India's Best Places, Monument Of India

Best place for Honey Moon - Kullu - Manali

Kullu enjoys an elevation of 1200 m and 2050 m above the sea level in Kullu Manali. Enjoy the pleasant weather, clean air, serene environs and most important of all beautiful company of your life partner on Honeymoon in Kullu and Manali. At an approachable distance from Shimla, Kullu and Manali offers wide range of accommodation facilities, picturesque locations and serenity required to make Honeymoon in Kullu and Manali an affair to remember. So If you finding best Honeymoon Destination in India Kullu and Manali is the best place for you.
Attraction in Kullu and Manali

While in Kullu, you must visit the Raghunath Temple, Jagannathi Devi Temple, Bekhli Temple, Basheshwar Mahadev Temple and Bijli Mahadev Temple. Extend your Honeymoon in Kullu to take an excursion to Nagar, Raison, Shoja, Manikaran and Kasol. In Manali, visit the Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Jagatsukh Temple, Arjun Gufa, Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa, Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture and Village Vashisht. Solang Nullah, Waterfalls, Rohtang Pass, Dassaur Lake and Beas Kund are the places for extended tours on Honeymoon in Manali. A tint of adventurous activity is welcome on Honeymoon in Kullu and Manali after lot of sightseeing tours of built and natural heritage. Try out angling, camping, hiking, jeep safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering, paragliding, skiing, trekking or water rafting on Honeymoon in Kullu and Manali. Enjoy a bit of shopping for the famous locally made products such as baskets, namdas or rugs, natural oils of almond and olive caps, pullan-a kind of footwear, shawls and tweed on Honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh.

One of Most Famous Historical Place to go for Sightseeing in Ahmedabad - Bhadra Fort:

Year of construction: In the year1411 A.D. during the rule of Marathas
Established by: Sultan Ahmad Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city


The historical city of Ahmedabad is filled with numerous magnificent palaces and forts that are worth paying a visit. The Bhadra Fort in Ahmedabad is one of the most ancient forts of the city, which offers a glimpse into the history of the city and of India.


The Bhadra Fort in Ahmedabad was built in the year 1411 A.D. The magnificent fort was built by Shah Alam, the founder of the city of Ahmedabad. As the fort houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, hence it was named Bhadra.


The Bhadra fort is Ahmedabad occupies a total area of 44 acres and includes a huge garden as well as a grand pavilion. Tourists from all across the world come to take a look at this marvelous fort. The carved arches, intricately carved balconies and the exquisite Jali work of its windows attract a large number of tourists to this place everyday. The arches of the fort have Islamic inscriptions carved on them.


One of the biggest attractions of this fort is the Teen Darwaja or the Triple gateway. Located on the eastern side of the fort, this huge gateway serves as an entrance to the Royal Square, which is situated inside the fort premises. Step inside the palace and you will take back to the ages of the sultans. Tourists can check out the rooms of the kings, the dungeons where the prisoners were kept, the royal court and other halls and rooms of this grand monumental structure. The roof of the fort offers a wonderful view of the streets surrounding the palace. However, in order to go to the roof, one has to take special permission of the relevant authorities. Dabbed in history, the Bhadra Fort at Ahmedabad tells one tales of Sultan Shah Alam, his family and his courtiers.


Today the fort houses a large number of government office like that of the Archeological Survey of India, a post office and the statue of the first industrialist of the city. The Sidi Sayed Mosque in Ahmedabad is also located inside the premises of this huge fort.


The Bhadra Fort in Ahmedabad is truly one of most famous historical place to go for sightseeing in Ahmedabad . The architectural beauty and the grandeur of the fort are worth taking a look.

Monumental Heritage of India


One of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture is the Lal Quila or the Red Fort. Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, the Red Fort has walls extending up to 2 kms. in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side.

The entry to this splendid fort is from the Lahori Gate or the Chatta Chowk. Lal Quila is now a busy market place called the 'Meena Bazaar'. This bazaar has an excellent collection of antiques, miniature paintings and skillfully crafted fake ivory jewellery. The bazaar also sells some fabulous carpets beautifully woven. Just beyond the Chhata Chowk, is the heart of the fort called Naubat Khana, or the Drum House. Musicians used to play for the emperor from the Naubat Khana, and the arrival of princes and royalty was heralded from here.

