Travel to India, Historical places in India, Tourist places, Tour guide, Famous places in India

Armenian Church, Calcutta

2012-08-19T10:11:00.002-07:00

Armenian Church is located in Armenian Street, at the north-west corner of Barabazaar, near Howrah Bridge in Kolkata. Some people opine that this is the oldest Church in Calcutta.

Armenian Church Calcutta Photo

About the Church

Built in 1764, designed in the early 18th century, the Armenian Church is today the oldest extant church in Kolkata. The interiors of the church are decorated with marble, and the overhead gallery contains mural tablets. The altar has a cross, the gospels and 12 candlesticks symbolizing Christ and his Apostles. There is a staircase leading to an overhead gallery whose walls are full of mural tablets. Three oil paintings 'The Holy Trinity', 'The Last Supper' and 'The Enshrouding of Our Lord’ by the English artist A E Harris also adorn the altar. Remains of the Armenian cemetery can be seen in the premises.

The Armenians have been staying in India since remote antiquity. The Armenians claim to have arrived in India before the British. They also claim to have been the forerunners to be converted into Christianity in the European continent. On 22nd June, 1688, the East India Co. had entered into a contract with the Armenians in Europe. Sir Josia Child on behalf of the East India Co. and Khoja Sarhad along with Khoja Phanoosh on behalf of the Armenians, signed the contract. As per the contract, the East India Co. was supposed to construct a church in all corners of India where a minimum of 40 Armenians would inhabit. The former would also grant 50 pounds to the appointed priest as his remuneration.

Armenian Church Photo

According to this contract, Job Charnock came to Kolkata for the last time in 1690. 17 years later, the East India Co. constructed a tiny wooden church at the south-eastern wing of the present Armenian Church. A different opinion suggests that an Armenian named Aga Nazar had collected funds painstakingly and constructed this church.

Seventeen years later, the modern church came into being in 1724. It is said to have been built in the vacant land purchased in 1720 by an Armenian named Kenanentekh Phanoosh for building a cemetery for his community. But there is no controversy about the fact that this church was build by Aga Nazar. Controversies and conflicting views abound with one particular grave in this necropolis. This controversial grave is in front of the main building of the church. The following lines are engraved on the tomb – ‘This is the tomb of Reza bibi, wife of the late charitable Sookias who departed from this world to life eternal’. Another script is inscribed with this in Armenian language. There is a lot of controversy prevailing among the researchers about this Armenians Script. Mesrov Je Seth authored a book on the Armenians of Kolkata. He deciphered the script on the Armenian cemetery and apprised that the mentioned grave belonged to the period1630.

The interior embellishment of the church was done by katchik afriel. He was of Armenian origin. He built residential abodes for the priests and erected high walls around the cemetery. He also donated the wonderful church clock. The floor inside the church is made of blocks of stone. The spiraling stair-case leads to the gallery on the first floor. Armenian names are inscribed hither and tither. Beside the altar, there are three oil-paintings of the eminent English painter A.E. Harris which have an extremely soothing effect.

Quick information about Armenian Church

Location: Armenian Street, at the north-west corner of Barabazaar, near Howrah Bridge in Kolkata.

Time to Visit: 10 A.M. - 7 P.M.

Best Timings: Morning between 10 A.M - 11.30 A.M. & Evening between 3 P.M. - 5 P.M.

Admission Fee: Nil.

Photography / Video charges: Nil.

How to Reach:

Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis are easily available from various parts of the city.

Nearest Railway Station: Howrah.

Nearest Metro Station: Esplanade

Nearest Functional Metro Station: Esplanade

Nearest International Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Intrnational Airport.

Time required for sightseeing: Half an hour.

Arki Fort - Himachal Pradesh

2012-05-08T00:19:00.001-07:00

The Arki Fort is situated at Solan district, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The fort is just 52 km from Shimla which was once the capital of the princely state of Bagal. The elegant place at Arki, picturesquely located against a wooded hillside is famous for its Ast Nayika frescoes, executed in the Arki Kalam style.This Fort was built between 1695 - 1700 by Rana Prithvi Singh, a descendent of Sabha Chand. Currently, this fort is a heritage hotel which presents a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The fort displays a Rajasthani influence in its architecture.

Arki Fort carries a great history of blood shed and power struggle. Till 1815 this formation was the strong hold of the Gurkhas from where they led their war against the British. Now turned in to a heritage hotel, the then strong hold of the erstwhile Baghai rulers presents artistic grandeur and historical excellence to its visitors.

A fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, the fort is greatly influenced by the rajasthani structural designs. A unique style of painting namely the Pahari style, which adorns the walls of the fort, tries to depict the contemporary lifestyle of the hilly people. These paintings display exemplary craftsmanship with a perfect balance of colours.

The fort is a private property of the descendants of the Arki rulers, who dwell in one portion of the fort. Though the fort is not managed properly, its heritage hotel wing upkeeps its royal elegance and princely status. Its elegantly decorated rooms house spectacular paintings of the snow capped peaks and other splendors of the region.

How to reach Arki Fort?

By Air : The closest airport to reach at Arki Fort is the Jubbarhatti Airport, which is located at a distance of 40 kilometer far off from this fort. Visitors from all parts of India can hail here by various domestic flights that are operated here. While for the foreign tourist, they have to first board flight to Delhi International Airport and then board another domestic flight to Jubbarhatti airport in Himachal Pradesh. Once you hail at this state, for further journey to reach at the Arki Fort one can hire taxi which will cost you around Rs. 600 INR.

By Rail : The nearest railway station is Kalka, which is located at a distance of 73 kilometer far off from Arki Fort. There are very few trains or expresses that are operated by the Indian Railways, which well connects to all major cities of Himachal Pradesh and also the country. Once you get off from the trains, you can get taxi or intercity bus services that are available outside the Kalka railway station as well as near by railhead stations. From Kalka railhead station to Arki Fort, it will charge you around Rs. 900 INR that will cost you expensive, but it is good mode of transport to explore the cities of Himachal Pradesh by road. There are intercity bus services which are the cheapest transport but are quite uncomfortable.

By Road : Himachal Pradesh is the most visited holiday destination; therefore, there are various local transportation facilities available to travel by road. State and private buses, taxis, and hired cars or jeeps are also offered for tourist to experience a private and comfortable journey to Arki Fort. There are numerous state buses that run within the state passing through all major cities and small towns of Himachal Pradesh state. From Delhi, regular bus services are provided to Dharampur which is situated at a distance of around 30 kilometer far off from Arki Fort. There are even private taxis that are available from Dharampur city and directly heads to Arki. Traveling by taxi is the most expensive mode of transport which will cost you over Rs. 600 INR, but is quite comfortable to experience a private journey while exploring Himachal Pradesh.

Arki Fort Wallpaper

Arki Fort. Bazaar Entrance

Arki Palace Images

Diwan-e-Khas at Arki Fort

Near the living quarters at Arki Fort

Wall Design in Arki Fort

Anandpur Sahib - The holy City of Bliss

2012-05-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

Anandpur Sahib is situated in Rupnagar district in the state of Punjab, India also known as "the holy City of Bliss”. It is a holy place of the Sikhs and is one of their most important sacred places, closely linked with their religious traditions and history.

Anandpur Sahib, this place has a number of historical Gurudwaras with a backdrop of Naina devil hill. On the day following the festival of Holi, devotees flock to Anandpur Sahib to participate in the Hola Mohalla celebrations, which re-enacts sikh battles long ago with ancient arms and weapons. The tradition of Hola mohalla dates back to the times of the 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, who decided that the occasion of the festival of Holi, be the occasion for the display of the martial spirit of his people and he gave this festival a more masculine name of Hola Mohalla.

Place of historical importance at Anandpur sahib:-

Gurudwara Guru-ka- Mahal ( Bhora Sahib) : This Gurudwara was the residence of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur, inherited by Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji. The holy son of the 10th Guru was born here. There is an underground room cut off from the din of life, where the ninth Guru used to meditate.

