The fragrance of jasmine flowers welcomes you into the town of Madurai. Girls in traditional sarees, men in dhotis that are tucked in above the knees, and the Madurai mustache style is something one cannot miss. This represents the bravery of the Tamilians. Most of the streets would be dedicated to temples, either small ones or famous ones. With a bit of hot weather, you can enjoy the old city with the luscious Madurai Jigardhanda.

The recipient city of all these was once a forest, named Kadambavanam that was laying on the banks of River Vaigai. One day, when a farmer named Dhanajaya, passed through the forest, he saw Lord Indra, who was worshiping the Swayambhulingam,(self-manifested form). Seeing him worship the Swayambhulingam under a Kadambam tree, the farmer rushed to the Pandya king Kulsekarar and reported about the incident. This pious king immediately ordered a temple around this lingam and that is the world-famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. The king then created a beautiful city in the shape of a lotus, surrounding the temple.

On the day of naming the created city, Lord Shiva who himself performed his sixty-four Thiruvilayadals in Madurai, appeared and blessed it. The nectar, which was called Madhu from his tangled lock, spilled on the city and so the city is named Madurai. This old city even got mentioned in great epics like Ramayana, Arthasasthra, and also in Kautilyas.

Every Tamilan knew that Madurai was a synonym for the Pandyans, the kings of the Pandya dynasty. From 302 BC, many people came to Madurai, and the visitors included the Romans and Greeks, who established their trade with the Pandya kings. Silapadhikaram, the masterpiece of Tamil literature, has Madurai as its background setting. This book says that the chief character, Kannagi, cursed Madurai to be burnt to avenge the Pandya Nendunj Chezhiya king who did injustice to her by mistake.

Madurai was tossed among different rulers, and one such famous king was Thirumalai Nayak of the 17th century. His contribution to the city was enormous. Architecture was one of the major fields that grew during his time. Though the Pandya king raised the temple for the Swayambulingam, it was the Nayaks who built the Raja Gopuram of Meenakshi Amman temple. He also built Pudhu Mandavam and Thirumalai Nayakar’s palace which are living monuments to his artistic ardor.

In 1801, Britishers took over Madurai directly from the Nayaks. Donations from the Britishers to the temple and to administer the city were made every year. This city was surrounded by seven hills, and the major ones were Annamalai, Pasumalai, and Nagamalai. After the 1980s, the vast Madurai was bifurcated into Madurai, Dhindugal, and Theni.

Madurai has many special names, like Koodal nagaram (City of Junctions), Malligai maanagar (City of Jasmine), Koil maanagar (Temple City), Thoonga nagaram(City that never sleeps), and Naanmada koodal (junction of four towers of Meenakshi Amman Temple). Talking about the city and its beauty is endless. But, the people of Madurai’s generosity and kindness are a treasure for the state of Tamilnadu.

Dwarka is known by several names in our country- India’s Atlantis, City of Gold, Gateway to Heaven, and most importantly, Krishna’s Kingdom. Submerged in the waters of the Arabian Sea, this city is considered one of the seven holy places in India and one of the four dhams of India, according to the claims of Shankaracharya. People are still confused about whether Dwarka is a historical city or a mythological city. Snuggled at the mouth of the Gomati river and the Gulf of Kutch, this city also finds its mention in some of the greatest Indian epics, including the Vishnu Purana, the Bhagvat Purana, the Skanda Purana, the Harivansha, and the Mahabharata.

The city of Dwarka not only claims to possess historical stories about where invaders and rulers made and destroyed the city, but it also mentions the mythological origin wherein we find several of our favorite characters, including Krishna.

Many believe that the character of Krishna, the war of Mahabharata, and the magnificent city of Dwarka were all fictional. But the ruins of Dwarka claim that Krishna indeed existed on earth, the war of Mahabharata did happen, and the city of Dwarka, too, existed 5000 to 7500 years ago. But how was the city of Dwarka built? In an excerpt from Manoshi Sinha Rawal’s book, Blue Vanquisher, Krishna says, “Our kingdom will spread across Saurashtra, Kathiavad, and Sindh." Our capital shall be Dwarka, located on an island in the sea. Jarasandh can never attack Dwarka. Our people will be completely safe there. They will stay in peace and contentment. " True to his words, the city of Dwarka still houses Krishna’s devotees, and people still live in peace and harmony without worrying about what the future holds for them. The legend of Dwarka starts with the meaning of its very name, ‘gateway.’ Popularly monikered with different names like Mokshapuri, Dwarkamati, and Dwarkavati, this city has been existing in the realm of Indian history since time immemorial.

