Category: Architectural

Categories
Architectural Itinerary North India

48 hours in Lucknow

Lucknow can be taken as a sweet dish, from the way people speak (ah that accent!) to the lovely architecture of the magnificent mosques to the manners, everything oozes out tons of sweetness. Add the delicious cuisines, especially the Mughlai kebabs, biryani and what not, and the city becomes one delicious dream of a food lover along with a poetry enthusiast and the one who understands the nuisances of what constitutes a great city to live in. Spending some time here amidst the narrow alleys, the crowded markets, and delicate biryani outlets may not set well with you at the first sight. But the city grows on you and then refuses to come out of your system.

Below are the things that you can do on a 2 day trip to this beautiful city.

Day 1

Start the day with breakfast. And what is a perfect place for some delicious breakfast than Moti Mahal? Away from the meaty cuisines of rest of the city, this is an all vegetarian food point and serves healthy and delicious food.

The afternoon would be spent taking a fully guided tour of the famous Bhool Bhulaiyaa which happens to be an iconic spot for the ardent history lovers. It was built in the 17th century and is still a place to get lost in even after all these years. Besides this, there are other things that this historical marvel has which will leave you thrilled. These are such the thick trees and lush gardens, a mosque, tazias (small replicas of Imam Hussain’s tomb in Karbala, Iraq), and rooftop balconies that will surround you with panoramic views of the Imambara in Lucknow.

Late afternoon should be dedicated to a place that gives a glimpse into the city’s past during the colonial days, the Lucknow residency. Also known as British residency, this place gives a good peek into the way the British people operated in the city. Visiting it may give you some vague idea about how the foreigners undertook their operations.

Idrish Hotel is the perfect place to end the day with the delicious chicken biryani. Situated in the most historic areas of the city, this one is a wonderful hotel cum restaurant.

Day 2

Start the next day with some vegetarian delights at Brindavan hotel. Located in Hazratganj, the restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in the city and is a decent crowd puller serving some great chaats and chole bhature along with poori and sabzi.

Chattar manzil or the umbrella place is located just at a few kilometers’ distance from the zoo and a great spot to start the part 2 of the 2-day visit to the city. Nawab Ghazi Haider built it but died midway through the construction. His son then took the     Charge of finishing the construction and gave us this wonderful monument to be amazed about.

Most travelers happen to miss the famous 900-year-old Khamman Peer Dargah, which remains unseen in the premises of Charbagh Railway Station in Lucknow. The place is filled with the non-stop chanting of the holy Qurans and the crowd is unimaginably heavy, not only Muslims but a great number of Hindus too.

For a relaxing dinner, you must head nowhere but Falaknuma, a classy and sophisticated rooftop restaurant at the Clarks Avadh hotel. The restaurant has a real nawabi feel to it and serves some great Awadhi and Mughlai meals.

Lucknow, fondly called the City of Nawabs is packed with countless tourist attractions, religious centers, and mouthwatering eateries.

Most of the city can be visited in two days but to get the full essence of the soul of the city may take a lot longer than that. But something is better than nothing and these 2 days spent in here will stay with you for a very long time.

Categories
Architectural North east

Spectacular teracotta work of Temples in Bishnupur

Bishnupur is in West Bengal and got its name from Lord Vishnu of Hindu Mythology. Known for its traditional architecture, it has brilliant terracotta temples with detailed and intricate work. While in Bishnupur, I had planned a list of temples to see and while talking to the locals, I got to hear the story behind the terracotta temples. Turns out, back I 18th century the Malla Kings decided to build these temples but fell short of stones. Such grand beautiful shrines that people adore till date was a result of a scarcity of stones.

As I arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Airport in Kolkata, I took a bus to Bishnupur. The lodgings were also available at a fair price and the room was comfortable. Travelling around Bishnupur was also easy as we found auto rickshaws everywhere.

