India
Welcomes You!
Specially created for World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Contents
02
Introduction
03
Select Tourism Destinations
04
Chennai
a. Charm of Chennai
b. Around Chennai
Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry
19
Delhi Day Tour
26
Golden Triangle Extravaganza
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Khimsar, Jodhpur
40
Mumbai
a. Maximum City - Mumbai
b. Around Mumbai - Aurangabad and Goa
ITC Hotels welcomes delegates to the Council Meeting of the
World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
to be held from the 3rd to 6th of October, 2016
at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai.
We take the pleasure of presenting myriad experiences of India and
are honoured to assist, as you explore this fascinating country.
The following presentation showcases interesting glimpses of cities
you may wish to visit. The WelcomConcierge at ITC Grand Chola will be
happy to help you in planning your itinerary to these destinations.
Discover the exotic, extravagant, elegant and
eclectic facets of India, on your enchanting journey!
02
Select Tourism
Destinations
for your itinerary in India
ITC Maurya
NCR
ITC Grand Bharat
New Delhi
WelcomHotel Sheraton
Jaipur, ITC Rajputana
WelcomHotel Khimsar
WelcomHotel Jodhpur
Agra
ITC Mughal
Aurangabad
WelcomHotel Rama International
ITC Grand Central
Mumbai
ITC Maratha
Chennai
ITC Grand Chola
03
CHENNAI
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the fourth largest city in
India. Established by the British, who developed the city into a
major urban centre and naval base, Chennai is a shortened form
of Chennapattinam, the name of the town that grew around Fort
St. George, which was built by the British in the year 1639. The
city’s colonial name, Madras, is believed to have been derived
from Madraspattinam, a fishing village north of Fort St. George.
Distance:
Distance from
international and
domestic airports to
ITC Grand Chola:
8 km.
04
CHARM OF
Chennai
Kapaleshwarar Temple
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
Basilica of Santhome
Built in the 13th century, this ancient
temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a
typical example of Dravidian architecture.
Featuring beautiful sculptures, it also
includes bronze idols of 63 saints
(Nayanmars) that adorn the outer
courtyard. The notable feature of this
structure is the 37 meter tall Gopuram
i.e. the paramedical shaped temple top.
Santhome Basilica derives its name
from St. Thomas, an apostle of Christ.
He came to India in 52 AD and died
twenty years later. His body was buried
in Mylapore. The Shrine of St Thomas
Basilica, Santhome, Mylapore built
over the tomb of this apostle, is one
of the three churches in the world that
are built over the tomb of an apostle of
Christ. In 1896 it was made a Basilica.
The beautiful stained glass windows at
basilica portray the story of St. Thomas.
Now this Basilica has been elevated to
the status of a national shrine.
Location: Mylapore
Timings: 5 am -12 am & 4 pm - 9 pm
Distance from ITC Grand Chola: 8 km
Entry fee: Free
Location: Mylapore
Timings: 9 am – 7 pm (museum)
Distance from ITC Grand Chola: 11 km
Entry Fee: Free
Distance:
Distance from
international and
domestic airports to
ITC Grand Chola:
8 km.
05
Charm of
Chennai
Parthasarathi Temple
Fort St. George
The Parthasarathi Temple is one of
the oldest temples in Chennai, built
by the Pallavas in the 8th century and
rebuilt by the Vijayanagar Kings in the
11th century. This temple is devoted
to various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
The main deity is ‘Lord Krishna’, one of
the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
The fort was built around 1653 by the
East India Company. The construction
of the fort made people settle around
the fort and commence trade with
other states. This is why it is said that
Chennai (formerly Madras) started its
evolution around this fort. The fort is a
well sculpted citadel with a 6 meter
wall that withstood a number of sieges
in the 18th century.
Location: Peter’s Road, Triplicane
Timings: 4 am – 11:30 am &
4 pm - 10 pm
Distance from ITC Grand Chola: 10 km
Entry Fee: Free
Location: George Town
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm,
closed on Fridays
Distance from ITC Grand Chola: 14 km
Entry Fee: Rs. 100/ for foreign nationals,
Rs. 5/ for Indian nationals
Distance:
Distance from
international and
domestic airports to
ITC Grand Chola:
8 km.
06
Charm of
Chennai
Marina Beach
St. Thomas Mount Church
The Marina beach is a 12-km long
stretch of fine sandy shore, known as
the Pride of Chennai, and is located on
the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining
the Bay of Bengal.
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
It is also known as Çalvary of Saint
Thomas’ and ‘Parangi Malai’. Syrian
Christians of India trace the origin of
their church to St. Thomas the Apostle,
understood to have attained martyrdom
here in Chennai. From the 17th Century,
this part of Chennai was populated
predominantly by Anglo-Indians. A
serene and beautiful relic-filled church
built in 1523 by the Portuguese stands
on top of this 300-foot hillock. A shrine
dedicated to “Our Lady of Expectation”
(Mother Mary) was built in 1523 on
top of the mount. It is believed that
the altar of this shrine was built on the
spot where St.Thomas’ death may
have occurred. At the northern foot
of the mount, is a gateway of four
impressive arches surmounted by
a cross bearing the inscribed date
1547. A flight of 160 steps leads up
to the summit of the mount. There are
fourteen Stations of the Cross erected
on the way to the summit.
It is the second longest beach in
the world. Watching the sun set and
rise from the beach is a fascinating
experience. Attractions include the Ice
House at the beach, the statues of
eminent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi
and Swami Vivekananda and the
exotic aquarium.
Timings: till 11 pm
Distance from ITC Grand Chola: 11 km
Location: St. Thomas Mount
Distance:
Timings: Noon Mass in English on
Sundays and all Govt. holidays
Distance from ITC Grand Chola: 3 km
Entry Fee: Free
Distance from
international and
domestic airports to
ITC Grand Chola:
8 km.
07
Charm of
Chennai
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
Government Museum:
Egmore Museum, established in
1851, is located in Egmore, Chennai.
Known as the Madras Museum,
the museum is the second oldest
museum in India. It is particularly
rich in archeological and numismatic
collections. The objects displayed in
the museum cover a variety of artifacts
and objects covering diverse fields
including archeology, numismatics,
zoology, natural history, sculptures
as well as palm-leaf manuscripts. It
has the largest collection of Roman
antiques outside Europe. Many of the
buildings within the museum campus
are over 100 years old; the Museum
complex consists of six buildings and
46 galleries in an area of around
16.25 acres.
Location: Egmore, Chennai
Timings: 9:30 am - 5 pm,
closed on Fridays
Distance from ITC Grand Chola: 11 km
Entry Fee: Rs. 250/ for foreign nationals,
Rs. 15/ for Indian nationals
Distance:
Distance from
international and
domestic airports to
ITC Grand Chola:
8 km.
08
Around
Chennai
Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry
Kanchipuram
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
Kanchipuram, also known as Kanchi
is a 2 hour drive away and located
approximately 72 km from Chennai.
Situated on the banks of the Vegavathy
River, the city’s historical monuments
include the Kailasanathar Temple
and the Vaikunta Perumal Temple.
Historically, Kanchipuram was a centre
of education and was known as the
ghatikasthanam, or “place of learning”.
The city was also a religious centre of
advanced education for Jainism and
Buddhism between the 1st and 5th
centuries. Kanchipuram is renowned
for its crafted silk sarees, a traditional
home industry.
09
Around
Chennai
Kanchipuram
Kanchi Kamakodi Peetham
Kailasanathar Temple
A Hindu monastic institution, it is one
of the five pancha-bhuta-sthalas
(temples denoting the five elements).
The five pancha-bhuta-sthalas
or material sites represent earth
(Kanchipuram), sky (Chidambaram),
air (Kalahasti), fire (Thiruvannamalai),
and water (Thiruvanaikoil). Claimed to
have been founded by the Adi Sankara,
the head or the matha is referred to as
a “Sankaracharya”.
