Ladakh is renowned for its beautiful Buddhist monasteries. Probably the most well-known and the most visited of them is in Thiksey. On the one hand, it looks like a small Potala, and there is also a huge statue of Buddha. In addition, the views from the roof top to the Indu Valley are breathtaking

The Thiksey monastery, painted in red, ochre and white, blends in well with the surrounding landscape. On first sight, you will be surprised with the strong resemblance it bears to Potala Palace in Lhasa in Tibet. Visiting the monastery, which houses several attractions within it, can be a rewarding experience. It offers excellent opportunities for sightseeing and exploration. If you have been planning a trip to Ladakh, then this Thiksey monastery travel guide will tell you all that you need to know about the monastery.

History of the Thiksey Monastery
You may have often wondered about the history of Thiksey Monastery and why is it called so? According to the popular tale, Jangsem Sherab Zangpo (a 15th century Tibetan Buddhist monk), along with his disciple, Palden Sherab, were offering prayers with a ritual cake at a spot which was located about 3km from where the Thiksey Monastery today stands. Out of nowhere, to their surprise, a crow grabbed the cake and flew away with it. After searching for the cake for some time, they found the ritual cake placed at the top of the hillock, in exactly the same condition as before.

The Buddhists believed this to be an auspicious sign, and decided to build a monastery at that very spot. The name of the monastery, Thiksey, which means “perfect order”, is derived from the perfect order in which the crow placed the cake.

What to See Inside the Monastery
Visiting the Thiksey Monastery will leave you with wonderful memories. Apart from the opportunities for exploration and sightseeing, the Thiksey Monastery is a great place for learning about the several facets of Buddhism. The monastery is home to ten temples in all, besides home for monks, nunnery, assembly hall etc. At the entrance, you are greeted by the statue of the protector deity. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Indus Valley floodplains below.

One of the main attractions inside the Thiksey Monastery is the Maitreya Buddha. The statue is almost two stories tall and is a splendid piece of architecture. The other attractions which will interest you immensely are the two temples, Tara Temple and Lamokhang Temple. Tara Temple is a small temple dedicated to the goddess and houses 21 images of this deity. The walls of this temple are adorned with exquisite marvels and are a visual treat to the eyes.

Lamokhang Temple is another place which fascinates tourists. Its home to several scriptures, including Stangyur and Kangyur. It’s important to note that women are not allowed to enter this temple. Inside the temple, there is a school where young boys undergo training to become lamas. Another attraction is the large pillar which has Lord Buddha’s images engraved on it. A nunnery is also located inside the Thiksey Gompa.

Festivals held at Thiksey Monastery
On your visit to the Thiksey Monastery, you should not miss a chance to attend the Gustor Festival. This is an annual festival held in the monastery from the 17th to the 19th day of the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar (October-November).

As a tourist, you will find the various rituals of the festival extremely interesting and delightful. One of them is the mask dance, popularly known as the Cham Dance, which is an essential part of this ritual. Other traditional Tibetan musical instruments also accompany the dance. Performers wearing masks delight the audiences with their gracious dance moves.

It should be remembered that this choreographed dance is performed only by lamas. The festival ends by burning an effigy which symbolizes evil. This interesting dance is accompanied by musical instruments like cymbals, old horns, bells, conch shells and others.

Best Time to Visit Thiksey Monastery
You can visit the Thiksey Monastery from 7am to 7pm throughout the week. The best months for visiting the monastery are October and November. After November, however, the place will remain closed and reopen only in May. Try visiting the monastery during early morning. Doing so will allow you to enjoy the unique rituals of the monastery. A lot of tourists visit the monastery in the morning time to be the witness of morning prayers at Thiksay Monastery.

Entry Fee of Thiksey Monastery
The entry fee at Thiksey Monastery is Rs. 20 for both locals and foreigners. There is no additional fee for carrying a camera.

Opening and Closing Timings
Thiksey Monastery remains open from 7 am to 7 pm all days of the week. However, if you want to participate in the morning prayers, you should visit the monastery early morning.

Varanasi, also known as Benares, or Kashi is an Indian city on the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres south-east of the state capital, Lucknow. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism, and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva as it has been mentioned in the Rigveda that this city in older times was known as Kashi or “Shiv ki Nagri”.

Witness Grandeur Evening Aarti Ceremony, Explore Varanasi Temples, Take a Holy Bath in Ganges, Morning Boat Ride in Ganges River, Go for a Sightseeing Tour of Sarnath, Stroll Along the Ghats and many more.

Colourful and spiritual are the two words best describe the charm of Varanasi. This Indian travel destination is famous for its bathing Ghats that line River Ganges. Considered to be one of the holiest places around the world, it is visited by millions of Hindus and travellers each year.

While some come for spiritual enlightenment, others come for salvation of their sins. With a number of things to do in Varanasi, travellers are increasingly being enchanted by this beautiful destination. Varanasi was once known as Kashi, the city of lights. Renamed after the Varuna and Asi Rivers, it shimmers and shines with millions of lights, candles, floating diyas and large Jyotis (items used for lighting during Hindu Prayers). The city is known for being an auspicious place to die, but still has a beating heart of its own. It is where physical and spiritual worlds beautifully combine. River Ganges here is the river of salvation, which offers Moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The magical Indian destination will captivate you with its Ghats and endless lines of Sadhus and Saints.

Witness Grandeur Evening Aarti Ceremony

Watching Evening Aarti Ceremony is certainly once in a lifetime experience. The spectacular event must be viewed from the Dasawamedh Ghat, where beautiful rituals unfold themselves in front of your eyes. Brass lamps of large sizes are used during this event, which is accompanied by chants and crowds of people waiting to pray.

Visit at least an hour before the Aarti if you want to gather the experience at its best. At this time, you can witness how five elevated planks are placed at the edge of the steps of the Ghats and brass lamps are cleaned and readied for the occasion. It is also interesting to watch how priests don identical dhotis and kurta for prayer and Aarti ceremony. Those who wish to click pictures from their cameras should visit the Ghats in evening boats, as this will allow one to easily capture everything in attention.

These brass lamps are quite heavy, almost four and half kilograms in weight. Therefore, make sure you carry one only if you are able to hold it in the crowds. As soon as they are lit, spectacular images are formed. The night sky shines with radiance of these lamps while incense sticks will fill the atmosphere with aroma of different types. The Aarti ceremony is performed every night and a 45 minute ritual is held for the same. The usual time it is 6: 45 in the evening.

Explore Varanasi Temples

Best known for its Ghats and Temples, a visit to Varanasi is incomplete without the best temples of this city. There is one on almost every road and road crossing in Varanasi. While the small temples are used for daily local prayers and rituals, larger ones are associated with Hindu history and mythology. These places of worships are regularly visited by travellers in large numbers. They also reflect the architecture in India. The most popular temple here is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Also called the Golden Temple, this place of interest was built in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holker of Indore. The Vishwanath or the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is enshrined in here. The place of worship is also popular because Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated huge amounts of gold. Using the same gold, two domes of temples were constructed.

Durga Temple, built during the 18th century is also a popular in this city. According to legends, the statue of Goddess Durga in here was made by the Goddess herself. Every year, devotees visit this revered place during auspicious occasions, particularly Navratri.

It is popular among architecture students who visit it to see the Nagara Style of architecture, wherein the temple is layered in multi-tiered spires and has a rectangular tank of water. Among other shrines, Baba Keenaram Sthal, is regularly visited by researchers, tourists, documentary makers and writers.

Take a Holy Bath in Ganges

River Ganges is considered to the holiest Hindu River. Legends suggest that taking a dip in the holy waters here will offer salvation of sins and purification of the soul. In fact, the religious texts of Hinduism widely suggest that one should get a salvation by bathing in River Ganges to purify all sins accumulated in current or previous births.

Taking a dip or bathing in the holy waters of Ganges is one of the major things to do in Varanasi. The river’s personification is Ganga, the elder sister of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva.

It is said that Ganga came to earth for giving salvation to 60000 ancestors. She came to earth as human, but her falling force is said to be so enormous that Lord Shiva had to hold her in his matted hair and he was the one who ultimately released her in the form of river. The river, associated to Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh is therefore revered by Hindus. Varanasi has 84 Ghats and their steps lead to the River Ganges. The Ghats can be accessed easily and used for dipping or taking bath in Ganga. To complement this, travellers are recommended to opt for boat rides, which will help you gain insight into the culture and historical significance of the mystical river.

Morning Boat Ride in Ganges River

Rowing boat rides during the dawn is perhaps one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The ride along Ganges River offers the quintessential Varanasi experience. It takes one through different Ghats and former palaces situated close to the banks of Ganges, giving a panoramic view of this River and the region. The best time to enjoy boat ride of the Ganges River is from 5:30 AM to 8 AM. This is when the colour and clamour of the place will enthral you. Travellers will be surprised to see that the city is awake and cheery even during 5 in the morning.

Morning experience of the boat ride will leave an indelible imprint on your heart, especially because you will get to see the faith that people have in River Ganges. During the ride, don’t be surprised to see Sadhus and pilgrims bathing and performing prayers in front of you. This entire ride will unfold the religious significance of Varanasi and why River Ganges is revered all over the world. Mostly, an hour long boat ride is ideal to give the traveller a taste of what this city has to offer. It usually starts from Dasawamedh Ghat, goes to the Harishchandra Ghat and then back. In the evening, you can see how women from all over the world light lotus flower candles and set it adrift in water. You can also opt for Ganges Aarti ceremony at the Dasawamedh Ghat. Travellers can access boats from Manmandir area.

Go for a Sightseeing Tour of Sarnath

Just a few kilometres away from Varanasi, is the sleepy village of Singhpur. While Varanasi is a Hindu religious centre, Singhpur’s Sarnath is a Buddhist centre of religion. Visit to this village, which is known for its Buddhist monuments, is one of the best things to do in Varanasi and nearby areas. Sarnath is also referred to a deer park, which is the place where Gautama Buddha first came and taught about the concept of Dharma. This is where Buddhist Sangha received enlightenment. It is located in Singhpur, known as the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara in Jainism. Sarnath is certainly one of the best places near Varanasi, especially for those who are keen to learn more about history and religion in India.

