Friday, September 30, 2011
Galtaji
1+copy+1.jpg)
Diwan-i-Aam
Chand Pol,Ajmeri Gate, Sanganeri Gate
| Chand Pol,Ajmeri Gate, Sanganeri Gate Jaipur, India | |
 | |
| The beautiful layout of the Pink city was based on the ancient Vastu ideology and is built within the hefty walls that are connected through three ancient gates - Chand Pol, Ajmeri Gate and Sanganeri Gate. These gates secured the old city and were opened at dawn for the public. Even today they stand as a witness to the grandeur of the old city. | |
| |
Akshardham Temple
Welcome to Kota
KotaThe history of the Kota city dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti.
Later, in the early 17th century AD during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture. The south eastern region of Rajasthan known as Hadoti comprises of Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar and Kota is a treasure of history dating back to several centuries. Prehistoric caves, paintings, formidable forts and the mighty chambal river hurtling from the Vindhyas are dotted in the region. When Jait Singh of Bundi defeated the Bhil Chieftain Koteya in a battle, he raised the first battlement or the 'Garh'(fort) over his severead head. The Independant state of kota became a reality in 1631 when Rao Madho Singh, the second son of Rao Ratan of Bundi was made the ruler, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Soon Kota outgrew its parent state to become bigger in area, richer in revenue and more powerful. Maharao Bhim Singh played a pivotal role in Kota's history, having held a 'Mansab' of five thousand and being the first in his dynasty to have the title of Maharao. Kota is situated on the banks of Chambal River and is vastly emerging as an important industrial centre. It boasts of Asia's largest fertilizer plant, precision instrument unit and atomic power station nearby. Surprisingly unexplored, the Kota region of Rajasthan has some splendid treasures for the tourist to take home memories of. Its impregnable fortresses, sprawling palaces, exquisitely wrought palaces and lovely waterways act as a magnificent foil to its exotic wildlife and delicate fresco Paintings.Situated on the banks of the Chambal River, at an important juncture of the trade route between Delhi and Gujrat, Kota is Rjasthan's Fifth Largest City. This Bustling, sprawling city is also called the industrial capital of the state. The tentacles of the modern world have the city in its grip with the Chambal Valley Project giving it a major position on the state's industrial map. Chemicals, fertilizers, synthetic fibers, tire cord and sophisticated instruments, industry's mainstay, have helped in pushing this ancient city into the forefront of modernization. Yet memories of its ancient links linger strongly. Present Day Kota owes its foundations to a Kotya Bhil warrior who 800 years ago built a small fortification at akelgarh and put up a protective mud-wall around it all the way to Retwali. In 1580, Rao Madho Singh strenghtened both the fortification and the wall. In time to come, Kota acquired the Hallmark of rajput power as well as culture.
An amazing, juxtaposition of majestic medieval age and modern industrialization, mainly the Hydro Electric Plant on the Chambal River and the Nuclear Power Plant has a few traces of its past still left. The fort overlooking the river Chambal is the foremost tourist attraction. It also houses the museum with a rich collection of art and arte facts and some elaborately painted chambers.
Earlier it was a part of Bundi state, but later it grew to be a bigger state. What retains the past glory are the untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and temples dating back over several centuries. These temples were conquered by the Hada chieftain Rao Deva. It was at the time of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir that Rao Ratan Singh gifted this territory to his son Madho Singh. The Kota state reflects in the form of a beautiful collection of Stone Idols (murties) in the Raj Mahal, embellished with gold stained glass work on the walls, the silver mirror work on ceilings and the marvelous wall paintings.
The Akh-Ade-ka-Mahal displays the regalia and paraphermedia of the state. Besides there is, Badal Mahal (the private living quarter) with the Kota Miniature show casing into beauty. The paintings of various schools of periods set in glass on the walls, the ladies interactions echo in the Zanana Mahal worth a look.
