New York

New York is the most populous city and the center of the New York metropolitan area, which is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, fashion & entertainment. It is also an important center for international affairs. The city is often referred to as New York City to differentiate it from the state of New York, of which it is a part.

Located on a large natural harbor on the Atlantic coast of the Northeastern United States, the city consists of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. The city is home to over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. The area is home to large ethic groups such as Jewish-Americans, Italian-Americans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Chinese and Russians. Thirty-six percent of the city's population is foreign born, which only the cities of Los Angeles and Miami have a higher percentage.

Much like its diverse population, the city is also home to a diverse cityscape. The boroughs of Staten Island and Bronx are home to most of the city's suburbs, while immense glass and steel giants rise to dizzying heights in Manhattan. Queens is home to many beautifully preserved brownstones. And Brooklyn is quickly converting its industrial warehouses into artist lofts and creating New York's new cultural epicenter.

In the extensive landscape is some of New York's top architectural sights. The iconic Empire State Building is currently the tallest building in the city after the World Trade Center attacks. The Art Deco shell of the Chrysler Building make it a must see, the modern all-glass Trump Tower dominating Fifth Avenue has a post-modern style, all worth your sight, while the Flatiron Building is one of the city's oldest high-rises fit into an odd-shaped lot.

New York is and forever will be a media, business and financial center. Walking through the Financial District or Midtown and see all the well-known companies who call the city home. Great shopping can also be found in the city, from the faux purses at Elizabeth Street to the upscale shopping on Fifth and Madison Avenue.

Gawk at luxury yachts at the New York National Boat Show, or stroll down the green Fifth Avenue on St. Patrick's Day. While at the Tunes of Glory Parade on National Tartan Day, you can see pipers and drummers marching down Sixth Avenue, at 4th of July celebrations tall ships sail on Hudson River.

The East Village and are favorite music destinations. Join music lovers at well known venues for some cool music or dance your night away at one of the frat spots. No visit to New York is complete without taking in a show in the popular Theatre District, so stop by at the half-priced TKTS center on Broadway for discounted tickets.

Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is recognized the country's leading museum. Find gems that date back to medieval times apart from other European collections. Some of New York's formal French gardens are fascinating and very well preserved. Health buffs will love the popular Central Park where apart from people watching and other activities, they can go horseback riding and enjoy ice or in-line skating. But in the end, the best way to soak up the city, particularly Manhattan, is by walking. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Soho and TriBeCa are best viewed on foot. But if needed the subway or bus is an efficient way to get around quickly. If there is money to spare, there is always the classic yellow New York taxi.

HOTSPOTS

Empire State Building: You can check out the view of New York City from atop the Empire State Building. Avoid waiting in the ticket line for the Empire State Building by buying your tickets online in advance.

Statue of Liberty: The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States in honor of the friendship established during the French Revolution. The Statue of Liberty has become an American symbol of freedom and welcome to the immigrants who come to the USA looking for a better life.

Grand Central Terminal: Renovations since its opening in 1913 have turned Grand Central into more than just a hub for transportation -- there are shops, dining and more available to visitors. There are group tours available, as well as free tours for individuals on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Rockefeller Center: The Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan, is known for its Christmas tree, ice skating, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Radio city Music Hall and numerous shopping and dining opportunities. Rockefeller Center is a great destination for visitors any time of year.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum: The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers visitors afascinating look into the immigrant experience. Interactive exhibits, walking tours and movies reveal the hardships and challenges faced by immigrants passing through Ellis Island.

Staten Island Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry from lower Manhattan to StatenIsland, used by commuters and tourists wanting a view of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

American Museum of Natural History: Since opening to the public in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has evolved and grown. In addition to the Rose Center planetarium and regular exhibits, the American Museum of Natural History hosts a revolving series of new exhibits, so there is always something new to see.

Central Park: Central Park has offered a welcome escape from the concrete jungle of New York City for over 150 years. Take a walk, a boat ride or just enjoy a picnic in Central Park and discover for yourself why Central Park is so popular.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Over 2 million works of art from around the world and throughout history are housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an iconic art museum that is well worth a visit.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Founded in 1929 as the first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art, the MoMA is host to an impressive collection of modern artistic efforts. From painting and sculpture to film and architecture, the Museum of Modern Art's diverse collection has something for everyone.

Samthar

Samthar village near Kalimpong, opens up a new way of life. Samthar is very beautiful soaking in the nature you get to know the different Bhutia and Lepcha communities staying with them. Project Awake & Shine’s samthar village tour is the creation of retired General Jimmy Singh, who heads Gurudongma Tours & Treks. Samthar is 80km from Kalimpong and overlooks the Kanchendzonga Peak. During Generals tenure of soldiering in the remotest parts of the Himalayas and with his 15 years experience in remote area tourism, he was convinced about the gainful employment in rural India. He also noticed the potential in integrated village tourism. In the Samthar plateau the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali villagers offer homestays, or you can stay at Singh’s Samthar Farm House. It provides an exotic locale for visitors. Visitors get to explore the untouched areas and the stay can remind you how sweet and simple life could be. Samthar is ideal for a walking holiday with several nature and cultural trails. As part of the village tour, you can even visit the local fortune teller or perhaps, help in the fields.

