 Travel to Delhi

Delhi, India's capital is the historic seat of power of many past empires. The government of
independent India, the British, the Mughals, the Delhi Sultanate, the Rajputs, the Tomars…
Delhi's position as a center of power began a long way back in time. Today Delhi is a busy city,
with historic monuments and shopping malls adjacent to each other, and a city where flyovers
and a new metro railway line promise to ease the congestion on the roads. The heart of New
Delhi was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is characterized by wide tree-lined avenues and
large bungalows. A world heritage zone - this elegant part of Delhi is sure to remain untouched
by the rapid changes all around which you'll see when you travel to the city of Delhi, India.
 Travel to Mumbai
Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, India, a historic city on India's west coast, is also India's
dynamic commercial capital. Originally inhabited by Koli fisherfolk, it was acquired by the
British as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese princess when she was
married to King Charles II in 1661. You'll see that historic British constructions such as Victoria
Terminus coexist with sleek modern skyscrapers, when you travel to Mumbai, the fashion capital
of India.
 Travel to Kolkata
Kolkata, previously the capital of the British Empire in India, Kolkata is known for its
museums, British colonial buildings, and for having the first underground metro railway line in
India. A city that combines modernity with history, and the home of several Nobel Prize
Winners, Kolkata is a city that proves timeless elegance always endures, as you'll see when you
travel to Kolkata, India.
 Travel to Chennai
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is a historic city, which was previously the center of British
rule in South India. Its gracious colonial churches, beaches and memorials continue to give
Chennai a laid back ambience even as the city emerges as an IT, telecommunications and
automobile manufacturing center in India, which you'll experience when you travel to Chennai,
India.
 Travel to Agra
Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal is the most visited tourist destination in India. The capital of
the Mughals during the days of Shah Jahan, Agra retains its old-world charm with many
exquisite Mughal monuments including the incomparable Taj Mahal. While transport and
infrastructure have modernized to accommodate visiting tourists, Agra's Mughal ambience
continues to prevail, as you'll see when you travel to Agra, India.
 Travel to Bangalore
Bangalore, India's Silicon Valley, is a city that has changed rapidly over the past decade. Once a
gracious city of gardens, known for its moderate climate and a preferred retirement destination,
Bangalore's emergence as the Silicon Valley of India has led to booming real estate values, new
construction all over the city, crowded roads and the mushrooming of pubs, discotheques and
restaurants, as you'll see when you travel to the Indian city of Bangalore.
 Travel to Hyderabad
Hyderabad, called Cyberabad during the 1990's due to its emergence as a center for the
Information Technology industry in India, this city was previously the center of power, of the
Nizam's of Hyderabad. When you travel to the city of Hyderabad, India, you'll find historic
monuments from the past - such as the Charminar and the Golconda Tombs - coexist with
modern flyovers and an IMAX theater.
 Indian Monuments

(http://www.culturalindia.net/monuments/index.html)

With their elaborate superfluities and wonderful architecture,

Indian monuments represent one of the most outstanding
facets of the multi-faceted Indian culture. An architectural feat
in itself, each Indian monument is a remarkably splendid
sample of unbelievable artistry, covering a sense of mystery,
deception and romance. Be it the marvel in white marble, the
spellbinding Taj Mahal; or the red stone splendor, the
magnificent Red Fort; or the magnificence of temple art of
Khajuraho, Konark and Hampi , there is evident the master
craftsmanship and elegance, that brings to the forefront the
splendor of the bygone era. Monuments are witnesses of India's past; themonuments of India are
also the guardian pillars of India's cultural heritage. The monuments of India have become an
inspiration for the future generations.

BulandDarwaza
Buland Darwaza or the loft gateway was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar in 1601 A.D.
at Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar built the Buland Darwaza to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.
The Buland Darwaza is approached by 42 steps. The Buland Darwaza is 53.63m high and 35
meters wide. 

CharMinar
The Charminar in Hyderabad was constructed in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah. He built
the Charminar to mark the end of plague in the Hyderabad city. Since the construction of the
Charminar, the Hyderabad city has almost become synonymous with the monument. The
Charminar is a massive and impressive structure with four minarets.

GatewayofIndia
One of the grand and magnificent landmarks of Mumbai, the Gateway of India was built to
commemorate the visit of the British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary. The Gateway
of India is one of the hot spots of Mumbai city. The Gateway of India is a massive archway on
the Apollo Bunder. 