The Fort sports all the obvious trappings befitting a vital centre of Mughal governance: halls of public and private audiences, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque, and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the Fort remains an impressive testimony to Mughal grandeur, despite being attacked by the Persian Emperor Nadir Shah in 1739, and by the British soldiers, during the war of independence in 1857.

The Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences, where the Emperor would sit on a marbled paneled alcove, studded with gems, and hear complaints of the common people. The Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of Private Audiences, where the Emperor held private meetings. This hall is made of marble, and its centre-piece used to be the Peacock Throne, which was studded with rubies and gems and was carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739. Today, although the Diwan-i-Khas is only a pale shadow of its original glory, yet the verse of Amir Khusro " If there is Paradise on the face of earth, it is here, it is here, it is here" reminds us of its former glory.

The Rang Mahal or the 'Palace of Colours' as it is known, holds a spectacular Lotus shaped fountain, made out of a single piece of marble, and housed the Emperor's wives and mistresses. The palace was decorated with excellent paintings, gold bordered projections, mosaics of mirrors and the ceiling was made with gold and silver which wonderfully reflected in a central pool in the marble floor. The other attractions enclosed within this monument are the hammams or the Royal Baths, the Shahi Burj, which used to be Shahjahan's private working area, and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built by Aurangzeb for his personal use.

Even today, the Lal Quila is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. It is still a calm haven of peace, which helps one to break away, from noisy and busy life outside the walls of the Fort, and transports the visitor to another realm of existence. Sound and light shows or son et lumiere as it is better known, highlighting particular phases of history are held here. The shows are in Hindi and English with tickets costing Rs. 20, available at the Fort. The English seasons are from November to January at 7.30 p.m., in January to April and September to October at 8.30 p.m. and from May to August at 9 p.m.

The Dolls Museum

The Dolls Museum, situated near Pragati Maidan, is the perfect place for the entertainment of children. It displays a huge collection of almost 6000 dolls collected from as many as 85 countries. Almost one third of the collection of the Delhi Doll Museum is assembled from different parts of the country. The dolls are even dressed up in the traditional costumes of the country or the area to which they belong. The museum is divided into two parts, each consisting of wall mounted glass cases, approximately 1,000 ft long.

In one segment are exhibited dolls from European countries, the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, etc. The other segment is dedicated to dolls from the countries of Asia, Middle East, Africa, etc. Shankar's International Dolls of Museum Delhi also comprises of a workshop and a Doll Designing Centre. Along with viewing, you can also buy dolls from this museum. Dolls Museum of Delhi facilitates cultural exchanges. Since, the dolls are displayed in their traditional attire, with conventional costumes, jewelry, etc, they tend to represent the true culture of their country/ area.

The Grand and Magnificent Landmark Of Mumbai


Location : Mumbai, India

Construction

Started : 31 March 1911
Completed : 1924
Inaugurated : 4 December 1924
Height : 26 m (85 ft)
Cost :2.1 million rupees (1911)


Design team
Architect : George Wittet

Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

The Gateway was built by the British and designed by the architect George Wittet. The first stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay on March 31st, 1913. The Gate was formally opened in 1924.

It is 26m high structures, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the British Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway.


Near the Gateway of India is Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in India. Close by are the statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji astride his horse and of Swami Vivekananda, that add to the charm of this monument.

Wildlife Sanctaury - Gir national Park

About Gir Wildlife SanctauryGir national Park In the southwest of the peninsular state of Gujarat, lies the 116 square-mile Gir sanctuary created to protect the last wild population of Lion outside the African regions. Since 1913 when the Lion population over here fell drastically to just 20 animals, the numbers have increased to around 300. The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African cousin is and its mane is also smaller. Flora in Gir National Park
The Gir National Park is a mixed deciduous forest with teak, flame of the forest, some Acacia and Banyan trees. A distinct belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and streams. Species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here. These trees are mostly broad leaved and evergreen, giving the area a cool shade and the moisture content.
Major Wildlife Attractions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
In India the Lion population is spread across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. But Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is Leopard. Infact, Gir national park is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close to the lodges.
Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, NilgaiChowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc.
Other Attractions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
Jeep Safari :
The best way to observe the big cats is, of course, in their natural surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Wildlife viewing in the Gir’s is best done, by driving via jeep around the forest.
Best Time to Visit Gir Forest
Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Gir park throughout the year, but the best period to visit the Gir Sanctuary is between the months of November and June.

