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Agra Travel Guide

Agra, or the city of the Taj, as it is known all over the world, forms the first destination on the itinerary of most travelers coming into India. Forming part of the famous 'Golden Triangle' (Delhi-Jaipur-Agra), it is placed on the western bank of the Yamuna. The magnificent Taj Mahal which is the pride of this city is set around a Charbagh or 'four garden' plan, which is split by watercourses - a reflection of the Persian style.

History

Agra finds mention in the Mahabharata as Agraban. This city of the Taj ,was established in 1475, by Badal Singh, but came into its own when Sikander Lodi, chose it as his capital ,but was eventually defeated by Babur, who laid the foundation of the Mughal empire. Agra reached its zenith during the reign of the Mughal Empire, to become the center of art, culture, commerce and learning. By mid 16th and the earlier 17th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity purely in the contemporary Mughal style, and it was during this time, when the symbol of love - TheTaj Mahal was built.

Culture

Agra has witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of the Mughal Monarchs, who lavished on this fabled city, their love and riches, bringing a change in the culture and life-style among the people. Agra is one of the most important centres for handicrafts, made of marble and soft stone inlay work. Major handicraft products of Agra, besides inlay work are leatherware, brassware, carpets, jewellery and embroidery work. The major languages spoken here are Hindi, Urdu and English.

How to Reach

Agra is well connected by road, rail and air. By air, Kheria airport is 6 kms from Agra and is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Khajuraho, Jaipur, Varanasi and other important cities. By rail, the nearest and main railheads are Agra Cantt, Raji-ki-Mandi and Agra Fort railway stations which are well connected to Delhi, Gwalior, Bhopal, Bangalore, Jammu Tawi and other parts of the country. By road, Agra is well connected by good motorable roads. For those driving from Delhi, the best route is by Mathura Road via Faridabad. It is well connected to the neighbouring state of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as buses depart for Khajuraho, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Mathura frequently.

Tourist Places :

The Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world and the epitome of love, beauty and sacrifice. Built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, its construction is believed to have taken 22 years to complete with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. Even as the world is caught in the skirmishes of War and peace, Nuclear and Non-Nuclear; Taj has stood as the epitome of love. One of the most visited and most photographed places in the world, this extravagant monument of love is the culmination point of Indo-Persian architecture.

Itmad-ud-Duala

Situated opposite the Taj Mahal on the other side of the River Yamuna, Itmad-ud-Duala houses a magnificent mausoleum of Ghias Beg, father of Noor Jehan and the Chief Minister of Emperor Jehangir. This white marble tomb and the first complete marble Moghul structure may not be as mammoth as the Taj but the inlay designs and carvings are no less than Taj if not more. The delicate marble latticework in the passages allows the light to enter the interiors. Nur Jahan built a similar tomb for Jehangir in Lahore.

Jehangirs Palace

Dayal Bagh is the birthplace of the Radhaswami sect, which was founded by a banker of Agra, Swami Shiv Dayal, in 1861. It is a place of pilgrimage for members of this sect and a temple is built here in honour of their fourth Guru.

Agra Fort

Agra Fort is situated in the center of the town. Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahans time. Though Akbar built the principle structure, his grandsons made many more additions.

Sikandra

This deserted city lies along the top of a ridge. This new capital of Akbar had to be abandoned, only 14 years after it was created, due to lack of water. But the splendid palaces and mosques remain as a vanquished dream. However, this ghost city, is worth a view for its buildings, and can be classified into religious, secular and architectural wonders. The latticework of Jama Masjid and the Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti are among the finest in India. The Bais Palace, Birbals House, Mariams House, Panch Mahal, Shahi Darwaza and the Buland Darwaza definitely deserve a visit.

Bikaner Travel Guide

The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes.

Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells. Camels are the prime helpers. The well of Bikaner-an important source of water are another attraction of the city. These are built on high plinth with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance. Bikaner's history date backs to 1488A.D. when a Rathore Prince. Rao Bikaji- a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur(1459A.D.) Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Jodhaji had five sons but rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them.

Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called "jangladesh" and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaji after the Founder's Name. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from west/Central Asia, made it a Prime trade center in the times of the year. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink, sandstone, bear testimony to its historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.

Places to See :

Bhandasar Jain Temple : Beautiful 16th century A.D. Jain temple dedicated to the 13rd Trirthankra.

Camel Research Farm : Spend a day with indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research and breeding centre-one of its kind in Asia.Timing 15.00hrs to 17.00hrs (Closed on Sundays and government holidays) Photography prohibited. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semiarid land is managed by the central Government. The camel crops of Bikaner were a famous fighting force during the Raj and are still an important part of the desert warfare and defence through the border security Force (BSF)

Devi Kund : Ayoyal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or "chhatris' built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh chhatri is the most impressive of all creative entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput painting on the ceiling

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary : The lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer road are a heaven to nilgai chinkara, black buck, wild coar and folk of imperial sand grouse. The Gajner palace a summer retreat of the king stands on the bank of the lake and has been converted into a hotel.

Shiv Bari Temple : Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 10th century. The temple in surrounding by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful painting and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.

Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple : The famous 600 year old temple on the Jodhpur road dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates, which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. They are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy men.

Kolayatji : A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint) The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (oct-nov)when thousands of devotees gather in large number to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake on the full moon day. A cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels is a part of the festivals. The small oasis town is now an idyllic picnic spot.

Chamba Travel Guide

Occupying the northwestern portion of the state of Himachal Pradesh, the town of Chamba stands on a plateau on the right bank of the river Ravi valley. The valley itself, is located between the mighty Dhauladhar and Zanskar range in the south of inner Himalayas. The town of Chamba, which also happens to be the headquarters of the district by the same name was founded by Raja Sahil Verman in the 10th century AD. It was named after his daughter Champavati who is considered the patron deity of the place.

For tourists, Chamba holds immense scope, mainly in form of temples and festivals. Apart from these, the art work of Chamba like its exquisite miniatures and handicrafts are also famous. The best time for tourists to visit Chamba is between the months of March and June.

Places to See : Champavati Temple

This temple is dedicated to the patron deity of the Chamba town, Goddess Champavati. It was built by her own father, king Sahil Verman. The architecture of the temple follows the shikhara style. There are exquisite stone carvings as well as the wheel roof. As far as the size of the temple goes, it can compare with the famous Laxmi Narayan temple of the town.

Vajreshwari Temple

This is another temple in Chamba which is built in Shikhara style. It is dedicated to Devi Vajreshwari or the goddess of lightening. In the absence of any historical records, it is difficult to ascertain the actual year of construction. However, people believe that the temple is around 1000 years old. Two other minor temples also stand closeby to this main temple.

Chamunda Devi Temple

The temple, dedicated to the wrathful form of Goddess Durga, is situated atop the Shah Madar hill. A small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva also stands right behind the main Chamunda temple. Infront of the temple, there are two old peepul tree standing on a platform. These trees have been providing shelter to the incoming visitors for long. Moreover, from this platform, you can also catch fantastic views of other temples and landmarks of the town. Because of this reason, the temple is also a pretty well known picnic spot of the town. Currently, the temple is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Sui Mata Temple

The temple is dedicated to the sacrifice of a rani who laid down her life to ensure that Chamba did not go waterless. The temple is located on Shah Madar Hill. There is also a fair organised every year from 15th of the Chait to the first of Baisakhi. The fair is specially important for the women and children. They sing devotional songs in praise of the rani extolling her supreme sacrifice for the betterment of the people.

Gandhi Gate

This gate was constructed to welcome Lord Curzon in the year 1900. He was then, the viceroy of the British Government. The gate instantly catches attention due to its saffron colour.

