Travel Guide | CSTCTD.org

Bangalore is the capital of the state of Karnataka which is in southern India. A high tech city which is growing at a fast pace, Bangalore still retains its charm with its numerous parks and gardens. A pleasant weather all through the year makes it easy for people from all over the world to acclimatize themselves to. This multi lingual, multi cuisine town has become home for people from all over the country and also for many foreigners.

The numerous cultural activities that Bangalore has become home to because of the settlers from other states and cities, gives it a cosmopolitan air. Visitors to this town can catch a glimpse of many cultures of India. There is much to do and see for persons with varied interests. Those who are interested in historical monuments can visit the neighboring towns where there are palaces and temples which would take one’s breath away with the carvings that are unique and cannot be found in any other part of the world. Belur, Halebidu and Hampi, the monuments in Mysore, Tupu Sultan’s palace in Srirangapatnam, to name just a few of these wonderful sites!

Wild life sanctuaries are not too far from Bangalore and there are tourist buses running every day on these routes that take the people out for site seeing on one day trips and also slightly longer excursions. The visitor can take pictures; buy postcards and shop to their hearts content. They can sample the local delicacies and see the village sites while they travel by the bus. For the more adventurous there are rock climbing expeditions which they could participate in.

For those who are interested in artifacts and silks this is a town that has a lot to offer. The emporiums are filled with exquisite mementos to take back with you and the silks are what no one can resist. Night life is something that the visitor can have in small doses as it is available only in the exclusive hotels and restaurants.

Bangalore can be reached by air, road and train. Hotels of various categories cater to every class and this is truly a must visit once in a life time place.

The airport which is easily one at the highest elevation is in Leh which is the Capitol of Ladakh. As the aircraft descends into this beautiful countryside one feels closer to the heavens and truly one with the clouds. The cold air outside grips you and you want to get back into the cozy cocoon of the aircraft for a split second, but then you are here to see this beautiful and amazing country too. Carrying and wearing appropriate clothing is very important if you want to enjoy your stay here.

Leh is 3505 meters above sea level and is neighbor to Jammu and Kashmir. What draws ones interest immediately is the sprawling palace made of mud brick which is almost in ruins. This is the hub of the Tibetan Buddhist culture with its colorful gompas. Apart from the attraction of its scenic beauty, Leh is also a popular hiking locale. Surprisingly there are many tourists visiting right throughout the year and the town is full of Kashmiri craft and Tibetan restaurants. Once affected by the war between India and its neighboring countries this is now a tranquil town and a very calm and pleasant place to relax. The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa and the palace are two of the most popular tourist spots in Leh. The pristine mountains look close enough to stretch out your hand and touch and are a magnificent sight during sunset.

The wonder of being at this small town which is surrounded by dessert on one side and the Indus vegetation on the other surpasses all other things. A short but meaningful stay is definitely the outcome.

Goa lies on the South West Coast of India on the Arabian Sea. The 105 km coastline of Goa has some of the loveliest beaches in the world. These Beaches have become a tourist’s haven and people from all over the world flock to them for vacations and even long jaunts. Some of these world famous beaches are Palolem, Betul, Colva, Harmal, Baga, Calangute, Anjuna and Vagator.

This was Portuguese territory for over 4 centuries, and now, though it is more than 4 decades since they have left, Goa is still very westernized and more so than all the modern major towns in India. The lifestyle of the Goan’s is very bohemian and they are very easy going in their daily routine. Most of them have a siesta time in the afternoon and the evenings are filled with fun. Some of the things that they are very enthusiastic about are food, music and dance. The Goan cuisine is extremely tasty and most Goans are excellent cooks. Their favorite drink is a locally brewed one called Feni which is made from cashew nuts or coconuts. Most locals are used to it but the outsider has to cultivate a taste for it.

Goa is a land of 5 languages and many cultures. It is famous for its wonderful churches and the most famous in the St. Francis Xavier Church which has the body of the saint in a glass casket. There are Christians, Hindus and Muslims living in peace and harmony in this city. Most people are very religious and also respect other religions. The staple food of Goa is fish and rice.

Goa can be reached by air, train, boat and road.