The story of Dwarka starts when Lord Krishna left his hometown, Mathura, to come and settle in Dwarka after killing his uncle, Kamsa. Whenever one delves deep into the culture and legends of Gujarat, this migration of Krishna from Mathura to Dwarka carries a lot of importance. When Krishna created Dwarka, it is said that he regenerated 12 yojanas or 96 kilometers from the sea.

This city was established as the capital of Saurashtra, a peninsular region of Gujarat, by the Yadava clan. In the early days, this city was known by the name of Kaushathali, but later on, the city was rebuilt and renamed Dwarka. The people at Dwarka were quite friendly, and they invited Krishna to stay in the kingdom after he left Mathura.

According to legend, the kingdom of Dwarka was established by Kamsa’s father, Ugrasena. But it was under the rule of Krishna that the kingdom flourished with wealth and happiness. It is said that Krishna ordered the mystical architect, Vishwakarma, to build the kingdom of Dwarka. In two days, the majestic kingdom of gold was built to perfection.

Clad with gold, precious jewels, and stones, the city was no less than a treasure to behold. Krishna administered the entire kingdom from his residence at Bet Dwarka. The city of Dwarka, which was built on the land earlier occupied by the sea, soon submerged in the depths of Arabian waters when Krishna left his mortal body.

When we come to the history of humans that carries traces of invasions and destruction at Dwarka, the first name that comes to our mind is Mohammad Shah. He invaded the city of Dwarka and ruined its temple in 1241. To stop him from further destroying the city, five Brahmins fought against him and died. To honor their bravery, a temple named Panch Peer was built.

The lost glory of Dwarka was not even brought back when, once again, Mahmud Begada, the Sultan of Gujarat, ransacked the city and destroyed the temple. But later on, the Dwarkadhish temple was restored. The famous saint Vallabha Acharya also brought the idol of Dwarkadhish that Rukmini was quite fond of, and hid it in a stepwell called Savitri Vav when the Muslims once again invaded the city. Later on, when Turk Aziz invaded the city, the idol was shifted to Bet Dwarka.

The tale of Bet Dwarka is again an amalgamation of mythology and history. Bet Dwarka was the place where Krishna resided, and he also administered the entire town of Dwarka from here. The island is said to be the location where Krishna received a gift (Bet) from his childhood friend Sudama.

According to mythology, Sudama and Sri Krishna attended the same gurukul as youngsters. Sudama remained a lowly Brahmin while Krishna rose to become the regal ruler of the Yadavas. Sudama's destitution had reached an all-time low, so he decided to pay a visit to his buddy Krishna, hoping that he would assist him. He could only afford a few kernels of rice as a present. He scraped them and presented them to Krishna, who greeted him with affection and dignity.

Sudama was so overwhelmed by the welcome that he refused to seek assistance. When he arrived home, he saw that Krishna had already dispatched assistance. His small cabin had been transformed into a palace. Bet Dwarka is claimed to have been referenced in the Mahabharata as the Antardivip.

The entire city of Dwarka, along with the Okhamandal region, was ruled by the Gaekwads of Baroda when the 1857 rebellion took place. One year later, a war broke out between the local Vaghers and the British. Though the initial battle was won by the Vaghers and they ruled for one year, later on, a troop consisting of the British, the Gaekwads, and the armies of other princely states overthrew the Vaghers.

During these attacks, Colonel Donovan led his troops inside the temple, ruined it, and looted every precious thing that ever existed in the temple. Bet Dwarka was the place that suffered the most during these attacks. When the local people of Kutch, Jamnagar, and Porbandar complained about this, the temple was restored. Maharaja Khanderao and Maharaja Gaekwad together restored the temple and brought back its lost glory. Since 1960, the Government of India has been taking care of the temple.

Some have rejected Dwarka and its theory as a mere fable. However, many passionately think that this narrative has a historical foundation. Archaeological excavations have been placed in front of the modern city's famed Dwarkadhish temple. According to the findings of these digs, there is an indication of a demolished proto-historic village. For hundreds of years, there was no indication that any of the traditions were accurate or that such a gorgeous metropolis existed as portrayed in the epic. However, things began to change towards the turn of the twentieth century.

In Hindu mythology, there is a story of a deceitful demon called Mahishasura. A powerful half-human half-buffalo figure, who was capable of shapeshifting and ruled the Dravidian kingdom of Mahishuru.

His evil deeds were a matter of concern for everyone. To put an end to his evil atrocities, Goddess Shakti took the form of Chamundeswari and fought the demon. The fight went on for nine days, and at the end of it, the reincarnated goddess emerged victorious. The events that led to his death became the largest festival of the kingdom, celebrated as Navaratri, and his kingdom evolved and came to be known as Mysuru, the abode of Mahishasura.

