Beautifully planned city

"Lutyen's Delhi" a beautifully planned city by Edwin Landseer Lutyens a 20^th century British architect. The planned city (New Delhi) is stretching two major road systems viz, Rajpath and Janpath. This beautifully decorated city, with graceful buildings and mind-blowing boulevards, officially inaugurated in 1931.

History

Many Empires of Ancient and Medieval India had enjoyed the service of Delhi as Political and Commercial hub. Delhi's modern saga of resurrection started only in 1911. Calcutta was the capital of India until 1911. George the V^th Emperor of India declared on 12^th December in the same year New Delhi as india's new capital. Taking the geographical location and considered as a safe place. The new city situated south of Shahjahan's Old City (Old Delhi). Lutyen's monuments reflects royal accolades of British Empire and its imperial penetration.

After gaining independence in 1947 New Delhi was administered by Chief Commissioner appointed by Government of India. In 1956 it was converted into a Union Territory headed by Lieutenant Governor.The Constitution 69^th Amendment Act 1991 declared Union Territory of Delhi as National Capital Territory of Delhi. Through this Act, Delhi Government have been vested with enormous powers excluding law and order which remained with Central Government.

Rashtrapathi Bhavan

Official Residence of President of India (Rashtrapathi in Hindi the Official Language of India). It situated at the heart of Luyeten's Delhi which set atop Rasina Hill. After declaring India as a Republic in 1950 'Viceroy's House' (as it formerly called) had rechristined as Rashtrapathi Bhavan. The style of architecture is a blend of both Indian and Greek. Two shades of sandstone was used. The building covers an area of 18580 sq meters which contains 340 rooms.. The total land area occupying Presidential Secretariat is 354 acres, 13 acres of these occupied by the beautifull Mughal Garden. A variety of trees and flowers are planted there. Mugal Garden is open to public in February every year (peak Spring season in Delhi).To visit Rashtrapathi Bhavan requires special permission from Government of India.

Part of Lyuten's plan. It was a memorial for First World war and Afghan War Heroes of India. In memory of those brave soldiers a perpetual flame (Amar Javan Jyoti-Immortal Warrior) is kept at the foot of the gate. Those brave names are inscribed on these walls. At the top of the gate also inscribed in bold and quote

"To the dead of the Indian armies who fell honoured in France and Flanders Mesopotamia and Persia East Africa Gallipoli and elsewhere in the near and the far-east and in sacred memory also of those whose names are recorded and who fell in India or the north-west frontier and during the Third Afghan War".

It situated at one extreme of Rajpath. Rashtrapathi Bhavan is at the other extreme. The lawns along the gate are coolest recipe for the inhabitants of Delhi on the gorgeous heat during summer.

Lotus Temple

Bahai's Temple, Bahaian faith is founded by Bahaullah of Persia in19^th century. It propagates oneness of humanity and unity of major religions. It aims global peace. Anybody can visit this place and meditate silently. It resembles a blossomed lotus, having petals stretched across the four corners. After sun set it is flood lit everyday. Iranian architect Fariborz Sabba constructed this enormous monument and completed in 1986.

Parliament House

India's bicameral legislature houses its lower house Lok Sabha and upper house Rajya Sabha. The circular structure is a kilometer in circumference. Roof of the outer circle of the structure is supported by 257 pillars of granite. It was constructed by British architect Herbret Baker as part of Lutyen's plan. Situated in Sansad Marg a stone's throw away from Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar (Temple of Instrument) is a monument constructed by Maharaja Jaising of Jaipur in 1719. He personally made astral observation daily for seven years relentlessly before constructing this structure.Then onwards it used as an observatory. Latitude of the location and meridian is adjusted in the instruments. It consists of thirteen architectural astronomy instruments. Primary purpose of this observatory was to predict the time and location of Sun, Moon, Planets e.t.c.

