Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb - Its Cenotaphs Formation Replicated In The Taj Mahal

 ITMAD-UD-DAULAH'S TOMB

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AGRA

The city of Agra is full of architectural wonders. On one hand, it has the famous Taj Mahal, and on the other hand, it has the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah's mausoleum. Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb is a highly ornate edifice, which is looked upon as an imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned. The tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built before its construction.

The pure white and elaborately carved tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah conforms to the Islamic style of architecture. The use of arched entrances, octagonal shaped towers or minarets, use of exquisitely carved floral patterns, intricate marble-screen work and inlay work are all representative of the Islamic style. The absence of a dome and the presence of a closed kiosk on top of this building and the use of chhatris (small domed canopies, supported by pillars) atop the four towers (minarets) instead of proper domes are reflective of local influence.

The tomb of Itmad-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 Itmad-ud-Daulah) was a poor merchant and lived in Persia (modern-day Iran). While on his way to India for business, his wife gave birth to a baby girl. As the family was extremely poor and had nothing to eat, the parents decided to abandon the child. However, the wails of the baby girl forced the parents to come back and take her with them. 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. In the course of time, Ghiyas Beg rose to become a minister and a trusted treasurer in Akbar's court. 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 Itmad-ud-Daulah or the pillar of the state.

Ghiyas Beg's daughter grew up to be a beautiful lady and came to be known as Mehr-un-Nissa or the sun of womankind. In the course of time, the fame of her beauty spread. She was married off, but she soon became a widow. She returned to the court of Jahangir where her father was employed. Emperor Jahangir fell in love with her and married her. She soon became a powerful personality in Jahangir's court and was called Nur Mahal, the light of the palace, and Nur Jahan, light of the world. When Ghiyas Beg (Itmad-ud-Daulah) died in 1622, Nur Jahan undertook the project to build his mausoleum. Later she built the tomb of her husband (in a similar style) in Lahore. Nur Jahan had a brother whose daughter was married to Jahangir's son, Shahjahan. She was known as Mumtaz Mahal in whose memory Shahjahan built the world famous Taj Mahal.

Itmad-ud-Daulah was buried in a tomb that resembles a jewel box and 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. It is the first tomb in India built entirely in white marble. The tomb is also justly famous for the glorious pietra dura (stone inlay) decoration depicting cypresses, wine glasses, and an amazing variety of geometrical arabesque. The jali screens set in arched recesses are splendid. Four small minarets rise at the four corners of the small tomb structure. The whole structure gives the impression of an enlarged precious object. Due to the profusion of intricate work done on marble and the beautiful marble screen-work, the tomb easily qualifies as a veritable forerunner of the famous Taj Mahal.

By Air 

Agra’s Kheria Airport is located at a distance of 12.5 kilometers from the city center. The airport is a seasonal commercial airport which serve only Air India flights from New Delhi. It normally takes an hour to reach Agra from New Delhi by air. Taxis are easily available and will take you to your hotel or any other tourist destination you want to reach.

By Train

The beautiful, historical city of Agra is easily accessible by road and has four main railway stations-the Agra Cantonment, Agra Fort, Idgah Agra junction and Raja ki Mandi. The stations are well connected to major cities and tourist locations in India. Moreover, some superfast trains are also available that connect Agra to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Taxis, cabs and rickshaws are easily available to carry travelers to their destinations.

By Bus

Agra can be conveniently accessed by bus from all the major cities and locations of India like Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur and Gwalior etc. Agra city has two major bus terminals-The Idgah Bus Stand and the Interstate Bus Terminus (ISBT). You can also opt for self-drive or rent a cab.

Hanuman Garhi – The Temple Has The Main Deity Of Child Hanuman With His Mother

HANUMAN GARHI

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AYODHYA

Sri Hanuman is known as Hanuman Garhi and is located in a fort situated at the western gate of RamKot. The Hanuman Garhi is believed to have been built at the site that was inhabited by Hanuman.

