The Ghats
Along the banks of Jamuna are located the places were
the leaders and freedom fighters of India were cremated.
The Raj Ghat is one of the most visited ghats. A simple
square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma
Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948. To
North of Raj Ghat is the cremation ground of Jawaharlal
Nehru named as Shanti Van. The cremation ground of Indira
Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi are also in the
vicinity. The cremation ground of Lal Bahadur Shastri
is nearby.
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.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Rajpath
& India Gate
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.
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.
A drive through the Diplomatic Enclaves to see the various
High Commissions.
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.
TAJ MAHAL
Described as the most extravagant monument ever built
for love, it was constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white
marble took 22 years to complete (1630-1652 AD). Ustad
Ahamad Lahori, a Persian Architect, is said to be the
main designer and planner for this magnificent memorial.
On full moon nights, the glory of the Taj is at its best.
Over the centuries, the Taj has attracted more visitors
than perhaps any other Monuments in the country, and it
is all too easy resort to conventional superlatives when
describing it. What makes the Taj Unique is its perfect
proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction
and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and
golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling
white during the day and glowes pearl-like in the moonlight
and during the monsoon. Standing on a high plinth, the
Taj Mahal is visible for miles around and forms a backdrop
to mustard fields and mud-walled villages. It can be seen
from guestrooms at some of Agra`s hotels, as well as from
the landscaped gardens to the west of the complex.
AGRA
FORT
Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on
the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar
in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule
of his grandson, Shah Jahan. In Akbar`s time the fort
was principally a military structure, but during Shah
Jaha regin it had partially become Palace. It is an imposing
strcture with walls of red sandstone almost three kilometers
long. Entered through the Amar Singh Gate, the eastern
part of the fort contain palace, audience hall and mosques
built by three emperors. The fort presents a good sampling
of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on
Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic.
By Shah Jahan`s time the style had become so homogenized
that it is impossible to seprate the Hindu and Muslim
strands. The Diwan-i-Am (public audience hall), the beautiful
Diwan-i-Khas (private audience hall) and the magnificent
Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) were also added by Shah Jahan.
Ranthambore Safari
The Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is one of the best
places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat.
In the dry season tigers can be seen near the watering
holes and are clearly visible in the dry forest.
Amber Fort
Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur. Construction
of the fortress-palace started in 1592 by Raja Man Singh,
the Rajput Commander of Akbar`s army. It was later extended
and completed by the Jai Singhs. The fort is a superb
example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on
a hillside and over-looking a lake which reflects its
terraces and ramparts. Riding on elegantly caparisoned
elephants, we approach the palace in the traditional way.
The high gateways allow us to enter on these broad-backed
animals.
CITY PALACE AND THE MUSEUM
situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about
one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend
of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed
Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view
of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public
audience) has intricate decorations and collection of
manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has
a marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection
of costumes and textiles. There is a Clock Tower near
Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory
and weapons.
JANTAR MANTAR
(Observatory) - built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used
to study the movement of constellations and stars in the
sky. Enormous sun-dial still provide accurate time, which
are subject to daily corrections.
Hawa mahal (Palace of Winds)
The intriguing `Palace of Winds` is really a facade built
in 1799 to allow royal ladies to view the city from the
windows.
Mehrangarh Fort
Perched on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most formidable
and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded it
in 1459 but subsequent rulers of Jodhpur have also added
to it over the centuries. A meandering road leads to the
from the city 5 kms below. Battle scars of canon ball
hit by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on
the second gate. To the left is chhatri of Kirat Singh
Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot while defending the
fort against the armies of Amber. There are seven gates,
which include Jayapol meaning victory built by Maharaja
Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and
Bikaner armies.
Jaswant
Thada
Near the Mahrangarh Fort complex is the 19th century white
marble royal cenotaph called Jaswant Thada. This memorial,
constructed to commemorate the life of Maharaja Jaswant
Singh II, stands next to three other cenotaphs built on
the site. The main cenotaph contains a collection of rare
portraits of former maharajas of Jodhpur, who are still
revered by many local people.
Siddhnath Shiv Temple
To reach this temple, access is gained from the Jodhpur-Chopasani
road in the Takhat Sagar hills by crossing the stairs
carved out of the rock found here. At one time the site
was a lonely place that had attracted a hermit known as
Veetragi Narain Swami. He was one of several saints who
were revered by locals, and in fact, a hermit called Nepali
Baba created the large temple here by carving stones –
even though he was handicapped by missing a finger on
both of his hands.
Rai-ka-Bag Palace
This palace was ordered built by Queen Hadiji in 1663,
and is located near the railway station bearing the same
name. King Jaswant Singh II favoured this particular palace,
frequently staying in the octagonal bungalow here. Swami
Dayanand Saraswati visited Jodhpur in the late 19th century
and preached his sermons from the public grounds surrounding
the palace. Today the palace houses the income tax office.
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)
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.
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. |
