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Travel India Delhi Agra Taj Mahal

                                                      TAJ MAHAL

The Taj Mahal in Agra near New Delhi the Capital of India is one in the 7 wonders of the world and indisputably the most famous example of Mughal architecture. Described by Rabindranath Tagore as "a tear on the face of eternity", it is in popular imagination a veritable.

The white-splendored tomb was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his favourite wife, Arjumand Banu Begum, better known as Mumtaz Mahal ("Chosen of the Palace"). She married Shah Jahan in 1612 to become his second wife and inseparable companion, and died in childbirth at Burhanpur while on a campaign with her husband in 1629. Shah Jahan was, it is said, inconsolable to the point of contemplating abdication in favour of his sons. The court went into mourning for over two years; and Shah Jahan decided to commemorate the memory of Mumtaz with a building the like of which had never been seen before

The mausoleum is located on the right bank of the river Yamuna at a point where it takes a sharp turn and flows eastwards. Originally, the land where the Taj Mahal presently stands belonged to the Kachhwahas of Ajmer (Rajasthan). The land was acquired from them in lieu of four havelis as is testified by a court historian, Abdul Hamid Lahauri, in his work titled the Badshah-Namah and the firmans (royal decrees). For construction, a network of wells was laid along the river line to support the huge mausoleum buildings. Masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome-builders and other artisans were requisitioned from the whole of the empire and also from Central Asia and Iran. While bricks for internal constructions were locally prepared, white marble for external use in veneering work was obtained from Makrana in Rajasthan. Semi-precious stones for inlay ornamentation were brought from distant regions of India, Ceylon and Afghanistan. Red sandstone of different tints was requisitioned from the neighbouring quarries of Sikri, Dholpur, etc. It took  22 years(1631-1653) for the monument complex to be completed 

 In all,the Taj Mahal covers an area of 60 bighas, as the terrain gradually sloped from south to north, towards the river, in the form of descending terraces. At the southern point is the forecourt with the main gate in front and tombs of Akbarabadi Begum and Fatehpuri Begum, two other queens of Shah Jahan, on its south-east and south-west corners respectively called Saheli Burj 1 and 2.

On the second terrace is a spacious square garden, with side pavilions. It is divided into four quarters by broad shallow canals of water, with wide walkways and cypress avenues on the sides. The water channels and fountains are fed by overhead water tanks. These four quarters are further divided into the smaller quarters by broad causeways, so that the whole scheme is in a perfect char-bagh.

The main tomb of the Taj is basically square with chamfered corners. The minarets here are detached, facing the chamfered angles (corners) of the main tomb on the main plinth. Red sandstone mosque on the western, and Mehman-Khana on the eastern side of the tomb provides aesthetically a clear colour contrast.

The Taj has some wonderful specimens of polychrome inlay art both in the interior and exterior on the dados, on cenotaphs and on the marble jhajjhari (jali-screen) around them.

The exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are among the finest in Mughal architecture. As the surface area changes, the decorations are refined proportionally. The decorative elements were created by applying paint, stucco, stone inlays or carvings. In line with the Islamic prohibition against the use of anthropomorphic forms, the decorative elements can be grouped into either calligraphy, abstract forms or vegetative motifs. Throughout the complex are passages from the Qur'an that comprise some of the decorative elements. Recent scholarship suggests that the passages were chosen by Amanat Khan.

                                           Carving in the Wall of Taj Mahal

The calligraphy on the Great Gate reads "O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you." The calligraphy was created in 1609 by a calligrapher named Abdul Haq. Shah Jahan conferred the title of "Amanat Khan" upon him as a reward for his "dazzling virtuosity". Near the lines from the Qur'an at the base of the interior dome is the inscription, "Written by the insignificant being, Amanat Khan Shirazi." Much of the calligraphy is composed of florid thuluth script made of jasper or black marble inlaid in white marble panels. Higher panels are written in slightly larger script to reduce the skewing effect when viewed from below. The calligraphy found on the marble cenotaphs in the tomb is particularly detailed and delicate.

