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~~~~
NEAR BY
EXCURSIONS
~~~~
Taj Mahal
~ Agra Fort
~ Mathura ~
Fatehpur
Sikri ~ Haridwar ~
Dehradun ~
Mussoorie
~~~~ Taj
Mahal~~~~
Taj Mahal A monument of love. A
symbol of eternal love. Taj Mahal, one of the most fabulous
monuments in the world, history and time. Thronged by visitors
year round, Taj Mahal is 200 km from Delhi. It was built by
the fifth Mughal emperor Shahjahan, in memory of his beloved
wife Mumtaz. The monument is a perfect piece of architecture.
It took 22 years, 41 million rupees, 50 kilos of gold and
around 20,000 workers to complete this marvel of marble.
Situated by the river Yamuna, Taj Mahal sits on a high red
sandstone terrace, topped by marble terrace. It is flanked by
four minarets. The jewel in-laid cenotaph of the empress lies
within the dome. The entire mausoleum is decorated with inlaid
design of flowers and calligraphy with semi precious stones
like jasper and agate. One can take a train, either the
Shatabdi or Taj Express.
Location: Tajganj, Agra
Timings: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm, The monument is closed on
all Fridays.
~~~~ Agra Fort
~~~~
Situated on the west bank of the
Yamuna river and two km from Taj Mahal, the Agra fort was
started by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. The impressive
red sandstone fort extends for about 2.5 km and is surrounded
by a deep
moat which was once filled with water of Yamuna.
Though Akbar built it mainly as a military centre, it was
under Shahjahan's rule that the fort became more of a mini
city. Of the many gates, the only one open to public is the
Amar Singh gate, which leads into the fort. Immediately on the
right is the Jahangiri Mahal.
The other impressive monuments within the fort are the
Diwan-i-Khas, where the emperor met the dignitaries, the
Diwan-i-Aam, Nagina Masjid (built by Shahjahan for his harem)
and the Moti Masjid. Towards the northeast of the fort is the
Musamman Burj, where Shahjahan was imprisoned by his son
Aurangzeb.
~~~~ Mathura
~~~~
Mathura is the birthplace of the
world's popular deity, Lord Krishna. With a history that
traces itself to the beginnings of world trade, Mathura is one
of the most ancient cities of India.
It is situated on the
banks of the Yamuna, in Uttar Pradesh, and is one of the most
important pilgrimage centers in India. Mathura is famous for
the Krishnajanmabhumi Mandir, Vishram Ghat and Sati Burj. It
is believed that Lord Krishna rested at Vishram Ghat after
killing the tyrant Kamsa.
Evenings at the Vishram Ghat are generally a very beautiful
sight with hundreds of diyas floating on the river. The Ghats
offer very picturesque sights with long flight of stairs
leading to the river's edge. You can find many pilgrims
bathing in the river and from a distance you can see the
temple spires silhouetted against the sky.
~~~~ Fatehpur
Sikri ~~~~
Fatehpur Sikri was built by the
Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint,
Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years
after which it was abandoned, probably due to the lack of
water. The capital is amazingly beautiful with its palaces and
it reflects the architectural style Akbar patronised. Even to
this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that
Akbar built. The road leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54
metres gateway. It later inspired other lofty gates. Today
young daredevils jump from its ruins into the deep tank to
earn money from the tourists.
Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran
Minar, that Akbar built in memory of his favourite elephant,
Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal's House and the
Diwan-i-Khas.
~~~~ Haridwar
~~~~
magine several saffron clad
tourists chanting and praying, imagine the pilgrim thronged
Ghats and the Ganges, flowing from her source. That's Haridwar,
the holy land of the Hindus. Haridwar is famous for its
temples, bathing ghats and tanks. The Ganges, considered as
the holiest river in India, is the star attraction of Haridwar.
Pilgrims carry back the water from the Ganges, which they
believe will remain fresh forever. The Har ki Paori, is one of
the most sacred ghats in India and hundreds gather at this
ghat.
Haridwar is a must visit even for the not-so-religiously
inclined. It is a place, whose every corner breathes with
mysticism.
~~~~ Dehradun
~~~~
For an ideal summer getaway or to
spend a relaxing weekend, Dehradun is the answer. Beautiful
rolling hills of green, misty mornings and fresh air. Dehradun
has it all. Nestled in the Shivaliks, the hill station is 640
metres above sea level. Once ruled by the Garhwal kings, it
later became a British residential town. Dehradun is famous
for its several public schools and institutions.
The Tapkeshwar Temple is Dehradun's most famous temple.
Dedicated to Shiva, the temple has a stream flowing directly
over the lingam. The other star attractions are the Wadia
Institute of Himalayan Geology and Robber's Cave.
~~~~ Mussoorie
~~~~
Mussoorie The famed 'Queen of the
Hills', Mussoorie is one of the most famous hill stations of
India. With over 350 hotels, Mussoorie has the largest number
of hotels among the hill stations in India. Mussoorie had its
birth when Captain Young laid its foundations in 1823. It was
initially called 'The Mullingar', but it was later named after
the widely grown in the hill station, dal called 'Masur'.
Mussoorie has several places to visit such as the Gun Hill,
Muncipal Lodge, Childers Lodge, Camel's Back Road and Cloud's
End. Gun Hill has a very interesting story behind it.
Before Independence, everyday, a gun mounted on this hill,
used to fire at noon. And people on hearing it would adjust
their watches! Childer's Lodge is the highest peak, about five
kilometres from the city. Garden enthusiasts can visit the
Municipal Garden.
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