ELEPHANTA
EXCURSION
experience a cruise to the Elephanta caves. The island
of Elephanta is known for its four rock- cut Hindu temples
which were cut between 450 -750 A.D and at that time the
island was known as Gharapuri, the fortress city. When
the Portuguese arrived they renamed it Elephanta after
the large stone elephant near the landing place.
GATEWAY
OF INDIA
Mumbai`s most striking monument, this too was designed
by George Wittet. It has an imposing gateway arch in the
Indo-Saracenic style with Gujarati and Islamic elements
such as wooden carvings. It was built to commemorate the
visit
of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. This
area is also the departing point for ferries plying to
Elephanta Island and other beaches across the port. Behind
it is the beautiful old (and new) structure of the Taj
Mahal Hotel
CHHATRAPATI
SHIVAJI TERMINUS
This is a magnificent building, and considered to be architecturally
one of the finest stations in the world. Built by the
British in 1888, it has exquisite ornamentation on its
facade along with beautifully executed panels and friezes.
It holds the statue of Queen Victoria on its dome.
MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE MARKET (CRAWFORD MARKET)
A busy market area, this is best visited early on in the
day. The fruits and vegetable section offers the best
of produce. Depending on when you visit, the fruit/s of
the season are always a good buy
FLORA
FOUNTAIN
The Flora Fountain stands on the site of the old church
gate of the Bombay Fort, now a major crossroad named Hutatma
Chowk. It was erected to honour Sir Bartle Frere, a former
governor of Bombay and named after the Greek goddess Flora.
MANI
BHAWAN
This simple and charming museum was where Mahatma Gandhi
lived on his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. Gandhi`s
room and belongings including his books are on display.
Mani Bhavan is situated on Laburnam Road, near the August
Kranti Maidan, where the `Quit India` movement was launched
in 1942. Open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm
HANGING
GARDEN
Hanging Gardens (Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) and the Kamala
Nehru Park. Both provide relaxing atmospheres of greenery.
Beside the Hanging Gardens are the Parsi Towers of Silence.
But these are off-limits to all except those who have
come to dispose and pay respect to the dead.
ELLORA
CAVES
The Ellora Caves are an impressive complex of Buddhist,
Hindu and Jain cave temples built between the 6th and
10th centuries AD near the ancient Indian village of Ellora.
The caves have a slightly less dramatic setting than those
at Ajanta, but more exquisite sculptures. Ellora is a
World Heritage Site and the most visited ancient monument
in Maharashtra State.
The caves at Ellora were carved out of the vertical face
of the Charanandri hills between the 6th and 10th centuries.
The carving work began around 550 AD, about the same time
the Ajanta Caves (100km northeast) were abandoned.
AJANTA
CAVES
The Ajanta Caves are a series of 29 Buddhist cave temples
in Ajanta, India, some of which date from the 2nd century
BC. Encompassing both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist
traditions, the Ajanta caves preserve some of the best
masterpieces of Buddhist art in India.
The Ajanta Caves were carved in the 2nd century BC out
of a horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghora River. They
were used by Buddhist monks as prayer halls (chaitya grihas)
and monasteries (viharas) for about nine centuries, then
abruptly abandoned. They fell into oblivion until they
were rediscovered in 1819.
UDAIPUR CITY TOUR
Sightseeing tour of Udaipur includes a visit to the vast
and the exquisite City Palace of the Maharana. Amber,
Jade, and colored glass give the palace a sparkling, yet
ethereal quality. Also visit Jagdish Temple, 16th century
temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.Drive past Fateh Sagar
Lake with a visit to Sahelion-ki- Bari, garden of the
maids-of-Honor. On return visit the Crystal Gallery in
the Durbar Hall at the Fateh Prakash Palace which once
used to the venue of state banquets, official functions
& formal `durbars`, offers breathtaking views of the
Lake Pichola with Jagmandir, Lake Palace and Sajjangarh
Fort (Monsoon Palace).
THE
CITY PALACE MUSEUM
Made of granite and marble with filigreed balconies,
cornate windows and glass.
