India - Attractions

Delhi
Delhi is a city of many emperors, who have left behind great monuments, temples, tombs, mosques and forts. This city is divided into two parts: the ancient and the modern.
Old Delhi was planned and created by Shah Jahn in the seventh century. Must-see attractions include the spectacular Red Fort and Palace of Mughal Empire; Jama Masjid, the most elegant and impressive mosque in India; and the Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi.

Highlights of British-built New Delhi, the "Imperial City," include examples of traditional Moghul garden tombs: Humayun's Tomb, Safdarjung's Tomb, and the Qutub Mina. Akshardham Temple, an amazing pink sandstone complex spread over 100 acres brilliantly showcases Indian's history, art and culture. Among its many features are the Akshardham monument, a marvelous 141-foot marble structure reflecting ancient Indian architecture and featuring 234 carved pillars, nine domes and 20 pinnacles. Visitors will also enjoy Gajendra Peeth, with its 148 sculpted stone elephants. No visit to Askshardham is complete without taking in "Sanskruti Vihar," a boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian culture, which flourished along the banks of the river Sarasvati.

Agra
Agra's most famous landmark is the Taj Mahal, an astonishing monument inspired by love. The Taj Mahal combines the unique traditions of Indian Hindu and Persian Muslim architecture, resulting in a completely distinct and incredible art form. It was built for the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as a memorial to his favourite wife, who died at the age of 39 after they had been married for 19 years. It took more than 20 years to built his wife the most magnificent memorial on earth. The main structure, with its elegant spires and domes, is made of white marble. Reflecting pools and gardens encircles the red sandstone rampart. Inside the building is an astoundingly ornate burial chamber where Jehangir and his wife now rest, surrounded by jewels inlaid in white marble.

Another dazzling attraction near Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar in the late 1500s. Although abandoned a few years after it was constructed, it was a truly fairy tale city, and its ruins are still in a pristine condition.

Jaipur
Perhaps the most familiar landmark in Jaipur, also known as the "Pink City," is the Amber Fort. This red sandstone and white marble fortress palace is located on top of a hill. It presents a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, with its terraces and ramparts reflected in Maota Lake below. The palace walls are lined with paintings, carvings, precious stones and mirrors. As you move between the rooms, you can feel the history and visualize the grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.

Located in the heart of the walled city of Jaipur, the City Palace Complex gives you an idea of the incredible vision of the founder of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh, whose legacy includes some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture in the city. In addition to impressive gateways and temples, this landmark includes a museum where you can see the robes of royal princes, exquisite carpets, extensive weaponry collections and paintings portraying battle scenes and court scenes. City Palace, also known as " Moon Palace," is the official residence of the Royal family.

The most familiar landmark in Jaipur is Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. Its five-story facade overlooking one of the main streets is a remarkable example of Rajput architecture, with its delicate honeycombed windows. In the past, the ladies of the royal household stood at the windows, watching the activities on the street below without being observed themselves.

A less well-known but equally impressive Jaipur-area attraction is Jantar Mantar, a collection of astronomical observatories constructed in the early 1700s. The striking geometrical forms of the stone buildings dazzle architects to this day, and the complex instruments continue to provide fairly accurate information.

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