Red Fort

Lal Quila in Hindi constructed by the great Mughal emperor Shahjahan. It stands on the bank of river Yamuna. In 1639 he shifted capital city of Mughals from Agra to Delhi. The work completed in 1648. Its two main entrances are Delhi Gate and Lahori Gate. Its surrounding wall stretches 2.4 kilo meters. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Purana Kila (Old Fort)

It is believed that Pandava of Epic Mahabharatha had built this fort and a part of their capital city Indraprastha. Prithviraj Chouhan had ruled from here until he was defeated by Abdali in Battle of Panipat. Now it is in ruins. Every evening a light and sound show is held by Delhi Tourism Department.

Quitab Minar

The tallest brick minaret in the world and example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Its height is about 72.5 Meters. Its work started by Muslim King Qutab-ud-din in 1199 AD and completed by Iltumish another Muslim Ruler.

Raj Ghat

Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. Two museum dedicated to Gandhiji are situated nearby. It is a simple platform of black marble. Its landscaping and planting was performed by Sydney Percy Lancaster. It situated on the banks of river Yamuna.

Humayun's Tomb

Built in memory of Humayun, the Mughal Emperor, by his wife Hamida Banu Beegum. It was built around 1750 AD with red sand stone. This is an example of Mughal architecture. Style of Mausoleam is the same as Taj Mahal. Entry for visitors is free on Fridays.

Jama Masjith

Built by Shahjahan. Its work completed in 1658. Three gate ways, four angle towers and two 40 meters high minars. The courtyard can hold twenty five thousand worshippers.

It situated in the State of Utter Pradesh.

Agra in its golden era

Mahabharatha mentioned Agra as Agrabama (Paradise).The name Agra was mentioned by Ptolemy in his writings. It is a popular belief among Historians that this city was founded by Sikender Lodi of Delhi Sultanate in 1504. Mughal era gave great fame to this city. It was there's capital for quiet long time . Akber called it Akberabad until Shahjahan shifted his capital to Shahjahanpur (Present Old Delhi) in 1649. Aurangazeb son of Shahjahan again shifted Mughal capital to Akberabad and he again shifted his capital to Aurangabad in the Deccan in 1653. Many spleded Mughal era buildings are travellers prelude. UNESCO's World Heritage Sites situated in Agra are Tajmahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Taj Mahal

One among the seven wonders of the world. It is a mausoleum of Beegum Mumtaz Mahal Shahjahan's favourite wife. Shahjahan built it in memory Mumtaz. It is India's fascinating and elegantly built monument finished in white marble. The labourers take 22 years of rigorous hard work (1630-1652). Persian Ustad Isa was the master architect brain behind this beloved Mausoleum.

Most emotional moment of all was the last eight years of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. He saw his beloveds memorial like a mirage at a distance from the prison at Agra Fort. He was the prisoner of his son Aurangzeb. But he remains at a Tomb near to his sweetheart.

Also called Red Fort of Agra. It situates 2.5 Kms away from Taj Mahal. Fort is a walled city. Sikander Lodi (1487-1517) lived here. His son Ibrahim Lodi also reined here, he built several palaces, wells and Mosques inside the Fort. After Panipat War of1526 Mughals captured it. The treasures of Fort included the Koh-noor-Diamond. Shershaw seized the Fort from the Mughals in 1530. Akber came here in 1558 and decided to taken Agra as there capital. He renovated the Fort with red sanstone. However, its present stage is contemplated by aesthetic Emperor Shahjahan. He made a sea change in the structure to suit his sense of beauty. Unfortunately, he was destined to live as a prisoner in the same Fort.

Situated in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, exactly 26 Kms away from Agra. Name of the place came from Mughal emperor Babur. Fatehpur Sikri was the Headquarters of Akber, another Mughal Emperor from 1571 to 1585. He built a majestic fort here. The famour Buland Darwaza is the entrance of this fort. It is a specimen of Mughal and indian style of architecture.

It was founded by Amber Ruler Maharaja Sewai Jai Singh in 1727. The present Jaipur is a collateral effort of the Astronomer Sovereign Sawai Jai Singh and a Bengali architect Vidyadhar. During the 19^th century the city flourished and grow enormously . Jaipur is one corner of a golden triangle for visitors. Other corners are Delhi and Agra. It locates 260 KMs from Delhi and 240 KMs from Agra. Also called Pink City (pink sand stone is widely used for building its landmarks especially Hawa Mahal) of India is presently the capital city of Rajasthan, the dry state of India.