To reach the temple, 76 steps need to be climbed. Land of the temple is believed to have been donated by Nawab of Avadh, on which construction was done during the middle of the 10th century by one of the courtesans of the Nawab.

The cave temple has an inner sanctum that is adorned with the idol of infant Hanuman in his mother’s lap. It is believed that the idol can bestow boon on the devotees worshipping in the temple. The temple is shaped like a four-sided fort with circular bastions at each corner.

The manner in which this temple has been carved out is breathtaking. One has to take the curved flight of stairs to reach this spot. In the sanctum one can see the deity of Mata Anjani holding infant Hanuman on her lap.

At the first look of the deity, one may not be able to see clearly the details of Mata Anjani and Sri Hanuman. A close look will reveal the details. Various devotees and visitors believe that Lord Hanuman resided at the site in a cave and looked after the Ramkot or the Janambhoomi.

Hanuman Garhi is just 3.5 kms from Tallital which is near Nainital. Nainital is well connected with motorable roads connecting major cities and towns of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Kathgodam and Nainital are easily available from Delhi. The nearest railway station to Bhimtal is Kathgodam, situated 276 kms from Delhi and 30 kms from Nainital.

Vinay Khand 3, Sai Nagar, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh 224123

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Dudhwa National Park - It Opens From November To June For Public Every Year

DUDHWA NATIONAL PARK

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LAKHIMPUR KHERI

The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is a protected area in Uttar Pradesh that stretches mainly across the Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts and comprises the Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.

It covers an area of 1,284.3 km (495.9 sq mi) and includes three large forest fragments amidst the matrix dominated by agriculture. It shares the north-eastern boundary with Nepal, which is defined to a large extent by the Mohana River. The area is a vast alluvial floodplain traversed by numerous rivers and streams flowing in south-easterly direction. It ranges in altitude from 110 to 185 m (361 to 607 ft).

Dudhwa National Park is great paradise near nepal border. Dudhwa national park residing the areas of Lakhimpur & Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, lying adjacent to the Indo-Nepal border bringing together two most incredible sanctuaries of the area namely, Kishanpur and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries to represent the excellent natural forests and greenery along the Terai region.

Quite impressively, the northern boundary of the park is being constituted by the Mohana River flowing along the Indo-Nepal border whilst the Southern boundary is formed by the river Suheli. The Kishanpur Sanctuary lies in the Lakhimpur- Kheri and Shahajahanpur districts in Uttar Pradesh. Spreading across an expanse of 811 sq km beholding the nature lovers with marshes, grasslands and dense forests, the area is actually meant for tremendous counts of Swamp Deer and Tigers species.

The area of the Park is composed of a vast alluvial plain along the tributaries of Mohana and Suheli, interspersed with numerous rivulets, lakes and pools. The rich and extremely fertile Indo-Gangetic plains support a flamboyant growth of forests diversity of fauna. The park has some of the best forests of 'Sal' tree in the world, amongst other flora; and is a virtual unexplored paradise for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Dudhwa attracts the visitors with its two core area as Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary which are separated by each other with an area of 15 kms agricultural land. Unlike other celebrity parks of India like Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park etc, the uncommercialized ambience of this park makes it an ideal habitat for the wild creatures to find nature's serenity & comfortability in a more natural way.

The best time to visit Dudhwa National Park is between November and May. The park remains open to public from 15th November to 15th June, though the months of May and June are a little too hot for comfort. While visiting the Park during winter you must remember to take woolen clothes as it can get pretty chilly, particularly between December to February.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is accessible both by rail and road. The Dudhwa branch-line of the North-east Railways links Dudhwa/Palia with Lucknow, Bareilly and Gonda. The Dudhwa Railway Station is right in the heart of the Park about 4 km from the tourist complex at Dudhwa.

Do's & Dont's

Go to the sanctuary only when one has a confirmed booking of an accommodation.

