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THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Principal Investigator Prof. S. P. Bansal

Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari

Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Prashant K. Gautam

Director, UIHTM, Panjab University, Chandigarh

Paper Coordinator Prof. Manoj Dixit

Vice Chancellor, R.M.L. University, Faizabad, UP Content Writer Dr. Pravin S. Rana & Dr. Priyanka Singh

Asstt. Prof-Tourism Management, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

Asstt. Prof-Tourism Management, RGSC (BHU) Varanasi.

Content Reviewer Prof. S. P. Bansal

Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari Paper 10: Tourism Products of India

Module 40: Popular Tourist Circuit of India

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Learning Outcome

2. Introduction

3. Popular Tourist Circuits of India 4. New Circuits

5. Summary

ITEMS DESCRIPTION OF MODULE Subject Name Tourism and Hotel Management Paper Name Tourism Products of India Module Title Popular Tourist Circuit of India

Module Id 40

Pre- Requisites Elementary knowledge of History, Geography, Religion and Culture

Objectives i) to give basic knowledge of variety of tourist centers in India

ii) highlight the most important tourist centers and their importance

Keywords Tourist Centers, Tourist Destination, Tourism attraction, Temples of India

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QUADRANT-I 1. Introduction

India’s rich culture, tradition, heritage, life values and natural setup starting from Himalaya to Indian Ocean can be seen as individual attraction as well as when we connect more than two destinations having similar or dissimilar background but same location may complement each other in form of tourist circuits. This chapter will highlights some of the most popular tourist circuits in India as well as few upcoming one.

1. Golden Triangle of India (Delhi-Jaipur-Agra)

Golden Triangle is one of the most important, famous and highly visited tourist circuits both by national and international tourists as it covers the three highly recommended tourist destinations of the country which are; Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The major attractions offered during the visit on this circuit include historical monuments, royal forts, palaces built during different periods, temples, mosques and also some new attractions. This provide the visitor a rich experience of Indian heritage, classic art, architecture, culture and traditions.

Delhi : Delhi is the gateway of India and is one of the busiest cities in the country. This capital cosmopolitan city represents a unique combination of ancient and modern India, with a huge array of attractions that includes both the modern, high class tourism infrastructure, amenities and ancient historical monuments

The attraction must not be missed by visitors are UNESCO World Heritage sites (Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar), Old Chandni Chowk area, new Lotus Temple, India Gate, Gandhi Smriti Raj ghat etc.

Agra: this ancient seat of Mughal Empire is one of the best known historical cities of India. Reflecting the grandeur of Mughal art and architecture, Agra is boasting for the Taj Mahal, a World heritage site and wonder of the world. This epitome of love is the signature tourism attraction of not only Agra but India. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built in between 1631 and 1648 by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his

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beloved wife Queen Mumtaz Mahal. The other major attractions are Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Tomb of Akbar.

Jaipur: Jaipur city is considered as colorful and one of the most attractive cities of India also known as ‘Pink city’. It holds a historical significance by being the capital city of great Rajputs empire in the past. The splendor of power and affluence of Rajputs are still reflect in the grand royal palaces, majestic forts and distinct culture and heritage of the city.

The major tourist attractions of the city are divided into Palaces & monuments, Temples

& traditional bazaars, with rich culture of city life. Amber Fort, Nahargarh fort and Jaigarh fort are situated in outeride of city while City Palace where family of present king exists within the city. Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall Museum, Pink city Bazar, Chokhidani tourist village, Birla Temple are places which attracts lots of tourist. Jaipur is also branded as shopper's paradise for popular items such as handmade cotton print material, silver jewelry, precious gemstones, bangles, and blue pottery etc.

Travel information

The Golden Triangle circuit tour covers a distance of about 800-900 km with Delhi-Agra (220 km), Agra-Jaipur (240 km) and Jaipur-Delhi (270 km) and mostly covered by road (see map). All the sectors are well connected with air, road and rail links.

(source: https://www.google.co.in/maps)

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2. Buddhist Circuit (Lumbini- Bodhgaya- Sarnath-Kushinara-Rajgir-Nalanda) Buddhism is one the widely venerate and major religions of the world. All the places which are associated with Lord Buddha are considered holy and places for worship in Buddhism. The most sacred places in Buddhism are the Lord Buddha’s place of birth, place of enlightenment, place of his first sermon and place of nirvana. Hence, Buddhist circuits which are another massively visited destinations both by followers of Buddhism and general tourist includes several long and/or short distant circuits.

