Hampi

One of the most superlative city of the world in its hey-days, Hampi still gleams with its extreme past implication Accepted by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Site, Hampi – the world famous majestic city, bewitch tourists from all over with its only one of its kind architectural beauty.

Hampi, seeming “as large as antique rome” and the capital of Vijayanagara, the largest empire in post-Mughal India (14th century), is today aesthetical joy to experience. The Vijayanagara empire famous for bringing great work of transformation and structure of temples and architectural complex left its very capital, Hampi, of no exception. The city frozen in time is still brimmed with sculptural and architectural beauty boasting its majesty.

The ruined city of Hampi today spread into 26 sq km of area, and visit to it assure you that you are left with a good pack of high regard of its elegant palaces and complex. Walking through the places which once held the clamorous bazaars, and numerous of temples and palaces may have lost its liveliness, but the whole complex still has something incomparable to boast of. And that is its elan of architectural and sculptural richness. The pride and valor of the desolated city still dwells in each of its design and carving work.

Royal Enclosure: Walking into the citadel of the city takes you to view many of royal buildings, such as palaces, pavilions, public baths, stables and other quarters. Some buildings catching your attention are Queen’s Bath, Mahanavami Dibba, Hazara Rama Temple and Elephant stables.

The Temple Area: Laid out in traditional South-Indian styles, temples like Virupaksha Temple, Achyut Raya Temple, Vitthala Temple and Krishna Temple are some of the famous temples, which keep tourists engaged in gazing its architectural beauty. Close to the Vitthala Temple is King’s Balance, the famous stone frame.

Agra Fort

Better called as Red fort of Agra, Agra Fort lying only 2 km far from the Taj Mahal is called as its sister memorial. Occupied by all of the famous Mughal emperors like Babur, Humayun, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb, the fort gets a huge importance in the history of India. Reconstructed in its current state between 1565-1571, the fort still maintains pompously its architectural and chronological majesty.

Agra Fort on both sides of almost 2.5 km, like the Taj Mahal, lies on the bank of river Yamuna. Made of red brickwork, the enormous like fort has two gates – the Delhi Gate and Amar Singh Gate. Still, northern part of the fort (Delhi Gate) is used by Indian Army, and is not open for general public. Though the single gate, Amar Singh Gate is available and open for common herd, yet it is worth giving one a impressive peer into chronological and architectural elegance of the fort.

Jahangiri Mahal: Viewing this largest private residence of the fort, Jehangiri Mahal will let you witness the Hindu and central Asian architectural style.

Khas Mahal: Seeing paintings on the white marble surface is thoroughly breathtaking as the physical setting as well as the eminent paintings are best example of Persian-Islamic art wonder.

The Moti Masjid: Built of white marble, the Pearl Mosque is another wonder for tourists letting them keep gazing its architectural beauty.

Sheesh Mahal: Being at the Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) implies getting stunned with the view of one of the best work of glass-mosaic decoration of the country.

Humayun Tomb

Following the burial chamber style of Taj Mahal, Humayun Tomb is one of the best conserved memorials of Mughal construction. The tombs having the model of Charbagh has been selected as the World Heritage Site, and have become one of the most popular tourist spot in the chronological city of Delhi.

With high arches and double dome, the tomb was built by the senior widow of Mughal emperor, Humayun after his death in 1556. The magnificent tomb is said to be the inspiration behind construction of many other Mughal and other historical edifice. The large stone platform of the tomb is surrounded by beautiful garden, which form the best attraction of the tomb.

The beautiful view of the Humayun Tomb is seen even from the Humayun Darwaja (gateway) at Purana Quila (old fort). The carvings and in-laid works on the red sandstones similes the kind of craftsmanship done in Taj Mahal. That is why historian designates this tomb as masculine equivalent of Taj Mahal. Walking through the three gardens and storeyed gateways show visitors the supremacy of Mughal architectural taste.

Charbagh: Divided into small squares by pathways, the garden of the tomb better called as Charbagh is the best thing to strike you first when you enter the tomb.

The Tomb: Three lofty arches and marbled double dome (unlike all the domes of complexes in contemporary period) are the best architectural attraction in the tomb.

Other monuments: Visit to many of the famous complexes like Barber’s Tomb, Arab Ki Sarai, Afsarwala Tomb and Masjid and Tomb of Isha Khan are rich in their architectural beauty, and are joy for tourists.

Fatehpur Sikri

One among all World Heritage Sites of India, Fatehpur Sikri tops the list with its beautiful architectural beauty and rich historical significance. Located 37 km from Agra, the city of Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri even after four centuries of ts existence remains with its greater architectural beauty as it was earlier.

Now abandoned, Fatehpur Sikri or city of victory, built by great Mughal emperor Akbar, is better known for its architectural magnificence. Built between 1571 and 1585, Fatehpur Sikri sets one of the best example of Mughal architectural splendour, which is undoubtedly one of the best architectural and historical asset which the country has inherited from the past.

Walking amidst the red sandstone made courtyards and complexes, getting stunned with its architectural structure and its beauty is no wonder. The diverse and distinct architectural style of the complex let one explore an exquisite amalgam of Muslim and Hindu craftsmanship. Complexes like Diwan-i-Khas, Ankh-Michauli, Panch Mahal, Khwabgah (the palace of dreams), Jodha Bai’s Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jami Masjid and Buland Darwaza are places where one witnesses a comprehensive presentation of rich architectural beauty.