The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple is
the oldest structure in Kanchipuram.
Constructed in the Dravidian
architectural style, it is dedicated to
Lord Shiva. The low-slung sandstone
compound contains a large number
of carvings, including half-animal
deities that were popular during the
early Dravidian architectural period.
The structure features 58 small shrines
which are dedicated to various forms
of Shiva that are built into niches on the
inner face of the high compound wall of
the circumambulatory passage.
Kamakshi Amman Temple
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated
to Kamakshi, and is popularly associated
with Sankaracharya. The image of the
main deity, Kamakshi, is seated in a
majestic Padmasana, a yogic posture
signifying peace and prosperity, instead
of the traditional standing pose. The
Cholas built the temple in its present
form in the 12th century CE and
features beautiful gopurams, pillars,
mandapams and tanks.
One of the Divya Desams, or the 108
temples of Vishnu believed to have
been visited by the 12 poet saints, or
10
Around
Chennai
Alwars, the temple was constructed
by the Vijaynagar kings and its
presiding deity is Varadaraja Swamy.
The 100-pillared hall of this temple
proves the mastery of the Vijayanagara
sculptors, featuring the severed halves
of a large chain carved out of a single
stone and the figures of the God of
Love and his consort astride a swan
and a parrot respectively.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and
constructed in the Dravidian style of
architecture, the temple is glorified
in the Divya Prabandha, the early
medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar
saints. One of the 108 Divyadesam
dedicated to Vishnu, he is worshipped
as Ulagalantha Perumal and his
consort Lakshmi as Amudavalli.
Ashtabuja Perumal Temple
Vaikunta Perumal Temple
The remarkable feature of this deity is
that it has eight arms. Lord Vishnu is in
standing posture, facing west.
Built by Pallava emperor, Nandivarman
Pallavamalla in the 8th century AD,
Vaikuntha Perumal temple is also
one of the hundred and eight ‘Divya
Desams’ and features battle scenes
depicting Pallava valour, carved on the
panels surrounding the main prakaram.
Ekambareswarar Temple
Originally built by the Pallavas,
this large Shiva temple was later
reconstructed by the Chola and
Vijaynagara kings. Here, Lord Shiva
is worshipped as Earth or Prithvi.
Ulagalanda Perumal Temple
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
11
Around
Chennai
The eleven-storey structure that is
adorned with beautiful sculptures is
one of the tallest temple towers in
South India. It also features a small
panel depicting the story of the
temple’s existence. Parvathi incurred
Shiva’s wrath when she made the
mistake of playing a mischievous
prank on him by covering his eyes for a
second. Hindering Siva’s vision for that
one second led to years of darkness for
the mortals, Shiva bade her to perform
penance to obtain his forgiveness. It is
believed that the temple was built on
the spot where the Lord forgave her.
scholar statesman, affectionately called
Anna meaning the elder brother by the
general public. His ancestral home
located here has been converted into
a memorial.
Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary
Shakunthala Jagannathan
Museum of Folk Art
Situated close to the Ekambarerwar
temple, the 400-year old house belongs
to the maternal ancestors of Sir C. P.
Ramaswamy Aiyar, a renowned scholar
and has been converted into
a museum.
Suggested places for shopping
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
Arignar Anna Co-Op. Silk Society
Murugan Co-Op. Silk Society
Thiruvalluvar Co-Op. Silk Society
Kamakshiamman Co-Op. Silk Society
Kanchipuram Co-Op. Silk Society
Pallavan Co-Op. Silk Society
Mamallan Co-Op. Silk Society
Co- Optex, T.K. Nambi Street
Chengalpattu Sarvodaya Sangam
Khadi Gramayothyog Bhavan
Located 48 kms away from Kanchipuram,
the sanctuary’s birds nest on the
branches of submerged trees. Storks,
egrets, cormorants, darter, flamingos,
pelicans, moor hens, herons,
kingfishers, sandpipers, white ibis,
spoonbills, swans and grey wagtails
are some of the birds that nest during
season, between October and March.
Anna Memorial
Kanchipuram
Anna Memorial Kanchipuram is the
birthplace of Dr. C.N. Annadurai, the
12
Around
Chennai
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, derived from
‘Mamallapuram’, was a 7th century port
city of the South Indian dynasty
of the Pallavas.
Mamallapuram is believed to have
been given after the Pallava king
Narasimhavarman I, who took on the
epithet Maha-malla (great wrestler).
Located around 60 km south from
the city of Chennai, the name
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, the area was believed to have
served as a school for young sculptors.
13
Around
Chennai
Mahabalipuram
the 7th Century. The Pancha Rathas
shrines were carved during the reign
of King Mahendravarman I and his
son Narasimhavarman I. Each temple
is a monolith, carved whole from a
rock outcropping of pink granite. The
five monolithic pyramidal structured
shrines are named after the Pandavas
(Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and
Sahadeva) and Draupad (the wife of
the Pancha Pandavas).
Shore Temple
It is believed that there were seven
temples, that are now known as the
seven pagodas, built near the sea
shore. However the lone survivor is the
Shore Temple, originally constructed
during the 7th century.
Varaha’s Cave Temple
A rock-cut cave temple, the most
prominent sculpture in the cave is that
of Lord Vishnu in the incarnated form
of a Varaha or boar, lifting Bhudevi, the
Mother Earth goddess from the sea.
Listed among the world heritage
sites of the UNESCO, the temple
is resplendent with designs made
by carvings.
Pancha Rathas
One of the earliest monoliths in India,
Pancha Rathas is a fine example of
Indian Rock Architecture dating from
Arjuna’s Penance
Arjuna’s Penance is one of the
most beautifully carved structures
at Mamallapuram. Featuring over
100 figures of gods and semi divine
creatures, birds and beasts, man and
saints, the skillfully carved edifice is
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
14
Around
Chennai
named after the Mahabharatha hero,
Arjun. There are many schools of
thoughts over the theme of Arjuna’s
Penance. One school believes that the
sculpture shows Arjuna undertaking
a penance to obtain a rare weapon
against his enemies. The other School
believes that it portrays the legend of
the River Ganges’s descent to earth.
Krishna’s Butter Ball
Tiger Cave
The name is derived from a cave
temple which has a crown of carved
heads of an animal that looks like a
tiger. It is said that the animal depicted
is the mythological yali and it is known
as the Yali Mandapam.
A giant natural rock perched on a
hillside, seemingly in defiance of all
laws of physics, it provides welcome
shade if you dare to sit underneath it.
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
15
Around
Chennai
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
Puducherry
Puducherry, also known as the
French Riviera of the East, was
the largest French colony in India,
tracing its origins back to 1500 BCE.
Traces of French colonial charm
remain, especially in the old quarters,
where the boulevards are lined with
Mediterranean style houses and
bakeries continue to bake baguettes
and croissants.
Puducherry is approximately a 3-and-ahalf hour drive from Chennai, and
173 km away.
16
Around
Chennai
Puducherry
there is the Marble Samadhi, where
Aurobindo and the Mother have been
laid to rest.
Auroville
Based on the work and inspiration of Sri
Aurobindo and The Mother, Auroville is
intended as a site for the manifestation
of human unity in diversity, a testing
ground and laboratory for the next step
in human evolution.
Timings: 8 am - 12 noon &
2 pm - 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Rangapillai Street, Cottage
Complex, Pondicherry
Sri Manakula
Vinayagar Temple
Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is
believed to have been in existence
even before 1666. After obtaining
permission in 1668 from the English,
the French constructed a Fort adjacent
to Manakula Vinayagar Temple.
A visitor’s pass is mandatory to visit
the Matri Mandir and the Gardens.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
The Ashram was established by Sri
Aurobindo in 1926, a revolutionary
turned poet, and it has grown into a
center for the practice of internal yoga.