Landmarks in Jaipur

City Palace

Located at heart of the walled city. Palace is the combination of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture.Sawai Madhav Singh built the palace in 19^th century. The building now forms the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. A wide range of royal costumes, precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Shanganeri prints, folk embroidery e.t.c are on display here.

Jantar Mantar

One of the five observatories in India. Built by the astronomer King Sawai Jai Sing. It is best preserved, and provides accurate information to this day. The remarkable instrument Sundial aids in the calculation of local and meridian pass time and various attributes of celestial bodies.

Moti Dungra (Ganesh Temple)

Located on a small hill. Mere view of this exotic hill creates romantic feel among visitors. It catered castle style of building. The Ganesha Temple inside the castle is a big attraction.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)

The most fascinating attraction of Jaipur, the icon of Jaipur worldwide. Poet King Sawai Pratap Singh built it. It is a five storey building overlooking the buzzy bazzar. The facade forms honeycombed 953 sandstone windows (Jharokhas).

Nagargarh Fort

Stands on the edge of Aravalli Hills overlooking Jaipur city. During the reign of various Kingdoms, it formed as strong defence ring for the city. Built mainly by Maharaja Sawai Jai Sing II in1734. The word nagargarg means the abode of tiger.

Bhubaneshwar, Konark and Puri constitute the Golden Triangle of Orissa visited in large numbers by pilgrims and tourists. Konark is a coastal city on the coast of Bay of Bengal. It situated 65 KMs from the capital city of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar. Konark is also home to an Annual Dance Festival held in every December. Devoted to classical Indian dance forms including the traditional classical dance of Orissa, 'Odissi'. Konark is a synonym to Sun Temple or otherwise.

Sun Temple (Surya Temple)

The great poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote about Sun Temple "...were the language of stones surpasses the language of man". It is an example of Kalinga architecture, built by Raja Narasimha Deva of Ganga Dynasty in 13^th century. It is a colossal temple dedicated to the Sun god. It conceptualised as a chariot having 24 wheels of 10 feet in diameter. Seven horses drag the chariot carrying the Sun god. It is also referred as Black Pagoda as it built in black granite. Carvings on the walls of the shrine resembles the senses of man depicted in stones.

The city which host the hindu Jagannath Temple located on the cost of Bay of Bengal and part of the Indian state Orissa. Beaches of Puri coast attracts people in plenty. Puri is positioned in a unique place so that both sunset and sunrise can be viewed from the beach. Puri is the site of Govardhana Matha one of the fundamental institutions founded by Shri Adi Sankara Charya, the others are Srinkeri, Dwarka and Jyotirmath.

Labndmark of Puri, Jagannath Temple

The very name meaning Lord of The Universe in Sanskrit, is the abode of the legendary Hindu God Krishna. Construction of the temple was started by Kalinga ruler Anantavarman Chodagangadeva during 12^th century AD. Ananga Bhima Deva of Orissa Ruler completed the shrine in 1174 AD. The Temple is also famous for annual Rathyathra or Festival of Chariots. On the day of Rathyathra three main temple deities are hauled on a huge and elaborately decorated chariots. The temple is sacred for its Vaishnav traditions.

A historically famous city, which was the capital of ancient Kalinga Dynasty. Irrespective of its historical importance, the modern city was planned only in1940s. City was designed by German architect Otto Koningberger in 1946. In 1948 capital of Orissa had shifted to here from Cuttack. Now Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar are called Twin Cities of Orissa. It is often referred to as Temple City of India, because of its vast heritage connected with temples. More than a dozen famous temples are situated in and around Bhubaneshwar. Among this Lingara Raja Temple depicting Shiva as the prime deity is most famous. Other must see are Vishwasanti Stupa, Mahavira Jain Temple, State Museum of Bhubaneshwar e.t.c.

