The Jantar Mantar (meaning instruments for calculation), Jaipur Rajastan is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734. There are as many as five such facilities in the country including the ones at Delhi and Jaipur. This one at Jaipur is the largest and best maintained of…
Category: Landscapes
Sit in Peace!
The monsoon special hill station closest to Mumbai city gets it name Lonavala from the Prakrit language, which basically means a series of resting places etched from stone. The place springs to life during the monsoons and offers some spectacular sunrise, (even when fog hit). Folklore also says that Lonavala is derived from the Sanskrit word…
The Tower of Victory
Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) stands nine storeys tall inside the Chittorgad Fort, and was built by Maharana Kumbha to celebrate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440. The tower is 122 feet high perched atop a 10 feet base. The tower features sculptures and carving across its periphery. The…
The Holy Hindu Trinity
Arguable the most beautiful temple in all the temples that grace the Chittorgarh Fort, this temple spots a statue of the Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh – the creator, the preserver and the destroyer). Legend has it that a jilted Allaudin Khilji went on a rampage after Queen Padmini jumped alive in fire, after King…
Vividly Blue!
Naturally created on the table lands of Panchgani, these water pockets can be found all over the scenic high-rise of the Deccan Plateau. Panchgani is an amalgamation of five table lands which are perched high-above the sea level. This particular hill station was a favorite with the Brit-rulers of India, especially as an educational hub, and…
Jag Mandir Palace
Jag Mandir is one of the two natural island palaces found in the Lake Pichola. Constructed by three Maharanas of the Sisodia Rajputs from Mewar kingdom, the “Lake Garden Palace” features the Gul Mahal, an elegant façade which spots four carved elephant, the Garden Courtyard, the Darikhana, the Bara Patharon ka Mahal, the Zenana Mahal…
Mahabeleshwar
The highlight of Mahabaleshwar is the Parsi Point. It offers the most breathtaking view of the Krishna Valley. The point is so named as it is said to be a favourite with the Parsi community. Foggy or not, make sure to stop over at the point when you are on your way to Panchgani.
Dhoom Dam
Dhoom Dam located around 21kms away from Panchgani and seems to be a big hit with Bollywood, as many major feature films were shot here (including Swades, We the People, 2004). The dam is a major bone of contention between Maharashtra and Karnataka as the dam is built over the Krishna River; both states want it…
Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is set about 1470 m above the sea level and gets its name from British actor, Arthur Malet. Apart from the views of the River Savitri and the Jor Valley, any object, (other than a living being) tossed inside the valley tends to float in the air. However this theory no longer holds water…
Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, based on designs by Lal Chand Usta in 1799. On the inside, the palace with 953 jhorakas (small windows) forms the pattern of the Hindu God Krishna’s crown. The palace is made with different kinds of marble stone to keep the palace cool while the…
Snapshots of my World 