My first stop was Rasmancha and as soon as I entered the place, I was in awe. The whole temple had a single chamber and passageways surround it. Just the Terracotta work would make you marvel at its beauty. I was glad to have hired a guide who gave us a back story about the temple and the Malla Kings. Since photography is allowed, I ended up clicking many pictures but no picture would be able to justify the actual experience of being there.

The next stop was Madan Mohan Temple. This temple was also beautiful with stories of Ramayana inscribed on the terracotta tablets. A mixture of stone and terracotta work with its flat roof giving it a Bengali touch, this temple was a true work of art. Nearby, the guide showed us a Peepal tree which had a trunk that looked like Lord Ganesha.

Then we went to Jor Bangla Temple. The structure of this temple is unique as it looks like two adjoined huts. There is terracotta work both on inner and outer walls of the temple and there are scenes of Krishna Leela and other normal life workings of that era inscribed in it.

We then moved on to Radhashyam temple which is just close by. The dome shaped structure and laterite stone give it an Islamic style. We kept reveling in the beauty of these temples and then moved on to the next one.

We did the Pooja in Mrinmoyee temple and I bought a few handicrafts as souvenirs from the shops outside. They displayed horses with terracotta work and other such items. The next temple is a real jewel-like its name suggests. The Panch Ratna Temple had terracotta work on all its wall panels and there were scenes of Radha and Krishna on it. The Ras chakra was the most beautiful and detailed work I saw. We entered through a triple arched entrance and that in itself was a wonderful experience.

There was also a cluster of 7 different temples that we saw but then my excitement got the best of me and we went over to the most popular temple of Bishnupur, the Chinnamasta temple. There is a famous canon called ‘Dalmadol Canon’ nearby and it is believed that Lord Madan Mohan fired it himself once to drive away attackers.I also saw the sarees that had been weaved so beautifully with different patterns that were actually stories from Hindu epics. From pallu to the end, it told a mythological story. I bought some more stuff from shops here too because the work was just so beautiful that I could not resist.

Bishnupur is a beautiful place with many other sites to see such a Bishnupur Museum, Garh Darja and Pathar Darja. It just isn’t a place that you can finish seeing in one day. I took my time exploring each site and it was a marvelous experience.

Categories
Architectural Beaches North-West India Travel Trends

An offbeat guide that proves Goa is much more than beaches

What comes to your mind as you first think of Goa? Golden sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees along the beach coast, a horde of hippies sitting on some rock on a beachside singing and dancing as if no one’s there to judge them. Well, there is a lot more to Goa unless you have explored it.

Old world charm of Portuguese architecture

Goa is a true blend of Eastern Indian culture and western Portuguese world, and the Portuguese colonies with some unique architecture is a true example of it. Some other major examples of it are Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception Church. If you are an art connoisseur then make sure to visit these places to capture the true essence of the art.

A ride through the backwaters of Chapora river

You don’t have to go far south to Kerala to experience the house boat rides. Take a ride along the rustic beauty of Goa through the backwaters of Chapora on a houseboat. There is a lot more to feel in the solitariness of nature along with your loved one.

A journey to the Divar Island

Divar in Konkani stands for small. Divar Island is a small historical island that is located between River Mandovi and the Arabian Sea. Once a prominent Hindu pilgrimage center, today the island is an important symbol of Catholicism. The one and the only way to reach the island is by ferries. So, enjoy your ferry ride.

Experience the authentic flavors of Goan cuisine

One important charm of Goa is its delectable Goan cuisine. Seafood, fish curry and rice are the chief food of Goans. The food here is usually chili hot, spicy, and pungent. A lot of dishes are made from rice, fish, and coconut.

Take a spice tour

A tour through the spice plantations of Goa gives you a better insight into the daily life of a common man. Take a walk into this green paradise with fresh spices around. Pick up fresh, pure spices for your kitchen from the farm. You can even taste these exotic spices in a fresh lunch that are served to the guests on a tour. A visit during monsoon is a must as rains enhance the beauty of these plantations.