It is where Emperor Ashoka erected a number of stupas and monuments for spreading Buddhism. The crumbling stupas here are a house of relics, manuscripts and fascinating inscriptions that can teach one a lot of Indian history, development of Buddhism and provide alternative theories such as Aliens and how they visited the earth.

A tour to Sarnath is usually for half a day and starts early in the morning. During the morning, one can revel in the beauty of Chaukhandi Stupa, which is one of the main stupas built by Ashoka after he converted into Buddhism.

Another main attraction is the Dhammek Stupa, made from a blend of stone and bricks. The stupa is 28 meters in diameter and has a height of 43.6 meters. Alternate theorist and historians from other countries suggest that the dome of this stupa indirectly refers to aliens and UFOs.

The intricate floral carvings of this stupa are reflective of early Gupta style of architecture.  The other highlight of Sarnath is Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, which is a monument that showcases beautiful frescoes made a Japanese painter. This area is a rich repository of the culture and heritage of Buddhism. To gain more insight into Buddhism and to be enthralled by this history of this place, you can visit Sarnath Museum. It is said to be the home of large number of relics that were excavated from Sarnath. The lion capital of Ashoka Pillar, which features on Indian emblem, is also showcased here.

Stroll Along the Ghats

Exploring the Ghats is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The city has almost a hundred Ghats, the steps of each leading the banks of River Ganges. These are bathing Ghats, praying Ghats and cremation sites for Hindus from all over the world. It makes them alluring and enthralling for a traveller as it is associated with some legend or mythologies.

The privately owned ones here are known for morning boat rides which provide impeccable, panoramic views of the place. Some of the major Ghats that one can visit during their trip to Varanasi includes the Mata Anandamai Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Munshi Ghat, Raj Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Scindia Ghat and Raj Ghat. Of these, Dashashwamedh Ghat is perhaps the most popular. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple and therefore, its spectacular appearance makes it an enchanting place to visit in Varanasi. The Ghat is associated with two Hindu mythologies.

One of these suggests that this where Lord Brahma welcomed Lord Shiva. The other states the place where Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during a Yajna. Every day, saints here perform Worship to Fire or Agni Pooja, which is a charismatic and spectacular event to watch.

Apart from this, Lalita Ghat is a destination worth visiting. Built by King of Nepal, it is the site of Keshav Temple and a number of local festivals are organized at this place. For cremating electrically, a crematorium has been set in Harishchandra Ghat. 

Visit Historical Ramnagar Fort

A popular fortification, Ramnagar Fort is located in Varanasi. It is one of the best places to see on a monotonous afternoon. The fortification on the eastern bank of River Ganges is known for its cream coloured Chunar Sandstone, which gives it a strong, sophisticated appearance.

Although, it isn’t as old as usual forts in the country, it is popular around the world for its strong, lavish appearance. The fascinating structure is one of the best places for tourists and history buffs. Built by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750, this castle is the best representation of Mughal style of architecture.

It features carved balconies, pavilions and open courtyards, which is associated with summer resorts, palaces and forts of Mughal. The fort has been the home of the Maharaja and then his children. Currently, Anant Narayan Singh is the resident and occupies it despite the abolishing of Royal title in 1971.

The fort is often used for outdoor shooting locations of various films and has a museum, which showcases unusual and rare collection of vintage cars from America along with ivory work, sedan chairs, golden and silver palanquins in the shape of lotus and elephant saddles made of beautiful designs. It also features an armoury hall that displays swords and guns from around the world.

Shopping in Varanasi’s Local Market

Shopping in Varanasi is the best thing to do on a free afternoon or evening. The city is widely famous for its silk saris and ornate jewels. Visit the local market to buy different items of interest. The intricate pattern of floral designs and elaborate zari or thread work saris must be purchased from this beautiful place.

The local market here is filled with illustrious fine silk and apart from saris, one can buy shawls, carpets, stone inlay work, bangles and idols of Hindu or Buddhist deities. The main shopping areas to explore in this city include Vishwanath Lane, Thateri Bazaar, Chowk and Godowilia.

Also known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is amongst the most visited tourist destinations in India. In the 2008, Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Survey, Jaipur was ranked the 7th best place to visit in Asia. It is the capital city of the state of Rajasthan and an important destination of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit with Delhi and Agra being the other two.

Amer Fort / Amber Palace, Jaipur

In the Pink City of Jaipur, cradled on the top of the Aravali Hill lies the Amer Fort, one of the most magnificent palaces in India. Also commonly known as the Amber Fort, this majestic building with its maze-like passages and serpentine staircases is an architectural masterpiece and with significant importance in Indian history. Only 11 kilometres away from the capital city of Jaipur, Amer Fort is clad in pink and yellow sandstone and is a part of an extensive complex. Built by one of the most trusted generals of Akbar, Maharaja Man Singh I in the year 1592, Amer Fort served as the main residence of the Rajput Rulers.

The Amer Fort through its large ramparts, several gateways and paved paths overlooks the Maotha Lake in the town of Amer, which used to serve as the capital of the erstwhile Jaipur princely state. The fort is big enough that it will take you at least two to three hours to explore it in detail, and you can also choose to avail of the audio guides to lead you through this fascinating building while explaining the history of the place. Getting an elephant ride up the stairs to the Amber Fort is also a popular tourist activity. The fort sees over five thousand visitors daily and rightfully, the Amer Fort was inducted into UNESCO World Heritage Site list as part of the “Hill Forts of Rajasthan” along with five other forts. 

City Palace, Jaipur

Located deep within the walled city, the City Palace Complex was conceived and built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. A beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family which lives in a private section of the palace. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is credited with building most of the structures, but it was expanded upon by later rulers as well. The City Palace Complex includes the Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and the Maharani’s Palace (the palace of the queen). Mubarak Mahal now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and displays a vast and unique collection of royal costumes, delicate Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Benaras silk saris, and other dresses with Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. The clothes of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I are also on display. The Maharani’s Palace, surprisingly, has an interesting display of very well-preserved Rajput weaponry, some dating back to the 15th century. Other than the arms, the palace is adorned with beautiful paintings on the ceiling that are well-maintained.Hawa

Mahal, Jaipur

The massive edifice of Hawa Mahal stands at the intersection of the main road in Jaipur, Badi Chaupad and was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. Hawa Mahal derives its name from its unique structure, which is a mesh of small windows that allowed cool wind to enter the palace and hence kept the palace comfortable during the hot summer months. The main reason behind the palace’s construction was to allow the women of the royal house to observe the festivities on the streets whilst being unseen from the outside as was the custom of the land. It is located right on the edge of the City Palace Jaipur and extends right to the ‘zenana’.

Hawa Mahal is a structure made of red and pink sandstone and has a pyramidal structure which almost resembles a crown. It has been embellished with 953 tiny windows, also known as ‘Jharokhas’ and embellished with gorgeous latticework. From within, the Hawa Mahal palace is based on five floors each of which has a uniquely decorated chamber. A charming fountain welcomes you inside the main palace, from whereon you can make your way up to the different floors. The top of the palace offers a brilliant view of the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the ever-busy Siredeori Bazar. There is a small museum as well which holds some rich relics and miniature paintings.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Located near the City Palace in the regal city of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world. Owing to its rich cultural, heritage and scientific value, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur has also been featured on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. This ancient study boasts of nineteen instruments built out of stone and brass and was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727-33. The intelligent construction and placement of these instruments allowed the observers to note the position of heavenly bodies with their naked eye alone. Time has failed to lay dust upon this engineering marvel and it still works as well as it used to in the olden times.

The main objective of building this vast observatory was to study and gather information about space and time. The instruments here pertain to Egyptian study of Ptolemaic astronomy and follows three classical celestial coordinates to track the positions of heavenly bodies- namely horizon-zenith local system, the equatorial system and the ecliptic system. Another fact that makes this destination unique is that the world’s largest sundial is situated here. The observatory in Jaipur is a part of a collection of five other such observatories built by Raja Jai Singh, which are located in New Delhi, Ujjan ,Varanasi and Mathura. The best experience here is undoubtedly the light and sound show that takes place every evening and Jantar Mantar lights up like a firefly! 

Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

Nahargarh Fort is located in the Pink City of Jaipur and is one of the many countless palaces and beautiful historic buildings that speak of the magnificent and rich history of this city. Embellished with delicate carvings and stonework, the Nahargarh Fort is an impregnable structure, that together with its two neighbouring forts – Amer and Jaigarh, once stood as the strong defence of Jaipur city. The Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1734 as a retreat. With some breathtaking views of the city, the Nahargarh Fort is known for its extended wall that connects it to Jaigarh Fort. The fort is located on top of a hill and you can hire a cab or autorickshaw to the foot of the hill and trek the rest of the way.

Nahargarh Fort was primarily used as a retreat for the ladies of the royal household and has a ladies quarters by the name of ‘Zenana’. Also known as the Madhavendra Bhavan, the ‘Zenana’ was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its counterpart, the ‘Mardana Mahal’ was also constructed in the complex for the royal men. Another attraction in the Nahargarh Fort is the Nahargarh Biological Park, which is an asylum for majestic animals such as tigers, leopards and the Asiatic lions. The Padao Restaurant is also a must-visit if you’re near Nahargarh Fort from where you’re sure to enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Jaipur.

Pink City, Jaipur

Pink City in Jaipur refers to the old walled city that was built in the year 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. This was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of June 6th 2019. The wall that marks the boundary of the Pink City is about six metres high and three metres thick and encompasses a number of structures within its confines. In keeping with the magnificence of the structure, there are seven different gates that provide access to the Old City, namely Chand Pol, Suraj Pol, Ajmeri Gate, New Gate, Sanganeri Gate, Ghat Gate, Samrat Gate and Zorawar Singh Gate. Built about 275 years ago, today it presents the glorious past of our country through its culture and architecture. The city is known as ‘Pink City’ as it is built out of Sandstone and reflects the colour pink in the daytime.