Obtain the required permit to move inside the sanctuary and follow all rules.

Drive slowly inside ,as this helps in better view of the wildlife and also does not disturb or endanger wildlife.

Keep to the trails as not doing it not only endangers wildlife but also puts you in danger.

Take the pleasure of viewing wildlife, but do not invite the danger by being adventurous.

Shoot form a camera, but never carry a gun inside the sanctuary.

Do not listen to music inside the sanctuary instead hear the music of nature.

Do not smoke inside the forest Accidental fires can destroy a beautiful jungle to ashes.

The sanctuary is not a zoo, do not expect to see wildlife everywhere.

Do not make your visit Tiger-centric, See the other wonders of nature and enjoy.

Megh Mela Is Going On Till March 10 In Triveni Sangam

MEGH MELA

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ALLAHABAD

The Magh Mela is one of the greatest annual religious affairs for Hindus. Hindu mythology considers the origin of the Magh Mela to be the beginning of the Universe. An important occasion, the Magh Mela is held every year on the banks of Triveni Sangam (the confluence of the three great rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) in Prayag near Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.

In accordance with the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India, this holy fair is organised every year during the Hindu month of Magh (corresponding to mid January - mid February of the Gregorian calendar); hence the name. The Magh Mela is, however, not confined only to the month of Magh and the important bathing dates are spread over a period of 45 days. The Magh Mela is actually a smaller version of Kumbh Mela. Hence it is also known as mini Kumbh Mela.

The second Maha kumbh of this century at Prayag concluded with a magnificent ritual bathing on the occasion of Mahashivratri on March 10, 2013. The Kumbh, the largest gathering of humanity on any occasion on the earth, had started with a ritual bathing on Makar Sankranti day, January 14, and in the 55 days of its duration, nearly 12 crore pilgrims and visitors from all over India and many corners of the world took a dip at the Sangam – the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

During the entire Mela, the sadhus, especially Naga sadhus, various Akhadas, religious and other rituals attracted the attention of visitors from around the globe. For the millions of pilgrims and visitors, taking a dip in the Sangam is more than a mere bath, but an expression of one’s faith in the great divine power.

Special Bathing Dates-2017

 12th January 2017 - Paush Purnima

 14th January 2017 - Makar Sankranti

 27th January 2017 - Mauni Amavasya

 01th February 2017 - Basant Panchami

 10th February 2017 - Maghi Purnima

 24th February 2017 - Maha Shivratri

Clean Beautiful & Marvellous Magh Mela, 2017


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Taj Deserves Your Visit Once And More

YOU DESERVE TO VISIT 

    

  The Taj! Once More!

One knows that ‘The Taj’ is one amongst the World’s Wonders!

One knows that it is one amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites!!

One knows The Taj as a legend of eternal love of an Emperor for his favourite Queen!!!

Well, ‘The Taj’ has distinctions much beyond just these!

Therefore, ‘The Taj’, surely, deserves your visit once and more!!!

Come, Walk along the pathway beside the reflecting pool with fountains upto the mausoleum crafted in soft & pure marble and jewelled with semi precious stones, where in the serenity of paradise rests the Queen in peace with her King. Come to unfold the pages from the past to churn the charm out of its mystique and enrich your imagination about this marvel of an epic in stone, The Taj!

The grace of perfection of proportions and grandeur of geometrical patterns of well appointed gardens enhancing the poise of the whole complex together add magnificence to the delicacy of this mance of love, dedication and purity, ‘The Taj’!

Come take a dip into the saga of ‘The Taj’, culled out from no fiction but facts and unfurl a saga, which is set out of nothing but pure love!

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder! Probably for Taj Mahal, the axiom is just the other way round.The Taj is the beauty personified! The Taj displays its different moods through its varied shades. The Taj has as many shades as any kind of beauty can ever have! The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, golden when the moon shines and the intermediary variants during different hours of the day and during different seasons in a year.