The greatest brackish (more salinity than fresh water but less than sea water) water lake in Asia. Total 1100sq KMs, situated on the east coast of Oriss, a state (province) of India. Ideal for fishing, bird watching and boating. Migratory birds from far off countries such as Siberia, Iran, Afganistan, Himalayas' e.t.c seeks delight here during the migratory season October - March. Chilika Bird Sanctuary harbours over 150 migratory and resident specious of birds and home for adverse range of aquatic life. Flamingos are seen in abundance during migratory season.

Ajanta, not an urban or modern indian city but a historically important cite situated in the state of Maharashtra. One of the greatest treasures in the form of rock cut architecture including gigantic statues and mural paintings. This precious site discovered in 1819 AD, believed to be built during 2^nd and 3^rd century AD. Located 40 KMs away from the nearest city Jalgaon in Aurangabad district. Aurangabad is 106 KMs away. A UNESCO declared World Heritage Site in India.

The structure contains 30 caves. Interiors is a mix of Chaitanyagrihas (monument halls) and Viharas (monastic hall of residence). Impelled with architectural details, sculptures are of highest craftsmanship and paintings of infinite charm. The theme of these esthetically conceived figures are mythological in character, i.e. Buddhist figures, gestures and stories connected with Buddhism. Sculptures are in the form of Buddha, Bhodisattavas (potential buddhas), Taras (Female Buddhist divinities) and dwarapalakas (door keepers).

A historical specimen of religious harmony. This rock cut cave architecture contains Buddhists, Hindu and Jain Temples and monasteries. Built between 5^th and 10^th century AD by Rashtrakuda Dynasty and Chalukyas. Situated along Charandari hills in Deccan, 30KMs away from its district headquarters Aurangabad. The structure covers 34 caves. Major attraction is a traditional Shiva Temple, Kailash. The largest single monolithic excavations in the world. Built by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna. It is the 16th cave of Ellora. A free standing multi-storied temple carved out of a single rock. It covers an area double the size of Parthenon in Athens. Main shrine and the Nandi mandapa are built over 7.8 feet high. Two storeys of corridors were built, the walls are carved with figures telling the tales from Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The base of it is so carved that a herd of elephants holding the temple aloft.Sculpture is similar to Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakkal. A monsoon time visit is ideal as every stream is filled with rain water and lush green environs.

The oldest continuously inhabited place in the world, on the banks of river Ganga. Presently, 25KMs long and 9 to 10 KMs wide. Buddhist, Hindu and Jain pilgrim centers such as Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya and Pawanpuri are nearby. Sacred city for Sikhs too, tenth guru Guru Gobind Singh born here. The name Patna may be a short form of the ancient city Pataliputra dating back to 4^th century AD. Megasthanes and Fahi-an mentioned this city as Palibothra and Paliambotra. Some historians says that the Behar Ruler Shershaw Suri given the name Patna.

History

Ajathasathru the ancient King of Magadha shifted his capital from Rajagriha to this place in 490BC. Gowtham Buddha passed through this place and contemplated its later glory. Pataliputra was the capital of Mouryan Empire. In 273AD Ashoka the greatest Mouryan King restructured the city. Magasthenes in his book 'Indica' wrote, the city of Palibothra was situated on the confluence of river Ganga and Arnnovoas(Soubhadra) and was 9 miles long, 1.75 miles wide. Fahi-an, a Chinese Historian visited the city between 391-414AD. It also saw the rulers of Gupta Dynasty. Kilji captured Patna and destroyed partially in the 12^th century AD and gradually Patna's prestige as a political and cultural centre faded away. Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) 10^th guru of the Sikhs born here. His birth place Harmandir Saheb is a sacred place for the Sikhs. Shershah Suri ruled Patna in 16^th century AD. Akber's historian Abul-Fazal refers to Patna as a flourishing centre for paper and glass industries. After the era of Mughals it moved to the hands of Nawab of Bengal. East India Company captured Patna in the Battle of Plassey. Patna actively participated in India's Independence Struggle, Mahatma Ghandhi's Chaparan Satyagraha is the most famous incident of this era. Presently Patna is the capital city of Bihar, Indian State. Present day building are a tribute to its architect IF Munnings. The texture of buildings is on Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture viz. Patna Museum, The state Assembly Building. Presently a most important place in India for Education. More than a dozen prestigious educational Institutions are here.

