The Taj Mahal is not only a monument in India but it is India’s crown. The Taj Mahal located in Agra is actually a tomb which was built under the famous Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memories of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. After Shah Jahan’s death, he was also buried next to his wife’s tomb by his son Aurangzeb.
The Taj Mahal is supposed to be the best example of Mughal architecture which is a mixture of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic styles. Taj Mahal is a man made marvel and is included in the list of the Seven Wonders of the World. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s in 1983 and is known as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."
Besides the familiar white arched marble tomb, Taj Mahal is also an integrated group of constructions, of white marble, which was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri and completed in around 1648.
Taj Mahal attracts large number of visitors every year from all over the world. It is the most famous tourist destination in India. The Taj Mahal stands on the banks of river Yamuna. The car parking lot is built at a distance because polluting traffic is not allowed near the monument as pollution discolour the white marble.
In the local markets close to the Taj Mahal you can buy beautiful handicraft items and marble show pieces. You can also buy a Taj for yourself from one of these markets.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Temples of Khajuraho
In the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is the Khajuraho village. This village has a group of monuments which are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The large number of medieval Hindu and Jain temples with the famous sculptures has made Khajuraho one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. These temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela kings.
The structures of the Khajuraho temples are similar to the style of the north-Indian shikhara temple and also to Panchayatana plan. Few of the temples are Jain temples and the others are Hindu temples. The Hindu temples are dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and also to different goddesses.
These temples are famous for the carvings on their walls. Some of the carvings on the external walls bear bold artistic statements but the art inside the temples or near the gods present simple facts of life. In the temples with two layers of walls, the outer sides of the inner walls have small carvings which depict that a person has to leave his/her luxurious desires outside the temple before seeing the deity. These arts also show that, like the gods, spirituality should also be pure.
Most of the carvings on the walls show human, their bodies and also the facts of life. The carvings present the everyday life of a common man in India during that time when they were made. At earlier times when boys were sent to gurukuls(school), through these sculptures they learnt about the world and also made themselves ready to become householders when they grew.
The structures of the Khajuraho temples are similar to the style of the north-Indian shikhara temple and also to Panchayatana plan. Few of the temples are Jain temples and the others are Hindu temples. The Hindu temples are dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and also to different goddesses.
These temples are famous for the carvings on their walls. Some of the carvings on the external walls bear bold artistic statements but the art inside the temples or near the gods present simple facts of life. In the temples with two layers of walls, the outer sides of the inner walls have small carvings which depict that a person has to leave his/her luxurious desires outside the temple before seeing the deity. These arts also show that, like the gods, spirituality should also be pure.
Most of the carvings on the walls show human, their bodies and also the facts of life. The carvings present the everyday life of a common man in India during that time when they were made. At earlier times when boys were sent to gurukuls(school), through these sculptures they learnt about the world and also made themselves ready to become householders when they grew.
Friday, January 25, 2008
City Palace Jaipur
The main palace of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known as the City Palace. The palace’s structure depicts the mixture of the traditional Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The palace complex is huge and occupies about one seventh of the total area of the walled city of Jaipur.
The City Palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. However, his successors have made many additions to the palace complex. The palace complex has splendid structures like the Chandra Mahal, Badal Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple etc. There is a local handicraft market in the complex. The famous City Palace Museum is also inside the palace complex. At this museum you can see ammunitions used in wars, dresses worn by the Maharajas and their Maharanis and a number of other things. The main gate to the stately courtyard is of brass and is simply magnificent. The other attractions in the City Palace are the two huge silver vessels which according to the Guinness Book of World Records are the largest silver vessels of the world. In earlier times these vessels were used to carry water from the holy river Ganges for the royal family’s personal use.
There are many things in the City Palace which cannot be expressed in words. Its beauty can only be felt by our eyes. Members of the royal family are still residing in one part of the palace. However, visitors are not allowed to enter that part of the palace.
The City Palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. However, his successors have made many additions to the palace complex. The palace complex has splendid structures like the Chandra Mahal, Badal Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple etc. There is a local handicraft market in the complex. The famous City Palace Museum is also inside the palace complex. At this museum you can see ammunitions used in wars, dresses worn by the Maharajas and their Maharanis and a number of other things. The main gate to the stately courtyard is of brass and is simply magnificent. The other attractions in the City Palace are the two huge silver vessels which according to the Guinness Book of World Records are the largest silver vessels of the world. In earlier times these vessels were used to carry water from the holy river Ganges for the royal family’s personal use.
There are many things in the City Palace which cannot be expressed in words. Its beauty can only be felt by our eyes. Members of the royal family are still residing in one part of the palace. However, visitors are not allowed to enter that part of the palace.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir
One of the most popular temples in India is the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir, located in the prabhadevi area of Mumbai. It was built in 1801. It is one of the most famous temples in India. It is visited by huge crowds of devotees of Lord Ganesha belonging to different sects of society everyday.
Siddhi Vinayak temple has a small hall in which is the shrine for Shree Siddhi Vinayak (Lord Ganesha). The architecture of this temple is simply brilliant. The wooden doors in the temple’s sanctum are carved with images demonstrating the eight forms of Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra, known as Ashtavinayak. The sanctum’s inner roof is gold plated. In the centre is a four armed statue of Lord Ganesha along with the statues of his wives Riddhi and Siddhi.