In the main building of the ashram,
Timings: 6 am - 12 noon &
4 pm - 8 pm
Location: Manakula Vinayagar Koil
St, Pondicherry
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
17
Around
Chennai
Romain Rolland Library
Sacred Heart Basilica
The Library was established in 1872
and has a rich collection of more than
3,00,000 volumes in both French and
English. It also boasts of a mobile
library service which has a collection of
more than 8000 books.
The church is situated on the south
boulevard of Pondicherry, and is an
oriental specimen of Gothic architecture.
It contains rare stained glass panels
depicting events from the life of Christ
and saints of the Catholic Church. In
recent years it has become one of the
famous pilgrimage spot for Christians.
Location: Subbiah Salai
Paradise Beach
Entry Timings: 10 am - 12 noon &
2 pm - 5 pm
Holiday: Monday and National holidays
Location: White Town, Pondicherry
Pondycherry Museum
Paradise beach is about 8 kilometers
(5 miles) from Puducherry, along
Cuddalore main road in Chunnambar.
A sprawling stretch of tropical paradise,
the beach is flanked by a lazy creek on
the one side.
The museum used to be the residence
of a French administrator, so even the
housing of the exhibits is a museum
piece! The museum has a collection of
sculptures from the Pallava and Chola
dynasties and artifacts from Arikamedu,
including Greek and Roman pottery
that is 200 years old.
Weather:
Daily highs range
from 30°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity
typically ranges from
57% (mildly humid) to
95% (very humid).
Timings: 9:40 am - 1:30 pm &
2 pm - 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 10 for Indian &
foreign nationals
Holiday: Monday & National Holidays
Location: Saint Louis Street,
Pondicherry
18
DELHI
Weather:
Daily highs range from
17°C to 22°C.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maurya:
14 km from international
airport and 7 km from
domestic airport.
Distance from
Chennai to Delhi: 2 hour
45 min by air
A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, Delhi
is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together.
It is a place that not only touches your pulse but even fastens it
to a frenetic speed. Home to millions of dreams, the city takes
on unprecedented responsibilities of realizing dreams bringing
people closer and inspiring their thoughts. As a Capital city, it is
fittingly a window to the country.
19
delhi day tour
grieving wife- it was built by his wife
Haji Begum in 1565-66, nine years
after his death.
Qutab Minar
The soaring stone tower, 72 meters
high, was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak
in 1193. This has five distinct stories,
each with a projecting balcony. At its
base is the Quwwat ul Islam Mosque,
the first Mosque to be built in India. A
7m high iron pillar (4th century) stands
in the courtyard of the mosque.
Weather:
Daily highs range from
17°C to 22°C.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maurya:
14 km from international
airport and 7 km from
domestic airport.
Distance from
Chennai to Delhi: 2 hour
45 min by air
Location: Nizamuddin
Timings: 8 am - 6 pm, except Mondays
Distance from ITC Maurya: 12 km
Entry fee: Equivalent of USD $7 for
foreign nationals; Rs 30 for Indian
nationals
Location: Mehrauli
Timings: 9 am - 6 pm, except Mondays
Distance from Sheraton,
New Delhi: 3.5 km
Entry fee: Equivalent of USD $7 for
foreign nationals; Rs 30 for Indian
nationals
India Gate
Humayun’s Tomb
Taj Mahal is known to have been
inspired by Humayun’s Tomb, and in
many ways, this magnificent red and
white building is as spectacular as the
famous monument to love at Agra.
Humayun’s Tomb is a memorial by a
The 42-meter high, freestanding arch,
popularly known as India Gate, was
designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and
built in 1931. It was originally called All
20
DELHI DAY
TOUR
India War Memorial, in memory of the
90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who
died in First World War.
Location: Connaught Place
Distance from ITC Maurya: 13 km
Agrasen ki Baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli is a historical,
heritage stepwell protected by the
Archaeological Survey of India. 60
metres long and 15 metres wide,
this monument is believed to have
been originally built by the legendary
king Agrasen during the era of the
Mahabharat. Rebuilt in the 14th century
by the Agrawal community, which
traces its origin to King Agrasen,
the well is made of red stone. Partly
Rashtrapati Bhawan
Rashtrapati Bhawan is the official home
of the President of India. Comprising
a 340 room mansion, a 320 acre
estate including Presidential gardens,
staff quarters, offices and utilities and
more, the Bhawan is huge. Originally
constructed as a palace for the Viceroy
of India in 1912 according to Edwin
Lutyens’s designs, the Rashtrapati
Bhawan is grandly classical, with
heavy classical motifs in the time
period of Edwardian Baroque. IndoSaracenic motifs, circular stone basin
water features and India chujjas,
sharp protruding friezes, give the
building grandeur and majesty. Three
magnificently landscaped gardens
feature both Mughal and English styles
and are open to the public in February
every year.
Weather:
Daily highs range from
17°C to 22°C.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maurya:
14 km from international
airport and 7 km from
domestic airport.
Distance from
Chennai to Delhi: 2 hour
45 min by air
immersed in water, the visible parts
of the well comprise three levels,
lined with arched niches. Visitors may
explore rooms or alcoves that are safe;
retreating to an earlier time lost to us
now. One of Delhi’s most popular wells
or baolis, Agrasen is well worth a visit
for its haunting atmosphere alone.
Location: Raisina Hill
Timings: 9 am - 4 pm
Friday to Sunday only
Distance from ITC Maurya: 9 km
Entry fee: Rs. 25 online registration
with prior appointment required
Location: Opposite Qutub Minar
Metro Station, Anuvrat Marg, Mehrauli,
New Delhi
Timings: 6 am - 7 pm
Distance from ITC Maurya: 9 km
Entry fee: Free
21
DELHI DAY
TOUR
Weather:
Daily highs range from
17°C to 22°C.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maurya:
14 km from international
airport and 7 km from
domestic airport.
Distance from
Chennai to Delhi: 2 hour
45 min by air
who inaugurated the temple, was also
a regular visitor to it and would often
pray there. Also known as the Laxmi
Narayan Temple, the Birla Temple is
dedicated to the Goddess of wealth
and prosperity, Laxmi, and her divine
husband, the God Narayan or Vishnu,
the preserver of the cosmos. With
shrines dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha,
Hanuman, Buddha and Devi Durga, the
temple has an inviting aura of peace
and spirituality.
Red Fort
Until 1857, the Red Fort was the
residence, the ceremonial and political
centre of the Mughal Emperors and
the government. Now a major historical
landmark and the site of a number
of museums, the Red Fort is a tourist
attraction beyond compare. Built as
the fortified palace of Shah Jahan in
1648, the Red Fort is made of red
sandstone and represents the pinnacle
of Mughal achievement under Shah
Jahan. Planned according to Islamic
prototypes, the Red Fort’s architecture
has influenced several buildings across
many states in India. Today, the Red
Fort is where the Prime Minister raises
the national flag and delivers a speech
every Independence Day.
Location: Karol Bagh
Timings: 4.30 am – 1.30 pm &
2.30 pm – 9 pm
Distance from ITC Maurya: 15 km
Entry fee: Free
Akshardam Temple
Location: Chandni Chowk
Timings: 9:30 am – 4:30,
Mondays closed
Distance from ITC Maurya: 13 km
Entry fee: Rs. 150 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 10 for Indian nationals, Rs. 50 for
Sound and Light Show
A magnificent work of architecture, it
was constructed using 12,000 tonnes
Birla Mandir
Close to Connaught Place, it was built
by the industrialist Raja Baldev Birla in
1938. Interestingly Mahatama Gandhi,
22
DELHI DAY
TOUR
of sandstone and white marble. Spread
over 100 acres on the eastern banks
of the Yamuna River, the temple was
created with the effort of over 11,000
craftsmen clocking 300 million manhours. The main monument 141 feet
high, 316 feet broad and 370 feet long,
has 239 ornately carved pillar and 9
domes. It has an 11-foot high gold
plated idol of Swaminarayan.
example of grand Islamic architecture
in India, the Jama Masjid also has
several relics near the north gate,
including an ancient copy of the Quran
written on deer skin.