Gurudwara Thara Sahib : The ninth Guru used to deliver sermons from this raised platform. There is a spot marked where the Kashmiri Brahmins came to seek protection from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. They were forcibly being asked to adopt Islam as their Religion.

Gurudwara Damdama Sahib : The tenth Guru of the Sikhs was given the Guru Gaddi here, on 17th Dec. 1675. it was from here, he had declared the end of the institution of the priestly agents of the former Gurus.

How to reach Anandpur Sahib:- Anandpur Sahib is well connected by rail and road ways.

By Air: Anandpur Sahib has no Airport, the closest airport to the town is Chandigarh International Airport. Chandigarh Airport is situated at a distance of 92 kms, (approx of 2 hours) north to Anandpur Sahib town. It has flights from the major cities like Delhi, Jammu, Jaipur and Mumbai. Taxis and local buses are available to reach the city from airport and vice-versa.

By Rail: Anandpur Sahib has Railway Station, situated about one kilometer from the centre of the town. It is located on state highway 22, falls under northern railways and is connected by broad gauge railway lines. Anandpur railway lines are well linked to the cities like Nangal, Kartarpur Sahib, Rupnagar, Minapur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ambala etc.

By Road: Anandpur Sahib is located on State Highway 22 and is well connected to all the major cities of Punjab and north India through roadways. Rupnagar is situated about 40kms, Garhshankar is about 42 kms, Hoshiarpur is about 83 kms, Chandigarh is about 82kms and Shimla is about 146 kms from the city.

Anandpur Sahib Photo

Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib

Anandpur Sahib Images

Amarnath cave

2011-08-18T00:06:00.000-07:00

The Amarnath cave shrine is situated on Mount Amarnath in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. This important shrine situated about 48 km from pahalgam, located at an altitude of about 13000 feet, from sea level attracts devotees from all over India. This cave is one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism and dedicated to lord Shiva is believed to be his abode. The shrine is said to be over 5000 years old. The yatra starts from Pahalgam, offering the scenic beauty of Chandanwari, Sheshnaag and Panchtarni.

Extending upto 130 feet, the cave is high and shallow. Inside a large opening, an underground trickle of water emerges 10 feet up from a small cleft in the sedimentary rock and freezes as it drips to from a tall, smooth cone of ice, which is believed to be a ‘Lingam’. The Lingam acquires a full from on Purnima as on that day, Lord Shiva is believed to have revealed the secrets of life to his consort Parvati. On this day of full moon, the pilgrims walk from Pahalgam to view the pure white lingam and they also make offerings of food, money, sweets and flowers.

Discovery of Holy Cave
The story narrated by people about the discovery of this Holy Cave is of a Gujjar (shepherd) Buta Malik. He is given the credit of discovering this Holy Cave. Story goes like this, that a saint gave Buta Malik a bag full of Coal. On reaching his home when he opened the bag, to his utter surprise the bag was full of gold coins. This made him overwhelmed with joy. He ran to thank the Saint. But, what he found was that the Saint had disappeared. Instead, he found The Holy Cave and Shiv Lingam there in. He announced the discovery of this to the Villagers. Then onwards this has become the sacred place of Pilgrimage.

The ancient epics narrate other story which goes like this. The valley of Kashmir was under water .It was a big lake. Kashyap Rishi drained the water through number of rivers and rivulets. In those days Bhrigu Rishi came that way on a visit to The Himalyas. He was the first to have Darshans of this Holy Cave. When people heard of the Lingam, Amarnath for them became Shiva’s abode and a Centre of pilgrimage. Since then Lacs of devotees perform the pilgrimage through tough terrain and avail eternal happiness.

The trek to Amarnath, in the month of sharavan (July–August) has the devout flock to this incredible shrine, where the image of Shiva, in the form of a Lingam, is formed naturally of an Ice Stalagmite, which waxes and wanes with the Moon's cycle. By its side are fascinating, two more Ice Lingams, that of Maa Parvati and of their son, Ganesha .

How to reach Amarnath?

By Air:
Amarnath does not have an airport, and the nearest airport is Srinagar, at a distance of 78 kms from Amarnath. Srinagar is summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu.

By Rail:
Jammu is the nearest Railway Station. Jammu is winter Capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu is a beautiful city and is also known as "City of Temples". It is well connected with all stations of India.

By Road:
Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road. Buses and Taxies are also available for this part of the journey .These can be hired on daily as well as full tour basis.

Cave Temple of Lord Amarnath

Amarnath Wallpaper

Amarnath Temple photo

Amarnath Cave Yatra

Amarkantak Temple

2011-07-24T01:25:00.000-07:00

One of the holiest rivers of India, the Narmada, is the lifeline of Chattisgarh. Amarkantak, the source of the river Narmada is full of natural beauty. The great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa too has depicted the beauty of Amarkantak in his poems. Besides the source of river the garden-Mai ki Bagiya and the waterfalls-kail Dhara and Durgdha are worth seeing.

Amarkantak is situated in the Mailkal Mountains at an altitude of 1057 metres, which are the meeting point of the Vindhyas and the Satpura Mountain ranges in Central India. It is also the source of the rivers Narmada and one and thus is an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus. There are dense forests of teak, mahua, etc. around amarkantak where one can find numerous small and trickling streams feeding the Narmada.

The holy town of Amarkantak attracts thousands of sages and devotees all through the year and therefore innumerous ashrams or religious retreats have emerged in and around this place. Nature has endowed Amarkantak with its gifts and its beautiful sylvan surroundings, picturesque ponds, cascading waterfalls and wildlife have made it a much sought after destination for the religious-minded as well as for the nature lover.

Places of Interest

Narmada udgam is the source of the sacred Narmada River where a temple has been dedicated to the goddess Narmada. These old temple has been dedicated to the goddess Narmada. These old temple are build in 10th and 11th centuries. It contains a colourfully decorated, black basalts stone statue of Narmada. Thousand of devotees of all our countries visit the temple to pay homage to the goddess. Nearby, the kapildhara falls are interesting to watch an one wouldn’t expect a small stream turning into a mighty river, within a few kilometers, and plunging 24 meter sown a cliff into a gorge. The gorge is covered by dense forests and is a spectacular sight popular with tourists and locals.

Sonmunda is the source of the river Sone, also arising from the amarkantak plateau Amarkantak plateau. According to legends Sone and Narmada were to be wed, but sone married another stream and the repulsed Narmada, changed course from east to west and vowed to remain a virgin.

The mahadeo hills are near Amarkantak and have been immortalized by Rudyard Kipling in his famous ‘jungle book’ spreading the Indian term ‘jungle’ all over the world. Dhuni pani a natural hot spring amidst the dense forests of Amarkantak is definitely worth viewing.

Dugdha Dhara is another picturesque waterfall, where the water falls down a height of about 50 feet in a milkywhite cascade. Mai ki bagiya or mother’s garden is an ancient temple in the well-manicured gardens. The surroundings are quite scenic and also worth a visit.

The Puranas, Mahabharta, and Pamayana describe the greatness of Amarkantak. Bhrigu Kmandal, Dhuni Pani, Dugdha Dhara, Kapil Dhara, Mai ki Bagiya, Sonamuda are other sights for tourists at Amarkantak.

How to reach Amarkantak ?

Amarkantak is 71 Kms. from Anupppur, which is an important railway junction of the South Eastern Central Railway. Amarkantak is at a distance of 320 Kms. from Jabalpur and 265 Kms. from Rewa by road and around 100 Kms. from Shahdol. Jabalpur, Rewa, and Shahdol are all railway stations. The nearest railway station from Amarkantak is Pendra, which is 65 Kms. from Amarkantak. Pendra is in Bilaspur district of Chhatisgarh state. One can also reach Amarkantak by air. There is a permanent helipad at Amarkantak. There is also an airstrip at Lalpur in district Shahdol. One can reach Amarkantak by road. (90 Kms).

