Agra - The City of Symbol of Love Taj Mahal‎

Short Introduction about Agra

• Agra - The City of Love
• Agra - The Former capital of Hindustan (India)
• Agra - The Loving city of Mughal Empire
• Agra - The City of Fascinating Attractions
• Agra - Most searching destination by lovers and newly married couples.

Name of City	Agra
Old Name	Previously called as Agrevaṇa (the border of the Forest) Mentioned in the epic Mahabharata.
District	Agra
State	Uttar Pradesh
Country	India
Distance from Airport	12.5 km from the city center Agra (Agra Airport)
Agra Famous for	Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra), Agra Fort, I'timad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), Ram Bagh, Mankameshwar Temple, Jama Masjid, Swami Bagh Samadhi, Indrabhan Girls' Inter College, Chini ka Rauza, Guru ka Tal, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Mughal Heritage Walk, Mariam's Tomb, Keetham Lake, Mehtab Bagh, Agra ke Pethe (The name of Agra sweet), Stone statue of Agra

Agra

Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.  A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

If you are in Agra so must visit here:- 

Taj Mahal -  Dream destination for Lovers

TAJ MAHAL

Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

Majestic View of the Taj Mahal with River Yamuna (Behind Taj)

SIKANDRA

This beautifully maintained monument is where EMPEROR AKBAR was buried. It is a very low profile monument but it has one of the most awe – inspiring tombs. It is surreal how one of the greatest emperors has been put to rest. The manicured lawns has spotted and other varieties of deer roaming in them. Named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. The Emperor began the construction of his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime. However, the construction was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613. An impressive marble - inlaid gateway leads to the spacious four - tiered monument which is crowned by a white marble cenotaph and screen. What is interesting is that the structure imbibes the best of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs, signifying the new religion started by Akbar – the DEEN E ILAHI.

Sikandra

AGRA FORT

The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.  Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Agra Fort

Baby Taj

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ or the ITMAD-UD-ULLAH – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. One of the most beautiful Mughal tombs, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb was built by Nur Jahan, the Empress of Jehangir for her father in 1628. 

Baby Taj Agra -  The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj

The tomb is a resting place of the powerful personality in Mughal Court, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, whose life is very interesting. Formerly a very poor Persian merchant then named Mirza Ghiyas or Ghiyas Beg he became a minister and a trusted treasure in Akbar's court. After Akbar's death in 1605, his son Jahangir rose into power. Jahangir made Ghiyas Beg his chief minister and honored him with the title of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the Pillar of State. Later, Jahangir met a beautiful daughter of Ghiyas Beg named Mehr-Un-Nissa and married her. Mehr-Un-Nissa soon played a significant role in the Jahangir's court and was called Nur Mahal, the light pf the Place. Owing to her influence, her father and brother were granted with privileges in the court. When Ghiyas beg (Itmad-Un-Daulah) dies in 1622, Nur Mahal decided to build a mausoleum for him. Queen Mumtaz Mahal or the lady of the Taj was also from this prevailing family. The mausoleum is entirely made of white marble and graced with intricate decoration of inlay work, and marble-screen work belonging to the Islamic style. With its tranquil, small garden on the bank of Yamuna River, the tomb stands impressively elegant from a distance.

Interiors of Baby Taj which are considered better than the Taj Mahal

Thank You for reading this post.


If you want to add or suggest more information about Agra, Taj Mahal or other destinations in Agra OR interested to publish your India travel experiences, Pictures, photographs and article on this blog so please call/whatsapp @ +91 8287455143

Please share this post with your friends and in your social network. (Below are share buttons)

Thank You so much

Abhaneri Village - Must See Abhaneri Step Well if you are in Rajasthan

Short Introduction about Abhaneri Village

Name	Abhaneri Village
Meaning of Abhaneri	Abha (Brightness) + Nagri (City) = City of Brightness
District	Dausa
State	Rajasthan
Country	India
Distance from Main City	95 km from Jaipur (also known as Pink City)
Famous for	Harshat Mata Temple, Chand Baori Step well

Abhaneri Village

Abhaneri Village is situated on the Jaipur Agra Highway in District of Dausa. It is an ancient village in Rajasthan famous for its post Gupta or early medieval monuments. The sculpture and architecture of Abhaneri suggests that it must have been a great center of art and architecture. The sculptures of Abhaneri are the best example of Gurjar Pratihari art. This flourishing town has ruined by the Mughal Empror Mahmud Ghaznavi in one of his invasions. The village has contributed numerous pieces of sculpture to various museums worldwide. The name of the village Abhaneri is so called because the local Goddess Harshat Mata is shown portrayed in a joyous mood and spreads brightness or “abha” all around. The village’s original name was Abha Nagri. The village is said to have been founded by the legendary King Raja Chand and thus the village could be over three thousand years old. It is however felt that the mythological Raja Chand could be King Bhoja, who ruled GUJJAR Kingdom in the ninth century AD.  