Lumbini: Although birth place of Gautam Buddha is Lumbini, situated in Nepal (an UNESCO World Heritage site) but it is added in Buddhist circuit of India as this circuit will be not completed without covering birthplace.

Sarnath: This holy place is situated about 10 km from Varanasi which is a famous cultural and religious destination. After achieving the enlightenment, it was the Sarnath where Lord Buddha established his sangha or disciples to promote his new doctrine and gave His first sermon.The other significant attractions at Sarnath are, Dhamekh stupa, Chaukhandi stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Chinese Temple, Thai Temple and Museum of ASI which is housing several historical artifacts along with the famous Lion Capital Pillar or the Ashoka pillar was erected by King Ashoka.

Bodhgaya: this sacred place is located 10 km from Gaya in Bihar. This is one of the most visited Buddhist sites of the country as it was here under the Bodhi tree where Prince Siddhartha achieved enlightenment after meditating for 49 days and became Lord Buddha (the Enlightened One). The key sites to visit at Bodhgaya are the Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vajrasana Throne donated by King Ashoka, Muchalinda Lake, Animesh Lochan Chaitya and some other holy trees like Ratnachankramana, Ratnagaraha, Ajapala Nigrodha and Rajyatna. Being a major Buddhist site various countries where Buddhism is a major religion like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand, China etc. has establishes monasteries and temples here which also attract visitors.

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Rajgir: situated about 70 km from Bodhgaya, Rajgir another significant Buddhist site where Lord Buddha stayed and preached his doctrine. He taught the precepts of Lotus Sutra and the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra near Gridhakuta Hill in Rajgir. Rajgir had also hosted the first Buddhist counci at the Saptaparni Caves on Vaibhar Hill.

Nalanda: it is an excursion from Rajgir located around 14 km away. The teachings of Buddha were compiled after his death and preached in the council. The ruins of world- renowned university of Nalanda are the key attraction.

Patna: back in history called as Pataliputra, Patna is the capital city of Bihar, boasting for its glorious history and heritage. It was an important center during the spread of Buddhism. The major sites to visit here are, Patna Museum which showcase a rich collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, Kumrahar an ancient site, Golghar, a granary constructed by John Garstin in 1786 after the famine of 1770. And Martyr’s memorial dedicated to freedom fighters.

Kushinagar: this sacred place is located in the Gorakhpur district. Lord Buddha attain

‘Nirvana’ Kushinagar. Major attractions to visit here are Mukatanabandhana Stupa and the reclining Buddha statue in red sandstone. Other attractions are Wat Thai Temple, Chinese Temple, Japanese Temple, Mahanirvana Temple, etc.

Travel Information: All the destinations are well connected by road and the major airports are at Varanasi, Patna, Kathmandu, Lucknow. Most popular tours of Buddhist circuit (900-1000 km) organized by road travel with a distance of Lumbini-Kushinagar (150 km), Kushiagar to Sarnath (225 km), Sarnath –Bodhgaya (260 km), Bodhgaya – Rajgit/Nalanda (100 km) and Nalanda-Patna (110 km)

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(source: https://www.google.co.in/maps)

3. Golden Triangle of South India (Chennai, Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram) The southern part of India is replete with rich cultural and religious heritage and represents the glorious past of the country. One of the most visited tourist circuit of the southern India which offers an incredible experience of heritage sites, religious places, art and architecture. These three important cities (covers about 200 km) and well known tourism Destinations are situated in the Tamil Nadu state.

Chennai: This capital city of Tamil Nadu, is among four biggest metropolitan cities in India. The city is home of splendid temples, incredible fortresses and monuments, shorelines and heritage sites. Some key attractions of the city are Kapaleeshwarar Temple (committed to Hindu Lord Shiva), Parthasarathy Temple (devoted to Hindu Lord Krishna), Snake Park (residence different types of reptiles including harmful and non- toxic snakes), Kalakshetra (found for established move, music and expressive arts), Marina Beach (the second biggest shoreline on the planet), Elliot Beach, Fort St George and Guindy National Park.

