Tuesday 9 December 2014

Best Places In India...

Top Religious Attractions
The Golden Temple - Adherents of the Sikh religion need no introduction to their sacred pilgrimage seat. Sri Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple, named so due to the quintessential golden hue that the monument is bathed in, is laced by the equally sacred waters of the Amrit Sarovar or the Pond of Nectar. On a jewel-studded platform is the Adi Grantha or the sacred scripture of the Sikhs wherein are enshrined holy inscriptions by the ten Sikh gurus and various Hindu and Moslem saints.

Meenakshi Temple -Lord Shiva and his consort Meenakshi or the Fish-eyed one are the reigning deities here in this typical, yet classic representative of Dravidian temple architecture with its gopurams (large sclupted gateways) and mandapams (multi-pillared halls). Don't miss out a regal safari on elephants embellished in bright clothes and the regal umbrella.

Koark Sun Temple -The 13th Century Sun Temple or the Black Pagoda at Konark is one of the World Heritage Sites built in the shape of a magnanimous 24-wheeled chariot with 7 huge stallions - a classic vehicle for the Sun God to soar the heavens. The fascinating beach flanking it is ideal for holiday-makers.

Akshardham Temple -Flanking the banks of river Yamuna across is this 2 billion architectural grandeur - an initiative of the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). A fine blend of faith and technology, Akshardham Temple complex is replete with a majestic 11 ft statue of Lord Swaminarayan, 20,000 other statues, an IMAX theatre, artificial lakes and an elaborate musical fountain.

Lotus Temple -A piquant lotus-shaped insignia of the Bahai faith - the Lotus Temple - its quietitude a stark contrast to the bustling purlieu of Kalkaji where it stands. The Lotus Temple is the meditative refuge that draws people from across the globe irrespective of creed and community.

Top Monuments :

Taj Mahal - Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan's greatest contribution to the world - a magnificient masoleum built in the memory of his beloved spouse Mumtaaz Mahal. An insignia of eternal love in white marble, the Taj, appears amongst the seven architectural Wonders of the World and accounts for over 3 million tourists per year. A trip to it inevitabel once you come to India.

Red Fort - This red-sandstone multiplex was once the palace of the erstwhile Mughal Maharajahs who ruled India for generations. A plethora of other palaces in its campus and the antique Meena Bazaar where the royality once shopped make it a day-long tourist jaunt. Indian Prime Ministers till date deliver the Independence Day speech for the nation from the Red Fort.

Jaisalmer Fort - Witness to generations of tired merchants and travellers, caravans and camels, a 10th century fort still stands proud and tall amidst endless expanse of deserts and sand-dunes. The temples, intricately carved havelis and a feel of the life in the arid desert make Jaisalmer a must-visit for tourists. Camel and jeep safaris add to the excitement all the more.

Hawa Mahal -Jaipur's Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds is an architectural marvel, befitting the appelaltion well with its abundance of windows that circulate tranquil breeze and its look, that resembles more a cascading screen than a building.

City Palace - A blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace of Jaipur was once the emblem of power of the mighty Rajputs that lorded the deserts. The palace complex is knitted with lush lawns and a deluge of theme palaces making it one of the most visited tourist hangouts.

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