Steeped with rich past and heritage, the Pink City of Jaipur is a place of royal heritage, culture and architecture. The city is covered in the tint of pink colour oozing charm and attracting tourists from all over the world. The place offers a feast to its visitors in the form of its historical saga with magnificent palaces and forts and stunning Havelis. A number of important structures such as Badi Chaupar, Jantar Mantar and City Palace are situated in this part of the city. The vibrant bazaars of Jaipur like Bapu Bazaar and Johri Bazaar are paradise for shopping lovers offering beautiful Rajasthani jewellery, fabric, shoes and handicrafts. Bustling with colours, a walk around this old city gives you a glance into is the wealth of handicrafts, the royal legacy of the palace, and a shadow of their rich past.

Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur

Choki Dhani, a well-known tourist attraction in Jaipur is known for its rich Rajasthani heritage and cultural manifesto. The name means ‘Rajasthani Culture’ and this resort village is a fair celebration of it since the time when it was established in 1989 and has been serving International and Local tourists since 1994. This resort comprises of a series of rebuilt village huts with cow dung plasters and decorative wall art.

Choki Dhani is away from the hustle of the city centre where nature is alive and refreshing. The architecture is deeply inspired by the Indo- Saracenic style. Managed under the chairmanship of Mr Gul Vaswani and Director Mr Subhash Vaswani, this place is a reflection of indigenous Rajasthani traditions. Mini village fairs held here attract a lot of tourist attention with colourful art and clothes.

It was established in 1989 and has been serving local and international tourists since 1994. It has machines & different platforms for performing artists. It also holds mini-village fairs occasionally. Alongside, it is also a 5-star luxury hotel with Royal Cottages, Cottage Rooms and Haveli Suits for tourists to choose from, based on their needs. The resort has a royal décor with ancient relics, vintage furnishings and gives the luxurious look and feel of olden day Rajasthan.

Bapu Bazar, Jaipur

Bapu Bazar in Jaipur is one of the most famous markets of the city for buying traditional Jutis, Bangles, Dupattas, Sarees, Scarves etc. Situated in the heart of the Pink City between Sanganer Gate and New Gate, the market is known for its alluring Rajasthani products including textiles, handicrafts, brass works and precious stones. Bapu Bazar attracts tourists from all over India and the world owing to the authenticity, diversity and affordability of the products sold. You can get some stunning bargains as well as all things – traditionally, Rajasthan!

The vivacious market, bustling with shopaholics at all times, is most famous for Mojari- the footwear made from camel skin. Among the myriad shopping options available are traditional Rajasthani lehenga- choli and Bandhej salwar suits as well as sculptures and figurines made from marble and sandalwood, hand-crafted home décor gifts and paintings, conventional block printed bedspreads, cushion covers, fabrics and a lot more.

Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur

Situated in the Ram Niwas Garden of Jaipur, the Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Rajasthan. Built in 1876, it was initially envisioned to be a concert hall and resembles the architecture of the Victoria and Albert Hall Museum in London, hence, the name. It is a standing example of the Indo-Saracenic architecture and is also known as Government Central Museum. Albert Hall Museum has an extensive collection of artefacts brought from the different regions of the world that are divided over a whopping 16 art galleries! The museum takes on a whole new facade as the night falls and the entire building glows with yellow lights, which looks extremely beautiful. You can relax in the gardens with the stunning view of Albert Hall in the backdrop. It is certainly a great place to get a peek into the history and ancient culture of India.

Flanked by lush green gardens, the foundation of Albert Hall was laid on 6 February 1876 when Albert Edward visited India. The galleries of the museum have a collection of antiques and artefacts from the past that will blow away your mind. The ancient coins, marble art, pottery, carpets and especially the Egyptian mummy are a treat to the eyes of history buffs. The building itself from the outside has an alluring architecture. The Indo – Saracenic inspired domes and intricately carved arches constructed from sandstone is mesmerizing.

Galtaji Temple, Jaipur

Located on the outskirts of the regal city of Jaipur, Galtaji Temple is a prehistoric Hindu pilgrimage site. Outlined by the striking Aravalli hills, it consists of several shrines, holy kunds, pavilions and natural springs. This majestic temple is situated at the heart of a hilly terrain that is bounded by a beautiful gorge which attracts tourists here every year. Galtaji Temple was built using pink colour sandstone and is a vast temple complex housing varied shrines. Located inside the City Palace, the walls of this temple are beautifully adorned with carvings and paintings that make this place worth visiting. The Galtaji temple is unique in its architecture and has been constructed like a palace.

It is situated in the Aravalli hills and is bound by thick plush trees and bushes. This remarkable building is decorated with painted walls, round roofs and pillars. Apart from the kunds, this pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage place also has temples of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Hanuman within the temple. One of the main tourist destinations of Jaipur, the temple complex boasts of natural freshwater springs and seven holy ‘kunds’ or water tanks. Among these kunds, the ‘Galta Kund’, is the holiest one and is believed never to get dry. Pure and clear water flows from the ‘Gaumukh’, a rock shaped like a cow’s head, into the tanks.
This spectacular temple is designed to look more like a grand palace or ‘haveli’ than a traditional temple. The Galta Monkey Temple has a scenic and gorgeous landscape featuring rich green vegetation and has a spectacular sight of the Jaipur city. This temple is known for the many tribes of monkeys that are found here and the religious hymns and chants, along with the natural setting, offer a peaceful ambience to tourists.

Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur

Jaigarh Fort is a grand structure perched on the top of the ‘Cheel ka Teela’ hills in the Pink City of Jaipur . This magnificent edifice was commissioned by Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1726 to protect Amber Fort . Cradled on the top of the cliff, it is a palatial structure bounded by verdant greenery and massive battlements. This magnificent fort is connected to Amer Fort through subterranean passages and is famously known as the ‘Fort of Victory’ as it was never conquered. The fort currently houses the world’s largest cannon on wheels – ‘Jaivana’ and offers a magnificent view of the Jaipur city.

Conceptualized and designed by a talented architect called Vidhyadhar, Jaigarh fort is said to be the strongest of all the three forts and has never faced any major resistance. The fort reflects the city’s prosperous past and is named after the ruler who got it built – Sawai Jai Singh II. Other than its elaborate architecture, the fort is also known for the huge treasure that was believed to be buried under it. However, it is believed that the treasure was seized by the government of Rajasthan in the 1970s.

Birla Temple, Jaipur

The magnificent Birla Mandir in Jaipur  is a Hindu temple that forms a part of one of the several Birla temples located all around the country. Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the shrine is situated on the Moti Dungari Hill. The temple was built in the year 1988 by the Birlas when the Maharaja of Jaipur gave the land away for a token amount of one rupee. Built purely out of white marble, the edifice of the Birla Temple is an amalgamation of ancient Hindu architecture styles and modern design. The walls of the temple are embellished with intricate carvings of Gods and Goddesses and words of wisdom from the Puranas and Upanishads. The pictures of historical achievers, legends, philosophers and spiritual saints like Socrates, Christ, Buddha, Confucius are also displayed in the temple. Do visit the Birla Temple during Janmashtami, as the temple is abuzz with activity during this time. 

As the name suggests, Laxmi Narayan Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his wife Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. The commemorated deity of Laxmi Narayan gets a special attention since it is carved out from a single piece of stone. Besides all other idols, the idol of Ganesha is a magnum opus that appears almost-transparent. The walls of the temple bear illustrations of important events and revelations that have been mentioned in Hindu sacred texts, which add to the aura of serenity in the temple. The gentle chanting of the holy mantras, the diffused fragrance of incense sticks and the occasional ringing of the temple bells will certainly transport you into your own version of higher consciousness. Visit Birla Temple for a rendezvous with the Divine.

Moti Dungri Temple, Jaipur

Moti Dungri Temple in Jaipur is located on a small hillock and is bordered by Moti Dungri Palace. In spite of being a cultural landmark, Moti Dungri Palace cannot be viewed by the public as it is privately owned. However, the temple itself is a testimony to the progress of the architecture of Indian subcontinent. It is spread over an area of two kilometres and is adorned by three domes that purportedly represent the three major religions in India.

Apart from the intricate stone carving, the temple is known for its exquisite latticework with mythological images engraved on the marble, which offer a splendid view for art-lovers. The most beautiful part of the structure is that it resembles an old Scottish castle. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and houses the idol of deity that is purportedly 500 years. The temple itself was built in 1761 under the watchful eye of Seth Jai Ram Pallival.

Jal Mahal, Jaipur

Sitting prettily right in the centre of the Man Sagar Lake on the outskirts of Jaipur, lies the splendid and tranquil Jal Mahal. A masterful creation, it is bordered by the Nahargarh Hills. This low rise symmetrical Palace was once a shooting lodge for the Maharajas and now fascinates many visitors from all over the world. Jal Mahal was constructed in the 1750s and was commissioned by Maharaja Madho Singh. It is indeed one of the most photographed monuments in India. The most striking feature of this palace is that while only one storey that appears above the water level, there are in fact 4 storeys submerged underneath.

It is one of the most beautiful architectural palaces built by combining the Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture. The entry inside the fort is prohibited, but the view from a considerable distance while boating is enough to mesmerize you. During the evenings, the fort lights up and the reflection of the fort in the lake is absolutely gorgeous. With its impressive beauty and laid-back ambience, the Jal Mahal has become a true tourist delight.

Abhaneri Stepwell, Jaipur

Located at an approximate distance of 20 km from Jaipur, Abhaneri Stepwell is one of the most intricate pieces of architecture in Rajasthan, India. The Abhaneri Stepwell or the Chand Baori Stepwell is one of the largest stepwells in the entirety of Rajasthan. When it was built, the well not only helped the villagers and the tradesmen to draw water in the time of thirst but also conserved groundwater.

Stepwells are very common structures that you will see in Rajasthan because of the State’s arid climate and scarcity of water. Dedicated to Harshat Mata, the deity of Happiness and Joy, the Chand Baori or the Abhaneri Stepwell is not only one of the grand constructions of Rajasthan, but also a beautiful one. The most stunning factor about these massive structures is that they have remained intact for more than 10 centuries.