Abstract forms are used throughout, especially in the plinth, minarets, gateway, mosque, jawab and, to a lesser extent, on the surfaces of the tomb. The domes and vaults of the sandstone buildings are worked withtracery of incised painting to create elaborate geometric forms. Herringbone inlays define the space between many of the adjoining elements. White inlays are used in sandstone buildings, and dark or black inlays on the white marbles. Mortared areas of the marble buildings have been stained or painted in a contrasting color which creates a complex array of geometric patterns. Floors and walkways use contrasting tiles or blocks in tessellation patterns.

How to reach there

Train: Agra is located in between the main train lines from Delhi to Mumbai and from Delhi to Chennai. It is like a junction and this makes Agra easy to reach by train from almost anywhere. From Delhi, you can reach Agra by train in about 2-3 hours by Bhopal Shatabdi, Bhopal Express, Malwa Express, Gondwana Express, Jabalpur – Jammutawi Express, etc. There are also luxury trains that stop at Agra such as Palace on Wheels. Agra has tree railway stations. The main one is Agra Cantt with the station code AGC. The second one is Agra Fort (AF) which is the oldest train station in India and trains to east and central India passes from this station. The third one a small station called Raja Ki Mandi, and Mahakoshal Express, Amritsar Express and Intercity Express. Detailed train information, schedules and prices can be found at http://www.indianrail.gov.in Road:  Agra is 204 km away from the capital Delhi and is on the crossroads of national highways 2, 3 and 11. Ground transportation from Delhi to Agra takes approximately 3.5 - 4 hours. Taxies and busses are available from Delhi to Agra. Busses are always more economical than train and air transportation. The main bus stations in Agra are Idgah and Agra Fort and there are scheduled, air-conditioned and luxury busses from Delhi, Jaipur, Gualior, Jhansi and Lucknow. Driving to Agra is also easy and comfortable with new modern highways. From Delhi you can take the NH2 highway (200 km) , from Jaipur you can take number 11 ( 255km), from Gwailor the National highway which is 120 km and from Lucknow NH2 which is 285 km.

Kerala boating at Kumarakom, Kottayam

                          Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination in Kottaym District and located 16 kilometers from the city of Kottayam, in Kerala, India, famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala,INDIA



Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot also known as Etroplus suratensis) shrimp (Metapenaeus dobsonii) common name Poovalan chemeen. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction.

Kumarakom has a wide variety of houseboats and is well known throughout the world for houseboat experience. They are used only for tourists these days. A separate boat known as Kettuvallam is used by the people to go fishing or to transport goods. Apart from these, there are elegant special boats and More than 1000 oarsmen in boats of different sizes and shapes will participate in this event. Even though Snake Boats participate in this race, the importance is given here is for iruttukuthi, in which about 50 oarsmen row. The Kumarakom boat-race is conducted in the big canal in the centre near the market. The Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy will be given to the winner at the end of the day. There is a private sailing club in Kumarakom, located on the shore of the Vembanad lake.

Fishing, agriculture and tourism are the major economic activities. Kumarakom's perfectly balanced tropical climate is very conductive to cultivation. The place has expanses of mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves. Fruits like Banana, Mango, Jackfruit, Ambazhanga, Puli (Tamerind), Chaambenga, Peraycka(Guuva), Aathaycka and Pineapple grow here. Also, cocoa and coffee, chena(yam) and chembu (colocasia), grow well and were cultivated under the coconut trees. This rich agricultural environment is mainly irrigated using interspersed waterways and canals of the Meenachil river. The smaller canals are often lined by hibiscus plants which lean partly over the canals to form a green canopy, from which hang the lovely hibiscus flowers.



In the olden days, when the bund separating the backwaters from the sea was not yet built, the water in the canals moved in and out with the sea tide and it was salty. After the Thanneermukkam bund was constructed, the connection to the open sea was not free anymore, and so the tidal movement of the water in the canals stopped. It stagnated and then plenty of water hyacinths started growing densely in the canals,forming lovely green carpets with pale lilac flowers carpets.