Other edifices of the by gone era are depicted in Brij Raj Bhawan Palace, the Jag Mandir an Island Palace and a splendid haveli (mansion) with beautiful frescos and royal cenotaphs. Kota today is well known for its dams and famous Kota Saris, woven in the nearby village Kaithoon, these are made of cotton silk in an assortment of colours, and delicate golden thread. Miniature paintings of the hunting scenes, portrays the forest, while attracted many of the royals and aristocrats who passionately indulged in this wild sport, announcing Kota as the Magic along the Chambal river.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Chandra Mahal
Samode Palace
Jal Mahal
| Jal Mahal Jaipur, India | |||
| |||
| | |||
| Set against the rolling Nahargarh hills, Jal Mahal is a pleasure palace built in the 18th century. The palace is built in the middle of the serene Mansagar Lake and was meant to be used for the royal duck shooting parties. Approach to Jal Mahal is through a causeway situated in the middle of Mansagar Lake. Though Jal Mahal is a five-storey palace, its first four floors are submerged under water. The Mansagar Lake is also a bird watcher's paradise as it attracts a variety of local as well as migratory birds. The royal family cenotaphs can be seen across the palace. |
Sheesh Mahal
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Birla Mandir
| Birla Mandir | |||
| |||
| | |||
| Close to Moti Doongri is Birla Mandir, built completely of white marble and a popular tourist attraction. It was built by the corporate giants, Birla Foundation. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, his consort, the chief deity is constructed out of a single piece of marble giving it a beautiful sheen. The temple also houses numerous deities, with an exquisite image of Lord Ganesha. The temple is ornate with beautiful carvings and rich sculptures from of Hindu mythology. | |||
| |||
Jaigarh Fort
| Jaigarh Fort | |||
| |||
| | |||
| Spread over 3 km. the mighty Jaigarh Fort is situated on top of the Chilh-ka-Tola. It was built to defend the state of Jaipur and is secured by the Doongar darwaza and Awani darwaza that were the entry points. It is known the world over for housing the largest canon which was fired only once. Apart from the huge canon, the fort encompasses Vijay Garh, Diya Burj and a museum that showcases the arms and military equipment of the era. |
Jantar Mantar
| Jantar Mantar | |||
| |||
| | |||
| Constructed between 1728 and 1734 A.D, Jantar Mantar is located close to the City Palace. This beautiful observatory was built during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh I and is the largest stone observatory in the world. This impressive stone observatory is equipped with 14 fixed geometrical instruments that were used for tracing the stars orbits. It was used for astronomy and at the time of eclipses, was used to find out the altitudes. In 1848, it was declared a National monument. |
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Amber Fort
| Amber Fort Jaipur, India | |||
| |||
| | |||
| The Amber fort is situated approximately 11 km from the city of Jaipur. A blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, Amber was the citadel of the Kachhawa rulers of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur. Amber as it exists now is the handiwork of three of the kingdom's rulers that include Man Singh, and Jai Singh I and II. Made up of red sand stone and white marble, the Jaipur Amber fort palace has primarily four sections. The Fort is approached up a steep ramp on elephant back through the grand Singh Pol gateway. It continues onwards to Jaleb Chowk which leads on to various other attractions of the Amber Fort such as the Shila Devi Temple, Diwan-e-aam, Jai Mandir, Sukh Niwas and Zenana. | |||
| |||
Hawa Mahal
| Hawa Mahal | |||
| |||
| | |||
| Hawa Mahal which means 'Palace of Winds' is probably the most unusual palace in whole of India. More like a large screen than a traditionally built palace with rooms, Hawa Mahal was designed by Lal Chand Usta in 1799 under the patronage of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. A blend of both Rajputana and Mughal architecture, Hawa Mahal is a five-storied pyramid-shaped facade with 953 small windows. These pink sandstone windows known as 'Jharokhas' are decorated with tiny lattice work and resemble a gigantic honeycomb. The air circulating through these windows keeps the Palace perenially cool. The Hawa Mahal Palace overlooks one of Jaipur's main streets. It was originally constructed for the purdah-clad women from the Royal Family; it allowed them a vantage point from behind stone-carved screens to watch any processions or activities taking place in the bazaar and the surrounding streets. | |||
| |||
Sat Burnzam Ghor
| Sat Burnzam Ghor |
 |
| The Burnzam Ghor is a replica of a Portuguese style mansion with a grand double storied fa?ade. It served initially as the first private chappen that was allowed in Goa and was built around 1790. It is yet another example of Goa's grand old time mansions that will bedazzle you with its architecture and design. Also known as the Sat Burnzam Ghor loosely translated as the house of seven gables. Although there are only three gables left, the ghor is worth a visit for sure.
|
Colonial Style Villas
Colonial Style Villas |
| |
| Situated amongst the other picturesque attractions of Margao are a good number of beautifully preserved Colonial style villas that are reminiscent of the British structures. These houses dot certain lanes of Goa's second largest town. Bright and resplendent, the grand villas make for great pictures and are home to old timers who have maintained the upkeep in top of the line manner. Given the sunny temperament of the state, the villas are a sight one shouldn?t miss while at Goa. |
Church of the Holy Spirit
Church of the Holy Spirit |
| |
| The church of the Holy Spirit, also known as the Largo De Igreja is situated right in the Margoa town square and stands tall in the old market area. Built originally by Jesuit missionaries in 1564, the church was destroyed in 1571 and rebuilt in 1645. The church was then consecrated in 1675. The pristine white faade consists of Indian Baroque style work and houses heavily decorated altars dedicated to Immaculate Conception of Mary. The interiors are ripe with gilt, crystal and stucco. The church stands today where in 1585 stood a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Damodar, which was destroyed by the Portuguese. |
Cabo de Rama
| Cabo de Rama | |
 | |
|
The Cabo De Rama fort in South Goa is yet another incredible landmark for a visit. The fort derives its name from an interesting story associated with it. As per legend, Rama, from the great Hindu Epic of Ramayana took refuge in this fort with his wife Sita during his exile. The control of the fort has exchanged hands between the various rulers of Goa, Hindu, Muslim and Portuguese. After the Portuguese left, the fort remained abandoned till 1965 when it was used as a government prison. Today however the fort serves purely as a tourist attraction where people come to enjoy the scenic views and mystical charm. | |
| |
