Portland, Oregon- "The City of Roses"

Portland is a city located in the Northwestern United States, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the state of Oregon. As of July 2009, it has an estimated population of 582,130 making it the 29th most populous in the United States. It has been referred to as the most environmentally friendly or "green" city in the United States and the second most in the world. Portland is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Approximately two million people live in the Portland metropolitan area (MSA), the 23rd most populous in the United States as of July 2006.

Portland was incorporated in 1851 and is the county seat of Multnomah County. The city extends slightly into Washington County to the west and Clackamas County to the south. It is governed by a commission-based government headed by a mayor and four other commissioners.

The city and region are noted for strong land-use planning and investment in light rail, supported by Metro, a distinctive regional-government. Portland is known for its large number of microbreweries and microdistilleries, as well as its coffee fanaticism. It is also the home of the Trail Blazers NBA team.

Portland lies in the Marine west coast climate region, marked by warm, dry summers and rainy but temperate winters. This climate is ideal for growing roses, and for more than a century, Portland has been known as "The City of Roses" with many rose gardens—most prominently the International Rose Test Garden.

Trip to India to See Heritage Attractions

India is country of unity in diversity. It is a very fascinating platform of rich culture and tradition. It mesmerizes the world its unique diverse cultural and geographical features. The country is soaked in to long and rich history and providers tourists a wonderful opportunity to explore its cultural and geographical richness. Heritage of India never fail to impress visitors. There are a number of heritage attractions in this beautiful country appealing tourists and vacationers from all over the world. A well-organized India trip promises you for a marvelous holiday and tourism opportunity with sightseeing of many heritage attractions. Have a look at some of heritage attractions located in this country.

Taj Mahal – Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site appealing tourists and through out the entire world. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is built in pure white marble and its beauty is unmatched. This is the symbol of love built by mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the commemoration of his most darling wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Fatehpur Sikri – Fatehpur Sikri is an abandoned and historical city located in the outskirts of AgraCity. Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, It attracts a big number of tourists. It draws the attentions of almost tourists who trip to Agra in India to visit the magnificent love monument, the Taj Mahal. Buland Darwaza (the largest gateway in the world), Panch Mahal, Birbal Mahal, Salim Chisti Mosque and ruins are attractions of Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar.

Red Fort – Red For in Delhi is one of the most opulent mughal monuments in India. It was constructed by mughal emperor Shah Jahan the builder of the Taj Mahal. The fort complex houses many beautiful structures and monuments like palaces, mosque, museums, etc. FortMuseum, Pearl Mosque, Bazaar, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam, etc are attractions inside the fort complex. The Sound & Light show in the evening is the highlight of the fort complex.

Qutab Minar – Qutub Minar is the longest brick towers in the world. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions tourists love to visit on their India Trips and travel. It is one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Interestingly, the Qutub Minar sometimes enjoys more visitors than of the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra.

Khajuraho – The Khajuraho Group of Temples is an UNESO World Heritage Sites. The group encompasses many architecturally beautiful temples. Temples here are known for erotic art & architecture. The outer walls of the temples in Khajuraho are beautified with intricate carvings and sculptures. Many of sculptures depict sensual and erotic poses of lovemaking couples. You will definitely love to visit Khajuraho on your India Trip.

Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, Ajanta & ElloraCaves in Maharashtra, Elephanta Island & Caves in Maharashtra, Mahabalipuram Group of Temples in Tamil Nadu, etc are some other heritage attractions you will love to visit on your Trip to India. So, what about you? Trip India and enjoy and see its heritage attractions. You will have a unique lifetime experience.

Top Five Rajasthan Tourism Destinations

Rajasthan is one of the most visited states of India. It deserves the attentions of tourists from all over the world. Colorful cultural heritage, ancient monuments, invincible forts, palatial palaces, exotic wildlife with rich flora & fauna, vast desert landscapes, vibrant & historical cities, traditional villages, mouthwatering cuisine, colorful fairs & festivals, religious places, heritage & palace hotels, etc are few names of Rajasthan tourism attractions which make the state one of the most visited tourism and holiday destinations around the world.

