સોમવાર, 30 એપ્રિલ, 2012

HISTORICAL PLACES IN GUJARAT


Beautiful rivers, sandy beaches, lively temples, ancient cave paintings, natural caves, colorful fairs, fun-filled festivals, artistic and historical museums, and a powerful Industrial sector and historical murals Welcoming the tourists you to Gujarat in the western part of India.
Ahmedabad
Gandhi Ashram - AhmedabadThe former capital of Gujarat, Ranked 3rd in Forbes 2010 list for the World’s fastest growing cities, Ahmedabad is the administrative centre of the state. Ahmedabad was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah on 22nd February, 1411. Here you can see a mix of Hindu craftsmanship and Islamic architecture in the historical monuments. Victoria Gardens, Kankaria Lake, Gandhi Aashram, Bhadra Fort, Sidi Sayed Mosque, Akshardham Temple and Vaishnodevi Temple, Jama Masjid, Parimal Garden in Ellis Bridge area, Shri Swaminarayan Temple. Also a splendid sight of Sabarmati River and the adjoining bridges can be enjoyed from the coastal areas of the city of Ahmedabad.
Surat
Suvali beach SuratSituated on the banks of Tapti River, Surat is another commercial capital of the state, known for its textile and diamond business. The Chintamani Jain Temple, exquisite in its wooden carvings and paintings is a place of huge interest and the ancient Dutch gardens is a famous attraction. You can also find a lot of beaches in Surat city like Suvali, Hazira and Dandi beach, where one can enjoy the peace and isolation, away from the city hustle-bustle or you can enjoy the charm and beauty of a hill station, in Saputara on the Sahyadri hills.
Gandhinagar
Akshardham Temple GandhinagarGandhinagar is the biggest city in Gujarat and it is the capital city as well. This city is well planned and named after Mahatma Gandhi and to reach here you need to travel only 23-25 km from Ahmedabad. The places of interest here are, Akshardham Temple, Adalaj Ni Vav, Sarita Udyan, Deer Park (Indroda Park), Dinosaurs Park and Punit van-a botanical garden.
Vadodara
Lakshmi Vilas Palace BarodaFormerly known as Baroda,famous as the cultural capital of the state, the city of Vadodara is located on the banks of River Vishwamitri. The few best places that one can see in Baroda are the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, famous for its Venetian mosaic-floor, Belgium stained glass windows and delicate decorative work on the walls. One section of the palace has been transformed into a museum , where various art works belonging to the Royal family are displayed along with the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.
Patan
Rani ki Vav PatanThis district is located in North Gujarat and surrounded by Banaskantha district, Mehsana district, Surendranagar district and Kutch District. Established in 2000, the tourist sites which you can visit here are Rani ki Vav, Bhimdev, sahasralinga talav, Mahavir Swami Derasar and Siddhapur.
Jamnagar
Lakhota Fort and-lakeEarlier known as Nawanagar and later substantially built by Maharaja Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji in 1920, this city is also known as Oil City of India. Located at the south of Gulf of Kiutch there are various places to see like Darbargadh Palace, Lakhota Fort and lake, Willingdon Crescent, Pratap Vilas Palace, Kotha Bastion and Bhujio Kotho.
Pavagadh
Mahakali Temple PavagadhFamous for the Mahakali Temple, Pavagadh attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. It is the gateway to Panchmahal and influenced by the tribal group of Bhils. The places to visit here are Machi Haveli, Raval Palace and Dudhia Tala.
Champaner
champaner pavagadhOnly 47 km from Vadodara this is a historical city of Gujarat and founded by Vanraj Chavda in the 8th century. The award winning film Laagan was shot in one of the village in Champaner. Here you can see three fortification bases Champaner, Pavagadh and Machi. The other places to see are Gates Halol gate, Delhi gate, Chhota Udepur, Jambu Ghoda and Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Saputara
Gira falls-saputaraThe hill resort located in the Sahyadri Range, Saputara means The Abode of Serpents. As per the Hindu mythology, Lord Ram spent his 11 years of exile in the dense forests of Saputara. There is a deity of a serpent (snake) placed on the banks of the river Sarpaganga. Local tribal folks pay worship to this serpent god and celebrate festivals like Holi. Here you can visit Vansda National park, Purna Sanctuary, Gira falls and Mahal Bardipura forest.
Rajkot
Along the bank of Aji and Nyari River, Rajkot is the fourth largest city in Gujarat. Its a very important tourist destination as well. There are many important places that you can visit during your trip o the city of Rajkot. Watson Museum RajkotThis is because the city of Rajkot is deeply immersed in the local culture, and there are also many monuments and museums of public interest in Rajkot. There are several landmarks, which makes the city unique by itself, like Kaba Gandhi’s Gate, which is Mahatma Gandhi’s old ancestral home. This was built during 1880 and stands tall till date. This house has now been converted into a museum, Watson Museum, Lang Library, Gebanshah Pir Dargah, Hashanshah Pir Dargah and Turkibapu’s Dargah, Jagat Mandiris a very beautiful temple that is dedicated to Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa..
Dwarka
Dwarakadhish Temple - DwaraIt is believed that Dwarka is the dwelling place of Lord Krishna. Situated along the coast of Arabian Sea, the Dwarakadhish Temple is the main attraction of the Dwarka, Temple is rich in architectural value because of various sculptures and carved pillars. Here you can also see the convergence of River Gomti and Arabian Sea.
Bhavnagar
NeelamBag PalaceBhavsinhji Gohil founded this city in 1723 AD and today it is an important tourist destination. 228 km away from the capital city, Bhavnagar is the fifth largest city of Gujarat. The main tourist attraction here are Takhteshwar Temple, Neelambag Palace and Bhav Vilas Palace.
Junagadh
Uparkot FortAt the foothills of Girnar Hills the natural beauty of the city attracts tourist to enjoy the place. The places of interest here are Somnath, Girnar, Ashok Shilalekh, Sakkarbaug Zoo and Narsinh Mehta No Choro.
Uparkot
Five kilometers from Junagadh this location is visited by tourist for pilgrimage purpose. Here you can see Buddhist Stupas of 500-700 AD. The fort built by the Rajput on the Uparkot Hill is a beautiful creation.
Porbandar
Sri Hari Mandir-PorbandarPorbandar is mainly a coastal city that is well known among tourists, famous as the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi, gandhi house. The places to visit here are Sudama Mandir, Shri Hari Mandir, Ram Krishna Mission, Ram Dhoon Mandir, Rana Bapu’s Mahal and Chowpati.
Bhuj
Aina  Mahal ( mirror palace) BhujAt an elevation of 360 ft, Bhuj is the gateway to Kutch. Bhuj is known for its palaces built in the traditional Kutchi architectural styles. Among them, the Aina Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors is the most famous and one of its main highlights. Wildlife sanctuaries like Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary are the major tourist attractions here.
Sarnath
Chaukhandi Stupa sarnathNear to the port town in Junagadh, Sarnath is a famous as a pilgrimage center. The major tourist sites here are Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar and Sarnath Archeological Museum. The Chaukhandi Stupa is thought originally to have been built as a terraced temple during the Gupta period between the 4th to 6th Century to mark the site where Lord Buddha and his first disciples met traveling from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath. Later Govardhan, the son of a Raja, modified the stupa to its present shape by building the octagonal tower to commemorate the visit of Humayun, the powerful Mughal ruler.