Panna Meena Ka Kund, Jaipur

Among the several architectural marvels that the Pink City can boast of, the ancient stepwell called Panna Meena ka Kund is quite an important yet unexplored one. Established in the 16th century, the place is also known by many other names locally, some of which are just derivations of the original name in the local language. A baori or a stepwell is a concept solely originating from the Indian subcontinent and were the most popular source of water during the old times. These are mostly man-made pools of water that can be reached by descending a series of stairwells. Panna Meena ka Kund in Jaipur is one of the many famous stepwells that still stand in the western part of India, where they were mostly constructed. The original purpose of this Baori was to supply the locals with water for drinking and other daily needs, especially during the dry summers, as well as crop irrigation.

The kund also served as a community centre for the societies living around the Kund. People would gather and sit on the multiple levels of stairwell, and exchange conversation. Although Panna Meena ka Kund has now stopped being a source of water, it still serves as a place for locals and tourists alike to gather and spend some time chit-chatting. During summer and monsoon, you can see young local boys competing among themselves by jumping into the pool from the edge of the Kund above. Elderlies sit along the many staircases, and it is also a great place for couples to spend some quality time together, dangling their legs off the edge of the stairwells. Clearly, Panna Meena ka Kund is still upholding its heritage by being the community centre it always was.

Ram Niwas Garden, Jaipur

Ram Niwas Garden is a royal garden built in 1868 by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh in the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. The beautiful garden is located in the core of the city and is considered as a historical landmark in India. It occupies over 30 acres of land and is the location of the Albert Hall Museum or the Central Museum. Tourists visit Ram Niwas Garden from all over the world to experience the regal vibe of this historical landmark and get a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royalties during the British Era. One can explore the lush green landscaped gardens and or visit the theatre, the Bird Park, the Zoo or the Art Gallery. The location is apt as a picnic spot and locals frequently visit to rejuvenate with friends and family.

The scenic Ram Niwas Bagh also has an exhibition ground reserved for exhibition purposes. There are ample facilities for picnickers as there are some spots meant only for them. There are several cafes located near the quaint garden that tourists can stop by to grab a bite or two of the local delicacies of Rajasthan. The bird park is a treat for bird watchers and nature lovers. Several birds flying together in a group is a mesmerising sight not just for the children but the grown-ups too. The beautifully landscaped garden also has some fountains that add freshness to the serene atmosphere. After sunset, the garden is lit with lamp posts that emit a warm glow and make it look even more fascinating.

Govind Ji Temple, Jaipur

Probably one of the most significant temples for Krishna followers after Vrindavan, Govind Dev Temple is located within the City Palace of Jaipur. Locals believe that the statue of the deity here looks exactly like Krishna’s form during his incarnation of Earth. From early in the morning to the late night, the air is thick with the sounds of Mangala Aarati at dawn and Shayana Aarati at night. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbar by Sawai Man Singh in 1590 and was regarded as being one of the largest temples of the world during its time.

Being dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple sees an upbeat and exciting celebration during the Janmashtami time in August. As the Temple is the part of the City Palace, which was the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, it has a beautiful coexistence of Hindu, Muslim and Western architectural traits. The temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Inside it, one can see some beautiful European chandeliers and paintings of Indian art.

World Trade Park Jaipur

World Trade Park is a famous shopping, recreational and entertainment hub in Jaipur. It is owned by Yatharth Varshney and was opened to the public in 2012, after two years of construction. The park occupies over 52 acres of land and required an amount of over 3.5 billion rupees for its establishment. It has two separate blocks on either side of a major street in Jaipur. These blocks are connected by a bridge that can be used by the customers to explore the entire mall which houses over 500 stores, a food court, cinema screens and other recreational zones. The 11 storey tall buildings adorn a blue and silver colour scheme externally and are lit every evening for the guests.

The first and foremost thing that attracts people to the World Trade Park in Jaipur is shopping. With over 500 stores, the mall has a variety of western and ethnic clothing stores for men, women and children. There are also a number of accessory stores, footwear shops, bags, luggage, watches, Jewellery brands, sportswear, handicraft shops, gift shops, beauty, skin care and cosmetic stores. Those looking to buy home décor also have enough options to buy their furniture and other home décor items. The electronics and gadget stores are also a crowd puller because they always have the latest technology for their customers.

Raj Mandir Cinema, Jaipur

Raj Mandir Cinema was conceptualized in the late-1960s by Mehtab Chandra Golcha. The cinema was his dream project. He wanted to build a stylish and elegant Cinema Hall where viewers would get an experience as close to royalty as possible. Raj Mandir Cinema was created with the intention of crossing the boundary of traditional cinema and providing a complete experience along with the movies. Mehtab Chandra Golcha wanted his audiences to feel like royal guests who were invited to a palace to enjoy the regal architecture and entertainment. With Raj Mandir Cinema, a new era of cinema began in Jaipur.

The majestic architecture of the building consists of an artistic quality that gives a sense of mystery and illusion that each person visiting would find appealing. Raj Mandir Cinema is also entitled “Pride of Asia” for its magnificent architecture, the ambience and the surreal experience it provides to its audiences. The Cinema has a massive theatre that can accommodate over 300 people at a time. The seating structure divided into four categories – the Pearl Seats, the Ruby Seats, the Emerald Seats and the Diamond Seats.

Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing Jaipur

The Anokhi Foundation aims to preserve the centuries-old customs and traditions of the artisans in Jaipur. the foundation has been running a museum, Anokhi Museum of Handmade Paintings, where it exhibits various artefacts in relation to the hand and block printing. Exhibiting the oldest forms of Rajasthani art, the Anokhi museum of hand printing houses more than a hundred hand printed garments keeping alive the age-old tradition of printing clothes. Located in the Anokhi haveli or the “Chanwar Palkiwalon ki Haveli”, the museum is a charitable foundation started by the clothing brand named Anokhi. The haveli which once used to a house of the royal palanquin bearers has been turned into a museum wherein you get a glimpse of the lengthy process of hand printing a garment. The restored gorgeous museum holds a UNESCO certification in 2000 for its amazing works in the preservation and interpretation of the art form.

This museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of block printed cloth. If you have an inclination towards art then this is a must for you and if not then a visit to this museum will surely awaken the artist and admirer inside you. The popular museum that opened in 2005 gains its popularity with its on-site demonstration of the art forms by the artisans. On the rooftop of the haveli, you will come across various artisans who showcase their works to the interested visitors.

Chand Baori, Jaipur

Chand Baori is a major tourist attraction site in Abhaneri village that belongs to 10th-century monuments that showcase Rajasthani architectural expertise and talents. It is a humongous step well with flights of steps on the three sides that lead to the water reserve. The step well is more than 13 storeys deep and is adorned with more than 3500 steps. In spite of it being more 1000 years old, the stepwell has remained in a remarkable condition.

Chand Baori is an architectural marvel with thousands of symmetrical steps functioning as a water reservoir in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan. Maintained by the Archeological Survey of India, this beautiful architecture is no longer in use but it still boasts of the amazing mathematical precision and the ancient Indian sculptural style of the bygone eras. This deepest step well of the world attracts many travel junkies from all around for its magnificence that leaves you fascinated for its historical belief and architecture.

Masala Chowk, Jaipur

Masala Chowk is the newest addition to eateries in Jaipur. Located in Ram Niwas Garden, this open-air food court offers 21 flavours of the Pink City under one roof (or sky). Masala translates to spice and chowk in Hindi means an open area or public square. The wordplay perfectly sums up the meaning of the place – a variety of booths serving authentic Indian street food. Initially, the place was meant to attract tourists, given its proximity to the famous Albert Hall Museum in the area. However, Masala Chowk has become the talk of the town amongst the locals too.

Masala Chowk brings the best Jaipur has to offer in street food and assembles it at one place. The place will leave you spoilt with choice. The fact there is no other such restaurant in competition, Masala Chowk gathers a large crowd. The eateries spread all over the town earlier can now be accessed in one place, packing lip-smacking flavours. A wide range of dishes offered at affordable prices makes Masala Chowk even more exceptional. Food items include Pani Puri, samosas, sandwiches, dosas, chaat, and much more. You name it; they have it.

Akshardham Temple, Jaipur

Also known as Swaminarayan Temple, Akshardham Temple in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is dedicated to Lord Narayan or Lord Vishnu and is renowned for its stunning architecture and cultural heritage. Although the construction is relatively recent, the gardens and the views are what attract tourists and devotees to this place. It provides a window into the Hindu culture and its development in the region. The complex houses a magnificent temple surrounded by well-kept landscaped gardens. Located in the heart of the city of Jaipur, Akshardham Temple is one of the holiest and most popular places in the region.

Akshardham Temple is one of the nine temples built in some major cities in India. These temples were built by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan under the Sanstha, Swaminarayan Sampraday which was established in the early 20th century by Ramanand Swami. The Akshardham Temple in Jaipur is dedicated to Lord Vishnu while the other temples are dedicated to other Hindu Gods but all the temples are known as the Akshardham Temple, Swaminarayan Temple or Swaminarayan Akshardham in the respective areas.

Chand Pol, Jaipur

Located in the heart of the old and walled city of Jaipur, Chandpole Bazaar is one of the city’s most beloved marketplaces. Creativity and diversity come together in this bazaar to offer the visitors a vast array of things to pick and choose from. Historically, Chandpole is one of the first built markets of the Pink City and is almost three centuries old! No wonder then, that the market has been constructed in the traditional manner – with pink walls along its borders. In fact, there is a beautiful, towering gateway named after the market itself, called Chandpole Gate, that guards one end of the bazaar area, while at the other end there is the Choti Chaupad. Spread over an area of 1 km, the market has more than 350 unique stores selling various kinds of artefacts, clothes, jewellery, and spices.

Chandpole Market is historically famous for amazing and intricate marble sculptures. This is a speciality art form of Rajasthan, and decor items of different sizes and designs are sold in a wide range of prices all-over the market. Other than that, the bazaar is also a hub for doing your last minute souvenir shopping, as well as purchasing some essentials for your further trip.