Photo Gallery

Lake near Amarkantak

Forests of Amarkantak

Ancient temples, Amarkantak

Amarkantak Wallpaper

Amarkantak temple images

Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh

Akshardham temple (Gujarat)

2011-06-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

Akshardham temple is the most renowned temple of the Swaminarayan Sect. The temple was built using pink stones with beautiful carvings. Lush green gardens and admirable fountain surrounded it, Akshardham temple is situated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

It is a modern complex, built in traditional Indian architectural style. This imposing 10 storey high monument is made entirely of intricately carved, 6000 tons of pink sand-stone from Rajsthan, with no steel or cement used at all, ensuring that the monument will last for a thousand years. It is 108 feet tall, 240 feet long and 131 feet wide. More than 12 million man-hours of 900 skilled craftsmen have created this magnificent monument of 93 sculpted pillars, 40 windows carved from both sides, and a feast of forms and filigrees.

At the centre of the spacious Akshardham complex, is a delicate and beautiful architectural masterpiece, the Akshardham Monument, which enshrines the golden idol of Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Faith. The first floor galleries house a museum portraying the 500 ‘paramhansas’, and several things belonging to Swaminarayan such as his letter to the guru Ramanand, a piece from an old tree from Chapaya, his pure wool shawl, a replica of his old home and other displays.

The temple is located in the midst of a spacious garden called Sahajanand Van, with the presence of carvings of Hindu Gods. The panoramic view of the place includes beautiful gardens, cafeteria and other amusements. You can find sculptures of Lord Swaminarayan, Gunatinand Swami and Gopalanand Swami. All the statues are either gold or copper plated. Akshardham Temple opens for worshipers from 9:30 A.M. to 7:30P.M. Exhibitions, games and restaurant closed only on Monday.

How to Reach to Akshardham :
By Air : Nearest Airport is in Ahmedabad situated about 31 km. from Gandhinagar.
By Rail : Nearest Railway Stations are Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad and are connected with all the major cities in western parts of India.
By Road : State transport buses and private luxury coaches are available to reach Akshardham Gandhinagar from various cities of Gujarat.

Photo Gallery
Akshardham temple, Gujarat Photo

Akshardham temple, Gujarat Night View

Akshardham temple (Gujarat)

Akshardham temple, Gujarat Inside View

Akshardham temple, Gujarat Images

Ajmer Dargah Sharif

2010-08-09T23:18:00.000-07:00

At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India’s most important pilgrimage centre for people from all faiths, the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer Sharif. It is situated 135 km from Jaipur and is renowned for fulfilling the wishes of the followers. Apart from the devout Muslims, people of other religions throng the holy dargah and pray for the fulfillment of their desires.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was a Sufi saint who came to India from Persia in 1192 AD with Mohammad Ghori’s invading army and died here in 1236. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was the founder of Islam in India. He was one of the greatest preachers in the world. The revered prophet undertook to propagate Islam in India by the most peaceful means and with great forbearance. When Khwaja arrived, the Muslim community in India was not as large as it is now. The Khwaja, by his noble teachings, touched the hearts of everyone who came his way. The construction of the shrine was started by the Sultan of Delhi Altamash, and completed by Emperor Humayun.

The Shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Urs – commemorating the death anniversary of the Saint, held from the 1st to 6th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A famous historic ritual at the Dargah is when two massive cauldrons (capacities: 4480 kgs and 2240 kgs ) are filled with rice, dry fruits and condiments and then ‘looted’ by professionals who slide down into it. It is then sold off as sanctified food. Emperor Akbar is said to have made two pilgrimages here on foot all the way from Agra-once when an heir was finally born to him, to fulfill a vow that he had made and again when he won against Chittaur. The Shrine is believed by people of different faiths to have the power to make their prayers come true.

The entry to the Dargah is through the Buland Darwaza built by the Nizam of Hydrabad. On the right side of the courtyard is the Akbari Masjid built with white marble. It leads to the inner courtyard. The high gateway has beautifully carved silver doors. The grave of the Sufi saint is surrounded by a silver railing and is partially covered with a marble screen. The doughter of Shah Jahan had built a prayer room in the Dargah for the women devotees. The premised of the Dargah also has the tomb of Bhishti, tomb of Bili Hafiz Jama, tomb of Shah Jahan’s doughter Chimni Begum.

Photo Gallery

A Night View of the Dargah Sharif.

Visitors at Ajmer Dargah

Night View at Ajmer Dargah

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif at Ajmer Dargah

Ajmer Dargah Sharif Wallpaper

Ajmer Dargah Sharif Photo

Ajmer Dargah Sharif Images

Tirupati Balaji Temple

2010-06-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

Tirupati Balaji Temple is the holiest place and one of the largest ancient shrines in the world. It is located in the Eastern Ghat in Chittoor district. This temple dedicated to the Hindu God Venkateshwara (Vishnu). The temple of Shri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. It is believed that in this Kalyuga, one can attain Mukti only by worshipping Shri Vendateswara.

The ancient and sacred temple of Shri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, and lies on the southern banks of Shri Swami Pushkarini. It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.

History of the temple
There is ample literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Shri Venkateswara. All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Shri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th-15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they completed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions. It was during the rule of the Vijaranagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple increased. Shri Krishnadeva Raya had statues of him and his consorts installed at the portals of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple.

Pilgrimage at Tirupati
1) Padi Kavali Maha Dwara
2) Sampangi Pradakshinam
3) Ranga Madapam
4) Tirumala Raya Mandapam
5) Tirumala Raya Mandapam
6) The Aina Mahal

Photo Gallery for Tirupati

Night View at Tirupati

Main temple at tirupati

Lord Venkateswara photo

Visitors at Tirupati

Tirupati temples picture

Tirupati temples images

Tirupati Balaji Temples

Tirupati Balaji temple wallpaper

Tirupati Balaji Temple photo

Victoria Memorial - Kolkatta

2010-06-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

Victoria memorial is one of the most beautiful monuments of India’s Built entirely of white marble. On the death of Queen Victoria in January 1901, Lord Curzon, who was then Viceroy of India, placed before the public the question of setting up a fitting memorial to the Queen. He suggested that the most suitable memorial would be a ‘stately’, spacious, monumental and grand building surrounded by an exquisite garden. This was to be a historical museum where people could see before them pictures and statues of men who played a prominent part in the history of this country, so could develop a pride in their past.

Cost of Construction
The Prices and people of India responded generously to his appeal for funds and the total cost of construction of this monument amounting to One Crore, Five Lakhs Rupees, was entirely derived from their voluntary subscriptions. Sir Willian Emerson, President of the British Institute of Architects, designed and drew up the plan of this building, while the work of construction was entrusted to Messrs Martin and Co. of Calcutta. Vincent J. Esch was the superintending architect. King George V. then the Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone on January 4, 1906. It was formally opened to the public in 1921.

Architecture
The Building represents a unique combination of classical European architecture and Mughal motifs. The domed and white marble museum sprawls over 64 acres and is set in a landscaped garden at the southern side of the Kolkata’s maidan (ground) near Jawaharlal Nehru Road. The building is 184 ft high up to the base of the figure of Victory which is another 16 ft high. The groups of figures above the north porch represent motherhood, Prudence and Learning. Surrounding the main dome are figures of Art, Architecture, Justice, Charity etc. The Memorial is situated on 64 acres of land with the building covering 338 ft by 228 ft.