Picturesque descriptions by the historians contemporary to the period of its making, the facts revealed by the scholars & archaeologists of today and the panoramic montage of the reasons behind its making are sketched with every step you would walk towards the mausoleum the next time you visit The Taj!

A look this time at the Taj will keep you indulged with thoughts superimposing your sight and would make you feel the presence of Shah Jahan, the Maker and Mumtaz Mahal, the Reason, as though walking along with you.

Whence its breathtaking splendour makes you wonder breathlessly and you tend to pause for a while but to continue staring at ‘The Taj’, you would sense them standing beside you!

If one has a heart that beats and that beat throbs to seek, the purity of love in galore! Surely one deserves a visit to ‘The Taj’, as much as ‘The Taj’ deserves your visit once, and more!

Come to ‘The Taj’ with blissful pride! Bring the saga come alive!!

Come; fall in love, every time!!!            

       

Taj Mahal Visiting Duration:

Sunrise to Sunset (Friday Closed) & Other Monuments -from sunrise to sunset

Entry Fee For Taj Mahal

S.No.	Tourist Type	Amount (Rs.) (Inclusive of ASI & ADA fees )
1	Foreign tourist	1000/-
2	Citizens of SAARC  and BIMSTEC Countries	530/-
3	Domestic/Indian	Rs. 40/-

Note-

For all the World Heritage Sites tickets are available on Ticket Counters of World Heritage Sites in India.

A composite ticket of Taj Mahal (Inclusive of ASI & ADA fees) is available at all World Heritage Sites in india.

No Entry fee for children below the age of 15 years. (both Domestic and Foreigner)     

Ticketing   

Lucknow Mahotsav - It Exhibits The Art And Culture Of Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW MAHOTSAV

Lucknow Mahotsav is an extravagant festival that is organized annually in Lucknow to exhibit the Art and Culture of Uttar Pradesh and in particular Lakhnavi ‘Tehzeeb’ for promoting tourism.

In the year 1975-76 The South Asian Tourism Year was observed and organized where the decision was taken to organize Lucknow Mahotsav as an annual fair for the sole purpose of promoting Lucknow’s Art, Culture and Tourism for national and international tourists.

From that time onwards, with certain exceptions only; Lucknow Mahotsav has been organized every year with unique theme and grand arrangements and is a special attraction spot for tourist at local, national as well as international level.

Evidently, every year Crafts Fair is organized in Lucknow Mahotsav which allows Craftsmen to put up stalls for showcasing and selling their crafts work. Along with crafts showcasing, various food and general need item stalls are also set up in Lucknow Mahotsav that makes it a perfect place for getting all things related to Lucknow and its culture.

Moreover, to enhance the grandeur of the festival, various cultural programs and celebrities’ performances are organized in the festival. Furthermore, for amusement of the tourists, Lucknow Mahotsav also has arrangement of fun filled rides ranging from big rides like merry-go-round for adults to small level rides for children.

So, if you want to experience the extravagant Nawabi culture of Lucknow, Lucknow Mahotsav is the best place for you.

Lucknow Mahotsav held from November 25, 2016 to December 5, 2016

Jhansi Fort Sound And Light Show

Sound and Light Show at Fort 

In 17th century, this fort was built by King Bir Singh Judeo of Orchha on top of a hill as an army stronghold. The fort has been a witness to the fiery battle led by Rani Laxmi Bai. There are temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha within the fort. The Karak Bijli and Bhawani Shankar cannon of the queen are also kept inside the fort. There is also a museum which has a collection of sculpture and provides an insight into the history of Bundelkhand.

The sound and light show is organised in Jhansi Fort and is based on the life of Rani laxmi Bai and the First War of Independence in 1857.

