and adi shankaracharya, the 8th century hindu
saint and reformer, visited the remotest regions and to him we owe the establishment
of some of the most sacred shrines of garhwal.
Punjab
Punjab, the chief wheat producing area of the country, is the overland entry point
into India. The state is also known for its production of sports and hosiery goods.
The holiest shrine for the Sikhs is the Golden Temple in Amritsar, so called because
the dome is covered with gold leaf. Home of the fiercly proud and independent
sikhs, the state of Punjab is steeped in histroy and culture of India. For centuries,
the sikh warriors have provided the fighting force for armies of the great kings
of India, British Raj and now the people of United India.Through sheer hard work,
the men and women of Punjab have turned this into one the greenest states in India.
Universally famous for their deligence, they have done much to contribute to the
welfare of India.
Haryana
Haryana Virtually the 'green' state Haryana surrounds Delhi on almost three sides.
Its close proximity to Delhi also makes the areas around Delhi , industrial townships.
Haryana is primarily an agricultural state with some major industrial areas being
developed by the government of India. It is one of the more developing states
and offers a network of 45 tourist complexes, set up along the national and state
highways. Just a short drive from Delhi, one can visit Haryana 's tourist complexes
for a day. Tourist Attractions -Badhkal Lake, Dabchik, Jungle Babler, Karna Lake,
Sohna, Surajkund, Dumdama, Sultanpur, Kurukshetra.
