JAIPUR MARKET

What and Where to Buy in Jaipur

Looking for : Lac Work, Meenakari, Metal Work, Marble Work, Paintings, Leather Work,Gemstones, Carpets, Wood Work, Jewellery M.I. Road Mirza Ismail Road or M I Road is an ideal a place to shop for jewellery and branded readymade garments. The road is actually curved and boasts of ancient architectural shop. A happening hang-out for tourists, M I Road is Jaipur's equivalent of Delhi's Connaught Place. Main shops  The main shops sell old silver jewellery and artefacts, antiques, handicraft and apparel. There are also showrooms for Raymonds, Pepe, Woodland, Benetton, and others. Small shops that sell bangles, bedsheets and Jaipuri dresses ensure that you can complete your "Jaipur shopping" at M I Road.   Also at M.I. Road  Sought-after restaurants such as Niros, Suryamahal, Mc Donald, Pizza Hut and Copper Chimney; the famous Raj Mandir cinema hall; wholesome kulhad lassi dashed with a thick layer of malai at Panch Batti Circle. Johri Bazar It's famous, it's crowded, it's also a shopper's delight. Johri Bazar is your best bet if you plan to look for sarees and lehangas in colourful bhandhej, or glittering gemstone jewellery. As the name suggests, Johri Bazar is essentially a place for gems and jewellery. The smaller lanes contain the originally jeweler workstations - or gaddis - inhabited by these craftsmen since time immemorial. Johri Bazar has a lot of shops for gold, silver and studded jewellery. For sarees, try Rooplaxmi, Rana Saree Emporium and Jaipur Saree Kendra. Also at Johri Bazar  Jaipuri quilts (rajai) are a hot-selling item at shops near Hawa Mahal, Bapu Bazar, Chaura Rasta and Gopalji ka rasta. Not to be missed is the Dahi Bade of LMB or Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar, perhaps the oldest and most popular sweet shop of the Pink City. Bapu Bazar Bapu Bazar is a treasure-trove of typical Jaipuri stuff - salwar suits, bedsheets, Jaipuri jutis, cushions and readymade suits. Busy Bazar  Salwar suits and bed sheets are perhaps the best selling items here. Sanganeri prints, bagru prints, batik prints, bhandhej suits and bedsheets top the list. You might have to navigate through crowded balconies full of people and cloth to get to what you want. Link Road, an extension, is good for artificial jewellery, home furnishings and bangles. What else at Bapu Bazar?  Bapu Bazar also has few shops famous for craft and home décor items. A must-have here are chat pakoris, especially Gol Gappas or Pani Puris. Chaura Rasta Books, books and more books - Chaura Rasta is famous for books and stationery. Also on this street is Golcha - a theatre where you can check out the latest Bollywood release. Nehru Bazar Nehru Bazar is near Ajmeri Gate, the so-called centre of Jaipur. Not a very upmarket place, Nehru Bazar has shops for readymade garments, footwear, gifts and household items. You can haggle over the prices of locally-produced goods here, but go for it only if your pocket strings are tight. Badi Chaupar  Adjacent to the famous Hawa Mahal is Badi Chaupar, a square crossing that is probably the most crowded location in Jaipur. The shops on Badi Chaupar are major attractions for the tourists. Here, you can shop for mojaris, handicraft, antiques, Rajasthani furniture, salwar suits and Jaipuri print dress material. Be prepared to bargain. You can also find a variety of traditional and lac bangles too. Raja ParkIf you have had enough of the traditional stuff, Raja Park is the place to be at. It offers everything ranging from grocery to flowers, from furniture to apparel. Gaurav Tower  Gaurav Towers is the most happening joint in Jaipur. Situated away from the congested market place, the shopping mall at Gaurav Towers - or GT - attracts both shoppers and fun seekers. Spread across a sprawling area of 25,000 sq metres, GT is perfect in terms of ambience, space, variety and hassle free parking. Ganpati Plaza The first-ever plush shopping mall of Jaipur, Ganpati Plaza is still a happening joint for shoppers, especially tourists. From colourful bhandhej to latest fashion wear, from pizzas to confectionary, from toys to electronics, and from junk to jewellery - the place offers them all. It is usually visited by the crème de la crème of Jaipur. For the middle class though, it's only an occasional shopping spot. Rana Silk & Sarees, Jaipur Saree Kendra, Rajan's, Mogli's Island, Heritage Jewels, Jeypore Jewellers, Oasis Cellular, Satguru Art 'n' Frames and Villa Appearances, the latest addition, are the major stores here. The most sought-after outlet here is the Pizza Hut joint!

tourism is important

Why Is Tourism Important?

Tourism is important because it brings foreign exchange into the host country from the foreigners. It is the business which provides services to the people from a different country or region. It is an industry which has greatly contributed to the economy of many countries.

delhi travel

Delhi Travel

A modern metropolitan city with a historic past is what one may feel while travelling in Delhi. The history of Delhi city is a long and chequered history. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many empires. Delhi has evolved over the ruins of seven cities, built by rulers from the Hindu Rajputs to the Mughals and finally the British. Delhi is a truly cosmopolitan city which has brought within its fold people of all ethnic groups and their traditions and culture, reflected in a variety of arts, crafts, cuisines, festivals and lifestyles. 



Delhi combines the traditional and the modern in its own unique way. While traveling in Delhi one can see a range of tourist attractions-from historical monuments to modern architectural marvels, from traditional bazaars to mega malls and from parks to spiritual centers. The major historical tourist attractions in Delhi, which one should not miss out while traveling in Delhi, are the Qutb Minar, Humayun's Tomb, the Red Fort and Purana Quila. Among the colonial tourist attractions in Delhi are the Rashtrapathi Bhavan and India Gate. There are also modern tourist attractions in Delhi like the Lotus Temple, and Dilli Haat. There are many memorials and museums in Delhi like the National Museum, Raj Ghat, Shanti Van, Jantar Mantar and so on. 

Delhi is part of the famed Golden Triangle circuit that includes Agra and Jaipur . Many tourists who travel to Delhi make excursions from Delhi to these tourist destinations on their India tour. Agra is the home of the world-renowned architectural marvel in marble, Taj Mahal. 