Literature tells us that the kingdom of Mysore was founded in the late fourteenth century, when two brothers, Yaduraya and Krishnaraya, arrived from Dwarka, which was their supposed place of origin. Yaduraya seemingly married a local princess, attaining the title of a "Wodeyar," which was the ruling family of the region. Initially serving as a vassal state to the Vijayanagara empire, the Wodeyar family expanded its territory in the 17th century, annexing large regions of present-day Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Imprinting his authority on the Deccan plateau, Chikka Devaraja, one of the prominent early kings of Mysore, forged alliances with the Mughals and the Marathas. The lion’s share of the heartland of south India, the kingdom lay from the western ghats to the western borders of the Coromandel plain. However, they did not have direct coastal access which led to conflicting situations between Mysore and the kings of Ikkeri and Coorg. Landlocked from all directions, the borders of Mysore kept getting breached and there was a constant state of war.

In the second half of the 1800s, when the European powers were transforming their identities from traders to political rulers, Haider Ali, then captain of the Mysore army, rose to prominence. His exceptional battle skills, coupled with his administrative intuition made him a great leader and though the Wodeyars were the titular heads, the real power was at the command of ‘Nawab Haider Ali Khan Bahadur’, a title conferred on him by King Krishnaraja the second. Under his able leadership, Mysore fought wars against the Marathas, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Kingdom of Travancore, and the British, tasting victory more times than their enemies.

Mysore was now a dominant political realm and proved to be the greatest challenge to British colonialism on the Indian subcontinent. Partnering with the Marathas and the Nizam of Golconda, it took the British over three decades and four Anglo-Mysore wars to dismantle the Sultanate faction. Haider Ali was succeeded by his son, Tipu Sultan, the legendary ‘Tiger of Mysore’.

He fought harder than his father and defended his kingdom till 1799, before he died battling in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. It was the dawn of a new British era, and parts of the vast kingdom were divided among the Nizam and the Madras presidency. The remaining territory became the princely state of Mysore with the Wodeyar family playing the titular role and the British taking the helm of Mysore’s foreign policies, ensuring the maintenance of a standing British army at Mysore.

During this time, Krishnaraja the Fourth ascended the throne at the age of eleven and went on to transform the fabric of Mysore into a progressive modern state. The Christian missionaries from England were working towards the elimination of casteism by focusing on educating the people, and the pioneering educational reforms undertaken by the king played a crucial role in the development of the state. He also focused on fine arts and skill development to uplift his citizens, which eventually led to Mahatma Gandhi referring to him as the Rajarishi, meaning a saintly king.

The era of the kingdom of Mysore was deemed to be a period of great literary and cultural development, as the kings were accomplished artists and generous patrons of the fine arts. Innovation running in the blood of Mysore, Tipu Sultan developed the first iron-cased and metal cylinder rocket artillery, which eventually influenced British rocket development.

Mysore also became a ground for architectural experimentation, blending European elements with native ones. The Mysore palace is one of the most visited tourist spots in India, shadowing even the iconic Taj Mahal. Schools of languages, music, and design all find their place in Mysore and have greatly informed the socio-cultural development of the city.

Mysore joined the Indian Union in 1947 and merged into the state of Karnataka in 1956, as part of a state reorganisation campaign. Though it does not enjoy its erstwhile prominence and glory, the city of Mysore is still an important driver of socio-cultural and technological innovations in the country. With its grand palaces and architectural marvels, Mysore is a global hub of history, art and cultural heritage.

Lake Pichola glistens and gleams in the fading light of the sun as Udaipur gets ready for its night adventures. The light bounces off the palace walls and creates artistic paintings each time it flutters and changes. Boats head back towards the city, and lights flicker on, one after the other.

Udaipur is also known as the City of Lakes due to the abundance of water bodies in the city. The lakes are connected to each other through a unique lake system, which improved water availability and thus made the city suitable to be a hubbub of activity. This quality attracted Maharana Udai Singh - the founder of Udaipur as it is known today.

Udaipur, originally called Udayapura, was established by Maharana Udai Singh, who foresaw the problems that might arise in the future due to the Mughal rulers. A descendant of the Sisodias, Maharana Udai Singh was bold and undeterred by threats. He lived up to the expectations of the famed Sisodia clan, which is still a legend in the city of palaces due to their ferocity and bravery on the battlefield. The Indian Rajput dynasty famously called themselves the “descendants of the Sun god” and were one of the oldest ruling families in the world. When the shadow of the Mughal flag began shading the Kingdom of Mewar, Maharana Udai Singh immediately sprang into action. Looking for a suitable location which could be defended well from the enemy, his eyes turned towards Udaipur. Nestled in between the Aravalli ranges, the city had a natural fortification in place. The high hills made it difficult for Mughal horses, laden with heavy armour, to climb and attack the city. Further, the palace provided a bird eye’s view of the city below, and any army approaching the city could not pass by unnoticed.

