Dilli Ki Shaan

Tughlaqabad Fort

Tughlaqabad Fort, perched on a rocky hill, constitutes one third of the capital city of India. The fort is located on the Qutab-Badarpur Road and was built by Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. The Tuglaqabad Fort seems to be more or less octagonal, with a border of approximately 6.5-km. The ramparts of the fort, now in ruins, are between 10m to 15m high with fortresses and gateways at intervals. The Tughlakhabad at Delhi was built to serve a dual purpose, one of providing a defensive structure to the ruler and the second, to serve as his imposing capital.

Tughlaqabad stands divided into three segments. The eastern segment is entered through from the Qutub-Badarpur road. It is a rectangular area enclosed within high walls and bastions and used to serve as the citadel. On the west side of the Tughlaqabad Fort is a wider area that once contained the palaces and is surrounded by walls and bastions. A huge reservoir stands on the southern side of the Tughlaqabad Fort at Delhi. Bunds were put up between hills to the east to create the reservoir, which is linked with Ghiyas-ud-Din's tomb through a causeway.

There is a wide mound near the south eastern-corner of the Fort Tughlakhabad of Delhi that leads to the fortress of Adilabad. The sluice gates near the mound were used for controlling water for irrigation purposes. There is also a tower, known as the Bijai-Mandal, inside the fort, along with remains of several halls, and also a long underground passageway. To the north of the fort, lies the city of Tughlaqabad, which is now mostly in ruins..

Location: Tughlaqabad is the third city of Delhi, located about 10 kms. east of Qutub complex along the Mahrauli-Badarpur Road.

The Origin:

Tughluqabad Fort was situated on high rocky ground, an ideal location to withstand enemy attacks. The origin of the historic city of Tughlaqabad and the Tughlaqabad Fort goes to the period of the Delhi Sultanate. The Tughlaqs who followed the Khiljis were great builders and the city of Tughlaqabad and Tughlaqabad Fort were their first major architectural achievement. The story behind Ghazi Malik (founder of the Tughlaq dynasty) was once a slave of Mubarak Khilji, the last Khilji sultan. One day, while walking by the area Ghazi Malik suggested to his master that the rocky prominence would be an ideal site for building a fort. The Khilji sultan laughed at his slave and suggested that the slave build a fort there when he became a sultan. When Ghazi Malik, as Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, founded the Tughlaq Dynasty in 1321, he did just that Tughlaqabad is Delhi's most colossal and awesome fort, even in its ruined state. In fact Ghiyasuddin had selected this site for the fort when he was a mere soldier. The fort of Tughlaqabad was completed rapidly in a short span of four years. Within its sky-touching walls, double-storied bastions, and gigantic towers were housed grand palaces, splendid mosques, and audience halls. Tughlaqabad is a formidable reminder of Delhi's embattled past and the terror. It was a period of political unrest and the Delhi Sultanate had to face a number of attacks from hoards of marauding Mongols, who descended on it in waves from the north. The massive fortifications of Tughlaqabad, with immense circular bastions, were raised by Ghiyas-ud-din to protect his subjects.

Legends Of Tughlaqabad:

There are a number of legends associated with Tughlaqabad. It is often said that the skulls of the killed Mongol marauders were used in the construction material of this awesome fort. Its construction involved a legendary quarrel with the saint Nizam-ud-din. When the Tughluq ruler took the workers whom Nizam-ud-din wanted for work on his shrine the saint cursed the king with the warning that only the Gujjars (shepherds) would inhabit his city. The demise of Tughlaqabad was not brought about by any foreign invasion, but to the curse of a Sufi Saint Nizam-ud-din. The legendary quarrel between the two started when Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq did not allow his people to work for the saint on the construction of a baoli (step well), which angered the saint. A protracted tiff followed, which offended the saint and led to his famous prophecy Hunuz Dilli dur ast (Delhi is yet far away), for the sultan was then out in Bengal. His prophecies proved true. Ghiyas-ud-din was killed at a place near Delhi when a shamiana (canopy) collapsed over him during a reception arranged by his son. The sultan could not reach Delhi alive. His successor chose to build his own fort and deserted Tughlaqabad. It is generally believed that the death of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq was engineered and plotted by his son. One story describes that Muhammad bin Tughlaq killed his father by building a false wooden balcony, which collapsed and killed Ghiyas-ud-din. The son murdered and ascended the throne of Delhi, thus making the prophecies of Saint Nizam-ud-din come true. The massive block walls glow a beautiful golden colour in the afternoon sun. The remains of underground markets and some royal residences are visible inside the walls.

An Architectural Marvel with Military Style:

The massive Tughlaqabad Fort, is not only symbolic of the might of the Tughlaq dynasty, but it is a piece of architectural marvel. It was a part of the dream project of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq when he built the capital at Tughlaqabad. However, this powerful edifice did not last long and fell to the curse of a saint. The crumbling ruins of the Tughlaqabad Fort convey a sense of lost grandeur. The massive ramparts, battlements, and the mammoth stonework of this fort speak highly of the engineering skills of the workers who constructed it. The fort served the dual purpose of a defensive structure as well as the imperial capital of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. There are a number of monuments within the precincts of this fort.

Kalkaji Mandir

Situated beyond the commercial complex of Nehru Place lies Kalkaji temple dedicated to the Goddess Kalka Devi. Kalkaji mandir is very famous and has numerous devotees thronging it on many religious occasions, throughout the year. Small red flags decorate the temple then, and women outnumber men among the devotees. Folklore is replete with tales of the Kalkaji temple, so much so that one does not know where legend ends and history begins.

This is a very old temple and the oldest part was built up in 1764 A.D. The Kali Temple in Kalkaji boasts of an existence of 3,000 years, although the oldest surviving portion of it dates to 1764-1771 when the Marathas were in power. Looking at the present-day Kalkaji temple one may find it hard to believe that this shrine to Kali is an antique one, where perhaps even the Pandavs and Kauravs had worshiped during the reign of Yudhisthir, whose citadel of Indraprastha had the fabled fairy gates of which bards sang, much like Homer of old, right up to the time of Prithviraj Chauhan.

The temple is situated on a hill and is dedicated to Kali. There is a very distinctive feeling there and the devotees are overwhelmed by light, which stay during the whole night. The power of Ma Kali is ambiguous but powerful. Devotees also try to meditate there and a spectacular tantric aarati is held at about 7 pm. The temple is also quite near to the Bahai Temple, which is just opposite on the other side of a big road.

Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya

 
Address: Nizamuddin
City: New Delhi
State: Delhi
Location: North India
Year of Construction: 1562-63 AD
Constructed By: Muhammad Tuglaq
Type of Construction: Medieval
Type of Building: Mosque
Religion: Islam
Accomodation: Accomodations are easily available in hotels and lodges in Delhi.
Accesibility: New Delhi is connected to the other major Indian cities by air, rail and road.

Nizamuddin Dargah enshrines Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya or Nizam-ud-Din, a revered Sufi saint. During the lifetime of the saint, a settlement developed here, still inhabited and known by the name of Nizamuddin. Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya Dargah of Delhi also entombs Amir Khusrau, a poet and the saint's favorite disciple. The Dargah was built by Muhammad Tughluq and consists of one of the most revered pilgrimages of the Muslims. Other tombs enshrined in the Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin Awliya Dargah are those of Jahan Ara Begum, Shah Jahan's daughter and Mirza Ghalib, a distinguished poet.

