Thousand Pillar Temple(Hanamakonda, Andhra Pradesh)

Hanumakonda in Warangal is a home to one of the very old temples of Andhra Pradesh, viz., the Thousand Pillar Temple.
The Thousand Pillar Temple is one of the very old temples of south India built by the Kakatiyas of Chalukya dynasty and this stands out to be a master piece and achevied major hieights in terms of architectural skills by the ancient kakathiya vishwakarma sthapathis. It is believed that the marvelous thousand pillared temple was built by King Rudra Deva in 1163 AD.
The Thousand Pillar Temple is a specimen of the Kakatiyan style of architecture of the 12th century.
It was destroyed by the Mughal Empires during their invasion of South India. It comprises one temple and other building. There are one thousand pillars in the building and the temple, but one pillar will not obstruct another from any point of the temple to see the god in the other temple.

The present day engineers have taken out all the pillars from the building to make it in to a perfect shape. After they lifted all the pillars they encountered a huge mass of sand. It took nearly two weeks for them to take away all the sand. It was wet sand, it is always wet because there is pipe connection directly from the nearby water body named Bhadrakali Cheruvu. It was one of the master piece in Civil Engineering. The Kakatiyans have used the well foundations 900 years ago.
The Thousand Pillar Temple with its ruins lies in the near the Hanamkonda-Warangal highway, about 150 kilometers from Hyderabad city. This temple is a beautiful star shaped with several shrines and lingams. There are three shrines inside the temple called the Trikutalayam. The three shrines of the Thousand Pillar Temple are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. The Thousand Pillar Temple is surrounded by a big garden in which many small lingam shrines can be seen. Further there are 1000 richly carved pillars with an impressive Nandi bull in the temple. Nandi bull was carved out of a black basalt monolith polished carefully to give it a brilliant look. The Thousand Pillar Temple is constructed on a platform that is raised to 1 meter height from the ground level. The temple is provided with a number of pillars which are beautifully carved and adorned. Delicate stone work which definitely adds charm and beauty to this Thousand Pillar Temple. Rock cut elephants and perforated screens in the temple which are the characteristic of the then prevailing dynasty. The Thousand Pillar Temple is famous for its beautifully carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS :
Bhadra Kali Temple
Bhadra Kali Temple is situated on a hilltop between Hanamkonda and Warangal, it is noted for its stone image of the Goddess Kali.
Jain Temple
Jain Temple which is 2,000-year-old Jain temple of Mahaveer is a famous place of worship for Jains in the country. The temple is embellished with beautiful images of Thirthankaras. The 5ft high image of Mahavira is entirely carved of Jade
Kolanupaka
Kolanupaka is 80-km from Hyderabad, and is situated between Hyderabad and Warangal. This was the second capital town of Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th century AD. During this period the village was a religious centre of Jains, and ranks among other great Jain centers in the south.
Sri Veeranarayana Temple
Sri Veeranarayana Temple is raised in the Chalukyan style around 1104 AD.
Pakhal Lake
Pakhal Lake is a man-made lake built in 1213 AD by the Kakatiya king, Ganapathidev, by harnessing a small tributary of the Krishna River. It is located 50-km from Warangal and spreads over an area of 30-sq-km.
Ramappa Temple
Ramappa Temple or Ramalingeswara is the temple situated in Palampet village, which is 70-km form Warangal. This is a beautiful monument dating back to 1213 AD. It displays the glory and richness of the Kakatiya kingdom.

BEST TIME TO VISIT :
The Best time to visit the temple is from the month of October to March.

Accomodation :
The lodges and hotels in all three townships are primarily functional. It is best to stay at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation's Punnami Hotel at Kazipeth, opposite the REC and near the rail station. This is close to Hanamkonda and Warangal and is the most practical option to explore the area. The tourist season is winter; at other times there should be no problem with accommodation

HOW TO REACH THOUSAND PILLAR TEMPLE :
By Air :
The closest airport to this place is in Hyderabad.

By Rail :
The nearest railway station is in Warangal which is connected well with the other important cities and states of India.

By Road :
There is service of Private and APSTRC buses that connect well to Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Vijayawada, Khammam and some of the other districts.