The construction of the City Palace was completed by 1559 and the capital was shifted from Chittorgarh to the secure Garwa valley region of Udaipur. Wherever the king went, his devoted people followed. Soon, Udaipur started developing as a centre of handicrafts - from clothes, embroidery, and ivory to fine, immaculate zinc and copper work. The zinc and copper mines of the city were exploited to boost the economy as traders flowed in from all parts of the world to experience the wonder of the city decorated with coloured glass panes and bold structures meant to protect.

Udaipur, in its own way, represents the duality of a country like India. On one hand, there is beauty, art, culture and acceptance for all those coming to embrace it. On the other hand, there are crude, dangerous palaces meant to serve as a warning to eyes that look on it with malice.

After founding the city on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya (April 15, 1553), Udai Singh resided in Udaipur in peace for several years. However, the Mughal danger came knocking at his door soon. Mughal rulers attacked the capital after sacking Chittorgarh in 1568. To weaken them, Udai Singh built a 6 km long wall to protect the city with seven gates throughout its length. It is the longest wall, second only to the Great Wall of China. To this date, the region is called the Walled City of Udaipur. The wall then became a part of the fortification called the Kumbhalgarh fort.

The Mughal kings like Akbar and Aurangzeb tried to attack the city, but the terrain proved to be a major disadvantage and the stronghold of the Mewar kingdom remained safe from the enemy. However, it was not free from the conspiracies being made within the palace. The capital of Udaipur saw internal strife and incursions by the Marathas and eventually fell to the powerful Mughal rulers.

However, as the grip of the Mughal empire began loosening on its states, the Sisodias declared themselves an independent state and ruled well until the Britishers colonised India.

The city is also famous for two island palaces located towards the west. Shah Jahan was imprisoned in one of these palaces when he revolted against his father, King Jahangir. The Jagmandir palace, constructed by Maharaja Jagat Singh-I is also a popular tourist attraction.

While Udaipur is famous for its palaces, the city still has the bathing ghats and step wells constructed by its founder for the ease of the ordinary people. The major masonry dam constructed to the east of the city for water supply, called Udaisagar, serves as an extraordinary example, giving insight into the beautiful work done by the labourers and architects of the city.

Udaipur is the perfect blend of the ordinary and extraordinary, built in a careful balance with each other. It serves to inspire and innovate, with each carving on the palace walls, each dull sound of metal hitting metal, each reminiscent man talking about tales of kings and queens.

In the South of Andaman, Port Blair serves as the main entrance to the islands and has the only International airport for the entire archipelago. This Port Blair is the capital of Andaman which has now become a tourist place for many tourists. To reach this district, there are these two options to opt for either by sea, with the touch of the moisturized water tipping the fingers; or by air, with the view of this entire island as a play toy. Well-connected roots are available from Vizag, Chennai, and Kolkata.

When you hear the word Andaman, for most Indians, it will leave one numb. It is because of the history of sucking the nationalistic blood of the Indian Freedom Fighters. The Cellular jail that haunts every Indian is located in Port Blair. But before that, the place was a normal island that had its own inhabitants of Onges, the Sentinels, the Jarawas, the Shompens, and the Great Andamanese. It is believed that Andaman was named after Hanuman, which eventually became Andaman.

Port Blair was not the capital of Andaman at that time. A war happened between the native Andamanese and the Britishers at Port Blair, and later, after Independence, Port Blair became the capital. Before that, Ross Island was the major connection. It has seen many invaders, especially the Marathas, capture Port Blair, which later invited the occupants of the British.

In the 17th century, Captain Archibald Blair, a British naval officer, found the Navy Base over Andaman and started to set up kitchens and cottages. On the instruction of the Bengal government, a penal colony was established and named Port Blair after him. But disease and death started to spread, and they needed to shut it down. So it was, again, as the Britishers needed another place for the solitary confinement of the Indian Freedom fighters and leaders. They built the cellular jail on Viper Island, North of Andaman, which has an unconditional climate, a major reason for many prisoners' deaths, and named it Port Cornwallis.

In 1868, Europeans started to settle near the jail. During the Second World War, Port Blair was under the control of Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1947, the Government started a rehabilitation program and brought many people from Bengal. The island has also become one of the seven Union Territories of India after independence. In 2004, Port Blair strongly faced the Indian Ocean earthquake effectively.