Lakhota Fort & Kotha Bastion (JAMNAGAR)


In the centre of old Jamnagar, on an island in the middle of the lake, are two superb old structures: the Lakhota Fort and the Kotha Bastion.
Lakhota Fort is Jamnagar's Museum and its terraces exhibit a very well collection of sculpture that spans a time from the 9th to 18th Century. The Kotha Bastion is Jamnagar's arsenal. One of its most attractive places of interest is an old well, the water of which can be tense by blowing into a little hole in the floor.    



Bhujia Hill Fort










At a short distance from Bhuj town is the hill fort of Bhujia, the top surrounded by a parapet wall of no great strength, entered by one gate, and enclosing an irregular area with a few scattered buildings. The fort was built by Rao Godji as a sort of out-work defense for Bhuj. It was completed during Maharao Desalji's reign when the hill was crowned with its Snake Temple and was fortified as a further aid to the defense of the capital.


Snake Domain
At one corner is a small square tower dedicated to 'Bhujang Nag' (snake) said to have been the brother of 'Shesh Nag'- Lord of the under world ('Patal'), who came from Than of Kathiawar and freed Kachchh from the oppression of demons known as 'daityas' and 'rakshasas'. To commemorate this event, an annual fair is held on the fort-hill on the Nag Panchami day (Shravan Sun 5, August).




ENTRY 
Bhujia Hill fort is now under the jurisdiction of Indian Army. So it is strictly prohibited to enter in on any day except on the day of Nag Panchami fair.

