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India Tourism

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Best Time to Visit Haridwar If you plan for a spiritual vacation, then a pilgrimage to Haridwar will be a fantastic idea. It is one of the seven holiest destinations in India, and Pilgrims all across the country come to this place. Throughout the year, this place experiences moderate weather. Still, you may consider the months between November to March to visit Haridwar. This time the weather remains cool and pleasant, which is suitable for exploring the destination.

This holy destination shares several religious festivals. If you want to explore the beautiful festivals of Haridwar, then you must visit it between July and October. This time you can experience some of its religious flavors between March and May.

Otherwise, if you want to simply explore the place and plan for just a vacation, the month between October and February will be suitable for you. This time the weather is excellent, and the rush is slightly less. Undoubtedly, Haridwar Tour Packages is a fantastic destination for spending a holiday. Irrespective of any season you decide to go there, you will have a fantastic time there.

Travel SeasonsMin/Max TemperatureSeason
March to May12-40 degrees CelsiusSummer – Hot and humid
July to September15-25 degrees CelsiusMonsoon – Moderate rainfall
October to February5-30 degrees CelsiusWinter – Pleasant and inviting
Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Why between November and March are the best months to visit Haridwar?

The Best Time to Visit Haridwar is between November and March because this place is also a plain where summers get extensively hot. Here are you few things that would help you in making a better decision:

  • It is the best time because the cool climate offers a lot of things to do.
  • rom trekking to camping to rafting, you can enjoy everything here.
  • Clear cool days make activities smooth and enjoyable whatever are on offer.
  • It will be comfortable and enjoyable for pilgrims to go on temple-hopping throughout this season.
Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Best Season to visit Haridwar

The best season to visit Haridwar is the winter season. The reason being the cold temperature and enjoyable activities. Many festivals are also celebrated here during these months only. The humidity also gets less and you get to enjoy food better.

Why Winter is the best season to visit Haridwar?

There’s a reason why winter is known to be the Best Time to Visit Haridwar. Yes, the first one is that Haridwar experiences extreme summers. The temperature gets too hot here. So if you want to plan a trip to this amazing destination in Uttarakhand then do make it during the winter because:

  • You can comfortably try different local cuisines with the weather allowing you to do so.
  • All the activities that are offered here can be enjoyed to the fullest.
  • You can trek or hike up the temples like Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi quite easily without breaking a sweat.
  • Sightseeing and exploring the city is enjoyed during the winter season itself.
  • The humidity is at its least during the temperature.
Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Get ideas for the best time to go

The peak season of Haridwar is winter which is between November and March. But then it will highly depend on your interest and what part of the city you wish to enjoy. Because summers will also not be a lot uncomfortable in the region. Yes, but winters are going to be highly comfortable if you are an adventure lover.

Many people love visiting here during their summer season and that’s not going to be a problem at all. It has several reasons why this will happen. The water of the holy River Ganga is always going to be cool be it summers or winters. Sitting on the banks will give you chills, even during the summer nights. But you can decide to keep all the things on the table.

Tourist’s preference according to visit Haridwar in respective months.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar Tourists mostly prefer visiting here during winters because most of them are pilgrims. They come here for offering their prayers at multiple temples. So, the colder season gives them the added comfort of trekking or hiking up the temple.

Best time to visit Haridwar for temples

Haridwar is a religious destination and every year thousands of pilgrims visit here for the temples. The best time to visit Haridwar for temples is between November and March because some of these temples are situated at a very high altitude and do not forget that Haridwar experiences a very hot climate during summer.

So if you want to enjoy your pilgrimage then it would be better if you plan it during the winter season. Not only does it make travelling easier but also makes sightseeing an enjoyable thing. So we would suggest that you plan things accordingly if you are visiting here with your family then it is strictly advised to make your trip during November, December, January, or February.

You will get to enjoy the best of Haridwar during these months because all the outdoor activities would be enjoyable and secondly you also can go temple hopping without thinking twice. Well you are visiting Haridwar Attractions here are some important temples that you should not miss out on:

  • Chandi Devi Temple
  • Mansa Devi Temple
  • Maya Devi Temple
  • Ganga Temple
  • Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple
  • Bharat Mata Temple

Quick Information and Facts About Haridwar Tourism

Most Popular Pilgrimage Destinations in HaridwarChandi Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Har Ki Pauri, Daksha Mahadev Mandir.
Most Popular Markets of HaridwarMoti Bazaar, Jwalapur, Bara Bazaar, Kankhal
Best Time to Visit HaridwarOctober to February
Ganga Aarti Timings at Har Ki Pauri6:00 pm to 7:00pm, Evening and 5:30 am to 6:30am, Morning
Haridwar is Most Famous forTemples and Ghats
Haridwar Destination CategorySpiritual Destination
Popular Ashrams in HaridwarMa Anandamayi Ashram, Shankar Ashram, Shantikunj, Kanva Rishi Ashram, Saptarishi Ashram, Bholagiri Ashram.
Popular Ghats of HaridwarHar Ki Pauri, Gau Ghat, Ashti Parvat Ghat, Subhash Ghat, Vishnu Ghat, Kusha Ghat, Chandi Ghat
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8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal

8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal Looking for unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh for your next vacation? We have got you covered. We have jotted down a list of offbeat tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh where you can spend your vacation away from the maddening crowd amidst the serene nature with your loved ones.

Blessed with the paradisiacal beauty, Himachal Pradesh boasts about unexplored valleys, pristine lakes, high altitude mountain passes, and revered pilgrimage sites. This is a perfect place for a family vacation, honeymoon, solo traveling, and getting together with friends. Calm your senses and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. People flock to some of the popular hill towns of Himachal, however, this beautiful state is much more than that. Admire the jaw-dropping locales of quaint villages and explore the faraway towns of the state. Partake in adventure activities and enjoy the nature walk to make your trip to Himachal memorable.

While planning the tour to 8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal add these tourist places to your itinerary to enjoy some unique experiences!

8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal

Paragliding

One of the coolest things to do in Himachal Pradesh is to paraglide over the majestic landscapes that this state is blessed with. The experience of flying is very thrilling for the people seeking their adrenaline rush. It is one of the most popular adventure tourism activities that travelers engage in. In the past few years, paragliding has gained popularity because of social media. People have been constantly posting their experience of gliding above the mountains through videos on social media. This has resulted in the sudden increase in the number of people interested in trying out this sport.

The villages of Bir& Billing are world-famous sites for Paragliding. Many tour operators conduct their paragliding activities from this site. The takeoff site is in Bir and the landing site is in Billing village. Bir& Billing has gained significant popularity due to the fact that the World Paragliding Competition has been held here many times. Competitors from all over the world visit this site to compete for the Paragliding trophy.

There are many other 8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal where you can experience the excitement of Paragliding. These destinations are SolangNala and Rohtang Pass in Manali, Kothi near Rohtang Pass, and Bandla Ridge in Bilaspur district. Apart from these destinations, there are many other small sites that are spread out all over Himachal Pradesh.
The best time to avail the paragliding activities is from March to June and then from September till November. The Paragliding activity is for both beginners and experienced travelers.