Though the place has a dejected historical background, today it is one of the famous tourist spots that has pleasing islands with beautiful scenic treats. As it has seen many invaders, the place is a mixture of different people and their cultures. Temples for Lord Muruga and Vinayaga are also built. The Gandhi Marine National Park, various museums, and other surrounding islands are some of the heart-soothing places to see, relax, and enjoy.

Apart from the scenic setting, Shimla retains its colonial heritage with magnificent old buildings such as its lodge, charming iron lamp posts, and Anglo-Saxon names. Packed with shops and restaurants, this mall is the heart of the city's charm. Associated with the whims of the former Maharajah of Patiala, Scandal Point offers views of distant snow-capped mountains.

It has been blessed with every imaginable gift of nature. The hilly town, in a panoramic position, is surrounded by green meadows and snow-capped mountains. The majestic cool hill with its colonial-era structures creates an aura very different from other hill stations. Shimla, with unprecedented expansion, is a majestic viceroy.

Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864. After independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab and later Himachal Pradesh. In 1903, a railway line was built between Kalka and Shimla.

It's history dates back to the Anglo-Gurkha War in the early 19th century. In 1804, the Gurkhas suffered a severe defeat at the hands of the Sikhs at the Battle of Kangra, a hill fort about 60 miles from Shimla. The Gurkhas started and ravaged the hills and built many forts around it. One of these forts was the Jagatgar Fort which was the origin of modern Jutov, a famous military base next to Shimla.

By 1808, the invaders had captured all the fortresses between Jamuna and Satoruji, and from the capital of Archi. They began their ruthless rule over the neighbouring mountain provinces, eventually prompting those in need to turn to the British for help and a small British force was sent under the command of Maj. Most of Hill's chiefs accepted the call and joined the British forces.A decisive battle was fought near Fort Marao and the superior British guns overwhelmed the enemy. The Battle of Marathon on May 15, 1815, ended the Gurkhas' dream of longer rule over this part of the country.

Its name of the city is said to be derived from 'Shyamalaya' which means 'blue house' and is the name of a house built of blue slate by Fakir of Jakku. According to one version, Shimla gets its name from "Shamla", which means blue woman, another name for Goddess Kali.

One of the Shimla Hill States covering an area of ​​288 square miles, Jubal was originally a tributary of Sirmaua but became independent after the Gurkha War. Raja Karam Chand was the founder of the Jabal nation. After independence, Jabal merged with the Indian Federation and on 15 April 1948 Himachal became part of the state of Pradesh. At the time of the merger, Dig Vijay Singh was the ruler of the state.

On September 1, 1972, a reorganization of districts within the state gave rise to the Shimla District in its present form. After the reorganization, the former Mahas District lost its unity and most of them merged with Shimla. The district of Shimla is named after the city of Shimla, the district headquarters and current capital of Himachal Pradesh and consists of 9 subdivisions, 13 tehsils, 12 sub tesirs and 10 blocks.

The city was built to connect several hills and ridges. There are a number of ranges in Shimla out of which Jakku (8050ft), Prospect Hill (7140ft), Observatory Hill (7050ft), Elysium Hill (7400ft) and Summer Hill (6900ft) stand the most apart. There is much controversy about the origin of the name Shimla. Bhuchar is one of the oldest mountain states in the western Himalayas after Kashmir. According to legend, “ the Bhuchar dynasty was founded by 'Pradyumna', the son of Lord Krishna.” A Pradyumna is said to have come to this place to marry the daughter of Banasr, the local chieftain of Shonitpur (Sarahhan).

The completion of the Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge railway in 1903 gave impetus to urban development. After independence, Shimla was originally the capital of Punjab. It was designated as the capital of Himachal Pradesh after the state of Himachal Pradesh was established in 1966.

Today's Shimla district includes 19 former mountain states, mainly Barson, Bouchar, Bhaji and Koti, Darkoti, Tarok and Dadi, Kumhalsein, Haneti and Deras, Dami, Jubal, Keotar, Ravingar, Lattesh and Sangri. With all its political and social problems at play, Shimla continues to be one of the most popular places in India’s past and the present. It still is an escape for souls who seek refuge, for minds which need liberation.

Darjeeling, sometimes monikered as the "Queen of Hills," is a Himalayan city in West Bengal, India. The remarkable blend of pure beauty of the hills, rustic graces of the past, and charmingly inviting residents to make it a perfect holiday place for both the young and the elderly. You might plan a bachelorette or an escape from your workaholic life, and Darjeeling might be the perfect spot to land in. Situated at a height of 2500 meters above sea level, this place is like a huge sigh of relief from the excruciating Indian summer.

