Ahmedabad: Land of Textile and Monuments

Indian cities listed for the vigorous rate of growth can’t be completed without the mention of Ahmedabad, Capital of Gujrat state till the 1970. History reveals that the city was in existence in the 11th century and was named as Ashapalli or Ashawal. During the 13th century King Karandev of Solanki dynasty after the victory over the King of Ashaval established a city called Karnavati on the bank of river Sabarmati. At the same place in the year 1411 sultan Ahmed Shah reconstructed the city Ahmedabad which works as the capital of sultanate [Kingdom].In the year 1487 grandson of Ahmed Shah, Mohammad Begada started and completed the construction of city wall of 10 km. in circumference with 12 gates and 189 bastions.

You can bifurcate city into two parts; Old city unplanned structures, narrow roads and much crowded during the rush business hours and new city much satisfactory and to some extant planned infra structures, sufficiently wide roads and shops and business complexes to meet with modern trends of shopping. From the centuries the city has been nick named as Manchester of east due to reliable textile industry. In the recent past skillful native population has added Chemical Industry also in the business horizon of the city to make it more versatile and competitor for the other markets of the world. Ahmedabad is on the national highway 8 that connects Delhi with Mumbai. Being the past capital of state city is well connected with all other major cities of country by road also.

The city is famous for the “Sabarmati Ashram” monument related with Mahatma Gandhi, Father of Nation and “Akhshar Dham” Temple. You can find here numerous monuments scattered here and there. Dandi, place related with famous salt agitation of Gandhi ji and Dwarka related with Lord Krishna are in the vicinity of the city. Some of the famous monuments and places of tourist attraction are

Kankaria Lake, Aquarium & Zoo [Constructed by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din]

Step Wells [Caves with interiorsof carvings in stone]

The Palace of Shahibaugh [Build in 1622 A.D. Presently Sardar Patel Memorial]

Jain Temples (Derasars) [Situated in old city]
Dawazas(Gates) of Ahmedabad - Teen Darwazas
- Lal Darwazas- Delhi Darwazas

Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram [Built on the banks of river Sabarmati]

Sidi Syed Mosque [Near Lal Darwaja and world famous for magnificient craved stone work]

Jumma Masjid [illustration of Islamic Architecture with 260 pillars and 15Domes, constructed by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423]

Apart from these there are many museums reflecting old culture of the city. The city is a real image of ancient glory and modernization.

Agra: Lover’s Paradise: The Monument of Everlasting Love

Valentine day is just forty days away and I dream last night that I got rebirth as feminine and God is asking me about the lover that I will prefer to have. Will any one like to provide words for my desire? Please don’t try as I know my desire is as strange as my dream was. My desire is to have a lover like Shah Jahan who can make yet another Taj Mahal to express his love for me.

Taj Mahal along with other heritage monuments Fatehpur Sikari and Red Fort makes the city of Agra, the most prominent and frequently traveled spot of the world tourism map. Geographically Agra is situated in the Uttarpradesh state of India and is a district place and well connected with other cities of the country as being on the cross roads of national highways 2, 3 and 11. Though in the present times Agra and Taj Mahal are used as synonymous but the Indian history pages are showing the presence of city even in the era of Mahabharat with the name Agrabana. It is believed that city was constructed by Raja Badalsingh who ruled the area around the 1475 A.D. The city is situated on the banks of river Yamuna and water of this river adds glitters to Taj when seen as the shadow in the water.


Taj Mahal
An architectural beauty, beyond comparison, inspiration of poets and writers, a dream desire of each and every lover. It is said that Mumtaj Mahal [Arjumand Bano] the heart queen of King Shah Jhan [Khuram] was with desire to have unique Makbara [Rest place after the death] and to fulfill this desire king decided to construct Taj. It has taken almost 22 years [from 1630 to 1652] and craftsmanship of 20,000 workers to build this perfect symmetrical beauty in marvel.
History reveals that Mumtaj Mahal was died in 1631 at Burhanpur [Presently in the state of Madhya Pradesh] and her dead body was shifted from there to Agra only after the construction of Taj was completed. Today not only the lovers but also the common people are visiting this wonder of world. The scenario become more worth to watch and photogenic on the night of Full Moon day.