Delhi is known as shopper's paradise. While shopping in Delhi, tourists find a wide choice of items that are typically Indian- carpets, silks, jewellery, leather and silver ware, handicrafts and hand printed cotton or readymade garments. Whether you are shopping for a designer label, a branded product or local made stuff, you will find it all while traveling in Delhi, be it in air-conditioned malls or on roadside stalls bargaining to the best of your ability. One of the fascinating ways of understanding a city is by wandering through its market places. So while traveling in Delhi do make sure you visit the markets in Old Delhi like Chandini Chowk and Chawri. Bazaar, which have a distinctively Indian ambience, add a unique flavor to the shopping experience in Delhi. One can find up market shops too, in Karol Bagh and Hauzkhas Village. Delhi Tourism has set up a permanent outlet for craftspersons at Dilli Haat, which has become a popular shopping mart over the years.

Delhi is India's main entry point for overseas visitors. Delhi is well connected, making it easy for the overseas tourist to reach Delhi by air, rail or road. 

What Not To Do In India

India is a great place for a vacation! But everything said and done, it is a conservative country with tons of quirks. Consider following these simple guidelines to have a safe and happy trip to India.

Learn To Haggle

When you go shopping in any tourist area, you can expect prices to be upped manifold. Bargaining is absolutely essential! If you have a local friend, take him or her along for help and see how it's done. However, don't enlist the help of any stranger or tout who may have tagged along with you on the way. You could be duped of a lot of money before you know it!

Avoid Wearing Tiny Clothes

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This one is for the ladies. Avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing, especially when travelling alone or in a smaller group. India is a very conservative country and men in certain areas tend to behave in an appalling fashion with women who aren't covered up. This doesn't mean you have to cover your head or be clad from head to toe. But avoid showing too much cleavage or wearing hot pants when out on the streets. Also, avoid public displays of affection with your partner in places where there are random people. It can get very uncomfortable as there is a faction of the populace that is rabidly against intimacy in public. However, you can be as you like when with friends/indoors.

Don't Say No To Lunch

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Indian families are very hospitable. And in India, hospitality equates to feeding ones guests! So if you go to someone's home and refuse to eat or drink anything they offer you, they will feel extremely hurt and offended! If you're worried about hygiene, carry your own bottle of water wherever you go, but do accept food from your hosts unless you really want to antagonize them!

Don't Take Beggars Home

India is a land of crippling poverty. And while the plight of street urchins, destitute old men and homeless young women may tug at your heart strings, do not attempt to take anyone home to help them. As a general rule, it is better to share food like a packet of biscuits or a bottle of water you may be carrying with a hungry child on the streets, than try and engage a young man who approaches you for money. It's not advisable.

Don't Be Racist

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Don't make racist remarks... not even as a joke. Indians don't take it with a sporting spirit and you could get into a lot of trouble in certain areas. If confronted by angry locals, never try and fight them. It is better to apologise and move away from the place immediately. The ladies are safer on this count because it's unlikely that people will pick a fight with a group of women, but men will definitely be picked on for racist comments.

Here are 20 great things to do in India’s capital.

1. Try Dilli-ki-Chaat – Delhi's tangy local street food, such as chaat papdi (fried wafers loaded with potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt and chilli) or golgappas (fried hollow dough filled with chickpeas and spicy potatoes), in Old Delhi

2. Visit the great sandstone carcass of the Red Fort, and imagine the last days of the Mughal empire and the British era.

3.  Humayun's Tomb combines Persian style with local craftsmanship, and is surrounded by the fiercely symmetrical Mughal gardens: take a stroll here at dusk.

4. Hear qawwalis (devotional music) sung at dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya; religious songs resounding at around sunset at one of Islam's holiest tombs.

5. A trip through the doors of the Imperial hotel is like a voyage back into the days of the Raj, with polished hallways hung with chandeliers and works of art. Drink a G&T in its 1911 bar.

6. Lose yourself to shopping, in the temples to Indian craft that are Delhi's government emporiums on Janpath, close to Connaught Place.

7. Get lost and confused in the narrow bazaars of Old Delhi, and feel like you've wandered somewhere medieval.

8. Ride on the Delhi metro: so cheap, so clean, so democratic, unlike the other world upstairs.

9. Get a suit made in Khan Market – take one to copy and get made-to-measure at a fraction of the cost of Savile Row.

10. Visit the former home of Indira Gandhi, Indira Gandhi Smriti, where she was shot dead by one of her bodyguards in 1984, and learn about India's most powerful dynasty.

11. Wander around Lodhi Gardens on a Sunday afternoon, the perfect place for people watching.

12. Discover the district of Hauz Khas, with its crumbling Mughal tombs and tempting art, antique and fashion boutiques.

13. Chow down on scrumptious masala dosas at the Janpath branch of Saravana Bhavan, and finish your meal with a deliciously gritty south Indian coffee.

14. Use the map from William Dalrymple's City of Djinns for a different way to explore the city.

15. Eat a great Gujarati thali at pristine Rajdhani, opposite Rivoli cinema, just off Connaught Place.

16. Shop middle-class Delhiite-style at laid-back Khan Market, browsing its bookshops and hanging out for a chat at Café Turtle, fuelled by coffee and gooey cake.

17. Take a trip out to peaceful Qutb Minar, with its towering minaret resembling an ornate factory chimney.

18. Wind up at the Jama Masjid, climb the mosque's minaret, then enjoy a classic non-veg meal at nearby culinary institutions Karim's or Al-Jawahar, famous for their roasted meat kebabs.

19. Get flabbergasted by the wealth of Indian art at the National Museum.

20. Visit Gandhi's simple tomb in its tranquil gardens, and drink in the atmosphere – nowhere else in Delhi is as peaceful as this.

global warming

Global warming

Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans since the late 19th century and its projected continuation. Since the early 20th century, Earth's mean surface temperature has increased by about 0.8 °C (1.4 °F), with about two-thirds of the increase occurring since 1980.Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and scientists are more than 90% certain that it is primarily caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases produced by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. These findings are recognized by the national science academies of all major industrialized nations.
Climate model projections were summarized in the 2007 Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). They indicated that during the 21st century the global surface temperature is likely to rise a further 1.1 to 2.9 °C (2 to 5.2 °F change) for their lowest emissions scenario and 2.4 to 6.4 °C (4.3 to 11.5 °F change) for their highest. The ranges of these estimates arise from the use of models with differing sensitivity to greenhouse gas concentrations.
Future climate change and associated impacts will vary from region to region around the globe. The effects of an increase in global temperature include a rise in sea levels and a change in the amount and pattern of precipitation, as well as a probable expansion of subtropical deserts. Warming is expected to be strongest in the Arctic and would be associated with the continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost and sea ice. Other likely effects of the warming include a more frequent occurrence of extreme weather events including heat waves, droughts and heavy rainfall, ocean acidification and species extinctions due to shifting temperature regimes. Effects significant to humans include the threat to food security from decreasing crop yields and the loss of habitat from inundation.
Proposed policy responses to global warming include mitigation by emissions reduction, adaptation to its effects, and possible future geoengineering. Most countries are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), whose ultimate objective is to prevent dangerous anthropogenic (i.e., human-induced) climate change. Parties to the UNFCCC have adopted a range of policies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to assist in adaptation to global warming. Parties to the UNFCCC have agreed that deep cuts in emissions are required, and that future global warming should be limited to below 2.0 °C (3.6 °F) relative to the pre-industrial level.Reports published in 2011 by the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Energy Agencysuggest that efforts as of the early 21st century to reduce emissions may be inadequate to meet the UNFCCC's 2 °C target.

