Aurangabad II

Aurangabad Caves 

Buddhist caves

 The city Aurangabad is also famous for the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves.Ellora Caves are situated at a distance of 29-30 km from the city. The cave 1 to12 having the Buddhist carves.All the Buddhist caves were constructed between 630-700.

 Cave no.10 is most famous Buddhist caveit is also known as Vishvakarma cave. Beyond its multi-storeyed entry is a chaitya hall, it follows the pattern of construction of Caves 19 and 26 of Ajanta. At the heart of this cave is a huge15-foot statue of Buddha seated in a preaching pose. 

The Hindu caves

 The Hindu caves were constructed between the middle of sixth century to the end of the eighth century. All these structures represent a different style of creative vision and execution skills. Some were of such complexity that they required several generations of planning and co-ordination to complete.

The Kailashnatha

 Cave 16, also known as the Kailasanatha, is the unrivaled centerpiece of Ellora. This is designed to recall Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva – looks like a free standing, multi-storeyed temple complex, but it was carved out of one huge single rock.Initially the temple was covered with white plaster thus even more increasing the similarity to snow-covered Mount Kailash.

 All the carvings are done in multilevel. The courtyard is covered by columned galleries of three storeys high.Originally flying bridges of stone connected these galleries to central temple structures, but these have fallen due to time impact.

 As in traditional Shiva temples, the first is a huge sacred bull Nandi in front of the central temple. The central temple called Nandi Mandapa stands on 16 huge pillars. The base of the Nandi Mandapa has been carved to suggest elephants are holding the structure.A bridge made up of rock connects the Nandi Mandapa to the Shiva temple. The temple having tall pyramidal structure likea South Indian Dravidian temple.The complete temple with pillars, windows, rooms, halls, and an enormous lingam at its heart carved from living stone, is carved with niches, pilasters as well as images of deities,erotic male and female figures and other figures.There are two Dhvajastambhas in the courtyard.The beautiful structure of carve attract many foreign tourist as well as Indian tourist to the Aurangabad. One is also treated to a panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara from this point.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. The City Jaipur is a one of the most popular tourist destination in Rajasthan. The city Jaipur was founded on 18^th November 1727 by Second Maharaja Sawai Singh. Maharaja Sawai Singh shifted from Amber to Jaipur in 1727.As we know that in india most people can speak more than two languages. In Rajasthan uses Hindi and Rajasthani are the languages for daily communication in Jaipur. Virbhumi rajasthan is well known for huge strong forts, palace and many beautiful rajputana constructions which built in beautiful red sand stone.Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India.The city is also famous for the jaipuri culture. Jaipur has a number of forts like City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal.

1.City Palace – Jaipur

 City Palace is Located at the centre of the city Jaipur. This places is built in beautiful red sand stone as all the monuments of pink city built.This palace includes the 'Chandra Mahal' and 'Mubarak Mahal', both construction have extremely beautiful wall and pillars. The palace shows reflection of Rajput art. The palace was built between 1729 -1732 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber. 

 He was planned and built the outer walls of the City palace and after Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II later rulers added to the additional architecture to this palace. The city palace was built by chief architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya accordance with the Vaastushastra The urban layout of the city of Jaipur was commissioned to Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The architectural styles are largely based on a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European styles. City Palace, which was the home of the king Sawai Maan Singh, is different from all the forts of Jaipur which is having the art gallery, marble pillars and carved interiors in red stone.

 In today’s date the 'Chandra Mahal' has been turned into a historical museum where unique Rajasthani handcrafted products, various uniforms of the rulers and many more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace.

2. Jantar Mantar

 There are many astronomical observatories all over the world, but the Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest historical astronomical observatories which were built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The structure of Jantar Mantar was comes in reality in 1720's when the Jaipur was under the rule of Maharaja Jai Singh II.

 Maharaja Jai Singh II has great interest in astrology. The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered to be the largest of the five Indian astronomical observatories. It has the largest sundial. The name Jantar Mantar is derived from the Sanskrit words Yantra and Mantra means instruments and formula. Sanskrit is the one of the oldest language in India. All the historical literature in India is were written in either Sanskrit or paali.The Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory in Jaipur has various astrological instruments The Jaipur observatory was remain in function for only seven years. 

3. Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. Original name of this fort was Sudarshangarh. Nahargarh Fort was never attacked by other rulers, but this Fort creates a great protective cover for Jaipur city when the Maratha forces attacked Jaipur in the 18th century. Nahargarh Fort is Located in ranges of Aravalli mountain. This fort shows a replica Indo-European architecture and it is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is noted for its extended wall which connects it to the Jaigarh Fort. Nahargarh Fort has structure called Diwan-I-Aam where the king interacts with the people. Most attractive thing in the fort is the Madhavendra Bhawan built by Sawai Madho Singh. Madhavendra Bhawan has a two-storey building for the king and his twelve queens. Bhawan is divided into nine parts and each has a different rooms. This fort was renovated by Sawai Ram Singh in 1868.

4. Jaigarh Fort

 The Jaigarh Fort is a majestic stronghold built by Sawai Jai Singh II. This fort is surrounded by battlements and is connected to the other fort named Amber Fort with subterranean passages. Very few forts in India have this type of construction.

 The purpose behind to build this fort was to protect the Amber Fort and the palace within it. Architecture of the Jaigarh Fort is similar to the Amber Fort. The forts have the largest cannon on wheels; it also has a big assembly hall for the warrior who is known as 'Shubhat Niwas' now days there are a museum and an armory. The fort was also renowned for a huge treasure that was believed to be buried under the fort. It is now said that the government of Rajasthan seized the treasure when it was discovered in the 1970s. The Jaigarh Fort was built to secure Jaipur City and the Amber fort from warlords’ andrivals.The Jaigarh Fort is a built in the 18th century. The Jaigarh Fort became empire's main cannon foundry and also used as storage stronghold to stored ammunition for war at time of the Mughal empire. Later the Jaigarh fort was handed over to Maharaja Jai Singh II.

 The fort is built with thick walls of red sandstone and is spread over a vast range of 3 kilometers in length. This fort has various structures like the Aram Mandir, LaxmiVilas and Lalit Mandir. The fort has a well-tended beautiful garden. The Jaigarh fort was the strongest of the three forts in Jaipur and never conquered in battle. The Jaigarh Fort is a structure perched on the hills which is known as Cheel ka teela. This structure was designed by a talented architect called Vidhyadhar.

5. Amber Fort

 The Amber Fort situated in Amber approxymately11 kilometers from Jaipur. It is one of the most famous forts of Rajasthan. Amber was the capital before Jaipur. The place Amber in Rajasthan was once known as Dhundar and was ruled by the Kachhwahas from the 11th to the 16th century. Maharaja Man Singh built this fort in 1592 AD and Maharaja Jai Sigh I expanded and renovated it later. The Amber Fort shows influences of both traditional Hindu and Mughal architecture .This fort is also very popularly known as the Amber Palace. The amazing style of architect shows the richness of the culture. The Amber Fort was built in red sandstone and marble as like other fort of Rajasthan but additional thing called Maotha Lake include in this Fort.

 The fort is look very old from the exterior but it is beautiful from the inside and various structures like the Diwan-i-Aam, Sukh Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal. In each fort or palace one Diwan-i-Aam is there .This is only the place where the king solves the common man problems. This place is open for all the common people except this all other places in the fort or place are prohibited for common man. This fort also has the Ganesh Pol which is a gate to the private palaces of the kings. The Amber Fort has many pavilions and halls. While many such old structures have been either destroyed or replaced by other things, this fort has stood against all the tests of time and invasions.

6. Sisodia Rani Garden

 Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh is situated at 10 km from Jaipur city on Jaipur-Agra highway. Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 for his second queen Rani Sisodia. Before Marriage Rani Sisodia was princess of Udaipur. The layout of this royal garden is a mixture of traditional Indian and Mughal style .Sisodia Rani Garden has beautiful wall paintings of Radha-Krishna love story. This royal garden is having flowerbeds, water fountains. The Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh builds this royal garden for his beloved queen to serve as a perfect retreat place for her. The garden have with various trees, flowers. 

  

7. Hawa Mahal

 Hawa Mahal is one of the major tourist attractions spot in Jaipur and Located at the center of Jaipur city. Hawa Mahal is beautiful palace have five floors palace was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who belonged to Kachhwaha Rajput Empire. The Hawa Mahal is constructed in red and pink sandstone. Hawa Mahal has huge pyramidal in shape and it is having 953 windows called 'Jharokhas' in local language which are decorated with beautiful designs. Blowing winds in the Hawa Mahal to maintain temperature cool and does not allow hot winds to blow inside the Hawa Mahal. 

 The main intention behind the construction that Purdah system followed by the Rajputs. During those days, Rajput royal women did not appear in public or in front of strangers. It is for their benefit that the Hawa Mahal was built, with small windows and covered balconies. This gave the women a sense of freedom, without appearing in public.

8. Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal is a palace which is built in the middle of the man Sagar Lake. Jal Mahal also constructed in beautiful red stone. The outer walls of Jal Mahal reflect the mughal and Rajputs style architecture. Jal Mahal shares a special place in the category of amazing architectural ideas involved with the city Jaipur. The terraces of Jal Mahal having a small garden which look very similar to the garden exist at the Amer palace.

9. Birla Mandir

The Birla Mandir was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries of India. Birla Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and God Narayan. Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple locally. This beautiful temple is typically made by the pure quality marbles and decorated with gardens inside the temple. The Beautiful Hindu mythological themes are carved on marbles is catch tourist attraction.

Kerala

About Kerala

Kerala is state of India situated at southwest region of India. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It has its own unique culture & traditions .Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world growing at a rate of 13.31%.The tourism is a major contributor to the kerala state's economy.

Many people visit kerala every year from different regions of India & from other countries of world. Kerala is popular for its mountain ranges, forests, beaches& sanctuaries. The district Kochi contributes much in the total number of international & domestic tourists in kerala. Other attractions are beaches at Kovalam; Cherai & Varkala.There are many lake resorts around Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom & Alapuzha. There are hill stations & resorts at Munnar, Vagamon & Ponmudi. Sanctuaries at Periyar & Eravikulam National Park. Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram ,Hill & Mattancherry Palace are most visited by tourist.

To further promote tourism in kerala Grand kerala Shopping Festival was started by the Government of kerala has been held every year during the December-January. Kerala has a long sea coast line of 580 km.Kovalam beach situated near Thiruvananthapuram is the most visited beach in the kerala.

Attraction of KERALA:

Backwaters:

The backwaters were formed by the action of waves & shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range the "backwaters" region a network of rivers, lakes & canals that centre on Alleppey, Kumarakom, & Punnamada also seems beautiful.

The backwaters in kerala are a chain of brackish lagoons & lakes lying parallel to the Malabar Coast. House boats which are well known as Kettuvalam in local language rides in the backwaters are a major tourist attraction. Backwater tourism is centered mostly on Alappuzha kollam & Kumarakom. Boat races held during festival seasons. In this boat recess long boats are used which is operates by group of people. This is looking very nice that the group of people working together this is also a major tourist attraction in the backwater regions. The backwater network includes large lakes such as the Vembanad Lake being the largest among them, linked by 1500 km long canals, this is man-made canal fed by several rivers & extending virtually the entire length of kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves & shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.

Kalarippayattu (kerala marshal art):

Kalarippayattu the original martial art of Kerala had its origin from the “Dhanur Veda”. Parasurama one of the ten incarnations of the Lord Mahavishnu learned the lessons of this martial art from none other than Lord Shiva. Here are seven fighting methods described in the “Vasishta Samhita” (methods of martial arts formulated by the great Indian saint Vasishta).The kalarippayattu has adopted only five out of the total seven methods. The martial art by name kalari can be mainly divided in to two, kalarippayattu (the fighting techniques) & the kalari chikitsa (the healing methods).

Kalarippayattu:

The kalarippayattu martial art can further divided in to four.

1. Meythari. (This is physical methods of fighting) 

2. Kolthari. (This is methods of fighting with a round stick)

3. Ankathari. (This is fighting with weapons-knife, sword, churika)

4. Verum kai mura. (This is methods of fighting with bare hand)

Kalari

This process of healing techniques intended to cure the physical injuries which occur during practices like fractures, wounds, injuries to vital parts etc. Kalari healing is also a part of the curriculum. Various types of massaging like “sukha thirummu” (massage for relief), reksha thirummu (healing massage), chavitti thirummu(massage done by bare feet), various types of “kizhi applications” .kizhi is a cotton pouch in which various medicines mixed with oil are enclosed in slightly warm temperature. The kizhi is rubbed in to the body parts (the affected parts in particular).The oil mixed with medicines seep out & gets absorbed in to the body of the patient. This type of treatment is gaining wide popularity now a day.

During the longed period of British rule this art suffer much problems, as they banned this art. This ban has caused several methods to become lost due to non functioning of kalari.

TRADITION

Kerala’s traditional Dance

Kerala is home to a number of dance & art forms. Several dance forms which originated in Kerala are today popular worldwide especially the Kathakali dance form.Kathakali was originated over 500 years ago; Kathakali is a spectacular classical dance form of Kerala. It is a wonderful combination of drama, dance, music & spiritual. Kathakali is one of the oldest theater forms in the world. The word Kathakali made by two words ‘Katha’ means Story & 'kali' means Play. Thus Kathakali literally means combination of 'Story & Play'.The most important thing in that is ‘mudras’ or we can say that ‘expressions’ in Kathakali.