Fatehpur Sikari

This is yet another evidence of excellence in architectural craftsmanship by the Mugals, which was constructed by King Akbar. History narrates that after being hopeless about the heir King Akbar went [necked footed on the hot sand of desert] to the famous sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti of Sikari [almost 40 km. away from the Agra city] and prayed to bless with a son. Blessings of saint forced God to fulfill the desire of King and after having a male child King Akbar build this structure and made it capital city. Though due to water storage problem the city was not remained the capital and mist of time had covered it but still the marvelous tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti is attracting tourist to visit the place and pray the sufi saint for granting the blessings.

Agra Fort [Red Fort]

The fort, for which construction orders and initial structure was constructed by the Mugal Emperor Akbar in the 1565 but the work was on for the fort of total perimeters of 2.4 km till the time of his grandson Shah Jhan. The crescent shaped fort goes on to become flattened on the eastern side especially the wall facing river. The construction is made from the red sand stones with bastions at regular punctuation.

Other Tourist Spots

Agra is the most famous tourist city of India. The city is with the traditional heritage of Mugals and North Indians, this is reflecting not only from the dress code of local people but also from the food habits. Here you will find sweet dish like Gazak and Petha, Snacks like Shola Bhatura showing the north Indian taste along with Non Vegetarian Mougalai food stuffs. Other tourist attraction the predominantly attracts the tourists are

Sikandara: Resting place of King Akbar

Itmad-ud-Daulah: Tomb of Mirza Giyas Beg [A tomb constructed by Queen Noor Jhan for her father]

Radha Swami Samadhi : The garden palace with the holly ashes of Baba Shivdayal Ji founder of this religious and spiritual thought stream. [for more details http://www.thesindhuworld.com/rf_radhaswami.htm ]

Chinni Ka Roza : Evidence of influence of Parsian architectural.

Mariyam’s Tomb: Famous for some exceptional carvings.

Jama Masjid: A wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.

Some Famous Religious places KAILASH TEMPLE
MANKAMESHWAR TEMPLE
BALKESHWAR TEMPLE
PRITHVINATH TEMPLE
RAJESHWAR TEMPLE
GURU KA TAL GURUDWARA
BAPTIST CHURCH
CATHOLIC CHURCH
DIGAMBAR JAIN MANDIR

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Almora: Capital of Hills

According to Hindu faith trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh is creating, looking after and destroying the universe. To perform the task these Gods have to be born on the earth as one or other incarnation. In India one can find numerous places and temples dedicated to the incarnations of the God and named accordingly. One such region is Kumaun dedicated to Kurmaavtar [Tortoise incarnation of God Vishu], though the deity of the region is Nanda Devi. Rulers of the area were the Kayuri and Chand dynasty. History indicates that Almora city was founded by the King Kalyan Chand in the 1560. In the words of our father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi, He was amazed why the people were going to Europe for the search of health, when a place like Almora with health supporting climate and most beautiful nature is there in India.

The city is constructed on the horse saddle shaped rock between the rivers Kosi and Suyal. If you wish to have panoramic view of peaks of Himalayan range covered with white [Snow] Almora is most suitable place. The rich fauna and flora of the adjoining area in addition to climate and scenic wonders are supporting the adverb Capital of Hills used for the city.

During the visit to tourist spots of north India, one district which leaves footprints in the memory of the tourist for its rich picturesque natural beauty, magnificent wild life, rich cultural heritage and climate to support health is Almora presently part of Uttranchal State.