8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal

Trekking

The rich land of Himachal is full of trekking trails where the beauty of the Himalayas can truly be experienced. Breathing through the air while trekking through the bio-diverse trails of the mountains, is one of the most popular adventure activity travelers enjoy.
Some of the most popular trekking trails for both experienced and inexperienced trekkers are Triund Trek, Kheerganga Trek, Beas Kund Trek, and Trek to Indrahar Pass. These are only the few trekking trails that are among the most popular treks. There are so many trails that are spread out all over the state of 8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal.

8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal

Camping

Camping is an activity that almost all tourists love to experience. What makes camping so special in Himachal Pradesh is the fresh air and the scenic views as the background. Lying down with a clear view of the night sky and a bonfire to keep you warm can be a priceless experience for travelers seeking peace and calm from the city life.

Some of the most popular camping destinations in Himachal such as Triund, Chandratal Lake, and Hampta Pass provide the best camping experience. There are many camping sites available around the Himalayan range where you can set up your tent. However, there are some places that may require prior permission from the forest department. But most of the areas are available for camping and it is advised that you check the requirements before setting up camp.

Skiing

Skiing is another popular tourist activity that people engage in during the winter seasons. The state of Himachal Pradesh provides some of the best locations for Skiing enthusiasts. Both the beginner-level skiers as well as the professionals can find the ideal place to practice and participate in the Skiing events.
Manali is one popular destination where international skiing events have been held. The other popular destinations to participate in this adventure sport are Narkanda, Rohtang Valley, Kufri, and Solang Valley. There are various skiing courses that tourists can avail of to learn the intricacies of skiing 8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal.

River Rafting

River Rafting is an exciting sport that tourists participate in when they visiting Himachal. The number of people participating in the sport of river rafting has been increasing every year. This has led to an increase in the number of tour operators offering river rafting packages. Among the young travelers, river rafting is still one of the coolest 8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal. Himachal Pradesh is full of water rapids where this adventure sport can be experienced. The thrilling experience of going through the wild flow of the rapids is something to remember. Some of the best places to offer river rafting facilities are in Manali, Kullu, Dalhousie, and Lahaul.

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Breathing in the fresh air of the Himalayas and the beauty that brings a sense of calm and peace is one of the most satisfying experiences you can have. 8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal is the best place to practice Yoga and Meditation because of its ideal environment.
Himachal is full of places where you can book drop-in yoga classes or even do an internationally certified teacher training course. The medication and yoga centers can be found all over the state of Himachal Pradesh. The most popular among are the following.

  • Tushita Meditation Centre – ManaliIyengar Yoga Retreat- Kayakalp Yoga Retreat- OshoNisarga Centre for Mediation- Vipassana Mediation Apart from the above, there are many retreats that are available all over the districts of Himachal Pradesh.

Rock Climbing

Another exciting adventure activity that you can avail while you are traveling in Himachal is that of Rock Climbing. This activity is not for everyone because of the reason that it requires a good physical condition in order to climb.
The state of Himachal Pradesh is full of many hills and cliffs which provide an ideal place to do climbing for professionals. Specialized equipment and trained personnel are needed to assist novice climbing enthusiasts. That’s where the institutes and mountaineering schools provide their services.

The most popular rock climbing destination in Manali. It is home to one of the best rock climbing institutes called Atal Bihar Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering. This institute provides training in the climbing and use of climbing equipment 8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking is quite a new activity for the tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh. But in the last few years, this activity has gained more and more popularity among young travelers. Many tour operators have added this activity to their list of best Himachal adventure tour package.

Riding a bike on uneven trails through the forests and hills is a very exciting activity. 8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal has an ample amount of sites where this sport is practiced. Some of the most popular destinations to avail the opportunity to ride the bikes are Kaza, Manali, Bir, Shimla, and Tabo. There are many other places that have sprung up due to the popularity of the activity 8 Offbeat Things To Do In Himachal.

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Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Delhi A prominent Sikh Gurudwara in India is Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Kishan. It is a worship house for the Sikh religion believers but now it is a primary pilgrimage and tourist attraction in Delhi. There is a beautiful pool as well inside its complex which is named as Sarovar. It had come into existence as a small shrine by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783 who was supervising the construction of nine other Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same time.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is located near Connaught Palace on Baba Kharak Singh Marg and it is recognizable easily from a distance due to its golden dome and tall flagpole. Next, to it, there is the famous Sacred Heart Cathedral. The building was actually a bungalow belonged to Raja Jai Sing and got the name as Jaisinghpura Palace. Guru Har Kishan was living in Delhi during 1664 when there was smallpox and cholera epidemic spread in the society.

Guru helped the people by giving aid and fresh water from the well at his house. But he was also affected by the disease and died on March 30th, 1664. But Sikhs believed that the water from the well at Guru’s house had healing powers and they had taken the water to their homes. Gurudwara and its Sarovar are a prominent place for Sikhs now and they pay tribute to the eighth Guru on his birth anniversary Delhi Tour Packages.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

History of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

In the seventeenth century, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was known as Jaisinghpura Palace and was owned by Indian ruler Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur who held an influential position in the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s court. The area which is now known as Connaught Place, a popular area for shopping, eating out and events, was then Jaisingh Pura, a culturally rich area.

The story goes that a young Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru, resided in the bungalow when he came to Delhi in 1664. At the same time, there broke out a terrible epidemic of cholera and smallpox which quickly spread across the city.

The Guru helped the poor and diseased by carrying drinking water from the well and it is his kindness and compassion that comforted the hearts of those affected. Unfortunately, he could not be immune to the infection and he too was afflicted by the sickness Delhi Tourism.

On 30th March, 1664, Guru Har Krishan passed away. Raja Jai Singh later built a tank over the well from where the Guru had carried the water and to this date, the water from the tank is considered to have healing properties. The water is called “amrit” and is believed to cure the ill and is hence carried home by thousands of Sikhs.

The gurudwara itself was built by Sardar Bhagel Singh, a military general. Around the year 1783, he built 8 important Gurudwaras in Delhi and Bangla Sahib is perhaps the most prominent one of them.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Architecture of Bangla Sahib

The edifice of Bangla Sahib is a magnificent example of Sikh architecture. The entire building is carved out of delicate white marble, with the central dome covered in solid gold leaves. The front wall is embellished with intricated projected carvings and has several smaller domes as well.

The Nishan Sahib is a towering flagpole which proudly waves the Gurudwara’s flag. The grounds of the Gurudwara has several structures within its boundaries, such as an art gallery, the communal kitchen, charitable hospital, a higher secondary school and even a ‘Yatri Niwas’ for tired pilgrims to relax and refresh themselves. The Gurudwara is also equipped with all amenities such as air conditioning, toilets and multi-parking space for the convenience of the visitors.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Places to Visit Near Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

  1. Jantar Mantar

Distance: 1 km

A marvel of astronomical invention built as a sundial, the Jantar Mantar is located only a kilometre away from Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. It is one of the five sites built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur and will be a pleasure to visit for anyone interested in astronomy, physics or scientific inventions.

  1. Connaught Place

Distance: 1.8 km

The inner circle of Connaught Place is less than 2 kilometres away and alongside your visit to Bangla Sahib, you can have lunch at one of the many famous restaurants at Connaught Place. If you’re in for a bit of shopping, do make your way to Janpath for ethnic wear and handicrafts.

  1. Birla Temple

Distance: 1.4 km

Birla Temple of Delhi, also known as Laxminarayan Temple, is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. It is another example of architectural excellence in a unique way as the materials used to construct it are quite modern. If you manage to go here in the evening, the aarti and bhajans will surely capture your heart!