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DUDHSAGAR FALLS

Dudhsagar falls is a tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the state of Karnataka, India, on Goa's border with the state of Karnataka. It is 60 km from Panaji. The falls lie high up in the Mandovi River's watershed and so are not particularly spectacular during the dry season. During the monsoon season however, the falls are transformed into one of the most powerful falls in India. Dudhsagar Falls is listed as India's 5th tallest waterfall,and is 227th in the world at 310 m. The water plummets hundreds of feet in large volumes during the monsoon season, forming one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Goa. It is a major part of the Goa ecosystem.This is a four tiered waterfall with a total height of 310 meters (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 meters (100 feet).

HOW TO REACH DUDHSAGAR FALLS

The waterfall is accessible by train and rough road. It is 10 kilometers from Kulem Railway Station (Indian Railway station code QLM). This waterfalls lies on the Londa-Madgaon railway route. To view this waterfalls from close distance, travel by Delhi-Goa express (12780), Pune-Ernakulam Express(11098), Chennai-VascoDaGama Express or Miraj-Castle Rock passenger train which starts from Miraj rail junction. There is a small rail station about 50 feet near the waterfalls and some trains halt here for 2 mintutes.

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GOLDEN TEMPLE (AMRITSAR PUNJAB)

The Harmandir Sahib ,Darbar Sahib also referred as the Golden Temple,is a prominent Sikh gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab (India). Construction of the gurdwara was begun by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev. In 1604, Guru Arjan Dev completed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, and installed it in the Gurdwara. During the eighteenth century, the Harmandir Sahib was the site of frequent fighting between the Sikhs on one side and either Mughal or Afghan forces on the other side and the gurdwara occasionally suffered damage. In the early nineteenth century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh secured the Punjab region from outside attack and covered the upper floors of the gurdwara with gold, which gives it its distinctive appearance and English name of "Golden Temple".

The Golden Temple is considered holy by Sikhs because the eternal guru of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside it and its construction was mainly intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religion to come and worship God equally.[1][6] The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the holiest literature in the Sikh religion,[6] the tenth guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh, on 7 October 1708 at Nanded made it the eternal Sikh Guru and the leader of Sikhism.[6] Anywhere in the world where the Guru Granth Sahib is present is equally holy and precious to Sikhs. Amritsar is the location of Harmandir Sahib.
Its name literally means Temple of God.The fourth guru of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das, excavated a tank in 1577 CE which subsequently became known as Amritsar (meaning "Pool of the Nectar of Immortality"),Harmandir Sahib (meaning "the abode of God"),[8] rose in the middle of this tank and became the supreme centre of Sikhism. Its sanctum came to house the Adi Granth comprising compositions of Sikh gurus and other saints considered to have Sikh values and philosophies, e.g., Baba Farid, and Kabir. The compilation of the Adi Granth was started by the fifth guru of Sikhism, Guru Arjan Dev.

Construction of the Harmandir Sahib


Originally built in 1574, the site of the temple was surrounded by a small lake in a thin forest. The third of the six grand Mughals, Emperor Akbar, who visited the third Sikh guru, Guru Amar Das, in the neighbouring town of Goindval, was so impressed by the way of life in the town that he gave a jagir (the land and the revenues of several villages in the vicinity) to the guru's daughter Bhani as a gift on her marriage to Bhai Jetha, who later became the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das. Guru Ram Das enlarged the lake and built a small township around it. The town was named after Guru Ram Das as Guru Ka Chak', Chak Ram Das or Ram Das Pura.

During the leadership of the fifth guru, Guru Arjan Dev (1581–1606), the full-fledged Temple was built. In December 1588, the great Muslim Sufi saint of Lahore, Hazrat Mian Mir, who was a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, initiated the construction of the temple by laying the first foundation stone (December 1588 CE). A mason then straightened the stone but Guru Arjan Dev told him that, as he had undone the work just completed by the holy man, a disaster might come to the Harmandir Sahib. It was later attacked by the Mughals.
The temple was completed in 1604. Guru Arjan Dev, installed the Guru Granth Sahib in it and appointed Baba Buddha Ji as the first Granthi (reader) of it on August 1604. In the mid-18th century it was attacked by the Afghans, by one of Ahmed Shah Abdali's generals, Jahan Khan, and had to be substantially rebuilt in the 1760s. However, in response a Sikh Army was sent to hunt down the Afghan force. They were under orders to show no mercy and historical evidence suggests the Sikh Army was decisively victorious in the ensuing battle. Both forces met each other five miles outside Amritsar; Jahan Khan's army was destroyed. He himself was decapitated by commander Sardar Dayal Singh.