There is no direct Air or Train leading to Almora. If you wish to travel by air you can go up to Pantnagar famous for the Agriculture University and from there by a road journey of about 130 km. will take you to this place. You will have to detrain at Kothgodam railway station, situated at a distance of about 90 km. from the Almora; again to reach the city you have travel by road. This journey of about 3 hours, on the roads like the snake walk with the most beautiful scenic nature and healthy climate not only gives your eye the matchless experience but will also touch your soul.Kumaun Mandal Holiday Home just about 2km. from the bus stand is an ideal and affordable place to stay at Almora.

Local Tourist spots
Nanda Devi Temple
Collectorate
Bright End Corner
Simtola
Kalimath
Kaser Devi Temple
Cranks Ridge
Upreti Khola
Chitai

There are many places in the vicinity of Almora city, which can be considered as the must visit places such as

Katarmal: A place famous for the 800 years old Temple of God Sun is about 17km. away from the city.

Jogeshwar: A fair held during the monsoons every year is a star attraction for the people. There are about 120 temples. Mahabharata also have some references for the place.

Ranikhet: famous as the regimental centre of the Kumaun regiment of Indian Army is just 50 km. away from the city. Presence of Pine and Oak trees, filling the sky of Ranikhet with a healthy climate and balmy breeze makes it pollution free.

Kausani: Birth place of famous poet Sumitranandan Pant is just 52 km. away. The place is famous for the close view of Himalayan peaks and greenery.

Binsar: At the distance of just 30 km and under the Wild life sanctuary where one can see Panther and Barking Deer. The place is circled by forest and temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Mount Abu: Hill Station in Desert land

The nature that has filled the land of Rajputs with sandy desert has also made arrangement for the rescue of Rjasthanis form hot summer by providing this place of high religious values. The only cool hilly destination in the sandy desert land of Rajasthan is the Mount Abu.

Mount Abu a place known to world as the summer resort of Chouhan Dynasty and headquarter of the residents related with Rajputana during the British rule over India, is so hugely covered with lush green shrubs and forests, that this southern end of Aravali range of mountains is many time referred as green oasis of desert that covers almost all the Rajasthan. The presence of flowery shrubs makes the place most scenic.

In the Vedic era the city was known as Mount Arbuda, the story behind this goes like Once Mooni Vashishta’s cow Nandani was trapped in hills with narrow opening and for rescue prayed to lord Shiva, who in turn ask Goddess Saraswati [Goddess of Knowledge]. Mooni Vashishta wishes to avoid such incidents in future so he asked to youngest son Himalaya for a permanent solution who in turn with the help of Arbuda- the mighty snake covered the entire gorge of the mountain. Present name Mount Abu is originated from this name. It also faith that all the 33carores God and Goddesses of Hindus have visited this mountain which is unique and adds to the importance of the place. Yet another page from the history of cities states that near the cow head natural spring Mooni Vashishta performed a Yagya and generated Agnicula to protect humanity from the attacks of evil forces.

Mount Abu is not just a hill station but is a place of winds of high velocity and presence of wired rocks produce most staining music. Lord Mahaveera – 24th tirthankar of Jainism also visited the city which presently become a pilgrimage due to presence of Delwara Jain Temples. The city is connected with world by Air [Nearest Airport Udaipur], train [nearest railway station Mount Abu Road about 20 km. away] and by bus.

Places of Tourist Attraction

Delwara Jain Temples are the star tourist attraction of the city. There are two temples dedicated to Adinath [First tirthankar] and Neminath [22nd tirthankar] respectively and named as Vimal Vasahi [Built in 1031] and Tejpal Temple [built in 1231]. These temples were constructed by the ministers of Gujrat rulers, Vimal vasahi by Vimal and Tejpal Temple by Tejpal brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. The temples are the true illustration of genius architect of that era. Craving of marble stones to such a great efficiency that at some places the stone become transparent makes the tourist mesmerized and visitor remains spell bound while looking at the lotus flower hanging from the center of dome.

Museum and Art Gallery This is another prominent tourist spot of the city. Here you will find various types of ornaments special earrings and the Garments used by the native people. Series of miniature paintings based on the rag raginis is indicating the ancient art. Another attraction is the craved statutes of Devdasis from the era of 6th Century A.D. to 12th Century A.D. Among the almost 400 sculptures available here most notable are VishKanya, Surya, Shiva, the chanvar vahini and laxmi.

