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Fathhpur Sikri It is at 37 km south
west of Agra, about 12 Kms incircumference, on a rocky ridgethatover look
the village of Sikri. Akbar built his capital at this village.
The massive walls surround its three sides and the forth side is protected
by a lake. Akbar ruled here for only 15 years. He shifted
his city to Lahore and eventually back to Agra. Its styles still reflects
his foresight and wisdom.
The Buland Darwaza (Victory Gateway)
the main entrance was built by Akbar after
he conquered Gujarat. The gate is 134 ft high and is approached by a base of steps
which is another 34 ft. The Jama Masjid (Imperial Mosque) is
at the right side of Buland Darwaza built around 1571 and designed to hold
10,000 worshipers. The decorations in the pillars are made
in Hindu elements.
The Salim Chisti (Saint) tomb
is at the courtyard of Jama Masjid surrounded by
walls of marble lace. The saint blessed Akbar with a much
wanted male heir. Due to this the people come here and tie strings on the marble for the same blessings which he bestowed
the Akbar.
Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) It is 350 ft long, consist of cloisters surrounding a courtyard that contains
the Hall of judgment. It was here that Akbar handed down the decisions, as the chief
justice of his subjects, on various disputes, by sitting on his throne
flanked by marble.
Jodh Bai's
Palace This palace was built for Akbar's Hindu wife, Jodh Bai. It architecture is a
blend of Hindu and
Muslim styles. The Hawa Mahal (The wind palace) walled by red
stone screens is upstairs. The ladies of the court could peek outside
unseen from here.
Corbett National Park This oldest wild life
sanctuary is just six hours from Delhi, started in 1936. It is
named after the fearless hunter Jim Corbett. He lived in these hills
and saved the life of many local people from the man-eater, the
tiger, at the risk of his own life. The park covers 1,318 square
kms. The Ramaganga river flows through its entire length. The park
can be explored by open jeep or elephant rides. There is also a watchtower
in the park. The animals here include deer, monkeys and birds, wild
elephants, tigers, leopards, black bear, wild boar, snakes and crocodiles.
December to April is the best viewing time. Open : 16 November to14 June,
closed 15 June to 15 November.
Mussoorie It is a hill
station, 278 Km northeast of Delhi. It is in the Himalayan foothills
of Uttar Pradesh at an altitude of 2000 meters. Captain Young
discovered the place in 1823 and built the first British residence with
club, Anglican Church(1837) and Library at Landour in 1826.
Keolandeo National Park, Bharatpur
It is 55 Km away from Agra. The people from all over the country
come here to see the birds. The city was founded by the Jat ruler
Suraj Mal in 1733. Now the city is famous for its popular water
birds. This sanctuary is the winter home for hundreds of species
of birds. The park is also home for mammals and reptiles including
blue bulls, spotted deer, otter and Indian rock pythons. November
to February is the best season to visit and early morning or late in the
evening is the best time to see the birds.
Visit : Daily from 0600 to 0630.
Courtesy for Picture
Konstantin Novakovic
Serbia
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