GolGumbad
Gol Gumbad situated in Bijapur district of Karnataka is the second largest dome in the world.
The Gol Gumbad is second in size only to St. Peter's Basilica, Rome. The Gol Gumbad is 124
feet in diameter. The architecture of Gol Gumbad is unique in the sense that the four minarets
themselves are the staircases, leading to the top dome.

StatueofGomateswara
The colossal monolithic statue of Gomateswara is situated at Sravanbelgola, 158 km away from
Bangalore. This gigantic statue of lord Gomateswara, the Jain saint, is carved out of a single
block of granite and stands majestically on top of a hill. For centuries, Sravanabelagola has
remained a great Jain center and thousands of pilgrims flock to see the magnificent, gigantic
statue of the Jain saint, Lord Gomateswara.

Hampi
Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar Empire, the last great Hindu Kingdom. Under the
Vijayanagar rulers Hampi grew fabulously. The princes of Vijayanagar built numerous
Dravidian temples and palaces. The records of foreign travelers between 14th and 16th century
bear testimony to the grandeur of Hampi.

HumayunTomb
After wandering in wilderness for 25 years, Humayun reoccupied Delhi in the year 1555 AD but
he was not destined to rule any longer and died barely six months of his arrival, from a fall in his
library, Sher Mandal. Humayun's tomb was built by his widow, Hajji Begum around 1565 AD.

IndiaGate
India Gate, situated on the Raj Path in New Delhi, was built to memorialize the 70,000 Indian
soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War, fighting for the British army. The India
Gate also bears the name of 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed during the third
Afghanistan war, 1919. The foundation stone of India Gate was laid down by the Duke of
Connaught in the year 1921 and was designed by the famous British architect, Edward Lutyens. 

JamaMasjid,Delhi
Jama Masjid of Delhi is the largest mosque in India. The Jama Masjid stands across the road in
front of the Red Fort. Built between 1644 and 1658, Jama Masjid is one of the last architectural
works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid holds
thousands of faithful. 

Khajuraho Temples
Known for their breathtaking sculptors and elegance, the magnificent Khajuraho temples present
aesthetics at its best. The beauty and elegance of the Khajuraho temples is beyond words and
imagination. After visiting the Khajuraho temples one is left wondering about the advancement
of Indian art and sculpture as back as the 10th century. 

MahabalipuramRathas
Famous as temple town, Mahabalipuram is situated along the shores of the Bay of Bengal about
60 km from the south of Chennai. Mahabalipuram is home to one of the architectural wonders of
the world, the Ratha temples. It was the Pallava king Narsimha, who built the magnificent 'Ratha'
cave temples of Mahabalipuram in the 7th century.

Nalanda
Nalanda was a great center of Buddhist learning in ancient times. A large number of Buddhist
students thronged the Nalanda University to study Buddhism. According to the Chinese traveler
Hieun Tsang, the place owed its name to a Naga, who resided in a local tank. Lord Vardhamana
Mahavir.

QutubMinar
Qutub Minar is the highest stone tower in India. The construction of the Qutub Minar was started
by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1199 and it was finished by his successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish.
The Qutub Minar was named after the Sufi saint, Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.

SafdarjungTomb
Safdarjung's tomb was built by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah, the son of Safdarjung. Safdarjung was
the governor of Awadh and later became the Prime Minister of Muhammad Shah, the Mughal
emperor. Built in 1753-1754, the Safdarjung tomb lies at the Lodi road, New Delhi. Safdarjung's
tomb is set in the middle of a garden

SanchiStupa
Sanchi is famous for outstanding specimen of Buddhist art and architecture, belonging to the
period between the third century BC and the twelfth century AD. The most important of all the
Sanchi monuments is the Sanchi Stupa. Stupas are large hemispherical domes, containing a
central chamber, in which the relics of the Buddha were placed.

DhamekhStupa
Dhamekh Stupa at Sarnath is one of the prominent Buddhist structures in India. Dhamekh Stupa
was constructed by the great Mauryan king, Ashoka. The Dhamekh Stupa is cylindrical in shape
and about 34 m high and 28.3 m in diameter. The lower portion of the Stupa is covered
completely with beautifully carved stones.

TajMahal
Famous as one of the wonders, the Taj Mahal at Agra, India, is epitome of true love. Taj Mahal
was built by the famous Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj
Mahal. The architectural beauty and magnificence of the Taj Mahal has never been surpassed. 

VictoriaMemorial
The Victoria Memorial was built to commemorate the peak of the British Empire in India. The
Victoria Memorial, conceived by Lord Curzon, represents the architectural climax of Kolkata
city. Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy specified its classical style but the actual plan of Victoria
Memorial was laid down by the well-known architect, Sir William Emerson.