Johari Bazaar, Jaipur

Painted in pink, Johari Bazaar is the oldest market in Jaipur popular for its vibrant ambiance, delicious food and premium quality Kundan jewellery. Considered a haven for the jewellery junks, the market offers a wide variety of glittering Jaipuri jewellery made in gold, silver, diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. The Hindi word ‘johari’ itself translates to ‘jeweller’ in English. Dotted with compact shops strewn with colourful apparels, flamboyant juttis, and exuberant lehengas, the narrow labyrinthian lanes are bustling with activity all day long. Situated at the Badi Chaupar and Sanganeri Gate, the bazaar is especially popular among people getting ready for weddings.

From textiles to handicrafts, pottery, quilts, apparels and footwear, there is nothing you can not find here. Jaipuri cotton quilt is another one of the top selling products at the bazaar. The market also has some high-end big brand stores but the highlight of Johari Bazaar is the street stalls and stray shops littered with goods at throw-away prices. However, you should remember to bargain the prices before you settle on something.

Amrapali Museum Jaipur

Amrapali Museum is one of the underrated hidden gem of Jaipur that you cannot miss. It has an exclusive display of some of the gorgeous and valuable jewels of ancient days and different styles of Indian jewellery art. You may not be interested in going to a place fully loaded with only jewels but when you will enter the Museum, you will surely be mesmerized by their outstanding collection.You can find a huge collection of tribal jewellery and collections here, which is clearly the main attraction of this place. You will also find items from different fields like Mughal, Rajput, Temple and many others. Moreover, you can even try the jewels on request.

The Amrapali Jewelers was founded by Rajesh Ajmera and Rajiv Arora in the eighties, which made its name in tribal jewellery and exquisite jewellery. The Amrapali Museum was established afterwards, with two floors and showcases nearly every kind of jewellery that is worn by people of India. It is very easy to navigate as well, situated at Ashok Nagar, the Central Part of Jaipur City. The Jaipur Railway station is also very near to the Museum and the airport is also easily accessible from here. The Museum remains open all day of the week from 11 am to 6 pm. It is closed on Sunday.

Central Park, Jaipur

Constructed by the Jaipur Development Authority, the Central Park of Jaipur is the largest park in the most popular city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Located near the famous statue circle, the park is a prime hangout place for people of all ages and groups. You can have a small picnic with family and just goof around with your friends, the park gives you plenty of lush green landscape to enjoy your day out. The luscious green park is located inn the center of Jaipur city beside the Statue circle on Prithviraj Road, Rambagh.

With its big lush garden and a long-running track, the park also has the tallest and the first day and night national flag that attracts many tourists to spend some time in this park. You may also come across various professional researchers in a lookout for many native and migratory birds that come to cool off in the park. Apart from these, the park is also well-known among the locals for its workout are and yoga sessions

Rambagh Palace Jaipur

Rambagh Palace was originally built in 1835 and has gone through many royal transitions: from the home of the queen’s favorite handmaiden to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. It is now a heritage hotel run by the Taj Hotels and resorts. The Palace has been playing gracious host to several renowned guests, such as Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Charles and Jacqueline Kennedy. The hotel is known as “Jewel Of Jaipur”.

Kanak Vrindavan Garden Jaipur

Kanak Vrindavan Garden is a royal garden located on footsteps of Nahargarh hills near Amber Fort. The garden was built around 280 years ago by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. Its layout has been given a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Divided into eight sections, the sprawling garden boasts of the intricate fountain of marble, Parikrama and the exquisite mirror work on the walls of Govind Devji temple built in the premises. The gardens here are often compared with those in Vrindavan where Lord Krishna once lived. There is also a sacred spot inside the garden where several rivers meet. The water in this region is considered to be holy and a temple was built near it to praise Lord Vishnu.

Sargasuli Tower, Jaipur

Sargasuli Tower or Isar Lat is a historical heritage monument situated near Tripolia Gate of City Palace in Jaipur. The seven tiered minaret is built in a fashion similar to that of Qutub Minar in Delhi and Kirti Stambh of Chittorgarh. The tower has a tiny entry with a spiralling staircase and every tier has a balcony outlet.

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple, Jaipur

Located on the Delhi bypass in Jaipur at Lakshman Dungri, Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple is a Hindu revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is perched on a hillock and offers some panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Besides, the shrine has a spacious sanctum which can accommodate around 500 people at once.

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple was constructed by Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey in 1960. It is said that Radhe Lal ji was on an outing when he spotted a rock with a carving of Lord Hanuman. He thought of it as a sign and decided to build the temple. Some also recognize the area as Narwar Das ki Khol where Baba Nirmal Das spent most of his life worshipping Lord Hanuman centuries ago. When the temple was constructed, it was just a tiny shrine that occupied about 100 square feet of area in the Lakshman Dungri Hills. With time, the complex was expanded and new structures were built around the sanctum sanctorum.  

Digamber Jain Mandir Sanghiji, Jaipur

Digamber Jain Mandir Sanghiji is a Jain temple situated 16 kms away from Jaipur in the town of Sanganer. Built of red sandstone, the temple enshrine Adinath- the first Jain tirthankara in the central shrine. Boasting of Shikhara style architecture, the temple has several carvings on the inner walls of the shrine of lotuses, creepers and elephants

Sisodia Rani Garden, Jaipur

Sisodia Rani Garden is a royal garden built in the premises of the Sisodia Palace in Jaipur. As the name suggests, it was built in 1728 in the honour of the Queen of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as a summer retreat. The step garden, although not too large in area, is considered to be a tranquil escape in the hot and arid region of Jaipur. The landscaped gardens occupy several cascading levels in front of the Sisodia Palace and have a central water fountain with channels running through. It does not take a lot of time to explore this attraction. So, tourists around Lal Dungri or those on their way to Agra can take a pit stop here. The best time to explore this garden is in the mornings or the evenings as the place is not densely covered with trees and the afternoon heat could become unbearable.

Sisodia Rani Garden consists of three levels of lush green lawns with a central fountain area. The topmost level is occupied by the Sisodia Palace. The best part about visiting Sisodia Rani Garden is that it is close to most of the top places to visit in Jaipur such as Moti Dungri Temple, Rusi Rani Village as well as the most famous market to visit in Jaipur – Bapu Bazaar.

Garh Ganesh Temple, Jaipur

Garh Ganesh Temple is an ancient temple built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh before he laid the foundation stone of the city of Jaipur. The temple is located near Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts on the Aravalli Hills. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesh who is revered in Vigra Purushakriti, which means his child-form is worshipped here. The temple is often a halting spot for trekkers who explore the Aravalli Hills for a fabulous view of the city. The devotees of Lord Ganesha visit frequently to offer prayers for he is the Lord of Education and his name is often chanted before beginning any new venture.

Elefantastic, Jaipur

Elefantastic, situated at the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is a place that will change your perception of an elephant sanctuary forever. The elephants here are treated nicely, and it also boasts of its great hospitality, extreme geography, kaleidoscopic culture, deep-rooted spirituality, photogenic chaos and love for animals.

This place was created by Rahul Choudhary, who once was a mahout (elephant rider) himself. His dream was to set up a rehabilitation centre for the elephants and support their respective mahouts and owners who generally hail from a low-income group. Elefantastic provides a safe house for the elephants and also educates about daily life and the events of elephants.

Jawahar Circle, Jaipur

Jawahar Circle is situated in Malviya Nagar in Jaipur and boasts of being the largest circular park in Asia. The park has a peculiar jogging track and is encircled by a rose garden. Besides, it has play area for kids and kiosks. The main highlight of the park is the dance of the musical fountains which is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city.

Jawahar Circle is located in the middle of a highway in Rajasthan. Although the circle serves the purpose of a roundabout, it is quite a crowd puller for its landscaped gardens with beautifully developed pavements and jogging tracks. Jawahar Circle is a recent addition to the attractions in Jaipur. It was built by the Jaipur Development Authority in 2009 and took INR 17 million to be built. Locals visit Jawahar Garden mostly for their morning/ evening walks and recreational activities. But tourists also find it quite interesting to explore this unique creation in the middle of the hot and arid region of Jaipur. The place also has fountains and often, to see the splendid musical and light fountain show, people flock to Jawahar Circle in the evenings.

Karauli, Jaipur

The ancient town of Karauli was founded in 1348 and is located in the state of Rajasthan. It holds the reputation of being the home of Shri Madan Mohanji, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna. No wonder then, that Karauli is home to more than 300 temples. The rich, vibrant and colourful heritage and culture of Rajasthan can be glimpsed in this town which makes it a perfect place to visit on a vacation. Karauli also has a lot of forts and palaces with splendid architecture that are a must visit. The temple town of Karauli is all the more auspicious as it is believed that the ruling family here, are direct descendants of Lord Krishna. A city, rooted in traditions, it is characterised by the warmth of its people. Located on the ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ of India – on the Jaipur – Agra Highway, it can be easily reached by cars and public transport.

Bhandarej, Jaipur

Bhandarej located in the Duasa district in Rajasthan is a quaint and perfect place to getaway from the hustle bustle of the city. This is a vibrant and colourful place that is beautifully juxtaposed with the intricate stone monuments. Bhandarej is full of scenic beauty and picturesque landscapes. The various flora and fauna that inhabit here makes the place even more mesmerizing. The ancient temples dating back to the Mahabharata period are quite a sight to see and would leave you awestruck. This place is ideal for people who are seeking for serenity and calmness.

Samode Palace, Jaipur

Samode Palace or Samode Haveli is a heritage monument built 175 years ago as a residence of the rulers of Samode and it is still occupied by them who have converted the Palace into a luxury hotel. Samode Palace has been host to royalty, celebrities, artists, and the discerning travellers and the beauty of this Palace has made it a backdrop for numerous national and international movies. Built in a mixture of Mughal and Rajput architectural style this place is home to various kinds of arts and paintings.

Samode was one of the grand places of Jaipur, built in the 19th century. The prominence of the building is the lovely Diwan-i-Khas covered with innovative paintings and mirror work. It’s a perfect spot for hangouts, weddings, and picnics. Samode is famed for Samode Palace and Samode Bagh and Samode is an ideal desert getaway. The place is best suited for organizing events like weddings and other parties. Rajasthani grandeur with rich taste is perfect for family and solo outings.