Tuesday is the most crowded day of the week in the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir as it is considered to be the most auspicious day to offer payers to Lord Ganesha. According to the Hindu mythology, all new works should start by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. Therefore millions of devotees including many celebrities visit the temple every month just to offer their prayers and to get a glimpse of the lord.
Good security arrangements are made in the temple premises for the devotee’s safety. If you visit this temple the only thing which might really bother you are the beggars from whom you just can’t escape.
Siddhi Vinayak temple has a small hall in which is the shrine for Shree Siddhi Vinayak (Lord Ganesha). The architecture of this temple is simply brilliant. The wooden doors in the temple’s sanctum are carved with images demonstrating the eight forms of Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra, known as Ashtavinayak. The sanctum’s inner roof is gold plated. In the centre is a four armed statue of Lord Ganesha along with the statues of his wives Riddhi and Siddhi.
Tuesday is the most crowded day of the week in the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir as it is considered to be the most auspicious day to offer payers to Lord Ganesha. According to the Hindu mythology, all new works should start by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. Therefore millions of devotees including many celebrities visit the temple every month just to offer their prayers and to get a glimpse of the lord.
Good security arrangements are made in the temple premises for the devotee’s safety. If you visit this temple the only thing which might really bother you are the beggars from whom you just can’t escape.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Rural market in Delhi – DILLI HAAT
The term ‘HAAT’ means a village market. But Delhi’s ‘DILLI HAAT’ is much more than just a market place. It is a place where the rural life and folk art of India are brought face to face with the urban customer. Dilli Haat has got the environment of a traditional rural market but fulfilling the modern-day needs.
Dilli Haat is a center of Indian food, crafts and cultural activity. Here you will find handicrafts and cuisines from every state of India.
Food
India is a country which is a home of a diverse population. Therefore it is also a land of variety of cuisines. Dilli Haat is a place where under one roof you can taste the different varieties of cuisines for all the states of India. So if you want to taste the Indian spicy food in the local style, Dilli Haat is the best place to visit.
Handicraft
Indian handicrafts are also diversified because of its ethnic and cultural diversity. India is the home of some of the most talented and artistic craftsmen. The craft bazaar of Dilli Haat exhibits the art and handicrafts created by these craftsmen. Here you can buy the actual Indian art and craft items in traditional colours and designs.
Dilli Haat is the marketplace where you can enjoy the complete shopping experience, in a rural market, in the modern-day style.
Dilli Haat is a center of Indian food, crafts and cultural activity. Here you will find handicrafts and cuisines from every state of India.
Food
India is a country which is a home of a diverse population. Therefore it is also a land of variety of cuisines. Dilli Haat is a place where under one roof you can taste the different varieties of cuisines for all the states of India. So if you want to taste the Indian spicy food in the local style, Dilli Haat is the best place to visit.
Handicraft
Indian handicrafts are also diversified because of its ethnic and cultural diversity. India is the home of some of the most talented and artistic craftsmen. The craft bazaar of Dilli Haat exhibits the art and handicrafts created by these craftsmen. Here you can buy the actual Indian art and craft items in traditional colours and designs.
Dilli Haat is the marketplace where you can enjoy the complete shopping experience, in a rural market, in the modern-day style.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Calangute beach of Goa
The state of Goa, in India, has an Indo-Portuguese culture and architecture. Goa is a city of beaches. Among the many, Calangute beach is one of the most famous beaches in Goa.
The Calangute beach of Goa is towards north, nine miles from Panaji, the Goan capital. The beach is covered with palm trees and is about four miles long. The best time to visit this place is between the months of November and February. But you can visit the Calangute beach of Goa at any time of the year.
The pure, cool golden sand and the sun beautify the Calangute beach. If you are a sea food lover, then here you will find fresh sea food on sale everywhere. The Calangute beach is the best beach in Goa for water sports right from water shooting to parasailing. You can also take one of the crocodile or dolphin spotting tours.
Nearby the calangute beach is the Kerkar Art Complex. The exhibitions put up here are mainly of arts and crafts from local Goans. You can explore you bargaining skills at the Saturday bazaar. There you will find everything right from fish, meat, grocery to textiles, pottery and others.
For a splendid holiday in Goa do not forget to visit the Calangute beach to have the complete Goan holiday experience and of course do not miss tasting the famous Goan cashew fenni!
The Calangute beach of Goa is towards north, nine miles from Panaji, the Goan capital. The beach is covered with palm trees and is about four miles long. The best time to visit this place is between the months of November and February. But you can visit the Calangute beach of Goa at any time of the year.
The pure, cool golden sand and the sun beautify the Calangute beach. If you are a sea food lover, then here you will find fresh sea food on sale everywhere. The Calangute beach is the best beach in Goa for water sports right from water shooting to parasailing. You can also take one of the crocodile or dolphin spotting tours.
Nearby the calangute beach is the Kerkar Art Complex. The exhibitions put up here are mainly of arts and crafts from local Goans. You can explore you bargaining skills at the Saturday bazaar. There you will find everything right from fish, meat, grocery to textiles, pottery and others.
For a splendid holiday in Goa do not forget to visit the Calangute beach to have the complete Goan holiday experience and of course do not miss tasting the famous Goan cashew fenni!
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