Visit to Jama Masjid

The Friday congregational mosque, Jama Masjid is another of the masterpieces of great Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal glory. The humongous gateway of the mosque is very striking and never fails to impress the onlookers. More than its magnificent architecture it is the eternally sublime ambience of the mosque that shifts the devotees into a phase so pious that they can virtually feel the presence of the almighty. The twittering of peace lover pigeons at the front yard and the masses gathering to bow together in the lord’s court makes this largest mosque of India a must visit place in Delhi.

Delhi: Things to do...

Like a phoenix evolving from its own ashes, Delhi the national capital was intruded and sacked several times and yet never did it failed in regaining its lost glory. Thus chosen the capital not once but nine times by successive rulers the city, in the current times is a charismatic place with a rich history. The city tells a saga of opulence, destruction and royal elegance and all this can be seen through its plethora of magnificent monuments and enticing museums. Over the years the recurrent inward flow of diverse populations towards the city has made it a dynamic place constructing perfect symphonic surroundings for a multi-ethnic populace. Thus from a effervescent scene of performing art to the spic and span places to eat those curries, one will come across absolutely incredible things to do in Delhi.

This multidimensional metropolis at first may appear a bit chaotic, but as one discover beneath the surface it turns out to be a miniature of India encapsulating all the colours of the nation in it. A Delhi sightseeing tour is sure to impress, bedazzle and even stun you with its juxtaposition of absolute paradoxical scenes. Thus travelling via a highly advanced metro train one drops at the heart of the city developed by British in early 20th century. Further one comes across the tree lined avenues around the bungalows of dignitaries and soon the scene changes to an undulated alleys of Old Delhi the 17-century walled city. While in Delhi one must experience all the flavours of this cocktail, high on cultural dose.

The city with a rich heritage and diverse cultural backdrop is brimming with opportunities to explore. For each Delhi may reveal a new character trait and thus each interpretation may differ from others. However the city remains home to possibly the widest range of cultures and creeds and thus is very close to its natives’ hearts. A visit to the place only can tell what surprise it has in store for whom. So travel across and make your own list of things to do in Delhi.

The Taj Mahal

Finally, I  made it to the eternal emblem of love- The Taj Mahal on my recent Agra tour. Accompanied by my spouse and friends I visited this monument on one Sunday. My Agra tours journal will have one big chapter allocated to the swanky Yamuna Expressway. The recently inaugurated highway is a 200 km long-stretch which expedited the journey and we covered the distance in 2 and a half hours. To top it we were blessed with Monsoon showers on our way and we could see people jumping-off driving seat and enjoying themselves getting drenched in the downpour.

When we finally reached the city the view in front was celestial, the white marble tomb built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan talks in lengths about the era of Mughal empowerment. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fusion of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architectural styles. The Taj Mahal, built in Mughal era has rich content of that genre with regard to its formation; it is built on the banks of River Yamuna and has beauteous gardens under its peripheries.

Outside Taj complex we encountered several touts selling miniature versions of the stunning monument however we made our way to the local market and found much exquisite replicas there. After the drizzle the heat and humidity had taken its toll over and we were now. That was a bit of a hassle, but it couldn't refrain us from relishing the beauty of the fabulous monument most rightly called, "ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD".

P.S. Will be returning in no-time.

Diwan-i-Khas: Agra Fort

Agra Fort has a gigantic hall for private audience known as Diwan-i-Khas. On my visit to Agra Fort I entered this hall after viewing Diwan-i-Am. This hall was used by the emperor for holding cultural events and meetings of important guests such as kings, ambassadors and nobles in private. The hall is exquisitely decorated with carvings and flat wooden flat ceiling which used to be covered with gold and silver leaves. This hall is open at on three sides and we entered it through one of the arched openings which were supported on double columns. The hall represents the royal accesses and thus the interior hall has Persian inscriptions inlaid in black stone. The chambers here are profoundly decorated with refined inlay work in floral patterns. The work done on the hall is selected very meticulously keeping in view the status of the royalty.