Celebrations at Harmandir Sahib

One of the most important festivals is Vaisakhi, which is celebrated in the second week of April (usually the 13th). Sikhs celebrate the founding of the Khalsa on this day and it is celebrated with fervour in the Harmandir Sahib. Other important Sikh religious days such as the martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur, the birthday of Guru Nanak, etc., are also celebrated with religious piety. Similarly Diwali is one of the festivals which sees the Harmandir Sahib beautifully illuminated with Divas/Diyas (lamps); lights and fireworks are discharged. During these special occasions many thousands of people visit the holy shrine named Harmandir Sahib.

HOW TO REACH GOLDEN TEMPLE

Air : Flights operate to the Rajasansi airport at Amritsar from many national destinations. A few international flights also land at the airport.
Rail : Amritsar is well connected by railway network. Regular trains operate between Amritsar and national capital Delhi.
Road : Buses are available to Amritsar from Delhi and other destinations of Punjab. Amritsar is at a distance of 234 kms from Chandigarh and 464 kms from Delhi.

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Charminar (HYDERABAD)

Charminar built in 1591 AD, with four ornate minarets supported by four grand arches, it had become global icon of Hyderabad and listed among the most recognized structures of India.The Charminar, is located on the east bank of Musi river. Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the 5th ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty built Charminar shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golkonda to what is now known as Hyderabad. He built this famous structure to commemorate the elimination of a plague epidemic from this city.

Charminar is a beautiful and impressive square monument. Each side measures 20 m, and each of the corners has a tall, pointed minaret. These four gracefully carved minarets soar to a height of 48.7 m above the ground, commanding the landscape for miles around. Each minaret has four stories, marked by a delicately carved ring around the minaret. Unlike the Taj Mahal, Charminar's four fluted minarets of Charminar are built into the main structure. Inside the minarets 149 winding steps guide the visitor to the top floor, the highest point one can reach, which provides a panoramic view of the city. Charminar has the signature style of Islamic architecture.

Best Time to Visit : October to March 

Timings: Open Weekdays: 0900-1700; Saturdays: 0900-1700

Popular as : The Arc de Triomphe of the East

Other Attractions : Mecca Masjid, Chow Mohalla Palace, Shahali Banda, Laad Bazar, Kali Kaman and Patthar Gatti.

HOW TO REACH CHARMINAR

Hyderabad is well connected with the rest of the country by air, railways and roads. Once in Hyderabad, the local transport like auto-rickshaws and taxis should get you to Charminar.

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DELHI

TOURISM IN DELHI (CAPITAL OF INDIA)

Delhi is the capital city of India. A fine blend of old and new, ancient and modern, Delhi is a melting pot of cultures and religions. Delhi has been the capital of numerous empires that ruled India, making it rich in history.

Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Delhi has been known to be continuously inhabited since at least the 6th century BC, though human habitation is believed to have existed since the second millennium BC.Delhi is also widely believed to have been the site of Indraprastha, the legendary capital of the Pandavas during the times of the Mahabharata. It is the site of many ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites and remains. In 1639, Mughal emperor Shahjahan built a new walled city in Delhi which served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1649 to 1857.

Being one of the most historic capitals in the world, Delhi has many tourist sites.

The rulers left behind their trademark architectural styles. Delhi currently has many renowned historic monuments and landmarks such as the Tughlaqabadfort, Qutub Minar, Old fort(Purana Quila), Lodhi Gardens, Jama Masjid, Humayun's tomb, Red Fort, and Safdarjung's Tomb. Modern monuments include Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Laxminarayan Temple, Garden of five senses ,Lotus temple and Akshardham Temple.

Kaziranga National Park (ASSAM)

Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam, India. A World Heritage Site, the park hosts two-thirds of the world's Great One-horned Rhinoceroses. The Kaziranga National Park area consists of 429.93 Sq.Km. with an additional area of 429.40 Sq.Km. The total area of the park within Nagaon district is 175 Sq.Km., out of which 135 Sq.Km. falls under Bagori Forest Range office and 40 Sq.Km. falls within Ghorakati Forest Range office. Located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, the park combines high species diversity and visibility.