CellularJail
The one name that sends chills down the spine even today is that of Kala Pani Jail, located in
Andaman. The jail still has the fear element in the air and anyone visiting the place can sense the
pain the inmates went through back during the time this jail was functional.

HawaMahal
Jaipur is synonymous with Hawa Mahal. This beautiful monument of India was built by
Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. Also known as the Palace of Winds, this
beautiful monument is the landmark of Jaipur. The monument is five stories high and the front of
the monument is delicately carved with beautiful motifs. 

LehPalace
Leh Palace of Ladakh, though in a dilapidated condition continues to lure tourists from far and
wide. Located in the Himalayas, the adventurous journey one has to undertake to reach the
palace is what makes it even more special. Leh palace was built in the 17th century by King
Singe Namgyal as the royal residence.

MattancherryPalace
Located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Ernakulam city, Cochin, Mattancherry Palace is a
storehouse of ancient paintings and art forms. The Mattancherry Palace came to be known as the
Dutch Palace after the Dutch carried out somerenovation and extension work. 

MysorePalace
One of the largest palaces in India, Mysore Palace of Karnataka is a fine example of unique
blend of different styles of architecture. The Mysore Palace is one of the most attractive and
gorgeous monuments in Karnataka. It is also known by the name of Amba Vilas and was the
residence of Wodeyar Maharaja.

VivekanandaRock
Located in the midst of the ocean, just 400 meters from Kanyakumari, is the magnificent
Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This colossal structure was built in the year 1970, under the
guidance of Shri Eknath Ranade. The Vivekananda rock temple is dedicated to one of the
greatest spiritual philosophers of India, Swami Vivekananda.

Indian Monuments
Ajanta&ElloraCaves
Way back in 1819, a party of British army officers on a tiger hunt in the forest of
western Deccan, suddenly spotted their prey, on the far side of a loop in the
Waghora river. High up on the horseshoe- shaped cliff, the hunting party saw the
tiger, silhouetted against the carved façade of a cave. 

Charminar,Hyderabad
The Charminar in Hyderabad, at the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is a massive
arch built by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah, in 1591 to commemorate the end of the
plague in the city. The symbol of the city, the Charminar, is an impressive square
monument with four minarets. The arch is illuminated daily in the evening, an
unforgettable sight indeed. 

FatehpurSikri
A royal city perfectly preserved, Fatehpur Sikri provides a marvellous escape into
the past. Akbar embarked on the construction of a new capital here when a prophecy of the birth
of a male royal heir, by the Sufi Saint Salim Chisti of Sikri, came true. Imposing gateways and
light- hearted palaces were built in red sandstone within this fortified city only to be abandoned a
few years later. 

GatewayofIndia-Mumbai
Mumbai's most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who
want to explore the city. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of
King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate
latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone.

Humayun'sTomb-Delhi
The mughals brought with them a love for gardens, fountains and water. The first
mature example of Mughal architecture in India, Humayun's Tomb was built by the
emperor's grieving widow, Haji Begum, in 1565 AD. Constructed with red
sandstone and ornamented marks the beginning of a new tradition of ornate style
which culminated in the Taj Mahal of Agra. 

IndiaGate-Delhi
Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War
I, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931. Located on
Rajpath, the road which leads to the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhawan, the gate is
160 feet high with an arch of 138 feet. 

Khajuraho-Temples
The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they
do, a paean to life, to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime in expression.
Life, in every form and mood, has been capured in stone, testifying not only to the
craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela
Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed. 

Konark-Temples
The crowning glory of Oriya temple architecture, the 13th century Sun temple also
known as 'the Black Pagoda', comes with a baggage of centuries - old myths and
legends. Legends say that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy,
brought about by his father's curse on him. After 12 years of penance, he was cured
by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honour he built this temple. 
QutubMinar-Delhi
The origins of Qutab Minar are shrouded in controversy. Some believe it was
erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India.
Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. No
one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but
also in the world.

TajMahal-Agra
The story of Taj Mahal reflects the intensity of love. The fairy tale began when
walking through the bazaar of Agra prince qhurram saw a girl. The girl was
exceptionally beautiful. It was a love at first sight for both of them. After five years,
on an auspicious day they were married and from that moment began the great epic
of love. 

UmaidBhawan-Jodhpur 
Maharaja Umaid Singhji who built this palace was fascinated with western lifestyles
so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan
Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens to construct a three hundred and
forty seven roomed Umaid Palace.