શનિવાર, 28 એપ્રિલ, 2012

Aina Mahal


Location : Kachchh, Gujarat. Built By : Roa Lakhpatji. Built In: 18th Century. Main AttractionHall of Mirrors. mahal) Bhuj.


The last ruler of Kutch Maharao Madansinhji established the "Maharao of Kutch Aina Mahal Trust on 1st January, 1977. Aina Mahal means a mirror palace. It was created by the artists Ramsinh & Gaidhar Devshi in the period of Maharao Lakhpatji (1752-61). In 1757, Rao Lakhpatji visited the emperor Alamgir in Delhi. He was graced with the title of Mahi Maratib. He welcomed foreigners in his court. Fortune brought him a man named Ramsingh malam who specialized in Kutchi architecture, enamel work, jewellery, tile work and interior decoration. The great master piece of Ramsingh is the Hall of Mirrors in the Aina Mahal. The walls are white marble covered with mirror which are separated by gilded ornaments. The hall is lit by elaborate pendant candelabra with shades of Venetian glass. The hall of mirrors is on the second floor of the Aina Mahal but Ramsingh devised ingenious pumps and siphons to raise up water to fill the pleasure pool and to operate fountains which cast spray in an intricate variety of patterns charming the eye and cooling the air. The small state apartment, carpeted with exquisite Kutchi silk embroidery, its walls paneled high with the same priceless fabrics still contains Maharao Lakhpatji's bed. The hall is filled with a miscellaneous collection of objects; a Dutch Clock, English and French celestial globes, some antique pictures, mechanical toys, glass and china. On the walls of the corridor are a variety of pictures, some European and many Indian. The Aina Mahal alone cost eight million kories and was only one of the many enterprises which the Maharao and Ramsingh undertook together.
HALL OF MIRRORS
Aina Mahal, Aina Mahal historical, Aina Mahal travel, Aina Mahal tourism, Aina Mahal tourThe real attraction here, though, is the Hall of Mirrors, created by the master artisan, Ram Singh Malam, under the patronage of his poet-ruler, Maharao Shri Lakhpatji around the middle of the 18th century. A blend of Indian and European artistry (Ram Singh acquired, his skills in Europe), the walls of the great hall are of white marble covered by mirrors separated by gilded ornaments, lighting being provided by elaborate candelabra, with shades of Venetian glass. It has a platform above it surrounded by a series of fountains operated by an elaborated system of pumps below a Venetian chandelier. Another remarkable feature is the pleasure pool, in the middle of which rises a square platform where the Maharao composed his poems and gave encouragement to the classical arts of dancing girls, bards and musicians.


HISTORYCAL PLACES IN GUJARAT Adalaj Vav


Location : 18 Kms North of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Meaning : Step Well. Built By : Ruda, Wife Of Vaghela Chief Virsinh. Built In : 15/16th Century AD.
Adalaj is a village 18 kms to the north of Ahmedabad . The 'Vav' (step-well) at Adalaj derives its name from the lady patron, Ruda, wife of the Vaghela chief, Virsinh; who built it in the 15th or 16th century AD. The 'Vav', laid out in the north-south direction, the step well with the well in the north and the entrance in the south, has a total extent of 75.3 meters. It is the only major monument of its kind, having three entrance stairs leading to the stepped hall. These three entrances assemble in the first storey, underground, in a huge square platform. The platform has an octagonal opening on the top.
The Structure
The platform rests on 16 pillars, eight on the corners, and two in front of each Adalaj Vav, Adalaj Vav historical, Adalaj Vav travel, Adalaj Vav tourism, Adalaj Vav Historical Placemain side. Four built-in shrines, with doors, windows and balconies, mark the four corners of the platform. The stepped corridor begins from this square platform. The corridor is entirely surrounded by a one-meter high ramparts wall with a rounded topping. It descends with four pavilion towers for five storeys. The walls of the 'Vav' are veritable showcases of sculptures and ornamentation. The sculptures range from a king sitting on a stool under a parasol, to erotic scenes; and from ladies churning buttermilk to dancing girls. The frames of the doors around the entrances of the twisting staircases to the octagonal shaft are surrounded by a 'parikrama', which is an enlarged version of the frames around the niches. Stringcourses running along the sidewalls embellish all parts of the structure, sometimes dividing the wall into horizontal sections. They also come into view on the walls of the 

સોમવાર, 2 એપ્રિલ, 2012

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort

 Mehrangarh Fort, located in Jodhpur city in Rajasthan state, is one of the largest forts in India.

The fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort.

There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory'), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints upon these still attract much attention even today.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.