courtesy: wikipedia

spice market

Spice Market

Khari Baoli, the street that runs from the Fatehpuri Mosque to the western edge of the old city, is Delhi's bustling wholesale spice market. It's well worth a wander simply to take in the sights and smells because things have changed little here for centuries. Huge sacks of herbs and spices are still brought to the wholesalers on long, narrow barrows pushed by labourers, and there are eye-catching displays of everything from lentils and rice to giant jars of chutneys, pickles, nuts and tea.

medical tourism

Medical tourism in India

Medical tourism is a growing sector in India. India’s medical tourism sector is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 30%, making it a $2 billion industry by 2015. As medical treatment costs in the developed world balloon - with the United States leading the way - more and more Westerners are finding the prospect of international travel for medical care increasingly appealing. An estimated 150,000 of these travel to India for low-priced healthcare procedures every year.

Attractions

Advantages for medical treatment in India include reduced costs, the availability of latest medical technologies, and a growing compliance on international quality standards, as well as the fact that foreigners are less likely to face a language barrier in India. The Indian government is taking steps to address infrastructure issues that hinder the country's growth in medical tourism. The government has removed visa restrictions on tourist visas that required a two-month gap between consecutive visits for people from Gulf countries which is likely to boost medical tourism. A visa-on-arrival scheme for tourists from select countries has been instituted which allows foreign nationals to stay in India for 30 days for medical reasons. In Noida, which is fast emerging as a hotspot for medical tourism, a number of hospitals have hired language translators to make patients from Balkan and African countries feel more comfortable while at the same time helping in the facilitation of their treatment.
Confederation of Indian Industry reported that 150,000 medical tourists came to India in 2005, based on feedback from the organization's member hospitals. The number grew to 200,000 by 2008. A separate study by ASSOCHAM reported that the year 2011 saw 850,000 medical tourists in India and projected that by 2015 this number would rise to 3,200,000.
Most estimates claim treatment costs in India start at around a tenth of the price of comparable treatment in America or Britain.The most popular treatments sought in India by medical tourists are alternative medicine, bone-marrow transplant, cardiac bypass, eye surgery and hip replacement. India is known in particular for heart surgery, hip resurfacing and other areas of advanced medicine.
Lower treatment cost does not necessarily mean lower healthcare standards. There are 18 JCI accredited hospitals in India.However, for a patient travelling to India, it is important to find the optimal Doctor-Hospital combination. There are many such institutions or facilitators like Surgery Assistance India who assist patients to find this optimal combination. After the patient has been treated, the patient has the option of either recuperating in the hospital or at a paid accommodation nearby. Many hospitals also give the option of continuing the treatment through telemedicine.
The city of Chennai has been termed India's health capital. Multi- and super-specialty hospitals across the city bring in an estimated 150 international patients every day. Chennai attracts about 45 percent of health tourists from abroad arriving in the country and 30 to 40 percent of domestic health tourists.Factors behind the tourists inflow in the city include low costs, little to no waiting period, and facilities offered at the specialty hospitals in the city. The city has an estimated 12,500 hospital beds, of which only half is used by the city's population with the rest being shared by patients from other states of the country and foreigners. Dental clinics have attracted dental care tourism to Chennai .

courtesy:wikipedia

must read :)

India is the world’s seventh-largest country stretching from the high mountains of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, and from the sacred Ganges to the sands of the Thar desert. Its more than one billion inhabitants are divided into two thousand ethnic groups and speak over 200 different languages.

Conform its size and population, India has an almost endless variety of cultures, landscapes, monuments and places to explore. From the ancient ruins, fascinating religious structures, exotic cities and diverse landscape there is an endless collection of tourist attractions in India that will never cease to awe and fascinate the visitor.
Golden Triangle with a difference - Finally, a tour that shows you the REAL Golden Triangle

What this tour is about: The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) is the most popular tourist circuit in India, and not without reason. Delhi is an old city, where the grand ruins of dead Empires dot the landscape. Agra is home to the exquisite Taj Mahal. And Jaipur is a picture-book fantasy of elephants, camels, forts and exotic palaces.
But there’s more to the Golden Triangle than beautiful monuments and ruins.
The cities of the Golden Triangle are a living microcosm of India, where multiple religions and faiths co-exist. Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Muslims still follow ancient ways of life, celebrating festivals and fairs as their forefathers did. Philosophy and religion determine all aspects of life, from birth to death. Village and agricultural life follow traditional patterns, governed by the seasons. Traditional artisans and craftsmen still work in guilds, creating both the mundane and the beautiful. The bazaars are teeming with spices, fruits, vegetables, colourful fabrics, jewellery and household wares. Vendors serve up a wide range of spicy street food, confectioners cook up traditional delicacies, and yes, cows do wander about the streets!
Seeing and understanding this real India is what makes the Golden Triangle fascinating. Combined with the outstanding beauty of forts, tombs, palaces and temples, this is a visit you will not forget.
Things you can do in “The REAL Golden Triangle” tour:
Delhi
If you have just one day in Delhi, we recommend you start with the Qutb Complex, which takes you to the beginnings of Islamic rule in Delhi. From there, you can drive to British Delhi, to visit the monuments now synonymous with independent India – the President’s House, Parliament House and India Gate. After a lunch break, we recommend you try our popular Bazaar Walk in Old Delhi, which takes you to the bustling and interesting Chandni Chowk area. You can round off the day with dinner at one of Delhi’s famous restaurants – ask us for suggestions! 
If you have a second day in Delhi, then there are multiple options. Take The Delhi Art Trail tour if you’re interested in traditional and contemporary Indian art. Or take The People of Delhi tour, for a glimpse of Sufism, modern Hinduism and the day-to-day life of Delhites. Another interesting option is The 1857 Mutiny Tour, which tells you the story of the Great Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Or if you’re interested in food, come with us on a Punjabi Cuisine Tour. You can also try a visit to a weekly haat, an evening/night market where fresh fruits, vegetables, clothes, utensils and other wares are displayed.
Agra
The Taj Mahal is best seen at dawn, when the first rays of the sun light up the marble beautifully. Going at dawn is also a good way to beat the heat and the crowds. Apart from the Taj, you should visit Agra Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We also recommend a photo-stop at Emperor Akbar’s mausoleum in Sikandra. If you have more time in Agra, then the Bear Rescue Centre at Agra is educative, especially if you are traveling with children. We can also take you to see the real Agra – its bylanes and bazaars, where under the shadow of the Jama Masjid, there are Hindu temples and donkey-carts and little shops selling everything under the sun. If you go to the bazaars, don’t forget to sample the famous Agra Petha, a pumpkin dessert with sugar syrup and rose water.
Jaipur
The traditional fortress of the Kacchawaha kings is at Amber, so this is the logical place from which to begin your exploration. The ride up to Amber can be done on elephant back if you go early in the morning. There are only a limited number of elephant rides, but jeeps are available at any time. If required, we can arrange more leisurely elephant safaris to see the countryside around Amber.