Venue - Jhansi Fort

Fees - Rs. 50/- (Indian), Rs. 300/- (Foreigner)

Timings - 7.45 pm. English (in Summer)

Timings - 8.45 pm. English (November to March)

Timings - 6.30 pm. Hindi (in Summer)

Timings - 7.30 pm. English (November to March)

Four Gateway Of Entry To Taj Mahal

ENTRY TO TAJ MAHAL

The four storeyed main gateway of the Taj Mahal is 100 feet high and is built in red sandstone. The Arabic calligraphy from the Holy Quran and motifs of entwined flowers, leaves and vines spiraling down its niches. These motifs have been made by semi-precious stones inlaid in the white marble.

The  Southern Gate  

The Gate is towards the south, Which faces the old Mumtazabad (Modern Taj Ganj). It is meant for the pedestrians. On the right side of this gate is a Tomb of red stone which is surrounded by court yards and crowded with a dome. It is said that this is a grave of one lady companion of Mumtaj Mahal. Due to this reason this building is called as the Tomb of a Maid of Honour.

It stand on an evelated square measuring 156 feet each way. In the central chamber, there are two uninscribed tombs of marble stone. The platform of the building is octagonal and the cupola is turnip-shaped. No historian has given an account of these graves, yet they agree with this probability that these graves may belong to the personal ward attendants of Mumtaz Mahal. Just opposite this building, there is a red stone edifice of the same type.

The  Eastern Gate 

This gate faces towards Fatehabad. There is a domed tomb erected on an elevated platform near this gate. This Tomb was built in the memory of another wife of Shah Jahan called Sirhindi begum. Due to this, the gate is known as ‘Sirhi Darwaza’.The main building is eight sided, having twenty four arches,a big hall and a verandah.

The Western Gate 

It is the main entrance to the Taj Mahal and this gate faces towards the Agra cantonment and Agra city.There is a red sand stone edifice outside this gate which is known as Fatehpur Begum another wife of Shah Jahan. It is erected on a beautiful terrace.The count yard is paved and its measurements are 130 feet and some 175 to 200 persons can perform Namaz in here.

The Gate Way To The Taj Mahal 

This gate way is an octagonal entrance hall, surrounded by small rooms on both the sides of the floors having beautifully ornamented gates on two sides, one opening towards the court yard side and the other to wards the Mausoleum itself. On the three sides of this gateway, there are strong balconies. The Gateway is a master piece of fine inlay work in itself.

Jhansi fort – It Is Very Great Model Of North Indian Architecture

JHANSI FORT

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UTTAR PRADESH

The Jhansi fort or Jhansi ka Killa is a fortress located on a hilltop called Bangira in Uttar Pradesh. Extending over 15 acres, this fort is a great example of the north Indian style of architecture. Every year in the month of January–February a grand occasion is held known as Jhansi Mahotsav when many eminent personalities and artists perform their play.

Jhansi Fort was built byarocha’s king Maharaja Veer Singh Dev in 1613. It’s was surrounded by 16 to 20 ft wall. There are ten doors in the fort’s wall each having the name of a king or historic location from the kingdom. The name is like Chand door, Datiya Door, Jharna Door, Laxmi Door, Aurcha Door, Unnao Door, Khanderao Door and Senya Door. However, some of the doors are now become extinct, yet there are some doors are still in good condition.

The construction of the fort is ascribed to the Bundela Chief Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha IN 1613. For twenty five years it was one of the strongholds of the Bundelas till it passed into the hands of the Mughals for the next Hundred years and subsequently came under the possession of the Marathas for another hundred years.

The Maratha chief Naru Shankar enlarged the Shankargarh area of the fort. From the Marathas during the period of 1857, it passed into the hands of the British, who defeated Rani Lakshmi Bai and took possession of the fort. The fort is thus associated with the First war of Independence. Altogether there are twenty two bastions with a massive fortification wall and a moat on two sides.

The important structures in the fort are Kadak Bijli, Ganesh Temple, Bhawani Shankar Temple, Baradari, Shahar Darwaza, graves of Gulam Gaus Khan, Panch Mahal, Jumping spot, Kal Kothri, Hanging tower, Shankargarh and Shiva temple.