It is one of the significant natural habitat for in situ conservation of biological biodiversity of universal value. The values and criteria made Kaziranga National Park to get inscribed in the World Heritage Site List 1985. The park is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Kaziranga is recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International for conservation of avifaunal species. Kaziranga is one of the few wild breeding areas outside Africa for multiple species of large cats, such as Indian Tigers and Leopards.Kaziranga was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 and has the highest density of tigers in the world (one per five km²), with a population of 86, as per the 2000 census.
Attractions

Elephant Festival at Kohora: Conceptualized in the year 2003, it is held every January end and entails some enticing activities like adventure sports, procession of decorated elephant, cultural shows, food festival etc.

Sightseeing in Kaziranga: You can enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush rubber and coffee plantations of Karbi Anglong, and the tea gardens of Hathkhuli, Methoni, Difalu, Behora Borchapori. A trip to the nearby Karbi or Mising Villages and acquainting with their living style in the hills can also be very interesting. The Kakochang waterfalls are about 13 km from Kaziranga.

TIMING AND FEE

Park charges are Entry Fee : Rs. 20 (Indians) & Rs. 250 (foreigners), Vehicle Entry : Rs. 200, Still Camera : Rs. 50 (Indians) & Rs. 500 (foreigners), Video Camera : Rs. 500 (Indians) & Rs. 1000 (foreigners), Safari : Rs. 120 (Indians) & Rs. 750 (foreigners).

Park Timings are 7:30 AM to 4 PM

The forest guard (can be hired at Baghori & Agaratoli) traveling with you on a safari doubles up as a guide. There are no fixed charges and you can tip him anywhere between Rs. 50-200.

HOW TO REACH KAZIRANGA NATIOAL PARK

AIR:Nearest airports are at Jorhat (97 km) and Guwahati (217 km). Jorhat is well connected by air to Kolkata which has the International Airport. The airport at Guwahati has regular flights to all major cities of India (including Kolkata).

RAIL: The nearest railway station is Furkating, 75 km from the Kaziranga National Park. Furkating is connected to Delhi through the Brahmaputra Mail and Chennai through the Dibrugarh Exp. Another option would be to travel to Guwahati and board trains for the metros and other important cities in India. For further details, you can log on to the official Indian Railway site (http://indianrail.gov.in).

ROAD: The Kaziranga National Park main gate is at Kohora on the NH-37. It is connected with the major cities like Guwahati, Tezpur, and Upper Assam through a network of private buses. Taxis and buses can be hired from Jorhat and Guwahati.

ACCOMMODATION
The southern fringe of the park has lots of good and affordable accommodation for the visitors. Kohora and Baghori have the major accommodation facilities. You can choose from various types of accommodations like Inspection Bungalows, forest rest houses, hotels and lodges.

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ELEPHANTA CAVES INDIA (MAHARASHTRA)

ELEPHANTA CAVES INDIA

The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the god Shiva. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century CE. The Elephanta island was so named by the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All the caves were also originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain. The main cave (Cave 1, or the Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule began in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was renovated in the 1970s after years of neglect, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork.

The island is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) in length with two hills that rise to a height of about 500 feet (150 m). The two hills of the island, the western and the eastern, have five rock-cut caves in the western part and a brick stupa on the eastern hill on its top composed of two caves with few rock-cut cisterns. One of the caves on the eastern hill is unfinished. It is a protected island with a buffer zone according to a Notification issued in 1985, which also includes “a prohibited area” that stretches 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the shoreline.

Main cave (SHIVA CAVE)

The main cave, also called the Shiva cave, Cave 1, or the Great Cave, is 27 metres (89 ft) square in plan with a hall called mandapa. At the entrance are four doors, with three open porticoes and an aisle at the back. Pillars, six in each row, divide the hall into a series of smaller chambers.The roof of the hall has concealed beams supported by stone columns joined together by capitals.Usualy entrance of a shiva shrine is in the east-west but here entrance to the main cave aligned with north-south axis. The northern entrance to the cave, which has 1,000 steep steps, is flanked by two panels of Shiva dated to the Gupta period. The left panel depicts Yogishvara (The Lord of Yoga) and the right shows Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance). Each wall has large carvings of Shiva, each more than 5 metres (16 ft) in height. The main cave blends Chalukyan architectural features such as massive figures of the divinities, guardians, and square pillars with custom capitals with Gupta artistic characteristics, like the depiction of mountains and clouds and female hairstyles.

