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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.