HOW to GET There: Gurudongma Tours does pick-ups from Kalimpong. The Samthar tour costs Rs 3,120 per person per night, including jeep, guide, accommodation and all meals. September to December and February to March are ideal months. Mail to gurudongma@gmail.com

Mumbai

Mumbai (Bombay) formerly Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Mumbai ranks among the most populous cities in the world in terms of population, with a city having a population of approximately 14 million inhabitant’s lies on the western coast of India. It is a group of seven islands in the Arabian Sea which lies off the northern Konkan coast on the west of Maharashtra state in India. These seven islands which were once separated by creeks and channels were filled and bridged over the years by the inhabitants. In 1661, King Charles II of England, married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal, and as part of the dowry he received "Bombay" which is today known as Mumbai. Later in 1668 it was handed over to the East India Company. In 1858 the administration of the country was taken over by the Queen of England, Queen Victoria, from the East India Company. A viceroy was appointed to rule India in the name of the Queen. Bombay came under the direct rule of the British in 1861. The first railway line in India was started between Bombay (VT) and Thane in 1861.
In 1864, modern water supply was started in Bombay (Mumbai) and in 1885, Bombay was lit with gas.

Mahatma Gandhi joining Indian Politics in 1920 was a turning point in the political destiny of India which led to the Independence of India from the British rule. Bombay (Mumbai) had an important role to play in this event.

Mode of Transport

Public Transport: Public transport systems in Mumbai include the Mumbai Suburban Railway Station,(BEST) buses,taxi,auto rikshaws, ferries and play a dominant role. Rail and bus services combined carry about 88% of the passenger traffic. Black and yellow metered taxis traverse most of the metropolis. Auto rickshaws operate only in the suburban areas of Mumbai, while taxis mostly operate in South Mumbai. Taxis and rickshaws run on Compressed Natural Gas, and are the most convenient, economical, and easily available means of transport. Mumbai has about 1.53 million vehicles,56,459 black and yellow taxis, and 1,02,224 auto rickshaws, as of 2005.

Road

A Modern BEST bus (Starbus). BEST buses carry a total of 4.5 million passengers daily

Mumbai is served by National Highway 3,4 and 8 of the Indian National Highway System. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was the first expressway ever built in India, while the Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway is under construction. Recently, the Bandra-Worli sealink bridge was opened, which along with Mahim Causeway, links the island city to the western suburbs. The two main road stretches within the city are the Eastern Highway Express from Sion to Thane, and the Western Express Highway from Bandra to Borivali.The bus services carry over 5.5 million passengers per day. Public buses run by BEST cover almost all parts of the metropolis, as well as parts Navi Mumbai, Mira Bhayandar and Thane. Buses are used for commuting short to medium distances, while train fares are more economical for long distance commutes. The BEST runs a total of 4,013 buses, ferrying 4.5 million passengers daily over 390 routes Its fleet consists of single-decker, double-decker, vestibule, low-floor, disabled-friendly, air-conditioned and the Euro III compliant Compressed Natural Gas powered buses.Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation(MSRTC) buses provide intercity transport and connect Mumbai with other major cities of Maharashtra and India. The Mumbai Darshan is a tourist bus service which explores numerous tourist attraction in Mumbai.Mumbai BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) lanes have been planned throughout Mumbai, with buses running on seven routes as of March 2009. Though 88% of the commuters travel by public transport, Mumbai still continues to struggle with traffic congestion. The traffic congestion in Mumbai,has been categorized as one of the most congested in the world.

Rail

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is the headquarters of the Central Railway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mumbai is the headquarters of two railway zones: the Central Railway (CR) headquartered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the Western Railway (WR) headquartered near Churchgate. The backbone of the city's transport, the Mumbai Suburban Railway, consists of three separate networks: Central, Western, and Harbour Line, running the length of the city, in a north-south direction. The Mumbai Metro is an underground and elevated rapid transit system currently under construction. The Mumbai Monorail , currently under construction, will eventually run from Jacob Circle toWadala. Mumbai is well connected to most parts of India by the Indian Railways . Trains originate from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus,Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai Central, Bandra terminus and Andheri. Mumbai's suburban rail systems carry a total of 6.3 million passengers every day, which is more than half of the Indian Railways daily carrying capacity. Trains are overcrowded during peak hours, with nine-car trains having a maximum capacity of 1,700 passengers, carrying around 4,500 passengers. During 2003–2008, about 20,000 rail deaths were reported on the suburban railway, with an average of 10 deaths per day.

Air

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport India's busiest airport.The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport(formerly Sahara International Airport) is the main aviation hub in the city and the busiest airport in India. The Juhu aerodrome was India's first airport, and now hosts a flying club and a heliport. The proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport which is to be built in the Kopra-Panvel area has been sanctioned by the Indian Government and would help relieve the increasing traffic burden on the existing airport.

Sea

Mumbai is served by two major ports, Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port. Mumbai Port has one of the best natural harbors in the world, and has extensive wet and dry dock accommodation facilities. Jawaharlal Nehru Port, commissioned on 26 May 1989, is the most modern major port in India. It handles 55–60% of the country's total containerized cargo. Mumbai is the headquarters of the Western Naval Command, and also an important base for the Indian Navy, Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Ferries from Ferry Wharf in Mazagaon allow access to islands near the city.

As of 2009, Mumbai was named an Alpha World City.

STAYS

According to your budget you can choose your stay in Mumbai with hotels from 5star deluxe (includes Grand Hyatt, Trident, JW Marriot, Taj etc ) to Budget Hotel(includes Hotel Airlines International,Hotel Airlink,Hotel Imperial Palace,Hotel Sea side etc).

HOTSPOTS

Gateway of India Mani Bhawan, Prince of Wales Museum , Marine Drive,Juhu Beach, Hanging Garden, Kamla Nehru Park, Chowpatty, Aarey Milk Colony, Tower of Silence, Jain Temple