Like the most of hill stations Abu is also famous for the scenic view of Sun set and there is an especial place View point for this which is just 1 km. from the city heart and one can fell the Royal life by going there on riding horse.

Gomukh Temple, Aadhar Devi Temple, Honeymoon point, Shri Raghunathji Temple and Nakki Lake are some other places worth to watch. Headquarter of World famous religious Prajapati Brahamkumari is also situated here.

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Ajmer: City of Prayer Fulfillment

If you are with a desire of glancing at the religious integrity and the true secular face of India, No place will even think of, to compete with Ajmer in this aspect. During the Urs [Annually from First to sixth day of Islamic month of Rajab] of Hazarat Khawaja Muinuddin Chisti, not only Muslims but people from all religions can be seen here busy in praying for their well being. For the Muslims Dargah here is next to Macca Madina, Who is unable to go there for Haz, is visiting this place as their pilgrimage. Ajmer is also important religious place of Hindus, as tirthraj Pushkar is just 11 km. away from the city. During the month of Kartik [October – November] people are visiting the place to have a bath at Pushkar lake. City is also famous for the Mayo College [founded in 1870] one of the oldest colleges in India. Maharaja of Alwar was among the first students of college.

City with present population of just over five lakhs was established by the Raja Ajay Pal of Chouhan Dynasty some time in the seventh century. In the 1193 A.D. city went under the Muslim rulers, when Prithaviraj Chouhan was defeated by the Mohmad Ghauri. After the Independence, when people of Sindhi community were forced to migrate to India, many of them preferred this city as their residential place, hence a considerable number of Sindhi people are making this city among the few cities of India with a dense population of Sindhis. Major spoken languages of city are Rajasthani, Hindi, Sindhi, Urdu and English.

Pushkar Fair and lake

Beside the annual urs of Khwaja Sahib, Ajmer city is also famous for Pushkar Mella. It is also an annual celebration and star attraction is the race of camel – cart. This is arranged on the Full Moon day of Hindu month Kartik. Pushkar Lake is with about 52 Ghats. According to purans Lord Vishnu, in the form of boar has visited this lake. Another episode says that Brahma with Lord Mahadev and Lord Vishnu has taken bath here for performing Yagya. One Ghat is also named as Gandhi Ghat in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. It is common faith that water of this lake is capable of providing salivation. This is a common custom there, people on pilgrimage are floating lighted candle on the plates made from the leaves in the east direction.

Dargah and Urs

Khawaja Muin-ud-ddin Chisti came here from the Persia and was sufi saint. He was so helpful to poor that was named as Garib Nawaz. Due to his “living holy spirit” city is also called as Ajmer Sharif. It is common saying here
KHAWAJA KE DAR SE NA KOI KHALI HATH LOTA
AAYA JO BHI YAHAN PURIKAR MURADEN LOTA

Main attraction of the Dargah is the tomb of Khawa Saheb. Among the two buland darwaja, the one which is on north side was build by the Hyderabad Deccan Nizam Usman Ali Khan [1915] where as other by the Mandoo Sultan Ghyasudin Khilji. There are two huge Naggara, it is said that King Akbar was used to visit here annually and before going to Bengal prayed for the victory, after conquering Bengal he gifted these Naggaras.

During the urs , devotees offer Chadar, Ghilap and Neema at the Majar of Darvesh. It is fact, those singers who get chance to sing Kawali during this celebration are considered lucky and blessed one. Writers are making there most possible efforts for giving their best creation for the same.

Other Places to Visit

Shahjhan’s Mosque
Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra
Taragarh Fort
Mayo College
Man Mahal

The most suitable time for visiting Ajmer is from October to March. The Nearest Air port is Jaipur; Trains from almost all major cities are available for the city. While your visit to city do remember to taste the faous Ajmeri Chat and Khadi Kachori.

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