Location: Chandni Chowk
Timings: 7 am – 12 noon &
1:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Distance from ITC Maurya: 12 km
Entry fee: Free
Location: NOIDA
Timings: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm, Monday
closed
Distance from ITC Maurya: 18 km
Entry fee: Free for complex visit,
Rs. 170 for exhibitions, Rs. 80 for
water shows
Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat is a delightful open-air
plaza with the ambience of a rural
market, adapted to contemporary
life, continuing the many market
traditions of India. With a quaint village
atmosphere, the Haat has a mix of
permanent and rotational vendors and
sellers. Shopping here is quite varied
with everything from gems, beads,
rosewood and sandalwood carvings,
brassware, metal crafts, fabrics like silk
and wool, paintings, drapery, papiermâché products and other handicrafts
and handlooms available for the
buying. Delicious local foods from
various regions jostle for your taste
buds’ attention. Sample momos from
Sikkim, kebabs from Jammu, dhokla
from Gujarat and pooranpoli from
Jama Masjid
India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid
has a staggering capacity of up to
25,000 devotees at a single time.
Weather:
Daily highs range from
17°C to 22°C.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maurya:
14 km from international
airport and 7 km from
domestic airport.
Distance from
Chennai to Delhi: 2 hour
45 min by air
Commissioned by Mughal Emperor
Shah Jahan, the Masjid was one
his last architectural extravagances,
finished in 1656. Its name “Jama”
comes from the word “Jummah” or
Friday noon prayers. Three huge gates,
four towers and two minarets – all
made of red sandstone and white
marble add gravitas to this historic
building in Old Delhi. An excellent
23
DELHI DAY
TOUR
Maharashtra - all within 10 minutes of
getting there!
Location: INA
Timings: 10:30 am - 10 pm
Distance from ITC Maurya: 7 km
Entry fee: Free
Hauz Khas
17th century by mughal Emperor
Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahanara, with
canals to reflect the moon light. At
Chandni Chowk, you can find textiles
of all kinds; especially with exquisite
chikan and zari embroidery work, home
furnishings, stationery, books, designer
clothing, kitchen equipment for homes
and hotels, industrial chemicals, silver
and gold jewellery and more- all amidst
stalls and stalls of delicious street food
and desserts form across India.
Since 1988, Hauz Khas has been
known as the centre of ethnic chic in
Delhi. Owing its name to an ancient
water reservoir, Hauz (meaning tank or
lake) Khas (meaning royal) is indeed
State Emporiums
Weather:
Daily highs range from
17°C to 22°C.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maurya:
14 km from international
airport and 7 km from
domestic airport.
Distance from
Chennai to Delhi: 2 hour
45 min by air
one of Delhi’s most recherché areas.
Boutiques and shops in converted old
homes, leafy lanes, curios and antiques
all lend their charm to this area, the
heart of which contains the Hauz Khas
residential enclave. Now a shopping
haven for indigenously produced items,
Hauz Khas offers handicrafts, curios,
old carpets, art galleries, jewellery
and designer clothing featuring
India’s ancient traditions. Dating back
hundreds of years, Hauz Khas is
studded with mosques and tombs that
are well worth a visit.
Delhi offers a unique ‘national’
shopping experience, almost on par
with touring all of India, with a street full
of state emporia. Baba Kharak Singh
Marg is the site of the official presences
of the many Indian states, retailing
the handicrafts and goods produced
in their respective states, Be it silks
and sandalwood (Karnataka), carpets
(Kashmir)miniatures, paintings and
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk or the moonlit Market
is one of Delhi’s busiest wholesale
markets. It was designed in the
24
DELHI DAY
TOUR
puppets (Rajasthan), printed cottons,
miniatures and jewellery (Gujarat) or
more- the state emporia present a
rounded, wonderful picture of India and
its traditional arts and crafts-in one little
corner of Delhi.
stalls, kiosks and even makeshift
stands sell cotton clothes, curios,
silver and artificial jewellery and
more. Shopping at Janpath requires
advanced bargaining skills, and an
ability to separate fake goods from
passable imitations. You can also
shop at the nearby Tibetan Market
for curios, Tibetan artefacts, jewellery
and brassware. You’ll find Cottage
Emporiums around Janpath offering
traditional Indian art and crafts, as
well luxury jewellery brands for that
occasional splurge. Follow this up with
lunch at Connaught Place.
Location: Palika Kendra, Arya
school lane, Raja Bazar Road Area,
Connaught Place
Timings: 10 am - 6 pm, closed
for lunch from 1 pm - 2 pm,
Sundays closed
Distance from ITC Maurya: 9 km
Janpath
The best of Delhi’s street shopping
can be found at Janpath. Street
Weather:
Daily highs range from
17°C to 22°C.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maurya:
14 km from international
airport and 7 km from
domestic airport.
Distance from
Chennai to Delhi: 2 hour
45 min by air
25
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
EXTRAVAGANZA
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Khimsar, Jodhpur
The Golden Triangle Tour is the quintessentially Indian
experience at its best. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself
in the grandeur of a royal past as it engages in unexpected ways
with the present day contemporary.
The Land of Kings, synonymous to heroism, royalty and honour,
Rajasthan presents an era marked with wartime ballads yet living
in the modern period. Explore the miscellany of the old and
the new in Rajasthan, a glittering jewel of India in a land that is
a colourful melange of massive forts, stunning palaces, diverse
cultures, delectable cuisines and warm people, set amidst a rugged
yet inviting landscape.
26
GOLDEN
TRIANGLE
EXTRAVAGANZA
Agra
The erstwhile capital of the Mughal
Empire during the reign of Akbar, and
an unmissable destination on the
itinerary of every traveller to India, Agra
offers a revealing glimpse into the
refinement of Mughal courtly life and
Mughal sensibilities, captured in its
many historical sites, which in addition
to Taj Mahal, include Fatehpur Sikri, the
Agra Fort and the tombs of prominent
members of the royal family.
Timings: 8 am - 5 pm
Distance from ITC Mughal: 4 km
Entry fee: Rs. 1000 for foreign
nationals, Rs. 400 for Indian nationals
Agra Fort
Taj Mahal
One of the Seven Wonders of the
World, the Taj Mahal is the finest
example of symmetry and balance
in architecture and is on the World
Heritage list. Built by Mughal Emperor
Few forts in the world have a more
fascinating story to tell than the Great
Fort of Agra. Originally planned as an
impregnable military structure by
Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period
of time, acquired all the elegance,
lavishness and majesty of an imperial
palace. Situated 1 km upstream of
the Taj Mahal, on the right bank of
the Yamuna, the Agra fort was
built under the direction of Akbar,
by Mohammed Quasim Khan, his
Commander-in-Chief and Governor
of Kabul. It took eight years to
complete and entailed an expenditure
of three and a half million rupees.
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 32°C to 34°C
Distance:
No direct flights
are available between
Chennai and Agra
Shah Jahan, as the final resting place
for his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal,
the monument of love took 22 years
and over 20,000 workers and craftsmen
to complete this rhapsody in stone
(1630-52 AD). The main structure is
set amidst landscaped gardens.
While on three sides it is surrounded
by high walls, the rear is bound by the
river Yamuna.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Distance from ITC Mughal: 4 km
Entry fee: Rs. 550 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 40 for Indian nationals
Distance from Delhi:
215 km
27
GOLDEN
TRIANGLE
EXTRAVAGANZA
Sikandra was built in 1492 by Sikander
Lodhi, a ruler of one of the last
dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. Akbar,
in his time, ordered the construction
of Sikandra again, this time as a site
for his mausoleum, but he died before
it could be completed. The work was
completed by his son Jehangir in
1613. A combination of Muslim and
Hindu architectural styles, the red
sandstone building is four storeys tall,
approximately 31 metres in height. The
first three stories are of red sandstone,
while the fourth is entirely of marble.