Abhaneri village - 95 kms from Jaipur on the Jaipur - Agra Highway Road

Chand Baori (Abhaneri Step Well):

is about 100 feet deep open well with flights of steps on three sides is another 10^th century monument. The stairs of the chand Baori are in the shape of an inverted English letter “V” in sets of 4-5 steps. This Baori is not an ordinary structure, but is a marvel of Architecture. The chand Baori has beautiful carved panels inserted into the sides. Nobody has been able to count the steps. One can see the two royal toilets with carved windows and Jharokhas, which were used by the then Kings & Queens. The water for the royal toilets was used to be pulled from the Baori with the help of bulls. 


The carved stone pillars, which have now been damaged, were once strong enough for supporting pulleys to draw water. One can also witness all 24 Avtars of Lord Vishnu which were carved on the stone inside one of the cenotaph. There are three tunnels which have opening of about 20 Km away from Chand Baori, were being used by the rulers as escape routes in care of attack by the enemies. An encyclopedia of stone architecture showing a fine degree of craftsmanship lies strewn all around the village. In fact, Chand Baori is a unique example of its own kind of stone architecture where one can see the ladies figures with various kinds of musical instruments and the dancing posses.

Images for Abhaneri step well

Harshat Mata Temple 

The Harshat Mata Temple dates back to the tenth century AD. Daily worship is offered to the deity in the temple. The ruins of the temple conform to 10^th century architectural and sculptural styles. All walls & surroundings around the Temple were of carved stone depicting the abodes of Gods & Goddesses Aradhnarishwar, Nag-Nagin, Prem Mudraan, Natraj, Lord Vishnu & Budhas. This Temple which was looted and destroyed by the Mughals is in ruins and pieces of sculpture showing a fine degree of craftsmanship lie strewn around. The Archaeological Survey of India is trying to restore the Temple. Annual fair is held in the Hindu month of chaitra (March/April) in honour of Goddess Harshat Mata which lasts three days and numerous devotees and merchants gather from neighboring villages. The statue of Harshat Mata originally was of blue sapphire.

Images for Harshat Mata Temple

If you are planning trip to India and want to see destinations of Incredible India, so please feel free contact me at +91 8287455143

Review Taj Mahal and Delhi with South India and Darjeeling - Amazing exprience

When I was a kid I used to stare in wonder at pictures of the Taj Mahal and think to myself, “I’m going to live and die and never see that.”  

Most beautiful and amazing monument that for so many westerners like myself is the very symbol of India—but so many other things I never thought I’d see.  In fact, I have now completed my third tour .

 

Taj Mahal

I travel solo.  That means no friends or family accompany me (if I waited for my stick-in-the-mud friends and family to come with me, I’d probably never go anywhere).  A woman with the courage to take a trip on her own to a country whose culture seems quite different is looking for a travel agency who can, as we say in America, ‘step up to the plate.’  I made a list of all the things that I considered to be important, above others I checked out, responded in a way that told me these people are a cut above—classy, professional, and who I could count on to look out for my best interests day and night, so I could relax and enjoy the tour without any worries.  I also had the good sense to look for an agency who made an effort to know me—who I am, my level of education, my occupation, my interests, how experienced I am as a traveler (at the time I was not very experienced as an international traveler), how I feel about history and religion, and so on.  Once I decided this agency was the right choice for me—and I’m about to give you a really good tip here, gentle reader, so pay attention!—I gave them a ballpark budget and a rough outline of the places I wanted to see and the kind of things I might enjoy such as traditional dance, architecture, ancient manuscripts, wildlife, train travel, star gazing, etc.  Then I sat back and let them do their job.  My tours as a result have been rich with surprises, as this agency introduced me to so many delights I would never have thought of including for myself—why would I want to plan my own surprise party?  (I spent a night in a tree house 40 ft. in the air on a ranch in the middle of a wildlife sanctuary and listened as peacocks called to one another). 

The other smart thing I did was I read as many books about India, and especially about the parts of India I would be visiting, as I could so I wouldn’t be some gaping yay-hoo who visits Raj Ghat (the place where Ghandi was cremated) and call out, “Now what did you say this place was again?”