Surrounded by a number of tombs, this Dargah is constructed on top of a tank. There is a legend attached to the Nizamuddin Dargah. It is believed that there was an argument between the rulers of Tughluqabad and the saint over building this tank. The saint, in anger, cursed the rulers that the city of Tughluqabad will never prosper and so did it happen. After its initial construction, the Dargah underwent a number of renovations and reconstructions. The present mausoleum, constructed by Faridu'n Khan, dates back to the year 1562-63. Qawwali singers perform at Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya Dargah of Delhi around sunset after the evening prayers.

The square chamber of the Dargah is adorned with verandahs and arched gateways. Domed roof of the building has vertical stripes of black marble and is crowned by a lotus cresting. Even the area surrounding the tomb is considered as sacred. Many Muslims, including the royals, have been buried here. The rush for the Dargah is exceptionally heavy during Id and the Urs fair held twice a year. The Urs fair is organized bi-annually n the death anniversaries of Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya and Amir Khusrau. There are a number of monuments in the Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin Awliya Dargah including Jama'at-Khana Masjid, Chini Ka Burj (mosque), tombs of Muhammad Shah and Mirza Jahangir, Kali-or-Kalan Masjid, etc..

Moth Ki Masjid 

 
Address: 2-km From Hauz Khas
City: New Delhi
State: Delhi
Location: South India
Year of Construction: 16th Century
Constructed By: Wazir Mirza Bhoiya
Type of Construction: Medieval
Type of Building: Mosque
Religion: Islam
Accomodation: Accomodations are easily available in hotels and lodges in Delhi.
Accesibility: New Delhi is connected to the other major Indian cities by air, rail and road.


Moth ki Masjid, also known as "the mosque from Lentil" now lies deserted and secluded. This mosque was built during the rule of Sikandar Lodi around 500 years ago and has a legend attached to its origin. It is believed that one day Sikandar Lodi gave a grain of moth (a type of lentil) to his loyal minister Wazir Miya Bhoiya as a reward, just for fun. The minister took those seeds and started planting the seeds year after year. Gradually the seeds multiplied many times and a day came when they could be sold for money, enough for the construction of a mosque. So, the minister went to the King and asked for his permission to build the mosque.

Sikandar Lodi got very impressed with the intelligence of his minister and laid the foundation of the mosque himself. The Moth Masjid of Delhi was built according to the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Unlike the traditional mosques, it has no minarets, calligraphic decorations and embellishments, etc. Rather, it is a small and simple mosque that marked the resumption of architectural activity during Lodi dynasty rule. Made up of red sandstone, the Delhi Moth ki Masjid boasts of a small semicircular dome and windows with latticework screens. It is believed that this mosque served as the private mosque of Sikandar Lodi's minister..

 

Wildlife Destinations in India

Kaziranga National Park

Nested beautifully on the banks of the great Brahmaputra River in the far North Eastern state of Assam in India, Kaziranga National Park is spread across an area of about 430-sq-kms with its swamplands and high thickets of elephant grass making it the idyllic home for the Indian One-Horned Rhino. It was given the status of a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1940. The Kaziranga National Park is also an ideal spot for observing rare species of birds that are found here. The naturalists are definitely going to appreciate this place since it has ideal conditions for the survival of a wide-range of flora and fauna.

Catching the glimpses of the wild denizens is a complete delight for the nature enthusiasts at this magnificent park. On your wildlife tours in Kaziranga you will come across several wild animals such as Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc.
Besides the wildlife safari, the birding tour would be a remarkable experience for the passionate birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Some of the bird species include Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, etc. One can also spot a significant number of the migratory birds that frequent the parks lakes and swampy areas during winters that include Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller.

The Kaziranga Tour Packages would be the best choices to explore the wilderness of the Kaziranga National Park. This park also offers decent accommodation options for the tourists that include Wildgrass Resort, Bonhabi Resort and Aranya Resort to mention a few of them. The best time to visit the Kaziranga National Park in Assam is from mid-November to early April.

This park can be reached by air, rail as well as road transport quite easily. The nearest airport is Jorhat and the nearest railway station is Furkating.

Moreover, this park is also connected by the fine road links of National Highways and smooth road network.

Sariska

Wildlife in Rajasthan is among the major tourist attractions of the state. The arid climate and a varied topography have resulted in a wildlife which is, in many ways, unique to the state. The desert, the old Aravalli hills, lakes, and natural forests have been resided by many animals for millions of years. As human population encroaches into the wild habitat, the problem of conservation arises. Sariska National Park and tiger reserve is one of the most imp and well known protected forests in north India. It is one of the few pockets of forests that have survived along the ancient Aravalli hills. The National Park attracts a lot of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world, thus contributing towards the growth of tourism in Rajasthan.

The protected area in the park measures about 800 sq kms, out of which about 480 sq kms is the core area. The Siliserh Lake is located besides the tiger reserve, besides the road between Sariska and Alwar. The flora of the forest includes dry deciduous vegetation typical of this region. The major species include Dhok, Tendu, Khair, Surwal, and Goria, apart from bushes and grasslands.

Sariska was formerly the private hunting reserve of the royal family of Alwar. Tigers were once abundant here, supported by a self sufficient eco system. However, indiscriminate killing brought down the tiger population on the verge of extinction. The first protection came from the maharaja himself. Maharaja Jai Singh, the ruler of Alwar brought the forest under protection in the late 19th century. After independence the forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955. National park status came much later, in 1982, although a core area was identified and declared a tiger reserve in 1979, as part of project tiger. The tiger population in Sariska has improved ever since, although poaching and limited area remain major concerns. Tigers are not sighted commonly here, though pug marks and other signs can be picked up by experienced guides.

Panther, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, caracal and wild dogs are the other important carnivores of the forest. The last two species named have been sighted but are very elusive and accurate data about their population or behavior is lacking. Crocodiles can be seen at the Siliserh Lake, besides other reptiles like the monitor, snakes, and chameleons. The herbivores include cheetal, sambar, nilgai, chinkara, porcupines, and hares.

The park is home to a large number of birds. These include the commonly found species in this region, like gray partridges, pea fowl, quail, white breasted king fisher, sand grouse, crested serpent eagle, tree pie, wood peckers and the great Indian horned owl.

A wonderful feature of the park is the strategically placed and comfortable hides that enable the tourists to observe wild animals from up close. These are placed near the water holes that are frequented by animals. The other way to explore the wildlife is by jeep safaris. One should start at dawn, or alternatively, before dusk. The surfaced roads and trails are convenient to travel by forest vehicles, and experienced guides will guide you as you go deep into the jungle.

Sariska is also home to many historic sites, among which the Neelkanth temples located nearby, the medieval Kankwari fort and the palace that has been turned into a hotel are the chief ones.

Tourists can find accommodation in the two hotels near the park, the Tiger Den Hotel (RTDC) and the Sariska Palace hotel. The forest bungalow is another option. Tourists can also find many hotels in Alwar.