After Amber, the next place to explore is Jaipur City. Built from scratch based on traditional Hindu town planning principles, Jaipur became the new capital of the Kachhawahas in the early eighteenth century. We will show you not only the monuments and palaces of this legendary wealthy city, but also the art and language schools, temples, crafts and guilds patronised by the rulers. If you have more time in Jaipur, we recommend you try our day trip to Pushkar and Ajmer. You can try our Taste of Jaipur tour, to check out the city’s specialty street food and visit a Rajasthani home for a lesson in vegetarian home cooking. You can also go on a jeep safari to see Rajasthani villages.
How to plan your tour: As you can see, there are lots of different things you can do to make your Golden Triangle tour insightful and interesting.

Write to us telling us how many days you have, what your hotel budget per night is, and what your special interests are. We’ll design a tour that is specific to your needs. We’ll recommend multiple hotels in each city within your budget; you can review and select the one you want. We’ll also arrange transportation and guided tours. If there are festivals or fairs during your visit, we’ll build that into your itinerary.
You can choose to travel by plane, train or car, or a mix of the three. For convenience and flexibility, the best way to see the Golden Triangle is by road, with a private car and driver.
You can start this tour in Delhi, then go to Agra and end with Jaipur. Or you can do it in reverse, especially if you’re setting out from Mumbai. Ideally, you'll need 6 days (5 nights), although it is possible to do it in 5 days (4 nights) as well. Many people choose to spend more time in Delhi and Jaipur, because these cities have so much to offer.

safari

Chambal river Safari

Chambal river is the most pristine and unpolluted river in India as it flows through a sparsely populated area devoid of towns and industries , thanks to an inhospitable terrain and dacoits . The bandits have , of late ,shifted to the Parliament and Legislative assemblies for easier pickings so this area is pretty safe for nature lovers . 400 km of this river has been declared a national sanctuary to protect the Gangetic Dolphin .
Crocodiles , gharials and a wide ...variety of avifauna thrive in this haven . A boat safari on the river is an unforgettable experience and the Chambal Safari Lodge is the best possible launching pad for this . Situated in a thick grove of ancient trees , this property is amazing in its layout and landscaping with plenty of birds easily spotted . The cottages are very comfortable with all mod cons . The lodge arranges for various activities of which the boat safari is not to be missed . If you are driving in with your own vehicle , you might have to take it to the river bank down a ravine so both car and driver have to be sturdy and sharp. Part of the proceeds go into a trust for preservation and protection of the Chambal natural heritage . Choose a sunny winter day . Cold and foggy weather can be a spoilsport even for the guided nature walks around the lodge Crocodiles , gharials and a wide ...variety of avifauna thrive in this haven . A boat safari on the river is an unforgettable experience and the Chambal Safari Lodge is the best possible launching pad for this . Situated in a thick grove of ancient trees , this property is amazing in its layout and landscaping with plenty of birds easily spotted . The cottages are very comfortable with all mod cons . The lodge arranges for various activities of which the boat safari is not to be missed . If you are driving in with your own vehicle , you might have to take it to the river bank down a ravine so both car and driver have to be sturdy and sharp. Part of the proceeds go into a trust for preservation and protection of the Chambal natural heritage . Choose a sunny winter day . Cold and foggy weather can be a spoilsport even for the guided nature walks around the lodge Crocodiles , gharials and a wide ...variety of avifauna thrive in this haven . A boat safari on the river is an unforgettable experience and the Chambal Safari Lodge is the best possible launching pad for this . Situated in a thick grove of ancient trees , this property is amazing in its layout and landscaping with plenty of birds easily spotted . The cottages are very comfortable with all mod cons . The lodge arranges for various activities of which the boat safari is not to be missed . If you are driving in with your own vehicle , you might have to take it to the river bank down a ravine so both car and driver have to be sturdy and sharp. Part of the proceeds go into a trust for preservation and protection of the Chambal natural heritage . Choose a sunny winter day . Cold and foggy weather can be a spoilsport even for the guided nature walks around the lodge 

a full insight of what ways you can have fun in royal city Jaipur

A full insight of what ways you can have fun in royal city Jaipur

1. Sunset at Nahargarh ( Tiger ) Fort :-

Sip a hot coffee and have picturesque view of beautiful  city in evening,Simply amazing and soothing experience as this place is not crowded like other places, u can have your favorite novel and read for hours, 2 restaurants at the top of hill provides all kind of drinks and snacks.

best time to visit:- around 5pm if u interested in visiting haveli,

else after 5. Riding bikes in these hills will give you an adrenaline rush.    

P.S :-"Rang de basanti"(Amir khan's bollywood movie)  fan do visit bavdi near haveli. Relive "masti ki Paathshaala" moments!!