Mahabalipuram: Also known as Mamallapuram is located 58 km from Chennai. It is a one of the widely known historical destination, particularly in Southern India. It has several landmarks and sanctuaries most of which represents the Pallava culture and art.

The most important sites to visit are the UNESCO declared World Heritage Sites Panch Rathas, the rock-cut, and Shore Temple, Arjunas Penance and Varaha Cave Temple

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Kanchipuram: Kanchipuram is a temple town situated near Chennai. It is a highly venerated city with a huge number of grand Hindu temples and hence regarded as the religious capital of South India. It is one of the highest visited pilgrimage destination of South India. The major temples of the city can be classified in three broad categories;

Vaishnava, Shiva and Devi Temples. Kailasnatha Temple (surrounded by 58 smaller shrines), Ekambareswara Temple (constructed originally by Pallavas) has a 16 pillared mandapa and included in 5 panchlinga shrines of Chennai), Vaikuntha Perumal temple (dedicated to Vishnu), Varadharaja Temple (Vishnu), Kamakshi Amman Temple (dedicated to Parvati), and Dhrmalingeswarar Temple are main shrines in Chennai.

Travel information: Chennai is the gateway to Tamilnadu with frequent connectivity via road, rail and air ways. The road distance from Chennai-Mahabalipuram (55 km), Mahabalipuram –Kanchipuram (70 km) and Kanchipram - Chennai (75 km).

(source: https://www.google.co.in/maps)

4. Bhubaneswar- Konark- Puri Circuit (Golden Triangle of East)

Odisha is a beautiful, serene and splendid state in eastern India, boasting for its magnificent past vividly reflected in its architecture, monuments and heritage sites and sublime natural beauty. The circuit of these three most celebrated cities of Odisha offers a complete experience of diverse attractions of the state in an essence. The circuit includes pilgrimage centers, monuments, natural sites (shoreline, lake,hills, wildlife) and cultural attractions.

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Bhubaneswar: this capital city of Odisha is a famous tourist destination and pilgrimage center. It offers some of the splendid temple architecture which are the key tourist attractions of the city like Lingaraj Temple (11th cen., 55 m high, dedicated to King of Linga .i.e Shiva, also known as Tribhuvaneshwar), Mukteswar Temple (10th cen. Shiva temple, famous for its decorative toran), Raja Rani Temple (renowned for its fine sculpture of dikpals), Parsurameswar Temple, Brahmeswar Temple, and many others.

Some wonderful attractions in surrounding areas include Nanda Kanan Zoo, Dhauli Stupa, Ekamra Kannan, caves of Udaigiri and Khandagiri.

Konark: Konark internationally renowned for the great Sun Temple which is declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its exceptional architecture and historic significance. The other key attraction of Konark is scenic Chandrabhaga beach.

Puri: Puri is one among the four most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindus in India (Char Dham) dominated by towering Sri Jagannath Temple. Jagannath Temple was built by King Ananthvarman in 12th cen. is abode of Jagannth, Balbhadra and Subhadra.

Gundicha Temple, Puri Beach are the major attractions of the city.

Travel Information: Bhubaneswar is well connected by air with flights to major Indian cities. Konark is around 65 km and Puri is around 51 km from the Bhubaneswar. All the spots are well connected with each other by rail and road.

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(source: https://www.google.co.in/maps)

5. Backwater Circuit (Kochi-Alleppey-Kumarakom)

Kerala, renowned as God’s Own Country is one of the highly admired and visited states of the country by international and domestic tourists for its exceptional natural beauty.

Blessed with abundant natural assts like hill-stations, tea gardens, beaches, landscape Kerala is best known for its backwaters. This circuit provides a wonderful experience of backwater and natural beauty.

Kochi: Kochi, earlier known as Chochin is Kerala main trading centre for spices and seafood. Kocchi is in fact collection of narrow islands and peninsulas. It is one of the finest natural harbors in India and hence regarded as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’. Kochi is 8 km away from Ernakulam. The town possesses some beautiful impressions of the foreign heritage which was left by Dutch, Portuguese, Arabs, Chinese and the British visitors in past days.

Mattancherry and Fort Kocchi is all time attraction with their blend of Dutch, portguese and English bungalows. The India’s oldest synagogue is Paradesi synagogue which is situated in the heart of Jews town. St. Francis Church, Willingdon Island, Boghatty Island Ernakulam are other important attractions of Kochhi.