When you enter the city, the lush green plantations all around you will lure you into their charm. Women with baskets hanging from their shoulders could be seen collecting some of the finest leaves that the Darjeeling plantations have to offer. The plantations from the top look like green pastries, topped with icing all over them. Standing on a mountaintop, sipping hot renowned Darjeeling tea with soft glacial breezes for the company and the "cotton clouds" in the backdrop is an experience that will stay with you forever. It's hardly a surprise that Darjeeling is the country's tea capital.

Darjeeling's pure, unadulterated glory includes the majesty of the towering Himalayas, panoramic views of the tea farms, miniature trains, and hair-raising ropeway rides. But along with these majestic views, telling us how beautiful the place is, there is also an elaborate history of this town's evolving to be a hill station. Darjeeling was originally known as Dorje-ling by its Lepcha inhabitants, which when translated to English is called “Place of the Thunderbolt.” The word thunderbolt could be related to the weapon that the Hindu god, Indra carries with him.

The hills of Darjeeling, Terai, and Dooars were never originally a part of the Indian subcontinent. It was a region of an altercation between the four ancient kingdoms of Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet, and Bhutan. Before the British entered the land and transformed it into something unimaginable, several local clans thrived here including Limbus, Mangar, Rai, Lepchas, and Rajbanshis thrived in Darjeeling. The year 1642 was one of the turning points in the history of Darjeeling as it got its first king, Phuntshog Namgyal, from the Chogyal dynasty of Sikkim.

However, the local clans like Mangars and Limbus were apprehensive of the growing power of the Bhutia kingdom. This led to the creation of further tensions and wars broke out in the newly established kingdom. To save the kingdom from falling apart with all the wars and conflicts raging like wildfire, Phuntshog Namgyal came forward to strike a deal with the local tribes of Darjeeling. Together, they all signed a pact called Lho-Mon-Tsong-sum and laid the foundational structure for the Limbu-Bhutia-Lepcha trinity in Sikkim.

After 1642, the play of dates did not come to an end as the next important year arose- 1707. During that time, Bhutan had already conquered most of the regions of Sikkim, except Kalimpong. By the 1750s, the Gorkhalis had become extremely strong and began attacking Sikkim, and then in 1777, they finally took over the region. This entire situation forced Tenzing Namgyal to flee from his capital and take refuge in a different place. The Chogyal's son attempted to reclaim his empire with the assistance of his Tibetan friends, but was defeated; further warfare destroyed the old Sikkim capital.

It was finally in the 1820s when the British entered the region of Darjeeling. Impressed by its serenity, they decided to make it a sanitorium for their soldiers. In the year 1835, the EIC took on lease a part of Darjeeling. Later on, Arthur Campbell, a surgeon, and Lieutenant Napier were credited to have found the hidden hill station of Darjeeling.

In 1841, the British built trial tea plantations in Darjeeling. The success of their attempts resulted in the establishment of tea farms all over town in the second portion of the nineteenth century. But soon the lease turned into an annexation in 1849 after a disagreement between the EIC and Sikkim.

Darjeeling was walking on the part of the development with the increase in the tea plantations, opening up of Scottish schools, and laying down of railway lines. But in 1898, an earthquake struck the region called Darjeeling Disaster and everything changed, causing severe damage to the town and its people. The British applied the "Non-Regulation District," implying that any law of the British Raj would need discussions and debates before actually applied to Darjeeling.

Darjeeling received special attention from all. Many British families went to Darjeeling and settled there, to become the elite ruling class of the town. Aristocratic families of Kolkata, Maharajas of princely states, and landowners, too, began visiting Darjeeling. The town grew in popularity as a tourist attraction, earning the moniker "Queen of the Hills.”

During the freedom struggle, Darjeeling was not very involved with the political activities that were going on throughout the country owing to its remote location and small population. Today Darjeeling has been merged with West Bengal, and people from various ethnicities came and settled here.

Set among emerald-green tea estates and snow-capped Himalayan peaks, this region was created by the British in the nineteenth century and today has a Tibetan element in its industry, culture, and food. This charming small village is dotted with beautiful colonial buildings. The magnificent Kanchenjunga rises above this lovely town and is the world's third tallest peak. Darjeeling, often known as the "Queen of the Hills," is a popular tourist destination recognized for its picturesque beauty, old woods, charming buildings, friendly people, and mountain scenery.

In the southern part of Uttar Pradesh, on the bank of the River Ganga, lies the oldest living city in the entire world—Varanasi. This city is the central hub of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in India, and was originally known as Kashi (mentioned in the Rigveda). Before Varanasi, the city was called by many other names, such as Brahma, Vardha, Anandakanana, Avimuktaka, Mahasmasana, Sudarsana, Surandhana, and Ramya. The name of this city is mentioned in many ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Rigveda, Skanda Purana, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata.