Aurangabad

Aurangabad city is a part of Maharashtra state. The city Aurangabad is named after the death of Emperor Aurangzeb initially this this city was known as fatehnagar. The city has many ancient places which have historical importance. Aurangabad is also known as a City of Gates. This city has many historic gates. Aurangabad has been declared as Tourism Capital of Maharashtra recently.Many tourist from asian countries visit aurangabad. Aurangabad is also one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Aurangabad is famous for windmills. There are many windmills across the city. Windmill is one of the major sources of electricity in Aurangabad.

Attractions of Aurangabad

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is about 3 km from the Aurangabad city.It is place of Aurangzeb's wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani alias Dilras Banu Begum. It is known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan due to its similar structure of the Taj Mahal at Agra.The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned typical Mughal Char-Bagh pattern increasing its beauty and excellent garden layout with ponds, fountains, water channels. Behind the Bibi Ka Maqbara there is a small archaeological museum.This mausoleum is believed to be constructed by son of Aurangzeb's Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother between 1651 and 1661.An inscription found on the main entrance door mentions that this mausoleum was designed and erected by Ata-ullah.The Taj Mahal and Bibi Ka Maqbara  both the structures are very similar but the reason behind the construction of them are different.The Taj Mahal was built in memory of a wife and Bibi Ka Maqbara was built in memory a mother.

Interior

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Entrance Gate

Panchakki (water mill)

In a 17th century water mill situated at a distance of 1 km from the city Aurangabad. The water mill is famous for its underground water channel, which traverses more than 8 km to its source away in the mountains. The channel culminates in an artificial waterfall that powers the mill. 

Gates in Aurangabad

One of the things that makes Aurangabad different from the several other cities in India are its 52 gates. Each of them  have individuals link with them and this is the reason Aurangabad is also known as the 'City of Gates’. Bhadkal Gate built by Malik Ambar in commemoration of his victory against the Mughals.

Chowk Masjid

Chowk Masjid was built by the Shayista Khan in 1655.The Masjid is the example of excellent Mughal architecture. This is one of the historic places in the Aurangabad.

Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary

Salim Ali Lake popularly known as Salim Ali Talab is located near Delhi Gate and Opposite to Salim Ali Lake Himayat Bagh is there. In the Mughal era it was known as Khiziri Talab. It has been renamed as Salim Ali. It also has a bird Sanctuary and a garden. 

Mysore

Mysore city situated in the state of Karnataka,India..This is city located at about 146 km from the state capital Bangalore.Mysore city is famous for the mysour Palace,St.philomena's Church, The Chamundeshwari Temple,Mysore Silk,Mysore Sandal and Mysore style painting.The Mysore silk having huge demand due to his high quality.This city was the location of the first private radio station in India.The people speak Kannada as local language and English.

Mysore Palace

The original Mysore palace was built of sandal wood,which burnt down in 1897 on the wedding occasion of the princess Jayalakshammanni,the eldest daughter of Chamaraja Wodevar Maharaja of Mysore.The Mysore palace was rebuilt in 1912 and the total cast of construction is around Rs.42 lakhs and this palace was redesigned by British architecture.The present Palace reflect the rajasthani architecture.This palace surrounded by large garden and pathway.Today this palace is converted into museum.

CHAMUNDESHWARI TEMPLE

The Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the oldest temple in india. Chamundeshwari Temple constructed in black stone.This historical Temple having very beautiful dravidian style architecture.This Temple having the gold stachu of lord Chamundeshwari. 

St.philomena's Church

Shri krishanarajendra wadiyar bahadur IV Maharaja of Mysore laid the foundation stone of St.Philomena's church on 28-10-1993.This shows the great heart of Maharaja Shri Krishanarajendra to words the other religion.This church is the indias highest church.The church is made up of strong black stone and having beautiful interior and exterior.

The National Park

Mysore zoo ,established in 1892.A popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts near Mysore is the Nagarhole National Park,The wild life sanctuaries at Melkote and the bird sanctuaries at Ranganathittu.Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai National Park, which are sancturies for lion,gaur,chital,giraffe,elephant & tigers lies between 64 km  to 97 km.

There are many lakes in Mysore.The Mysore having beautiful Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes these leaks are recreated as the old one was damaged.These lakes are famous and visited by domestic as well as foreign tourist.A short distance from the Mysore city t here is a Krishnarajasagar Dam and adjoining vrindavan Garden,where many people gather to watch the musical fountain show held in every evening.