The nearest airport is located in Jaipur, 110 kms away. The nearest railway station is Alwar, 36 kms away. November to march is the best time to visit Sariska National Park.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Well-acclaimed for the exquisite range of wildlife species, Bandhavgarh National Park India is located at a distance of 195 km from Jabalpur and at a distance of 210 km from Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Also known as the jewel in the wildlife legacy of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is quite popular for the Royal Bengal Tigers, cheetals, leopard, gaur, sambhar, and many more animal species. Bandhavgarh Wildlife Tours embrace the most exotic locale and amazing range o wildlife species wandering carefree in their natural abode. The park is nestled in the Vindhya mountain range of Central India and abounds in hills and ravines.

Although it is small in contrast to Kanha or other parks of the state, the park is the home to almost the same number of tigers or any other wildlife animal. Besides, tigers and leopards, Bandhavgarh is also exceptionally productive for medium-sized bison herds.

The Wildlife Tourism in Bandhavgarh is burgeoning at a rapid pace and each year a large number of tourists from all corners of the world frequent this park to seek seclusion and peace amidst the true lap of nature.

The kind of vegetation that is found here is moist deciduous forest just like the one in the Kanha National Park. At higher elevations, the flora consists of general mixed forests. For the ardent nature lovers and wild life enthusiasts this sanctuary is one of the most important ones and makes for interesting wildlife photography. There is also the white (albino) tiger which is found here. A range of other rare species moving around in Bandhavgarh National Park like sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, muntjac, nilgai, chinkara, and wild pigs can also be found. The fascinating cave shrines scattered around the park can also be spotted having Brahmi inscriptions dating back to the first century B.C. Moreover, the remains of the Bandhavgarh Fort that are believed to be 2,000 years old are also found here.

Make your trip to Bandhavgarh one of the most memorable ones by being a part of the attractive tour packages that are designed by touristplacesinindia.com. Keeping the individual tastes and preferences in mind, the packages are designed to impress even the most discerning traveler. The all-inclusive packages are your ticket to a completely enthralling journey into the wilderness of nature and to enjoy the riches of nature.

Since Bandhavgarh National Park is the repository of exquisite wildlife and some of the finest historical remains, it automatically becomes inevitable for the tourists to make a tour of this place. The ceaseless charm and magnificence of this wild territory is definitely going to enchant you.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Bharatpur, considered as the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan, was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 AD. It is a fortified city and played an important role in molding the History of Rajasthan. The city and the Fort is said to be founded by a Jat named Rustam. Maharaja Suraj Mal took over the fortified city from Khemkaran, son of Rustam and established his empire.

The city of Bharatpur is 184 km from Delhi and borders with Dausa District in south-west and Alwar District in the North-West. The city is famous for its wildlife sanctuary. Known as the Keoladeo National Park, which is a delight for the bird lovers. During the period of British rule in India, it was known as the Best Duck shooting resort, but in the year 1956, it was declared a bird reserve and later in 1972, it was declared a National Park. The park is named “Keoladeo” after the name of the temple of Lord Shiva in the park. This park has its place among the UNESCO World heritage list since 1985. The park is spread over an area of 29 square km and lies 370 m above the sea level. Much of the area inside the park is bushy, but it also contains semi arid woodland and scrub. Over 50 species of fishes, 5 species of Amphibians, 8 species of lizards, 13 species of snakes,7 species of turtles, 375 species of birds and 27 species of mammals have been found in the park. Important birds that adorn the sanctuary include cranes, storks, spoon bills, white ibis, Cormorant, Darters, Herons,Egrets, geese, ducks, pelicans, flamingos, eagles, vultures, owls, and kingfishers. The crane population in this sanctuary has been continuously decreasing. It was 200 in 1964-65, but decreased to 02 in 2000-2001.

A total of about 35 species of butterflies have been reported in this park, of which Pieridae are the most commonly occurred followed by Nymphalidae. Jungle cat, Fishing cat, Toddy cat, Jackal, Hyena, Flying fox, Porcupine, Blue bull, Sambar, Mongoose and Red faced monkey.
Major fish species that are found in this sanctuary include Notopterus, Oxygaster Danio,Chela, Labeo, Catla, Cirrhinus, Puntius, Botia, Mystus, Ompok, Wallago,Clarias, and Channa. One can visit the park both during the monsoon and the winter. The monsoons are the breeding season for both resident and local migratory birds while in the winters a large number of migratory birds come from Europe and central Asia. There are wonderful lodging facilities in the city for the tourists. ITDC runs forest lodge both inside the sanctuary, while the RTDC runs Saras Tourism Bungalow outside the park.

Ranthambore

Ranthambore is most popular for its wildlife and is located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. It is nested at the meeting point of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges and is one of the finest places to spot wonderful wild animals in their natural habitat. The total area covered by the park is about 500 sq km and it got the status of a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1955. Later, it was declared as a National Park in the year 1981. If you are the one who wants to be close to the nature and observe its endowments, then this park is an ideal retreat. The diverse range of flora and fauna is simply a feast to the eyes and the park is also ideal for the wildlife enthusiasts.

Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is a breeding ground to a number of wild animals such as Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Common Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Civets and Common mongoose.

The park is acclaimed for its diurnal tigers and a range of fascinating reptiles such as Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Indian Pythons, Rat Snakes, Russel's Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers and the Indian Chameleon. The Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, and North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles are among the famous amphibious species commonly spotted here.

While in Ranthambore, you will also get an opportunity to visit the other tourist attractions in Ranthambore National Park such as Bakaula, Kachida Valley, Lakarda and Anantpura, Raj Bagh Ruins, Padam Talao, Ranthambore Fort, Rajbagh Talao and Malik Talao.

Ranthambore National Park being one of the most prominent ones all over India can be accessed quite conveniently. The nearby airports are located in Jaipur and Kota and the former one is well-linked with the other towns of India. The best way to reach Ranthambore is to take a train to Sawai Madhopur which is well connected with Jaipur, Bombay and Delhi.

The road transport is equally good and Ranthambore can be reached from the far corners of India by the smooth network of state and National highways.

Ranthambore offers decent lodging options to the tourists such as Tiger Den Resort, Vanya Vilas Resort, Hotel Raj Palace and Ranthambore Safari Lodge to mention a few. Whether you are looking for an adventure holiday or just want to spend some peaceful moments with the close ones, these accommodations are definitely going to offer you just what you need for a relaxed stay.

Kanha National Park

The Indian State of Madhya Pradesh is rich in diverse species of flora and fauna. The state has over 9 National Parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries covering an area of about 10,862 square km which is about 3.52 % of the total geographical area of the state. Kanha national Park is one of the first nine protected areas selected under “Project Tiger” in the country. It was first established as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1955 and later, it was converted into a tiger reserve. The park is located in a picturesque location in the state and is an ideal place for animal lovers to spend a vacation out here. We at Touristplacesinindia.com provide you with complete information on all that you want to know about Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Kanha National Park was declared a tiger reserve in the year 1974 under “Project Tiger”. The park covers a total area of about 1945 square km and lies at an altitude of about 600 to 900 m above sea level. The vegetation is mostly of deciduous variety and comprises of plants like Sal, Saja, Bija, Tendu, Jamun, Bel and Bamboo. A wide variety of flora species are also found in this sanctuary. Animals that are mostly sighted in this Park include the Tiger,Leopard,Barasingha,Cheetal,Samber,Wild Dog, Jackal Hyena, Bear,  Bison, Blue Bull, Four horned antelope, Barking deer, and Langoor. Wide varieties of birds which include both migratory as well as resident birds are also found in this Park. Tourists also have the option to visit other places of interest in and around the park. Khajuraho, which is replete with ancient temples, Panna – which houses a wildlife sanctuary and Bandhavgarh – which is considered a crown in wildlife heritage in Madhya Pradesh are some of the places worth visiting by the tourist who come to visit the Kanha in Madhya Pradesh.