It was officially renamed Varanasi after 1947, but it’s still known by its old name, i.e., Benaras. The name Varanasi is derived from the two tributaries of the Ganga – Varuna, and Assi. Varanasi is situated in the middle of the valley of Gange in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that one should do the Panch Kashi Parikrama between the ghats of the tributaries Varuna and Assi. The Parikrama ends at Sakshi Vinayak Temple.

It is the main attraction for all religious, traditional, and cultural activities. Being the birthplace and home of many poets, musicians, writers, and philosophers, Varanasi is the origin of Hindustani classical music. It is one of the most famous tourist places in India. The holy city holds everything one would want to see – culture, tradition, fairs, festivals, ghats, temples, and a lot more.

This majestic place is also known as the "City of Gods." It is said that it was Lord Shiva who created this sacred place, making it one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in India. Even Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at a place named Sarnath in Varanasi. It is said that one should visit Varanasi at least once in their lifetime, as not everyone’s lucky enough to live here and not everyone’s lucky enough to die here. As stated in Hinduism and Jainism, Varanasi was one of the seven sacred cities.

The glory and the legend of this city have been described in the Kasikhand in 15,000 verses in the Skanda Purana.

Being the oldest living city on earth; it is approximately 3000 years old. The 23rd Jain Tirthankara, named Bhagwan Parshvanath, also lived here and made it the most religious place of its time. Varanasi was ruled by a Muslim ruler, Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who became the reason for the destruction of various temples and other significant belongings of ancient India in the year 1194. Years later, some new temples were established, but it is believed that they were destroyed by the Afghan rulers in 1496. Even after living through these difficult times, the city still managed to maintain its position as a cultural and religious center. During the 16th century, the city got its significance back as Mughal ruler Akbar built various new temples. The city is known not only for its cultural and religious importance but also for its educational position. Varanasi has one of the most renowned universities in Asia – Benaras Hindu University.

Goswami Tulsidas wrote the very famous Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas in Varanasi.

Even in the 21st century, the city has not only maintained its significance but also become part of various successful projects. On December 13, 2021, the landmark project of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath corridor was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India- Narendra Modi, adding a spirituality to the city.

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur is filled to the brim with exciting tales of royalty and demons alike. Meanwhile, the cultural aspect of it comes alive with a plethora of art forms like paintings, handicrafts, songs, and dance.

According to Hindu records, the name of the place was derived from the mythical character of Tanjan, the demon. The legend says that his final wish was to have the place of his final rest named after him, a wish that was obviously granted. Thus, the land obtained its name.

The city saw a multitude of rulers- from the Mutharaiyars to the Pandyas, from the Nayakas to the Marathas. Every lineage left its own impression on the melting pot that is the culture of Thanjavur. For obvious reasons, it became a political hub and a place of intense cultural activity.

But it was only under the Chola rule that the land bloomed into its best form. Thanjavur was the capital under the reign of the Chola dynasty. This led to the building of numerous temples in the region that still attract thousands of tourists every year.

The most famous of these is the Brihadeeswara Temple, located right in the middle of the city. Its construction was completed in 1010 AD by Rajaraja Chola and is also called Thanjai Periya Kovil. One of the largest Hindu temples, it is an exemplary structure that displays the true glory of South Indian architecture. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples'. The Vimana tower, the Shiva linga, and the prakara are all massive in their size.

Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai, or the dancing dolls of Thanjavur, are another well-known thing about the city. The dolls are usually found in the pairs of a king and a queen, a symbol of the many dynasties that the city housed. The tradition of creating dolls dates back to the late 19th century. Craftspeople have since kept the handicraft alive.

Yet another thing that the place is well-recognized for is its wonderfully unique form of art. The style developed primarily under the Nayakas, who encouraged all forms of art, ranging from literature to painting. Hindu mythological figures served as the primary subjects for these artworks. But some were also secular.

The paintings made in this style were especially well-known for their gold coating. The composition was plain yet iconic. The colours were rich and vibrant. Sometimes, gems were added to the composition to lend it grandeur. They are known as palagai padam in the locality. The world-class works are highly valued across the globe even today.

Today, the city is a centre of agricultural activity. Known as the “rice bowl of Tamil Nadu," Thanjavur continues to flourish.. The rich culture that has been nurtured through centuries into its current unique form still holds a place of pride in the region. The city of Thanjavur is certainly an enigma in itself.

Located in the district of Chengalpattu in Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram is a centre for exceptional art. The carvings and designs created on the caves and pillars leave every tourist spellbound.