Golghar

Alarmed by the famine of 1770, Captain John Garstin built this huge granary for the British Army in 1786. The massive structure is 29 meters high and the walls are 3.6 meters wide at the base. The straightway winding around the structure offer a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Ganges flowing by.

It trace its history to the Stone Age. It is a heterogeneous amalgam of seven islands, as Ptolemy rightly called in his scripts "Heptanesia" (a cluster of seven islands). Ashoka the great Mouryan empire ruled this place during 3rd century BC. Elephanta caves and Walkeshwar Temple are date back to the time of Silhara Dynasty who governed this area untill 1343. In 1534 the Portuguese appropriated Bombay. In 1661 Bombay was given to British King Charles II as dowry. It leased to British East India Company in 1668. Its present stature of conveniences began with the onset of civil engineering project called 'Horney Vellard'. This project started in 1817 and completed in 1845. Aim was to connect the seven islands with bridges, roads and other civil amenities. The first railway passage in India built between Bombay and Thane in 1853. Bombay was a part of Indian Independent Movement, and the most historical event was Quit India Movement of 1942. After getting independence Maharashtra state was formed in 1960 with Bombai as its capital city. Its anglicised name Bombai was changed to Mumbai in 1995. Name Mumbai is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Maha Amba (Mumbai Devi).

Places of atraction

Elepanta Caves

It located in an island formerly called Gharapuri, one hour away from Mumbai harbour in boat. 10KMs away from Gate way of India another monument in Mumbai. Portughese invaders called the place Elephanta, so the place now known in this name. Historians believes that caves architectures are made during the reign of Silhara and Rashtrakuda rulers of 9^th through 13^th centuries. Major attraction inside the caves are a temple dedicated to lord Shiva. World famous Hindu sculpture are found here viz. Trimurthi Sadashiva Statue, Nataraja, Ardhanareeswara statue. Figures are of immense ruins due to target practice performed by Portughese soldiers.

Sanjay Ghandhi National Park

Asia's most visited National Park, 2 million annual visitors. It covers 104 sq KMs, 1/6 of the city area. Kanheri caves dating back to 2400 years located inside the park. Panthers are still visible here.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Vicoria Terminus)

Major Mumbai rail station and headquarters of Central Indian Railways. Designed by Frederic Willium Stevans. They had taken 10 years to complete. Victorian Gothic style of architecture with traditional indian stature. Its name Victoria Terminus had changed to Chhatrapathi Shivaji Terminus in 1996 to commemorate the great maratha ruler Shivaji.

Gate Way of India

Located in the water front. A yellow besalt arch of 26 meters high. Made in Indo sarscenic architectural style. It remembers the visit of King George V of England and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911.

Hanging Garden (Feroz shaw mehta Garden)

Terraced garden perched at the top of Malabar Hills. Park was laid out in 1881. It was built over three reservoirs. A very romantic seen here is its sunsets.

Other attractions in Mumbai are its beaches especially Juhu beach and Marine Drive e.t.c.

You will fall in love at first sight. "athi kya khandala" (will you come to Khandala) a hindi film song addresses. Hill station in the western ghats. Near to Puna, Maharashtra. Situated 3 KMs away from Lonavla. Located at the top of Bhor Ghat. A place where you can see multiple water fall. At certain points see it everywhere. A train journey even can make you excited with mindblowing natural beauty. Nature has a nostalgic aroma to spiritually awake you to a state of eternity. A trip to this virgin place would certainly make a mental awakening. A monsoon visit (Jun to September) is ideal for grabbing the wild beauty of nature. High hills on one side and deep valleys on the other.The places you can enjoy are Rajmachi Park, Ryewood, Duke's Nose, Lohagad Darshan, Kune Falls, Tiger's Leap, Sakur Plateau,Monkey Hill e.t.c.

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