Megnificent Collections
In the Royal Gallery there are oil paintings depicting scenes of Queen Victoria receiving the sacrament at her coronation in the Westminster Abbey in June 1838, her marriage with price Albert (1840) in the Chaper Royal at St. James Palace. The christening of the Prince of Wales in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle (1842), Marriage of the Prince of Wales (Edward VII ) with princess Alexandra (1863) Queen Victoria at the first Jubilee service in Westminster Abbey in 1887, and the second Jubilee service of Queen Victoria at St. Paul’s Cathedral, June 1897. These are copies of paintings by well-known artists in the collection of the British royalty. The pianoforte on which Queen Victoria received tuition in her childhood and the writing desk and chair constantly used by her for her daily correspondence at the Windsor Castle occupy the centre of the room. King Edward VII presented these to the Victoria Memorial. On the south wall hangs the Russian artist Verestchagins masterpiece depicting in oils the state entry of King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, into Jaipur in 1876. Portraits of Edward VII, as Prince of Wales, Painted in 1863 by Jansen and those of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are place in the hall. Renowned painter of the period, Winter-halter painted these when both of them were young.

Illuminating the Memorial Hall

The Victoria Memorial Hall was illuminated in January 1988 by an extraordinary initiative of the then Governor of West Bengal, Prof. S. Nurul Hassan, Mr. Russi Mody, and Hiren Chakraborty, the then Secretary and Curator, of the Victoria memorial. A large number of valuable manuscripts are in the collection of this memorial, some of which are on display at the Portrait Gallery. Among these are the manuscripts of Ain-e-Akbari by abdul Fazal, the court historian of the Emperor of Akbar, a manuscript of Diwan Hafiz, or the Gazals of Hafiz. The note book of Tipu Sultan in his own hand writing, a volume of copies of Tipu Sultan’s letters. Akbar Namah is in two volumes. A manuscripts of Shah Namah, the famous epic containing the history of the ancient kings of Persia written by Firdausi (999 AD ), the Persian translation of Nala Damayanti by Abdul Fazal. Beside these, there are many manuscripts stored in the High Court room.

The Victoria Memorial has a large number of statues and sculptures in its collection. Many of these are in the garden. Though initially, personalities from the British period were housed inside the memorial and garden, later many statues of Indian personalities were also put on display. The memorial is the largest repository in India for a Visual history of Calcutta. It also has a major collection of paintings, sculptures and manuscripts from the British period. The Victoria memorial has a vast collection of Indian Paintings, which were painted using purely old Indian techniques or using western style.

A Repository of History
The Victoria memorial has large collection of paintings, in oil, watercolours, and aquatints by the Eropean painters like Charles D’oyly, Johann Zoffany, William Hadges, William Simpson, Tilly Kettle, Thomas Hickey, Emily Eden and others, besides the largest collection in the world of the paintings by the Daniells. The Victoria memorial has a good number of Mughal miniatures in its collection. There are some rare books in the library, which dates back to the 1870s.

Some of the books worth mentioning are the collection of plays by William Shakespeare, the Arabian Nights, Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, etc. All these books are exotically illustrated. Costume designers consult and refer these books while designing for Shakespearian plays in Calcutta. The Victoria memorial has a large number of postage stamps in its collection. Only a few are on display at the Calcutta gallery. There are hundreds of original important documents of historical importance in the archive of the memorial. Historians and research scholars often refer to these documents.

Photo Gallery

Victoria Memorial, Kolkatta, India

Victoria Memorial wallpaper

Victoria Memorial Pictures

Victoria Memorial Photo

Victoria Memorial Palace

Victoria Memorial Images

Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata

Night View of Victoria Memorial, Colkatta

Queen Victoria's statue inside the memorial

Rashtrapati Bhavan-The ministry of India

2010-05-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

Rashtrapati Bhavan is an eminent monument of British empire which is situated at the west end of the 2.5km long Rajpath (Kingsway), a tree-lined avenue flanked by lawns with orderly flowerbeds and lipped hedges, with the India gate at the opposite end. It is the house of the President of India. It is a real masterpiece that was built in the British period. It was designed by the great architect Edwin Lutyens, along with Herbert Baker, and completed in 1929. Previously it was known as “Viceroy's House" till 1950.

In 1947, when India became independent, the Vicefroy’s house was re-named Government House and when the country became a republic in 1952 it was re-christened as Rashtrapati Bhavan (President Quarters). The total cost of constructing the Rashtrapati Bhavan crossed £12, 53,000 in British India.
Visitors require official permission from Government of India Tourist Office to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan. To the west of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, there is a wonderful Mughal garden which is open to the public every spring. The timings are from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm on all days except Mondays. Every Saturday at 10.30 am, mounted and un-mounted troops parade in full uniform, at the front of gates of the secretariat and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which is worth attending.

Photo Gallery

The Rashtrapati Bhawan at night

The ministry at President house

Rastrapati Bhavan Photo

Rashtrapati Bhawan enterance gate

Rashtrapati Bhavan Wallpaper

Rashtrapati Bhavan Tower

Rashtrapati Bhavan Picture

Rashtrapati Bhavan night Photo

Indian President House Photo

Garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Elephants on the outer wall.

Rashtrapati Bhawan outer View

Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753-54)

2010-05-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

Safdarjung's Tomb is a beautiful mausoleum, situated at Lodi road, in the city of Delhi, India. The tomb was built in 1753-54 by Shuja-ud-Daula, in the style of late Mughal architecture. Shuja-ud-Daula was the son of Safdarjung. Safdarjang was the viceroy of Awadh under Mohammed Shah. Later he became his prime minister too. Safdarjung's tomb represents the last phase of the Mughal style of architecture.

Description of the Tomb :-
The Tomb is built with red sandstone and buff stone. It spreads over an area of 300 sq m. The garden of Safdarjung's tomb is laid down on the pattern of the Mughal Charbagh style. The Safdarjung tomb was erected roughly on the pattern of Humayun's tomb. There are two graves here, Safdarjung and the other apparently his wife's. There are polygonal towers at the corners of the mausoleum. Kiosks cover these. In the center of the underground chamber lie the graves of Safdarjang and his wife. The ceilings of the whole tomb are decorated with painted plasterwork. The marble and sandstone used in the construction have been removed from the mausoleum of Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana. Just at the frontage of the Safdarjung's Tomb, there is a beautiful Mughal garden which is properly maintained. It is also known as “Charbag” The garden is spread over an area of 300 square meters. It is divided into four squares by wide pathways and tanks. It is further divided into smaller squares. It resembles the Mughal style of garden or Charbagh.

Visitor’s information :-
You can visit this monument by paying a minimum entry fee. It remains open for all days from sunrise to sunset. If you want to take photos then you have to pay additional fee for that. You can reach here by taking local buses and auto rickshaw from any parts of the city. The Nizamuddin Railway is the nearest railway station to this tomb and Indira Gandhi International Airport is the closest airport.

Safdarjang’s Tomb wallpaper

Safdarjang’s Tomb Pictures

Safdarjang’s Tomb Photo

Safdarjang’s Tomb Paintings

Safdarjang’s Tomb Images

Safdarjang’s Photo

Safdarjang’s Grave

Reflection in water of Safdarjang’s Tomb

Safdarjang’s Tomb

A beautiful images of Safdarjang’s Tomb

Purana Qila

2010-01-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

The second Mughal Emperor, Humayun has constructed the Fort in 1538. After Babur arrived in India, he did nothing in his lifetime, but fight. Apart from that, his entire concentration was on building mosques. He considered them to be the centers from where Islam would take off. When Humayun decided to make a city of his own, he decided on the site of the ancient city of his own, he decided on the site ancient city of Indraprastha (Delhi). Humayun was quite a scholar with a fine grasp on such matters. Therefore, it is quite certain that the site was chosen deliberately. When Sher Shah Suri overthrew him, he destroyed most of Dinpanah (refuge of the faithful) as the city of Humayun was called, to make way for his own Dilli Sher Shani or Shergarh. Incidentally, Humayun was probably the only emperor in history who built a city in Delhi and did not give it his own name -this was typical of Humayun’s rather sophisticated and dreamy character.