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Alleppey: Also known as Alappuzha this district is surrounded by water bodies which are connected to each other through the canals. Alleppy is reputed for the Houseboats and cruise voyage in Backwater. The sail passing through the scenic villages, paddy fields and fishing areas offers the unparalleled experience of nature’s marvel.

Kumarakom: Kumarakom is a little hamlet with beautiful landscape and rare flora and fauna situated near the Vembanad Lake. It is a beautiful serene destination for experiencing backwaters, tasty coconut water, authentic Kerala traditional food and experiencing the warmth of fresh air. The Kumarakom Bird sanctuary is the prime attraction, spreading over 14 acres, it is the home of some rare birds including wild duck, teal, egrets, herons, cuckoo, waterfowl, darters and also migratory birds.

Travel Information: Kochi is a well connected destination. The Cochin airport provides direct connectivity to international and domestic destinations. This circuit covers 85 km in total with Kocchi-Kumarkoam (50 km) and Kumarkoam-Alleppy (30 km). Alleppy and Kumarakom are connected through the Vembanattu kayal (lake) and houseboats starting from both the places.

(source: https://www.google.co.in/maps)

6. Desert Delight (Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner)

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Rajasthan the Northern-west desert state of India is best known for its vibrant culture, colorful handicrafts, royal palaces, magnificent forts, joyful people and amazing sand dunes. This circuit provides the best opportunity of experience all these attractions and most notably the sun and sand in a single trip.

Jodhpur: this former capital of the state of Marwar was founded in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs. The major attraction of the city is breathtaking, magnificent Mehrangarh fort. It appears to rise from bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself. There are other grand testimonials of glorious past of the city like Umaid Bhavan Palace and Jaswant Thada. Others attractions are Mandor garden, Sardar Bazar, Taleti Mahal, and local market famous for leather products.

Jaisalamer: Situated in Thar Desert, founded in the 12th century by Maharawal Jaisal of Bhatti Rajput clan. The building here are made by local golden-yellow sandstone which gave the city name ‘golden city’. The main attraction of city is Jaisalmer Fort and havelis of rich businessman. Salim Singh’s haveli, Nathmalji’s haveli, Patwon ki haveli are having more intricate stone carving and jali work. Gadsisar Lake, Manak Chowk, Gyan Bhandar, Jain Temple, Khuri Sand Dunes and Gadi Sagar are other attractions of Jaisalmer. Camel safari in sand dunes is most popular among tourist.

Bikaner: Bordering the Thar desert, this is one of the earliest established cities of Rajasthan. It was found in 1486 by Rao Bika, younger son of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur. The most distinguished attraction of the city is Majestic and spellbinding Junagarh Fort and Palaces. It is also well known for its Karni Mata temple where rats are fed milk hence famous by rat temple. Other attractions of the city are Lalgarh Palace, Walled city, Kothari’s haveli, Camel breeding farm, and desert festival.

Travel information: All three destination covers around 600 kms with distance from Jodhpur-Jaisalmer (290 kms) and Jaisalmer-Bikaner (330 kms). Jodhpur airport is connected with all the major cities of the country. Bikaner and Jaisalmer are almost equidistance from Jodhpur .

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(source: https://www.google.co.in/maps)

7. Heritage circuit (Bijapur-Badami-Pattadakal-Hampi)

Karnataka state being the center of few of the most powerful dynasties of South India is packed with abundant marvelous heritage sites. These three most visited heritage cities reflects the rich history, art, architecture and affluence of Southern India in the form of World Heritage monuments, forts and palaces, historic sites, temples and ruins.

Bijapur: It was founded by Adil Shah who emerged as the principal rular of Deccan in the 16th and 17th Century. Gol Gumbad is Bijaupr’s most celebrated building which is monumental tomb of Mohammad Adil Shah (1627-56). The Citadel, Jami Masjid, Asar Mahal, Ibrahim Rauza are other attractions of Bijapur.

Badami: Situated within horseshoe of a red sandstone cliffs, once this was historic capital of early Chalukya kings who ruled the Deccan during 6th-7th cen AD. Among the rock-cut and structural monuments, the most richly decorated are the cave temples. Cave 1 is dedicated to Shiva, Cave 2 & 3 to Vishnu and Cave 4 is dedicated to Jain saints.