JAGDISH
TEMPLE
Dedicated to Lord Jaganath, built in 1651. It has imposing
sculpted figures and heavily ornamented interiors.
JAG
NIWAS - LAKE PALACE
Jag Niwas - better known as Lake Palace, built on one
of the islands of Lake Pichola, served as a summer residence
of the former rulers. Its balconies and windows overlook
the lake. This airy complex has marble floors and granite
columns. The gardens and fountains are well laid and the
rooms are well decorated. Jag Niwas is now a world famous
hotel, called Lake Palace Hotel.
JAG
MANDIR PALACE
Jag Mandir, also on an island of Lake Pichola, is said
to have been built by Maharana Karan Singh as a retreat
for his friend Prince Khurram, who later became Emperor
Shah Jahan. The cupolas, a lofty dome, majestic palms,
beautiful rooms with inlaid stone and paintings of the
palace are worth seeing.
LAKE
PICHOLA BOAT RIDE
Evening we take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to visit the
Jag Mandir Palace. This palace is built on an island,
which covers 4 acres and is noted for its marble interior
and imposing dome. You will get a chance to witness the
daily life on the banks of the lake.(the same is subject
to water in the lake).
JAIPUR CITY TOUR
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city; You visit Jantar
Mantar, an observatory which is equipped with instruments
of astonishing size and precision, including a 90 foot
high sun dial. See the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds,
a major Rajput landmark built in 1799. This five-story
building in the old city is a pink sandstone masterpiece
with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows.
The monument was originally conceived to enable ladies
of the royal household to watch the city`s everyday life
and royal processions in absolute privacy.
The City Palace is the royal residence of the erstwhile
King of Jaipur. It houses a museum with a superb collection
of Rajasthani costumes, armory of Mughal and Rajput weaponry,
and swords of different shapes and sizes with ornamental
handles - some of them inlaid with enamel, embellished
with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards.
Drive past Moti-Doongri Palace - a privately owned hilltop
fort built like a Scottish castle - to Ram Niwas Gardens
and architecturally impressive Albert Hall.
CHANDI
CHOWK
One of the main markets of Delhi, Chandni Chowk was once
lined with beautiful fountains. But today the place is
very crowded and congested. Chandni Chowk is located opposite
the Red Fort. The Area has got the Digamber Jain Temple
which houses the Birds hospital. On one end of Chandni
Chowk is the Fatehpuri Mosque which was erected by the
wives of Shah Jahan. Opposite the old police station or
the Kotwali is the Sunheri Masjid from where Nadir Shah
ordered his troops to plunder and massacre Delhi.
JAMA
MASJID
One of the Architectural gift given by Shah Jahan, Jama
Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi
but in India. Completed in 1658 this Mosque has three
gateways, Four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets.
You can enter the mosque but take precaution to take off
your shoes and make sure that you are properly dressed
before entering. One can also go to the top of minarets.
From here you can have a birds eye view of Delhi.
Red
Fort
Built in Red Sand stone this imposing fort is 3 kms in
perimeter with the height of the wall varying from 18
to 30 meters at places. When the Red fort was being built
Yamuna used to flow on its one sides and there were deep
moats on the other. Today Yamuna flows almost a kilometer
away from the fort and the moats have dried up. In the
evening the Delhi Tourism organises a light and sound
show which narrates the history of Delhi in context of
the Red Fort.
The
Lahore gate, the main entrance, has some emotions and
sentiments attached with the Indian independence as the
Tricolour flutters on the top of this gate. On 15th August
the Indian Prime minister addresses the nation from here.
As soon one enters in the fort from the Lahore gate There
is a small Bazzar, here all kinds of items are available.
This Shopping arcade was known as the Mina Bazar and was
open only to women on Thursdays`s during the Mughal era.
The
arcade leads to the Naubat Khana or the drum house where
the Musicians used to play drums on the arrival of Emperors
or princes. Just above the Naubat Khana is the Indian
war memorial museum which has a rich collection of armours,
guns, swords, and other items related to war.