 The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction

Kerala's Hill station Munnar in December

The most popular Hill station of Kerala, in South India

Munnar is one of the most popular hill station in Kerala.  It is nestled in Western Ghats at  1,450 meters(4,760 ft) to 2,695 meters (8,842 ft)  above the sea level and is located in Idukki district one of the beauty District of Kerala in South India

Hilltop Munnar

Large tea plantations, forests, hill ranges, valleys and wildlife makes anyone fall in love with this place. There are some important  places that you should visit (or try to) when you are in Munnar. And if you already visited Munnar recently, then I hope these will make you want to do another trip in December.




Rajamala Eravikulam National Park

Part of Eravikulam national park, is located at about 15 kms from Munnar.  This region is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres). It was converted to a national park to provide a safe sanctuary  for the already endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr.



Mattupetty Dam 

Mattupetty dam and its reservoir  is  located 13 km away from Munnar.  This concrete gravity dam is built between the hill ranges and it is used mainly for water storage for hydroelectric projects. Its reservoir is an idyllic place to enjoy the serene nature. It is also said to be one of the waterholes where the elephants in the region often visit.

Mattupetty Dairy Farm

Mattupetty is also famous for the Indo-Swiss Farm. This is a highly specialized dairy farm  which comes under Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Hundreds of high quality cattle are reared here and new varieties are scientifically developed.

    Kundala Lake

Kundala Lake is an artificial reservoir of a minor arch shaped dam huddled between the mountain ranges. It is about a 20 km drive from Munnar. There is boating facility there  and  don’t forget to go for a Shikara boat ride while you are there!



Kannan Devan Tea Museum

This tea museum is first of its kind in India. It is located at KDHP’s Nullatanni estate in Munnar. The aim of this museum according to its founders is to showcase the growth of more-than-a-century-old tea plantations in this region. Anyone visiting this museum will get a clear  picture of how laborious this tea processing really is.



 Chinnar wildlife sanctuary

 Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is about 60 kms from Munnar. It is situated on SH 17 in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor Panchayats of Idukki district. It is an ideal spot for trekking and enjoying wildlife closely. It is the habitat for endangered Grizzled giant squirrel in India. Almost 34 species of mammals including panthers, spotted deers, elephants, tigers can be found here. It is also a bird watchers paradise. 245 species of birds live here!

Munnar in Mansoon the Beauty of Rain

Rainy Season in Munnar

Rainy season in Munnar starts from the month of June and lasts till September. Most of the tourists don’t like to visit Munnar in rainy season. However, Munnar has its own charisma in Rain. In fact, it looks very revitalizing with full of greenery and high mountains during the season.Visiting munnar in Rainy season is a very different experience and most people from Gulf is visiting Munnar at Monsoon to feel the real rain.

See how beautyfull is the Munnar in Rainy season you can watch and fell the real rain from the resorts and mounterns if you like some adventure.

Munnar  is blessed with lofty mountain ranges with hazy peaks, extensive tea estates and tranquil climate offers a calm and peaceful environment to the tourists. Amazing views of low flying clouds and mist filled valleys make it a little heaven with a cool, revitalizing climate. Cloudy mountain peaks blend pleasantly in Munnar to form a delightful atmosphere that is hard to explain in words.

Munnar is one of the most alluring leisure destinations in India perched beautifully with rolling tea gardens and spice plantations. Amid the hues of God’s Own Country, this hill station is an ideal escape to weekenders as well as leisure travellers. It dwells a mild and pleasing climate throughout the year and even during the monsoon it partakes a tantalizing ambiance with mist layering over the lush greenscape, sparkling ripples of the meandering streams down their course and sploshing waterfalls pouring its own rage.

During the monsoon, Munnar receives moderate to heavy rainfall, and the temperature drops to a minimum of 20 degree and bears at a maximum of 25 degree

Kerala North-East Wayanadu, Kerala Tourist places

1. Wayanad

1. Wayanad District is a district in the north-east of Kerala state, India with headquarters at the town of Kalpetta. The district was formed on 1 November 1980 as the 12th district in Kerala by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts.
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Chembra Peak

At a height of 2100 metres, the towering Chembra Peak is located near Meppadi in the southern part of Wayanad. It is the tallest of peaks in the region and climbing this peak would test ones physical prowess. The climb up the Chembra Peak is an exhilarating experience, as each stage in the climb unfolds great expanses of Wayanad and the view gets wider as one goes up to its summit. Going up and coming down the peak would take a full day. Those who would like camp at the top are assured of an unforgettable experience.