  1. Rashtrapati Bhawan

Distance: 2.5 km

The President House is one of the most illustrious locations in Delhi and stands as a landmark of Indian democracy and the political system. It is best to visit it if you can hire a taxi in Delhi as you will be able to drive up to the main gates and have a look inside the grounds.

  1. India Gate

Distance: 3.5 km

If you hire a taxi in Delhi, you can cover India Gate along with Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is one of the liveliest places at all times of the day but evenings are when families come here to have picnics, enjoy a game of cricket and snack on the tempting street food stalls.

How To Reach Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

The Gurudwara is located in Connaught Place, also known as the heart of Delhi. One can easily reach here via Blue line as well as Yellow line metro. Step down at Rajiv Chowk if you are travelling by a blue line metro. Furthermore, take an auto-rickshaw to reach the Gurudwara which is 2.8 kilometres away from the station. Patel Chowk metro station is the nearest metro station on the Yellow line.

It is situated at a distance of 2 kilometres from Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. This attraction has a dedicated bus stop as well, so you can get off there and walk a distance of about 1 kilometre to reach your destination. Alternately, you can hire a cab to reach Gurudwara Bangla Sahib as well.

By Road- The gurudwara is located near Connaught Place and being in Central Delhi, it can be conveniently reached through public transport or private vehicles.

By Metro: Rajiv Chowk metro station on the Blue/Yellow line and Patel Chowk station on the Yellow line are the nearest metro stations to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. From there, you can get an auto-rickshaw or walk the distance.

Distance from New Delhi Railway Station: It is around 1.5 km away from the New Delhi Railway Station and you can take an affordable auto ride.

Distance from Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1: It is around 13.1 km the Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1 and in case you are coming on an extremely short trip, then a cab ride from the airport would cost you around 300 rupees.

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Akshardham Temple Delhi

Akshardham Temple Delhi is a spiritual complex nestled in New Delhi and is a popular Hindu temple of Delhi. This marvelous temple was constructed in the year 2005 at Noida Mor region of New Delhi and is referred as Akshardham Temple of Swaminarayam Akshardham. The term Akshardham is the combination of two words ‘Akshar’ means ‘eternal’ and ‘Dham’ means ‘abode’. On a whole it actually means the abode of eternal values, virtues and principles which are mentioned in Vedas and Puranas of Hindu mythology.

Apart from all this, the complex of Akshardham Temple in Delhi displays numerous traditional aspects, beautiful architecture, Indian culture and spirituality. In the centre the main complex is built on the principles of Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shashtra which is called as Akshardham Temple Delhi.

Akshardham Temple of Delhi is one of the prime attractions in Delhi where one can witness exclusive architectural charm with more than 234 beautifully carved pillars, 9 elaborate domes, 20 quadrangle spires and 20000 sculptures of spiritual personalities from India. It is one of the major attractions for history buffs and art lovers as one can here easily enjoy intricate art and flawless craftsmanship. Moreover, the whole temple is build using Italian Carrara marble and pink sandstone. So, when are you planning your visit to this popular temple of Delhi?

Akshardham Temple Delhi

History of Akshardham Temple Delhi

Akshardham Temple Delhi was officially opened to public on 6th November 2005. It was inaugurated by president of India late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. It took around 5 years of time to build the entire Swaminarayan Akshardham complex as per the ancient methods such as Vastu shastra and Pancharatra shastra Delhi Tour Packages.

Located on the banks of River Yamuna, this temple is close to the 2010 Commonwealth Games village. The idea of temple complex was conceived by Yogiji Maharaj around 1968, the then spiritual head of BAPS. Later in 1982, his successor Pramukh Swami Maharaj started the work towards the construction of Akshardham complex.

In 2000, 60 acres and 30 acres of land were offered by Delhi Development Authority and Uttar Pradesh government respectively for the project. In the month of November 2000, the construction for the temple complex was started which was completed in about 5 years. It was then officially opened in November 2005. The inauguration function was attended by the then Prime Minister of India Mr. Manmohan Singh and leader of opposition Mr. L.K Advani as well.

Akshardham Temple Delhi has also been bestowed with Guinness world record for being the largest comprehensive Hindu Temple in the world.

Akshardham Temple Delhi

Architecture of Akshardham Delhi

Constructed with pink sandstone and marble, Akshardham Temple Delhi is the centre of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex. The vast complex of Swaminarayan Akshardham Delhi comprises of the main temple, beautifully laid out gardens, exhibitions, open courtyards and water bodies, each section presenting an intriguing aspect of Hindu religion and spirituality Delhi Monuments.

Built in the traditional Hindu architectural style, Akshardham Delhi has been built as per ancient Indian architecture. It follows the traditional Vastu shastra as well as Pancharatra Shastra. Mandir and the entire complex display intricate carvings of flowers, animals, musicians, dancers and Hindu deities. The material used in constructing the temple – red sandstone from Rajasthan and the Italian Carrara marble, presents an alluring contrast which adds to the overall beauty of the structure. For the construction, more than 6,000 tons of pink sandstone was brought from Rajasthan.

Akshardham Temple- It stands majestically with a height of 141.3 feet and is spread with a width of 316 feet. It comprises of around 234 pillars that have been carved beautifully. It has 9 elaborately adorned domes along with 20 quadrangle peaks. There are around 20,000 idols related to Hinduism at the temple. The main statue of Swaminarayan is 11 foot long, and is placed under the central dome. The main deity is surrounded by statutes of other great sages. There are also statues of other Hindu Gods and Goddess. Each statue at the Akshardham Mandir has been constructed with five metals known as panch dhaatu.

Gates at Akshardham – The first thing to greet you at Akshardham Temple Delhi are the majestic gates. There are 10 gates which are symbolic of 10 directions. As per Hindu beliefs these ten gates symbolizes accepting good from all directions so as to nurture the feeling of oneness and peace in the world.

Visitors pass through Bhakti Dwar, also known as Gate of Devotion to enter the Akshardham Delhi. From here, they enter the Visitor Center. There are two Mayur Dwars also known as Peacock Gates. Between these two Mayur Gates is the ‘Charnarvind’. It is a huge replica of the footprints of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It is built in marble and has water showers from all four sides. The holy footprints also comprise of 16 holy symbols.

Akshardham Temple Delhi

How to reach Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Mandir Delhi is easily accessible from all the parts of the city. It is well connected via public transport ranging from government run buses to metro railways. The nearest metro station to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Delhi is Akshardham Metro Station on the Blue line which is only 350 meters away. Hence, tourists can get down at this station and walk to the temple. If interested, one can also hire an auto rickshaw to the temple in minimum fare.

If coming via Yellow line of Delhi Metro, one needs to get down at Rajiv Chowk metro station and then board a metro train towards Akshardham temple on the Blue line.

The distance from Delhi Airport to Akshardham Temple is around 21 km which can be covered within 1 and half hours of time. The common route to the temple from the airport is via Thimayya Marg.

If you are travelling from Gurgaon, then you will require around 2 hours or slightly more than that to reach the temple. Gurgaon to Akshardham Temple distance is about 43 km while Delhi to Akshardham distance is 31 km which can be covered in 1 hour of time via NH9.

From Karol Bagh to Akshardham temple it takes around 50 minutes of time as the distance between the two is about 12.6 km.