With your travel agency I have visited the most fantastic places of India!  But beyond the many not-to-be-missed monuments, museums, or other main stops on perhaps any worthwhile tour itinerary, what I have appreciated even more are the impromptu side trips and off-the-beaten-path experiences that have been interjected by my guides and drivers simply because they ‘know a guy’ and just happened to be in the neighborhood.  In Darjeeling I was taken, just on a whim, and because he remembered I had expressed an interest in meeting more of the locals, to visit the family of my driver who lives in a tiny village just a few minutes’ drive outside of town, and again down the road to visit his aunt whose house was surrounded by spectacular orchids of the most vibrant color.  We laughed about politicians, complained about our arthritis, and talked about earthquakes and the best way to bake bread.  And we didn’t even speak the same language.  My friends sometimes ask me, “But don’t you hate to travel alone?”  Alone?  On my tours I was almost never alone.  The only time I was alone was at night when I went to sleep in my five-star, luxury hotel with a cup of hot tea on the night table, a bathtub big enough to swim in, and more room service than I knew what to do with.  Poor me.

But I digress.  Ok, back to the Taj.  My guide brought me to the Taj Mahal at 6:00 a.m. on the dot—the very minute that the gate opens.  The sky at that hour is a soft white-gray with just a hint of pink.  

Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling

I would have to say the photo of me with Jamling Tenzing, the son of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, summited Everest for the first time in 1952.  A private meeting with him was arranged through my guide in Darjeeling after I expressed an interest in climbing when we were visiting the mountaineering museum.  I was completely unaware that Norgay’s family still lived in the town.  What a thrill for me that was!  I so appreciated it!  But appreciated equally as much are the little things—those special touches such as realizing I had left my eyeglasses behind in the previous town and having them handed to me within 8 hours.

My friends here in the States advised me to select a travel agency that is based in the country I am wanting to visit.  This turned out to be excellent advice, in my opinion.  I think it might be important here for me to say how I think we compares with other agencies who offer travel in India.  The truth is that I have never used any others—only your agency.  But then why on earth would I want to?  Wandering through all the many photos from my trips with this agency, I have come to realize that some of my very favorite snaps are not of the Taj but of the smiling, gentle people who led me through and along the way, who were there each morning to open the door of a newly-washed, air conditioned touring car, who shared with me all their knowledge, their children’s names, their favorite jokes, their best advice, and their own unique view of life.  To those people I am forever grateful.

T. Lasakow

Light Show at City Palace, Jaipur

After Rajasthan’s forts being Listed in the Unesco World Heritage sites, Jaipur is now all set to witness the Unique Light Sculpture show. Starting in City Palace Museum the show will be based on the unique techniques of Laser Lights & will focus on the history of the Royal Family of Jaipur. 

World famous French Light architect Patrick Rimoux is working on this project. The authority is planning to host this show daily 3 hours which will include Dinner & Palace sightseeing also. 
The show most probably will begin in October .

I am also posting here cuttings of the news article Published in Jaipur Newspaper dated 25th July 2013.

For more information call or whatsapp me at : +91 8287455143

The Desert Festival Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

Once a year during winters, the sands around Jaisalmer come alive with the brilliant colors, music and laughter of the Desert Festival. Dressed in brilliantly hued costumes, the people of the desert dance and sing haunting ballads of valor, romance and tragedy. The fair has snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats and folk performers. Camels, of course, play a stellar role in this festival, where the rich and colorful folk culture of Rajasthan is on show. The festival closes with an enchanting sound and light show amidst the sand dunes on a moonlit night.

A few days before the spring full moon according to the Hindu calendar, musicians, dancers and performers from all over Rajasthan start moving in colorful camel caravans towards the golden town of Jaisalmer, which dons a festive look. The otherwise barren landscape is splashed with vibrant colors marking the opening of the Desert Festival. The 12th century fort of Jaisalmer, built in yellow sandstone, provides a fairytale background. Over the years, the desert dwellers in their solitude have woven a fascinating tapestry with threads of music and rhythm and the Desert Festival is a celebration of their heritage. It is a chance of a lifetime to see the folk art forms against the landscape that has nurtured them for hundreds of years. With the arrival of the artists, a delightful series of programs begins in and around Jaisalmer. There is music everywhere and at every given hour. Through the winding lanes of the fortified town to the sand dunes and even the rivers of abandoned villages, the music casts a potent spell. Beginning at sunrise, it reaches its zenith under the umbrella of the star-studded sky.

Through the day, visitors can come face to face with the desert craftsmen. Exquisitely embroidered skirts, hand-woven shawls, rugs, carvings on wood and stone, camel decorations, embroidered leather bags, ethnic silver jewelry and terracotta are brought in from all over the desert. These skillfully achieved crafts are objects d'art for the handicraft buff.

Evenings are meant for the main shows of music and dance. Vibrating desert drums can be heard for miles around. Nearly all the variations of performing arts of these desert people are displayed. Continuing till late into the night, the number of spectators swells up each night and the grand finale, on the full moon night, takes place by silvery sand dunes.