Jumping spot is one of the major attractions for the tourists, it is said that riding on the horse Rani Jhansi along with his adopted son jumped out of the fort from this spot.

By Air

Nearest airport is Gwalior Airport – 98 km, Khajuraho-178 km.

By Train

Jhansi is well connected by an excellent railway network. Train connectivity to cities in all directions is available. In fact Jhansi is among the busiest railways stations in the country with most of the north-south and east-west trains passing through here. Helpline Number - 2440441

By Bus

Jhansi, on National Highway No. 25 and 26, is linked by a good network of roads. Some major road distances are: Agra – 221 km.; Khajuraho – 176 km.; Datia – 28 km.; Shivpuri – 100 km.; Kalpi – 142 km; Gorakhpur – 563 km.; Lucknow – 297 km.; Kanpur – 220 km.; Lalitpur – 93 km.; Delhi – 414 km.

Bara Imambara – It Has A Unique Fashion Architecture Of The 18th Century Significance

BARA IMAMBARA

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LUCKNOW

The Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in the year 1784. The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments of this place.

It is also called Asfi Imambara after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed. It is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram.

The Bara Imambara has a unique style of construction. The central hall of Bara Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork in the entire structure.

The hall measures 50 meters long and goes upto a height of 15 meters. What makes the construction unique is the fact that the blocks have been put together with interlocking system of bricks and there has been absolutely no use of girders and beams. The roof stands steady till date without any pillars to support it. 

It has large underground passages which have been blocked up. A staircase from outside leads to a series of labyrinths known as Bhool-Bhulaiyan, which is a complicated entanglement of zig-zag passages. Visitors are advised to visit only with authorised guides. Within the compound of the Imambara is the grand Asafi Mosque. Shahi Baoli is another attraction here.

Timing: Sunrise to Sunset.

Entry fee : Rs. 25.00 (Indian). Rs. 500.00 (Foreigner) (inclusive of Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Picture Gallery, Shahi Hamam).

By Air

Lucknow can be easily reached by air as the place has its own independent airport. The airport at Lucknow is located at a distance of around 14 kilometers from the city center at a place called Amausi. Flights operate from Amausi to nearby places like Delhi, Patna, Ranchi and also other cities like Mumbai. 

By Train

There are two main railway junctions at Lucknow. One is at Lucknow city center itself and the other is at Charbagh, which is located at a distance of around 3 kilometers from the city center. Trains from all major places near and around Lucknow ply daily to this place. 

By Bus

Lucknow can be easily reached from Delhi, Kanpur, Agra, Allahbad and Dehradun. Highways from all these places connect them with Lucknow. The major highways passing through Lucknow are N.H. - 25, N.H. - 28 and N.H. - 56.

Jain Glass Temple – It was Constructed By Traditional Architecture With Full Of Glass In Kanpur

JAIN GLASS TEMPLE

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KANPUR

Jain Glass Temple, situated in Maheshwari Mohal behind the famous Kamla Tower is one of the major tourist center of the city. The temple, dedicated to the apostles and disciples of the great Lord Mahavira and the rest of the remaining 23 Jain Tirthankaras, houses the figures of Lord Mahavira and the 23 Jain Tirthankaras on a huge pedestal.

Constructed in the traditional architectural style, the temple is almost built up in glass and elegantly decorated with enamel and mirror work. The floors are done up in marble and the interior consists of ornamental arches. The temple displays lively murals made of stained glass and excellent wall paintings narrating the teachings of the Jain scriptures.

The Jain Glass Temple of Kanpur was dedicated to the worshippers and believers of Jainism.It is exquisitely and intricately decorated in enamel and glass works. Cast almost entirely in glass the walls, doors, floors, pillars, panels and ceilings are embellished and beautified in ornate mirror work.

The temple possesses and displays vibrant stained glass murals and wall paintings that vividly narrate the teachings of the revered Jain scriptures.Jain Glass Temple, Uttar Pradesh have beautiful marble floors and the interiors consists of ornamental arches.