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Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India takes pride in flaunting its unsurpassed heritage; eras over eras have influenced, moulded and face lifted the rich heritage of which we all are part of. Distinctive edifices, perennial culture and the determination to keep this incredibility have preserved for us an era no short of marvels. With a startling number of places and monuments enlisted in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, India has made an indelible mark in world history.

The natural splendor maintaining its domain over many parts of the country boasts of magnificent wildlife heritage. From the float of crocodiles at Sunderban National Park to the home of snow leopards at Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, from the majestic Manas Wildlife Sanctuary to the Keoladeo National Park and Kaziranga National Park, India humbly possess the most diverse heritage in the world. The lush flora and the tailored landscape around it has been the prime attraction in the country, right from the red rhododendrons to the Neelakurinji, which bloom once every 12 years and from the moonscape Ladakh to the river island Majuli, the kaleidoscope of wildlife and natural heritage never ceases to amaze us in India.

Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Kaziranga National Park

Name of NWH Site: Kaziranga National Park
State: Assam
Year of Notification: 1985
Area (In Km2): 429.96

Kaziranga National Park is situated in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam. The national park is famous for the rhino populations, and according to the latest census conducted by the Forest Department of Assam, there are more than 2401 rhinos living in this forest area. If you recall the historical facts then you will get to know about the royal significance of this national park in India.

Once Mary Curzon, the wife of Lord Curzon visited in this place with her husband and she suddenly identified a rhino in this forest. She requested her husband to protect this place and to stop animal hunting in this national park. Afterward, Lord Curzon protected this place and declared this forest area as a reserved forest in 1916. The Kaziranga National Forest was enlisted as a Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India in the year 1985.

Along with some rhinos, you can also find some rare and migratory birds in Kaziranga National Park, like, Asian openbill stork, black bellied tern, delmatian pelican, greater spotted, eastern imperial and lots more. According to etymology, the Kaziranga name was derived from an incident, which happened in nearby villages.

Kazi was a boy and Ranga was a girl who lived in the nearby villages and they fell in love, but the society did not accept their gesture. Afterward, they disappeared in the forest area and never came out of this forest. So the forest was named as Kaziranga as a symbol of their love. So there are multiple myths surrounding this forest.

Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi

Name of NWH Site: Humayun’s Tomb
State: Delhi
Year of Notification: 1993

Humayun’s Tomb was dedicated to Humayun’s first wife and chief consort named Bega Begum. During 1569 to 1570 the famous Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas structured this tomb.

The tomb is located near Nizamuddin East and this was the first garden tomb in India. UNESCO added this site as World Heritage Site in the year 1993, and afterward, some extensive restoration works have been done on this tomb.

Here you can find the main Humayun’s Tomb at the center of the garden area. Inside this tomb, you can find several houses. Along with that, the graves of Bega Begum, Hamida Begum and Humayun’s grandson Dara Shikoh are also situated inside this tomb.

The tomb is designed with Mughal architecture and the surrounded garden areas follow the Persian garden styles.

You can find two large double story gateways to the west and southern side of the tomb, which are designed with several rooms and courtyards. The tomb is designed with rubble masonry and red sand stones, and you can find some great marble works on the floors.

The tomb is situated in Char Bagh Garden area and this Persian style garden has some long paved pathways and two central major water channels. This garden was known as Garden of Paradise, and the entire tomb area along with its garden are protected with high rubble walls Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Group of Monuments in Hampi

Name of NWH Site: Group of Monuments in Hampi
State: Karnataka
Year of Notification: 1986

According to Emperor Asoka’s Rock Edicts, the Hampi district was a part of the Maurya Empire and large numbers of Brahmi inscriptions along with some terracotta works have been founded in this place during the excavation conducted in 2nd century CE.

Hampi is was to the list of Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India in India in 1986. This place is situated in Karnataka State, India.

You can find some ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, which was the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The monuments of Vijayanagara are divided into different parts such as rebellions, civil and military buildings. You can see the oldest Jain temple on Hemakuta hill where two Devi shrines are situated with other oldest structures.

Apart from that, in Hampi, you can also find some remarkable historical places like Achyutaraya Temple, BadaviLinga, Chandramauleshwara Temple, Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Jain Temple and Krishna Temple and Vittala Temple.

Inside the Krishna Temple, you can also find the famous sacred tank named Pushkaranion the eastern side.

Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Ajanta Caves, Near Aurangabad

Name of NWH Site: Ajanta Caves, Near Aurangabad
State: Maharashtra
Year of Notification: 1983

Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra were added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year of 1983. You can find some ancient paintings and sculptures on these caves, which describe the oldest Indian art forms. Expressions of these paintings through different gestures, poses and forms are really expressive.

According to notable historians, these paintings and arts are the masterpieces of Buddhism, and through these art forms, people get to know about the oldest Indian art Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

According to the historical facts, the first phases of the Ajanta Caves were built during 2nd century BC and the second phases of these caves were built during 400-650 CE.

You can find some ancient paintings on the caves, which describe the rebirth of Buddha, and you can also find some prayer and worship halls and monasteries inside the caves which show the different types of traditions of Buddhism.

According to old manuscripts, monks, pilgrims and merchants used to stay inside these caves during the monsoons. Caves no 1, 2, 16 and 17 are the most ancient Indian wall paintings. you can also find some mural wall paintings, which were painted with vivid natural colors.

Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Taj Mahal, Agra

Name of NWH Site: Taj Mahal, Agra
State: Uttar Pradesh
Year of Notification: 1983

The Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World is situated on the south bank of Yamuna River in Agra. The most beautiful building in the world – Taj Mahal is designed with marble stones from Makrana of Rajasthan. Taj Mahal was structured by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

This is a house of tomb which means Crown of Palace. You can find three sided lush garden areas, guest rooms and a mosque inside the Taj Mahal premises. The construction of the Mahal was completed in 1643, but the external parts and other phases of this project contented another ten years and the full premises and construction was done by 1653.

Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal as “the tear drop on the cheek of time”. UNESCOadded this site as World Heritage Site in 1983 and they have added this site as “the jewel of Muslim Art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”.

The Taj Mahal followed the earlier Mughal architecture and Persian art forms. The tomb of Taj Mahal is the main highlighted area, and the tomb was designed with marble and situated on the square plinth Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

You can find four minarets inside the tomb, and the actual graves of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan were placed at the lower level of this tomb area. But for the audiences, false sarcophagi were made in the main chamber of the Taj Mahal. You can find the superior decoration and art forms at the exterior and interior level of this Mahal, and the exterior decoration was created by paint, stucco and stone carving Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

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Rani Ki Vav Gujarat

Rani Ki Vav Gujarat The Queen’s Stepwell or Rani Ki Vav is a sub terrain rock cut step well on the banks of the river Saraswati in the Patan town of Gujarat in India. The most found instance of step well use is found in the provinces of Indian subcontinent where the flourish of Indus Valley civilization occurred. However the most recent exaction of a certain sub terrain step well architecture confirms the use of step well and that too at the fag end of 1st millennium CE. The Rani Ki Vav in Gujarat is that proof.

Rani Ki Vav Gujarat is actually an inverted temple built along the banks of the river according to the design and civil architecture of step wells unearthed as late as in the year 1980s by the Archaeological Survey of India because the site remains flooded by the recurrent floods in Saraswati River Gujarat Tour Packages.