Heritage walk through the old quarters

Old quarters or Fountain has areas of Panjim are an important highlight in the city of Goa. This is the only part of the city, where Portuguese is the main spoken language of the locals. As you stroll along the streets of this old heritage you will find wishing wells next to every old cafe and bakery. The houses here are painted in vibrant colors which altogether makes you feel as if you are in a different land.

Saturday night market

Every Saturday from 6 pm till late night a sprawling market is set in the Airport region.The story that goes around this market is like about ten years ago, a German man conceived this idea to take a land on lease and start the market. When the lease ended, the goats decided to continue this market but throw away the foreigner. And since then, this market has been blooming. From spices, teas, Kashmiri carpets and silver jewelry to international designer stuff, you will find everything here.

Temples in Goa

 Goa might be home to beautiful centuries-old churches, but there is more to be explored. This beach state is also home to some really enchanting temples. Some splendid ones are Shri Saptakoteshwar temple, Maruti temple, Shri Mahadeva temple, Shri Damodar temple, Mahalaxmi temple and Sri Mahalsa temple which are prominent places of worship for the Hindus and must be visited.

While the tourists flock the beaches to catch the sun, But there is another side to the place, an offbeat Goa if you will, that remains unexplored. If you are one of those who can dance the night away, and love to experience adventures such as taking out your fishing pole and waiting for the fish to catch the bait! then there is something that the two of you could enjoy beyond the beaches of Goa.

Categories
Architectural Beaches South India

Mahabalipuram – the glorious mix of ancient temples, monuments and beach resorts

Situated right in the heart of Kancheepuram district around 60 kms away from the Chennai city is the blue gemstone of the Indian heritage called Mahabalipuram. Regarded as one of the oldest cities in India, Mahabalipuram is famous for a host of ancient temples, monuments, and friendly nature of its local people. Most of the monuments situated in the district were built by Pallava dynasty rulers.

We bring you a list of some of the most popular attractions of the town to explore.

Arjuna’s Penance Sculpture

One of the major attractions in Mahabalipuram, Arjuna’s Penance sculpture is visited by thousands of tourists from around the globe. As the name suggests, the monument depicts the series of events that took place in the life of Arjuna during his penance period. These events of his life have been carved on two huge rocks atop which lies a collecting pool. It is around 43 feet high.

The art of sculpture on the rocks is unmatched and detailed way beyond one can imagine in that time.

Thirukadalmallai Temple

Thirukadalmallai temple appears like a pearl in the heart of Mahabalipuram. It is known by several names in the country. Some of which are Sthalasayana Perumal Temple and Divya Desams. According to the Indian mythology, this temple has been dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. This is one of the 108th temples built to prove devotion towards the Lord Vishnu.

This temple was built by Pallava rulers and saints who were known as Tamil Azhvars. This temple is one of its type in the country. It stands out for its ancient Dravidian art.

Cave Temples

Adorned by some 8 cave temples, Mahabalipuram is recognized for its cave arts and temples commissioned by the Pallava rulers. Touted as one the finest masterpieces from the ancient India, most of the sculptures in the caves are dedicated to the deities in Indian Mythologies. The detailing of these sculptures is unmatched. Names of these temples are Varaha, Krishna, Tiger, Panchapandava, Mahishasuramardini, Trimurti, Atiranachanda, and Kotikal.

Shore Temple                                       

Major attraction breathing amid cultural amalgam of Mahabalipuram is the Shore Temple. Built by Pallava rulers, the temple has their indelible traces of style, art, and culture. Just like most places and other major attractions in Mahabalipuram and in other parts of South India, Shore Temple is also known by a different name—7 Pagodas.

According to local traditional beliefs, Shore temple had 7 Pagodas before a ravenous Tsunami struck down the temple in around 13th century AD. There are several sculptures and other art pieces on the temple.

Pancha Rathas

The exact English translation of Pancha Rathas is five chariots. These Pancha Rathas have been named after the five Pandavas of the Hindu epic Mahabharatha.

Pancha Rathas has been carved out on pink granite. One of the tallest monuments is around 40 feet high. Like other temples and monuments in Mahabalipuram, Dravidian style and art dominate Pancha Rathas.