By Air 

Kanpur airport known as Chakeri airport, operated by the airports authority of India is located about 13kms from the city centre. Air India and Jet airways serve flights to and from here to New Delhi, Mumbai, Allahabad, Ahmedabad etc. Apart from this, the nearest airport is at Amausi which is around 65 km from the city.

By Rail 

Kanpur Central Railway station (code : CNB), on the Howrah- Delhi route broad gauge, is served by the northern railways and connected to all the major stations of the country by express, super-fast and passenger trains. Shatabdi Express, Rajdhani Express, Neelanchal Express, Udyan Abha Toofan Express, Gomti Express are some of the main trains that passes through this station.

By Bus

Kanpur is connected by road with all the major cities of the country. National Highway 2 connect the city with Delhi- Agra- Allahabad- Kolkata route and National Highway 25 with Lucknow- Jhansi- Shivpuri route. The central bus station is located near the railway station . Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and State Road Transport Corporation of neighboring states connect the city with other regions.

Gravity Defying Palace – Twenty Two Thousand Employees Worked To Finish The Construction Of Palace

GRAVITY DEFYING PALACE

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LUCKNOW

Gravity Defying Palace is located at lucknow the capital city of Uttar Pradesh state of India. The Palace is the Bara Imambara – bar meaning big and imambara meaning a shrine.  It was built by the fourth Nawab, Barak Imambara Asaf-ud-Daula, in the year 1784 and is a blend of Arabic and European architecture.

This structural miracle goes back to the eighteenth CE. Nawab Asaf Ud Daulah made this wonder, mixing European and Arabic design in flawless amicability.

The focal curved corridor is 50 meters in length and around three stories high, hanging without the backing of any columns or bars! The principle lobby is known for the engineering of the maze or bhul-bhulaiya, with more than 1000 restricted staircase entries.

The Imambara complex additionally houses lavish greenhouses, a stupendous mosque and a baoli.The surrounding of the palace also includes a mosque and a step-well – bowli. The palace, housing the tombs of Asaf-ud-Daula and his family, is also believed to hold riches.  This is one of the most significant monuments in Uttar Pradesh.

What is special about this palace is the central hall, which as described above, is about 50 metres long and 15 metres wide, and is suspended without any pillars or beams supporting it.

The hall has been constructed only through interlocking brickwork.  There are eight chambers of different roof-heights surrounding the hall. What makes it even more interesting is the whispering sounds that one encounters in the balcony across the hall. This is one of the largest arched constructions in the world.

History has it that the Nawab had conceived the construction of this monument to generate employment to counter a devastating famine that had hit the region. The construction employed about 22,000 people.

It is rumoured that while ordinary people worked during the day at the construction site, noble men and courtiers, to make ends meet, worked in the nights so that they would not be identified.  Approximately about a million rupees is supposed to have been spent in the construction of this palace, and its annual maintenance amounted to about five hundred thousand rupees.

By Air

Lucknow travel can be made easier when traveling through the air. That dismisses the question of how to reach Lucknow faster. Lucknow airport is located 14km away from the city centre. Flights to Lucknow are regularly available all major metros. Regular flights are available from cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Booking of tickets for flights to Lucknow should be done at the earliest to enjoy the best rates.

By Train

The Lucknow City centre and Charbagh are the two main railway stations in this city. Travellers can board a train to Lucknow from almost any part of the country. There are a number of Lucknow trains connecting even the farthest place in India. So travellers need not worry about how to go to Lucknow because of its excellent connectivity to other cities in India.

By Bus

The major highways passing through Lucknow are NH 2 and NH56. When you are looking for a Lucknow trip by bus, check out the latest timings and fares before you make a decision. Go on a Lucknow trip by bus to understand the culture and heritage of this place. If you are a backpacker, Lucknow visits by bus can be an amazing experience.