Dalhousie- Hill Station
Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station in the state on Himachal Pradesh.The city was established in the year 1854 during the British rule in India and is situated on and around five hills. Located on the Western side of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas, the city is the gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State.

The city is situated about 6000 ft above the sea level and has a large number of destinations which attracts tourists from all around the World. The hill region in which the city stands is a repository of ancient Hindu culture and is bounded by temples all around.

Dalhousie is the home to many temples and Churches. The temples in the Chamba region dates back to the 7th Century AD. The rulers of Chamba were great patrons of art which is depicted in the architectures of these temples. Craftsmen from remote areas of Northern India, who used to take shelter in this region during the medieval Indian Historical period, were patronized by the rulers of this region. The bronze idols made by these craftsmen are still extant in the temples of the region. Some of the important temples in the region include the Lakshminarian Temple, Hari Rai Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Lakshna Devi and Shakti Devi Temples, Mindal Vasni Temple, Temple of Purthi, and the Mani-Mahesh Temple. The Minjar fair, which is one of the most awaited festivals every year in the Chamba Valley, is held each year in the month of August. Thousands of tribal people and tourists assemble here on the occasion of this festival.

The British rule in this region also experienced development of a large number of Churches Between 1894 and 1909 AD, there were about four churches made in this region, St. John’s Church being the oldest one. Other Churches include the St. Francis Church, St. Andrew's Church, and the St. Patrick's Church. There is also an elite convent residential school at Dalhousie, which was built in 1910 exclusively for girls.
The city has a good transportation system with railways, roads and air traffic services. Pathankot in North Punjab has the nearest Airport and the railway station. Besides, there are private car and luxury bus services to ferry travelers from one part of the city to the other.

Amber Fort Jaipur - Heritage Fort

Location: On Delhi-Jaipur Highway, 11 km from Jaipur
Built by: Raja Man Singh
Built in: 1592
Highlights: Wonderful carvings and minute mirror work

Amber Fort is located in Amber (Jaipur), which used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes its foreground. The crystal mirror image of the Fort, on the still waters of the lake, seems to be a beautiful illusion. Amber Fort is usually pronounced as Amer Fort. In 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. However, the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh.

The outer appearance of the Fort, being rough and craggy is totally different from its core. The interior of the Fort provides a soothing and warm ambience, which is least expected from its outer appearance. The marvelous decoration of the Amer Fort is influenced by both, the Hindu and Muslim manner of ornamentation. Exquisite paintings of hunting scenes on the walls depict the temperament of the Rajputs, who were adventurous, revolutionary and self-indulgent.

The intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings simply astonish the visitors. The minute mirror work adds to the grand appearance and royalty of the halls. The Amer Fort undoubtedly captivates the tourists with its artistic quality of delicate work. The mighty walls guarantee the protection of the Fort against the invasion of the enemies. The Fort is divided into four subparts.

Kali Temple, which is also known as Shila Devi Temple, forms the part of the Fort. It is renowned for its glorious past, huge silver lions and silver doors. The Hall of Public Audiences, Diwan-I-Aam is a pavilion with double row of columns. Ganesh Pol, another feature of the Fort, directs the way to the inhabited apartments of the King. The Hall of Victory, Jai Mandir has a stunning ceiling comprised of mirror work and an inlaid panel. The Fort has numerous other halls and pavilions with their own specific attraction.

The best part of this tourist attraction situated on a crafty hill, is the royal elephant ride. The flawless beauty of the Fort can be enjoyed royally with an elephant ride. Amber/Amer Fort is the part of Jaipur and its royalty. A trip to Jaipur would be definitely incomplete, without the visit to this imperial Fort of Amber.