As the name states the step well inverted temple was built by the order and under the supervision of a certain queen of the Chaulukya Dynasty. After the death of Chaulukya King Bhimdev I in 1064 CE, his widowed queen, Udaymati and his son Karna, built this structure as a memorial of the late king. The temple is made of rock cutting and edifice sculpturing based of Maru Gurjara architectural style. The temple has many pillars and intricate corridors with a central courtyard and a main stepping welling of five stages. The temple houses as many as 500 principal sculptures and statues of which the main ate the ten avatars or incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Rani Ki Vav Gujarat

Rani ki Vav: History

Known for its unique architectural style, this giant queen’s vav is located in Patan city of Gujarat. Once the capital of Gujarat during the medieval period, Patan today stands as a testimony to the bygone era. Patan was a Garhwali town built during the 8th century by Vanraj Chavda, the king of the Chavda kingdom of Chalukya Rajputs. This grand stepwell was built by Udayamati, wife of Bhimdev, the ruler of the Solanki dynasty, in the 10th-11th century in memory of her late husband. This 7-story stepwell was constructed between 1022 and 1063.

Bhimdev, the ruler and founder of the Solanki dynasty, ruled Vadnagar Gujarat from 1021 to 1063 AD. This historic heritage queen, located about 140 kilometers from Ahmedabad, is considered to be a symbol of love for the queen.

It is believed that this unique stepwell was constructed to properly manage the water, as the area received very little rainfall, while according to some folklore, Rani Udayamati aimed to earn merit by providing water to the needy people. Also, the herbs growing on the sides of this monument were used to treat viral fevers, which were fatal diseases at the time.

Situated on the banks of river Saraswati, this huge step-step stepwell was buried in the mud and mud debris for almost 700 years due to the flooding in this river, after which the Archaeological Survey of India in this 80s Excavated the place. After a lot of digging, this stepwell came in front of the whole world.

Rani Ki Vav Gujarat

Rani ki Vav Architecture

Constructed in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, this east-facing memorial is spread over 12 acres of land. Rani Ki Vav Gujarat is 64 meters long, 20 meters wide and 27 meters deep, and is designed like an inverted temple. That is, the structure begins from the ground level with steps leading to the bottom of the deep well below. In addition to steps, there are supplementary staircases that can be used to reach the lower stories. The draw well is situated in the extreme west of the structure. Needless to say, Rani ki Vav shows mastery of complex techniques and a great display of details and proportion.

The well has seven stories, each featuring sculptures of spellbinding artistic quality. You can see a combination of religious, mythological, and secular imageries in the 500 plus main sculptures and several minor ones. There are around 226 pillars in this stepwell that remain intact even after the repetitive floods. The corridors, pavilions, and pillars are intricately carved with the figures of Hindu deities, gods and apsaras or celestial dancers. The carving of Sheshashayi Vishnu, where he is seen as reclining on a serpent with thousand hoods, is one of the key attractions to check out.

Rani Ki Vav Gujarat

Best time to visit

Winter season from October to March is the best time to visit Patan as summer are too hot and humid. November to February is the peak season for tourist which attract considerable number to tourist from different parts of the country. During the month of December or January, a Rani ki Vav festival is held where one can enjoy the cultural programs along with exquisite local cuisine and street shopping.

How to Reach:

The best way to reach the Rani Ki Vav Gujarat is through taxi. One can also visit by public buses. If you plan on taking the bus, a number of intercity buses run from Ahmedabad to Patan and take approximately 3.5 hours to reach. Buses from Mehsana to Patan take about an hour. Shared jeeps are available as well, and they are slightly quicker but less comfortable.

By Air : The nearest airport from Patan is Ahmedabad, situated at a distance of 125 km from the city. A number of flights fly to and from here, connecting the city with the various parts of Gujarat as well as the country.

By Train : Patan lies on the Western Railway network of the Indian railways. The city is well connected with the rest of the country via a number of trains. There are many express and local trains that operate daily and are perfect for traveling from Ahmedabad to Patan.

By Road : Patan is linked to the rest of the country through a good road network. There is even a good network of National and State Highways connecting the city. The State Transport Corporation runs buses link Patan to all the major cities and towns of Gujarat and other states of the country.

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Fatehpur Sikri Agra

Fatehpur Sikri Agra or ‘the City of Victory’ is a fortified city in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was founded in 1569 by the Great Emperor of the Mughal dynasty Akbar. The palace city atop a rocky ridge, confined within walls on its three sides and a lake in the foreground, was designed by Tuhir Das using Indian principles of art Agra Tourism.

The structures in the city have been designed following the styles of Hindu, Jain and Islamic architecture, using red sandstone, which is also called as ‘Sikri sandstone‘. The city can be entered through several gates that are erected at different points along the wall bordering the fort. The gates are namely the Chandanpal Gate, the Agra Gate, the Tehra Gate, the Lal Gate, the Delhi Gate, the Birbal Gate, the Gwalior Gate, the Ajmere Gate and the Chor Gate.

Fatehpur Sikri Agra

INTERESTING Facts about Fatehpur Sikri

  • Fatehpur Sikri Agra was the Mughals’ first planned city in India. Fatehpur Sikri was much larger and more populous than London at the time, according to Ralph Fitch, a 16th-century English traveller. Fatehpur Sikri’s structure and layout influenced the design and construction of Shahjahanabad, or Old Delhi.
  • In 1619, when the region was ravaged by bubonic plague, Jahangir, Akbar’s son, stayed at Fatehpur Sikri for three months.
  • After abandoning the city, Akbar only came back once before dying.
Fatehpur Sikri Agra

Fatehpur Sikri: History

Fatehpur Sikri Agra is considered to be the crowning architectural legacy of Mughal Emperor Akbar who founded it in 1571. The city derives part of its name from a village called Sikri, which existed on the very spot where it was constructed. History has it that Akbar had visited this village and consulted a Sufi saint by the name Shaikh Salim Chishti. The saint foretold the birth of his heir and when the prophecy was fulfilled, Akbar began constructing his capital in the village.

From 1571 to 1585, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the Mughal Empire. In 1573, when Akbar returned victorious from his Gujarat campaign, the city was named Fatehpur Sikri or the City of Victory to commemorate the win. When he proceeded towards Punjab in 1585 to fight for his next military campaign, he abandoned the city. It is believed that the city was abandoned due to two primary reasons – the lack of water and the unrest in the north-western part of the country. Akbar later shifted the capital of his empire to Lahore and then to Agra, and by 1610, Fatehpur Sikri became a fully abandoned city.

Much later, when the colonial rulers occupied Agra in 1803, they established an administrative center here, which remained functional until 1850. The monuments at Fatehpur Sikri Agra were repaired in 1815 under the orders of the Marquess of Hastings Agra Monuments.

Fatehpur Sikri Agra

Fatehpur Sikri Architecture

Fatehpur Sikri Agra is a fortified city that is enveloped by 6-km long defensive walls with several entryways on three sides while fourth side borders on an artificial lake. The city features the Indo-Islamic architectural style and is constructed using red sandstone Agra Tour Packages.

A number of palaces, mosques, monuments, public buildings, and other structures adorn the city, each of which displays exemplary architectural beauty. Within this fortified city, Akbar also built three palaces for each of his three favorite wives. There are also eight gates that serve as entryways to the city, including the Delhi Gate, the Agra Gate, the Lal Gate, the Gwalior Gate, and the Ajmeri Gate, among others.