Kanha National Park in MP is easy of access by air, roads and railways. Bhopal has the nearest airport. Besides, the state is connected with all major cities in India by railway tracks. The nearest railhead is at Jabalpur. There are a wide range of accommodations available in the city. One can either choose from the forest guest houses at Kisli and Supkhar or the private lodges available around the sanctuary. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and June.

Sunderbans

A part of the world’s largest delta formed by the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, the Sunderbans is a vast tract of forest and saltwater swamp stretching for about 160 miles along the Bay of Bengal from the Hooghly River Estuary in West Bengal to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh. Sprawled over an area of 4262 sq. kms in India, Sunderbans is the largest estuarine sanctuary in the world, and habitat to some of India’s most amazing wildlife species.

The Sunderban Tiger Project was formed in 1974 and covers an area of 2585 sq. kms, of which the core area covers 1330 sq. kms and is a national forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the largest concentration of wild tigers in the world, the Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal received National Park status on May 4, 1984. The park comprises a network of estuaries, tidal rivers, and creeks intersected by many channels, with flat, marshy islands covered with thick forests in between. The littoral forest at the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India, but also worldwide except in Bangladesh.

Sunderbans -- the place that derives its name from Sundari trees has a wide variety of trees that typically thrive in estuarine conditions of high salinity, minimal soil erosion and frequent inundation by high tides. The tidal rivers and mangrove forests provide habitats suitable for animals inhabiting tidal swamp areas. Numerous aquatic and semi-aquatic animals inhabit these forests, with their life systems being interlinked with the animals thriving in the land areas.

Sunderbans is home to an amazing variety of wild animals including spotted deer, monkeys, wild pigs, herons, white bellied eagles, kingfishers and about 270 Royal Bengal tigers. Occasionally, tigers of Sunderbans have been known to be man-eaters. It is believed that the uniqueness of the habitat and the lack of suitable prey have resulted in such unique behavioral trends of Sunderbans tiger.

Besides the tiger, the reserve is home to diverse aquatic and reptile life forms including the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle, Green Turtle, Hawk's Bill Turtle, hard-shelled Batgur Terrapin, King cobra, Pythons, Chequered killback, Estuarine Crocodile, Monitor and lizards like the Salvator lizard to name a few. A number of Trans-Himalayan migratory birds can also be spotted at Sunderbans.

The best time to visit the Sunderbans Sanctuary and its surrounding region is from September to March.

Sasangir

The last refuge of the severely endangered Asiatic lion is located in Gujarat. Sasangir, popularly known as Gir National Park, is the last hope of this majestic creature. Once upon a time, the lions used to roam all over north India. By the turn of the 20th century, their numbers had come down to alarming figures. The situation is critical as these are the only lions left in the world apart from the African lions. The Sasangir National Park, one of the most famous tourist places in Gujarat, is an effort by the state and central governments to save this magnificent species of big cats.

The Gir National Park is spread over an area of 1412 square kms in the Junagarh district of Gujarat in western India. The history of the National Park goes back to the turn of the 20th century. There was a terrible famine that almost wiped out the lion population in the first decade of the century. Deprived of prey, the lion population came down heavily, until protection was offered by the Nawab of Junagarh. Lion hunting was completely banned in 1950s. Lion census was carried out, and appropriate steps taken for their conservation.

The park has a core area of 259 square kms. Besides the lions, Sasangir has a healthy population of other carnivores like panthers, wild cat, jackal, and hyena. The herbivores of the forest include sambar, chital, chinkara, nilgai, chowsingha (four horned antelope), and wild boar. Langurs and monkeys are also found and form the prey base for the big cats. Marsh crocodiles are also the inhabitants of Gir National Park, and can be seen near the rivers or at the lake of kamaleshwar dam. There is a crocodile breeding farm at Sasan, the headquarters of the park. Wildlife in Gujarat comprises a fascinating variety of birds, and most of them can be spotted at Sasangir. The bird population of the park includes species like gray drongo, paradise flycatcher, pied woodpecker, crested swift, Indian roller, fish owl, black vulture, falcon, crested serpent eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, sand grouse, quails, grey partridges, and white necked stork.

The park offers exciting safaris by jeep. The chief trails are from sasan to Baval chowk, Kankai, Tulsishyam, Chodavadi, and Kamaleshwar dam. Guides will accompany you on these trips and help you see the hidden treasures of Sasangir. Safaris are best conducted at sunrise or sunset, as the animals are most likely to be seen at these times.

A sizeable population of humans along with their cattle lives within the forest. This is a problem for the authorities, but tourists can get an interesting insight into the lives of these tribal people.

Tourist Places in Jaipur

Amber Fort - Jaipur

Amber is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur.

The construction of the Amber Fort began in the year 1592 and was started by Man Singh I, but it was finished by his descendant Jai Singh I. The exterior of the Fort is not in the least like its interiors. The outside is very imposing and rugged looking whereas the inside is a comforting and warm interior which is influenced by both Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. On the walls, are paintings depicting various hunting scenes, and there is also a lot of work on walls,

which are covered with intricate carving, mosaic and minute mirror work that make the halls look very majestic and imperial.

The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and look even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold but as one looks on the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front, one cannot help but wonder if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion.

Amber Fort also called the Amer Fort is a must-see if you are visiting Rajasthan. The tourists to this fort can either approach the fort by road or take an elephant ride, which though is quite slow yet is a lot of fun.

Hawa Mahal

How often have we been told not to build castles in the air? Very often indeed, but if you are a dreamer and wish to see this 'palace of the winds' which is not just in your imagination but a real palace, then come to the 'pink city' of Rajasthan and see the Hawa Mahal. Each wall of the palace reinforces the idea that 'dreams truly can come true', and the whole structure is such a beautiful sight that you possibly cannot describe it in words.

The Hawa Mahal, which adjoins the famous City Palace wall, was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has now become one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The palace is shaped like a pyramid and is a five-storied building, with number of small windows and screens, with arched roofs. As one looks at this building, one realizes that the rear side of the building is comparatively very plain and lacks much of ornamentation. One is rather surprised at the contrast, since in the front there is intricate carving and much attention has been paid to even minute details yet the backside is more a mass of pillars and passages.

Since the Hawa Mahal was built at a time when women of the royal families had to observe strict purdah, many believe that the Hawa Mahal was built, just so these ladies could watch the processions and various activities taking place on the streets. This does explain why Hawa Mahal has such tiny windows and many screened balconies. The royal ladies could look below at the people without showing themselves and thus enjoy a sense of freedom.

The Hawa Mahal is a great example of the Rajputana architecture, which was strongly influenced by Mughal style of architecture. This particular style of building that we observe in Hawa Mahal, uses the best features of Mughal architecture with other features that could better adapt to the inhospitable weather conditions of Rajasthan.