Hari Mahal Palace, Jaipur

Hari Mahal Palace is one of the best heritage hotels in Jaipur, for experiencing the Heritage of the city. The palace is located in the heart of the city and was built as the residence of Rajadhiraj Hari Singhji of Achrol. Rajadhiraj Mahendra Singh, the descendant of the Achrol family is still living in one part of the palace and the other part of the palace has now been converted into a Heritage Hotel. The architecture of the Palace is mixed up in Rajputana, Mughal, and British styles. Hari Mahal was built in 1930 by the descendants of Maharaja Prithvi Raj of Amber.

Accommodations in Hari Mahal Palace are available in heritage style and luxury. Decorated with traditional designs and patterns, the rooms have been equipped with all modern facilities. The Heritage Wing has 11 rooms with the themes of different regions. The gorgeous furnishings embrace vibrant colours of the princely states that they have been named after. Original artworks and photographs add to the heritage. Apart from these, the resort also has Family and Deluxe Wings.

Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur

Considered to be an idyllic place to spend a romantic vacation together, Rajmahal Palace is one of the oldest and the most beautiful heritage hotels located in the heart of the ‘Pink City’. Reflecting the royal standard of the House of Amber, the palace is enclosed within tall walls amidst verdant green trees. The gorgeous palace was conceived and constructed by the Maharaja of Jaipur- H.H Sawai Jai Singh II in the love and honour of his wife and queen- Chandra Kanwar Ranawat ji, as a private palace and a summer retreat. Boasting of immaculate architecture, mirrored walls, enormous windows and elaborately carved interiors, the palace stands tall as a testimony of the rich culture and heritage of the bygone era. Along with several other features, the highlight of the palace is its rich history of hosting celebrities and notable personalities from all over the world which include Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II herself, other members of the British royal family, Jackie Kennedy, Lord and Lady Mountbatten, and the Shah of Iran etc.

Hemis Monastery is the most popular monastery and tourist attraction in Ladakh. Situated some 45 kms from Leh City, Hemis is tucked on a mountain on the west bank of the serene River Indus. The monastery belongs to Dugpa Kargyutpa order or Red Sect of Buddhism and is said to be enriched with a large number of Thangkas or paintings, which are exhibited during the one of the famous festivals in Ladakh, Hemis Festival. During the Hemis Tsechu held in the year of the Monkey of the Tibetan Calendar, one can see the sacred applique work along with tapestry wrought with pearls depicting the image of Guru Padmasambhava.

In 1630 the monastery was founded by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso who was invited to Ladakh by the King Singay Namgyal and was give estate throughout the region. Inside the monastery, a copper gilded statue of Lord Buddha can be see along with various stupas that are said to be made of precious metal like gold and silver. Some 3 km away, on the side of the mountain above the monastery is a sacred hermitage which is reckoned to have been founded by the great Gyalwa Kotsang can be seen. In this hermitage/cave, one can witness his footprint and handprint on the rock.

It is said that the hermitage was found several years prior to Hemis Monastery. There is also a museum in the premises of the monastery, where several ancient religious and historical paintings (Thangkas), weapons, carriers, and even a stuffed vulture pup is exhibited. However, the photography is prohibited inside the museum.

Getting There

The only way to reach Hemis is by a cab or hired bullet/bike from Leh. The distance is about 45 kms.

Things to Do and See in and around

Hemis Monastery has a beautiful architecture, which is quite interesting to witness. One can pay homage to the two large statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Rimpoche. Also, there is a museum that exhibits a large collection of Buddhist relics and several ancient items that suggest there existed a rich culture here. On the occasion of Hemis Festival, one can enjoy the Cham Dance or Masked Dance here for two days.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Hemis is during the two-day Hemis Festival, which is held annually in the month of June or July. One can see the famed Cham Dance during the festival and the display of age old Thangkas.

During the long course of its history, Ladakh was ruled by several dynasties who brought their culture, religion and traditions to this region, giving it a unique feature. As far as religion is concerned, Buddhism is followed here by a  major portion of the population. Irrespective of the rugged terrain and remote inaccessible areas, monks and preachers passed through them and built monasteries all over the place. There are are innumerable monasteries in Ladkah, some in ruins while others are still in inhabited, running as educational and religious centers. It is no exaggeration that these Gompas are cultural and architectural delight.

Most of these monasteries are ancient and world-renowned. They are visited by both local  and international followers of Buddhism in large number, every year. At Leh Ladakh India, we can have a number of excellent planned tour packages. By opting  any, you can experience the magnificence and grandeur of these serene sacred sites. They offer an excellent opportunity to the traveler to savor the Buddhist culture. Most of the monasteries in Ladakh are situated on the hilltop. Their architecture is a perfect blend of Buddhist and Tibetan shills. The page contains the links to monasteries in Ladakh, presented in a detailed manner.

List of Monasteries in Leh Ladakh

• Hemis Monastery
• Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery
• Matho Monastery
• Rangdum Gompa
• Lamayuru Monastery
• Samstanling Monastery
• Phugtal Monastery
• Alchi Monastery
• Diskit Monastery
• Spituk Gompa
• Likir Gompa
• Thiksey Gompa
• Shey Monastry
• Rizong Gompa
• Alchi Choskor Monastery
• Sankar Monastery
• Wanla Gompa
• Phyang Gompa
• Stakna Monastery
• Zongkhul Monastery

Hemis Monastery

Hemis is situated around 45 kms to the south of Leh on the western banks of the Indus River. The Hemis Monastery is the biggest and very richly endowed monastery of Ladakh. It was built in 1630. Impressive and intriguing, Hemis is different from the other important monasteries of Ladakh. The monastery is decorated on all four sides by colourful prayer flags which flutter in the breeze and send prayers to Lord Buddha.

The main building has white walls. The entrance to the complex is through a big gate that reaches a large courtyard. The stones of the walls are decorated and painted with religious figures. On the northern side are two assembly halls, and as in most of the monasteries one can also see the guardian deities and the Wheel of Life here. The Hemis Monastery also has an important library of Tibetan books and a very impressive and valuable collection of Thangkas, gold statues and Stupas embedded with precious stones.

One of the largest Thangkas is displayed every 12 years during the Hemis Festival, held for two days in June-July. The annual festival, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava brings alive the courtyard of the monastery. The festival, where good triumphs over evil in a colourful pageant, also holds the annual ‘bazaar’ where Ladakhis from remote areas buy and sell wares. During the festival, various rituals and mask dances are performed in this courtyard. Hemis is about 40 km from Leh and can be visited comfortably in one day if one is traveling by car or jeep.

Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery

Situated around 9 kilometers from Leh, the Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery is one of the major Dharma centers in the Ladakh region. Founded by Lama Chime  Dorje Rinpoche in 1973, this monastery is run by the Karmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhists. At present, there are 17 Karmapas in this region. This monastery has played an important role in the proliferation of the traditional Buddhist culture and values. It includes an original mud-brick complex housing the Dukhang (Assembly Hall) and living and working quarters including classrooms, office, kitchen and library. Since it was founded by a Tibetan  national, it depends on the munificence of private organizations and individuals for monetary funds.

Matho Monastery

Matho Monastery or Matho Gompa is one of the attractive monasteries in the lap of Himalaya. This monastery shares a distance of 26 km from Leh and is located in the south-east direction. This monastery was constructed by Lama Tugpa Dorjay in the 16th century. Matho Monastery lies just behind the Thiksey Monastery. This Gompa is the one and only reprehensive of the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism in the district of Ladakh. Matho Gompa does not lie on the highway to Leh and thus it experiencesfewer visitors throughout the year. This picturesque monastery was structured 1410 century and is still very famous among the travelers for its 600 years old thangkas and Matho rang nag festival.

Inside the monastery, there is an assembly hall which has been built in the year 2005 that is decorated with a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and colourful paintings of Sakya Pandits and Sakya lamas. The monks of the monastery perform deadly actions without any hesitation. They cut their body by knives and walk to the top of the storey closing their eyes, having no fear. They close their eyes so that they do not get frightened of falling down. Else from this the brave and selfless monks of the Matho monastery perform many jaw-dropping feats during the annual festival.

Zongkhul Monastery

Zongkhul Monastery is an impressive cave monastery situated in Zanskar Valley, Leh District of Jammu and Kashmir. Zanskar is about 20 km south of Rangdum. Lying on the Padum-Kishtwar trekking route, the monastery is connected with Naropa, a famous India Yogi. It is believed that the two caves around the monastery were used by Naropa for solitary mediation. One of the stones near the entrance of the cave has a foot print, which is believed to be that of the yogi.

This splendidly set monastery has an impressive location, situated like a Swallow’s nest on the rock face of the Ating George, overlooking the Zongkhul falls and the ascent of Umasi Pass. The murals on the cave walls reflect a high degree of artistic achievement. Zhadpa Dorje, a celebrated scholar-painter of the same monastery who was active about 300 years ago, is believed to have painted the cave walls.”

Stakna Monastery

Stakna Monastery or Stakna Gompa is a Buddhist monastery of the Drugpa sect in Stakna, Leh district, Ladakh, northern India, 21 or 25 kilometres from Leh on the left bank of the Indus River.

It was founded in the late 16th century by a Bhutanese scholar and saint, Chosje Jamyang Palkar. The name, literally meaning ‘tiger’s nose’ was given because it was built on a hill shaped like a tiger’s nose. Of note is a sacred Arya Avalokitesvara statue from Kamrup, Assam.[1] Stakna has a residence of approximately 30 monks. It is the only Bhutanese Drukpa Kagyu monastery in Ladakh, headed by the Je Khenpo in Bhutan, whereas the other Drukpa monasteries in Ladakh are of the Gyalwang Drukpa’s school, based at Hemis. This split in the Drukpa Kagyu lineage occurred in the 17th century when there was a dispute over who was the true reincarnation of the 4th Gyalwang Drukpa.

Phyang Gompa

Placed around 40 km westwards of Leh town, Phyang Gompa belongs to the red hat sect of Buddhism. White and ochre colored monastery lies on a hill top and seems to be overlooking the surrounding village. The site where today the Gompa finds its footing was a small part of various monastic properties that were received as a gift by Chosje Damma Kunga, given by Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgial. Phyang Hills was the place of Tasi Chozong Gompa, which was founded way back in the year 1515. This monastery was offered to a monastic community that paved way for the foundation of Digung teachings in Ladakh that were started by Skyoba Jigsten Gonbo. On the other hand, it is believed that it was established by King Tashi Namgyal, during the third quarter of the 16th century.