Watch the architectural wonder of Mughal era: The magnificent complex made of red sandstone will show you a perfect amalgam of Hindu and Muslim architectural craftsmanship, which prevailed during the Mughal era.

Enjoy the religious and spiritual affinity: A visit to nearby Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti is must while you are at Fatehpur. As the Dargah is of deeper religious significance, a prayer before the Dargah has to be have in your schedule.

Capture the history in your camera: The best you can bring back to your home from this renowned monument will be its photographs. Whether you are gazing at the huge pillars of Diwan-I-Khas, 5-storey edifice of Panch Mahal or architectural intricacy of Jami Masjid, you will get strong reason to capture all of them in your camera.

Ajanta Caves

The majestic Ajanta Caves are located near the city of Aurangabad in Mumbai. As a popular World Heriatge Site of India, these caves are repository of 30 other caves in which 9, 10, 19 26 and 29 are chaitya-grihas and the rest are monasteries. These caves are world famous for the cave shrines that are cut out of rock. The carvings depict the life of Buddha. The Ajanta caves were discovered in the 19th century by the group of british officials.

The caves at Ajanta are architecturally marvelous. They are set in a steep crescent-shaped hillside in a forested ravine of the Sahayadri hills. The Buddhists caves of Ajanta are popularly known for their well preserved frescoes (wall paintings) which vividly depict the lifestyle of that period. These caves narrate the age old tradition and culture. These caves presents the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, cave paintings and sculptures.

Architecture admiration : Ajanta caves are the most amazing architectural sites in India. Indulge yourself in sightseeing around these beautiful caves. Admire the beautifully decorated and most preserved paintings, portraying magnificent array of colours, hairstyles, poses and costumes. Have a look at the decorated galleries, curved pillars, Jataka scenes, mighty doorways. Theses caves have unique floral pattern and roofs are beautifully designed. The sculptures resembles the fine images of the animals, birds as well as flowers.

Enjoy photography : Spend some time taking pictures of these wonder caves. The best time for photographing is the morning time as the Ajanta Caves face eastwards. You can also enjoy shooting inside the caves, but avoid shooting in the afternoon as during that period the inside chambers of the caves are less illuminated.

Sightseeing : You can simply laze around in the open lawns or you can also take the bicycle ride to explore the caves. You can hire a guide who can help you visiting all the hidden treasures of the Ajanta and Ellora while, and can explain the historical importance and significance of these caves. Make a visit to the nearby popular places such as Ellora caves, Elephanta island, Khandala and Lonavala.

Shopping : Shop for the Paithani silk saris, Himroo textiles, Mashru and Kimkhab weaves. Womens can buy semi-precious stones available in rough, polished and jewelery form. Old coins of the Mughal period will prove to be a unique buy for tourist.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an “elegy in marble” or some say an expression of a “dream.” Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan’s real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.

Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time. The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory of construction materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were employed. In addition, many renowned Muslim craftsmen from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many specialized tasks.

The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements.

Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur’an and the bold scroll work of flowery pattern, give a captivating charm to its beauty. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.

The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden elements serve like Arabesque, standing on their own and also constituting the whole.

Red Fort

The heritage list after Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Red Fort or Lal Quila is the largest of the monument in the old Delhi which is situated on the western bank of the river Yamuna. It was the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's new capital called- Shahjahanabad. It is one of the most spectacular pieces of the Mughal architecture in Delhi.

The massive fort is built of red sandstone. The construction began in 1639 and completed in 1648. It has two main entrances. Visitors can get entrance either from the either from the Delhi gate or from the Lahore gate. It is surrounded by the walls that extends up to 2 kms in circumference. The fort has beautifully constructed Diwan-i-Aam or the Hall of Public audience where emperor used to hear complaints of the common people. Diwan-i-Khas resembles the beautiful Urdu poetry of Amir Khusro as - 'If there is Paradise on the face of the earth, it is here, it is here, it is here'. Diwan-i-Khas once housed the famous peacock throne, which was plundered by the Nadir Shah in 1739. The Rang Mahal or the Palace of Colours is the another main attraction of this fort. It is known for th lotus shaped fountain.

It was from here that the Britishers forced the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar to leave the empire. It marked the end of Mughal rule in India. The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, unfurled the Indian tricolour flag here and delivered the speech anouncing the indepence of India.

Light and sound show at Red Fort : Visitors can enjoy the light and sound show at the Red Fort held in the evening. Shows are in English and Hindi and the tickets are available from the fort. The English sessions are at 7.30 pm from November to January, 8.30 pm from February to April and September to October, and at 9 pm from May to August.

Nature walk : You can take a nature walk in and around the Red Fort admiring its magnificent architecture work. Kill some time taking pictures of this beautiful monuments. You can also hire the guides , who give the better insight of the fort.

Shopping : Chatta Chowk is the famous market place near to the Red Fort. You can buy everything from souvenirs, knickknacks to carpets and fine brass. After shopping you can also enjoy the famous pani puri and bhel puri from the road side stalls.