Red Fort

 


Majestic Red Fort

 

 


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Visiting Delhi? It is indeed a historian’s paradise. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that history speaks out loud from every nook and cranny of the ancient city. The architectural mansions stand as a mute witness of the era gone by, the Mughal era. One of the most stunning pieces of Mughal Architecture is the Red Fort or the Lal Qila. Built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, around 1638 and 1648, it still stands tall and impressive.


Tourist Info:

 

  • Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Old Delhi

  • Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

  • Timings: The fort is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each except Monday

  • Nearest railway station: Old Delhi Railway Station

  • Nearest metro station: Kashmir Gate

  • Admission charges: The entry fee is 0.22 US $ for Indian Citizens and 2.04 US $ for foreign citizens with parking rates that begin from 0.20 US $ for 4 hours.

  • Visitors can only explore a part of Red Fort; the rest area is occupied by the army.

 

White structure within the Red Fort:

 

Most people have the illusion that there are only red structures within the Red Fort. But as you explore into the mansion, you will come across some ethereal white structures too.

 

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The Entry Gate:


Lahori Gate, also known as the Chatta Chowk forms the entry to this splendid fort. Lal Quila now houses a busy market place known as the ‘Meena Bazaar’. This bazaar is famous for its excellent collection of antiques, miniature paintings and skillfully crafted fake ivory jewelry. Besides this, there are three more gates, which remains closed.


Five reasons to visit the Red Fort:

 

Some of the buildings inside the Red fort and their significance in history are:

 

Diwan-i-Am: Diwan-i-Am, also called as the Hall of Public Audience, originally had a courtyard on its front and was ornately decorated with gilded stuccowork. The main hall had heavy curtain drapes.

 

Hamam: Accompanying the Diwan-i-Khas, is the Hamam (bathroom set). It consists of three apartments, which are interconnected by corridors. It boasts marble floors and dados, which are inlaid with striking floral patterns of multi-colored stones.

 

Moti Masjid: To the west of the Hamam lies the Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque. It was the personal mosque of Mughal Emperor, Aurungzeb. The prayer-hall of the mosque has inlaid black-marble outlines and is surmounted by three bulging domes.

 

Mumtaz Mahal: Mumtaz Mahal or Chhoti Baithak, is one of the original six chief palaces situated along the river front. This palace has been removed as it was in ruins.

 

Naubat Khan: Naubat Khana or Naqqar Khana (the Drum House) is situated at the entrance of the palace area. The significance of this hall was that, musicians used to play music here five times a day at the selected hours.

 

The sense of mysticism and history that the aura within the mansion brings along is unexplainable. You will cherish you visit to the Red Fort throughout your life!

 

 “Know more by clicking on the below Video”

 

 
Taj Mahal

Wonders of Taj Mahal


 

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Words fall short when it comes to describing the magnificence of the Taj Mahal – the wonder of wonders. The Taj has made men amaze at the unfathomable love Shah Jahan had for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. And it has made women wish to die to have such a mansion built on them. Such is the grandeur of Taj Mahal, the eternal symbol of love! A mansion  built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Bano Begum) who died while giving birth to their 14th child.

 

Tourist Info:

 

  • Timings: 6am to 7pm (closed on Fridays and public holidays)
  • Entry Fee: Free for children below 12 years of age
  • Non-Indians: 5 US$
  • Indians: From 8am to 4pm – 0.31 US$
  • Indians: From 6am to 8am and 4pm to 7pm – 0.20 US$

 

Facts about the Taj Mahal:

 

  • Duration of construction: 1631- 1653 (22 years)
  • Labors used: 20,000 workers.
  • Chief architect: Ustad Isa Khan
  • Location: Banks of River Yamuna in Agra, India
  • Area: 42 acres.
  • Architectural style: Islamic

Taj Mahal comprises five major constituents:

 

  1. Darwaza (The main gateway)
  2. Bageecha (The gardens)
  3. Masjid (The mosque)
  4. Naqqar Khana (The rest house)
  5. Rauza (The main mausoleum)

 

 

It is believed that Shah Jahan ordered that the craftsmen’s and architect’s hands be chopped off after the building Taj Mahal.

 

The secret of the Third Grave:

 

It is customary of the Mughal Tombs to have the third set of graves, however it is absent here. The doors that are believed to lead to the third have been permanently blocked.

The scholars believe that Taj has the traditional third set of graves existing somewhere in the underground vaults. However this mystery remains a mystery forever. There are only two graves found in the Taj, that of the Emperor and his Queen.

 

 

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Unbelievable but true!

 

Do you know that the main gateway of the Taj Mahal is adorned with Hindu motifs along with Arabic calligraphy of verses from the Quran?  The main gateway sports an image of a white teardrop with a red trident. These motifs of the gateway reflect a Hindu touch. There are also images of red lotus flowers that represent Lord Brahma. All these point towards a Hindu influence in the construction of Taj Mahal.

 

 

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Myths related to the Taj:

 

  • There is a popular myth that Shah Jahan wished to construct a Black Taj Mahal, which would house his tomb. But no such evidences were found

 

  • P.N. Oak, an Indian writer claimed that the Taj Mahal is a corrupt form of the sanskrit term ‘TejoMahalay’ which signifies a Shiva Temple.