SHIVA PARVATI ON KAILASH AD RAVAA LITIG KAILASH

The carving on the south wall to the east of the portico depicts Shiva and Parvati seated on their abode Mount Kailash. The carved panel facing this one is a two level depiction of Ravana lifting Kailash. The upper scene is Mount Kailash, where Shiva and Parvati are seated. A legend relates to both these panels.Once, Parvati was annoyed with Shiva. At this moment, Ravana, who was passing by Mount Kailash, found it as an obstruction to his movement. Upset, Ravana shook it vigorously and as a result, Parvati got scared and hugged Shiva. Enraged by Ravana's arrogance, Shiva stamped down on Ravana, who sang praises of Shiva to free him of his misery and turned into an ardent devotee of Shiva. Another version states that Shiva was pleased with Ravana for restoring Parvati’s composure and blessed him.

TRIMURTI GANGADHARA AND ARDHANARISHVARA

The most important sculpture in the caves is the Trimurti, carved in relief at the back of the cave facing the entrance, on the north-south axis. It is also known as Trimurti Sadashiva and Maheshmurti.Described as  a "masterpiece of Gupta-Chalukyan art".

The image, 20 feet (6.1 m) in height, depicts a three-headed Shiva, representing Panchamukha Shiva, The three heads are said to represent three essential aspects of Shiva — creation, protection, and destruction.

The Gangadhara image to the right of the Trimurti, is an ensemble of divinities assembled around the central figures of Shiva and Parvati, the former bearing river Ganges as she descends from the heaven. The carving is 13 feet (4.0 m) wide and 17.083 feet (5.207 m) high.

SHIVA SLAYING ANDHAKA AND WEDDING OF SHIVA

The central figure, which is much ruined below the waist, is measured at 11.5 feet (3.5 m) high, and shows Bhairava, or Virabhadra, a frightful form of Shiva. he niche image carved on the south wall is an ensemble of divinities assembled around the central figures of Shiva and Parvati shown getting married.

YOGISHVARA AND NATARAJA

The panel to the east of the north portico is Shiva in a Yogic position called Yogisvara.The panel carving in the west niche opposite Yogishvara depicts Shiva as Nataraja performing the Tandava (cosmic dance). The niche is 13 feet (4.0 m) wide and 11 feet (3.4 m) in height and set low on the wall.

TIMINGS: OPEN DAILY BETWEEN 9AM TO 5.30 PM (EXCEPT MONDA

ENTRY FEE: Rs.10 FOR INDIAN CITIZENS ABOVE 15 YEARS AND Rs.250 FOR OTHERS ABOVE 15 YEARS

ACCOMMODATION:THERE ARE SO MANY FIVE STAR,THREE STAR AND BUDGET HOTELS IN MUMBAI AVAILABLE FOR ACCOMMODATION.

HOW TO REACH ELEPHANTA CAVES

The Elephanta Caves can be reached by a ferry from the Gateway of India, Mumbai, which has the nearest airport and train station.

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LODHI GARDEN OR LODI GARDEN (DELHI)

Lodi Gardens is a park in Delhi, India. situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb on Lodi Road. It is beautiful and serene, and is a hotspot for morning walks for the Delhiites. Spread over 90 acres (360,000 m²), Lodi Garden is famous among the joggers of the Delhi city of India.Itcontains, Mohammed Shah's Tomb, Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad, architectural works of the 15th century Sayyid and Lodis, a Pashtun dynasty which ruled much of Northern India during the 16th century, and the site is now protected by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).
MOHAMMED SHAH TOMB
The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the last of the Sayyid dynasty rulers, the earliest of the tombs in the garden, was built in 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah as a tribute to Mohammed Shah.
The architecture is characterised by the octagonal chamber, with stone chajjaas  on the roof and guldastas on the corners.
SIKANDER LODI TOMB
Another tomb within the gardens is that of Sikander Lodi, which is similar to Mohammed Shah's tomb, though without the chhatris, it was built by his son Ibrahim Lodi in 1517, His tomb is often mistaken to be the Sheesh Gumbad, and is actually situated in near the tehsil office in Panipat, close to the Dargah of Sufi saint Bu Ali Shah Qalandar. It is a simple rectangular structure on a high platform approached by a flight of steps. In the centuries, after the 15th century Sayyid and Lodi dynasties, two villages grew around the monuments, but the villagers were relocated in 1936 in order to create the gardens. During British Raj, it was landscaped by Lady Willingdon, wife of Governor-General of India, Marquess of Willingdon, and hence named the 'Lady Willingdon Park' upon its inauguration on April 9, 1936, and 1947, after Independence, it was given its present name, Lodi Gardens.
BARA GUMBAD
In the middle of the gardens is the BARA GUMBAD ("Big Dome"), it consists of a large rubble-construct dome, it is not a tomb but a gateway to an attached a three domed masjid (mosque), both built in 1494 during the reign of Sikander Lodi, there is also a residence surrounding a central courtyard, where the remains of a water tank can be seen.
SHEESH GUMBAD
Opposite the Bara Gumbad is the Sheesh Gumbad ("Glass dome") for the glazed tiles used in its construction, which contains the remains of an unknown family, this was also built during the reign of Sikander Lodi.
ACCOMMODATION
There are lots of Luxury and Budget Hotels/Resorts near Lodhi garden, available at affordable prices.