Among the most famous structures of the city is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India which is functional even today. The intricate architecture of structures like the Buland Darwaza, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Panch Mahal attracts tourists from all over the country and beyond.

Best time to visit

Fatehpur Sikri Agra can be visited between February and April and between July and November as the climate is very pleasant. In the rest of the months, the climate is either very hot or very cold which can cause discomfort to the visitors.

How to Get There

Reaching Fatehpur Sikri from Delhi is convenient as the destination is well connected with the capital of the country by all modes of transportation.

BY AIR : The nearest airport to Fatehpur Sikri is the Kheria Airport. Regular flights ply from Delhi to Agra. The airport is only 40 km away from the city and hired taxis are available at a very affordable charge.

BY RAIL : Reaching Agra on train is a good idea for the travelers who want to make their tour cheaper and yet memorable. From Delhi quite a few trains run on regular basis. The nearest railway station to Agra City is the Agra Cant Railway Station.

BY ROAD : An efficient network of roads connects this amazing tourist spot with all major cities. However, if one is leaving from Delhi, Yamuna Expressway-Mathura-Fatehpur Sikri is the best way to reach at your destination. UPSRTC bus service is available to reach from Bharatpur (25km), Delhi and other major cities.

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Red Fort Delhi

Red Fort Delhi, which is also known as the Lal Qila, was constructed by one of the most famous Mughal emperors, Shah Jahan. Built on the banks of river Yamuna, the fortress-palace was designed by architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. It took 8 years and 10 months to build the magnificent fort. The fort served as the royal residence of the Mughal emperors from 1648 to 1857. It took over the honor of royal residence from the famous Agra Fort when Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi.

The Red Fort derives its name from the red-sandstone walls, which make the fort almost impregnable. The fort, which is located at Old Delhi, is one of the massive and prominent structures of India and is a fine example of Mughal architecture. It is often considered as the pinnacle of Mughal creativity. In modern times, the fort is of importance to the people of India as the Indian Prime Minister delivers his Independence Day speech from the fort, every year on August 15. In 2007, it was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Red Fort Delhi

Interesting Facts on Red Fort

  • Lal Qila is full of afternoon stories and its legends make for an interesting cosy chat. There is one which talks about how the prisoners were beheaded and used as a foundation of the building for good luck.
  • There lies a hidden ‘baoli’ or stepwell touted to be older than the Red Fort Delhi which remains inaccessible to visitors even today.
  • It was said that one could fish from the fort back in the day when it was built on the western banks of the Yamuna but then the river changed its course over the years.
  • The British destroyed the green belt inside the fortress to build barracks for the colonial army.
Red Fort Delhi

History of Red Fort

The construction of Red Fort Delhi began in the holy month of Muharram, on 13 May 1638. It took nine years to build, and under the supervision of Shahjahan, the Fort was completed on 6 April 1648. To contain the older Salimgarh Fort inside its boundaries, the walls were built asymmetrical, unlike any other Mughal buildings Delhi Tour Packages.

It remained the seat of Imperial Mughal Rule till 1857 when the Great Revolt took place. It consists of several other structures which were built during Shah Jahan’s life, and some which were added by the later rulers. His son and successor Aurangzeb, added the Pearl Mosque or the Moti Masjid to the fort complex when he took over as the emperor after a fierce War of succession between him and his three brothers.

The Fort saw its degradation after the Aurungzeb rule was over. In 1712, another ruler Farrukhsiyar replaced silver ceiling with copper. In 1739, the Persian Emperor Nadir Shah invaded Delhi and looted the Red Fort, taking away with himself the precious Peacock throne. The Fort was captured, plundered and attacked several times between 1739 and 1857 by Ahmad Shah, Marathas, Sikhs and the British. To raise funds for the defence of armies from Ahmad Shah Durrani, Marathas sold the silver ceiling of Diwan-e-Khas in 1760.

The Fort was the seat of Mughals for 200 years, but after the revolt of 1857, the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II was exiled to Rangoon. He was the last Mughal resident of the Fort and the symbol of 1857 rebellion against the British in which Shahjahanbad residents participated. This marked the end of the Mughals.

The fort was then occupied by the British Colonial Rulers, who invaded a lot of precious artifacts such as the Kohinoor diamond, the Jade Wine Cup of Shah Jahan and the crown of Bahadur Shah II. They planned a systematic destruction of the Fort which included destroying of furniture, gardens, harem apartments and servant quarters. Except for the white marble buildings, almost all of the inner structure was destroyed. Later in 1899, when Lord Curzon became the Viceroy of India, he ordered reconstruction of the building and gardens were also restored.

After the British left India, the first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru raised the National Flag from Lahori Gate and since then, every Independence and Republic day witnesses the Prime Minister unfurling the National Flag and giving his ceremonial speech at the Red Fort Delhi.

Red Fort Delhi

Architecture of Red Fort

Combining features of Indian, Persian and Timurid forms of architecture, the Red Fort Delhi is truly a monument par excellence. The architect of the Red Fort was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who also designed the Taj Mahal. It is surrounded by a 2 km perimeter wall which acted as an effective defensive measure. The structure of the fort is octagonal, and it has several gates, the prominent ones being Lahori, Ajmeri, Kashmiri, Mori, Turkman and Delhi gates.

The Red Fort Delhi houses several structures inside its premises. The most well known among all these are the Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khaas, the Moti Masjid and the Nahr-i-Bashisht (stream of paradise).

The ‘Diwan-i-Am’ also known as ‘Hall of Public Audience’ is a rectangular hall consisting of three aisles, with a façade of nine arches. Originally there were six marble palaces along the eastern water front. A water-channel, called the Nahr-i-Bihisht (‘Stream of Paradise’) runs through it, with an ivory fountain fitted with a central marble basin. The Mumtaz-Mahal now houses the Delhi Fort Museum. The Diwan-i-Khas (‘Hall of Private Audience’) is a beautifully decorated pillared hall, with a flat ceiling supported by engrailed arches. Peacock Throne is said to be kept here before being taken away by Nadir Shah.

The Hammam (‘Bath’) consists of three prime sections divided by corridors. The complete interior and the floor is built of marble and inlaid with coloured stones. Moti-Masjid (‘Pearl Mosque’) which was added later by Aurangzeb is to the west of the Hamman. The red-stone pavilion in the middle of the tank in the centre of the Hayat-Bakhsh-Bagh is called Zafar-Mahal and was built by Bahadur Shah II in about 1842.

Most of these buildings were inlaid with precious stones and intricate floral motives. The unique cusped arches, highly intricate ornamentation and the double domes are the most important features of the Red Fort’s architecture, something which became a trademark of Shahjahani architecture.

Timings of Red Fort Light & Sound Show

Red fort light and sound show timings are 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM for Hindi show. For show in English language, the timings are from 9 PM to 10 PM. This is from the month of May to August.

During the months of September and October, the timings for the show are 7 PM to 8 PM (Hindi) and 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM (English).

During the months November to January, timings are 6 PM to 7 PM (Hindi) and 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM (English) while from February to April it is from 7 PM to 8 PM (Hindi) and 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM (English).