The Design :-
The plan of Old Fort, now simply called "Purana Qila" by Delhites, is irregularly orbital. The walls of the immense Qila (Palace) tower down on the road that takes one to Pragati Maidan from the height of 18m, and run on for about 2km. It has three main gates - the Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi darwaza and Bara darwaza (which one used to enter the fort today). The double -storeyed gates are quite huge and built with red sandstone. The entry to the Qila was from Talaqi (forbidden) darwaza, the northern gate. It is not clear why this was so. Sher Shah Suri and his successor could not complete the city. When Humayun defeated Sher Shah’s son to take back his city, he did not deal with Dilli Sher Shani as the latter had done with Dinpanah. In fact the Mughal emperor very handsomely completed the city and even used several of the buildings like the Sher Mandal, a rather two stroreyed octagonal building. Humayun used this as his library and, then tripped to his death from its steps.

Excavations :-
Several excavations have taken place in the Purana Qila in an attempt to prove, or disprove as the case may be, whether it is indeed the site of Indraprastha or not. Diggings have yielded painted grey ware pottery, which has been dated to 1000 BC. Similar stuff has been noticed in other sites associated with the epic Mahabharata as well. These seem to conclusively prove that this indeed was the place, where Indraprastha once flourished. These excavations have also thrown up coins, associated with the Gupta (about 4-5th century AD) and post-Gupta ages (700-800 AD ) of Indian History as well.

Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid :-
One of the most fascinating buildings, and also one of the few that still survive, in the Purana Qila (Old Fort) is the Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid. Sher Shah Suri built it in 1541. He was obviously out to make a definite style statement. The mosque is quite a place; its prayer hall measures 168 ft. by 48.8 ft. It has five doorways with the true horseshoe-shaped arches. Apparently, the idea was to build the whole mosque in marble. During construction, the supply of marble ran out and red sandstone had to be used instead. Those were the days when due to constant strife, materials from far of places could not be procured easily. The builder used the material at hand very skillfully. The result is quite spectacular - the red sandstone and the marble contrast beautifully with each other to give the mosque a very distinctive air. The mihrabs (Prayer niches) inside the mosque are richly decorated with concentric arches. From the prayer hall, staircases lead one to the second storey where a narrow passage runs along the rectangular hall. A beautifully worked dome tops the central alcove. In the courtyard at one time, there was a shallow tank, which had a fountain. The mosque has an inscription, which says ‘as long as there are people on this earth, may this edifice be frequented, and people are happy in it. A noble thought - amen (confirm or agreed) to it.

How To Reach :-
The Purana quila is situated to the south-east of India gate and to the north of Humayun's tomb on mathura Road in New Delhi. There is an entry fee, Rs. 5/- for citizen of India and Rs. 100/- for foreigners. It is open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm everyday. Visitors can take local buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis or metro train from various points of the city to reach this monuments. The boats are available for a nominal price per hour rate. Since it is situated at a stone's throw from India Gate, reaching to this ancient fort is a matter of joke for every tourist.

Photo Gallery of the Fort
The Enterance of Purana Qila

Qila Kuhna Masjid, inside Purana Qila

Purana Qila wallpaper

Purana Qila view

Purana Qila Pictures

Purana Qila Photo, New delhi

Purana Qila Photo

Purana Qila images

Purana Qila , Delhi

Lake outside Purana Qila

A beautiful seen of Purana Qila

Palakkad Fort

2009-10-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

Palakkad (Palghot ) fort is an imposing fort covers an area of 15 acres. It is situated on the western border of Palakkad town, in the state of Kerala, South India. The fort is also known as Tipu's Fort. It was built by Haider Ali in 1766 and one of the best preserved forts in Kerala. Palakkad Fort- Tippu’s Fort has great historical importance and also represents the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The Fort narrates the history of Mysore invasion and the advent of the British to the region.

By the history, it is believed that when the local ruler of Palakkad declared independence from the Zamorins of Calicut (Kozhikode ), the Zamorins threatened an invasion to restore their lost possession. So the local ruler sought the help of the king of Mysore province (Now a part of Karnataka state) against the Zamorin’s invasion. Hyder Ali deputed to help him and later all these areas came under his control. Hyder Ali in 1766 AD built a fort with the help of French engineers in Palakkad. This was to facilitate Hyder’s communication between both sides of the Western Ghats (coast) Coimbatore and the West Coast, which were by then under his control.

Hyder Ali also used this fort as the military headquarters. In 1768, the British ruler Colonel Wood captured it from Hyder Ali and fort was damaged sue to the war. But a few months later it was re-captured by Hyder Ali and it was reconstructed on a solid foundation. The British under Colonel Fullerton again re-captured it in 1783. When the British left, it fell into the hands of the Zamorins. Taking advantage of this, Tippu Sultan’s (Hyder Ali’s son ) armed forces returned to capture the fort. Due to a delay in the arrival of help dispatched by Colonel Fullerton, The Zamorin abandoned the fort and the fort came under Tippu’s control. In 1790, the British under Colonel Stuart captured the fort again and it used as a base for the final attack on Srirangapatnam. They renovated the fort in European style.

Architectural Style
The fort is square in shape, with a drawbridge at the entrance and bastions at all four corners as well as in the centre, sits on a gentle hillock, to one end of the arterial Sultan pet area of town. Water flows in the moat and one unconsciously searches for the rare croc or maybe a monitor lizard immobile on a bank; there is nary even a fish to be seen, though.

Photo Gallery
Visitors ropeway at Palakkad Fort

Palakkad Fort, Kerala, India

Palakkad Fort Wallpaper

Palakkad Fort Photo

Palakkad Fort Images

Palakkad Fort Picture

Palakkad Fort In Kerala

Malampuzha in Palakkad Fort

Inside the Palakkad Fort

Entrance Gate of Palakkad Fort

Beautiful place at Palakkad Fort

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

2009-10-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

The Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. It is situated in Jodhpur city, just 5 km from town. Visitors can be reached from the city through a circular road. The red sandstone fort domination the city has the appearance of an elegant peacock and so it is also known as Mordhwaj Garh. The fort was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha who was the fifteenth Rathore ruler. He wanted to shift his capital from Mandore that’s why he built this fort.

The Museum
The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the finest in Rajasthan and certainly the best laid out. In this museum visitors can see the interesting collection of old royal palanquins, weapons, musical instruments, wood antique furniture, paintings, costumes etc. The employees in the palace, dressed in traditional Jodhpuri dress with shield, hookah to welcome the tourists and offer full information related to the various rooms in the palaces, adding some folklore, legends and royal stories in their own style. Visitors can also visit the following temples and palaces. These are the tourist attraction places in this fort.

1) National Geolgical Monument
2) The Chamunda Mataji Temple
3) Chamunda Devi Temple
4) Moti Mahal - The Pearl Palace
5) Sheesha Mahal - The Hall Of Mirrors
6) Phool Mahal - The Palace Of Flowers
7) Takhat Vilas - Maharaja Takhat Singh's Chamber.

The Mehrangarh fort is often described as one of the largest fort in India. Thousand of tourists have visited this fort. Today, Jodhpur is a developed city. All modern facilities are available here. There are also wide ranges of Hotels available here. Cheapest hotel are also available in Jodhpur.

Photo Gallery
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, India

Mehrangarh Fort wallpaper

Mehrangarh Fort Photo

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, India

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort Picture

Chamunda Devi Temple in Mehrangarh fort

Chamunda Devi temple in evening

Beautiful seen of Mehrangarh Fort

Konark Sun Temple, Orissa

2009-09-21T11:11:00.001-07:00

The Konark temple is a famous tourist attraction in Orissa as well as in India for its architectural grandeur, intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The temple is dedicated to the sun God or Surya. It is situated in Konark, in the state of Orissa near the sacred city of Puri. It is a masterpiece of Orissa’s medieval architecture and also known as “Black Pagoda”

Information of Konark Sun Temple
The temple city of Konark is situated in the eastern state of Orissa at a distance of around 65 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri. The whole temple has been conceived as a chariot of the God Surya with 24 wheels, each wheels are near about 10 feet in a diameter with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard at the entrance of the temple, crushing elephants. A flight of steps leads to the main entrance. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with thousands of images including deities, the Surasundaris, heavenly damsels, and human musicians, lovers, dancers, and different scenes from courtly life.
Konark was once a bustling port of Kalinga. It had good maritime trade relations with Southeast Asia. King Narashimhadev I (AD 1238-64) of the Ganga dynasty built the present Sun Temple to celebrate his victory over the Muslims. An envoy of the Mughal emperor Jahangir desecrated it in the early 17th century. After that, it fell into disuse. However, Legend has it that the temple was constructed by Samba, the son of Lord Krishna. It is said that Samba was afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father’s curse on him. After 12 years of penance, Surya, the Sun God cured him. In honour Surya, he built this temple.