HOW TO REACH LODHI GARDEN

Lodi Gardens being located in the capital city, So you can easily reach from any where by means of road transport .

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Nearest Bus Stop: Local buses from various points

JAMA MASJID (DELHI)

The Masjid-i Jahān-Numā the 'World-reflecting Mosque commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, and completed in the year 1656 AD, it is the largest and best-known mosque in India. It lies at the origin of a very busy central street of Old Delhi opposite to RED FORT, the Chawri Bazar Road. The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers.

The foundation of the historic Jama Masjid  was laid on a hillock in Shahjahanabad by fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shahjahan, on Friday, October 6, 1650 AD, (10th Shawwal 1060 AH). The mosque was the result of the efforts of over 5,000 workers, over a period of six years. The cost incurred on the construction in those times was 10 lakh (1 million) Rupees. Shah Jahan built several important mosques in Delhi, Agra, Ajmer and Lahore.Jama masjid has three gates ,four towers and two minarets of about 40 m height built by red sandstone and white marbles. The northern gate of the mosque has 39 steps. The southern side of the mosque has 33 steps. The eastern gate of the mosque was the royal entrance and it has 35 steps. These steps used to house food stalls, shops and street entertainers.

The mosque stands on a platform of about five feet (1.5 m) from the pavement of the terrace, and three flight of steps lead to the interior of the mosque from the east, north, and the south. The floor of the mosque is covered with white and black marble ornamented to imitate the Muslim prayer mat; a thin black marble border is marked for the worshippers, which is three feet long and 1 ½ feet wide. In total there are 899 such spaces marked in the floor of the mosque.

Tourists can enter the Masjid from the North or South gate and it is mandatory for both men and women to remove their shoes and cover themselves modestly, from head to toe.

VISITING TIME: On all days from Sunrise to Sunset

Summer/ Winter: 7.00 am-12.15 pm & 1.45 pm till sunset/ 8.30 am-12.15 pm & 1.45 pm till sunset.

ENTRY FEE: Free to all

HOW TO REACH JAMA MASJID

BY AIR:

Indira Gandhi International Airport of New Delhi is directly connected to all the important cities in the world with all the majors in the airlines industry.

Palam Airport is the Domestic Airport which connects Delhi to the other cities of India. From both airports you can hire vehicles like taxi or auto rikshaw.

BY RAIL:

Being a capital, Delhi is very well connected to every part of India by train. Old Delhi, Hajrat Nijamuddin and New Delhi are the main railheads in Delhi. You have an exclusive option of metro railway to roam in the city for your fast moving nearest METRO STATION  is Kashmiri Gate metro station

BY ROAD:

By road you can come to Delhi by numerous bus options or taxi. All types of vehicles will take you here. You can hire a taxi, auto rikshaw or cycle rikshaw to reach Jama Masjid. You also have an option of public transport buses for cheaper way of transportation. 

Accommodation:
As the Jama Masjid is situated in the heart of the capital city of India, you are served with numerous options. In old Delhi i.e. around Jama Masjid you can get many low cost and medium cost hotels and lodges. If you head towards New Delhi, you can have numerous options of 3 star, 5 star and 7 star hotels.

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Qutub Minar (DELHI)

The Qutub Minar is a tower located in Delhi, India. It is the world's tallest brick minaret with a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft). It has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75m on the top.

Qutub Minar, an architectural marvel of the 13th century, is located in Delhi, the capital of India. One of the most famous landmarks of Delhi, viewing it is trully an experience to relish. Qutub Minar complex monuments are listed in the UNESCO world heritage sites of India. Here is concise information about Qutub Minar in Delhi. Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak, the first sultan of Delhi, laid the foundation stones of Kutub Minar in AD 1199. Some historian opine that that the objective behind its construction was to give a platform to Mu'azzin to give calls for prayer. He was the one who raised the first storey. Then he died. The credit of completing the construction goes his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iitutmish, who also added three more stories to it.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN QUTUB COMPLEX   

Alai Darwaza

The Alai Darwaza is the main gateway from southern side of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. It was built by the second Khilji Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1311 AD, who also added a court to the pillared to the eastern side.