The
Dewan-i-Am or the place of public hearing had a wall paneled
with marble in laid with precious stone which were removed
during the mutiny of 1857. The Dewan-i-Khas or the place
for special hearing was the area where the emperor used
to hold meetings with his ministers. Next to Dewan-i-Khas
are the royal baths or the Hammams and Shahi Burj which
are closed for public viewing. The white marbled Moti
Masjid or the pearl mosque was the private mosque for
Aurangzeb.
RAJPATH
Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host
to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings
and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located
on the two sides of this immensely broad road. Previously
the Boat Club, besides the Rajpath, was host to many demonstrations
and Rallies. India Gate is towards the eastern end of
Rajpath
INDIA
GATE
India Gate is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. It bears
the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in
the campaigns of WW1, the North-West Frontiers operations
and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the memorial
to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green
grass lawns and trees.
HUMAYUNS
TOMB
It was built by Humayun`s widowed Queen Haji Begum, in
the 16th century. Architecturally the forerunner of the
Taj Mahal, it stands in Nizamuddin, which has Mughal architecture
at its graceful best.
QUTAB
MINAR
The 72.5 metre high-tower dates back to the 13th century
and is one of the greatest bequests of Islamic culture.
At its base lies the Quwwatul-Islam Masjid, the first
mosque in India.
IRON
PILLAR
A famous iron pillar of the 5th century, inside Qutub
Minar complex. It has remained rust free for 1500 years.
According to local belief if you can get your fingers
to touch, with your back to the pillar, your wishes will
be granted.
AGRA CITY TOUR :
(1) TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World
was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in
1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the
memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan` s second Wife).
(2) AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar
in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.
Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque,
which is a major tourist attraction. After Agra Fort we
will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered
better than the Taj.
KHAJURAHO
TEMPLES
Khjuraho is known for its magnificent temples, which are
among the most creative examples of Indian architecture.
Built between 950 and 1050 A.D., only 22 temples out of
85 now survive.
Khajuraho sculpture is sublime and sensuous, the center
of new imagery in art. The popular theme is woman: reflectful,
playful, amorous. The carvings also depict griffins, nymphs,
beasts,
Demons in revolt, gods in cosmic evolution, fear, doubt,
and jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion.
VARANASI
CITY DESCRIPTION
Varanasi is believed to have been created when this universe
itself was created. According to historical records, it
is a city contemporary with Nineveh and Thebes and therefore
is the oldest living city in the world. It is today the
most important place of pilgrimage for Hindus, and the
sight of devout Hindus praying, standing waist deep in
water is a moving experience. Varanasi has been a seat
of learning from time immemorial. It was at nearby Sarnath
that the Buddha preached his first sermon.
SARNATH
EXCURSION
Sarnath situated 10 km from Varanasi is the site where
Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples,
preaching the middle path for attaining `Nirvana`. Realizing
the sanctity of the site, emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century
B.C. built some of the finest monuments and legacies.
Set in well-maintained gardens Sarnath`s ruins are a pleasant
place to stroll amongst or meditate in. The main things
to see are Asoka`s pillar, the ruins of the Mulagandhakuti
and the huge Dharmek Stupa.
Further to the east is the modern Mulagandhakuti Vihara
with its beautiful wall paintings and behind it the Deer
Park. The Sarnath Museum houses some of the greatest treasures
of Indian Buddhist art and should not be missed. Asoka`s
lion capital and the beautiful Teaching Buddha are amongst
the most beautiful sculptures ever made.
VARANASI
CITY TOUR
Varanasi tour include visit to Bharat Mata relief map
of India and we`ll drive through the Benares Hindu University,
one of the oldest universities of India, constructed in
the beginning of the 20th century, founded by Pandit Malviya
as a center of education in Indian art, culture and music,
and for the study of Sanskrit.
VARANASI
BOAT RIDE ON GANGES
boat ride on the holy river Ganges. To see thousands of
Devout Hindus descend to the holy waters of the Ganges
for Prayers and rituals may be one of the most extraordinary
experiences of your visit to India. Varanasi has over
100 bathing Ghats but the Manikarnika is the most sacred
of them all. During holy occasions it is visited by a
multitude of pilgrims who offer flowers, milk, sandalwood
and sweetmeats.