Legend behind the Temple :-
One Legend on This Sun temple says that, The Samba who was the son of Krishna and Jambavati entered in the bathing chamber of Krishna’s wife, and was cursed by Krishna with leprosy. It was decreed that he (Samba) would be relieved of the curse by worshipping the Sun God on the seacoast north east of Puri. Accordingly, Samba reached Konaditya Kshetra (Sun area) and discovered an image of Surya seated on the lotus, worshipped him and was relieved of his curse. It is said that the temple was not completed as conceived because the foundation was not strong enough to bear the weight of the heavy dome. Local has religious faith that it was constructed in entirety; however its magnetic dome caused ships to crash near the seashore, and that the dome had to removed and destroyed and that the images of the sun God was taken to Puri.

Photo Gallery

Main enterance gate of Temple

Konark sun temple, Orissa

Konark Sun temple wallpaper

Konark sun temple, Orissa

Konark Sun temple Photo

Konark Sun temple images

Konark Sun temple

Festival in Konark temple

Wheel of Konark Sun Temple

dance festival in Konark sun temple

Humayun Tomb - New Delhi

2009-09-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Humayun was the eldest son of Babur succeeded his father and became the second emperor of the Mughal Empire. Humayun’s Tomb is a complex of building which was built by the orders of Hamida Banu Begum, Humayun’s senior widow, Bega Begum, popularly known as Haji Begum, built the magnificent Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, in 1565. It was the first garden-tomb on the made in India and it is situated in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, India.

Gateway of Purana Qila :-
Visitors can see beautiful images of Humayun’s Tomb from the Humayun Darwaza, a gateway in the Purana Qula or Old Fort in Delhi. The architect of the edifice was reportedly Sayyed Muhammad bin Mirak Ghiyasuddin and his father Mirak Ghiyasuddin who was brought in from Herat. Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the architect of Humayun’s Tomb, designed it in a Persian ‘charbagh’, or square four-garden style enclosed by high walls on three sides, and the River Yamuna on the other. The Father of Humayun and the first Mughal emperor Babur had introduced this style in India. It reached its zenith over the years of Mughal rule, culminating in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra. According to the historian Laura Sykes, Humayuns tomb is perhaps the Taj’s masculine equivalent, both literally and to some extent architecturally, as the epitome of solid imperial style. The carvings, the inlaid work on the marble of the walls and the trelliswork in red sandstone, are the other special Mughal features of Humayun’s tomb.

Photo Gallery
Visitors at Humayun Tomb

Side view of Humayun Tomb

Humayun Tomb wallpaper

Humayun Tomb, New delhi, India

Humayu Tomb photo

Front view Of Humayun Tomb.

Enterance to Humayun Tomb

Beautiful image of Humayun Tomb

Humayun Tomb, delhi, India

Humayun Tomb pictures

Humayun Tomb Picture

Humayun Tomb Photo

Humayun Tomb Images

Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur, Karnataka

2009-09-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

Gol Gumbaz means round dome. It is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, the 7th ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Indian sultans, who ruled the Sultanate of Bijapur from 1490 to 1686. Gol Gumbaz is situated in Bijapur district, in the state of Karnataka, India. The construction of the Gol Gumbaz was completed in 1659, by the famous architect, Yaqut of Dabul. The Dome is the second largest one in the world which is unsupported by any pillars.

Architectures of Gol Gumbaz :

Muhammad Adil shah II (1622-1657), who succeeded Ibrahim II, designed a tomb for him self, that was very different from any tomb in the past. He selected a large tract of land on the east side of the fort far away from the street and designed a square garden inside the gate. Here he built a tomb having a diameter of 44m. On the four corners, a seven storeyed minaret built and a dome 36m in diameter of 44m. On the four corners, a seven storeyed minaret built and a dome 36m in diameter was perched on top. There is no buttress taking the pressure of this the largest dome in India. It just stands on the four sturdy walls. The height of the ceiling is 50m. The space inside has no pillars and is devoid of decorations. At the base of the dome are balconies from where important personalities could look into the tomb.

Photo Gallery
Gol Gumbaz images

Gol Gumbaz , Bijapur

Gol Gumbaj photo

Front view of Gol Gumbaz

Visitors at Gol Gumbaz

Gol Gumbaz photo

Gol Gumbaz Picture

Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur, Karnataka

Gol Gumbaz Wallpaper

Gol Gumbaz View

Welcome to the Elephanta Caves

2009-09-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Elephanta Caves are the great tourist attraction in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai, in the state of Maharastra, India. It is the site of the magnificent natural elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. It takes an hour by boat, just 10km away from Gateway of India, Mumbai to reach Elephanta. As one goes towards Elephanta, one passes the Mumbai harbour and the naval barges. The island of Elephanta has been a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries. The sculptures were created beginning in the period of Gupta Empire or after that period. This Elephanta island was designed a UNESCO world Heritage site in 1987 to preserve the artwork.

Island Elephanta :-
The island was the capital of the powerful coastal kingdom. Later the Portuguese took possession of the island. There they found the monolith of an elephant. The island was named Elephanta. As the worship of the figure of the Buddha began to be encouraged with rise of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, a shrine was introduced to house Buddha’s image, replacing the cells at the centre of the back wall. The Monasteries of Ajanta lead us directly to Elephanta. It appears that the families of crafts men and sculptors, who worked on the Kailasa temple of Ellora and adjoining Buddhist caves at Ellora, were also employed at Elephanta.

After the Portuguese constructed a fort there, they hoisted their flag there towards off pirates. They hoisted their flag there towards off pirates. They used this fort and the sculpture for target practice and training, thereby damaging many sculptures. The British captured the island from the Portuguese. After that they tried to find out who built these caves, but failed. The British planned to take the monolith elephant to England but they could not lift it. It is now kept in the Bombay Museum. Hewn out of solid rock the caves attract more visitors each year than the entire city of Mumbai. No wonder, this place resonates with the spiritual energy of India. The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture. While they ruled the island the Portuguese used the carvings of the Hindu gods for target practice this damaging them. However, nothing has disturbed the sublime beauty of this place for centuries.

The Origination :-
At the entrance to the caves is the famous Trimurti, the celebrated trinity of Elephanta: Lord Brahma the creator, Lord Vishnu the Preserver and lord Shiva the Destroyer. In fact, the cave was the creation of an unknown genius, a master architect. Having thoroughly absorbed and assimilated the magnificent contribution of his predecessors in the dual traditions of the independent freestanding sculpture and rock-cut architecture. He produced a monument introducing a completely new world of form quite distinct from any previous achievement.

Hindu Mythology
Elephanta is the place where the main events in the mythology of lord Shiva, are depicted. At Ellora though other gods appear on the panel with Shiva, at Elephanta there is nothing but Shiva in various forms. That is Hindu Mythology. Three gods govern their world: Brahma- the creator, Vishnu - the Preserver and Maheshwara - the Destroyer. Here we find lord Shiva practicing yoga, meditating with snakes coiled around his wife, Parvati. Panel sixth of the caves represents the wedding of Shiva with Parvati. Panel sixth of the caves represents the wedding of Shiva with Parvati with the rites being performed by Brahma and scores of other Gods attending the grand ceremony. The coming of Ganga from heaven to Earth is described in panel fifth of the caves. As the great force of Ganga might have destroyed the Earth, She lands in the hair locks of Shiva who then gently release her. The wise and righteous Lord before whom the forces of evil and ignorance flee and are terrified into submission is carved on the seventh panel. On the western end is the sanctuary of Lingam denoting the essence of creative power. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as the lord of fertility and procreation.

