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| 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. |
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| One of the New Delhi's newest monuments is the lotus temple built entirely of marble, a house of faith dedicated to the city by members of the Bahai religion . Completed in 1986, the architecture of the temple is stunning, and overlooks water pools and landscaped gardens. Within the temple, speech is not permitted and idol-worship is not allowed, the visitors to the temple are expertly handled by volunteers. The structure is in lotus shape so it often called the lotus temple. The temple is about 10 minutes drive from downtown and around 45 minutes from Domestic Airport. |
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| The Red Fort or the Lal Qila as it is known in the vernacular , is the 17th century imperial residence ordered by Shah Jahan, better known as the builder of Agra's Taj Mahal. The fortified settlement has grand public and private palaces and fronts Chandni Chowk, the moonlight square that was designed by the Emperor's daughter as a shopping mall and residence enclave of the rich and the powerful Red Fort, completed in 1648, once served as the imperial palace of India’s Mughal emperors. Built in Red Sand stone this imposing fort is 3 km in perimeter with the height of the wall varying from 18 to 30 meters at places.Today Yamuna flows almost a kilometer away from the fort and the moats have dried up. |
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| The Raj Ghat is the last resting place of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The place is not far away from the banks of River Yamuna. Mahatma Gandhi was cremated here on 31st January 1950 following his assassination on 30th January 1950 by Nathu Ram Godse. the memorial stone is a simple square platform made of black stone. The last words uttered by Mahatma "Hey Ram" are inscribed near the black platform. An eternal flame keeps burning in a copper urn in the Raj Ghat.In keeping with the austere simplicity in life of Mahatma Gandhi, an unostentatious memorial marks the spot. |
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| India Gate stands astride Rajpath, the principal through fare that fronts the imperial Rashtrapati Bhavan atop Raisina Hill . India gate is a memorial arch dedicated to the memory of the Indian dead in the second Afghan war. It is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. It bears the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW1, the North-West Frontiers operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the memorial to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green grass lawns and trees. |
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| Hawa Mahal is the renowned landmark of Jaipur. As against the popular belief, it is not really a palace. It is a sandstone screen veiling the ladies of the court who could watch the proceedings on the road below without being noticed. The City Palace is a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace is now converted into a museum exhibiting the arms and ammunitions used by the royal family in the past. |
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| The idea of the memorial was Lord Curzon's . Its foundation stone was tapped into place by george V on his princely excursion to Calcutta in 1906, and whatever professional frustrations Sir William may have suffered from at home, he let them all loose in one majestic throw right here. they landed amidst sixty-four acres of lawns, ponds, shrubbery and herbaceous borders and nothing in Calcutta ever had more pleasing or more amply open surroundings. Here, as you walk up one of the drives, past the bronze Victoria on her throne, or the bronze Edward VII on his horse. |
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| Kashmir, a verdant green valley, well nestled in the Himalayas against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains is said to be the Paradise on Earth. The silvery lakes and sparkling fresh water streams, pine and deodar forests, green meadows and grassy slopes mark this magical land. Surrounded on both sides by River Jhelum the valley of Kashmir comprises of Kishtwar, Ladakh & Zanskar ranges.The most magnificent trees native to Kashmir are the Chinar trees found uniformly throughout the valley. The hilly regions of Doda, Udhampur, Poonch and Rajouri have leopard, cheetah and deer, wild sheep, bear, brown musk shrew, and muskrat. The dense forests of Kashmir are ideal for sport lovers and adventure bugs. |
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| The Tirupati temple with its 'gopuram' or tower is one of the finest examples of Dravidian style of temple architecture. The detailed rituals and manner of worship in the temple were prescribed by the saint Ramanujacharya and are being followed till today. The 'Vimana' or Cupola over the sanctum sanctorum or the garbhagriha is covered completely with gold plate and is known as "the Ananda Nilayam". The Shrine comprises of three 'Prakarams' or enclosures. The outermost enclosure contains the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post, the statues of Vijaya Nagara king Krishnadevaraya and his consorts and of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. |
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| The Maharaja's apartments are on the highest terrace - you enter through a gateway decorated with mosaic & sculptures. The Jain Mandir, or hall of victory is noted for its inlaid panel and glittering mirror ceiling. . It is believed to have been the harem dressing room and its walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors, which are the best specimens of glass mosaic decoration in India. |
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| Outside the buildings, you can see the enormous vessels in which a former maharaja used to take holy Ganges water to England. Being a devout Hindu, he preferred not to risk the English water. The palace & Museum open daily between 9:30 A.M. to 4:45 P.M. This includes entry to Jaigarh. |
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| The somewhat dusty collection is housed in the architecturally impressive Albert Hall in the Ram Niwas . Public Gardens, south of the old city. Exhibits include a natural history collection of models of yogis adopting various positions of tribal ware, dioramas depicting rajasthani dances and sections on decorative arts, costumes, drawings and musical instruments. The somewhat dusty collection is housed in the architecturally impressive Albert Hall in the Ram Niwas . Public Gardens, south of the old city. Exhibits include a natural history collection of models of yogis adopting various positions of tribal ware, dioramas depicting rajasthani dances and sections on decorative arts, costumes, drawings and musical instruments. The somewhat dusty collection is housed in the architecturally impressive Albert Hall in the Ram Niwas . |
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