Hari Har Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has a beautiful bronze image of the lord in its interiors. The construction of the temple, dating back to the 11th century, is credited to Salbahana. The temple itself is constructed in the shikhara style, like most of the other temples in Chamba. Standing on an elevated platform, it is the only temple that is close to Chaugan.

Chaugan

A grassy land, 805 m in length and 73 m in width, is the principal centre of social and cultural activities. Apart from being the venue for the annual Minjar mela, Chaugan is also used by Gaddi tribals for camping, and the local people for taking a walk. From Dussehra till April, Chaugan is closed for visitors. This is because of the maintenance work that is carried out during this period.

Akhand Chandi Palace

This palace was constructed as a royal residential palace by Raja Umed Singh in the middle of the 18th century. Later renovation and reconstruction work were carried out by Raja Sham Singh, Capt Marshal and Raja Bhuri Singh. Still later, the palace was sold to the Himachal government. Today, it offers some spectacular views of the Chaugan, Laxmi Narayan temple, Sui Mata Temple and other prominent attractions of the town.

Bhuri Singh Museum

The museum, named after Raja Bhuri Singh, was formally inaugurated on the 14th of September in the year 1908. Bhuri Singh himself gave his family collection of paintings to the museum. Apart from the paintings, other items on display are the the embroidered Chamba rumaals, coins, hill jewellery and costumes- both traditional and royal, arms and armour, musical instruments and various decorative objects. The museum is opened from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening all through the week except Mondays and gazeted holidays.

Other Attractions

Fairs & Festivals

Minjar Mela : Highly popular amongst the locals is the annual Minjar mela which is oraganised on the second Sunday of the Shravana month. The fair commences with the distribution of minjar or the silk tassel which is symbolic of the paddy and maize grown at this time of the year. A flag is hoisted in the Chowgan which is followed by a week long cultural and social programmes. Business carries on simultaneously.

At the end of the week, a colourful procession is taken out from the Akhand Chandi Palace for the venue near the Police Line Nalhora. The chief guest at the occasion throws a coconut, a rupee, a seasonal fruit and a minjar tied in a red piece of cloth into the river water. In the erstwhile era, this ceremony was performed by the king. Coming back to the present, this ceremony is followed by common people throwing their minjar into the water as well. Thereafter some traditional song are sung. Betal leaves as well as ittra are offered to guests as a mark of respect.

Adventure Activities & Sports : Chamba offers many exciting treks over the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The region situated between Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal is called the Chamba valley while the area lying between the Great Himalayan Range and Pir Panjal comprises Pangi, Lahaul and Spiti valleys.

Some of the treks from Chamba are to Killar over Sach pass, and then to Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir or to Manaii via Udaipur in Lahaul; Bharmaur to Triloknath/Udaipur over Kalicho pass (4803m); to Udaipur over Chobia pass (4966m), to Manaii over Kugti pass (5040 m) and to Manimahesh lake (4172 m). Duration of these treks which are operational from June to October is 5 to 8 days. Chamba is also a base for (out and back) one-or-two day delightful treks. These are to Jhamuar, Kandi-Bassu and to Khajjiar.

How to Reach

By Air : The nearest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra) 180 km from Chamba and 140 km from Dalhousie.

By Rail : Chamba town is 122 km from Pathankot, the nearest broad gauge rail head which is linked by direct trains to Amritsar, Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta.

By Road : Chamba is 52 km away from Dalhousie. Bus run Chamba to Pathankot, Delhi, Dharamsala, Shimla, Chandigarh, Jammu and most of the Punjab cities along the national highway.

Dalhousie Travel Guide

Dalhousie is a beautiful, quiet and peaceful small town of North India, famous among the honeymooners. Away from the maddening crowds of plains, Dalhousie is surrounded with attractive cottages, villas, sky touching deodar and pine trees and evergreen ornamental shrubs that makes it one of the most preferred tourists destination in Himachal Pradesh.

Dalhousie - A Dream Destination

Situated at a distance of 145 km from Dharamsala, th