Information for Tourist :-
Elephanta caves are the great tourist attraction in Mumbai. It is situated in Arbian Sea, just 10km away from Gateway of India. It is visited by many domestic as well as foreign visitors. The timing of this island is 9 A. M. to 5 P.M. and closed weekday is Monday. Enterence fee for the SAARC visitors is Rs. 10/- per head and for other $ 5 means Rs. 250/- per head. No fees charged to the children below than 15 years.

Photo Gallery
Elephanta Caves wallpaper

Elephanta caves pictures

Elephanta Caves Photo

Elephanta Caves images

Elephanta Caves view

The Linga shrine in Elephanta Caves

Outside the cave

Ouside view of Elephanta Caves

Main deity of the Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves, Mumbai, India

Dilwara Jain Temples

2009-09-10T10:14:00.001-07:00

Dilwara Temple is one of the famous Jain temples in India as well as all over world for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings. Many experts consider it architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. The Dilwara temple is situated about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, in the state of Rajasthan. This temple was built by Chalukya in 11th and 13th AD. Dilwara temples were built during the age of Jain supremacy and are one of the finest Jain temples of India has to offer.

The Jains built many temples in Rajsthan and other places but they are not so famous like Dilwara temple. The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous and has to be seen to be believed. The dilwara temple is open only 3 hours, from 12 afternoons to 3 afternoons for visitors. The entry is free in temple but no photography or Camera is allowed inside the temple campus.

Photo Gallery
Dilwara jain temple wallpaper

Dilwara jain temple pictures

Dilwara Jain temple photo

Dilwara jain temple images

Deity of Dilwara Jain temple

Dilwara jain temple view

Jantar-Mantar - Landmark in delhi

2009-09-05T10:42:00.001-07:00

The Jantar-Mantar is situated in the city of New Delhi, Delhi. It is an important landmark and tourist attraction of Delhi. It was build as an observatory. Jantar-Mantar is only one of the five observatories which is situated in Delhi. The remaining four are situated at Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Mathura. The construction of this historical building was started by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1710 and completed in 1727.

The original meaning of Jantar-Mantra is Jantar for instrument and Mantra for formula. The various abstract structures within the Jantar Mantar are, in fact, instruments that were use for keeping track of celestial bodies. Nevertheless, the Jantar Mantar is not only a time-keeper of celestial bodies: it also tales a lot about the technological achievement under the Rajput kings and their endeavor to unravel the mysterious pertaining to astronomy. The whole structure is made of stone and marble with each of then having an engraved astronomical scale. It has always attracted architects, historians and scientists from all over the world. Jantar Mantar finally got the status of a national monument in 1948.

Jantara Mantara

Jantar Mantar - Delhi

Jantar Mantar Photo

Jantar Mantar wallpaper

Jantar Mantar view

Jantar Mantar Images

Hazrat Nizamuddin Tomb - New Delhi

2009-08-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

The historic Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin is located in the Nizamuddin village, about two km from Humayun’s tomb, not far from the eastern end of the Lodi Road, New Delhi. This Tomb commemorates the memory of the great Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya who represented the Chisti order of Sufism in Delhi, India. It is also known as the Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya. Hazrat Nizamuddin's Tomb is a sacred place for the both Hindus as well as Muslims.

Construction of the tomb
Hazrat Nizamuddin’s original tomb no longer exists. It was vandalized and then demolished by succeeding raiders of Delhi. Faridum Khan built the present structure in the mid of 15th century. It was repaired and decorated by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Later rulers too did not neglect its upkeep. A mosque and many other tombs of famous people surround the dargah. These noblemen wished to be buried near the saint. It has a marble-paved courtyard where the sacred shrine of the saint can be seen. Shah Jahan later added the majestic pavilion with its marble arches and lattice screens known as jails.
The original grave of Nizamuddin is covered by a dark green cloth to pay respect to the saint. Every year thousands of devotees visit this place. The devotees normally visit the shrine on Thursday. They come there in large numbers seeking fulfillment of their prayers that day.

Photo Gallery
Visitors at Hazrat Nizamuddin Tomb

Tomb of Hazrat Nizamuddin

The tomb crowded with visitors on Thursday

Inside view of dargah

Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah pictures

Hazrat Nizamuddin dargah photo

Prayer at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Tomb

Hazrat Nizamuddin dargah images

Devotional music being sung at the tomb of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Delhi, India.

A qawwali singer at the Dargah

A large crowd on Thursday evening prayer

A flower seller near the Hazrat Nizamuddin Tomb

Jamali Kamali Tomb - Mehrauli

2009-08-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Jamali Kamali mosque and tombs are located near the Archaeological survey Park, on the western side of the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Mehrauli, about 300 meters south of Balban’s tomb. The construction of the mosque was started around 1528-29 during the rule of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire but was completed during Humayun’s reign. His tomb was also built in 1528-29, though he died in the year 1535-36. Jamali was the nom de plume of a saint and poet, Shaikh Fazlullah who was also known as Jalal Khan. He lived from the reign of Sultan Sikander Lodi till that of Mughal emperor Humayun and was a favorite of both kings.

Information for Tourist

Address of the Tomb: - Near the Archaeological survey Park, on the western side of the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, about 300 meters south of Balban’s tomb, Mehrauli, Delhi, India.

How to Reach: Visitors can either take local buses, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or take the metro rail from any part of the city.

Time to Visit: Open on all days.

Best Timings: sunrise to sunset.Fees: The tomb is Free for all the people.

Photographs: You can also take photograph easily.

Nearest Railway Station: Nizamuddin Railway Station.

Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat.

Functional Metro Station: Central Secretariat.

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Time required for sightseeing: About 30 minutes

Photo Gallery
View at Jamali Kamali, Mehrauli, Delhi, India

The courtyard of Jamali Kamali Mosque, Mehrauli

Jamali Kamali view

Jamali Kamali Tomb, Mehrauli, Delhi

Jamali Kamali Tomb Photo

Jamali Kamali Tomb

Jamali Kamali Picture

Jamali Kamali mosque, Delhi

Jamali Kamali Masjid

Jamali Kamali Tomb wallpaper

Jamali Kamali Images

Inside View at Jamali Kamali Mosque

Graves in jamali kamali

Gwalior fort

2009-07-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Gwalior fort has changed hands many times, from the Tomars in the 8th century to the Scindhias who were its masters when India became independent, and each of these dynasties adorned and embellished the fort. One cannot help being impressed with the perfect blend of the Hindu and Muslim architecture that characterizes the fort and finds its fullest expression in this brilliant monument.

Architecture Of Gwalior Fort :-
Build by the Rajput ruler clan Tomars in the 15th century, the awe-inspiring Gwalior fort in Madhya Pradesh is situated on sandstone precipices, which are 2.8 km long and 200-850 m wide and 91m above surrounding plains. A major portion of the fort was built during the reign of Raja Man Singh, one of the greatest of the Tomar kings, for his Queen Mrignayani. Described as the ‘pearl among the fortresses of Hind’ by the great mughal Emperor Babur, the fort surrounded by imposing walls 35-feet high and two miles in length, is the perfect blend of Hindu and architecture.

The Fort :-
The mighty fort dominates Gwalior city, a place that has served as the centre of several historic north Indian kingdoms. With a turbulent and pretty eventful past, the Gwalior fort has changed hands many times, from the Tomars in the 8th century it passed on to the Mughals, then the Marathas under the Scindia’s (1754) followed briefly by Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, Tatiya Tope and the British. From the British the fort finally went to its former masters, the Scandia’s when India became independent. The fort has been a mute witness to many historical battles and events- one of the most important among them being the 1857 revolt, as well as the valiant death of Rani of Jhansi, (Rani Laxmi Bai) in 1558 within its ramparts while fighting against the British.