Red Fort Light & Sound Show

One of the major attractions of Lal Qila Delhi is the light and sound show. The Red fort sound and light show is conducted in Hindi and English languages. Started in 1996, this show became immensely popular among visitors soon after its start. Here, the modern technologies are combined to present a peek into the historical grandeur of ancient India.

One of a kind, this show is around 1 hour long. The shows are organised in the evening, with an interval of one hour between them. As the shows starts, with the lighting and accompanying sound, Red Fort gains an impressive appearance. The emphasis is majorly on the history of the Mughal reign and its role in the construction of Red Fort.

Tickets for the light and sound show can be bought from the ticket booth at the Red Fort Delhi. Tickets are available till 1 hour before the show starts.

Places to visit near Red Fort:

Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is situated right in the vicinity of the Red Fort Delhi. The mosque was also built by Shah Jahan in the 1650s. The place gives you an ideal flavor of how the traditional Old Delhi city was. The famous Jama Masjid is one of the most ancient and famous places of prayer for Muslims across the country.

Chandni Chowk: Chandni Chowk is the traditional marketplace that is dotted with stalls of handicrafts, furniture, clothes, dress materials, food, jewelry, souvenirs among other such things. The place is just a few blocks away from Red Fort. A visit to Delhi will remain incomplete if you don’t cover this shopping hub.

Swaminarayan Akshardham temple: The Akshardham temple is just 3.2km from the Red Fort. So you can hire an auto or get a cab to reach there. This is a very calm, serene, and fantastic place to visit with a great ambiance. The architecture of the temple is brilliant with white marble and broad corridors everywhere. The temple follows special security checking so be prepared to submit all your cell phones, cameras, etc. You can spend around two hours at the temple. This is an ideal place to visit with your family on weekends.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib: This gurdwara on Ashoka Road is just 4km from the Red Fort Delhi. This is a must-see place in Delhi which is considered as the pious place for believers of the Sikh religion. The service of hundreds of volunteers here to the visitors and devotees is exemplary. A visit to the place brings you true peace and helps you connect with your inner self.

Raj Ghat: This is another must-visit place for all Delhi Tourism. Raj Ghat is where the mortal remains of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was buried. The black marble platform burial in this open-air memorial site is beautiful with a nicely maintained garden that offers a calm and serene atmosphere. Maintaining silence is a must if you are a visitor here.

Fatehpuri Mosque: Fatehpuri Mosque is one of the most famous mosques and monuments of Delhi. It is located right in the vicinity of the Red Fort. It was built during the Mughal era. The mosque remains open every day from 5 am to 10 pm. On special occasions and festivals, the timings might change slightly. The place remains closed on Sundays. Visiting the mosque, which was built following the architectural pattern of the famous Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, will give the flavor of the old Delhi charm and the traditional Mughal culture. The mosque wears a grand look on Id and other such occasions.

Best Time To Visit

The Red Fort Delhi remains open in all seasons, every day from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. However, it is difficult to roam around the fort if you visit Delhi during summertime. The scorching heat of the national capital is quite notorious and despite enough preventive measures, one might fall sick. Therefore, the best time to visit the place is anytime from October to February.

The weather this time remains pleasant. Neither do you need to carry warm clothes nor umbrellas to beat the sun. Overall it is a good time as the national capital is decked up owing to various festivals this time, especially Dussehra and Diwali.

How To Reach Red Fort

The nearest Metro Station is Chandini Chowk on the Yellow Line. You can hire an autorickshaw or a taxi from the metro station. Also, you can reach Red Fort Delhi from any part of the city through the DTC buses that ply regularly on this route.

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Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi

Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi is a 60 meter long and 15 meter wide historical step well on Hailey Road near Connaught Place, New Delhi. Agarsen ki Baoli is a 14th Century Structure nested between the multi-storey buildings of Connaught Place. It is designated as protected monument by Archeological Survey of India (ASI). It is believed that this Baoli was originally built by the legendary king Agrasen during the Mahabharat epic era. Baoli is a Hindi word and it means a stepwell. Agarsen ki Baoli is being made to provide constant water supply to the city and a resting place for the travellers. Agarsen ki Baoli is also a water reservoir that is known for its heritage value.

Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi has unique structure which is quite different from the traditional round shape. It has three levels where each level has an arched area, which was used as a resting place. The center of the well has water and the water is also linked to a well dug in a covered platform. The gallery and chambers surrounded walls of Agarsen ki baoli are carved profusely. These chambers used to become cool and provide quiet retreats during summers.

Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi

Agrasen ki Baoli: History

Agrasen Ki Baoli is one of the most important baolis of Delhi. Also known as Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi, the historical monument is being protected by the Archaeological Survey of India under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958. The baoli is 15-meter wide and 60-meter long.

There is no mention in the history as to who made the baoli; however, it is believed to have been built by King Agrasen. It is said that it was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agaral community. The baoli now serves as a place of historical importance, a hang-out spot for family picnics and a destination for lovers in Delhi Tour Packages.

The word Baoli refers to a step well. Also known as Baodi or Bawdi, this kind of structure can frequently be found in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Temple step wells and water temples were quite popular in ancient India. The step wells and reservoirs in places like Dholavira give a fair sense of the architectural patterns followed in the Indus Valley Civilisation.

The architecture of Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi is a rather interesting one and is one of its kind in Delhi. It has 108 steps that lead to the step well. The step well in Agrasen Ki Baoli is divided into three levels. All of these levels are lined with arched niches on both sides. These arches served as a meeting place and provided relief from the heat during summers. There are also passages to the rooms constructed in the baoli. However, the rooms are now locked for security reasons.

Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi

Agrasen ki Baoli Architecture

Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi, which is 60 meters in length and 15 meters in width, features a unique and ornate architectural style. The whole structure is built out of rubble masonry, using an assortment of rocks and stones. The rectangular shape of the stepwell makes it stand out from the other baolis in Delhi that were built as round water reservoirs. It spreads over three visible levels, each of which is adorned with beautiful and symmetrical arched niches that line on both sides.

Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi is among those few stepwells in Delhi that boast of a single-flight staircase. There are more than 100 steps that take you down to the water level and as you go down, you can experience a drop in temperature as well. A circular well exists at the northern end of this stepwell. It measures 8 meters in diameter and remains dry for the most part of the year. When it is filled with water in the monsoon season, the water level rises to a height of around 4 or 5 feet.

The well remains shielded with an iron grill that prevents anyone from intentionally or accidentally falling into the water. It is also linked by shafts to the rectangular passage. As the water level of the baoli rises, the passage also gets filled with water. A small mosque exists at the south-west corner of the Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi complex. A triple-arched entrance leads you to the mosque. These arches are supported by four sandstone pillars, one of which had collapsed long ago. These pillars are ornamented structures that add to the aesthetic beauty of the whole structure Delhi Monuments.

Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi

Places to visit Near Agrasen ki Baoli –

Many interesting places surround Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi, and there are plenty of things to do at Agrasen Ki Baoli. It would be best if you started from Connaught place, a vivacious place and one of the most busy places in Delhi Tourism. You will see the number of people hanging out here, and here you will find an endless number of restaurants, bazaars, shops to visit.

  1. Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is located to the south of the Connaught circle in the parliament street. It is a huge observatory constructed to improve the knowledge of time and space in those times. Maharaja Jai Singh had built it in the year 1724.

  1. Humayun’s Tomb

The Humayun’s Tomb is the final resting place of the great Mughal Emperor Humayun. The best part of the tomb is its lush green and flourishing garden. It happens to be the very first garden-tomb of the Indian sub-continent.