The Hawa Mahal is a popular place among visitors to Rajasthan because of the amazing view it offers of the city and particularly Jantar Mantar (another tourist attraction). Many insist that the best time to visit Hawa Mahal is in the early morning, right when the sun is rising. As the palace bathes in the golden light of the sun, it looks like a fantastic image conjured up by the mind in a trance. The palace glows like an impalpable dream, which makes you feel that even if you dare blink your eyes, it will quickly dissolve into thin air.

Jaigarh Fort - Jaipur

At a distance of 15kms from Jaipur, stands the imposing Jaigarh Fort. Also called the Victory Fort, the Jaigarh Fort stands in the midst of thorn-scrub hills that impart a sterner look to the already forbidding Fort. As one approaches the fort from the steep road that leads to the main gate, the Dungar Darwaza, one cannot help but remark at the amazing view it offers of the city below.

The Jaigarh fort was built to bolster up the defense of Amer, so one should not be amazed to find that the fort unlike most palaces and forts of Jaipur is quite plain and simple. It has moats and all the features you would expect of a full-fledged citadel.

The highlight of the tour of Jaigarh Fort is definitely the Jaivana, which is the world's largest cannon on wheels. It was built in Jaigarh's foundry in the year 1720. Many say that the cannon was only used once and the ball fell some 35kms away on a village. But that's quite doubtful, since a closer inspection of the cannon actually revealed that it has been fired at least a couple of times.

The Fort has a lot of wide water channels, which were a part of a rainwater harvesting system. There are 3 underground tanks at the fort, the largest one of which could store 60,00,000 gallons of water. An interesting story about this tank is that, many believed it contained hidden treasure but unfortunately Indian Government searched for it and did not find anything at all.

While you are taking a tour of the Jaigarh Fort, you might want to visit the armory and the museum. The armory has many swords, shields, guns, muskets and even a 50 kg cannon ball. One can also see old photographs of two of Jaipur's Maharajas, Sawai Bhawani Singh and Major General Man Singh II, both of whom were senior officers in the military (Indian Army). The Museum has many photographs, of Maharajas, royalty, buildings and processions and even a circular pack of cards besides many other relics of the past.

There are various other structures you can check out too, such as open halls. The most interesting one is the Shubhat Niwas (the Meeting hall of Warriors), which has many old things of the old times.

Nahargarh Fort - Jaipur

The Nahargarh Fort was built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh in 1734. Since Jaipur was his capital, the Nahargarh Fort was strategically important and was built as a means of bolstering the defense of Amer. It was also known as the Tiger Fort. New additions were made to the fort in the 19th century by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II. The older parts of he fort are being hard hit by the ravages of times but the newer additions are quite captivating.

According to a legend, the Fort was named after a prince whose spirit used to haunt the site and would cause mischief so as to delay the construction of the fort. After too many disturbances, finally after a Tantrik prayer the ghost or the spirit, agreed to leave on the condition that the fort should be named after him.

One of the major attractions of the Nahargarh Fort is the view it offers of the Man Sagar lake and the surrounding area. If you are visiting Jaipur, then do take out the time to visit Nahargarh Fort, which stands as a symbol of the royal past and reminds the visitors of the glory of the former age that belonged to kings and Maharajas.

Central Museum - Jaipur

Rajasthan is known for its rich traditional and cultural heritage, so it should not come off as a surprise to anyone that it is the perfect place to find some of the best Museums in India. Being the land of maharajas and maharanis, the state of Rajasthan is such a rich treasure trove that one cannot help but be awe-struck at the extensive collection of antiques it holds. Jaipur, in particular, the capital of Rajasthan, has many of the Museums in the state, that house the rarities and objects of the past, that are today seen as a symbol of the rich heritage and cultural prosperity of India.

One of the oldest and the most famous Museum is the Government Central Museum or Albert museum was constructed under the supervision of a British Army officer, Lt. Swinton Jacob in the year 1876. Maharaja Ram Singh, who was then the king of Jaipur, wanted this building to be used as the town hall but his successor Madho Singh decided to convert the building to an art museum.

It is located in the Ramnivas Gardens and is the oldest museum in Jaipur. The Central Museum not only houses many rarities and beautiful objects but its own building is also a sight to behold. The Museum is in the Albert Hall and is inspired by the Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture, which uses the best features of both styles of building. It has many pillars, courtyards and arches that give it a very traditional yet elegant look.

The upper floor/level of the Museum mainly has portraits of royalty and Jaipur Maharajas. That does not in the least mean that the museum only showcases the royal and imperial relics, but it represent "all of Jaipur". It has an extensive collection of jewelry, metalwork and sculpture. There are also many objects made of brass, which display the skills of the expert hands that have hammered and chiseled them to perfection.

The Central Museum also has a huge collection of miniature paintings from the Udaipur, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota and Kishangarh schools of painting. There are also fine specimens of woodwork, metal objects and other arts & crafts. One can also see the old traditional ceremonial dresses of the Kings and the royal families besides a whole lot of pottery objects, painting and sculptures.

City Palace - Jaipur

Jaipur city is known for its many palaces and forts, which are a major attraction for tourists to Rajasthan. One of these major landmarks of the 'pink city' is the City Palace Complex.

The City Palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs, but a lot of changes and additions were made to the original structure by his successors.

The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The Complex comprises of many structures, courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are many splendid small palaces and halls in the complex, such as the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. There is also a famous temple called the Shri Govind Temple and a museum inside, named the City Palace Museum.

As one enters the first courtyard, one comes across the Mubarak Mahal, which was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Madho Singh II. Here is a splendid gateway, which leads to the Diwan-I-Khas (Hall of Private audience). It is an open hall, where there are two silver vessels on display, which are in the Guinness book of World Records! One can also check out the Diwan-I-Aam (Hall of Public Audience).

As one moves on, one sees the Chandra Mahal, which many consider being the highlight of the whole tour of City Palace. It has a lot of paintings, mirror work on walls, and floral decorations that make the Moon Palace truly magnificent.

It is a seven-storied Palace, where each level has a distinct name. The lower two levels have the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, which has a large collection of 15th century weapons, carpets and rarities. There is also the Sukh Nivas or the 'Hall of Rest', which has the drawing and the dining area. On the fourth floor is the 'Shobha Nivas' or 'Hall of Beauty' which is decorated with mirrors all over and has gold leaf and mica decorations.

The fifth floor is the 'Chavi Nivas' or the 'Hall of Images' and the sixth floor is known for the beautiful view it offers of the surrounding area. The uppermost floor is called the 'Mukut Mahal' or the 'Crown building'. When one moves forward to Badal Mahal from the Chandra Mahal, one comes to the Govind devji temple, which is also quite like the others, a must-see.

The Kanak-Vrindavan Valley
As one moves down from Amber, one gets a sweeping view of the beautiful Kanak valley. The valley, which is formed by the Aravalli ranges, is next to the Amber town and extends to Jaipur. As one moves further down, one comes across green hills and valleys with dhok and kadamba trees. On the way are lots of cascading waterfalls, brooks, ponds and tons of vegetation, including many flowering and fragrant variety of plants.