It can be a perfect date for people who are in love with art and history. The arresting patterns skillfully carved into the brownstone surfaces are enough to sway anyone. Under the blue, cloudy sky, these buildings stand with utmost grace, unfolding its history.

Mahabalipuram is a popular resort destination also. In addition to its past heritage, it also offers a long stretch of oceanfront beach that is dotted with hotels and vacation rentals. It also houses a number of royal monuments, many of which were carved out of living rock.

The city is first referenced in a first-century work titled "Periplus of the Erythraean Sea" by an unnamed Greek traveller. In his writings, the Greek explorer Ptolemy called this place Malange.

The Pallavas' rise to renown was greatly facilitated by Narasimhavarman I's rule, which began in the year 630 BCE. Up to the end of the ninth century, the Pallavas controlled the southern Telugu region and the northern Tamil region for roughly 600 years.

From the Shore temple to the Pancha Rathas, King Narasimhavarman made the city bustle. Since he was also known as Mamalla, the place came to be known as Mamallapuram.

However, according to mythology, the place got its name in honour of King Bali, also known as Mahabali. The Vishnu Puran has a list of his exploits and acts of valour. When Lord Vishnu visited him in his Vamana incarnation, Mahabali offered himself to the him and was liberated.

Since the city was under his empire, the place became famous as Mahabalipuram ("Puram" implies a "city"). Also, the Prakrit form of the original Sanskrit name converts into Mamallapuram.

After independence, Tamil Nadu's predominance of Dravidian politics ensured that its original name would remain in use. The name "Mamallapuram" was announced in a government gazette in 1957, and the name was revived in 1964 when the historic port city was designated a village panchayat.

The town is home to some of the most famous and significant landmarks. The stunning monolithic stone structures are simply breathtaking. At Mamallapuram, a few old buildings have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city contains buildings with impressive artistic and architectural features, such as stone carvings, that reveal much about the diversity of our culture and tradition.

Today, Mahabalipuram is working to restore its reputation as the nation's top beach destination, but it hasn't fully forgotten about its colourful history. It holds annual festivals of classical dance and theatre to protect and advance the legacy of a very old culture.

Agra is known to be famous for the mighty ruler, Shah Jahan, who ruled the pages of history during his reign. But, above it, this place shines bright among other cities due to the rich history of its rulers, which forms a whole new story.

The evolution of Agra goes back to the dates of the Mahabharata. At that time, it was known as "Arya Griha’, which was mainly referred to as the residence of the Aryans. After the Aryans, the next rulers of the city were the Lodis. The capital of the dynasty was shifted from Delhi to Agra in 1506 by Sikander Lodi. Since then, Agra began gaining the fame that it has reached today. Sikander Lodi took full advantage of the location of Agra besides the Yamuna river and flourished agriculture in the city. However, the Lodi Dynasty lost its rule from Agra in the battle of Panipat.

That is when the Mughal ruler Babur took over Agra from Sikander Lodi. That is also when the rule of the Mughals began and lasted a long time. Agra was passed on to Babur’s son, Humayun who ruled the city till 1556. This is when Sher Shah Suri came in and took away the city from the Mughals for a brief while. However, the renowned Mughal ruler Akbar got his hands back on Agra in the same year,which was taken away from the Mughal Dynasty.

Agra flourished as a city, especially under the rule of Akbar. He developed Agra as a center of economic, cultural, and political importance. This renowned ruler also constructed the Agra fort as well as a whole new capital city known as Fatehpur Sikri. The flora and fauna that the city is surrounded by, making it one of the most beautiful cities in India, was the contribution of Akbar’s son, Jahangir.

Jahangir’s reign was taken over by his son and the owner of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan gave Agra its true prized pride. Besides the Taj Mahal, he was also behind the construction of the Jama Masjid, Diwan-e-Khas, and some other significant attractions. However, Shah Jahan shifted the capital of the Mughal empire from Agra to Delhi, which was known as Shahjahanabad back then.

Later, his son, Aurangzeb, arrived to take over till 1707. Meanwhile, the capital shifted to Delhi completely. This is when Agra started to lose its significant importance. Agra remained the second capital of the empire after Delhi.

This was the end of the reign of the Mughal empire. Agra was then taken under the East India Company in 1857. The capital remained Delhi. However, the Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan kept Agra in the headlines always.

Agra became a famous city in the world when the Taj Mahal was declared one of the seven wonders of the world. The beauty that the monument holds also holds the popularity of Agra as a city as well as a tourist destination more than anything. However, if you explore Agra for the city it is and not for the wonderful monuments, Agra will surely take your heart away.