Once its construction was completed, it became popular center of Digung teachings under Skyoba Jigsten Gonbo and is only one of the two Ladakh monasteries belonging to this school. Today, Phyang Gompa is headed by Apchi Choski Dolma. The monastery complex consists of a number of religious sites along with a number of wall paintings, depiction of the royal times, hanging on the walls. The prime attraction here is a 900-year old museum, which is home to an exquisite collection of things like thangkas, various idols, Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese weapons and firearms and more.

The Gompa becomes the venue of Gang-Sngon Tsedup Festival, each year, starting from the 17th day up to the 19th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar. it is also the scene of sacred dance festival, each year on the second and third day of the sixth month of Tibetan calendar.

Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’, is famous for its majestic architectural wonders, bustling city life, exquisite handicraft items, intricately embroidered apparel, and rich culture and history. The entire city reverberates with the grandeur and richness of the heritage of Rajputana Maharajas of the bygone era. Jaipur is one of the most popular and fondly frequented tourist destinations and home to some very beautiful palace hotels in the country. The list of local attractions includes Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Museums, shopping arcades, and most importantly the City Palace among others. Thus, the visitors from far flung regions of India could visit Jaipur to enjoy the glimpses of amazing royalty in India.

Amber Fort
Amber Fort, built by Raja Man Singh in the year 1592, is located around 11 km from Jaipur. Red Sandstone and marble were used as the material of construction. Thereafter, the Maotha Lake enhances the charm of the magnificent fort. In spite of the old look from the exteriors, the fort has beautiful interiors with attractive buildings like the ‘Sukh Mahal’, ‘Diwan-i-Aam’ and ‘Sheesh Mahal’. In the fort, you may clearly find the confluence of the both Hindu & Muslim styles of architecture.

Erstwhile, Amer was acknowledged as Dhundar during the ruling period of Kachhwahas from 11th century to 16th century. In 1952 AD, Raja Man Singh built the fort and later Raja Jai Sigh I, expanded and renovated the fort. Various old structures of the fort have been either replaced by an alternative or destroyed, the fort has withheld against the test of time, nature and invasions. The fort is divided into 4 segments with separate entrance each. The main entrance of the fort is through the Sun Gate ‘Suraj Pol’.

Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is one of the largest observatories ever built. The series of 5 magnificent structures exhibit a perfect blend of science, art and religion. These are located in the states of New Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, Mathura and Ujjan. With the world’s largest sundial, Jantar Mantar has been one of the major attractions for the tourist. The name ‘Jantar Mantar’ is derived from Sanskrit terms that where ‘Yantra’ means ‘instrument’ and ‘Mantra’ means ‘formula’. Later, the term ‘Yantra’ was changed to ‘Jantar’ which means ‘magical’. Thus, this attraction has abundant of instruments that catch the interests of architects, historians and astronomers from different regions of the world.

The founder of the Jaipur, ‘Pink City’, Maharaja Jai Singh II constructed observatory of renown in 1718 and today, the observatory is known as ‘Jantar Mantar’. Here, the astronomical observatory includes 14 major geometric devices that could be used for tracking constellations, measuring time, and also for watching the orbits around the sun. The structures like ‘Samrat Yantra’ (the world’s largest sundial), the ‘Jaiprakash Yantra’, ‘Hindu Chhatri’, etc., are very popular.

City Palace Complex
Nestled in the heart of ‘Pink City’ Jaipur, City Palace Complex includes ‘Mubarak Mahal’, ‘Chandra Mahal’, and various other structures that make the part of the beautiful palace complex. This palace complex was built by Sawai Jai Singh II, during 1729 to 1732 AD. The layout of the city was planned by the Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob and Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Thus, in the structures, you may clearly find the glimpses of Mughal, European and Rajput styles of architecture.

The construction of the City Palace Complex is said to be started by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. For the designing of the city palace complex, he assigned the job to the chief architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Thus, the designing of the city palace was made in accordance to the texts of Vaastushastra.

When it comes to architectural style, there are glimpses of Mughal, European and Rajput styles. Major gates of the City Palace are ‘Jaleb Chowk’, ‘Virendra Pol’, ‘Tripolia Gate’, and ‘Udai Pol’. All the gates of the palace city are beautifully decorated and the palace is in ‘grid style’ and includes structures like ‘Mubarak Mahal’, ‘Govind Dev Ji Temple’, ‘Diwan-I-Khas’, and ‘Chandra Mahal’. All these gates are designed with lattice, mirrors and murals, reflecting the Mughal style of architecture.

Hawa Mahal
The name suggests that it is a ‘palace of winds’, called so because this 5 leveled building consists of about 953 windows made beautifully in a honeycomb pattern. This palace is an imposing landmark, overlooking the vibrant market street and is an exquisite example of the Rajput architecture. This magnificent structure was originally built for the women of the royal households to have a look at the outer streets and processions, without being seen. King Pratap Singh, built the Hawa Mahal in the year 1799, and now, it is the most visited site in the city. Hawa Mahal is open from 9.00 am – 4.30 pm.

Jaigarh Fort
One of the three hilltop forts, overlooking the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is the Jaigarh fort. It was built by Jai Singh the second in the 18th century and the palace compound is named after him. This imposing fort does not have the intricacy and delicate structure, but it gives you the insight of the rugged and military features. The name suggests ‘victory’, was originally built to secure the Amer fort, which is connected by a passage and other structures. Jaigarh Fort was made an artillery warehouse in the later years, interestingly, it still showcases some of the weapons and gunneries in the fort museum. It is home to the world’s biggest cannon on wheels and is believed to be a treasure site. This high fortification of thick red walls encircles beautiful gardens and several reservoirs.

Jal Mahal
The name Jal Mahal meaning water palace, literally suggests its striking feature. Situated in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in the city of Jaipur, it provides an exquisite view for the visitors. Jal Mahal exhibits the Mughal – Rajputana style of architecture and the view is enhanced by the backdrop of the Nahargarh Hills. The original date of construction of the Jal Mahal is not known, but it was renovated, in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh the second. It is a five leveled structure, made of red sandstone, but the 4 levels are submerged in the water, allowing only the topmost level to be visible. One of the most splendid sights one can receive from a trip to Jaipur, the palace, especially in the evening looks stunning.

Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh means ‘abode of tigers’ and a legend claim that it is named so because a spirit of Mahar Singh Bhomia haunted the palace. The fort, along with the other two: Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort were built in order to secure Jaipur along the Aravali hills. In the 18th century, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh the second built it and used it as a retreat center. One can have a spectacular view of the entire city from this fort. The interior is classy with a cluster of several identical suites made for the royal members, all the rooms are connected by corridors.

Rambagh Palace
The former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Rambagh Palace is an architectural masterpiece. The architecture of the palace is a synthesis of the Mughal and Rajput styles. In 1933 the Taj group took over and converted it into a luxury hotel, Tal Palace Hotel. The Rambagh Palace is globally known for its heritage feature and is considered as one of the best hotels around the world. Now, the interior is well maintained and holds a rich décor, it has 79 rooms and suites with a heritage theme. The palace provides a perfect leisure holiday, allowing you to experience the royal lifestyle of the former rulers.

Akshardham in Delhi, India, is a modern Hindu temple complex that has drawn worldwide attention because of its construction based on the ancient Indian architectural concepts of Vastu Shastra and Pancharata Shastra. It is estimated that more than 70% of tourists who come to Delhi, visit the Akshardham complex. Spread over 90 acres (approximately 370,000 square meters) of land provided by the Delhi Development Authority and the State Government of Uttar Pradesh, the complex exhibits the ethos of India over the millennia. The architecture highlights diversity of the style and the cultures of the people of India while highlighting the spirituality and religious tolerance, along with exhibits of historical significance. On December 17th 2007, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham was presented with the Guinness World Record for being the “World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple”.

The temple stands out from the rest of the equally impressive temples in India because, besides the use of Vedic principles in its construction, modern technology is used brilliantly to highlight diverse values and cultures of a very complex country that is India.

History of Akshardham Temple
Referred often as the Delhi Akshardham, or the Swaminarayan Akshardham, the temple is the result of the untiring efforts of Pramukh Swami Maharaj (Wikipedia Article), the spiritual head of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purshottam (BAPS), Swaminarayan Sanstha, who wanted to fulfill the wishes of his Guru, Yogiji Maharaj. The former spiritual head of the BAPS, Swaminarayan Sanstha, had expressed his desire to build a grand temple on the banks of the Yamuna River, to commemorate the life of Swaminarayan, also known as Sahajanand Swami. Yogiji Maharaj, who had communicated with a few devotee families about the temple in 1968, died in 1971. His successor, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, set about the task of bringing to fruition the wishes of his guru.

After 18 years and several requests later, the Delhi Development Authority granted 60 acres of land. With the Uttar Pradesh state government pitting in with another 30 acres, the Sanstha had enough land to commence the project in 1982. The construction began on the 8th of November 2000 and the temple was inaugurated almost five years later, on the 6th of November 2005.

The temple is designed strictly on the principles of Pancharatra Shastra, a Vedic scripture on Hindu architecture. Eight Sadhus, scholars, who were proficient in Pancharatra Shastra, were designated to design the complex in consultation with Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Many of them were also involved in the construction of Akshardham in Gandhinagar, Gujrat. They did the necessary research on the architectural styles of other idols, temples and other buildings built between the 8th and the 12th centuries, and supervised the carving of every stone and idol that was used for the construction of the temple. The research covered buildings in Jodhpur, Jagannath Puri, Konark Sun Temple and even Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

The first sculpted stone for the complex was laid on the 2nd of July, 2001. 3,000 volunteers assisted 7,000 master craftsmen and carvers during the five years of construction. Thousands of tribal women and farmers, who were affected by drought in the region, received gainful employment on the temple site. Akshardham was consecrated on the 6th of November 2005 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in the presence of the then President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Azad, who dedicated it to the nation and the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The Monument of Akshardham Temple

Constructed entirely from pink sandstone mines of Rajasthan, 500 kilometers from Delhi, and Carrara marble imported from Italy, the monument is 43 meters high, 109 meters long and 43 meters wide. The 234 ornately carved pillars and nine domes exhibit the diverse Indian architectural styles. The monument is designed to comply with Stapathya Shastra, an ancient Vedic text on architecture. The whole building is built without any support from concrete or steel, and houses more than 2,300 murtis and statues of acharya (Wikipedia Article)s, sadhus and devotees of Hinduism.