Amidst such scenic beauty is the temple complex that is three centuries old. In the complex is the temple dedicated to Govind deoji and Natawarji, and also a garden, which is called the Kanak Bagh. On the side of the valley is the Dharbawati River, which earlier used to flow through the Jaipur city but now has more or less become a lake, Mansagar.

The beautiful valley received it name about 280 years ago by the ruler and founder of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh. Strangely, the Kanak valley made the ruler think of Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, which is why an idol of Shri Govind Deoji (an incarnation of Lord Krishna) was installed here. Even now the place has not lost its significance and is considered a sacred place, which is why during the many festivals such as Gangaur and Teej, the procession that come from Amber make a stop here to pay respect to the Lord. When one visits this place now, one is amazed to hear that, for a long time this place was completely neglected by everyone and was fast turning into a ruin. The screens, intricate carvings, chhatris and arches all seemed to be falling apart. If that was not bad enough, even the vegetation and natural surroundings of the place were quickly deteriorating. Fortunately, before it was too late, restoration work started on this site and further damage was prevented.

The temple is truly a sight to behold with its chhatris, jali and mirror work. The 'panni' work on the garba griha , the seat of the lord is truly beautiful. There is also a fountain, parikrama, which has been carved from a single marble block. Between the two temples is the Kanak Garden. It has a series of fountains, and is divided into eight sections. It has lush green grass and bestows even more beauty to the temples.

Though the Kanak valley is simply breathtaking, many say that if you really wish to enjoy the beauty of the temples, then you should visit them at night, when they are lit up and hymns and prayers are sung to lord Krishna, which make the place seem even more heavenly and divine.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

The Laxmi Narayan is located in the South of Jaipur, and was built by the Birla family, which is a major industrialist family of India. This is why, the temple is also called the 'Birla Mandir'. It is situated quite close to the Moti Doongri fort, which was converted to a small palace by Ram Singh II and Gayatri Devi.

Keeping in mind the secular nature of the country, the temple has three domes, which represent different approaches to religion. It is a beautiful white marble temple, which seems to glow at night.

The Birla Mandir in Jaipur attracts many tourists and devotees every year. The temple is very crowded during the festivals as Hindus come from all over the state and country to pay their respect to the Lord. Next time you have a holiday, come to Jaipur and visit the Birla Mandir, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of Wealth).

Rambagh Palace

The Rambagh Palace was built in 1835 by the Queen of Jaipur but was later converted into a hunting lodge and a guesthouse. After a bit of modifications, the palace was made fit to be the residence for the Maharaja of Jaipur. Finally it was turned into a heritage hotel in 1972 and is now run by the Taj Group of Hotels, a leading name in the Hotel Industry. The Rambagh palace Heritage hotel has seen many illustrious guests, for instance, Lord Mountbatten, Prince Charles and Omar Sharif.

The palace, which is now a fine heritage hotel, has all the modern comforts and luxuries to serve the guests yet it still has the splendor and elegance of an old palace. Now Rambagh is a heritage hotel, all the rooms have modern luxuries. There are the Presidential suites, the Maharaja suite, the Maharani suite and the princess suite.

The Rambagh Palace is truly a sight to behold, with its spacious rooms, halls and beautiful corridors. The palace is itself surrounded by lush greenery and vast lawns.

The rooms of the palace are very imperial in their look and still look fit to accommodate the royalty. The Chinese room in particular is worth a closer look. It has been decorated with red and gold tapestry and lots of antiques and fittings have been used to make the room more captivating.

Lets Explore Chandigarh

Nek Chand’s Rock Garden

This Rock Garden is probably Chandigarh’s premier attraction, a popular spot for tourists. It was created by Nek Chand Saini, a resident of the city, in 1958. He used discarded objects of everyday use like bottles, tin cans, broken plugs, plates, saucers and rocks from the nearby Shivalik mountains to create a 40-acre fantasy labyrinth garden with arched walkways, streams, bridges, grottos, battlements, turrets and sculptures of people and animals. Highlights include armies of stone ducks, papier-mache soldiers, pig iron dancers and goblins.

Sukhna lake

Also in Sector 1, the Sukhna Lake is an artificial reservoir. The Sukhna Lake was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that flows down from the Shivaliks. Storks and cranes make migratory stops at the lake. The lake, incidentally, has Asia’s longest water channel for rowing and yachting.

Capital Complex

This area, with its monumental public buildings is the site of architect Le Corbusier’s most ambitious experiments. The concrete campus and its accompanying lawns are meant to express the strength and unity of independent India. They are also Le Corbusier’s way of staging the functions of government in symbolic and geometric relation to one another and to the rest of the city. For tourists, the High Court and the Open Hand Monument are more accessible than the Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat.

International Dolls Museum

Situated in Bal Bhawan, Sector 23, the international dolls museum contains more than 300 dolls from nearly every country in the world. Ten ceramic murals and a large model train complete the display.

Chhatbir Zoo

This zoo is situated on Chandigarh Patiala road and about 17 km from Chandigarh. The work on this zoo started in the seventies. Now it has been developed into a zoological park. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the main attraction here. Visitors are taken to the tiger’s sanctuaries in the caged motor vehicle while the animals roams freely in their reserved areas. There are species of birds. Among the collections is Himalayan black beer. It remain open all days except Mondays, 26th Jan, 2nd Oct and 15th Aug.

Yadvindra Gardens (Pinjore)

This garden was designed by Nawaab Fidai Khan, the court architect of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, in the later part of 17th century. Hence it was named ‘Mughal Gardens’ initially. Later on it was renamed as Yadvindra Gardens after the name of Maharaja of Patiala state and chief of PEPSU. When the princely states of East Punjab merged to form PEPSU. Generally ,it is known as Pinjore Gardens. The garden has Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles combined typically. It is believed that Pandavas of Mahabharata epic also rested at this place when they were in exile. The boundary of the garden is guarded by fort like stone walls. Entry is only through a hyderabadi style archway, which is covered with various type of plants and flowers. The garden sprawls down seven terraces. Inside the garden is palace like structure. On the first terrace is Sheesh Mahal a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style architecture with anabundance of glass work on its walls. Its top floor is known as Hawa Mahal. The gardens are laid outover more than 100 acres on a sloping site with fountains and pavilions, designed in an interesting blend of Mughal and Rajasthani style. The garden houses a mini zoo also. Even though it is a mini zoo, it keeps such creatures which can not be seen in bigger zoos. Pinjore garden remains open all days from morning to midnight. The garden is illuminated at night with facinating colourful lights. It is about 20 km from Chandigarh.

Kasauli

The beautiful and calm hill station of Kasauli is 77 km from Chandigarh. This hill resort is visible from any part in Chandigarh with naked eye. It is situated at the height of 1928 meters. It was developed as a cantonment - sanatorium over 20 years, after the British had based themselves at Shimla. The Upper and Lower Malls are the two principal roads that run along the length of Kasauli, a thick cover of pine, oak, horse chestnut trees embracing the entire area. Traffic is restricted on these roads, which is the reason why, Kasauli is one of the quietest hill stations in India.