The catastrophic Tsunami in 2004 has affected many monuments in the district. However, this monument stands tall without a single sign of damage.

Sadras

Mahabalipuram is home to exquisite beach resorts that, one of the beach resorts is Sadras which has taken full advantage of the striking landscape. The beaches that surround Mahabalipuram are a glorious sight to watch as they are beset by beautiful, casuarinas groves.

The vibrant green beautifully contrasts with the sparkling white beaches is a sight that is a delight to everyone. This beach resort is located 13 kilometers outside of Mahabalipuram.

How to reach Mahabalipuram

Instead of Mahabalipuram, you can choose to take a flight to Chennai Airport on regular basis. The driving distance between Chennai and Mahabalipuram is 56 km, while the in-flight distance from Chennai to Mahabalipuram is 48 km.

There are no regular or proper train services from other major cities to Mahabalipuram. The nearest train station is Chengalpattu Junction.

Mahabalipuram is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.

Food

While you are at this destination, look out for dishes such as try Grilled Fish, Vegetarian thali, Prawns, Lobsters, Crabs and more. South Indian cuisine lovers can try a typical South Indian platter which consists of Idli, Dosa, Appam, Vada, Upma Sambhar, Sweet Pongal, Kesari, Payassam and much more 

Categories
Adventure Architectural Asia Spiritual Hubs

48 Hrs in Kathmandu

The nonignorable chaos of wonderfully diverse people, most of them tourists though and the places full of pure natural bliss, Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital city. The city, like every other capital cities in the world, happens to be the center of all cultural, social and political happenings in the country. The added charm comes from the Mother Nature herself who has poured her heart into making this city a beautifully constructed piece of architecture. The mankind has also been quite fond of the city, how else would you explain the amazing temples and monuments located here. The recent earthquake almost ruined the city in its entirety but perhaps, it knows quite well how to take care of itself.

There are many things a tourist can do in here to make the most out of their trips. The religious institutions, the majestic Himalayan range, the national parks etc makes the city a complete package. Let us know more about what exactly one should be doing in the city once they land here.

Boudhanath Stupa- One of the very few UNESCO world heritage sites in the country, Boudhanath Stupa is a charming attraction for the tourists. Most of the tour guides always chose this place to start the journey deep into this beautiful city. The religious center of Nepal’s Tibetan/Budhh community, this stupa is a marvelous piece of architecture and a wonderful kick starts to the trip.

Everest Region- Home to some of the tallest mountain peaks in the world such as Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest, the Himalayan range is one other big tourist magnets in the city. Trek into the Everest was somehow closed due to the recent earthquake that shook the country but it was reopened after some time thanks to the heavy pressure by the tourists.

Annapurna Region- If there is anything else in the world that could be compared to Everest region in terms of magnificence is this. The 10-day trek over here is one of the longest and the most exciting trek in the world. The Annapurna Base Camp happens to be the highest point that gives a cool 360-degree view of the entire region, which makes for a sight to savor.

Durbar Square- Affectionately known as the heart of Kathmandu tourism, the Durbar Square remains crowded for the most part in the year. There are countless numbers of shrines and little temples spread in the square which is a great place for the most religious of tourists. Hanuman Dhoka and Taleju temple are two shining diamonds in the crown that Durbar Square is.

Pashupatinath Temple- King Bhupendra Malla, who reigned the country in the later parts of the 16th century, got this temple built and invited some of the most accomplished architects from all over the world to do the task. And the result is for all of us to see. This serves as a great pilgrim spot for the Hindu devotees who come here in heavy numbers.

There is no dearth of tourism spots in this city. There is the Royal Palace, Narayanhiti place museum among many other places. The only Hindu country in the world is being run by the Kathmandu city and its spirit is unbreakable. The latest example is the earth shattering earthquake. The city got up on its feet in no time and from the bruises of it, it became stronger than ever.