Itmad-Ud- Daulah’s Tomb
About 4 km north of the Taj Mahal,
on the left bank of the Yamuna, is
the perfectly proportioned marble
mausoleum Itmad-ud-Daulah. Often
described as a “jewel box”, sometimes
called the Baby Taj, the tomb of
I’timad-ud-Daulah is often regarded
as a draft of the Taj Mahal. Noor Jehan
constructed this splendid marble
monument in her father Mirza Ghiyas
Beg’s memory. This double storied
marble tomb is replete with mosaic,
inlaid with semi-precious stones.
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 32°C to 34°C
Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
Distance from ITC Mughal: 15 km
Entry fee: Rs. 110 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 15 for Indian nationals
Fatehpur Sikri
Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
Distance from ITC Mughal: 8 km
Entry fee: Rs. 250 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 10 for Indian nationals
Sikandra Fort
About 37 km south-west of Agra,
Fatehpur Sikri was built by the side of
an artificial lake about 3 km long and
1.6 km wide. Still perfectly preserved,
this complex of palaces, mosques,
gardens and pavilions is a rich legacy
of the Mughal era. You can stroll
through the Emperor’s bedroom, climb
to the top of the Panch Mahal, the five
tiered palace and look down on the
Pachisi courtyard. Then move to the
Anup Talau, the sandstone platform on
a pond, where Mian Tansen once sang.
Distance:
No direct flights
are available between
Chennai and Agra
Distance from Delhi:
215 km
Sikandra is 8 km north-east on the
Agra-Delhi road. It is one the same side
of the river Yamuna as the Taj Mahal.
28
GOLDEN
TRIANGLE
EXTRAVAGANZA
And no trip is complete without a visit to
Salim Chisti’sDargah, where you can tie
a thread on the latticework of its walls
and make a quiet wish.
on the opposite side of the Yamuna
River, in the flood plains. The garden
complex, square in shape, measures
about 300 by 300 metres (980 ft ×
980 ft) and is perfectly aligned with the
Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. The
Mehtab Bagh garden was the last of
eleven Mughal-built gardens along the
Yamuna opposite the Taj Mahal and
the Agra Fort. Built by Emperor Babur,
it is noted that Emperor Shah Jahan
identified it as a site from the crescentshaped, grass-covered floodplain
across the Yamuna River as an ideal
location for viewing the Taj Mahal.
Timings: 9 am – 6 pm
Distance from ITC Mughal: 15 km
Entry fee: Rs. 510 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 40 for Indian nationals
Mehtab Bagh
Also known as the Moonlight Garden,
Mehtab Bagh lies north of the Taj
Mahal complex and the Agra Fort
Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
Distance from ITC Mughal: 8 km
Entry fee: Rs. 100 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 5 for Indian nationals
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 32°C to 34°C
Distance:
No direct flights
are available between
Chennai and Agra
Distance from Delhi:
215 km
29
GOLDEN
TRIANGLE
EXTRAVAGANZA
jaipur
The largest city of Rajasthan is an
epitome of magnificence and vibrancy.
This city was established in 1727 by
Jai Singh II and it presents itself as
a versatile tourist destination. With
splendid fortresses, majestic palaces,
tranquil temples and beautiful havelis,
Jaipur enchants.
through cascading cool water. Imagine
a completely cooled room in the middle
of the desert.
Timings: 8 am – 6 pm, Light shows
7 pm – 9 pm
Distance from ITC Rajputana: 13 km
Entry fee: Rs. 500 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 100 for Indian nationals
Amber Fort
City Palace
A fort-palace complex built in hybrid
Hindu-Muslim style that dates back
to the 17th Century, this magnificent
structure was built more than four
centuries ago by Raja Man Singh I and
still retains all its stately grandeur. The
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 19°C to 34°C
Distance:
Distance from Delhi:
268 km
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the Rajput
king of Amber during the 18th century,
commissioned the work for the outer
wall of the City Palace Complex.
The Rajpur king shifted its capital to
Jaipur from Amer in 1727 due to water
scarcity and increase in population.
The architectural plan of the City Palace
Complex was entrusted to Vidyadhar
Bhattacharya, the chief architect.
Therefore, the architect designed the
Palace Complex according to the texts
of Vaastushastra.
main attraction is the ‘Sheesh Mahal’
adorned with thousands of mirror tiles
on the walls and ceiling, especially so
when it sends away darting rays of
sunlight reflected by the thousands of
glasses. The most interesting aspect of
this complex is the Sukh Niwas, where
an air conditioning effect was created
in the ancient times by air blowing
Although the Palace complex was
designed and constructed according
Distance from Agra:
222 km
30
GOLDEN
TRIANGLE
EXTRAVAGANZA
to the texts of Vaastushastra, the City
Palace showcases the perfect mix of
Mughal, European and Rajput styles
of architecture. Some of the popular
gates of the complex are ‘Tripolia Gate’,
‘Udai Pol’, ‘Virendra Pol’, and ‘Jaleb
Chowk’. These gates also serve as
difference entrances to the palace.
These entrance gates are marvelously
decorated, which wins the hearts of
the guests. The palace complex is
constructed in ‘grid style’ and features
different attractions namely, ‘Chandra
Mahal’, ‘Govind Dev Ji Temple’,
‘Mubarak Mahal’, and ‘Diwan-I-Khas’.
The Palace walls are beautifully
decorated in Mughal style, featuring
unique murals, mirrors and lattice work.
Popular structures within the Jantar
Mantar are the ‘Samrat Yantra’ (the
world’s largest sundial), the ‘Hindu
Chhatri’, the ‘Jaiprakash Yantra’ and
various geometric structures with
astronomical devices to probe the
‘universe’. Currently it holds 14 major
geometric instruments.
Timings: 9 am - 4:30 pm
Distance from ITC Rajputana: 4 km
Entry fee: Rs. 10
Hawa Mahal
Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap
Timings: 9:30 am - 4:45 pm
Distance from ITC Rajputana: 4 km
Entry fee: Rs. 300 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 75 for Indian nationals
Jantar Mantar
An observatory built in 18th century by
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge
masonry instruments were used to
Singh, the Hawa Mahal is the most
recognizable monument of Jaipur. The
five-storey stunning semi-octagonal
monument features 152 windows
with over hanging latticed balconies
that makes it a fine piece of Rajput
architecture. Originally designed for
the royal ladies to watch and enjoy
the processions and other activities,
on the street below, it now houses a
museum. The display “Jaipur - Past
and Present” is the special feature of
this newly setup museum.
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 19°C to 34°C
Distance:
Distance from Delhi:
268 km
Distance from Agra:
222 km
study the movement of constellations
and stars in the sky. The enormous
sun-dial still provides accurate time.
Timings: 10 am - 4:30 pm
Distance from ITC Rajputana: 5 km
Entry fee: Rs. 5
31
GOLDEN
TRIANGLE
EXTRAVAGANZA
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 19°C to 34°C
Jal Mahal
cannon on wheels - the Jaivana. Built
during the reign of Maharaja Sawai
Jaisingh, it has a twenty feet long barrel
and was test-fired only once. Two very
tempting reasons to visit the fort are the
beautiful gardens and the spellbinding
views of the Amber Fort and the hills
around.
Literally meaning ‘Water Palace’, Jal
Mahal is located amidst the Man Sagar
Lake and was constructed by Sawai
Pratap Singh in 1799. The beauty of
the palace lies in its location, as the
palace-hotel stands at the centre
of the lake. The palace architecture
boasts of a typical Rajput and Mughal
style which is quite similar to that of
Amer Fort. Made in red sandstone,
the palace is actually five-storeyed
where only the top story is visible (the
rest are submerged under water).