The architecture of the Humayun’s Tomb has been greatly inspired by the Mughal and Persian structural design. The chief architect of the tomb was Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. It is also one of the featured monuments in the UNESCO’s heritage sites in the world.

  1. India Gate

The India Gate in New Delhi happens to be one of the most significant war memorials of the country. It is located along the Rajpath and offers an awe-inspiring sight. The structure is 42 meters tall and was designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

The monument pays homage to 72000 brave soldiers who were martyred in the First World War and the third Anglo Afghan war. It has 13300 inscribed names of servicemen on the walls. You will find the Amar Jawan Jyoti being lit all over the year to mark the immortality of the soldiers who lost their life for the nation.

  1. Kendriya Art Gallery

The Kendriya Art Gallery in New Delhi stands as a testimony for the fact that India is a country that has got the culture of art and crafts in its roots. The art gallery offers magnificent sights from various age-old paintings to many up to the minute modern artworks.

The museum is surely let you connect with the contemporary styles of artisans and various other passions of human beings. There are more than 14000 different exhibits and some of them are even close to 100 years old.

What is the Best Time to Visit Agrasen ki Baoli?

In the summer season, the temperature remains very hot, and because of the scorching heat, it is not possible to visit this kind of monument at this extreme temperature. So, the best time to visit Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi is from October to February. During the winter season, the weather remains cold and pleasant. People also love to visit these kinds of wonderful places at this time.

The Winter season is enjoyable, and it is considered the best time to Visit Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi with family and friends. There are many amazing places to visit in Delhi, but it comes at the list’s top. If you plan to visit Delhi, mark this place on your list to experience both adventure and history.

How To Reach Agrasen Ki Baoli?

Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi is situated on Halley Road in New Delhi, India, and the nearest metro station to go there is Janpath or Barakhamba Road. It is situated 2 km away from India Gate and 1.5 km away from Jantar Mantar.

By Train:- It is located almost 1 km far from the New Delhi railway station, and around 7 km away from Nizamuddin Railway station, you can take a bus, taxi, or auto to reach this place.

By Air:- Indra Gandhi international airport is the nearest airport in Delhi to reach Agrasen ki Baoli Delhi. It is around 14 km away from this place. From here, you can hire a cab, taxi, and auto rickshaws.

By Road:- Delhi is well connected with locals transports and the metro. As per your convenience, you choose anyone either local transport or metro both are easily available from every part of the city. In my opinion, the Delhi metro is far better than local transport because it is much safer, easily available, and has comfort and air conditioning.

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Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah

Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah is a mausoleum built of white marble, which also consists of premises featuring luxurious gardens and composite buildings. The monument is situated upon a large garden. Around it are numerous water streams and pathways, and is contrasted with the surroundings. The structure consists of the main central build placed upon a red sandstone platform, and has a six sided minar on each of the four corners Agra Tourism.

The exterior of the walls have marbles bearing embedded gems and rare precious stones such as the cornelian, lapis lazuli, onyx, jasper, topaz, etc., which are arranged into exquisite patterns of cypress trees, wine holders, flower boutiques and fruit designs. The walls look stunning by grace of the “jail” technique due to which light penetrates through them. Varieties of mesmerizing tones and shades of multicoloured gems have been used in the making.

The verdant gardens of the Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah draw visitors from across the world, no surprise that Itmad-ud-daulah Tickets sell like hot bricks! Tickets for Itmad-ud-daulah can be hard to behold so it is a good idea to buy tickets for Itmad-ud-daulah in advance or contemplate tours that offer a good deal on Itmad-ud-daulah ticket prices. To know more check out our tickets section.

Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah

History of Itimad-Ud-Daulah

Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah has a special place in the chronicles of both history as well as architecture. This is precisely because Itmad ud Daula is the very first tomb in India that is entirely made out of Marble. This is actually a mausoleum that overlooks the River Yamuna and is a tomb of Mir Ghiyas Beg, a minister in the court of Shah Jahan Agra Tour Packages.

The story of Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah is an inspirational rag to riches saga. The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is as interesting as the life of the person for whom it was built. Mirza Ghiyas-ud-din or Ghiyas Beg (later known as Itimad-ud-Daulah) was a poor merchant and lived in Persia (modern-day Iran). His wife gave birth to a daughter whom he wanted to abandon for he has no money to feed her but the persistent wails of the infant changed his heart.

The baby girl brought a stroke of good luck to her parents, for Ghiyas Beg found a caravan that straightaway took him to the court of the great Mughal Emperor, Akbar. After Akbar’s death in 1605, his son Jahangir became the Mughal emperor, who made Ghiyas Beg his chief minister or Wazir. Ghiyas Beg was also honored with the title of Itimad-ud-Daulah or the pillar of the state.

Jahangir fell in love with his widowed daughter who processes unspeakable beauty. She was later christened Noor Jahan and went down in the history as one of the most beautiful and artistically gifted women in the world. Jahangir conferred the title of Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah or ‘Pillar of the Empire’ to his father-in-law. Noor Jahan ordered the tomb after the death of her father in 1622. Itmad-ud-daula is a pure white and elaborately carved tomb that conforms to the Islamic style of architecture.

The Indo-Islamic architecture becomes prominent because of the fusion that this tomb displays. While the use of arched entrances and octagonal shaped towers signify the Persian influence, the absence of a dome and the presence of a closed kiosk on top of this building and the use of canopies talks about the possible Indian influence. From out side, when you take a bird eye view, Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah looks like a jewel box set in a garden. This tranquil, small, garden located on the banks of the Yamuna was to inspire the construction of the Taj Mahal in the later years.

Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah

Architecture

The Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah is built in pure white marble. Although the main building is the tomb, there are also other outbuildings along with the Persian styled gardens. It is often commented that the architecture of this tomb represents a transitory phase in Mughal architecture. The first phase was marked by the use of red sandstone and marble decorations, an example of which is Humayun’s Tomb. The second phase was marked by the use of white marble and pietra dura inlay work. This style reached its ultimate perfection in the Taj Mahal.

One of the most beautiful heritage structures in Agra, this tomb is also called a “jewel box” because it resembles a jewel box placed in the middle of a garden. The tomb, which sits on the banks of the Yamuna River, is intersected by walkaways and water courses. The four hexagonal towers standing on each corner of the tomb, measure 13 m.

The walls are adorned with intricate decorations from semi-precious stones like topaz, onyx and cornelian. These have been carved into various images, from wine bottles to vases containing bouquets. The ceilings too, were once adorned with hand painted pattern. Now however, they lie in ruins Agra Monuments.

Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah

Best Time To Visit Itimad-Ud-Daulah

Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah remains open from dawn to dusk and one can visit anytime during the day. However, to catch the monument at its best, it is recommended that you pay it a visit during the sunrise when it looks even grander as it basks in the evening sun. Also, Agra has harsh summers, so during the summer, one can avoid visiting during the afternoon time as it can get too humid and uncomfortable. Chances of dehydration are common, so it is not recommended.

How to Reach Itimad-Ud-Daulah

Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah is located 4 km from Agra Fort and 2 km from Ram Bagh. It is situated on the road going from Agra Fort to the Ram Bagh. The best way to reach the fort is by taking an auto rickshaw from the Auto stand near Agra Fort.

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