Categories
Architectural Culture Spiritual Hubs

The most beautiful Jain temple in the world, Dilwara temple

Jainism may be one of the most underrated of all the religions in the world. The reasons could be many. One could be that it emphasizes on the inner and outer worldly peace for the most part. Whatever it is, but there no denial to the fact that the structures belonging to Jainism are some of the most architecturally brilliant ones. Take the Dilwara temple for example. The Dilwara temple is one of the most brilliant architectural structures one has ever seen , not only from the Jainism point of view, but in general as well.It located in Dilwara village 3 Kms from the beautiful hill city Mount Abu.

 

This beautiful temple is one of the finest temples of Jains in entire World. It is famous for its alluring beauty, unique architecture and beautifully carved stones. Some of the great archeologist consider the designs superior than that of Taj Mahal.

 

The white marble complex of temples “Dilwara” was built by Chalukya in early 11th and 13th centuries AD. Standing around for these many centuries, this temple is still standing in all its might.

Talking about the beauty, there are no words that can do justice to the wonder that this temple is. The intricate stone carvings on the pure marble are reminiscent of the artistic and aesthetic brilliance people possessed back in those times. The lush greenery around the temple gives a soothing feeling.  A breeze of cool wind fills up the atmosphere just all the time and everything seems more beautiful than before.

There is more to the temple.The entire fine designs resemble like ornaments and jewelry, which adds charms to its beauty. The marble stone carvings are just amazing and unmatched. This complex of five main temples is among the important sacred pilgrimage site for Jains across the world. The Dilwara temple complex is ringed by a high white wall which glitters in the sunlight.

The hard work that may have been put in making this temple what it is today is unimaginable. The ceilings and the pillars give away a mystically soulful vibe. Between all this beauty and visible hard work lays the fact that Dilwara temple was built back in those times when there were no roads or transport facilities and that too on this high altitude. That must have been some work carrying those heavy marble stones up.

But the end result is all worth it as the temple has made its name all over the world for its sheer beauty. There are five main sections in the Dilwara temple complex.

Shree Mahavir Swami Temple- This little temple is said to have been constructed somewhere in the middle of 15th century and is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, who is said to have promoted the religion all over the country.

Shri Adinath Temple- This temple got built in the 10th century AD and is known to be the oldest one among all. Shri Adinath ji is known to be the first Jain tirthankar for whom the temple has been devoted to.

Shree Parshavnath Temple- This temple has the tallest shrine among all and it got constructed in the 14th century.

Shree Rishabh Deoji temple- Also known as Pittal mandir, due to the fact that most of the idols placed inside the temple are made of brass metal. It was built by Bhima Shah of Gujarat.

Shree Neminathji Temple- Built in the 12th century, the temple is dedicated to the 22nd Jain saint, Nemi Nath Ji.

All these small sections make for Dilwara temple as a whole. It would still work fine  if we call it one of the very few Jain pilgrim locations in the country and rest of the world as well.

How to reach?

The Udaipur airport is located 187 km from Mount Abu, which is the nearest airport to reach the beautiful  Temple built by the Solanki Rajputs of Gujarat.  The travelers can hire a private cab or board a bus heading to Mount Abu.

The Abu Road is the nearest railway station located at the distance 29 km, just a ½ hour drive to the Dilwara village.

Categories
Architectural Itinerary

The Beautiful City of Mosques “Samarkand”

The alluring city of Samarkand is one of the ancient cities of the world. It is assumed that this historic town is more than 25 centuries old, as Rome, Athens, and Babylon. For many thousand years, the beautiful town of Samarkand has carried with it an ambiance filled with exotic mysterious and romantic beauty. This magnificent land has made an eminent position across the world and is famed as“Gem of the East”.
Samarkand is the city of Great People. Many centuries ago, when Alexander the Great for the first time landed in the place, he said, he heard that the city was beautiful, but he never thought that it could be so beautiful and awe-inspiring.

The indistinguishable beautiful town is located in the valley of the river Zarafshan in Uzbekistan.