At the top, there is a garden which
has semi-octagonal towers in every
corner. Although any time is a good
time to visit Jal Mahal but it is during
the monsoon season (when the water
level rises up) when the views from this
palatial hotel are more captivating.
Timings: 9 am - 4:30 pm
Distance from ITC Rajputana: 15 km
Entry Fee: Rs. 85 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 35 for Indian nationals
Nahargarh Fort
Timings: 10 am - 4:30 pm
Distance from ITC Rajputana: 11 km
Jaigarh Fort
Distance:
Distance from Delhi:
268 km
15 kms away from Amer, on a hilltop
and overlooking the palaces and city,
Jaigarh Fort houses the world’s largest
Providing brilliant views of the Man
Sagar Lake and the vast sprawling city
of Jaipur, the Nahargarh Fort also
Distance from Agra:
222 km
32
GOLDEN
TRIANGLE
EXTRAVAGANZA
houses the compact Madhavendra
Bhawan palace.
solemn dignity of it red sandstone and
white marble pavilions, when reflected
in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to
behold. The original palace was built
by Raja Man Singh, the additional
extensions were built by Maharaja Mirja
Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh
lIthe last Maharaja of Amer, who built a
new city called Jaipur, where he shfted
his capital in 1727.
Built with the dual purpose of acting
as a summer retreat as well as
strengthening the defence ring of
Jaipur, the Fort features a tour of the
king’s 12 suites that were built for the
wives and the children, along with his
own majestic suite.
Timings: 10 am - 5 pm
Distance from ITC Rajputana: 5 km
Entry Fee: Rs. 50 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 20 for Indian nationals
The palace complex is lavishly
ornamented and displays the riches
of Amer. Diwan-e-Aam or the Hall
of Public Audience is a beautifully
proportioned hall open on three sides
and stands on two rows of ornamented
pillars. Diwan-e-Khaas or the Hall of
Private Audience has delicate mosaic
work in glass. Sukh Mandir is guarded
by sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory.
Throughout the massive fort, finely
carved lattice windows, exquisitely
painted doorways, halls and finely
sculptured pillars crave for attention.
Amer
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 19°C to 34°C
Timings: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 50 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 10 for Indian nationals
Elephant ride: From 8 am to 4 pm,
Rs. 400 (inclusive of all taxes)
The old capital of the Kachhwahas
stands atop a range of craggy hills.
The fort is remarkable as much for the
majestic grandeur of its surroundings
as for its sturdy battlements and
beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of
Hindu and Muslim architecture. The
Distance:
Distance from Delhi:
268 km
Distance from Agra:
222 km
33
TASTE OF
RAJASTHAN
Khimsar
Spread over eleven acres of sprawling
lawns, orchard and open courtyards, in
the midst of sand dunes, WelcomHotel
Khimsar is unspoilt and well preserved
like a royal manor. Established in the
15th century by a scion of the house of
Jodhpur, its history is reflected in the
architecture of its fortified castle. The
construction a mixed of the fort began
in 1523 by Rao Karamsji, eighth son
of the founder of Jodhpur Rao Jodha,
who chose the spot of Khimsar, 90 km
from Jodhpur. 21 generations later, a
part of this fort is still residence to the
Karamsot Rathor, direct lineage, while
the rest has been opened out to royal
Rajput hospitality, personally overseen
by the family. The fort has been
awarded the ‘Grand Heritage Award for
Excellence’ by the Ministry of Tourism,
Government of India.
Restoration. It located is 45 kms away
from Khimsar.
Osian
The 8th-century Jain temples are
beautifully restored and are a 65 km
drive away from Khimsar.
Nila Moti Trust
Nagaur Fort
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 19°C to 34°C
Distance:
Distance from Jaipur:
280 km
A handicraft institute established
and run by Mrs. Monica Matter from
Switzerland for the upliftment of
rural women, the products are sold
exclusively in WelcomHeritage
Khimsar Fort.
Built in the 10th Century, and larger
than the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur,
Nagaur Fort is the recipient of the
UNESCO International Award for
34
TASTE OF
RAJASTHAN
located 125 km from Khimsar fort and
is famous for a large number of rats
running around the temple complex
fearlessly.
Wildlife Tours
Panchla Black Buck Safari -16 kms
away by open jeep to sight herds of
Black Buck, Chinkara and Blue Bull
Antelope.
Brahma Temple at Pushkar
Kheenchan is 120 km away, where you
can sight thousands of Demoiselle
cranes which migrate from Southern
Europe and North Asia between
October and March.
Jeep/Camel Safari
The only temple in the world where
Lord Brahma – Creator of the Universe
is worshipped is nestled in the
Pushkar Valley which is 180 km from
Khimsar fort.
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 19°C to 34°C
Tarkishah Dargah
Enjoy jeep/camel safari into the village
or the nearby sand dunes.
The 14th century Dargah is dedicated
to Tarkin Shah, a loyal devotee of
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and is
situated 40 km from the Khimsar fort
at Nagaur.
Religious Sites:
Karni Mata Temple
at Deshnoke
Distance:
Distance from Jaipur:
280 km
Considered to be a reincarnation
of Goddess Durga, the temples is
35
TASTE OF
RAJASTHAN
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 16°C to 34°C
Jodhpur
The historic city of Jodhpur has a
number of sobriquets – ‘Gateway to
the Thar’ because of its location,
‘Sun City’ because of its sunny clime
around the year and ‘Blue City’ due
to the colour most houses in the old
city are painted. The second largest
city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur boasts of
an age-old heritage, being founded
back in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha – the
Rajput Chieftain of the Rathores – to
replace Mandore as the capital of their
kingdom, Marwar. Mighty Mehrangarh,
the muscular fort that towers over the
Blue City of Jodhpur, is a magnificent
spectacle and an architectural
masterpiece. Around Mehrangarh’s
feet, the old city, a jumble of Brahminblue cubes, stretches out to the 10 km
long, 16th-century city wall. Inside is a
tangle of winding, glittering, medieval
streets, which never seem to lead
where you expect them to with shops
and bazaars selling everything from
trumpets and temple decorations to
snuff and saris. The forts and palaces,
temples and havelis, culture and
tradition, spices and fabrics, colour
and texture all add up to make this
historic city an exquisite enigma
wrapped in an enchanting mystery.
a water reservoir to provide water to
Mandore. The Balsamand Lake Palace
was built later as a summer palace
on its shore. The lake is surrounded
by lush green gardens that house
groves of trees like mango, papaya,
pomegranate, guava and plum.
Animals and birds like the jackal and
peacock call this place home.
Location: 5 km from Jodhpur on
Jodhpur-Mandore Road
Chamundaji Temple
Ensconced within the premises of the
Mehrangarh Fort and dedicated to the
Goddess of the locals and the royals,
this wonderful temple is a hub of pious
Balsamand Lake
Distance:
Situated 5 km from Jodhpur on
Jodhpur-Mandore Road, this lake is a
popular picnic spot built in 1159 AD by
Balak Rao Parihar. It was designed as
Distance from Jaipur:
337 km
36
TASTE OF
RAJASTHAN
devotion and huge gatherings during
the festive season of the Navratras
and Dussehra.
marvel. The monument, in its entirety,
is built out of intricately carved sheets
of marble. These stones are extremely
thin and polished so that they emit a
warm glow when the sun’s rays dance
across their surface.