Yellamma Temple, Jambulinga Temple, Bhutanath temple, Archaeological museum are other attractions of Badami.

Pattadakal: Pattadakal is a town close to Badami. It is renowned for the group of monuments and temple of Hindu and Jain religion and granted the World Heritage status

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by UNESCO for the exceptional example of art and architecture. Two styles of temple exists in Pattadakal- North India-style (Kadasiddeshvara, Jambulinga, Galaganatha, and Kashi Vishvanath temple) and South Indian-style (Sangameshvara, Virupaksha, Mallikarjuna and Papanatha Temple). The Mallikarjuna and Virupaksha temple both dedicated to Shiva having large sculptures on pillars.

Hampi: A UNESCO World Heritage site on the south bank of Tungabhadra river, Hampi holds the ruins of Vijayanagar. Hampi was capital of three generations of Hindu rulars for more than 200 years. The site comprises of Sacred and Royal centres with rocky ridges and granite boulders acting as natural defences. Krishna Temple (Krishnadeva Raya erected in 1516), Virupaksha Temple (dedicated to goddess Pampa), Narsimha Monolith, King’s balance, Lotus temple, Stepped Tank and Vitthala Temple are major attractions of Hampi.

Travel Information: This circuit covers total distance of 275 kms Bijapur-Badami (120 km), Badami-Pattadakal (25 km) and Pattadakal-Hampi (135 kms) For Hampi the nearest international airport is Banglore and Hubli domestic airport at Hospet which is 13 km from Hampi.

(source: https://www.google.co.in/maps)

8. Shimla-Kullu-Manali-Dharmashala

Himachal, “the adobe of snow” covers over 56,000sq km of the Western Himalaya. The state terrain rises from foothills of Shivalik bordering the plains of Punjab and extends to the trans-Himalayan heights of the Zanskar Range. Shimla, the capital of Himachal

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Pradesh was once famous summer capital of the British Raj, is still most popular destination.

Shimla: it is the capital state of Himachal Pradesh. Once the summer capital of British India, this beautiful mountain city still remains the highly demanding the most favorite choice of tourists. The attractions of Shimla are quite diverse and wide including natural, religious, artistic and historic attractions. Major sites to visit are, the Mall, Observatory Hill, Arki Fort, Gaiety Heritag, Himachal State Museum, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Scandal point and wooden market.

Kullu: The Kullu, in the ancient Sanskrit text referred as “Kulantapith” and locally known as “valley of the Gods” is watered by Beas river. Its alpine setting is gathering of 360 gods from different temples. The chief attraction of Kullu is 17th century Raghunath Temple dedicated to Rama and Sita.

Manali: Manali is one of the most popular and highest visited hill stations in the world.

Nature has blessed this place with such stunning attractions that draw the visitors from all corners of the country. It is the best spot for all kind of adventure activities like white- water rafting, trekking, mountaineering and snow-skiing. Major sites to visit are Kothi valley, Solang valley, Rohtang pass and Rohtang waterfall.

Dharmshala: This hill station established by British, is today more famous because of home of Dalai Lama. Located on the lower spurs of Dhauladhar range, the town consists of two sections-lower town with main bus stand and bazaar and upper town known as McLeodganj. Upper town is primarily Tibetan settlement with its focal point Tsunglagkhang complex (residence of Dalai Lama). Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Nechung Monastery and several Tibetan gompas are major attraction.

Travel information: to reach Shimla Jubarhati is the nearest airport. Kalka is the nearest rail head from where Shimla is connected by a narrow gauge rail link (a must experience

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toy train journey). All the sectors are well connected by road with frequent bus transportation.

(source: https://www.google.co.in/maps)

9. Chardham Yatra (Yamunotri-Gangotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath)

Chardham Yatra is one of the most accessible and sacred Hindu pilgrimage yatra of India, begins every year in April-May and continues till Oct-Nov in Uttarakhand. Sitting amidst the mighty and high Himalayan ranges all these spots are surrounded with breathtaking, pristine natural surroundings and reached by trekking routes only.

Yamunotri: It is the traditionally first destination of Chardham yatra. The picturesque journey along with River Yamuna with a view of Rawaai Ghaati. The main deity is Goddess Yamuna, represented in black marble idol. The other deity in white marble is Goddess Ganga. Just outside the main temple is the Divya Shila from which springs thermal Sulphur springs. Almost 7 km away at Jankichatti the other sacred sites are Saptarishi kund and Surya Kund.