2. Dinner at Chokhi Dhani:-

If you are traveler like me , which soaks the environment and culture wherever i visit , now this is a perfect place to see real life of Rajasthan, with covering every aspect like "camels", "hookah", tribal dance., snake charmer, u can also have fun by knowing your future from palmist there, i have been there many time, he is quit accurate ... at last have delicious Rajasthani food. In food u can choose what dinner style you will opt buffet or indian style. To get real warmth and pleasure opt for Indian style. staff is very cooperative I have clicked many pictures with turbans its fun!  Best time to visit:- Evening around 8 Pm

3.Visit Galta Ji Temple(Monkey Temple)

By viewing name above you must be wondering why its named as monkey temple, this name is a slang given by tourist, when they saw ample number of monkeys in shrine, these monkeys are now world famous with around more then 10 documentaries , and a complete series on national geographic. Despite of monkeys its a very beautiful place to visit, Its one of the most holy place of rajasthan , people compare it with river Ganga(india). Be cautious with monkeys while visiting this place, rest have fun.

Best time to visit :- around 4 pm.  

4.Visit  Sisodia Rani ka Bhagh  

 This is the magnificent place one must do visit on there way to galta ji (monkey temple) this is a place where u can chill out and have some time alone with you as this is not on most of the visitors list.This place is surrounded by granite cliffs will give u the feel of nature and history. 

Best time to visit :- on d way to Galta ji so 4 pm is ideal

5.An Afternoon in Old Jaipur 

This is the place where you will find why jaipur so famous and marked on every visitors map. This is heart of jaipur with three monuments all built in a single premises. 

City Palace :- This sprawling complex, with its gorgeous buildings and marvelous collection of art and artifacts is without parallel in Rajasthan. It is the place where royal family still reside. Its a fun     and learning experience. You will find everything from vintage carts to clothes , weapons etc.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds):- This is yet another palace sharing the same premises of city palace.  It has 953 small windows decorated with tiny lattice work. These pink sandstone windows commonly known as"Jharokhas" are constructed in such a style, that it looks like a giant honeycomb. The air circulation through windows  keeps the Palace always cool.You will better understand   when u visit this place.

Jantar Mantar:- Its literaly meaning is Calculating Intsrument, this observatory have instruments which are still working!! and helping astrologers finding eclipses and time measurements. These huge clocks and other instrument were built in 1724 and 1734 !! 

The most amusing is huge Samrat Yantra whose shadow move around 2-3 feet in a minute!!

Best time :- Before 4:30 pm. for city palace closing time 5 pm.

6. Shopping in Jaipur

Jaipur is a shopper's paradise!! the smart kings maharaja had planned city in such a manner it has ample of space for shopping. Handicraft of Jaipur is world famous. Everything there will send u back in time. Major markets like Bapu bazaar, chaura rasta are best for handicrafts, for jeweleries its Johri bazaar, world famous jaipur jewelery you will find her, MI road where u can see all branded  outlets must visit place and also ENJOY LASSI at LASSIWALAshop 312 (real one rest are imitators). Best time :-Afternoon weekdays weekends most part of market is closed.

7. Movie at RajMandir

Situated on MI road,This was the one of the most sought after place in past. Still provide the great cinematic experience.When you enter the theater you can feel the royal ambiance with glittering snack bar, Chandelier , Balcony, Pink Glittering walls like a fairy tale Palace. This place has preserved past very well. Seats are bit uncomfortable. Best time:- any show it has around 4 everyday.

 8.Day at Amber Fort

This palace  situated in hills is a perfect place to have royal experience. This place is attracting tourist since centuries.The elephant ride to top is a real adventure. This palace is inside the amber fort reflecting magnificent past of jaipur.Recently an old tunnel is discovered which connect it to Jaigarh fort. In this palace u will find small passages to rooms, gardens and wall paintings carvings which will take you back in past!!! 

Best Time:- Up till 4:30 pm  as it is the closing time of palace and almost any monument in jaipur.

9.Elephant Safari at Dera Amer

Elephant safari at Dera Amer is a must for every traveler.Without this ur experience of jaipur will be incomplete. This place is maintained by the royal family. You can have exclusive forest venue here. Elephant polo is as interesting as it sounds. Enjoy cocktails ,tea and an elephant ride ,meet local get to know the culture . You can have  dinner at the camps.Its quit heavy on pockets but still an Ultimate experience!!

Best time :-In the evening so u can beat heat and can have bon fire and other night events music dance etc.

10.Drive to Jaigarh Fort Through Jal Mahal

This is a palace on water.You can have a photo session over here, it is on the way to amber fort from jaipur city. After this u can also visit jaigarh fort which is on the way to nahargarh,this is closing end of the tunnel from amber. A huge van cannon is the main attraction of this fort!!

Best time:- Plan these places when you are visiting amber fort and Nahargarh. jal mahal can be viewed anytime but jaigarh has the closing time of 4:30 pm .

delhi

Here are 20 great things to do in India’s capital.

1. Try Dilli-ki-Chaat – Delhi's tangy local street food, such as chaat papdi (fried wafers loaded with potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt and chilli) or golgappas (fried hollow dough filled with chickpeas and spicy potatoes), in Old Delhi

2. Visit the great sandstone carcass of the Red Fort, and imagine the last days of the Mughal empire and the British era.

3.  Humayun's Tomb combines Persian style with local craftsmanship, and is surrounded by the fiercely symmetrical Mughal gardens: take a stroll here at dusk.

4. Hear qawwalis (devotional music) sung at dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya; religious songs resounding at around sunset at one of Islam's holiest tombs.

5. A trip through the doors of the Imperial hotel is like a voyage back into the days of the Raj, with polished hallways hung with chandeliers and works of art. Drink a G&T in its 1911 bar.

6. Lose yourself to shopping, in the temples to Indian craft that are Delhi's government emporiums on Janpath, close to Connaught Place.

7. Get lost and confused in the narrow bazaars of Old Delhi, and feel like you've wandered somewhere medieval.

8. Ride on the Delhi metro: so cheap, so clean, so democratic, unlike the other world upstairs.

9. Get a suit made in Khan Market – take one to copy and get made-to-measure at a fraction of the cost of Savile Row.

10. Visit the former home of Indira Gandhi, Indira Gandhi Smriti, where she was shot dead by one of her bodyguards in 1984, and learn about India's most powerful dynasty.

11. Wander around Lodhi Gardens on a Sunday afternoon, the perfect place for people watching.

12. Discover the district of Hauz Khas, with its crumbling Mughal tombs and tempting art, antique and fashion boutiques.

13. Chow down on scrumptious masala dosas at the Janpath branch of Saravana Bhavan, and finish your meal with a deliciously gritty south Indian coffee.