Location: Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur
Distance from WelcomHotel: 15.7 km
Timings: 9 am - 5 pm
Location: Fort Road, Jodhpur
Distance from the WelcomHotel:
15.5 km
Timings: 9 am - 5 pm
Dhawa Doli
Wildlife Sanctuary
The most famous nature spot in
Jodhpur, this sanctuary is a must visit
Kaylana Lake
An artificial lake built by Pratap Singh
in 1872, Kaylana Lake spreads over
an area of 84 square km. Situated
between igneous rock land formations,
it receives its water from Hati Nehar
(which translates to ‘elephant canal’),
that in turn is connected to the Indra
Gandhi canal. The natural vegetation
here consists mostly of Babool trees
(Acacia nilotica). Various migratory
birds such as Siberian cranes are seen
here in the winter season. The city of
Jodhpur and all the surrounding towns
and villages depend on the lake as a
source of drinking water.
at dawn or dusk when the views take
your breath away. Be ready to catch
a glimpse of a variety of deer, foxes,
cranes, partridges and more.
Jaswant Thada
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 16°C to 34°C
A white marble memorial built in 1899
by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory
of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh
II, Jaswant Thada is an architectural
Location: 8 km west of Jodhpur
Distance from the WelcomHotel:
21.4 km
Mandore Gardens
A heritage spot towards the outskirts
of Jodhpur, Mandore Gardens has
a high rock terrace and Cenotaphs
of Jodhpur’s erstwhile rulers. These
red sandstone cenotaphs resemble
Hindu temples and have four storeys,
elaborately designed columns and
tall spires.
Distance:
Distance from Jaipur:
337 km
37
TASTE OF
RAJASTHAN
Location: Mandore, Rajasthan
Distance from WelcomHotel: 19.5 km
Timings: 8 am - 8 pm
owner, this monument has 347 rooms
is divided into three functional parts - a
luxury hotel), the residence of the royal
family, and a Museum focusing on the
20th century history of the Jodhpur
Royal Family.
Mehrangarh Fort
A mighty bastion situated 400 feet
above the city, this is one of the
largest forts and the most spectacular
sights in India. A museum with a
collection of Mughal art, a museum
shop and breathtaking views make
it a must see spot.
Location: Near Circuit House Road,
Jodhpur
Distance from WelcomHotel: 10.4 km
Sojati Gate Bazaar
A visit to this city would be incomplete
without visiting its most important
market, Sojati Gate. This market is
lined with shops offering traditional
Rajasthani souvenirs, handicrafts,
jewellery, Jodhpuri jackets as well as
tie and dye fabrics. You can also get
your hands decorated with henna at
one of the stalls here.
Location: Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur
Distance from WelcomHotel: 15.7 km
Timings: 8 am - 8 pm
Umaid Bhawan Palace
One of the world’s largest private
residences, the palace is presently
Nai Sarak Market
Weather:
While in Jodhpur, don’t forget to shop
for the traditional ‘bandhej’ or tie and
Daily temperature hovers
between 16°C to 34°C
Distance:
Distance from Jaipur:
337 km
owned by the Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaj
Singh. Named after Maharaja Umaid
Singh, grandfather of the present
38
TASTE OF
RAJASTHAN
dye fabric at Nai Sarak, the busiest
market of Jodhpur. The market boasts
extensive selections of tie and dye
saris, suit pieces, Jodhpuri coats and
turbans with intricate patterns and
bright colours and much more. An
array of restaurants, cafes and movie
theatres vie for attention within the area.
Clock Tower Market:
A major landmark of Jodhpur, the area
around the Clock Tower or Ghanta
Ghar, is a vibrant market place and
offers its visitors an exciting shopping
experience. You can shop here for
the finest variety of spices, handembroidered fabrics, handicrafts,
antiques and flavoured teas. Indulge
in Makhania lassi (buttermilk), shahi
samosa and omelettes for a true
Rajasthani experience.
Distance from Hotel: 12.5 km
Weather:
Daily temperature hovers
between 16°C to 34°C
Distance:
Distance from Jaipur:
337 km
39
MUMBAI
Weather:
Daily temperatures
range from 23°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity is
around 78%.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maratha:
2 km from the
international airport
and 5 km from the
domestic airport.
Distance from Chennai
to Mumbai:
1 hour 45 min by air
The financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India,
Mumbai has a furious energy that astounds visitors. Mumbai is
built on what was once an archipelago of seven islands: Bombay
Island, Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Worli, and Old
Woman’s Island (or Little Colaba). You will find some of the
grandest colonial-era architecture in the city and as you explore
further, there will be a plethora of bazaars, hidden temples
and hipster enclaves and culture waiting to be uncovered.
The name Mumbai is derived from Mumbā or Mahā-Ambā—
the name of the patron goddess Mumbadevi.
40
Mumbai
Maximum City
Mumbai
one of the most sought-after venues for
artists to showcase their work and also
houses the country’s oldest licensed
antique dealers.
Gateway of India
Weather:
Daily temperatures
range from 23°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity is
around 78%.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maratha:
2 km from the
international airport
and 5 km from the
domestic airport.
Distance from Chennai
to Mumbai:
1 hour 45 min by air
The main objective behind the
construction of the Gateway of India
was to commemorate the visit of King
George V and Queen Mary to Bombay
(Mumbai). In March 1911, Sir George
Sydenham Clarke, who was then the
Governor of Bombay, laid down the
monument’s first foundation. Although,
this plan was approved only in 1914,
the reclamations at Apollo Bunder
were completed only in 1919. The
architectural design of Gateway of India
was fashioned by architect, George
Wittet. It took 4 years to complete this
monument’s construction.
Location: Kala Ghoda, Fort
Timings: 11 am – 7 pm
Entry fee: Free
The Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Formerly the Prince of Wales Museum
of Western India, the museum is
housed in an Indo-Saracenic style
building and features a priceless
collection of art, sculpture and
miniature paintings. This huge
Location: Colaba
Entry fee: Free
Jehangir Art Gallery
Founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir in
1952 and managed by the Bombay
Art Society, the mammoth institution’s
history is linked with the renaissance of
Indian art. Situated at Kala Ghoda, it is
41
Mumbai
domed building was designed by
George Wittet to commemorate King
George V’s visit in 1905. The Museum
showcases natural history section
on the main floor, Indian miniature
painting gallery, Nepali art and the
Indian miniature painting gallery on the
second floor, an extensive collection of
art objects in glass, jade and porcelain
and other decorative art exhibits in
ivory, silver and wood from the late 18th
and the 19th centuries.
Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus
One of the prime attractions of
Mumbai, Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus
is the headquarters of the Central
Railways of India and was nominated
as a World Heritage Site in 2004. It is
said that the Terminus was initially used
as storehouse for goods that were
imported and exported to the city. Later,
it became the Bori Bunder (place where
sacks are stored) Terminus and was
later renamed Victoria Terminus after
the reigning queen and is now known
as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, after
Maharashtra’s and India’s great king
and patriot Chatrapati Shivaji.
Location: Kala Ghoda, Fort
Timings: 10:15 am – 6 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 300 for foreign nationals,
Rs. 60 for Indian nationals
The Afghan Church
Weather:
Daily temperatures
range from 23°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity is
around 78%.
The Church of St John the Evangelist,
better known as the Afghan
Church, was built by the British to
commemorate the dead in the First
Afghan War of 1838. Constructed in
1847 AD, the building features beautiful
art works on glass and some lovely
sculptures.
Mani Bhawan
Gandhi Museum
Turned into a small museum, this house
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maratha:
2 km from the
international airport
and 5 km from the
domestic airport.
Distance from Chennai
to Mumbai:
1 hour 45 min by air
Location: Colaba
Timings: 7 am – 6:30 pm
Entry fee: Free
42
Mumbai
played host to Mahatama Gandhi,
whenever he visited Mumbai. It features
a photo-exhibition of major incidents
in Gandhi’s life and also includes a
collection of books by or about Gandhi.
Location: Gamdevi
Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, closed on
2nd and 4th Saturdays
Entry fee: Free
Siddhi Vinayak Temple
Haji Ali
Weather:
Daily temperatures
range from 23°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity is
around 78%.
The Siddhi Vinayak temple in
PrabhaDevi is one of the oldest
temples of the city and its central deity
is Lord Ganesha.
