Thursday, June 26, 2008

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, Eternal symbol of India and Agra, is breathtaking by moonlight. The city that grew in prominence under the Moghuls retains the ambience of an era long past. Places of interest are Taj Mahal, Mausoleum built by Emperor Shahjehan for his Empress Mumtaz Mahal. 20,000 Workmen worked for 22 years to complete it.

Agra Fort is a blend of an Architectural style used during the reign of three Emperors, the tomb of Itmad - Ud - Daulah and Sikandra the tomb of Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri designed by Akbar as his capital city was lived - in for only a very few years as it was abandoned due to shortage of water that is why the name "The Abandoned City". It is a beautiful architectural city built of Red Sandstone.

Visit the eternal symbol of India with us, Taj Mahal, Click Here

KHAJURAHO



Khajuraho - about 200 kms from Jhansi is in a wilderness and not really enroute to anywhere or from anywhere, you should not miss the beautiful, ornate temples built by the chandelas in the 10th and 11th centuries. The temples have survived precisely because of their isolation at a site where there is neither a town or an industry.


The Chandelas ruled for five centuries and the 85 Khajuraho temples out of which only 22 have survived were the outpourings of their creative genius over a hundred years period.The temples were constructed from 950 AD to 1050 AD and are in three distinct groups.
These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven. The world at large identifies the Khajuraho temples as sensuous and erotic sculptures. But they are more than just that, Life in every mood has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs.

Humayun's Tomb



The Tomar king, Anangpal, was the founder of the first city of Delhi. Delhi was ruled by a series of muslim dynasties, each of whom imparted a different artistic style to the city - Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyeds and Lodhis. Shahjahan, the famous mughal emperor, made Delhi his capital and embellished it. Places of interest are Rastrapati Bhawan - the official residence of president of India, India gate - (The war memorial) A monument dedicated to the soldiers who became martyrs during the second world war, Bahai Temple. Humayun's Tomb - a fore runner to Taj Mahal constructed by Haji Begum, Qutab Minar - One of the tallest stone tower (Minarete) in India, Red Fort - built by the great Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in Red Sandstone, Jama Masjid -
This Historic Mosque is one of the largest mosque of its kind in India and Raj Ghat - the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi.

JAISALMER FORT


Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the cross - road of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis.


The rich merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who worked delicately on the sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies.


Today, these veritable art - museums are still inhabited, and their colorful celebrations and festivals have placed Jaisalmer Fort firmly on the world tourism map.


GWALIOR FORT


For over 100 years this fort has been over looking the city of Gwalior. One of the most invincible forts in India, this imposing citadel has changed many hands. It is build on a hill of sandstone and towers 100 m from the plain. The outer wall of the fort is almost 2 miles in length and the width varies from one kms to 200 meters.

The walls of the fort gives way onto the steep slopes. This fort has been a witness to many battles in the turbulent times as well as as festivals in the peace time. The rulers have imparted justice from the fort which has seen the imprisonment of many. The ceremonies held in the fort have been spelled out grandeur but the Jauhars have screamed distress.


It was here that Tatyia tope and Rani of Jhansi fought for their freedom. Rani of Jhansi laid down her life in an assault by the British to capture the fort.