14. Use the map from William Dalrymple's City of Djinns for a different way to explore the city.

15. Eat a great Gujarati thali at pristine Rajdhani, opposite Rivoli cinema, just off Connaught Place.

16. Shop middle-class Delhiite-style at laid-back Khan Market, browsing its bookshops and hanging out for a chat at Café Turtle, fuelled by coffee and gooey cake.

17. Take a trip out to peaceful Qutb Minar, with its towering minaret resembling an ornate factory chimney.

18. Wind up at the Jama Masjid, climb the mosque's minaret, then enjoy a classic non-veg meal at nearby culinary institutions Karim's or Al-Jawahar, famous for their roasted meat kebabs.

19. Get flabbergasted by the wealth of Indian art at the National Museum.

20. Visit Gandhi's simple tomb in its tranquil gardens, and drink in the atmosphere – nowhere else in Delhi is as peaceful as this.

global warming

Ozone Hole Over Antarctica Caused Southern Africa Warming

The infamous hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica may have caused warming in southern Africa over the past two decades, researchers say.

However, as the hole in the ozone layer continues to shrink due to international policies that limit the chemicals that eat away at the ozone, temperatures may cool down in southern Africa, the study researchers also said.

Ozone is a cousin to the oxygen molecules people breathe, consisting of three atoms of oxygen instead of the regular oxygen molecule's two. This gas is concentrated in a layer about 12 to 19 miles (20 to 30 kilometers) above Earth's surface. This ozone layer absorbs most of the ultraviolet light from the sun, helping to defend people against sunburns and skin cancer.

Essay on Tourism in India

Essay on Tourism in India

There are some parts of the world that once visited get into your heart and won’t let go. For me India is such a place when I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land by its lush beauty and exotic architecture by its ability to overload its senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes and souls. It was as if all my life I was seeing the world in black and white and when brought face-to-face with India, experienced every thing rendered in brilliant Technicolor. - Keitlt Bellows
"It we were to look over the whole world to find out the country most richly endowed with all the wealth, power and beauty that nature can bestow in some parts a very paradise on earth. I should point to India.” -Max Mueller
The most valuable assets of India as a desirable tourist destination lies in thousands years old historical and cultural heritage. Every region, every part of lndia encompasses culture of its own, entirely distinct in traditions, language, festil'll4 beliefs and rituals with different and unique style of living and dresses.
No country in the world comprises such distinction such diversity with a unity and integration. This diversity may be attributed to the historical roots of developments of each region, due to different dynasties ruled the differed  regions. The develop of different life-style, celebrations of different  festivals, adopting different Ian different dressing sense, all exit as per the norms fixed by the then ruling dynasty. region has unique physical features, soil types and climatic conditions, so has distinct vegetation and wild life. When all the natural beauty is mingled with culture the resultant harmony present a unique land sparkled picture, reflecting destination in its unique and colorful way.
One finds everything in India: exotic as well as native, the snow clad Himalayas crowned the head in the north, enveloped all the beauty within itself, releases the mighty rivers, Indus, Gangas, and Yamuna and their tributaries. These rivers roll over the whole country like arteries, supplying life blood to the body of the country and its inhabitants through out the year. The complex beauty of the desert state of Rajasthan is found rarely in any part of the world. With Thar at its background and vivacious sand dunes, mirages and camels, the huge and glorified palaces, forts and Havelies, present a complex and unique beauty. The culture of Rajputs with bright Badhani colors intricate designs and the Royal background give their sharp look different from others. In their unique architectural style in the series of palaces are lake palace of Udaipur, sand colored forts' in Jaisalmer, city palace of Jaipur, the pink city of India coupled with the vibrant folk dances and folk songs make India an" Cultural ".
The Taj Mahal at Agra, symbol of Mughal romance and faith, in its architectural perfection and splendor attracts tourists from all over the world. Taj Mahal reflects the Persian cultural and their architectural eminence, today counted among the seven wonders of the world.
The caves of Ajanta-Ellora. the Sun Temple of Konark. the Temple of Khajurao and Dravidian style stone carved temples of Hoysalewara and Ranganathswamy, the medieval glory of Qutab Minar, Red fort, Fathepur Sikri and other forts and mausoleums with Persian architectural influence, the Victoria place at Kolkata, beautiful and elegant churches at Goa. each and every symbolizes the clarity of Indian culture with tremendous diversification and each has its own attraction for the tourist.
India has witnessed many eras blooming on her soil. Each era and dynasty has left incredible  mark, on her different regions with uniqueness and distinction. From Harappas to Mauryas, Guptas to Sultans and Mughals to Portuguese and English, witnessed a met morph sis in each era. Different cultures with different life styles and beliefs, intermingled. Each century brought a new culture, made its impact, kept intact ~original identity and beliefs also, and thus a unique diversity with integration is the present India.
The Bhool Bholaiyan at Lucknow. the mystery of shaking Minarets in the mosque and tomb of Rajbibi in Ahmedabad, the acoustic wonders of Gol Gumbaj, the famous GoldenTemple at Amritsar, the oldest church at Palayurin Goa,the oldest synagogue at Mattancherry in Kochi and the oldest mosque in Eheraman Malik Manzil in Kodungallor, also the modern Lotus Temple, the Bahami temple of worship. the Stupa of Sanchi, Tower of Silence at Mumbai, and tallest statue of Bahubali at Kamataka, all speakofthe glorious heritage of our country and so are the of attraction for tourists throughout the world.
Nowhere in the world, can be found such multifaceted, most diversified culture with rich heritage reflecting many dynasties and regimes. India is known for its unparallel religious beliefs as well as for its vast variety of people, the animal kingdom and the rich flora. India is a miniature world, where the tourists find the best of the west and east coexisting in perfect harmony for centuries.
Another aspect of Indian culture can well be seen in its vibrant and colorful festivals. India has been the birth place of many religion. The Hinduism, The Buddhism, The Jainism, The Sikhism, The Islam and The Christianity also nourished and flourished here well. The Desert festival, the Kite festival, Boat race festival in south India, the Durga Pooja festival of Kolkata, Dussehera of My sore, Puri festival of Orissa, Ganesh Chaturthi festival of Maharashtra, all are celebrated so colorful and in such a grand manner, that reflect the wonderful observance of religious and cultural heritage of our country.
Not only the above historical festivals, the modem festivals, like the Taj Mahotsava, Khajurao Dance festival, Konark Dance festival, also give an opportunity of seeing all internationally acclaimed faces of Indian classical dance and music on one stage.
Over the years we have developed the concept of eco- friendly tourism, means that while promoting tourism in very possible manner we should not forget importance of ecological balance. Many of the places at the foothills of the Himalayas , have become the dumping ground of tourists. While promoting the tourism in wild life , it must be ensured that the tourists should not become a threat to the tranquility and ecological balance of the forests.
No doubt, India's diversified culture presents a 'paradise for tourists' but to keep it intact, a number, of judicious and prudent policies to facilitates the tourists and attract more and more tourists are to be framed and require to be implemented at a fast pace. The tourists visiting India, should be enchanted not only with the rich heritage, but they should also feel here safe, sound and welcomed.