Gangotri: The Gangotri shrine overlooks the thundering River Bhagirathi, is the spiritual source of India’s holiest river, the Ganga. Hindu perform the ancestral rites of shradha

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and pind dan for ancestors here. The actual source of river is the ice cave of Gomukh.

The temple at Gangotri is believed to be consecrated by Adi Shankracharya in 18th century. Nearby is the Bhagirath Shila, a stone slab where king Bhagirath meditated. A special shringar puja is performed on ganga Saptami, Ganga Dussehara and Yam Dwitiya.

Kedarnath: The trek for Kedarnath (3584 mts) begins from Gaurikund. (3584 mts) where Goddess Parvathi believed to meditated to attain Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath shrine is the northernmost Jyotirlinga and third stop at this yatra which is very close to river Mandakini. Kedarnath is also part of Panch Kedar yatra. Pilgrims generally take a bath at the hot spring in Gaurikund before proceeding for Kedarnath.

Badrinath: Badrinath Temple devoted to Lord Vishnu situated against the backdrop of the Neelkanth Peak, by the river Alakhnand at an altitude of 3,133 m (10,276 feet). The presiding deity is a meditating Lord Vishnu in black stone. A group of idol I the temple which include Ganesh, Laxmi, Nar-Narayan, Kuner and Narad installed here. Nearby Badrinath is Joshimath (48 km) is seat of Adi Shankaracharya.

Travel information: air and rail connectivity is very limited due to the high altitude and mountainous terrain. Dehradun is the major railhead and airport. The circuit is mostly covered by road and trekking routes.

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10. Jain Pilgrimage Circuit (Pawapuri-Mt. Abu-Junagarh-Palitana- Shrawanbelagola)

Jainism flourished in Gujarat under the Solanki ruler of Patan, Kumarpal (1143–1172 AD) under the tutelage of Jain Acharya Hemachandra. Adinath. Now it is the hub of Jain pilgrimage centers with some of the most sacred and ancient sites associated with Jainism.

Pawapuri: Mahavira, the last i.e 24th, tirthankar and founder of Jainism, died and cremated here at Pawapuri. A white marble daigambar temple known as Jalmandir was build in memory of this event. A special ritual and prayers were organized on the day of Diwali and Chaturmas.

Palitana: The Palitana temples complex are considered the most sacred Jain pilgrimage center. There are more than 1300 temples located atop the Shatrunjaya Hill, exquisitely carved in marble. These temples are built by generations of Jains over a period of 900 years from 11th century onwards. The main temple on top of the hill, is dedicated to 1st tirthankar lord Adinath (Rishabdeva). There are incredibly more than 27000 idols in the complex.

Junagarh: Junagarh and The hill of Girnar (near Junagarh) are equally sacred as the 22nd tirthankara Neminatha attained moksha here. His idol, considered among the oldest in the world, predates the construction of the temple in 12th century. Junagadh is significant Hindu and Jain pilgrim center being home of several holy temples. Some of the notable holy sites include shrines of Neminath, Mallinath, Parshvanath, the golden shrine of Rishabhadev, Bhavnath Mahadev Temple – The famous Bhavnath Fair takes place every year at this temple site, which attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the country, Amba Mata Temple, Temple of Gorakhnath.

Shrawanbelagola: This place is included in one of the most important and oldest Jain pilgrimage centres in India. It is the site of huge 17 m high statue of Gomateshwar

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(Bahubali), a Jain deity. Sravanbelagola has long back history going back to the 3rd century BC.

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(Source: http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/india/tourist-circuits.jpg)

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Tourist Circuit under development Plan

Hindu Circuit (Haridwar-Kedarnath-Badrinath)

Muslim Circuit (Nizamuddin Aulia-Ajmer Sharif-Charar-e-Sharif) Christian Circuit (St Xavier-Vellankani-St Thomas Church)

Sikh Circuit (Patna Sahib-Harmandir Sahib-Hemkund Sahib-Nanded Sahib) Jain Circuit (Pawapuri-Mount Abu-Palitana-Shrawanbelgola)

Parsi Circuit (Udvada-Sanjan-Navsari).

Swadesh Darshan

References

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