JAG NIWAS - LAKE PALACE
Jag Niwas - better known as Lake Palace, built on one
of the islands of Lake Pichola, served as a summer residence
of the former rulers. Its balconies and windows overlook
the lake. This airy complex has marble floors and granite
columns. The gardens and fountains are well laid and the
rooms are well decorated. Jag Niwas is now a world famous
hotel, called Lake Palace Hotel.
JAG MANDIR PALACE
Jag Mandir, also on an island of Lake Pichola, is said
to have been built by Maharana Karan Singh as a retreat
for his friend Prince Khurram, who later became Emperor
Shah Jahan. The cupolas, a lofty dome, majestic palms,
beautiful rooms with inlaid stone and paintings of the
palace are worth seeing.
CITY
PALACE
This palace is a striking architectural marvel, located
atop a hill overlooking Lake Pichola. The picture-perfect
placing of the palace only adds to the splendour of the
building, which is the largest palace in Rajasthan. Spend
hours rambling through the palace’s pavilions, courtyards
and terraces, or relax in the tranquility of the beautiful
hanging gardens. The palace’s main building houses
a museum featuring a collection of miniature Krishna figurines.
BAGORE
KI HAVELI
This palace and beautiful work of architecture dating
back to the mid-1700s was handed over in 1986 by the West
Zone Cultural Centre and opened to the public. The building,
with over 130 rooms, features mirror and glass inlay in
the Haveli, still in prime condition since the palace
was first erected. Outstanding works of craftsmanship
are seen in the colourful peacock-shaped glass ornaments,
while the courtyards and terraces bring visitors back
to a period of wealth and elegance.
CLOCK
TOWER
This towering structure was built in 1876 and is located
in the centre of the old city. The winding alleys below
the tower are home to charming shops selling exotic goods,
silver and gold products as well as workshops of some
of the region’s best coppersmiths. The Clock Tower,
the first public clock in the city, is particularly elegant
at night when it is illuminated.
JAGDISH
TEMPLE
This is not only the largest temple in the region, but
it is also widely considered one of the most spectacular.
Although it is located about 150kms north of Udaipur,
it is worth the journey for its unique Indo-Aryan style
architecture and black stone image of Lord Vishnu.
GATEWAY
OF INDIA
Mumbai`s most striking monument, this too was designed
by George Wittet. It has an imposing gateway arch in the
Indo-Saracenic style with Gujarati and Islamic elements
such as wooden carvings. It was built to commemorate the
visit
of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. This
area is also the departing point for ferries plying to
Elephanta Island and other beaches across the port. Behind
it is the beautiful old (and new) structure of the Taj
Mahal Hotel
CHHATRAPATI
SHIVAJI TERMINUS
This is a magnificent building, and considered to be architecturally
one of the finest stations in the world. Built by the
British in 1888, it has exquisite ornamentation on its
facade along with beautifully executed panels and friezes.
It holds the statue of Queen Victoria on its dome.
FLORA
FOUNTAIN
The Flora Fountain stands on the site of the old church
gate of the Bombay Fort, now a major crossroad named Hutatma
Chowk. It was erected to honour Sir Bartle Frere, a former
governor of Bombay and named after the Greek goddess Flora.
MANI
BHAVAN
This simple and charming museum was where Mahatma Gandhi
lived on his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. Gandhi`s
room and belongings including his books are on display.
Mani Bhavan is situated on Laburnam Road, near the August
Kranti Maidan, where the `Quit India` movement was launched
in 1942. Open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm
HANGING
GARDEN
Hanging Gardens (Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) and the Kamala
Nehru Park. Both provide relaxing atmospheres of greenery.
Beside the Hanging Gardens are the Parsi Towers of Silence.
But these are off-limits to all except those who have
come to dispose and pay respect to the dead.
ELEPHANTA
EXCURSION
Experience a cruise to the Elephanta caves. The island
of Elephanta is known for its four rock- cut Hindu temples
which were cut between 450 -750 A.D and at that time the
island was known as Gharapuri, the fortress city. When
the Portuguese arrived they renamed it Elephanta after
the large stone elephant near the landing place.
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