Literally, Rajasthan means – the Land of Kings – and of course it is. When you will travel to this wonderful Indian state you will see several magnificent forts & palaces of erstwhile rulers of the state. Still today the state seems like the lands of kings and drenched into royal grandeur and rich culture & traditions. Rajasthan rightly presents the perfect image of India in terms of hospitality, tradition, custom, culture and more.

Entire landscape of Rajasthan is worth exploring and worth enjoying. In a single article it is a tough task to describe about all the destinations and places of tourist interest of Rajasthan. So, in this article I am giving information about top five Rajasthan tourism destinations which you will surely love to explore on your Rajasthan tours and travel.

1.Jaipur – the Pink City of India

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan. Also described as the Pink City of India, the city has lots of attractions to offer tourists from all over the world. Some of predominant attractions of Jaipur city are City Palace, Museum, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, Government Central Museum, Albert Hall, etc. There are also heritage hotels in Jaipur offering world class accommodation as well as wonderful tourism & holiday opportunity. Jaipur is also base to visit several other destinations of Rajasthan. Ajmer, Pushkar, Samode, Sariska National Park and Ranthambhore National Park are easily accessible from Jaipur. Jaipur is also best destination to observe cultural charm of the state. During Rajasthan fair & festival the city becomes more beautiful and worth enjoying, worth exploring.

2.Bikaner – the Camel City of India

Bikaner, popularly described as the city of camels, is one of the must visit destinations of Rajasthan, India. Junagarh Fort, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Bhandaser Jain Temple, Camel Breeding Farm & Research Centre, Laxmi Nath Temple, Ratan Behari Temple, Lallgarh Palace & Sadul Museum, Shiv Bari Temple, Gajner Palace, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Devi Kund Sagar, Katariasar Village, etc are predominant attractions of Bikaner tours & travel.

3.Udaipur – the Lake City of India

Udaipur is perhaps the most beautiful city of Rajasthan and must visit destination of Rajasthan travel and tourism. The city enjoys several fabulous nicknames due to various reasons. Some popular nicknames in praise of this city are White City, Romantic City, City of Lakes, City of Palaces, City of Dawn, etc. The city is considered as one of the most romantic cities in the world. The city treasures lots of attractions to offer its visitors. Lake Palace – one of the most beautiful palaces in India, City Palace, Pichola Lake, etc are the worth visiting attractions of city. Now converted into heritage palace hotel, the Lake Palace is truly the worth staying. This palace hotel holds important place in every luxury Rajasthan tours package. Udaipur is also base to visit several other destinations and attractions like Kumbhalgarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Ancient Jain Temples at Ranakpur, and nature blessed Mount Abu – the only hill station of the state.

4.Jodhpur – the Blue City of India

Jodhpur – the Blue City of India treasures lots of attractions to offer tourists from all around the world. Massive Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum, Royal Cenotaph of Jaswant Thada, etc are predominant attractions of Jodhpur Rajasthan tours. Rohetgarh Fort, Osian, Mandore, Khimsar Fort, Luni Fort, Bishnoi Villages, etc are worth visiting destinations around Jodhpur.

5.Jaisalmer – the Golden City of India

Popularly described as the Golden City of India Jaisalmer is also a worth visiting attractions of Rajasthan tourism. Travellers from all around the world visit this golden city of India. The city treasures lots of attractions to offer its visitors. Jaisalmer Golden Fort, Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Gadsisar Sagar Lake, Tazia Tower, etc are very popular attractions of Jaisalmer visit. The city is also a base to enjoy camel safari on the desert and a visit to Sand Dunes. Khuri Villages, Pokran, Barmer, Desert National Park, Lodurva, Akal Wood Fossil Park, etc important excursions from Jaisalmer City.