History of Mount Abu

The history of Mount Abu is wrapped up in legends. According to one, Mount Abu derives its name from Mount Arbud when the youngest son of Himalaya, along with the assistance of a snake called Arbud flooded the gorge in the area with water to save Shiva's revered bull. On a more contemporary note, the history of Mount Abu indicates that it was once under the rule of the Chauhan dynasty and later served as summer retreat for the royalty. The British too favored this region and made it their impromptu getaway from the heat and dust of Rajasthan. In the Puranas the region has been referred to as Arbudaranya, ("forest of Arbhu") and 'Abu' is a diminutive of this ancient name. It is believed that sage Vasistha retired to the southern spur at Mount Abu after following his differences with sage Vishvamitra.

Geography of Mount Abu

Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan state in western India. It is located in Sirohi district. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar, at 1722. Mount Abu is located in the southwestern Rajasthan, close to the borders of Gujarat. It is located at a distance of about 185 km from Udaipur, 221 km from Ahmedabad, 264 km from Jodhpur, 500 km from Jaipur and 765 km from Delhi. The city experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year. Their summer temperature varies between 23 and 34 degrees C and in winters it is between 11 and 28 degree C. Warm clothes are required in winters (November-January). The hill station receives an average annual rainfall of 65-177 cms.

Tourist attractions of Mount Abu
Set amidst lush surroundings of Aravalli hills at an altitude of 1,220 m above the sea level, Mount Abu is the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan. It enjoys a cool and pleasant climate all round the year with temperatures hovering between 21°-33° C during summer and between 11°-28° C during winter, offering much-needed relief from the heat and dust of Rajasthan. Besides its exceptional scenic beauty, Mount Abu is also famous for its 11-13th century Hindu and Jain temples.

Nakki Lake
Nakki Lake is a beautiful picnic spot in Mount Abu. According to the legend, the lake was created by a Hindu God using his nails, and so derives its name Nakki (nail) Lake. The lake offers breathtaking view of surrounding hills and offers ideal spot for boating.








Sunset Point
Sunset Point located in South West of Nakki Lake provides you a scenic view of the setting sun. Hundreds of people swarm this area in the evening amidst a carnival atmosphere. Food stalls, souvenir shops abounds the area. The scenic hills, tranquil surrounding, and the pleasant climate makes it a favorite spot of the tourists. The Honeymoon Point located close by is another attraction of Mount Abu. Sunset Point is a good place to pick up trinkets and knick knacks. Carved marble statues, sandalwood idols, wooden toys and the likes can be seen all over the spot. Food stalls are a regular here. Pony rides are a favorite with toddlers. Baylay’s Walk, another Viewer’s spot lies just 5 kilometers from Sunset Point.


Dilwara Jain Temples
The most famous tourist attraction in Mount Abu, the Dilwara temples was constructed between 11th and 13th centuries AD. Sacred to Jains, they are considered masterpieces of temple architecture. The Vimal Vasahi temple in the complex is worth mentioning as the temple took about 14 years to complete and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankaras. These beautifully carved temples in white marbles are dedicated to different tirthankaras. One can also see intricately carved images of female figures in dancing poses on some of the 48 pillars.




Guru Shikar
Guru Shikar is the highest peak of the Aravalli range, located at about15 km northeast of Mount Abu. It's an important Hindu pilgrimage site, worth visiting on your Mount Abu Tour. Other famous attractions in Mount Abu include the Gaumukh Temple, which derives its name from a sculpted cow situated in the temple compound, Adhar Devi Temple and Shri Raghunathji
Temple.

Lover's Point

On the north-west of the Nakki Lake, near by the old gateway to Abu is Anadara point named after the village Anadara. This place is at the height of 4,000 feet. Here from also the magnificient grandeur of the setting the sun can be witnessed. Near it, is a Lovers - Rock also popularly known as Honey Moon Point, is an attractive point for the visitors for it being in the natural creation in the shape of a man and a women. For the newely - married couples, this is really a place full of very much charm. That's why many visitors do come just to celebrate 'Honey Moon' at Mount Abu. It provides a sereneaura with a pleasant view of the verdant valley and plains. It looks especially beutiful during the sun set hour. The area gets its name from the scores of honeymoon couples that frequent it. Also known as the Andra Point, it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Take time out to visit Honeymoon Point at sunset when the ambiance is very romantic. Soon Honeymoon point would be the privileged starting point for the proposed Rope Way, from here to Bhairu Tarak, below, to Anaadra village, 3500 feet, and at a distance of ~ 4 K.M. as a crow flies. The proposed eco-friendly and adventurous journey is slated to take nearly 15 minutes to and fro.

