Complex Systems Winter School 2015-Possible Trips

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PLACES TO VISIT AROUND CHANDIGARH

1. Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh
Approx. Distance from Chandigarh: 30 Kms
Travel Time: 2-2.5hrs by road
Description: A beautiful hill station of Himachal Pradesh, Parwanoo is an ideal getaway from Chandigarh. This little hill station is adorned with fruit orchards and scenic landscape also the calm surrounding makes Parwanoo a good place for a relaxing weekend.
Attractions: Timber Trail, Mughal Gardens, Cactus Garden, Mansa Devi Temple, Gurudwara Nada sahib

2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Approx. Distance from Chandigarh: 120 Kms
Travel Time: 3.5 to 4 hours by road, 5 hours (from Kalka) by the Toy train
Description: Shimla is the capital city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The climate in Shimla is predominantly cool during winters. Expect snowfall in the months of December, January and early February. The Shimla arts and crafts are highly in demand by the tourists. They range from excellent pieces of jewelry, embroidered shawls and garments to leather made articles and sculptures.
Attractions: Christ Church, Mall Road, Tara Devi, Jakhoo Temple, The Ridge, Kufri, Chail

3. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Approx. Distance from Chandigarh: 65 Kms
Travel Time: 2-2.5 hours by road
Description: One of the most picturesque hill stations of Himachal Pradesh as well as one of the best preserved relics of the British Raj, a tour to Kasauli is a definite must include if you are planning a tour itinerary to Himachal Pradesh. Once a cantonment of the British army in India, this pristinely beautiful hill station of Himachal Pradesh reminds one of a world steeped in medievalism. Cobbled roads lead to quaint cottages which add a touch of elegance to this naturally beautiful land. Kasauli has a moderate climate. Winter temperature is approximately 2 degrees Celsius.
Attractions: Christ Church, Baptist Church, Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji, Kasauli Brewery, Monkey Point, Nahri Temple

4. Amritsar, Punjab
Approx. Distance from Chandigarh: 230 Kms
Travel Time: 4-4.5 hours by road, 4 hours by train
Description: With the Golden Temple as its important landmark, Amritsar is known as a Sikh pilgrimage site and a historical place. The Amritsari cuisine is quite a treat to the palate. The famed Amritsari stuffed Naan, Ma-ki-Dal, Tandoori Chicken, Amritsari Fish, Phirni, Jalebi and to digest it all Lassi are items that decorate the Amritsari platter. Also, Amritsar is a great place to shop for Phulkari work. In the winter season (December to March) the temperature ranges from 8°C (32°F) to about 24°C (75.2°F).
Attractions: The Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, Gobindgarh Fort, Ram Tirath Temple, Maharaja Ranjit Singh museum and garden

AFTER THE SCHOOL

5. Mcleodganj and Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Approx. Distance from Chandigarh: 250 Kms
Travel Time: 6-7 hours by road
Description: Dharamshala is a city in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley and is surrounded by dense coniferous forest consisting mainly of stately Deodar cedar trees. The village of McLeodGanj, lying in the upper reaches, is known worldwide for the presence of the Dalai Lama. Winter starts in December and continues until late February. Snow and sleet are common during the winter. The temperature ranges from 5.9°C (42.6°F) to about 16.7°C (62.1°F).
Attractions: One of the main attractions of Dharamshala is the Triund hill. A Jewel of Dharamshala, Triund is a one day trek to the upper reaches of McLeodGanj, about 9 kms from McLeodGanj. Dharamshala is a starting point to a number of trekking trails that especially lead trekkers across Dhauladhar mountains. Other attractions include Bhagsunag Waterfall, Kangra Art museum, Dal Lake, War memorial, St. John's Church, Bhakhra Nangal Dam.

6. Agra, Uttar Pradesh Approx. Distance from Chandigarh: 460 Kms
Travel Time: 7-8 hours by road
Description: Agra houses the stunning Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and the Agra Fort, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Agra is a reflection of the exquisite architecture and heritage that India is the proud owner of. Once the Mughal capital, Agra has always been a hotspot for history buffs. In the winter season (December to March) the temperature ranges from 0°C (46.4°F) to about 25.2°C (77.4°F).
Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra), Mankameshwar Temple, Jama Masjid, Ram bagh, Keetham Lake

7. Delhi
Approx. Distance from Chandigarh: 250 Kms
Travel Time: 5-5.5 hours by road, 5-6 hours by train
Description: Blessed with some of the finest heritage buildings and sites, Delhi is the capital of India. It is a perfect place for architecture photography in India. Delhi is also very famous for its street food, especially its 'chaats' and its signature Mughal cuisine. The cold season lasts from 11 December to 11 February with an average daily high temperature below 18°C (64°F).
Attractions: Qutub Minar, Humayun;s Tomb, Red Fort, Akshardham, Lotus Temple, Lodi Gardens, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Jantar Mantar, National Museum, Purana Kila ('Old Fort'), ISKCON Temple, Gandhi Smriti, Hauz Khas Complex

PLACES TO VISIT AROUND CHANDIGARH

8. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Approx. Distance from Chandigarh: 535 Kms
Travel Time: 9-10 hours by road, 11-12 hours by train
Description: Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India. The city is unusual among premodern Indian cities in the regularity of its streets, and the division of the city into six sectors by broad streets. Included on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur is an extremely popular tourist destination in Rajasthan and India. The winter months of November to February are mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15–18°C (59–64°F) and with little or no humidity.
Attractions: Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Jai Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, Rambagh Palace, Jaipur Zoo

9. Rishikesh and Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Approx. Distance from Chandigarh: 201 Kms
Travel Time: 4-5 hours by road
Description: For those who wish to spend their weekend soaking themselves in spirituality, Haridwar is the best getaway option. Haridwar stands on the banks of the River Ganga offering Hindu devotees a sacred place where they can meditate, seek spirituality and marvel at the large numbers of temples. The evening Aarti at the ghat is worth witnessing.

Half an hour away from Haridwar is Rishikesh. Often called the yoga capital of India, Rishikesh offers a series of paradoxes like yoga, meditation, rafting, bungee jumping, rock climbing, rappelling, fox flying and temples.
Attractions: Mansa Devi Temple, Har ki Pauri, Adventure sports along the river Ganges. Spread over 820km² and three districts (including Haridwar) of Uttarakhand is an Indian National Park and Tiger Reserve – The Rajaji National Park.

10. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Approx. Distance from Chandigarh: 350 Kms
Travel Time: 7-8 hours by road
Description: Reckoned to be the oldest wildlife reserve in India, Corbett boasts a rich wildlife and a sprawling forest area. It contains 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna. You can enjoy staying amidst a forest, sighting animals from a high watch tower and safaris(canter, jeep and elephant). . Tourism activity is only allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its splendid landscape and the diverse wildlife. The temperature may vary from 5°C (41°F) to 30°C (86°F) during the winter and some mornings are foggy.