Top Five Destinations for Booking Flights to India!

Online, May 17, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Do you get lured by lavishing tales of the maharajas, courageous episodes of the freedom-fighters, enchanting shlokas of the Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads, antique jewelleries intricately studded with shimmering stones and gems, and luscious potpourri of the most heavenly cuisines on earth? If yes, India is calling you! Pack your bags for the land of rich cultural heritage, one of the most ancient in the world, popularly called Bharata or Hindustan. Here are the top five destinations you will love to explore in India:

1. Delhi

Ruined and rebuilt umpteenth number of times, this capital of India is the home to three World Heritage Sites namely Lal Quilla or Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Other must visit sites in the metropolis include Jama Masjid, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rajghat and Jantar Mantar. Don't forget to witness the light and sound show at Red Fort in the evenings. Enjoy shopping at the local markets such as Chandni Chowk, Shankar Market and Sarojni Nagar or stroll through the shopping centres of Connaught Place locally known as CP, South Ex or M Block. Try the "alu-tikki chat", a delicious starter made of spicy potatoes, at the South Ex. Finally complete your Delhi trip by making a three hours car-drive to Agra and view Taj Mahal, one of the true Seven Wonders of the World. Flights to Delhi are available from all leading airports of the UK.

2. Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay is situated in the western part of India and is the most happening city in the country. This capital of the state of Maharashtra houses the glamorous Indian Film Industry addressed as "Bollywood" and the InOrbit, one of Asia's biggest malls. Besides, the effervescent conurbation also owns one of the busiest stock markets of the world. Blessed with beautiful beaches, Mumbai is a paradise for those who love the surf. Juhu, Chowpatty and Aksa are some of the shores which will make you crazy. Book a car and visit the nearby wonders such as the Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves, all of which are World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO. Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh offer flights to Mumbai.

3. Goa

579 KM towards the west of Mumbai rests the tropical paradise of Goa. The golden beaches with the turquoise Arabian Sea are from resisting yourself. Participate in the beguiling water sports and beach activities and laze out in the sun. Keep a whole day for visiting Goa's most historical churches and cathedrals carried forward from the colonial era. The ones listed as World Heritage Sites include Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, etc. Reputed international carriers such as Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and Qatar provide various flights to Goa.

4. Amritsar

Amritsar in north India's state of Punjab, often referred to as "the land of five rivers" encompasses a fusion of historical, patriotic and spiritual landmarks. During the day, first visit the dazzling Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs and then move to the shocking Jalianwala Bagh which reminds of the atrocious attack on mankind. From Golden Temple you can simply take a three minutes walk to the Jalianwala Bagh lying just opposite to the Golden Temple. You can take home some of the best "Phulkari" embroidered stoles from the local markets of Amritsar. From Delhi you can reach Amritsar by rail, road or simply take flights to Amritsar.

5. Kolkata

Once existing as the capital of India by the East India Company during the British rule, Kolkata is now the capital of West Bengal in the eastern part of India. One thing which you will notice in this city is its cheap cost of living. You can easily get connected from one part of the city to the other by Metro Railway at Rs.10 which means 15 pence only and enjoy a lavishing meal at Rs.300 which means £ 4.6 only. The city's attractions are Birla Planetarium, Victoria Memorial Hall, Alipore Zoo and Nicco Park. The South City Mall and the Forum Mall offer good international brands while local shopping can be done in the all time favourite New Market. Look for "tant", Bengal's local handloom. Give yourself a sweet treat by trying Kolkata's "sandesh", "mishti doi" and "rosogollas". Flights to Kolkata take off and land at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

India is a land of great cultural heritage. From the ethnic past to the booming present, this multicultural and multilingual nation presents a veritably interesting picture. Different states each representing its own unique ethnicity, jointly form one country, India.