The Sun Temple at Modhera dates back to early 11th century CE and was built by King Bhimdev I in 1026 CE. It was during the same period that the Jain temples at Mount Abu were constructed by Vimal Shah. The Rudra Mahal temple at Siddhapur also dates back to this period. Also re-constructed at the same time was the Somnath temple at Somnath Patan. Interestingly, the grand Brihadeeswarar temple at Thanjavur in South India was constructed during the same time.

Even in its ruined state, the sun temple at Modhera is magnificient.. There is no worship offered here now. . There is no shikhara either. The temple has a sanctum, a pradakshina patha and a sabha mandap in front.

The exterior of the sanctum has many carved images of the Sun God, portrayed as wearing a belt and long shoes as in the Dakshinaarka temple at Gaya.

The mandapa in front of the sanctum has beautifully carved pillars with exquisite toranas adorning the entrances. The exterior of this temple is intricately carved. This temple has been designed such that the sun's rays illuminate the sanctum at dawn, during the time of the equinoxes.

In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which was once known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund. The tank has a series of carved steps leading to the bottom. Several miniature shrines adorn the steps of the tank - which is an art gallery in itself.

Modhera is now the site of several dance and cultural festivals.

Jantar Mantar - Jaipur!!!!

The name is derived from jantar ("instrument"), and Mantar ("formula", or in this context "calculation"). Therefore jantar mantar means literally 'calculation instrument'. This observatory has religious significance, since ancient Indian astronomers were also Jyotisa masters.

The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars' location as the earth orbits around the sun, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemerides. Each is a fixed and 'focused' tool. The Samrat Yantra, the largest instrument, is 90 feet (27 m) high, its shadow carefully plotted to tell the time of day. Its face is angled at 27 degrees, the latitude of Jaipur. The Hindu chhatri (small cupola) on top is used as a platform for announcing eclipses and the arrival of monsoons.

Built from local stone and marble, each instrument carries an astronomical scale, generally marked on the marble inner lining. Bronze tablets, all extraordinarily accurate, were also employed. Thoroughly restored in 1901, the Jantar Mantar was declared a national monument in 1948.

An excursion through Jai Singh's Jantar is a unique experience of walking through solid geometry and encountering a collective astronomical system designed to probe the heavens.

The instruments are in most cases huge structures. The scale to which they have been built has been alleged to increase their accuracy. However, the penumbra of the sun can be as wide as 30 mm, making the 1mm increments of the Samrat Yantra sundial devoid of any practical significance. Additionally, the masons constructing the instruments had insufficient experience with construction of this scale, and subsidence of the foundations has subsequently misaligned them. The samrat yantra, for instance, which is a sundial, can be used to tell the time to an accuracy of about two seconds in Jaipur local time.[1] The Giant Sundial, known as the Samrat Yantra (The Supreme Instrument) is the world's largest sundial, standing 27 meters tall. Its shadow moves visibly at 1 mm per second, or roughly a hand's breadth (6 cm) every minute, which for most people is a visibly profound experience.

Today the observatory is a popular tourist attraction. However, local astronomers still use it to predict the weather for farmers, although their authority is becoming increasingly questionable. Students of astronomy and Vedic astrology are required to take some of their lessons at the observatory, and it can be said that the observatory is the single most representative work of Vedic thought that still survives, apart from the texts. Many of the smaller instruments display remarkable innovation in architectural design and its relation to function, for instance - the Ram Yantra.

City Palace - Udaipur

Location: On the banks of Lake Pichola
Built by: Started by Maharana Udai Singh, completed by his successors
Built in: Started in 1559 - till 18th century
Highlights: Largest palace complex in Rajasthan

Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. This majestic City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Initially, Maharana Udai Singh built this superb wonder, but the present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by his successors.

