Thursday 20 September 2012

Akbar's Mausoleum : Agra (Uttar Pradesh )


 Mausoleum of Akbar
The Mausoleum of Akbar the Great is a nice example of the combination of Hindu and Moslem architectural styles.
The Mausoleum of Akbar the Great is situated about 10 km from Agra, in Sikandra. Akbar started the construction but it was completed by his son Jahangir in 1605.

Design
The mausoleum is built partially in red sandstone and in marble, with a mixture of Hindu and Moslem design elements. It can be seen as a transition between the older architectural style, based on red sandstone and the new, with marble as the main element and finer ornaments and carvings.

The Complex
The complex consists of two buildings, one being the mausoleum and the other a gigantic gate, connected to each other via a wide paved walkway.

The gate, known as Buland Darwaza (gateway of magnificence) itself consists of a huge archway and 4 marble minarets. It is more impressive than the mausoleum itself, which is wider but not as overwhelming. The architecture of the mausoleum is very interesting as is it a good example of the mixture of the use of sandstone together with marble. If you stand too long on the courtyard, you might be harassed by the many monkeys, which can become very aggressive. Inside the mausoleum, you find the cenotaph in a very small sober room.

Nagarjuna Sagar : Kurnool (Andra Pradesh)

Nagarjuna Sagar
Nagarjuna Sagar, located at a distance of 150 km from Hyderabad, is one of the most prominent Buddhist centers and attractive tourist spots in Andhra Pradesh.Known in ancient days as Vijayapuri, Nagarjunasagar takes its present name from Nagarjuna, one of the most revered Buddhist monks, who governed the sangha for nearly 60 years around the turn of the 2nd century AD. It is also a place of immense archaeological significance & excavations which reveal Nagarjunasagar as a center for the propagation of Buddhist teachings in South India.

One of the early river valley civilizations took birth here. Enthused by the peaceful environs of this place, Buddhists made this land a great hub of learning, setting up one of the four major Viharas here. Further down in history, one of the first Hindu kingdoms of South India, Ikshvakus made this city their capital. Once Vijayapuri, today Nagarjunasagar, this hoary land of antiquity and enligtment, now boasts of the world's tallest masonry dam.

Nagarjuna dam, which was completed in 1966, is 124 metres high and 1 km long has 26 crest gates. The lake, which it straddles, is the third largest manmade lake in the world. 4 kms away from the dam, is the Viewpoint, where a panoramic view of the amazing landscape, is simply a feast to the eyes.

One of the earliest hydro-electric projects of India, the Nagarjunasagar Dam is a symbol of modern India's architectural and technological triumphs over nature.The relics of Buddhist civilisation dating back to the 3rd Century A.D were excavated here. 

The excavated remains of the Buddhist civilization have been reconstructed and are carefully preserved at Nagarjunakonda, a unique Island museum, situated in the midst of the man-made Nagarjunasagar lake. 
Constructed In the shape of a Buddhist Vihara, the museum houses a stupendous collection of relics of Buddhist art and culture. Famous relics include a small tooth and an ear-ring believed to be of the Buddha. The main stupa of Nagarjunakonda called Mahachaitya is believed to contain the sacred relics of lhe Buddha. A partly ruined monolithic statue of the Buddha, that's at once a striking-image of peace and poise, is the main attraction at the museum.

The monasteries and chaityas were reconstructed on top of a hill called Nagarjunakonda (konda is the Telugu word for hill), which rises from the middle of the lake. The island takes its name from the Buddhist monk, Nagarjuna, who lived around the turn of the 2nd century AD and was the exponent of the philosophy of sunyata (void). Statues, friezes, coins and jewellery found at the site are housed in a museum on the island and give a fascinating insight into the daily lives of this ancient Buddhist centre. Earlier it used to be known as Vijayapur. The site was discovered in 1926. Subsequent excavations, particularly in the '50s and '60s, have unearthed the remains of stupas, viharas, chaityas and mandapams.

Ethipothala is a mountain stream cascading down the hills from a height of 21.3 meters into a lagoon. This waterfall is a combination of three streams namely Chandravanka Vagu, Nakkala Vagu & Tummala Vagu.

The dazzling lagoon formed by the falls has a crocodile-breeding centre. After flowing for 3 km, this stream joins with the river Krishna. Ranganadha and Dattatreya temples are found near the waterfalls. People believe that the caves near the waterfalls go to Srisailam.

Anantgiri Hills : Hyderabad (Andra Pradesh )

Anantagiri hills
Anantagiri is also famous as summer resort place. Anantagiri in Andhra Pradesh is sure to sweep every tourist off the feet with its natural beauty and beautiful hill resort. Nature lovers and tourists are attracted by unchallenged beauty of this place. The journey from Visakhapatnam to Anantagiri offers unforgettable vistas ranging from thick forests to scintillating sunrise and sunset. The hill resort of Anantagiri is perfect retreat to the blistering summer months.


Sightseeing :
The Anantagiri hills is filled with gorguous sights and smells that attract tourists.The entire Anantagiri Hills has a lot of vintage viewpoints that offer enthralling views that will capture your heart. Amongst the variety of flora in the forests of Anantagiri are many medicinal plants and herbs which is used by patients.
Several swift streams flow through Anantagiri though it is the river Musi or Muchkunda that originates from Anantagiri.The coffee plantations offers an enthralling sight at Anantagiri. The wonderful waterfalls, ravishing ravines and the gorgeous gorges that dot Anantagiri add to the unforgettable memories of the tourists. There are many mango groves and orchades which wrap Anantagiri in their shade.


The Bhavanasi Lake Anantagiri is referred to as the Badrinath of the South.
Anantagiri is more of a health station that replenishes your energies and rejuvenates you to the soul. Indeed Anantagiri is a great getaway from the pollution and stress of the city life that gets unbearable with the heat and the dust of the summers.
Anantagiri is located of the top of the Elysian Tirumala Hills approximately 17 km from Araku valley, which is 112 kms from Visakhapatnam.Anantagiri is the located among the ranges of the Eastern Ghats at a distance of 40 km from Visakhapatnam .

Excursions :
The Borra Caves are around one-million-year-old. The beautiful of the Borra caves near Visakhapatnam make an excellent excursion option from Anantagiri. The natural formation of the limestone Borra Caves is unique of its type.

Weather :
Owing to the lovely landscape Anantagiri experiences excellent weather all through the year. You can plan to visit this place all through the year.The salubrious weather and the calm surroundings add to the beauty of Anantagiri and make it popular.This place is also very famous for the newly wed couples.

Getting there :
Road 
Anantgiri is well connected with Hyderabad by several buses. Goexplore-india.com can provide you All India Tourist Permit taxis and cars to reach your destination.

Rail
Anantagiri Hills has Srikakulam railway station at a distance of 3 km. The booking facilities will be made available by our concerned agents.