The prosperous history of Samarkand dates back to the time of Alexander the Great, which is about more than 2,750 years old. It has been conquered by many great conquerors in the past, starting from Alexander the Great, the Arabians, Genghis-Khan and lastly Tamerlane. So, the Samarkand has a blend of culture, which includes the fine combination of Iranian, Indian, Mongolian and a bit of the Western and Eastern cultures.

Things to do in Samarkand

Mouth-watering local cuisine at Platan!!!

The Platan is one of the most loved restaurants of Samarkand, which is famous for its luscious mouth-watering cuisine, which includes Arabian-, Thai- and Egyptian-style meat dishes is no less appealing to travelers to dine in. Beautifully designed interior, charismatic ambiance, gorgeous summer terrace and adding on to delicious food, Platan offers you a full package of happiness.

Alluring Registan!!

The charismatic view of Registan is the most famed destination among tourist for sightseeing. The vast extent of Registan possesses the amazing complex of three Madarshah, which is preserved very carefully since long. The rich history if this majestic sculpture dates back to the time of 15th century to 17th century. The Ulugbek Madarshah is the oldest among all. This beautiful monument was constructed during the rule of Timur Lame’s, and it was finished under the rule of Ulugbek. The Second one is Sher-dor Madarshah, which is beautifully designed in Egyptian style, it allured with majestic mosaic. Between the two is stunning Tilla-Kari Madarshah. Best time to visit this place is during sunrise when the whole monuments are bathed in magical golden rays of the sun.


Graveyard of Timurlane dynasty “Gur-E-Amir Mausoleum”
The Timurlane along with his son and grandson Ulugbek is resting in peace beneath the tomb. It is the beautiful place to explore in Samarkand. It is among the finest sculpture of Islamic Realm.

The Shah-i-Zinda.

The huge complex of Shah-i-Zinda surrounded by many mausoleums, which are built early 11th, 12th and 14th centuries. It is one of the significant place and Muslim Pilgrimage of Samarkand. Many great people of that era lie beneath the tomb, including the cousin of Prophet.

Shopping at Tashkent Street, Samarkand.

The Charming shopping street between Registan square and a Siab market is the best place to shop. You can buy traditional clothes, jewelry, and crafted goodies and last not the least you can also enjoy the delicious street food.

How to reach

The Tashkent International airport is the nearest international airport to Samarkand. The travelers can book their tickets for Tashkent and further Uzbekistan has well-developed transport facilities. The tourist can either choose air, train or bus heading to Samarkand from Tashkent.

Travel Tip

The best time to visit Samarkand is during spring and Autumn Season, at this time of the year climate is quite pleasant.
If you ever desired to look back to the era, when Alexander was ruling the whole world. Then Samarkand is the right option to choose as your next travel destination. Take out some time from your busy life and travel back to the time of when various human civilization was budding in different parts of the world.

Categories
Architectural North-West India

Historical Epoch – The Elephanta Caves

Situated right in the heart of Elephanta Island of Maharashtra, Elephanta Caves are described as a string of sculpted caves with two significant groups. Group one showcases Hindu caves while the other caves host a few Buddhist caves. Hindu caves have rock cut sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva.These caves were discovered somewhere between 5th and 8th centuries. However, the identity of real builders of these sculptures has not been established yet.

How to Reach

Elephanta Caves are situated on an Island in Maharashtra’s Mumbai Coast. This is why one must first reach Mumbai. Mumbai is one of the most well-connected cities of India. Daily flights from all other major cities of India are available regularly. Even international flights are regular.

Once you are in Mumbai. Go to Gateway of India. From here you can get ferries to Elephanta Caves. However, these ferries are crowded during peak hours and are not operational during Monsoons.

Places to visit

Main Cave Shrine

One of the most visited places in Elephanta caves is Main Cave Shrine. This cave has been dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Linga, the symbol of Lord Shiva, and Yoni, the symbol of Goddess Parvathi, has been depicted in this cave as a mark of supreme unity.