Chail

The picturesque resort located amidst scented forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars. The town of Chail was once summer capital of Maharaja (King) of Patiala (Punjab) 116 km from Chandigarh via Kandaghat at the height of 2150 meters. The Palace was built in 19th century by the King of Patiala. Chail is built on three hills the palace is on Rajgarh hill the residency snow view once occupied by British resident is on Pandhewa hill and on the third hill Sadh Tiba where chail is situated. Overlooking Satluj Valley, Shimla and Kasauli are also visible at night. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world. Well kept and well maintained the ground is surrounded by huge trees of deodar and pine. Chail is quit peaceful and comfortable place to visit. Once the palace of King of Patiala which is now being run as a Luxury hotel which is run by Himachal Tourism. Several trek routes lead out of Chail up to the Chur Dhar peak

Shimla

The capital of mountain state of Himachal  Pradesh and main tourist destination  situated at the height of  2205 meters .Shimla  the summer capital of  India  during pre independence era, is now  the capital of Himachal  Pradesh. It  was an accident of the Gurkha war that the discovery   of the  thickly wooded spot then known for the temple of Goddess Shyamala and for its healthy environment was the discovery of  British  army officer Lt. Rose in 1819.In 1966  after  the re organization of state  of Punjab  Shimla become the capital of Himachal Pradesh The climate in summer  is quit  pleasant and snowfall in winter is enjoyable.

Solan

Well known as the Mashroom city of India. Solan is  68 km from Chandigarh  situated in the Shimla hills and midway  between Shimla and kalka at the height of 1445 meters. Now the District Headquarters by the same name and named after the Goddess Soloni Devi. The temple is located in the southern part of the town .At present time the town is well known for its brewery  started in 1835  and known as Mohan Meakin brewery. surrounded by lush green forest of  Chir pine and orchards of  walnut and apricot. The area around Solan is very rich  for the  vegetable of peas, tomatoes, beans and ginger .A beautiful and quit place Solan  has a number of picturesque spots ideal for picnics and walks.

Timber Trail

Nestling  closely in the picturesque landscape of the Shivaliks, the Timber Trail Resort  is a panacea for tired travelers  and a solace for the day worker. On the Kalka Shimla high way 35 km from Chandigarh timber trail is incomparable to any resort in the northern side of the country. Heights which is connected to the resort with a cable car. The cable car ride is a  life long experience and excitement. Suspended midair between two breathtaking resort and overlooking kaushalya river. The cable car takes just 7 minutes to cover 1.8 km. It is excellent spot for picnic lovers.

Morni Hills

A beautiful hill resort situated at the height of about 1100 meters and 45 km from Chandigarh. Surrounded by  thickly forest of chir pine. This is perfect place for rock climbers and trekkers. The area abounds in leopards, Monkeys and langurs. It has a excellent hotel  Mountain  Quail which is run by  Haryana Tourism.

Must See in Maharashtra

Gateway of India
 

Built in the Indo-saracenic style, the Gateway of India is meant to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi in December 1911. The foundation stone was laid on March 31, 1911 and George Wittet's final design sanctioned in August 1914. Between 1915 and 1919 work proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Pier for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920.

The Gateway is built from yellow Kharodi basalt and reinforced concrete. The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet above ground at its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the centre of the town.

The cost of the construction was Rs. 21 lakhs, borne mainly by the Government of India. For lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and the Gateway now stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.
The construction was completed in 1924, and the Gateway opened on December 4, 1924 by the Viceroy, Earl of Reading.

The last British troops to leave India, the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the gate in a ceremony on February 28, 1948.  

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, in Agra, in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz. His son Aurangzeb, who overthrew him, built the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara as a mausoleum to his wife Rabia-ud-Durrani.

This is the monument for which Aurangabad is best known, probably because it was obviously intended to rival the Taj Mahal, which it imitates. The comparison with the Agra monument has unfortunately somewhat denigrated the Aurangabad tomb which in itself displays a worthwhile architectural design, with much distinguished surface ornamentation in the late Mughal style.

The mausoleum dates from 1678 and it was erected by Prince Azam Shah, one of Aurangzeb's sons, in memory of Begum Rabia Durani, his mother. It stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned garden, some 457 by 274 metres, with axial ponds, fountains, and water channels, many defined by stone screens and lined with broad pathways. The garden is enclosed by high crenellated walls with bastions set at intervals, and open pavilions on three sides.

In the middle of the south wall is an imposing gateway with brass-inlaid doors; these are inscribed with the name of the architect, Atam Aula. The central focus of this vast enclosure is the tomb itself. This is raised on a high terrace to look out over the garden plots and waterways. Access to the octagonal chamber containing the unadorned grave at the lower level is from a flight of steps that descends from the terrace. The grave is enclosed by an octagon of perforated marble screens. The chamber above is a high square structure presenting identical fagades on four sides. Each is dominated by a lofty portal with a pointed arch, flanked by smaller arched niches of similar design. A great dome, with a pronounced bulbous profile and a brass pot finial, crowns the whole composition while four lesser domes mark the corners.

Doorways lead to an inner octagonal gallery, defined by stone screens, that overlooks the grave from an upper level, an architectural innovation unicfue, to this monument. Corner squinches carry the lofty dome that roofs the chamber. White marble is used throughout, interspersed with delicately moulded stucco. There is, however, no use of semiprecious stones. Exactly like the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum is framed by four lofty minarets that stand freely at the corners of the terrace, their part-octagonal bases continuing down to ground level.

They have diminutive square pavilions in red sandstone at their summits. To the west of the tomb is a small mosque with finely worked cusped arches and corner minarets. Small recesses, rosettes, and arabesques embellish the faqade. Mention may also be made here of the Sunheri Mahal, situated to the north of Bibi ka Maqbara, which is a notable building in the late Mughal style. It is of interest for the patches of old painting and goldwork that adorn the walls.

Ajanta Caves

About 107 kms. from the city of Aurangabad, the rock-cut caves of Ajanta nestle in a panoramic gorge, in the form of a gigantic horseshoe.

Among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, caves-paintings and sculptures, these caves comprise Chaitya Halls, or shrines, dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas, or monasteries, used by Buddhist monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings.

The paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the caves depict incidents from the life of the Buddha and various Buddhist divinities. Among the more interesting paintings are the Jataka tales, illustrating diverse stories relating to the previous incarnations of the Buddha as Bodhisattva, a saintly being who is destined to become the Buddha.

Occupied for almost 700 years, the caves of Ajanta seem to have been abandoned rather abruptly. They remained shrouded in obscurity for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British army officer, accidentally stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. The 'View Point' from where John Smith first glimpsed the caves, provides a magnificent sight of the U-shaped gorge and its scenic surroundings. Cascading down the cliff is a spectacular waterfall, which at the bottom feeds a natural pool called the Saptakunda.

Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra Travel Vacations Ajanta has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come 

Aurangabad Caves

Aurangabad Caves are artificial caves, dug out of the rather soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. This caves are found on two separate locations, called Western Group Caves (caves 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (caves 6-10), about 1km from each other. Each group has five caves. The architecture and iconography is influenced by Tantric Hinduism.

Cave four of the Western Group Caves is the oldest cave. It is a Hinayana Chaitya with a ridged roof like the Karla Cave near Lonavala. Hinayana (Sanskrit: Lesser Vehicle) is the more orthodox, conservative schools of Buddhism. Chaitya (Sanskrit) is the word for a funeral monument. There is a stupa in front of it, now partially collapsed.