cuisine

Indian Cuisine

Think of India and one of the first things that come to mind is its diversity. A large populous country divided into many states; each with its own unique traditions and gastronomic fare. Indian cooking is one of the most popular cuisines across the globe. Not only is it popular among the large Indian diaspora but also among the mainstream population of North America and Europe. For the uninitiated, Indian food may seem foreign, scary, spicy and not for the faint of heart. This paper aims to explore many of the facets that make up Indian cuisine and hopefully allay any misconceptions or fears that may exist. The chapters are categorized under the following sections:
1. The Evolution of Indian Cooking
2. Geographical Variation
3. Dietary Customs in India
4. The Story of Spices
5. Curry: What is it?
6. Indian Dining Etiquette

The Evolution Of Indian Cooking
Indian cuisine derives from a 4000 year timeline. It has significantly evolved as a result of the various influences introduced into the country by many travelers and rulers. Despite this evolution, it has not lost its original identity, but rather became richer with the assimilation of theses varied influences. The following historical timeline (Bhattacharya, n.d.) of how Indian gastronomy evolved will help shape our understanding and appreciation of this cooking style.
2000 BC and earlier.
Most people believe that the origins of Indian history, and therefore the cuisine, dates back to Mohenjedaro and Harrapan civilizations. It is understood that the Ayurvedic tradition of cooking, which is a complete holistic approach to cooking, evolved at this point in time. In Vedic times, a normal diet consisted of fruit, vegetables, meat, grain, dairy products and honey. Over time, some segments of the population embraced vegetarianism due to the ancient Hindu philosophy of ahimsa.
1000 BC.

know rajasthan

RAJASTHAN CULTURE

Like the topographical variation of the land, the culture of Rajasthan is a wide spectrum of brilliant hues caressed by waves of settlers ranging from ancient Indus Valley urbanites to pastoral Aryan herdsmen, Bhil forest dwellers, Jain merchant princes, Jat and Gujjar cultivators, Muslim craftsmen, and the Rajput warrior aristocracy. All shaped this region called the land of kings. Colorful costumes, festivals and customs relieve the tedium of coping with a harsh, demanding land. People travel to Rajasthan to savor its splendors and imbibe its enviable heritage. Discover it all in the fairs and festivals, folk music, Rajasthani cuisine and crafts of Rajasthan.

Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan

Fairs and Festivals forms a very important part of Rajathan Culture. The Desert Jewel of India, Rajasthan shimmers with even more vibrancy during the time of its colourful fairs and festivals. The desert glitters with the colors of joyous celebration and gay abandon with every fair and festival of Rajasthan. There is a celebration for every religious occasion, every change of season and every harvest, all invariably a reflection of the genius of their arts and crafts and their ascetic refinement. In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year and are a splendid opportunity for tourists to gain an insight into the life of the Rajasthan during their travel.

Folk Dance and Music of Rajasthan

Culture of Rajasthan also includes Folk Dance and Music. The folk dance and music of Rajasthan are lively, exhilarating, hypnotic and compelling. A part of the eternal appeal of this strange and wondrous land, Rajasthan folk dance and music is a part of life in Rajasthan. Indeed Rajasthan has a very vibrant, highly evolved tradition of performing arts carefully nurtured and sustained over the centuries.

Rajasthan cuisine

Referred to as 'the land of Kings', Rajasthan boasts of many a fine kitchen - both within the palaces and outside. Princely kitchens have produced many an incomparable and exotic delicacy of shikar (game) meat. The smoked Rajasthani kebab - sule - is bare-be-cued in about a dozen different ways. At the other extreme is Maheshwari Cuisine or the vegetarian cuisine of the Maheshwars of the Marwar or the Jodhpur area. All this forms the Culture of Rajasthan.

Arts and Crafts of Rajasthan

The patronage for artisans of the state was extended by the kings and rulers who turned to them to embellish their zenanas, the women's wings of the palaces, and the durbar or courts. Ateliers were created where artists were treated with due respect and paintings, jewellery and pottery, stone and wood carving, textile and rug weaving, was accorded due place. Major craft traditions in Rajasthan include Tie-and-Dye Textiles, Hand block Printing, Quilting, Jewellery, Gems and Stones, Blue Pottery, Leather Craft, Woodcarving, and local Painting traditions.

delhi cuisine

Old Delhi food

Chandni Chowk Area

When you are in Old Delhi, you just can't miss the food there. The streets buzz with activity and are filled with the aroma of food. For the connoisseurs, there are restaurants like Karim's. For the food historians, there's a chance to taste Butter Chicken at Moti Mahal. 

Street Food

Chandni Chowk, often called the food capital of India, is famous
for its street food. The variety consists of snacks, especially chaat.
If you wish to enjoy it, shed your high-brow attitude to soak in the flavours and delicacies. Come on, everybody... Yes, it's a kind of celebration in congregation. Chandni Chowk resembles a fair everyday. The streets are lined with halwais (sweet-sellers), namkeenwallahs (sellers of savouries) and paranthewallahs
(sellers of rich, flaky breads soaked in ghee).

A good idea would be to start with the Paranthewali Gali. It became a famous gourmet locality when the parantha shops moved here in the 1870s. This lane has been the haunt of many celebrities of India. In the years after Independence, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and his family members - Indira Gandhi and Vijaylaxmi Pandit - came here to take their parantha meals. Jayaprakash Narayan and Atal Behari Vajpayee were also among the regular visitors.

