Journey To India
Journey To India
Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri was the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584. Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar, this royal city was abandoned because the lack of water in the area was not sufficient for the population of the city. The magnificent palaces and buildings of this abandoned city stand today as a testimony to the power of nature over the most grandiose dreams of a mighty Emperor. The city is located at a distance of 40 km from Agra. Sikandra: Akbar's tomb at Sikandra is an excellent example of assimilation of different styles of architecture and it represents a significant departure from the earlier Mughal buildings. The tomb carries the characteristic flavor of the airy tiered pavilions of the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Set in a quiet locale, the tomb has gardens on all sides where grazing deer can be seen. Watch out for monkeys that live in the trees nearby. Jaipur The capital of Rajasthan is known as the Pink city because of the pink colour with which all the buildings of the city were painted, to look like red sandstone buildings from Mughal times, during the journey of the then Prince of Wales in 1876, to India when it was a British colony. Jaipur is known for its grand forts and monuments as well as its markets where fine handicraft items, jewellery and textiles produced by skilled traditional craftsmen are on offer. Some of the places to visit on your journey to Jaipur, India are: The City Palace at Jaipur, also known as the Sawai Jai singh Chandra Palace or Moon Palace, continues to be the home of the royal family of Jaipur, however part of it has been converted into a museum that is open to the public. At the City Palace you can see two giant silver vases, used to carry water from the holy Ganges, from India to London, when the Raja Sawaii Man Singh II went on a journey from India to England. The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, is one of five built across India by Raja Sawaii Man Singh II and consists of fascinating geometric structures which are astronomical instruments which are used to observe the constellations and measure the movement of the planets through the sky. The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, a landmark monument that characterizes Jaipur, is a tall structure with an elaborate faade, with decorated windows. In earlier times, the women of the royal family could observe what was happening in the streets below, from these screened windows, without being seen themselves. Amer Fort, a grand monument; Jaigarh Fort, where the largest cannon on wheels can be seen, and Naharagarh Fort, which offers stunning views of the city, are must visits on your tour of Jaipur. Jaipur is also known for traditional Rajasthani music and dance forms. The Gangaur and Teej festivals are colourfully celebrated in this city.