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque (Might of Islam) (also known as the Qutb Mosque or the Great Mosque of Delhi) was built by Qutb-ud-din Aybak, founder of the Mamluk or Slave dynasty.

Iron Pillar

Iron Pillar in the Qutab Minar Complex harks back to the 5th century. It has faced the wear and tear of time successfully

Tombs

Iltutmish

The tomb of Slave Dynasty ruler, Iltutmish, the second Sultan of Delhi (r. 1211-1236 AD), built 1235 AD is also part of the Qutb complex at Mehrauli.

Imam Zamin

Tomb of Imam Muhammad Ali, or Imam Zamin, stand on a raised courtyard, next to the Alai Darwaza. According to an inscription of the eastern entrance to the tomb, Imam Zamin was a saint from Turkestan, who settled in India in around 1500, during the Sikander Lodhi

Alauddin Khilji's tomb and madarsa

At the back of the complex, southwest of the mosque, stands an L-shaped construction, consisting of Alauddin Khilji's tomb dating ca 1316 AD, and a madarsa, an Islamic seminary built by him. Khilji was the second Sultan of Delhi from Khilji dynasty, who ruled from 1296 to 1316 AD.

Alai Minar

Alauddin Khilji started building the Alai Minar, after he had doubled the size of Quwwat ul-Islam mosque. He conceived this tower to be two times higher than Qutb Minar in proportion with the enlarged mosque. The construction was however abandoned, just after the completion of the 24.5 meter high first storey core; soon after death of Ala-ud-din in 1316 AD.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March

HOW TO REACH QUTUB MINAR

By Air : Delhi has two airports – Indra Gandhi International Airport and Palam Domestic Airport. Both these airports are connected with regular flights from important cities of the country and the world as well. Frequent shuttles run between these airports.

By Train : Delhi has three major railheads namely – Delhi, New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. These stations are served by many express and super fast trains from various parts of the country.

By Bus : Good motorable roads including National Highways and State Highway link Delhi with nearby states and rest of the country.

Local Transport : Buses, Taxis, Cars, Auto-rickshaws are available as local modes of transport, you can reach Qutab Minar by opting any mode. Metro railway is new attraction in Delhi but presently it is not linked to Qutab Minar.

ACCOMODATION

Plenty of accommodation options are available in Delhi that suit your budget. Choose from wide array of hotels ranging from five star to tourist lodges and enjoy a pleasant stay during your Delhi trip.

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EARN ONLINE MONEY GENUINLY - MAKE MONEY ONLINE - INTERNET MONEY - EARN MONEY - LEGITIMATE: GAMES

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HUMAYUN TOMB (DELHI)

Humayun's Tomb:
Humayun's senior widow Bega Begum, popularly known as Haji Begum, built the magnificent Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, in 1565. It is one of the most beautiful Mughal monuments, with features like high arches and a full double dome. Located on Mathura Road, near its crossing with Lodi Road, Humayun's Tomb is built on a large stone platform, surrounded by green lawns and has a crescent on the top of the dome, instead of the usual lotus. It is said that the Begum spent one and a half million rupees on the tomb, which was constructed between nine and fourteen years after the death of the Emperor Humayun in 1556.
Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the architect of Humayun's Tomb, designed it in a Persian 'charbagh' or square four-garden style enclosed by high walls on three sides, and the River Yamuna on the other. The style was introduced in India by Babur, the first Mughal emperor.

Timings: Open on all days from sunrise to sunset

Preferred Timings: Late afternoon is the best time to see Humayun's Tomb, because the natural light aids photography
Admission Fee: INR 10 for citizens/ INR 250 for foreigners

How to Reach: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach this monument, which is located on Mathura Road or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or take the metro rail.
Nearest Railway Station: Nizamuddin Railway Station
Nearest Functional Metro Station: Kendriya Terminal

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport 

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GARDEN OF FIVE SENSES (DELHI)

GARDEN OF FIVE SENSES (DELHI).

