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History & Evolution
The name of London is derived from ‘Lyn-dun’ meaning the fortified town on the lake. Its history started after the Romans conquered England in 43 AD and the ruler Aulus Lautius under Emperor Claudius came to power.

By the 1st Century AD, London turned into a major communication center and was named "Londonium". After the Romans withdrew in 410 AD, the Saxons invaded Britain around 6th Century.

In 9th Century the King Alfred made London the capital of Britain. And soon from 13th century under the reign of King John, citizens of the City got right to elect their own Lord Mayor. Soon afterwards, the Normans invaded from France and William I took control of London and gave England the Tower of London.

Between 10 to 13th century London emerged as a national capital of commerce and a major religious center too. Unbelievingly this flourishing city has survived many natural disasters and crisis like the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire 1666, which destroyed huge parts of city but still London survived.

From 1840 to 1914, London not only grew in size but also in fame and influence under the influence Edwardian and Victorian. Even during the World Wars, the city was an important and major power. Soon the railway network was greatly expanded but again the crisis struck during the Blitz German bombings in 1940, destroying vast expanses of areas. But again the allied forces emerged victorious and London was returned its glory.

In the coming years, London experienced cultural, social and youth revolutions and as the city entered new millennium, it shows no signs of losing its grip on history and world politics. Instead the Londoners marked the end of the century by building The Millenium Wheel, or "London Eye", a huge ferris wheel on the banks the river Thames.

Site-Seeing
The London City has so many delights and sights, vistas of green, excitement and splendor that one would wish the time to freeze. The great museums, royal pageantry, Gothic architecture, metropolitan excitement and the sauciest nightlife perhaps in the entire world allure the tourists from round the globe.

World famous landmarks like Big Ben, Millenium Wheel, Madame Tussaud’s and historically rich Westminster Abbey makes London the favourite urban haunts of visitors to Europe.

Traditionally, London is divided into east (the commercial center and financial districts) and west or Westminster (the seat of government and the royal).

Madame Tussaud’s:
The most famous wax museum gallery in the world, Madame Tussaud's is houses around 400 life-sized models of stars, famous politicians, royal, sportsmen as well as the most infamous criminals the world has known.

The 'Spirit of London' ride insides the museum showcase the city's history through the figures that have shaped the London of today. Another highlight ‘The Chamber of Horrors’ takes you to the barbaric era that simply terrifies the visitors. Also at the site is Tussaud's Auditorium. This one of the biggest in the world auditorium purely amazes visitors with its views of the universe.

Location: Marylebone Road

The Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster):
Built more than 1,000 years ago, the Houses of Parliament were the principal residences of Britain’s monarchs. Thereafter it became the administrative center of the country.

In 1834, large portion of the palace was burnt by fire (except Westminster Hall) and was rebuilt and designed into present Gothic building. It is most famous for the clock tower, named St Stephens, which is mistakenly called Big Ben, after the name of the bell inside. It is one of the most popular attractions to tourists in London for its exterior architecture.

Location: Westminster

London Eye (Millenium Wheel):
London Eye is the most spectacular new addition to London’s skyline. This 443ft (135m) tall wheel weighs more than 250 double-decker buses. As the name suggests, London Eye provides an incredible view of most of London’s major attractions and an opportunity to put the city’s geography into perspective.

This millennium landmark took six years and the expertise of hundreds of people from five European countries to turn it into a reality. This huge wheel standing across the River Thames provides a 1/2-hour trip from beginning to end. Each transparent capsule on the wheel is capable of holding around 20 people who takes the spectacular view from them.

Location: Thames South Bank

Buckingham Palace and the Queen’s Gallery:
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London home of Britain’s monarchs since 1837 and no visit to London can be complete without visiting the palace. Even today the flying Royal Standard (not the Union Flag) indicates that the Queen is in residence and during this time the palace is closed to visitors.

The experience of pomp and ceremony of changing the guards at the Palace is unique in itself. Visitors can also get a peek inside the StateRooms and see some of the Queen’s private art collection at the newly opened Queen’s Gallery during the annual summer opening.

Location: Buckingham Palace Road

Trafalgar Square:
Considered the heart of London from where all distances are measured, Trafalgar Square commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar of 1805 (British naval victory of Napoleon Wars).

Particularly famous for its pigeons (Rock Pigeons), the square is a popular tourist spot in London where feeding the pigeons was a popular activity. But to prevent damage of the buildings and stonework as well as to save the flock from trapping, bird feeding recently has been banned.

A relaxing stroll along the crowded and busy Trafalgar Square is a must after a tiring tour of London. The square also possesses one of London’s most distinguished landmarks, Nelson’s Column and there is never a moment when it isn’t packed with tourists, traffic, and some movie crew or the other.

Location: Trafalgar Square