Honouring the Muslim saint Haji Ali, this
mosque was built in the middle of the
sea with only a narrow path leading to
it - giving it an ethereal look. Set 500
yards into the sea, it can be reached
only during low tide. At high tide, the
connecting causeway is submerged,
giving the impression that the mosque
and tomb are floating out at sea in
splendid isolation.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maratha:
2 km from the
international airport
and 5 km from the
domestic airport.
Distance from Chennai
to Mumbai:
1 hour 45 min by air
43
Mumbai
Around
Mumbai – Aurangabad, Goa
Aurangabad
Known as the dream destination of
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and founded
in 1610, the city can be conspicuously
seen on the Deccan plateau.
The Ajanta Caves
are dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5
caves to the north are Jain.
Travel time from Mumbai to
Aurangabad: 8 hour drive
goa
Weather:
Daily temperatures
range from 23°C to 33°C,
with occasional rainfall,
and relative humidity is
around 78%.
Distance:
Distance from the
airport to ITC Maratha:
2 km from the
international airport
and 5 km from the
domestic airport.
Distance from Chennai
to Mumbai:
1 hour 45 min by air
An approximately two-hour flight
away from Mumbai, Goa is a former
Portuguese province, famous for
its beaches, places of worship and
World Heritage Architecture sites. A
biodiversity hotspot, Goa’s history
dates back up to 20,000–30,000 years
ago, with rock art engravings exhibiting
the earliest traces of human life in India.
The Ajanta Caves depict the stories of
Buddhism spanning from the period
from 200 BC and 650 AD. Discovered
in the 19th century, these 29 caves
were built by Buddhist monks using
simple tools like hammer & chisels
to create elaborate and exquisite
sculptures and paintings that told the
stories from Jataka tales visually.
Travel time from Chennai to Goa:
1 hour 50 m flight
The Ellora (Verul) Caves
The Ellora (Verul) Caves carved during
350-700 AD represent the three faiths
of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
These 34 caves present fascinating
examples of cave temple architecture
that feature elaborate facades and
exquisite interiors. The 12 caves to the
south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre
44
ITC HOTELS
A true amalgamation of history, tradition and ethos, ITC Hotels and India’s
first all-suite retreat represent the vibrant colours of this diverse country
and come together in a bouquet of enriching experiences, to celebrate the
tradition of luxury in each destination.
ITC Hotels is the ‘Greenest Luxury Hotel Chain in the World’ with the
unique distinction of all ITC Luxury Hotels being LEED® Platinum certified.
ITC GRAND CHOLA
ITC Grand Bharat, India’s first allsuite one-of-a-kind destination luxury
retreat, is an epitome of fine living and
fine dining. It symbolises the concept
of ‘Bharatvarsh’, encompasses the
essence of India and brings to life
myriad facets of the great nation
through its architecture, interiors,
services, cuisine, decor, and ambience.
ITC Grand Chola in Chennai is an
ornate, palatial tribute to Southern
India’s greatest empires – the Imperial
Cholas. The world’s largest LEED®
Platinum Certified hotel in the New
Construction Category, it brings the
grandeur of Southern India’s most
glorious empires to guests with the
refined touch of world-class luxury.
ITC Maurya
ITC GRAND BHARAT
The first hotel in the world to be ‘LEED®
Platinum’ certified in the Existing
Building category and a landmark in the
capital city of India, ITC Maurya, with its
distinctive architecture and state-of-theart facilities, has been acknowledged
as the preferred residence of visiting
heads of state and global icons for
over 30 years and epitomises the luxury
hotel experience in New Delhi.
45
WELCOMHOTEL
SHERATON, SAKET
ITC Rajputana
ITC Rajputana is designed along the
lines of the traditional haveli with its
own definition of space and splendour.
It also contains the most contemporary
standards in efficient comforts. Long
corridors, secluded courtyards and
simplified latticework recall Rajasthani
architecture in a modern uncluttered
and contemporary idiom and bring
alive the spirit of Rajasthan and makes
it distinguished amongst the luxury
hotels of Jaipur.
In the heart of a busy upmarket area
this red sandstone building rises
eight storeys high. The hotel with
exquisite cuisine and warmth of
hospitality has earned a distinctive
position amongst the 5 star hotels
in Delhi. Residing in the historic
city of Delhi, Sheraton New Delhi
resonates with cosmopolitan elegance
and an unparallel magnetism that
characterizes the capital of the nation.
ITC Mughal
ITC MARATHA
ITC Mughal, in Agra, is reflective of
a grandiose and vast empire that
bestrode the subcontinent. Spread
across 35-acres of luxurious gardens,
evokes the magnificence of the
Mughals who fused poetry into every
aspect of life, and the only Indian hotel
to have won the prestigious Aga Khan
Award for its excellent representation of
ITC Maratha is a reflection of the ethos
and culture of the state of Maharashtra,
Maratha Dynasty, Mumbai’s vibrant
past and the magical blending of local
cultures. A LEED® Platinum Certified
hotel in the Existing Building category,
the Hotel has been awarded the FHRAI
Environment Champion award.
46
Mughal architecture and won
the Golden Peacock award for the
year 2004.
WELCOMHOTEL
KHIMSAR
element of grandeur through food,
music, colour and an ethnic mélange of
unique experiences.
WELCOMHOTEL
AURANGABAD
Spread over eleven acres of
sprawling lawns, orchards and open
courtyards, in the midst of sand dunes,
WelcomHotel Khimsar is unspoilt and
well preserved like a royal manor.
Established in the 15th century by
a scion of the house of Jodhpur, its
history is reflected in the architecture of
its fortified castle. The construction of
the fort began in 1523 by Rao Karamsji,
the 8th son of the founder of Jodhpur
Rao Jodha, who chose the spot of
Khimsar, 90 km from Jodhpur to build
this magnificent fort.
WelcomHotel Rama International
is a majestic 5 star luxury hotel in
Aurangabad inspired by glorious
Indian history and presents 132 rooms
including 5 Deluxe Suites suiting your
needs. Recreating the magnificence of
Ajanta and Ellora caves, in a beautiful
setting, The Rama International is set
in 13 acres of landscaped gardens
with recreational facilities and beautiful
interiors that create the architectural
marvels of the Ajanta and Ellora
caves. The rooms and suites set
against lush greenery and the minute
attention to detail creates a soothing
blend of warm, effortless service and
harmonious spaces.
WELCOMHOTEL
JODHPUR
On the edge of the Thar Desert, set
against the somber and arid landscape
of Rajasthan is – WelcomHotel
Jodhpur. As a tribute to the city of
Jodhpur, laden with history, culture &
monuments that enliven the royal era
of the princely state; WelcomHotel
Jodhpur endeavors to bring about an
47
ITC Hotels WelcomConcierge
At ITC Hotels, we take pride in our WelcomConcierge
Signature Service, a one stop for all guests’ requests.
What seems impossible, is made possible by the
WelcomConcierge at ITC Hotels!
Chennai:
International Travel House
Mr Vinayak Ashok
Chief Coordinator
Mob: +91 99018 63794
E-mail: [email protected] ;
[email protected]
Chennai:
Mr Narasimhan
(Regional Manager – South)
Mobile: +919940666868
E-mail: [email protected]
Delhi:
Delhi:
Mr Narender Singh
Mob: +91 98112 40531
Mr Sandeep Gupta
(Regional Manager – North)
Mobile: +91 98998 86452
E-mail: [email protected]
Mr Daman Singh
Mob: +91 85272 82742
E-mail: [email protected]
Mumbai:
Mumbai:
Mr Shadab Shaikh
(Regional Manager – West)
Mobile: +91 96195 95040
E-mail: [email protected]
Mr Maxim Mascerenhas
Mob: +91 88790 90383
Mr Vijay Puri
Mob: +91 98191 91199
E-mail: [email protected]
48