| Bikaner-Outpost
on a caravan route in Rajasthan. F ounded in
1488 by Rao Bikaji, Bikaner was o nce on the ancient
trading route of caravans. With may forts, palaces and temples all created with unusual
delicacy in red sandstone and bustling bazaar where you can even buy a pair of
"racing" camels.
Orchha-With a medieval
majesty in Madhya Pradesh.
O rchha was the capital of the Bundela Rajputs
between 1531 and 1783. The palaces and temples built by them retain much of their pristine
perfection. Some of the palaces were decorated with painted murals, which represent the
finest flowering of the Bundela School of painting.
Nalanda-Rajgir-The
Buddhist Circuit in Bihar
N alanda is believed to be the oldest
university in the world. Founded in the 5th century BC, it became a renowned centre of
Buddhist and Jain learning. Hieun Tsang, the Chinese Traveller, spent several years here
in the 7th Century AD.
Rajgir-The ancient capital of Magadha
kings.  The Buddha often visited
Rajagriha to retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery, preaching and meditating on the
Gridhakuta hill. The disciples of the Buddha built many structures here. Rajgir is also
sacred to Jains as Lord Mahavira studied and meditated here. The first Buddhist Council
was held here after the Buddha's nirvana.
Periyar National Park-Kerala
P eriyar is one of India's most
picturesque reserves. A dam constructed on the Periyar River led to the submersion of a
large forest area and the formation of 55 sq km lake, which assured the local wildlife a
perennial source of water and led to its rapid growth.
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