The other four Western caves are viharas, which are an early type of Buddhist monastery consisting of an open court surrounded by open cells accessible through an entrance porch. The viharas in India were originally constructed to shelter the monks. Cave 3, the most fascinating cave of the Western Group, is supported by 12 finely carved columns. They show sculptures portraying scenes from the Jataka tales.

Cave 6 belongs to the Eastern Group Caves, and shows very well preserved sculptures of women, which are notable for their exotic hairstyles and ornamentation. There is also a large Buddha figure and an idol of Ganesh located in this cave.

Cave 7 is the most interesting of the Aurangabad caves. Most impressive are the sculptures, figures of women which are scantily clad and ornately bejewelled. They show the rise of Tantric Buddhism during this period. To the left of Cave 7 is a huge Bodhisattva praying for deliverance from the 8 dangers: fire, the sword of the enemy, chains, shipwreck, lions, snakes, mad elephant and demon (representing death). 

Ellora Caves

The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 kms. north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas, or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jian temples.

Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (cave 29). The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest single monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly, Ellora, unlike the site of Ajanta, was never 'rediscovered'. Known as Verul in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries to the present day.

Ellora has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.

Cave 1: This is the first monastery at the southern end of Ellora. It has four residential cells cut into the side walls. The cave is devoid of any carvings or sculptures.

Cave 2: This has a verandah, with a recess at the right, housing images of Panchika, the god od wealth, and Hariti, the goddess of prosperity. The entrance is flanked by guardians, next to whom are figures of the Buddha and other divinities. Each of the lateral walls in the hall has sculptures of five seated Buddhas flanked by celestial figures and by Bodhisattvas, or saintly beings who are destined to become Buddhas. A similar but larger figure of the Buddha can be seen in the sanctuary. The porch to the right of the sanctuary depicts the Miracle of Shravasti when the Buddha manifested himself in a thousand forms.

Cave 3: This cave has an unfinished image of the seated Buddha in a shrine. Pot and foliage motifs adorm the columns of the hall.

Cave 4: A two-storeyed excavation, this cave is now mostly in ruins. At the lower level is a plain hall, with a columned asile leading to a shrine where a figure of the seated Buddha is accompanied by attendants. A similar but smaller shrine is located on the upper story.

Ellora Caves, Maharashtra TourismCave 5: Excavated at a higher level, this large cave consists of a spacious hall divided into three aisles. Porches in the middle of the side walls have small cells on either side. Columns are decorated with medallions and other motifs surrounded by intricate foliage. Several benches are carved out of the floor. The entrcane to the central shrine is carved with Bodhisattvas bedecked with intricate headgear and jewellery. In the shrine is a figure of the seated Buddha.

Cave 6: The rectangular hall in this cave has columns with pot and foliage capitals. The walls of an antechamber in the rear of the hall, which leads into a small shrine, are covered with figures of the Boddhisattva and the goddesses Tara and Mahamayuri. The doorway of the shrine is carved with elaborate sculptures on other side. On the left is Analokiteshwara holding a lotus and a rosary in his hands, with a deer-skin draped on his left shoulder. On theright is the sculpture of Mahamayuri, the Buddhist goddess of learning, within the shrine is the figure of the seated Buddha, flanked by multiple smaller Buddhist figures, attendants and devotees on the side walls.

Cave 7: This is a simple hall with four plain pillars.

Cave 8: This is the only monastery at Ellora, where the sanctum is isolated from the rear wall, with a circular passage around it. The passageway has three cells on the left, an incomplete columned gallery at the rear and two columns in the front. Sculptures of the Buddha adorn the hall.

Cave 9: This consists of an open terrace with a balcony and a shrine housing figures of Buddhist divinities. The embellished façade has, among other motifs, an unusual scene of the goddess Tara rescuing devotees from the perils of a snake, a sword, an elephant (left). Fire and a shipwreck (right).

Cave 10 (Vishvakarma): Named after Vishvakarma, the architect of the gods, this cave marks the culmination of Chaitya architecture in India. The hall has porticos on three sides, raised on a basement carved with animals. A long frieze depicting a hunting scene appears above the brackets in the hall. A Stupa in the middle of the rear wall has a seated Buddha figure. A flight of steps in the verandah leads to the upper gallery. The façade behind this gallery consists of a doorway flanked by Chaitya window motifs, flying celestials, and Bodhisattvas with female attendants. On either side of the doorway, to the inner gallery, are recesses housing the figures of female deitied and the Bodhisattva. A large figure of the Buddha , in the teaching position, is carved on to the front of the central Stupa accompanied by flying attendants and Bodhisattvas.

Ellora Caves, Maharashtra TravelsCave 11 (Do Tal): A three-storeyed excavation dating back to the 8th century. Do Tal, or two storeys, was the name erroneously given to this cave when its ground floor was buried under debris. The lowest level has two cells and a central sanctuary withg figures of the Buddha in the teaching position. The intermediate level consists of five excavations, the first being incomplete and the last being a cell with a rock -cut bed. The remaining three have images of the Buddha attended by Bodhisattvas the uppermost level has a long columned hall with a shrine in the cenntre. On the rear wall are images of the goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha , indicating that this cave was later converted for worship by Hindus. 

Elephanta Caves 

Elephanta Island was known in ancient times as "Gharapuri" or The Place of Caves. The Portuguese took possession of the island and named it Elephanta after the great statue which they found on the seashore.

There are seven caves of which the most important is the Mahesha-Murti Cave. The main body of the cave, excluding the porticoes on the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27 m square and is supported by rows of six columns. The gigantic figures of Dvarapalas, or doorkeepers are very impressive.

The cave temple, which is the pride of Elephanta, sprawled over an area of approximately 5000 square metres, is reached by climbing a flight of more than 100 steps, to the top of a hill. Inside the temple, is a large pillared hall with rows of columns, that appear to hold up the roof of the cave.

Cross beams complete the illusion of a ceiling. One's attention is immediately drawn to the series of marvellous sculptured panels, nine in all, which are set like tableaux on the walls. Little is known about the architects and sculptors, who worked on this gem of ancient architecture. What is almost tangible is their intense faith, which seems to create an energy field in the cave premises. Each of the panel captures the volatility of Shiva's essentially paradoxic nature, and the magical interplay of light and shade, only intensifies the overall effect. 

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency. A popular town, with an air of unspoilt beauty, it meanders leisurely for 5 kms. at an altitude of 1372m.

While away the hours boating or fishing at the placid Venna Lake. Explore the walks or the thirty points that offer panoramic views of the valley and the sea. Bathe in the crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls.

Discover Pratapgad Fort 24 kms. away, where Shivaji dramatically bested General Afzal Khan. And the gorgeous ninehole golf course built on the edge of a cliff! Or simply idle through the tiny lanes of the bazaar, shopping for everything from shoes to luscious strawberries, blackberries, jams and jellies.

Taxis and rickshaws are easily available though a bicycle, which you can hire by the hour or for the day, is the best way to get around.

Temperature vary from 13oC in winter to 29 oC in summer with a yearly rainfall of 663 cms.

The best time to visit is October to June.

Getting there: Pune is the nearest airport, 120 kms. away.

Pune is also the most convenient railhead, though Wathar at 62 kms. is the nearest.

Mumbai is 290 kms. away by road via Pune and 247 kms. via Mahad.