http://www.tourisminbharat.com India's largest portal of Tourism and Hotels - TourismInBharat.com en-us 2010 Tourism In Bharat Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:41:50 GMT Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:41:50 GMT 30 http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/mosques-in-delhi/begumpuri-masjid.aspx A narrow road by the side of Aurobindo Ashram (Delhi Branch), 15-km from Delhi on the Delhi-Mehrauli Road, now known as Sri Aurobindo Road, leads to the village of Begampur. Within the village is the Begampuri-Masjid, one of the seven mosques reputed to have been built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, Feroze Shah Tughluq #39;s prime minister. With a large courtyard, 94m by 88m, enclosed by arched cloisters on the sides and a three-aisle deep prayer-hall, the rubble-built structure of the mosque rises from a high plinth. Its corridors are pierced with gates on the north, south and east, with rows of windows on their either side, the last named gate functioning as the main entrance. The fa ccedil;ade of the prayer-hall is broken by twenty-four arched openings, the central one being the highest and flanked by tapering minarets in the Tughluq style The central compartment of the prayer... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:41:49 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/mosques-in-delhi/gumbad-masjid.aspx Gol Gumbad situated in Bijapur district of Karnataka is the second largest dome in the world. The Gol Gumbad is second in size only to St. Peter #39;s Basilica, Rome. The Gol Gumbad is 124 feet in diameter. The architecture of Gol Gumbad is unique in the sense that the four minarets themselves are the staircases, leading to the top dome. Gol Gumbad is truly an amazing architectural wonder as the dome stands unsupported by pillars. The most fascinating and remarkable feature of the Gol Gumbad is its acoustical system. Even the faintest whisper around the dome echoes several times. The gallery around the dome of the Gol Gumbad provides a wonderful view of the town. The most striking features of Gol Gumbad are the seven-storied octagonal spires at the four corners and the heavy bracketed cornice below the ramparts. The Gol Gumbad was built by Muhammad Adil Shah in the year 1656. Co... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:55:02 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/mosques-in-delhi/jama-masjid.aspx The Jama Masjid, in Delhi is the largest and glorious mosque in India. It was the last architectural extravaganza of the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan built in the year 1656 AD with the help of 5,000 craftsmen. It was made across the road from the Red Fort. The mosque is also known as Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means #39;mosque commanding view of the world #39;. The measurement of the mosque is 65 m X 35 m while the courtyard is forms an area of 100 n square. The mosque has the capacity to hold as many as 25,000 devotees. The Lal Qila or the Red Fort stand towards the east of the mosque. The Jama Masjid was designed as the main mosque of Shahjahan. It stands on one of the two hills, Bho Jhala in the Mughal capital, Shahjahanabad. The mosque has three gateways, four towers and two minarets. It is constructed with alternate use of vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. The ... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:06:28 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/museums-in-delhi/index.aspx Dolls Museum Craft Museum National Rail Museum Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:15:37 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/mosques-in-delhi/index.aspx Gumbad Masjid Begumpuri Masjid Fatehpuri Masjid Jama Masjid Khirki Masjid Quwwat ul Islam Masjid Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:09:15 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/tombs-in-delhi/index.aspx Humayun rsquo;s Tomb Jamali Kamali Tomb Alauddin Tomb Sultan Ghari rsquo;s Tomb Altamash Tomb Safdarjung #39;s Tomb Ghiyasuddin Tomb Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:17:36 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/tombs-in-delhi/alauddin-tomb.aspx On way to the masjid, a short distance away you rsquo;ll probably spot the tombs of Sheikh Alauddin (died 1541-42), descendant of the famous Sufi saint Shaikh Faridu rsquo;d-din Shakarganj and Shiekh Yusuf Qattal (died 1527) who was a disciple of Qazi Jalaluddin of Lahore. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:04:57 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/tombs-in-delhi/sultan-gharis-tomb.aspx Sultan Ghari was the first Islamic Mausoleum (tomb) built in 1231 AD for Prince Nasiru #39;d-Din Mahmud, eldest son of Iltumish, in the ldquo;funerary landscape of Delhi rdquo; in the Malakapur village (near Vasant Kunj). Iltumish was the first Sultan of the Slave Dynasty who ruled in Delhi from 1210 to 1236 A.D. The area where the Ghari (meaning: cave) tomb is situated, was part of the first city of medieval Delhi known as the Slave Dynasty that ruled during the period 1206 to 1290.This area is now part of the Qutb complex. The Slave Dynasty was the forerunner under the early Delhi Sultanate that ruled from 1216 to 1516. This dynastic city was followed by creation of other five cities of Delhi ruled by different dynastic rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, namely, the Khilji dynasty (1290-1320), the Tughlaq dynasty (1320-1413), the Sayyid dynasty (1414-51), and the Lodi dynasty (1451-1... Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:41:03 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/andaman-nicobar-tourism/index.aspx Andaman And Nicobar State Guide providing information on Andaman And Nicobar tourist Attractions Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:41:14 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/tombs-in-delhi/ghiyasuddin-tomb.aspx South to the fortress of Tughlaqabad is the tomb of its builder, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. A once fortified causeway lead to the tomb compound, which at one time stood within a large reservoir. Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq was obviously a man of set ideas ndash; while he was about fortifying everything in sight, he fortified his tomb as well. What against is hard to say; probably Mongols who took the term happy hunting grounds too literally. The reservoir is no longer stores any water and the bridge over it has been broken off in the middle to make way for an extremely busy road. The tomb is based roughly on a pentagon in plan and its entrance is guarded by massive portals. The mausoleum itself is very simple, very much the warrior #39;s tomb. Simple with the same sloping red sandstone walls which are Tughlaq hallmarks. Each wall has arched gateways decorated with the inevitabl... Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:55:20 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/temples-in-delhi/lotus-temple.aspx In the heart of New Delhi, a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city #39;s inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionising the concept of worship. This is the Bah aacute; #39; iacute; Mashriqu #39;l-Adhkar, better known as the quot;Lotus Temple quot;. With the dawning of every new day, an ever-rising tide of visitors surges to its doorsteps to savour its beauty and bask in its serenely spiritual atmosphere. Since its dedication to public worship in December 1986, this Mother Temple of the Indian sub-continent has seen millions of people cross its threshold, making it one of the most visited edifices in India. From its high-perched pedestal, this #39;Lotus #39; casts its benevolent glance over vast green lawns and avenues covering an expanse of 26 acres of land. Its soothingly quiet Prayer Hall and tranquil... Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:02:13 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/forts-in-delhi/tughlaqabad-fort.aspx Tughlaqabad was a magnificent fort when built by Ghiasuddin Tughlaq in 1324. But soon after his death is became a deserted, haunted place. Why was the third fort of Delhi Abandoned? As you drive down the road forking left of the Qutab Minar gate, passing through the line of village markets, institutional area and vast rocky stretches, you will see the huge bastions and battlements of Tughlaqabad fort towering over the landscape. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq of Tughlaq Shah built this fort within four years between 1321 and 1324. It contained a vast number of buildings, mosques, palaces, towers, tanks surrounded by mammoth bastions. In fact Ghiyasuddin had selected this site for the fort when he was a mere soldier. Ibn Batuta, the Moroccan traveler-chronicler, mentions that Ghiyasuddin had said to Mubarak Shah Khilji, lsquo;O master of the world, it were fitting that a cit... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:00:59 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/forts-in-delhi/red-fort.aspx Introduction The largest monument of Old Delhi #39;s is Lal Quila or Red Fort whose thick red sandstone walls, bulging with turrets and bastions, have withstood the vagaries of time and nature. The Lal Quila rises above a wide dry moat in the northeast corner of the original city of Shahjahanabad. Its walls extend from two kilometers and vary in height from 18 metres on the river side to 33 metres on the city side. Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and work was completed in 1648. The fort contains all the expected trappings of the centre of Mughal government: halls of public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the fort remains an impressive testimony to Mughal grandeur, despite being attacked by the Persian Emperor Nadir Shah in 1739 and b... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:41:40 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/tombs-in-delhi/safdarjungs-tomb.aspx Safdarjung #39;s tomb was built in 1753 by Shuja ud duallah as a tribute to his father #39;s memory. Safdurjung, whose original name was Mirza Muquim Abul Mansur Khan was the governor of the province of Awadh under the reign of Muhammad Shah and was later made the ruler #39;s prime minister. It is probably the only construction in Delhi that speaks of the same grandeur of Mughal art during and previous to the rule of Aurangzeb. Situated at the head of the Lodi road the tomb emits the glow of the Mughal era. Safdarjung #39;s Tomb is one of the few buildings built during the last span of the Mughal era. The plan of the tomb structure is similar to that of the Humayun #39;s tomb over an area of 300 sq. mtrs. Two graves of are located in the tomb, one that of Safdarjung #39;s and the other of his wife. The chambers in the tomb are essentially rectangular in shape ex... Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:46:54 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/tombs-in-delhi/altamash-tomb.aspx Altamash is widely regarded as the real founder of the Delhi sultanate and had a very successful reign. His tomb was built in 1235 and is quite an interesting example of Islamic architecture in India. It marks the phase when the sultans had stopped spare parts from broken temples for their buildings. The building was made from foundation up and not assembled. It seems that there had been plans to cover the tomb chamber with a dome, as is obvious from the squinches which make their first appearance in this building. It is said, once the dome fell but was replaced by Feroze Shah Tughlaq and then again fell down, beating even his patience for it was not replaced. Inside the tomb there are three mihrabs (prayer niches). The central one of these is located higher than the other two and is profusely decorated with marble. The tomb itself is quite simple, but its entrance ... Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:24:58 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/profile/index.aspx Administration Tourism Tourist Places amp; Attractions Forts amp; Monuments Forts in Delhi Red Fort Purana Qila Tughlaqabad Fort Nai ka Kot Ruins Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:53:09 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/tombs-in-delhi/humayun-tomb.aspx Humayun died in 1556, and his widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of Persian architecture during his exile, and he himself is likely to have planned the tomb, although there is no record to that effect. The tomb was constructed at a cost of 15 lakh rupees (1.5 million). Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian, was the architect employed by Haji Begam for this tomb. The tomb proper stands in the centre of a square garden, divided into four main parterres by causeways (charbagh), in the centre of which ran shallow water-channels. The high rubble built enclosure is entered through two lofty double-storeyed gateways on th... Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:50:21 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/tombs-in-delhi/jamali-kamali-tomb.aspx Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb located in the Archeological Village complex in Mehrauli, Delhi, comprise two monuments adjacent to each other, one is the mosque and the other is the tomb of two persons with the names Jamali and Kamali. Jamali ( lsquo;Jamali rsquo; in Urdu language orginates from #39;Jamal #39; which means ldquo;beauty rdquo;) was the pseudo name given to Shaikh Fazlu rsquo;llah, also known as Shaikh Jamali Kamboh or Jalal Khan, a renowned Sufi Saint who lived during the pre-Mughal dynasty rule of the Lodi rsquo;s (Sikander Lodi to the Mughal Dynasty rule of Babur and Humayun), and he was greatly regarded. Kamali was an unknown person but associated with Jamali and his antecedents have not been established. Their names are tagged together as quot;Jamali Kamali quot; for the mosque as well as the tomb since they are buried adjacent to each other. The mosque and the to... Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:20:26 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/history/index.aspx The Indian capital city of Delhi has a long history, including a history as the capital of several empires. The earliest architectural relics date back to the Maurya Period (c. 300 BC); since then, the site has seen continuous settlement. In 1966, an inscription of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (273-236 BC) was discovered near Srinivaspuri, which is near Noida. Two sandstone pillars inscribed with the edicts of Ashoka were brought to the city by Firuz Shah Tughluq in the 14th century. The famous Iron pillar near the Qutub Minar was commissioned by the emperor Kumara Gupta I of the Gupta dynasty (320-540) and transplanted to Delhi during the 10th century. Eight major cities have been situated in the Delhi area. The first four cities were in the southern part of present-day Delhi. According to Indian folklore, Delhi was the site of the magnificent and opulent Indraprastha, capital of... Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:47:19 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/index.aspx Origine of Name Delhi The name Delhi may be derived from the word #39;Dhillika #39;, though there are other theories. According to Satyarth Prakash (1875) of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Raja Dhilu founded ancient Delhi in 800 BC, however it is not supported by any older texts. It was the name of the first medieval township of Delhi, located on the southwestern border of the present Delhi, in Mehrauli. This was the first in the series of seven medieval cities. It is also known as Yoginipura, that is, the fortress of the yoginis. It gained importance during the time of Ananga Pala Tomar. In the 12th century, the city was included in the dominions of Prithviraj Chauhan. Pasanaha Chariu of Vibudh Shridhar (VS 1189-1230) an Apabhramsha writer, provides the first reference to the legend of the origin of the name Dhilli for Delhi. Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:49:44 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/temples-in-delhi/index.aspx Birla Mandir Temple Kali Bari Mandi Temple Kalkaji Temple Lotus Temple Akshar Dham Temple Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:22:30 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/temples-in-delhi/akshar-dham.aspx The sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham complex spread over 30 acres on the banks of the Yamuna near Noida Mor in East Delhi. Swaminarayan Akshardham reflects the essence and magnitude of India #39;s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spirituality. The main monument, depicting ancient Indian quot;vastu shastra quot; and architecture, is a marvel in pink sandstone and white marble that is 141 feet high, 316 feet wide and 370 feet long with 234 ornate pillars, over 20,000 sculptures and statues of deities, eleven 72-foot-high huge domes (mandapams) and decorative arches. And like a necklace, a double-storied parikrama of red sandstone encircles the monuments with over 155 small domes and 1,160 pillars. The whole monument rises on the shoulders of 148 huge elephants with 11-feet tall panchdhatu statue of Swaminarayan presiding over the structure. The other attract... Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:13:51 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/temples-in-delhi/kalka-mandir.aspx The temple is dedicated to goddess Kalka or Kali who is an incarnation of goddess Durga. The temple is situated near the Okhla industrial estate just in front of the famous Bah aacute; #39; iacute; Lotus Temple. Devotees attend the temple throughout the year but the culmination point of the celebration comes during the festival of Navratri. This is a nine-day festival, during which a large fair is organized here. These fairs are the Indian version of carnivals that is full with the commotion of hawkers and children. Small groups singing various hymns and songs praising goddess Durga, accompany them. Very little is left of the original temple, built almost 3000 years ago, due to invasion and razing by Mughals.[citation needed]. It is also said that Pandavas and Kauravas came here to pray to the almighty. However, a very small portion of the original structure built in the year 17... Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:08:02 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/temples-in-delhi/kali-bari-mandir.aspx Kali Bari MandirA stone rsquo;s throw from Birla Mandir to the right is the much smaller but quite popular temple devoted to the Goddess Kali. Especially dear to the Bengali community of Delhi, Kali Bari Mandir in Delhi is the centre of celebration during the festival of Durga Puja held every October. Since Kali is believed to be the manifestation of Durga in her most terrifying, warlike avatar, liquor is offered to the goddess in this temple. The Kali Bari Mandir is rather small and very simple in design. From within the temple grows a huge peepul tree that pierces through the ceiling to shade the temple. The peepul is considered sacred by Hindus and red threads are tied around its bark when beseeching a boon. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:48:28 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/temples-in-delhi/birla-mandir.aspx Popularly known as the Birla Mandir, it is the first of the temples built across the country by the industrial family of Birla. Located just off Connaught Place on Mandir Marg, it is dedicated to Vishnu, the second of the Hindu Trinity of creator-preserver-destroyer, and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Built in 1938, famous Birla Mandir in Delhi was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Indian Nation) on the express condition that people of all castes and especially untouchables would be allowed in. (Refer to section People). Consequently a plaque at the gate reiterates that people of all faiths and classes are welcome. Till date, it remains one of the most popular temples in Delhi. Birla Mandir is also famous for the festival of Janmashtami (birth of the Hindu deity Krishna). The festival is celebrated here with much goodwill and cheer. The temple is d... Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:43:17 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/forts-in-delhi/index.aspx Red Fort Purana Qila Tughlaqabad Fort Qila I Kuhna Mosque Nai ka Kot Ruins Sher Mandal Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:24:41 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/forts-in-delhi/sher-mandal_nai-ka-kot-ruins.aspx Sher Mandal The Sher Mandal stands to the south of the mosque. This double-storeyed octagonal tower of red sandstone with steep stairs leading up to the roof. The structure was intended to be higher than its existing height but the work was stopped due to the untimely death of Sher Shah. It was built by Sher Shah and was used as a library by Humayun after he recaptured the fort. It is also one of the first observatories of delhi. The first being in Pir Gharib at Hindu Rao at Ridge built in 14th century by Firoz shah Tughlaq.The tower is topped by an octagonal chhatri supported by eight pillars and decorated with white marble. Inside there are remnants of the decorative plaster-work and traces of stone-shelving where, presumably, the emperor #39;s books were placed. This was also the tragic spot where, on 24 January 1556 Humayun slipped while on his way to the evening namaz, fell... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:14:33 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/forts-in-delhi/qila-i-kuhna-mosque.aspx The single-domed Qila-i-Kuna Mosque, built by Sher Shah in 1541 is an excellent example of a pre-Mughal design, and an early example of the extensive use of the pointed arch in the region as seen in its five doorways with the #39;true #39; horseshoe-shaped arches. It was designed as a Jami Mosque, or Friday mosque for the Sultan and his courtiers. The prayer hall inside, the single-aisled mosque, measures 51.20m by 14.90m and has five elegant arched prayer niches or mihrabs set in its western wall. Marble in shades of red, white and slate is used for the calligraphic inscriptions on the central iwan, marks a transition from Lodhi to Mughal architecture. At one time, the courtyard had a shallow tank, with a fountain. A second storey, accessed through staircases from the prayer hall, with a narrow passage running along the rectangular hall, provided space for female cour... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:07:55 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/forts-in-delhi/purana-qila-delhi.aspx Purana Qila, situated on the banks of Yamuna, is associated with Mughal emperor Humayun. It is where Humayun #39;s capital Din Panah was located. Later it was renovated and named Shergarh by first Afghan emperor of India, Sher Shah Suri. Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in 1540, and renamed the fort as Shergarh, and also added several more structures in the complex, during his reign that lasted for the next five years until his death in 1545. Subsequently Islam Shah took over the reigns of North India from this fort, but later shifted his capital to Gwalior, as it was supposed to be a safer capital in that period. After Islam Shah #39;s death in 1553, Adil Shah took the charge of North India, and this fort remained neglected. Adil Shah shifted his capital to further east to Chunar in present day Uttar Pradesh. Humayun, who was based in Kabul got an opportu... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:51:47 GMT http://www.tourisminbharat.com/delhi-tourism/tourism/index.aspx Forts in Delhi Red Fort Purana Qila Tughlaqabad Fort Nai ka Kot Ruins Temples in Delhi Birla Mandir Kali Bari Mandir Kalkaji Temple Lotus Temple Akshardham Temple Tombs in Delhi Humayun rsquo;s Tomb Jamali Kamali Tomb Alauddin Tomb Sultan Ghari rsquo;s Tomb Altamash Tomb Safdarjung #39;s Tomb Ghiyasuddin Tomb Mosques in Delhi Gumbad Masjid Begumpuri Masjid Fatehpuri Masjid Jama Masjid Khirki Masjid Quwwat-ul ndash; Islam Masjid Colonial Architecture India Gate Supreme Court Parliament House Rashtrapati Bhavan Museums in Delhi Dolls Museum Craft Museum National Rail Museum Other Place in Delhi Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Chandni Chowk Raj Ghat Shanti Va... Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:05:27 GMT