A 3.5 meters high statue of Swaminarayan, along with the statues of the other gurus of the sect, are placed below the central dome of the monument. Also in the area are murtis of other Hindu deities like Sita and Rama, Radha and Krishna, Parvathi and Shiva and Narayan and Lakxmi. All statues and murties are constructed of five metals called Panchdhatu in accordance with the vedic, Shilpa Shastras. At the base of the temple is the Gajendra Pith, a pavilion to salute the role of the elephant in Indian traditions and in the Hindu culture. The pith is made of sculptures of 148 life size elephants and believed to weigh a total of 3,000 tons.

A garbagruh (inner sanctum), was added to the main monument in July 2010. It includes a decorated sihasan (throne), with a murti (idol or image portraying a divine spirit) of Swaminarayan on it, and is intricately carved with gold leaf designs.

Hall of Values
Sahajanand Pradarshan (Hall of Values) displays the life of Swaminarayan by using life like robotics and dioramas. It also seeks to propagate his message of peace, harmony and humility, devotion to god and service unto others. Light and sound effects, fiber optics, dialogues and music are brilliantly combined to display 15 robotic dioramas in an 18th century setting.

The Theatre
The theater has Delhi’s first large format screen measuring 26 meters by 20 meters. Known as Neelkanth Kalyan Yatra, a 8.2 meters statue of the young Neelkanth Varni greets the visitors as they enter the theater. It shows a specially commissioned film on the seven year pilgrimage throughout India, of a teenage Swaminarayan, then called Neelkanth Varni. BAPS Charities released Mystic India, an international version of the film in theaters around the world in 2005.

The Musical Fountain
The Yagnapurush Kund is India’s largest step well with a series of 2,870 steps leading down to a eight petaled, lotus shaped yagna kund (a place for offerings in ritual fire to the deities). While visitors use the steps of the well for rest and respite from the summer heat during the daytime, the fountain, measuring 91 meters by 91 meters, is used as a musical fountain at night to project a show on the circle of life to audiences.

Other interesting exhibitions
Bharat Upavan (Garden of India) has in its bronze statues of India’s who’s who. It includes national heroes, freedom fighters, warriors, women and children. Lush manicured lawns, trees and shrubs from all over India make the garden an interesting place to visit.

Yogi Hraday Kamal (in this context the gems from the hearts of egoless philosophers), when seen from above is in the form of a lotus. A closer look will reveal large slabs of stone engraved with quotations from Martin Luther King, Shakespeare, Swami Vivekananda and Swaminarayan. Neelkanth Abhishek, Narayan Sarovar, Premvati Ahagruh, AARSH Centre are other places of interest in the complex.

For Visitors
The complex is just 200 meters away from the Akshardham Metro Station. It is open on all days, except Mondays, from 9.30 AM to 6.30 PM. Exhibitions in the various halls are open from 10.00 AM to 5.30 PM. Entry into the complex is free. Visitors who wish to see the exhibition will have to pay a fee of ₨ 170 ($2.72) (for children ₨ 100 ($1.60) and those above 65 years of age ₨ 125 ($2.00)). A trip to the Musical Fountain will be charged at ₨ 30 ($0.48) per person, ₨ 2 ($0.03) for children below 11 years and with children below 4 years of age are let in free. Paid parking facilities, cloakroom, photo booths, and wheelchairs are available upon enquiry at the reception. There is a food court, books and gift outlets for the purchase of publications, gifts, and mementos.

Delhi, being the capital city of India, is well connected with the other major cities in India as well as the rest of the world. Accommodation is plentiful, and there are many other places that will interest a tourist, including the Red Fort, Kutub Minar, Lotus Temple, India Gate, Rashtrapathi Bhawan (Presidential Palace), and Humayun’s Tomb. Agra with the incomparable Taj Mahal is just a six hour drive from Delhi, and so are many other cities of major sightseeing and historical importance.

Varanasi, also known as Benares, one of the oldest and holiest of the Indian cities lies on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India. The seat of North Indian culture for several thousands of years, it is one of the oldest cities in the world which has been continually inhabited. Referred to as the Indian spiritual capital, Varanasi attracts millions of domestic and foreign tourists from all over the world. An uniquely and vibrant 3,500 years old city, Varanasi has been aptly described by Mark Twain in the following words : ‘Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together’.

The languages spoken in this township are Bhojpuri, Urdu, and Hindi. English is also understood by most of the educated people living in this city.

History
The city derives its name from the two rivers, Varuna and Asi. The favorite city of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is also mentioned in the ancient Hindu scripture, the ‘Rig Veda’, as an important seat of learning. The first settlement in this area goes back to 11th century BCE and according to Hindu mythology it was Lord Shiva who founded this city. It was also home to the twenty third Jain Tirthankara, Parshva in the 8th century BCE and during the lifetime of Gautam Buddha, the city was a thriving center and the capital of the Kashi kingdom. Around 635 ADE , Xuanzang, a Chinese traveler who visited the city noted that, as a throbbing center of cultural and religious activities the city stretched for almost 5 km by the riverside. Qutb-ud-din Aibak who conquered Varanasi around 1194 supposedly destroyed thousands of temples in the city. Even though the process of suppression was continued by successive rulers like Feroz Shah and Sikandar Lodi Varanasi still continued to remain the nerve center of religious and intellectual activity of the middle ages in India.

A seat of the Bhakti Movement Benares produced some of the greatest figures of the movement like the singer songwriter, Kabir, and the mystic poet and social reformer, Ravidas. Jean Baptiste Tavernier, a traveler from France recounted the beautiful architecture of the temples in the city. During the reign of Sher Shah Suri a road was built connecting the city to Calcutta, which during the British period came to be known as the Grand Trunk Road. After the death of the great Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Varanasi was patronized by a number of Hindu kings and witnessed lots of architectural activities. Most of the remnant buildings which can be seen today were built by the Maratha and the Rajput Kings in Benares, around the 18th century.

Probably the most colorful and chaotic cities in the world, Varanasi is sure to offer a unique experience every time you visit this place. The ancient ghats or river banks which borders the city is a sight to see and presents an odd conglomeration of people- from worshipers to small time traders to hippies and Indian sages. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the oldest of the 84 ghats of the city where one can witness the spectacular event of Sandhya Arati every evening. There are also 2 other cremation ghats, the Manikarnika and the Harishchandra which are always crowded, not only by the family of the deceased, but also by curious onlookers willing to observe the process of Hindu cremation.

Sightseeing in Varanasi

Probably the most colorful and chaotic cities in the world, Varanasi is sure to offer a unique experience every time you visit this place. The ancient ghats or river banks which borders the city is a sight to see and presents an odd conglomeration of people- from worshipers to small time traders to hippies and Indian sages. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the oldest of the 84 ghats of the city where one can witness the spectacular event of Sandhya Arati every evening. There are also 2 other cremation ghats, the Manikarnika and the Harishchandra which are always crowded, not only by the family of the deceased, but also by curious onlookers willing to observe the process of Hindu cremation.

One must take a boat ride in the morning or the evening to properly appreciate the beauty of the ghats of Benares. Varanasi being a very picturesque city, the traveler should never go out without his camera, or else he would miss out a thousand moments those that are meant to be captured. Out of the 23,000 temples in the city the Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the holiest one, which attracts an incredible number of devotees every day. One can also choose to get lost in the narrow labyrinthine lanes of the old Varanasi city flanked on either sided by temples, shops, and ancient houses. The rich culture of the old Benares city makes it the favorite haunt of the foreign tourists. Tourists can make a day trip to the Ramnagar Fort on the opposite bank of the Ganges that flows beside this township. Made out of sandstone this fort resembles a Mughal (Wikipedia Article) architectural style with its ornamental balconies, pavilions and open courtyard. It houses a museum which has been described as eccentric because of its strange collection of vintage cars, weapons, cloaks, and bejeweled sedan chairs. The observatory called ‘Jantar Mantar’, situated next to the Manmandir ghat and built by the Raja of Jaipur can also be an interesting place to visit while travelling within this city. The Mahashivaratri (Wikipedia Article) or the festival of Lord Shiva and the Holi (Wikipedia Article) Festival are two of the most important festivals of the city which has always attracted tourists from all over the globe.

The delicious ‘Bhang Lassi’ (an edible form of cannabis with milk and cream) are legal and available at many street side shops, which is a very popular intoxicating drink, could be a fun thing to try once you visit this ancient Hindu township.

How to get there
Varanasi is well connected to almost all Indian cities and the nearest airport is Babatpur, about 22 km from the city. Several trains also run between Delhi and Varanasi on a regular basis. The journey time is approximately 12 hours.

Tips for Travelers
Travelers willing to spend a long time in the city might find many cheap places near the Assi Ghat, which is very close to the Beneras Hindu University. One can join a course in yoga, Sanskrit, or go for a training in Indian classical music for which Varanasi is famous since ages. Watch out for the Hindustani Classical music concerts frequently held in the old Benares city. It could be another nice way to spend the evenings in this township.

As a note of caution, it is suggested that one shouldn’t stay out very late at night especially on the ghats since there have been many instances of theft and murder of travelers in the past. November to March is the best time to visit Varanasi, since, otherwise, the extreme heat of the Indian summer months coupled with frequent power cuts can be a terrible experience for all travelers visiting this land.

Similar Landmarks
Visitors to Varanasi must pay a visit to the ancient Buddhist city of Sarnath which is now in ruins and preserved by the Archeological Survery of India. It’s here where Gautam Buddha supposedly preached his first sermon. Tourists might like to visit the splendid heritage city of Lucknow, which is also an artistic and cultural hub of northern India.