Though the number of shops in this lane has reduced - one wonders if their owners are more interested in McDonald's franchises - there still are a few left from the good old days. Perhaps the oldest among these is Pt Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan, established in 1872. Others include Pandit Devi Dayal's (1886) and Kanhaiya Lal Durga Prasad's Parantha Shop (1875). The paranthas are fried in pure ghee in cast-iron pans. They are served with Mint Chutney, Banana - Tamarind Chutney, vegetable pickle and Aloo Subzi. Half a century back, you could get only a few varieties - Aloo Parantha, Gobhi Parantha and Matar Parantha, stuffed with potato, cauliflower and peas respectively. While these continue to be the most popular, there are several new variants. These include lentils, fenugreek, radish, papad, carrot and mixed. Besides, there are paranthas which cost slightly more and include those stuffed with paneer, mint, lemon, chilly, dry fruits, cashew, raisins, almond, rabdi, khurchan, banana, karela, lady's finger and tomato.

The different aspects of Indian Cuisine

- Cooking according to tastes: There traditionally exists no written recipes in India and the individual is encouraged to orchestrate a dish by using fresh, seasonal and local vegetables. Spices are used sparingly and their foods are not necessarily hot. Besides spices lots of herbs and other natural seasonings are used to make foods sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent.
- Cultural Influences: Many Indians are vegetarians having been influenced by Buddha (Indian King and founder of Buddhism), Mahavir (founder of Jainism) and King Ashoka. Our cuisine has been influenced by the Aryans settlers, the Arab and Chinese traders and conquerors such as the Persians, Mongolians, Turks, the British and the Portuguese.
- Ayurveda : India's ancient science system, has given India a comprehensive system of health, diet and nutrition. India's cuisine has been shaped by this science. Ayurveda is the common thread that runs through the various sub cultures/regions of India. Otherwise, the cuisine can be vastly different from region to region.
- Diversity: India is a large country, almost the size of Europe, and has a greater diversity of people, language, climate, cultures and religion than almost any country in the world. Consequently, Indian cuisine is also diverse.
- Indian Restaurant Cuisine: Many Indian restaurants around the globe are influenced by North Indian Cuisine. Indian restaurant cuisine has been influenced by Indian chefs that had their culinary training in France. They created a fusion of the two great cuisines by adopting cream sauces in their Indian recipes.
- Royal Kitchens of India: Under the patronage of the rajahs of India the art of food was elevated to a high level of advancement and professionalism. The royal chefs understood the finer points of food, the art of presentation and created exquisite preparations.
Rajasthani cooking was influenced by the war-like lifestyles of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in this region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred, more out of necessity than choice. Scarcity of water, fresh green vegetables have all effect on the cooking. In the desert belt of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, cooks use the minimum of water and prefer, instead, to use more milk, buttermilk and clarified butter. Dried lentils, beans from indigenous plants like sangri, ker, etc are liberally used. Gram flour is a major ingredient here and is used to make major ingredient here and is used. Gram flour is a major ingredient here and is used to make some of the delicacies like khata, gatta ki sabzi, pakosi, powdered lentils are used for mangoli, papad. Bajra and corn is used all over the state for preparations of rabdi, Kheechi and rotis. Various chutneys are made from locally available spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic.

agra

The Visit to a Historical Place – Agra
(essay)

India is a country of rich culture and centuries of history and tradition of its own. Thus the country is full of places which are rich in tradition, are important historically, economically, politically, or sociologically. Moreover, the diversity that it presents baffles the people because the diversity is not only geographical but social and cultural as well. Thus, India attracts thousands of tourists from all around the globe.

Last year I had a chance to visit Agra with my uncle’s family. As soon as I got the invitation, I accepted it because Agra has been a great center of art and architecture during the Mughal period. It goes to the credit of Akbar to transform Agra into a great city of cultural and historical importance.

History stands testimony that the old brick fort of Sikandar Lodhi was dismantled by Akbar and a magnificent fortress of rust coloured sandstone was built. For the same reason the Fort of Agra is also known as ‘Lal Quila’. This fort was built by Akbar in AD 1565. It took 8 years to be completed. The Fort is said to have 500 buildings in the style of Bengal and Gujarat. This is what Akbar’s historian Abul Fazal had recorded. But unfortunately only a few survive today and the successors of Akbar too subsequently made a few changes and additions. The Fort stands on the banks of the river Yamuna with double walls to protect it. These walls are very high.

The fort has four gates. Presently, the entry to the fort is allowed through the gate in the south of the fort called the Amar Singh Rathore Gate is a stone statue of a hourse’s head built by Amar Singh Rathore of Jodhpur in remembrance of his faithful horse that had jumped the walls of the fort and lost its legs in order to save its master.

The other two gates near the river situated in the North and East have been closed now. The gate on the West side of the fort is called the Delhi Gate at whose entrance is the famous statues of Jamal and patta who had laid down their lives fighting for Akbar. The space between the Fort and the river was used for holding elephant fights.

Right behind is Akbar’s majestic palace- the roof and floor of which are made of red stone. The Diwan-e-Am of the palace was the place he held his Durbar and dispensed justice. We also saw the Diwan-e-khas and the Machhli Bhavan. Close to the Diwan-e-Aam is the Meena Bazar. To the west is the building which is a very curious kind of a Hide and Seek Building.

It is said that Akbar was indebted to the blessings of Sufi of Sikri, Sheikh Salim Christi for the birth of his three sons. Therefore, in order to show his gratitude Akbar built and developed Sikri and decided to shift his capital there. The placeis 40 km to the South west of Agra. He named it as Fatehpur Sikri. The buildings at Fatehpur Sikri are outstanding in their carvings. There is an Ibadat-khana built for holdings discussion on matters of religion. But the crowning glory of the city is the Jama Mosque which can hold 10,000 worshippers and is believed to be the replica of the Masque at Mecca. It is a monumental example of the mixture of Persian and Indian style. Inside the Mosque is the tomb of Sheikh Salem Christi. Right at the entrance of the Mosque is the famous Buland Darwaza which is 41 meters high. Other structures to see at Fatehpur Sikri are the panch Mahal, Jodha Bai’s palace, the Sunhera Makan and many other buildings.

We also went to see the great Taj Mahal on the banks of River Yamuna. The monument is truly a wonder. It is beautifully decorated with precious and carved stones. It is built in the memory of Shah Jahan’s beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The real tomb of the queen lies in a small room downstairs made of white and black marbles. Scriptures and verses from the Queen are engraved on the walls along with lovely floral designs and different coloured carved precious stones.

It is really a ‘dream in marble’ as thousands of poets have attempted to describe it in many ways. Ones are speechless on seeing this great spectacle of marble. It is extremely mesmerizing. Since then Agra and Fatehpur Sikri have become my favorite place. I am now eagerly waiting for another chance to visit Agra.