Those who require camping gear may contact the District Tourism Promotion Council, located at Kalpetta in Wayanad.

Neelimala

Located in the southeastern part of Wayanad, and approachable from Kalpetta as well asSulthan Bathery, Neelimala is a trekkers delight, with options for different trekking routes. At the top of Neelimala, the sight is a breathtaking one with a view to the Meenmutty falls located near by and the valley in the foreground.

Meenmutty waterfalls

Located close to Neelimala the spectacular Meenmutty falls can be reached through a 2 km trekking route from the main road connecting Ootty and Wayanad. It is the largest of waterfalls in the district of Wayanad, and adds to ones curiosity with its three stage falls dropping from about 300 metres.

Chethalayam

Yet another waterfall that attracts visitors to Wayanad is the Chethalayam falls, located close toSulthan Bathery in the northern part of Wayanad. This waterfall is smaller in size when compared to Meenmutty. The falls and the adjoining areas are ideal locales for trekking and a haunt for bird watchers.

Pakshipathalam

Pakshipathalam is located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 metres. The region predominantly comprises large boulders, some of them really massive. The deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. Pakshipathalam is located near Mananthavady and a visit to the region would require a 7 km trek through the forest, starting from Thirunelli. Visitors to Pakshipathalam are to seek permission from the DFO- North Wayanad.

Banasura Sagar Dam

The dam at Banasura Sagar is reckoned as the largest earth dam in India. The dam is located in the southwestern part of Wayanad district and is close to the Karalad Lake. The project area of the Banasura Sagar Dam also has the start point for treks to the Banasura Peak. An interesting feature is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.

While you take in the captivating sights, sounds and fragrance of Wayanad, you may also shop for some specialities of Wayanad like spices, coffee, tea, bamboo products, honey and herbal plants.

How To Reach

By Air:
The nearest airport is at Kozhikode, Calicut and is at a distance of around 100 kilometers from Wayanad. One can also access this place from the Cochin International Airport, which is at a distance of around 300 kilometers from this place. Karipur is connected to many cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Airline services are available from Karipur to many gulf countries, like Oman, Quatar, Kuwait and Saudi.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station is at Calicut and is at a distance of around 110 kilometers from this place. Wayanad is well connected by a good network of railways and a number of trains frequent this place.

Bangalore to Wayanad Trains

Wayanad does not have railway station. Kozhikkode (CLT) is a nearby train station connected to Bangalore.

Yesvantpur Jn to Kozhikode Trains

Trains to Kozhikode depart from 1 station in Bangalore: Yesvantpur Jn (YPR).

No Train Name & Number Departure      Time Arrival         Time Duration

Ypr Cannanore (6527)        08:00 PM    (Yesvantpur Jn) 06:55 AM  (Kozhikkode) 10h 55m

Chennai to Wayanad Trains

Wayanad does not have railway station. Kozhikkode (CLT) is a nearby train station connected to Chennai.

Chennai to Kozhikode Trains

Trains to Kozhikode depart from 2 stations in Chennai: Chennai Egmore (MS) and Chennai Central (MAS).

No Train Name & Number Departure Time Arrival                 Time Duration

West Coast Exp(6627) 11:30 AM  (Chennai Central) 12:05 AM (Kozhikkode) 12h 35m

Mangalore Exp  (2685) 05:00 PM  (Chennai Central) 04:15 AM (Kozhikkode) 11h 15m

Mangalore Mail  (2601) 08:15 PM   (Chennai Central) 07:45 AM (Kozhikkode) 11h 30m

Mangalore Exp  (6107) 10:00 PM   (Chennai Egmore) 04:55 PM (Kozhikkode) 18h 55m

By Road:
Wayanad is well connected by a wide network of roads and this place can be easily accessed from anywhere in Kerala and from neighboring states.

Wayanad By Bus

KSRTC buses connect Wayanad with all nearby cities. Public super fast buses connect Wayanad with Trivandrum, Mangalore and Kochi. Deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore, Chennai and Trivandrum up to Kozhikode.

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