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Excursions
in Delhi |
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Taj Mahal ~
Agra Fort
~ Mathura ~
Fatehpur Sikri
~ Haridwar ~
Dehradun ~
Mussoorie
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Taj Mahal |
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 Taj
Mahal A monument of love. A symbol of eternal love. Taj Mahal, one
of the most fabulous monuments in the world, history and time.
Thronged by visitors year round, Taj Mahal is 200 km from Delhi. It
was built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shahjahan, in memory of his
beloved wife Mumtaz. The monument is a perfect piece of
architecture. It took 22 years, 41 million rupees, 50 kilos of gold
and around 20,000 workers to complete this marvel of marble.
Situated by the river Yamuna, Taj Mahal sits on a high red sandstone
terrace, topped by marble terrace. It is flanked by four minarets.
The jewel in-laid cenotaph of the empress lies within the dome. The
entire mausoleum is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and
calligraphy with semi precious stones like jasper and agate. One can
take a train, either the Shatabdi or Taj Express |
Location: Tajganj, Agra
Timings: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm, The monument is closed on all
Fridays |
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Agra Fort
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Si tuated
on the west bank of the Yamuna river and two km from Taj Mahal, the
Agra fort was started by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. The
impressive red sandstone fort extends for about 2.5 km and is
surrounded by a deep moat which was once filled with water of Yamuna.
Though Akbar built it mainly as a military centre, it was under
Shahjahan's rule that the fort became more of a mini city. Of the
many gates, the only one open to public is the Amar Singh gate,
which leads into the fort. Immediately on the right is the Jahangiri
Mahal.
The other impressive monuments within the fort are the Diwan-i-Khas,
where the emperor met the dignitaries, the Diwan-i-Aam, Nagina
Masjid (built by Shahjahan for his harem) and the Moti Masjid.
Towards the northeast of the fort is the Musamman Burj, where
Shahjahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb |
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Mathura |
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 Mathura
is the birthplace of the world's popular deity, Lord Krishna. With a
history that traces itself to the beginnings of world trade, Mathura
is one of the most ancient cities of India. It is situated on the
banks of the Yamuna, in Uttar Pradesh, and is one of the most
important pilgrimage centers in India. Mathura is famous for the
Krishnajanmabhumi Mandir, Vishram Ghat and Sati Burj. It is believed
that Lord Krishna rested at Vishram Ghat after killing the tyrant
Kamsa.
Evenings at the Vishram Ghat are generally a very beautiful sight
with hundreds of diyas floating on the river. The Ghats offer very
picturesque sights with long flight of stairs leading to the river's
edge. You can find many pilgrims bathing in the river and from a
distance you can see the temple spires silhouetted against the sky. |
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Fatehpur Sikri |
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 Fatehpur
Sikri was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the
Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14
years after which it was abandoned, probably due to the lack of
water. The capital is amazingly beautiful with its palaces and it
reflects the architectural style Akbar patronised. Even to this day,
the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built. The
road leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. It later
inspired other lofty gates. Today young daredevils jump from its
ruins into the deep tank to earn money from the tourists.
Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar,
that Akbar built in memory of his favourite elephant, Tomb of Sheikh
Salim Chishti, Birbal's House and the Diwan-i-Khas |
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Haridwar |
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I magine
several saffron clad tourists chanting and praying, imagine the
pilgrim thronged Ghats and the Ganges, flowing from her source.
That's Haridwar, the holy land of the Hindus. Haridwar is famous for
its temples, bathing ghats and tanks. The Ganges, considered as the
holiest river in India, is the star attraction of Haridwar. Pilgrims
carry back the water from the Ganges, which they believe will remain
fresh forever. The Har ki Paori, is one of the most sacred ghats in
India and hundreds gather at this ghat.
Haridwar is a must visit even for the not-so-religiously inclined.
It is a place, whose every corner breathes with mysticism |
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Dehradun |
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 For
an ideal summer getaway or to spend a relaxing weekend, Dehradun is
the answer. Beautiful rolling hills of green, misty mornings and
fresh air. Dehradun has it all. Nestled in the Shivaliks, the hill
station is 640 metres above sea level. Once ruled by the Garhwal
kings, it later became a British residential town. Dehradun is
famous for its several public schools and institutions.
The Tapkeshwar Temple is Dehradun's most famous temple. Dedicated to
Shiva, the temple has a stream flowing directly over the lingam. The
other star attractions are the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
and Robber's Cave |
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Mussoorie |
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M ussoorie
The famed 'Queen of the Hills', Mussoorie is one of the most famous
hill stations of India. With over 350 hotels, Mussoorie has the
largest number of hotels among the hill stations in India. Mussoorie
had its birth when Captain Young laid its foundations in 1823. It
was initially called 'The Mullingar', but it was later named after
the widely grown in the hill station, dal called 'Masur'. Mussoorie
has several places to visit such as the Gun Hill, Muncipal Lodge,
Childers Lodge, Camel's Back Road and Cloud's End. Gun Hill has a
very interesting story behind it.
Before Independence, everyday, a gun mounted on this hill, used to
fire at noon. And people on hearing it would adjust their watches!
Childer's Lodge is the highest peak, about five kilometres from the
city. Garden enthusiasts can visit the Municipal Garden |
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