The main attractions of the Desert festival are:

• Turban Tying Competition
• Mr. Desert Competition
• Rajasthani folk songs and dance
• Gair and Fire dancers
• Camel Polo

Camels are not just beasts of burden but an integral part of the desert life and the camel events confirm this fact. Special efforts go into dressing the animal for entering the spectacular competition of the best-dressed camel. Camel owners vie with each other for winning the camel races and a feeling of pride is discernible both in the eyes of the owner and his mount that wins. To add some more fun and color, the camel show has two unique events - the camel polo and the camel dance.

Although the basic design of the festival remains the same, each year there are a few new events. Some of the most spectacular and memorable shows of past festivals have been the dream-like pageant, "Blood, Blade and Romance" on the sand dunes recreating the legendary past; the camel tattoo of the Border Security Force, which has a highly trained camel corps to guard the western border; and the pulsating folk ensemble of a hundred musicians. Today, this traditional extravaganza is a coveted event for all tourists coming to India this time of the year.

Wrap up the wildlife and Rajasthan desert tour with breathtaking moments at the Taj Mahal and end the journey on a holy note at Varanasi. Contact +91 8287455143

Holi – The Festival of Colors in India

Indian Color Festival Holi‎

About Holi Festival

Holi is one of the most important festivals of Hindus which is steeped in all the colors of the rainbow. It is celebrated in India to welcome the season of spring and end of winters. It is a two-day long festival celebrated with lot of gaiety all over India. On the eve of Holi, people gather to light a huge bonfire of the dried leaves and twigs also known as Holika Dahan. On the morning of the festival, people meet each other to apply dry and wet colors each other, play with water, and eat sweets together

Holika Dahan: The Holi bonfire

The main emphasis of the festival is on the burning of the holy fire or Holika. The origin of the traditional lighting of Holi is attributed by some to the burning of demonesses like Holika, Holaka and Putana who represent evil, or to the burning of Madan according to others. Traditionally a bonfire on the day of Holi, marks the symbolic anhilation of a demoness Holika the sister of demon, Hiranyakashipu, in Hindu mythology, while trying to kill, a devotee, Bhakta Prahlad .

This is akin to other festivals where effigies are burned, like Ravana Dahan on Vijayadashami (Dusshera) day, also in many other religions across the world, signifying end of dark or demonic forces.

 

Dulhendi

The next day this victory is celebrated as the day of Dulhendi.

Principal ingredients of celebration are Abeer and Gulal, in all possible colours. Next comes squirting of coloured water using pichkaris. Coloured water is prepared using Tesu flowers, which are first gathered from the trees, dried in the sun, and then ground up, and later mixed with water to produce orange-yellow coloured water. Another traditional Holi item now rarely seen is a where a red powder enclosed in globes of Lakh, which break instantly and covering the party with the powder. Regional rituals and celebrations

People of Jaipur play this Holi festival with great zest and joy. Holi is celebrated on PhalgunPurnima or Poranmashi (full moon) in the month of March or April. In fact, the Holi played in the pink city is popularly known as Lathmar Holi. It is believed that the adorable Gopies had warned Lord Krishna and his friends not to step into the land of Barsana, their village, on Holi. But Lord Krishna did not listen to their ‘advice’ and entered the village with his friends, for this they were showered with bamboos by the Gopies. That is why Lathmar Holi is celebrated, wherein the womenfolk use bamboo sticks to hit the men. Poor men! It’s all a part of the colourful festival celebrations.

=============================================================

For more about this beautiful festival contact me @ +91 8287455143

Goa – Where Tranquility Is Always In The Air

Goa has been a lot of things to a lot of people. While some have called it the quintessential party destination of India, others have fondly named it the ‘Rome of the East’ for its architectural window to the past, and a lot many agree that it is one of those rare places where tranquillity is always in the air. Goa is all that and much more. While siestas rule noontime in this languid city, hugging the western coast of India, by evening it transforms into this big celebration, alive and kicking, with a pulse of its own.

• ·         When in Goa, forget the “Do as the Romans” rule, and simply be yourself! One of the most comforting aspects of this cosy little destination is that it is the most liberal places in India, giving you enough breathing space, as long as you stay within the law.
• ·         While you will find yourself gorging on some aptly spiced seafood, Vindaloo or Vindalho is a local delicacy you must try. Made of pork, wine and garlic, the only word of caution for this irresistible curry is the Spice Factor!
• ·         No trip to this erstwhile Portuguese outpost can be complete without a sip of ‘Feni’. One shot of this heady, cashew-palm liquor, and you will know why Goans are always so cheery.
• ·         The best time to visit would be November to March, when the weather is cooler and the rains won’t dampen your mood or plans.
• ·         No matter what your aim, take one day out to party the night away, and one to simple indulge in some “Susegad”! A term used by locals to describe their general celebration of life, characterized by simply ‘relaxing’, take a breather, kick off your shoes, find a shack or hammock, and soak in the sights and sounds of GOA!

h