Eternal India Encyclopedia

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Eternal India encyclopedia

Ghana Bird Sanctuary — 54km from Bharatpur, Rajasthafi; Best Time - Oct - Feb; Access - (A) Agra (R) Agra; Desc. - One of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world covering an area of 52kms. Home to 328 kinds of birds, 117 of which come from as far away as China and Siberia. The rare Siberian crane can be seen here during Dec-Jan. Amber Fort — Jaipur, Rajasthan; Best Time - Oct-Mar; Access - (A) Jaipur (R) Jaipur; Desc. - This 16th century fortress-palace is a superb example of Rajput architecture built on a hillside over- looking a lake which reflects the terraces & ramparts. It has me world's best chamber of mirrors. I . Pinjore Gardens — Haryana; Best Time - Oct-March; Access - (A) Chandigarh -20 km from Chandigarh (R) Chandigarh; Desi . - Developed in the 17th Century it is famous for its epic connection. According to the Mahabharata, thePandavas spent some time at Pinjore during their exile. The charming Mughal terraced gardens were developed in the 17th century. Best Time - Oct-April; Access - (A) Jorhat 97km (R) Furketing-72km The rare one- horned rhino, elephant, swamp bison, tiger and many more species of animals and birds can be seen here It covers an area of 430 sq km of forests, grasslands, marshes and pools. Chandigarh - Best Time - Oct-Mar; Access - (A) Chandigarh (R) Chandigarh; Desc. - A well - planned and laid out city designed by the French architect Le Corbusier. Best Time - Oct- March; Access - (A) Chandigarh (R) Chandigarh; Dexc. - Con- crete maze with a lot of rocks and gardens. Access - (A) Amritsar, Delhi (R) Delhi (Ro) Amritsar and Delhi (447 km), Chandigarh (235 km). Salar Jung Museum — Hyderabad; Best Time - July-March; Access - (A) Hyderabad (R) Hyderabad; Desc. - A unique one - - man collections of invaluable antiques. Bodhgaya — Bihar; Best Time - Oct-March; Access - (A) Patna 13km from Gaya, (R) 220km from Varanasi & 458km from Cal- cutta; Desc. - There are four places sacred to Buddha. Lumbini in Nepal, where he was born, Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh where he first preached his message, Kushinagar near Ghorakhpur where he died and Bodhgaya where he attained en- lightenment. The Mahabodhi temple at Bodhgaya contains a co- lossal gilded image of the Buddha. Sun Temple — Konarak, Orissa; Best Time - Oct-Mar; Access - (A) Bhubansewar (R) Puri, 40 miles from Bhubaneswar and 139 miles from Puri; Desc. - Crowning glory of Oriya temple art. Constructed in the 13th century, the Sun Temple was built in the shape of a chariot for the Sun god, Surya. Around the base of the temple are 24 gigantic carved stone wheels. Seven mighty horses pull the temple. The immense structures have figures and bass reliefs, many of them erotic. The temple took 12 years to com- plete with 1200 sculptors working on it Kaziranga National Park — Assam; Nekchand Rock Garden — Chandigarh; Golden Temple — Amritsar, Punjab;

immortality. The nectar was being borne to heaven in a pitcher by Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, but the demons wanted a share. After a struggle lasting 12 days the gods emerged victori- ous and drank the nectar. During the fight for the possession of the pitcher (or Kumbh), four drops spilt on the earth at Allahabad. Hardwar, Nasik and Ujjain. In memory of this the Kumbh Mela is observed at these four sacred places in rotation, once in three years, over a 12-year-period. Millions of devotees come from far and near. Desc. - A special weekly tourist train service from Delhi covers Rajasthan. The carriages in the train used to belong to various Maharajas. Mt. Abu — Rajasthan; Best Time - Mar-June, Oct-Nov; Access - (R) Abu Road (27 km); Desc. - Only hill station in Rajasthan. Naature has bestowed scenic beauty lavishly on the town of Mt. Abu and man has contributed a good deal to fill in the deficiency; Places of Interest - Dilwara temples, Sunset Point, Gaumukh, Achaleshwar temple, the Nakki lake. City Palace — Jaipur, Rajasthan; Best Time - Oct-March 'Access - (A) Jaipur (R) Jaipur; Desc. - A blend of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture, the museum has an extensive collection of art, car- pets and enamel ware. The armoury has a collection of guns and swords dating back to the 15th century. Jama Masjid — Delhi; Access (A) Delhi (R) Delhi; Desc. - This great mosque of old Delhi is the largest in India accommodating upto 29,000 worshippers. Built by Shah Jahan. Hawa Mahal — Jaipur, Rajasthan; Best Time - Oct-Mar; Access - (A) Jaipur (R)Jaipur; Desc. - The Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, is the landmark of Jaipur, capital city of Rajasthan. A pink sandstone structure, five stories high, it has semi-octagonal overhanging windows, each with a perforated screen. The total effect is one of lightness and delicacy. Palace on Wheels — Rajasthan; Throughout the year; Access - (A) 185 km from Udaipur, Ahme- dabad (222km) (R) Abu; Desc. - These temples built between the 11th & 13th Century and dedicated to the Jain Thirthankaras are famous for the rich and intricate carvings in marble. Lake City of Udaipur — Udaipur, Rajasthan ; Best Time - Throughout year except during summer April-June; Access - (A) Udaipur (R) Udaipur; Desc. - Udaipur has been described as the most romantic city in India. A city of glittering palaces, the largest of which stand on the shores of Lake Pichola, an artificial lake created in the 14th century. The Jag Niwas Palace built on an isjand in the middle of the lake is now a luxury hotel. Jag Mandir is another island palace. Other lakes in the neighbourhood, all artificial, are joined to it by canals. Ranthambor Tiger Park — Rajasthan; Best Time - Nov-May; Access - (A) Jaipur (R) Jaipur (160 kms); Desc. - Natural habitat for tigers, spread over an area of 400sq km set in the Aravalli and Vindhya hills dotted with pavilions dominated by the Ranthambor fort. Plenty of tigers and other animals to be seen in a very pictur- esque setting. Dilwara Jain Temple — Rajasthan Mt.Abu;5e, Time -