Trimurti and Gangadhara

Trimurti is one of the most sculptures in Elephanta Caves. Tourists from around the globe visit this place regularly to take a glimpse of Gupta Chalukyan masterpiece art.

East Wing

Another most popular place to visit in Elephanta Caves is East Wing that gives access to a 55 ft. long courtyard. The circular pedestal in the courtyard is considered as the mount of Lord Shiva—Nandi.

West Wing

To reach West Wing cave one must go through the main cave. Despite being a popular site in Elephanta Caves, it is now in a semi-ruined state. West Wing hosts a chapel and a cistern, which many believe is Buddhist.

Shiva Slaying Adhaka

One of the main reasons why this Shiva Slaying Adhaka is famous is that it depicts Virabhadra or Bhairava form of Lord Shiva. It is one of its kind places here because there are very rare works on this furious form of Lord Shiva.

Shiva Cave

The main cave of Elephanta Caves is also known as Shiva Cave. It covers an area of around 27 sq. m. Shiva Cave also has a hall that in colloquial language is known as Mandapa.

Things to Do

Visit Archaeological Museum

Started in the year 1999, Archaeological Museum is one of best places in Elephanta Island where you can spend some quality time. The museum boasts pictures of all the sculptures of Elephanta Caves with information.

Enjoy a ride in Boat Jetty

This is a fun ride that lasts just a little more than a kilometer. It is a train with vibrant colors and sound, which does not look like made for transportation. However, if you are on the Island we recommend you to try the ride.

Best places to Eat

Elephanta Island is not famous only for its caves but also for its variety of Indian delicacies. Some of the best places to eat in this Island are:

Bhagat Tarachand

It is a reasonably priced restaurant in Elephanta Island that serves Indian vegetarian food only.

AER—Bar and Lounge

If you are tired of whole days sightseeing then AER—Bar and Lounge is the best place to unwind and rejuvenate with a variety of food and drinks.

Farzi Café, Kamala Mills

It is a great place for people who love party hard late night. The food is delicious here. Drinks are also good.

Places to stay

One may find the lot of guest houses, resorts and budget hotels in case you are eager for an overnight stay.The Elephanta Island is a serene and picturesque island with the perfect expressions of archaic Indian art associated with the cult of Lord Shiva. You must head to this place once in a lifetime. The Elephanta Island is a serene and picturesque island with the perfect expressions of archaic Indian art associated with the cult of Lord Shiva. You must head to this place once in a lifetime.

Categories
Architectural

Gol Gumbad, the Islamic structure that wows all the visitors

Having its name imprinted in the record books for being the second largest dome in the whole world; Gol Gumbad is one monument in Bijapur district of Karnataka which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The monument is about 124 feet in diameter, and the only other dome which has managed to surpass it on the bases of the area occupied is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The construction

The Gol Gumbad was built by the mogul ruler Muhammad Adil Shah in 1696 and he incorporated the best architectures from all over the nation to do the jobA large number, and the result is for all us to see. He ordered the construction of the unique monument right before his death, and the grand piece of architecture was built taking in miles of the total area of Bijapur all around it.

Architecture

The architectural schemes used in the construction are unique on their own as four minarets  act as staircases and they all lead to the topmost dome at the elevation. The monument stands unsupported by the pillars or any other sort of support which is quite a thrilling reminiscent of the medieval Indian architectural supremacy. Although the major attraction of the dome has indeed become a plaything for the children, it’s quite a huge feat that its creators had achieved. The monument from inside is acoustically significant as even a very hushed whisper that you produce with your mouth will echo for several seconds. This aspect of the monument has led the researchers to be amazed in disbelief about how could the architectures from that era be this advanced?

Trivia

From the gallery of the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, you can enjoy the best view of the city. From the top of Gumbaz, the spectacular view of the entire Bijapur city will just amaze you. The dome of the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur is not just the largest in the world; it is really a beautiful piece of art to behold.

The total floor area that the dome covers is 1700 sq feet, 51 meters of height and a diameter of about 37 meters. The walls are quite robust and thick at 3 meters and the mortar used in those walls was researched to be the strongest mortar available in those times.