Gateways, Temples and Palaces :-
This magnificent fort with two main entrances encloses three complexes, six palaces, temples and a number of water tanks. Inside the fort there are some wonders of medieval architecture, including temples, such as Teli-ka- Mandir (8-11th century AD) and Sas-bahu ka Mandir (16th century),and Man Mandir Palaces (15th century) and Suraj Kund, an 8th century AD water tank where the Rajput chieftain suraj sen or Suraj Pal, who founded the Gwalior city, is believed to have been cured of a deadly diseases after drinking from the pond and the direction of Saint Gwalipa, in whose name the city is named.

Of the two main entrances to the Fort, one is in the north-east and other is in the south-west. On either sides of the access road to the southwest entrances- the Urbai Gate, are statuses of Jain Thirthankaras dating back to the 8th and the 15th centuries, some up to 20m tall. The figures were defaced by the forces of Babur in 1527 but were later restored. The images are classified into five main groups. The Arwahi group contains a 17m high standing sculpture of the first Jain thirthankara, Adinath and a 10m high seated figure of Nemnath, the 22nd Jain thirthankara. The south-eastern group is the most important and covers nearly 1 km of the cliff face with more than 20 images.

The northeastern entrance to the fort, accessible through worn out steps cut out of the rock, has six gates. The gateways in between include the Gwalior or Alamgiri Gate built in 1660, named after emperor Aurangazeb. Badalgarh or hindola gate, a fine example of Hindu architecture named after Man Singh’s uncle, Raja Badal Singh Tomar, the third gate, Bhairon no longer exists; the ourth gate build in the 14th century (876AD) has the Vishnu Chaturbhuja or Four-Armed temple in Gwalior. The last gate, Hati pur, or elephant gate built in 1516 is the entrance to the main Man Mandir palace. Another gateway, the Hawa Gate, which Stood within the palace, has been demolished.

Tallest Structure
The tallest structure in the fort, the 100 ft high Teli-ka Mandir (Oil man’s temple) dates back to the 9th century, and is the most impressive of all the temples in the Gwalior fort. Constructed by the Pratihar Rajas, this Vishnu temple is an amalgamation of the Dravidian (From South India ) and the Indo-Aryan (North Indian) architectural styles. The roof is typically Dravidian but the sculptures and embellishing inside are Indo-Aryan in nature. The 10m high doorway has a Garuda statue on top.

Sas-Bahu-ka-Mandir : (Mother in law and daughter in law temples) the two graceful temples similar in style but different in sizes adjoining each other were originally known as the ‘Sahastrabahu’ temples. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, the twin temples dating between 9th and 11th century dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sahastrabahu, stands close to the eastern wall of the fort.

Mahipala built a Kachhwaha Rajput Prince of Gwalior in 1093 AD the larger one among the two. The temple several storeys high, is balanced solely with the help of beams and pillars without arches. The doorways, ceilings and four huge pillars are sculpted with graceful figures and intricate patterns. The temple has an ornately carved base and the ceiling is an impressively carved dome. The smaller temple, widely recognized as that of the Bahu, more elegant in appearance than the greater Sas-Bahu temple consists of an open sided porch with a pyramidal roof. Between the Teli Ka Mandir and the Sas-Bahu temple there is the historic Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhorh built in memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the 6th Sikh Guru. Completely made of white marble, the Gurudwara is decorated with colour glasses with cupolas on domes made of gold.

Man Mandir Palace : Approached via the northeastern fort entrance, is the most impressive building in the Gwalior fort. It was built by Raja Man singh of the Tomar dynasty between 1486 and 1516 and was later repaired in 1881. The palace is also known as the chit Mandir or Painted Palace for its richly tiled and Painted decorations with elephants and peacocks, and the exceptional fresco with the ducks paddling in turquoise waters. The now deserted palace has four storeys, two of them underground. Rooms are spacious but bare, some of them with fine screens used for musical concerts where behind these screens, the royal ladies used to listen to concerts and learn music.

Below the palace, there are circular underground cells used as a prison during the Mughal Period. Emperor Aurangazeb imprisoned his brother Murad and later executed him here. The Sikh guru Har Gobind was also imprisoned here for two years. Near by is the Jauhar Kund where the Rani (queen) committed Mass sati or self-immolation, after their husbands were defeated in battle, following the Rajput tradition.

Other Palaces within the Gwalior Fort, which are worth seeing, included the Vikramaditya Mahal, Karan Mandir, or Kirti Mandir Palace, the Jahagir Mahal, the Shahjahan Mahal and the Gujari Mahal. Built in 1516, the Vikramaditya Mahal with a domed roof lies between Man Mandir and Karan Mandir and narrow galleries connect these palaces. Karan or kirti mandir is a two storeyed palace with a long pillared hall built by Raja Kirti Singh.

Raja Mansingh Tomar built the 15th century Gujari Mahal for his favourite queen, Mrignayani. The exterior of the Gujari Mahal is well preserved and the Palace now houses an Archeological museum. There is a large collection of hindu and jain sculptures, archeological pieces some dating back to the 1st, and 2nd century BC, terracotta, imitate of the Bagh (Garden), and caves frescoes. The statue of Shalbhanjika (the tree goddess) brought from Gyras Pur, an exceptional piece in miniature is kept in the museum.

Inside of Gwalior fort

Gwalior Fort Wallpaper

Gwalior Fort Photo

Gwalior Fort Design

Gwalior Fort backside view

Gwalior Fort , Madhya Pradesh

A beautiful seen of Gwalior Fort

Rides in Gwalior mela

Gwalior Fort Images

Bekal Fort – Largest fort in Kerala

2009-07-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

Bekal fort is the largest fort in Kasargod district, in the state of Kerala, India. The fort is spreading over forty acres. The fort is near about 350 years old and it is believed that, the fort was built in 1650 AD by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty. It is also believed that the fort was originally made by kolathiri Rajas and later captured by Sivappa Naik. The important features of this fort are the tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower which is a rarity.

Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of a palace is found within the Fort. It was built for fulfilling the defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are so remarkable that they are specially designed to define the fort effectively. The fort faces the Arabian Sea. Bekal fort stands on a promontory between two long classically beautiful palm fringed beaches. The main attraction nearby the fort is Centuries old fort, virgin beaches, and pristine backwaters etc.

Photo Gallery
Shrine at Bekal Fort

From inside the fort

Bekal fort, Kasargod, Kerala

Bekal fort wallpaper

Bekal Fort View

Bekal Fort Picture

Bekal Fort Photo

Bekal Fort Images

Bekal Fort Beach

Arabian Sea visible from the Bekal fort at evening

A beautiful seen at Bekal Fort

Flora- Fountain- Mumbai

2009-06-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

Flora-Fountain is situated in fort business district, close to the church gate, south Mumbai, Mumbai. It was built in 1864. The imported Poland stone was used for the same structure. Flora is the Roman Goddess of Flowers, her pretty alabaster face continually assaulted by grime and pollution. It stands at a busy five-point intersection in the heart of the commercial fort area. The flora fountain was constructed by the Agri-Horticultural society of western India and designed by R. Norman Shaw.

“The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower” is a hotel situated in Mumbai. It is the very famous hotel in Mumbai. This is a 5 star deluxe hotel situated at Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai. Cheapest hotels are also available here. Mumbai is the commercial capital of India. It is also called as “Dream City” & “City of Bollywood”. Here, Visitors can see the Haji ali, Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumba devi Temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, Gateway of India and so many interesting places. But in these places “Flora- Fountain” is the heart of Mumbai.

Photo Gallery
Night View of Flora - Fountain

Flora Fountain Photo

Flora Fountain view

Flora Fountain picture

Flora Fountain image

Flora Fountain Garden

A beatiful seen of Flora Fountain

Statue at the Flora fountain