City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture. The Palace has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavor of heritage site. Towering on the banks of Pichola Lake, City Palace is truly a feast to the eyes. City Palace is a marvelous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Encircled by fortifications, this imposing Palace is wholly built in granite and marble.

City Palace has several gates that are known as "Pols". 'Bara Pol' (Great Gate) is the main gate to the City Palace complex that will take you to the first courtyard. On passing 'Bara Pol', you will come across a triple arched gate, which is known as 'Tripolia'. Between these two gates, you would see eight marble arches or Toranas, where Kings used to weigh themselves with gold and silver. Besides Tripolia, there is an arena where elephant fights were staged. Across 'Tripolia', you would enter the 'Elephant Gate' or the 'Hathi Pol'.

City Palace comprises 11 wonderful palaces, which were built by different rulers still they resemble each other. With the sheer glimpse of unique paintings, antique furniture and exquisite glass mirror & ornamental tiles work of these palaces, you will get amazed. Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace) has figures of crystal and porcelain. However, Bhim Vilas flaunts a fabulous collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha-Krishna.

The 'Krishna Vilas' is known for the noteworthy album of miniature paintings portraying royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is celebrated for its lavish decor while Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) is known for its breathtaking mirror work. 'Chini Chitrashala' is renowned for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles. 'Dilkusha Mahal' (Palace of Joy) is known for the murals and wall paintings.


Bada Mahal is the exotic garden palace that stands erect on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. Rang Bhawan is the palace that used to contain royal treasure. There are temples of Lord Krishna, Meera Bai and Shiva, located right to the 'Rang Bhawan'. 'Mor Chowk' has exceptional glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls presenting the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon. 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk' is an art gallery with a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.


Situated in the premises of City Place complex, Jagdish Temple is the biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur. This temple Appeals to the aesthetic sense of the people and we will further discuss it in our other section. You can also trace a Shrine of Dhuni Mata in the complex of City Palace. This part is considered as the oldest part of the Palace where a sage passed his life meditating here.

In 1974, a part of the City Palace and the 'Zenana Mahal' (Ladies Chamber) have been transformed into a museum. The museum is open for public and we have discussed it in our other section about museums. One can locate some striking paintings in the 'Zenana Mahal' which further leads to Lakshmi Chowk. 'Lakshmi Chowk' is a beautiful white pavilion. In City palace, the most captivating sight can be viewed from the towers and terraces of 'Amar Vilas' from where you can get a breathtaking view of Lake Pichola.

'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of this Palace and has wonderful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces. City Palace is structured in a way that it offers a splendid view of the lake from all its Balconies, cupolas and towers. Unlike the craggy exterior, City Palace has amazing interiors with delicate mirror-work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work and surplus of colored glass. The exquisite work of City Palace cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this palace to capture the real picture of it.

The history of the Taj Mahal tells us "why was the Taj Mahal built" and many other myths and facts associated with this wonderful structure. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan erected the Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan (then Prince Khurram) met Mumtaz Mahal (then Arjumand Banu Begum) at the age of fourteen and fell in love at the first sight. She was a Muslim Persian princess and Shah Jahan was the son of the Mughal Emperor, Jehangir. Five years later, in 1612, they got married. As you read further you will come to know more about the history of the Taj Mahal at Agra…

Mumtaz Mahal, an inseparable companion of Shah Jahan, died in 1631, while giving birth to their 14th child. It is believed that during her last moments, Mumtaz Mahal obtained a promise from Shah Jahan that he will build world's most beautiful monument in her memory. But this has not been proven to be true, till date. However, Shah Jahan did indeed build a magnificent monument as a tribute to her wife, which we today know as the "Taj Mahal". Shah Jahan, himself also, lies entombed in this mausoleum along with his wife.

The construction of Taj Mahal started in the year 1631 and it took approximately 22 years to build it. An epitome of love, it made use of the services of 22,000 laborers and 1,000 elephants. It was built entirely out of white marble, which was brought in from all over India and central Asia. After an expenditure of approximately 32 million rupees (approx US $68000), Taj Mahal was finally completed in the year 1653. However, the history of Taj Mahal of India still has some gaps. For example, there are many theories regarding the architect of this magnificent monument.