-The dome contains the tombs of Muhammad Adil Shah, his mistress, his two wives, his grandson, and daughter. Keeping the historical significance of the place in mind, the area in front of the monument has been developed into a museum where the tourists could see the reminiscent back from the era. There are other important structures in the large area covered by the dome such as a mosque, a nakkar khana, a dharmshala and a gateway.

Conclusion

The Gol Gumbaz is a fantastic piece of architecture and has made its way into world’s most amazing buildings ever constructed. The large number of researchers and the number of foreign tourists are a great reminder of what the monument stands for.

Categories
Architectural Central India Historical

Orchha the capital of the lost kings

Located right in the center of the country, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is one jewel of a little town. A simple one and half an hour drive from the Jhansi Railway station will bring you to the place. It is full of devotional places for the Hindus thanks to the Bundela kings who ruled the place for a very long time. The man who established the town is known by so many names that people are unsure about his real name but there are folk tales about the man that makes him quite a legendary historical figure in the place. The legends say that he, in an attempt to save a cow from a lion, lost his own life. But he stayed alive in the folk songs of the locales.

Orchha means ‘hidden’ and there are many stories surrounded around the town about how it got its name. There are many different legends related to the city as well. It contains so much history in itself that it is impossible to ignore it. But that exactly is what that is happening. The town remains unknown on the map.

The first thing that grabs the eyeballs once you enter the beautiful town here is the countless number of the tombstones which are here since the 17th and 18th century. They serve more as the memorials of lost kings and queens of the bygone era than the actual tombs where they were buried. Nevertheless, they give out a great glimpse of the time and the way that those people lived and how they were so accomplished artists that it seems like just a dream that any architect today could even come close. The analogy can be made with the pyramids, which were made just to glorify the dead.

Some of the structures belong to the bygone Bundela dynasty, where the kings usually honored their comrades by erecting some structures in their memories. They had their own brand of rugged beauty and most of them are located beside the river Betwa. They are beautiful, if not pretty. The Bundela rulers were quite notorious among the population, but it seems like they did have some great eye for visual aesthetics. Among all those, there was one belonged to Vir Singh Deo which seems like a solid piece of art.

Moving on, there are basically two places that reek of the magnificent grandeur and elegance, the Raja Mahal and the Jahangir Mahal. These two palaces are located right next to each other and provide an eccentric display of the technical and artistic finesse of both the moguls and the Bundelas. On the inside, they even look more mysterious and enchanting. The several bed chambers, fountains and other usual trappings are all there. The walls depict the painting of the Hindu gods and Goddesses. The Jahangir Mahal is even more of a marvel than the Raja Mahal. Both these Mahals along with the Rai Parveen Mahal are collectively known as Orchha Fort.

How to reach Orchha

Here are the most convenient ways to reach Orchha. Instead of Orchha, you can board your flight to Gwalior Airport on the regular basis. The distance between Gwalior and Orchha is 120 km. You can take the train from Gwalior to Orchha, however, no regular trains are there from other major cities to Orchha. The nearest train station is Barwa Sagar. It is important to know that Orchha does not have a bus stand. The nearest option is Jhansi.

If you wish to reach this beautiful place, not a thing to worry as people can opt for airways as Gwalior airport is located 120 km away from the place. Numerous private and Government Transport bus services also provide the services to reach Orchha conveniently.

Travel Tip

The winter season is perhaps the best season to visit Orchha. October, November, December, January, February, and March are the ideal months to visit Orchha. The temperature remains comfortable for tourists and is apt for exploring the places of interest in Orchha. Also, try to arrive here in the spring. The place is at its best with the lustful trees and blossoming flowers all around.

There are many other attractions over here to keep the tourists entertained for a few weeks at least. The Jhansi Fort, the Orchha wildlife sanctuary, and the Laxmi Narayan temple are a few among many places that one can visit in Orchha.  

Exit mobile version