Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Delhi tour
























One of the oldest and the largest cities in the world, . Emblematic of India in the paradoxes it holds, the city is a modern metropolis where you encounter antiquity at every bend. With a history spanning over 5000 years that saw several dynasties, invasions, migrations, destruction, construction and the Partition, Delhi is a cultural conundrum. The best way to relish Delhi is not to try to unravel its idiosyncrasies but enjoy the cultural patina it offers.







Places to visit:1. Red Fort, 2.Jama Masjid, 3.Chandni Chowk, 4.Rajghat,5. Feroz Shah Kotla fort,6. Rastrapati Bhawan, 7.India Gate,8. Humayun's Tomb,9. Qutb Minar and 10.Lotus Temple.


















lotus temple













Qutib Minar















India gate













RED FORT


(Yerra kota)





Places to visit out side the DELHI:




Delhi - Agra: The famous TAJMAHAL is located in Agra.A monument of love. A symbol of eternal love. Agra the zenith of art and an enshrined romance.Once the seat of the Mughal rulers. Their passion for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world - the Taj Mahal a poem in white marble which took 22 years to build by 20,000 skilled artisans who inlaid the white marble edifice with precious and semi precious stones. The Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort which lies across the river Jamuna.It was built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shahjahan, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz.


Situated by the river Yamuna, Taj Mahal sits on a high red sandstone terrace, topped by marble terrace. It is flanked by four minarets. The jewel in-laid cenotaph of the empress lies within the dome. The entire mausoleum is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy with semi precious stones like jasper and agate.








Taj Mahal is 200 km from Delhi

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Friday





Agra FortSituated on the west bank of the Yamuna river and two km from Taj Mahal, the Agra fort was started by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. The impressive red sandstone fort extends for about 2.5 km and is surrounded by a deep moat which was once filled with water of Yamuna. Though Akbar built it mainly as a military centre, it was under Shahjahan's rule that the fort became more of a mini city.






















Of the many gates, the only one open to public is the Amar Singh gate, which leads into the fort. Immediately on the right is the Jahangiri Mahal. The other impressive monuments within the fort are the Diwan-i-Khas, where the emperor met the dignitaries, the Diwan-i-Aam, Nagina Masjid (built by Shahjahan for his harem) and the Moti Masjid. Towards the northeast of the fort is the Musamman Burj, where Shahjahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. Location: Agra





Mathura (146 km southeast of Delhi):





Mathura is the birthplace of the world's popular deity, Lord Krishna. Mathura is one of the most ancient cities of India. It is situated on the banks of the Yamuna, in Uttar Pradesh, and is one of the most important pilgrimage centers in India.Mathura is famous for the temples of Krishnajanmabhumi Mandir, Vishram Ghat and Sati Burj. It is believed that Lord Krishna rested at Vishram Ghat after killing the Cruel Kamsa. Evenings at the Vishram Ghat are generally a very beautiful sight with hundreds of diyas floating on the river. The Ghats offer very picturesque sights with long flight of stairs leading to the river's edge. You can find many pilgrims bathing in the river and from a distance you can see the temple spires silhouetted against the sky.







Fatehpur SikriFatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned, probably due to the lack of water. The capital is amazingly beautiful with its palaces and it reflects the architectural style Akbar patronised. Even to this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built. The road leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. It later inspired other lofty gates. Today young daredevils jump from its ruins into the deep tank to earn money from the tourists. Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar, that Akbar built in memory of his favourite elephant, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal's

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