Gwalior Fort

Introduction and history: Gwalior is one of the important cities in Madhya Pradesh, where the ancient monument and modern development go hand-in-hand. The city has served as the center of several of North India’s historic kingdoms. Museums, art galleries and beautifully maintained palaces speak for the city and centuries gone by. The Gwalior Fort dominates the city as it is the most magnificent monument and the history traces it back to 15th century. The fort contains multiple statues of Jain Tirthankaras.The, who created the Jain community.

What to see and when to go: Apart from enjoying the main fort it consists of multiple other monuments like Man Mandir Palace, Teli ka Mandir, Jai Vilas Palace, Tansen’s Tomb in the nearby areas. In order to get the real historical information one can visit the nearby Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum and Kala Vithika. Gwalior has a famous Zoo which is a good attraction for children. The ideal time to visit the fort the city is between July and March.

Things to do: Known for its art and culture, the Gwalior city is one of the best places to different kinds of local dances. Starting with Ahiri Dance and list grows with many others including Yadav dance, Saharia dances, Lur dance, Lanhgi dance and Dul-Dul Ghori dance.

Accommodation: There are many heritage hotels available in the city, which are cost effective. The average price will range from 500 to 1200 rupees per day for a good accommodation.

Mode of transport: The city is well connected with regular flights from Delhi & Bhopal. As the city forms a major junction in Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai lines, there is ample number of trains on a daily basis. It is also well connected by regular bus service from places like Agra (65 kilometers) and Delhi (270 kilometers).
Timings:
• Sound and Lighting at the Fort : 7:30 PM to 9:15 PM (Summer time) and 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM (Winter time)
• Gwalior Zoo: 8 AM to 3 PM

Related links:
• Madhya Pradesh Tourism site : http://www.mptourism.com/
• Gwalior district official site: http://gwalior.nic.in/

See also (nearby places): Datia, Sonagiri, Tigra Dam, and The National Chambal sanctuary are some of the nearby places for nature lovers.

Interesting information:
• The city also produced music legends like Amjad Ali Khan and Dr. Ishwar Chandra Karkare.
• The earliest freedom fighters, Tantya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi, are commemorated in memorials in Gwalior.

Golden Temple At Amritsar

Introduction and history: The Golden Temple is located in the city of Amritsar, is the temple of God for Sikhs. Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar. It is also known as Harmandir Sahib is considered holy by Sikhs because it is the eternal Guru of Sikhism. Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Nanak, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Buddha ji. The temple construction was started in 1570 and 1577.

What to see and when to go: The temple is surrounded by Sarovar lake. There are entrances to the temple on all four sides to welcome travelers from all directions. Inside the temple complex there are many shrines to past Sikh Gurus and saints. There are three holy trees each associated with a historical event or Sikh saint. Inside the temple there are many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs. October to March is the ideal timeframe to visit this temple.

Accommodation: As Amritsar is one of the most famous temples in Punjab, there is lot of hotels available around the temple premises.

Mode of transport: The city of Amritsar is reachable and well connected by air, road and train. It has frequent flights connecting with various domestic and international locations. It also has a major train junction. The city has an international bus terminal operated by the Department of Transport, Punjab which is equipped with most modern amenities.

Related links:
• Tourist information: http://www.aboutgoldentemple.com/
• Official website: http://sgpc.net/

See also (nearby places): Akal Takht, Baba Atal, Gurudwara Lohgarh Amritsar, Ramsar Sahib, Gurudwara Dera Baba Nanak, Gurudwara Taran, Gurudwara Khadur Sahib, Gurudwara San Sahib, Baba Bakala, Damdama Sahib, Wagah Border, Gurudwara Anandpur Sahib and Gurudwara Kiratpur Sahib are some of the nearby religious and tourist attractions in Amritsar.

Fatehpur Sikri At Agra

Introduction and history: The Fatehpur Sikri city located in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, which remained as the political capital from 1571 until 1585, which was abandoned later due to lack of water. The name of the place came after Mughal Emperor Babur defeated Rana Sanga in a battle at a place called Khanwa (about 40 KM from Agra). Today this ghost city has a population of about 30,000. This deserted city has retained many of the old structures, because of the efforts of the Archaeological department. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra.

What to see and when to go: The city consists of many monuments which include Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti, Place of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan, Karawan Serai and Hiran Minar, Palace of the Christian Wife, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam. November to February is the best time to visit this place.

Things to do: Apart from this Agra has the word famous Taj Mahal. Agra Fort, Itimadi-ud-daula, Akbar’s Tomb and Sikandara are some of the other tourist attractions.

Accommodation: Agra has a wide range of hotels and rest houses. UP state tourism development corporation has its tourist complex, Taj Khema near the Taj Mahal. It offers accommodation in tents and deluxe rooms. Hotels and restaurants offer Indian, Continental and Chinese food. Mughal cuisine is Agra’s specialty.

Mode of transport: The Agra is well connected to Delhi (203 kilometers) by many flights, which takes about 40 minutes by air. Quite a number of trains running between Delhi and Varanasi pass via Agra

Timings: The Fatehpur Sikri is open all days between 6:00 am to 7:30 pm.

Is it a world heritage site? : Yes
• Entry number: 255
• Link: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/255

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