 

It’s rightly said that ‘you may leave the Taj Mahal’ but the ‘Taj Mahal’ will never leave you. Visit it yourself to experience the wonder Taj holds!

 

Video Section : 

 

Tourism Overview

 

Interior of Taj Mahal

 

 
Splendor of Qutub Minar
 

Qutub Minar

 

Planning to visit Qutub Minar – the tallest monument in India? Most people have a common question related to Qutub Minar – that is, why was it built so tall? It is taller than the Great Pagoda in Pekin, China and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy. Well, the exact reason still remains a mystery, but it is believed that it is related to commemorating a victory. Mughal rulers used to build victory towers to declare and celebrate their victories. Many people also say that it served as a minaret to the mosque situated in the complex. It was from here that the muezzins called the faithful to prayer.

Tourist info:

  • Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
  • Location: Qutub Complex, Mehrauli.
  • Getting to Qutub Minar: Tourists can take auto rickshaws, taxis, buses, or the Metro Rail.
  • Photography Charges: Video Filming charges are US $ 0.51.

Facts of Qutub Minar:

  • The construction was started by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1199 and was completed by his successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish.
  • Qutub Minar was named in the honor of Sufi saint, Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.
  • It is built in red and buff sandstone
  • It is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran
  • The Qutub Minar is 72.5 meters high and there are 379 steps. The diameter of the base is 14.3 meters while the top floor’s diameter measures 2.7 meters. 

An inside tour:

It’s a wonderful experience to move upstairs inside the minar. Counting the stairs as they move up is always a fun for tourists. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city. You can see several sightseeing spots from the top like the Hauz Khaz on the left, and the walls of the Jahanpanah and Siri located on the right. 

 

Iron Pillar

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Attractions of the Qutub Minar Complex:

 

The Qutub Minar complex boasts several other noteworthy buildings and structures. These include the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, which was the first mosque built in India. At the entrance of the mosque there is the famous Alai Darwaza built by Ala-ud-din Khalji. Another significant structure is the tomb of Iltutmish, situated to the west of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Just close to the mosque, you will find another very interesting structure, the Iron Pillar. This 4th century Iron pillar is one of most interesting structures in India.

Did you know?

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which belongs to the Qutub Minar complex, is believed to be constructed using materials of 27 Jain and Hindu temples. It is indeed a sight to behold. The carved columns that one can see around the mosque’s courtyard, in fact, belong to these earlier temples. Do stop and take a good look at them. The carvings are really marvelous!

If you have a knack for history, then you must visit Qutub Minar. It’s exciting to see how this speechless tower tells all that it has seen over years to its visitors. 

“Know more by clicking on the below Video”

 

 

 
Incredible India

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Chandni Chowk Delhi

 Chandni Chowk Market

 

If you wish to see real India, then visit Chandni Chowk! Just like the others landmarks of the capital city Delhi, Chandni Chowk too owes its origin to the Mughal rulers. Jahanara, the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan laid the foundation stone for this bazaar in 1650 A.D. Today, it is the largest trading center of northern India and is also nicknamed as the ‘Moonlit Square’. Chandni Chowk is characterized by several lanes and by-lanes, where life exudes colors, diversity and dollops of hustle and bustle. 


Tourist Info:


• Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Old Delhi

• Timings: Open everyday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m (It is recommended that you avoid Sundays)

• Admission charges: Free Entry

• Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

• Nearest railway station: Old Delhi Railway Station

• Nearest metro station: Kashmir Gate

You will be surprised to know that each of the lanes in Chandni Chowk is famous for a specialty, which is particular to itself. The specialties range from dazzling jewelry to lip smacking India delicacies. As you take a stroll inside the Chandni Chowk, you will discover the diverse cultures and lifestyle of the country on your way.

 

Nature & Architectural style:


The design for Chandni Chowk was proposed by Jahanara, the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan. It was initially shaped as a square with a pool located in the middle of the complex. The shops were arranged in a half-moon pattern.

 

More than just a market-place!

 

‘Chandni Chowk’ is mostly referred to as the most popular and vibrant market place in Delhi. However, there is more to it. This tourist spot is also famous for the various places of worship.


These include:

Sri Digambar Jain lal Mandir

Jama Masjid

Gurudwara Shish Ganj

Gauri Shankar Temple

Sunehri Masjid



Image Courtesy

 

Asia’s largest electrical market!


 

Bhagirath Palace in Chandni Chowk is said to be the largest market for electrical goods in Asia. It is known as ‘Chooriwali ki Haveli’ or the Bangle Seller’s Palace, locally. The mansion belonged to Begum Sumroo, a Kashmiri seductress, who converted to Christianity and married two mercenary European adventurers.
 

Safety Tips for Tourists:


Watch out for the pickpockets

You will find many touts. Stay away from them.

Old Delhi is a conservative place, so it’s better to dresses up traditionally.


There cannot be a better way to take a dive into the culture, lifestyle and religious patterns of India, than visiting the Chandni Chowk. So, get set to explore India through the lanes of Chandni Chowk! 


“Know more by clicking on the below Video”