The Garden of five senses is a breadth taking and enamoring experience. It is not just a park - it is a celebration of aesthetic expression and appreciation, a seamless dialogue between the creations of man and nature that invites interaction and exploration. The Garden of five senses is the latest addition to Delhis cultural circuit. The unique area of the garden with all its natural and man made surrounding has added a new dimension to life in Delhi and caters to all sections of society. The garden is located at Said-ul-Aizab village , close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi. The garden is built on a large expanse of land, 20 acres to be precise. It was inaugurated in February 2003 by Chief Minister of Delhi. There is an abundant display of flora, with a vast congregation of about 200 special varieties of plants and flowers under one roof.

Attractions Of Garden Of Five Senses

Khas Bagh is developed on the pattern of Mughal Gardens though with a series of modern water channels and fountains, some fitted with a lighting system enhancing the whole beauty of the garden.

Neel Bagh a pool of water lilies, surrounded by a bower like structure covered with colorful plants.

Color Gardens and The Courts of Specimen Plants

The Solar Energy Park

The Solar Park was set up with the assistance of the Ministry of Non-conventional Renewable Energy Sources with the aim of promoting awareness about renewable sources of energy. The main exhibits of the solar park are the two solar-powered Buses, Bicycles, Cars, and a Computer among other things.

 

Annual Events

Various festivals are held here from time to time which attracts a horde of visitors. The Garden Tourism Festival, Food Festivals, Different Melas, Dandiya Festivals and other cultural programs are held here at different times. For

 

ENTRY FEE: There is no entrance fee for the Garden of Five Senses. Entry is free and unrestricted.
ENTRY TIMING: It remains open on all days from sunrise to sunset.
TIMING FOR VISIT: 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m

HOW TO REACH GARDEN OF FIVE SENSES: Delhi is well linked by road, rail and air to all parts of the country. After reaching Delhi, tourists can board buses, rickshaws, autos or even hire a cab to reach Garden of Five Senses. Metro rail may also be availed of for reaching here.
Nearest Railway Station :- Nizamuddin Railway station
Nearest Metro Station :- Central Secretariat
Nearest Airport :- Indira Gandhi International Airport

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RED FORT ( Lal Qila ) DELHI

RED FORT (Lal Qil'ah or Lal Qila ) DELHI

Red fort lies along the Yamuna River. The layout of the Red Fort was organised to retain and integrate this site with the Salimgarh Fort.

Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad and laid the foundation of Red Fort, or the Lal Quila, on 16th April 1639. It took nine years to build this mighty citadel and it got completed on 16th April 1648. It is said that about one crore rupees, an astronomical sum in those days, was spent on its construction. Built of red sandstone, it is octagonal in shape, with two longer sides on the east and west. The perimeter of its strong ramparts is about 2.41 km. Red Fort rises to a height of 33.5 m on the town side and 18 m along the river. A wide moat surrounds the fort, which was originally connected with the river and was always filled with water. The two main gateways, known as Lahori Gate and Delhi Gate,The master builders of the Red Fort were Hamid and Ahmad. Visitors are allowed only in a part of Red Fort, as the army occupies the rest of it. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF RED FORT

Diwan-i-Am                        

Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience is situated in the Red Fort of Delhi.

Hamam

The hammams or royal baths; these consist of three rooms topped by domes, with a fountain in the center

Moti Masjid

To the west of the hammam is the Moti Masjid, the Pearl Mosque. This was a later addition, built in 1659 as a private mosque for Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's successor.

Mumtaz Mahal               

One of the original six main-palaces situated along the river front, Mumtaz Mahal was also known as 'Chhoti Baithak'.

Naubat Khana                  

Naubat Khana, or Naqqar Khana (meaning the Drum House), is situated at the entrance of the palace area. Here music was played five times a day at the appointed hours.

Nahr-i-Bihisht

A beautiful water channel called 'Nahr-i-Bihisht' (meaning Stream of Paradise) flew through these palaces.

HOW TO REACH RED FORT

Delhi is well connected by air, rail, and road with important centers of India. Tourists can reach the Red Fort in many ways. They can either take local buses from various points within the city, which is located near the Interstate Bus Terminus at Kashmere Gate in the heart of the city, or, alternatively, they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis for the purpose. There are also regular buses from other important bus termini like the Interstate Bus Terminus at Sarai Kale Khan and Connaught Place to this monument.

ACCOMODATION

There are several hotels near Red Fort to cater to the accommodation needs of the guests offering them a chance to spend some quality time in the precincts of these medieval structures.

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