Sanchi-The Great Stupa (No. 1),No.2 & No.3 in Madhya Pradesh

Sanchi: Spectacular Sanchi is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its archaeological and historical value. The Sanchi hill teems with stupas, monastries, temples and pillars and is the largest site of Buddhist remains in India. However, it is not directly connected with the life of Lord Buddha as other Buddhist pilgrim centres. The history of Sanchi dates back to Emperor Asoka’s reign in the 3rd century BC and continues upto the 11the century AD. It is one of the most revered centres of Buddhist art in the world. Its architectural forms and sculpture display the Jataka tales in cinematographic continuity. The Great Stupa (No. 1): The world renowned stupa was originally built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and is an icon of India’s cultural heritage. The present stupa is a superstructure over the original brick stupa and comprises a hemispherical dome. It measures 36.5 mts. in diameter and 16.4 mts. in height. Stupa No.2: The 2nd century BC. stupa lies on the edge of the Sanchi hill. Stupa No.3: This stupa was built during 150-140 BC. The relics of Sariputta and Mahamogallan, two of Buddhas chief disciples were found in the stupa. These relics are at present housed in the Sri Lankan Vihara here.

Reaching there:
By Air
The nearest airport is at Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, is 45 kms away from the site. Bhopal is an important domestic airport in central India, which is served by several airlines.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Vidisha, approximately 10 km from Sanchi.
By Road
Sanchi is located close to important cities in Madhya Pradesh. It is connected with all nearby cities like Bhopal (45kms), Vidisha (10kms), Indore (230kms).

Mandu-Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace) in Madhya Pradesh

Mandu , set picturesquely at the edge of the Vindhya range, overlooking the Narmada river was once known as Shadiabad, the ‘Citadel of Joy’. It was the pleasure resort of the rulers of Malwa and echoes with love tales of poet prince Baz Bahadur and Ran Rupmati.
Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace): The 400 ft. long and 50 ft. wide double storey pleasure palace built between two lakes, resembles a ship. This remarkable edifice in stone is said to have been built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji for his large harem of 15,000 women.

Reaching there:
By Air
Mandu does not have an airport and the nearest airport is Indore Ahilyabai Holker airport. Mandu is about 100 km from the airport. Indore is a domestic terminal which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur and Ranchi. Delhi is the major international airport connecting to many major cities abroad.
By Train
Nearest railhead is Ratlam railway station, which is about 124 km away from Mandu. This station is well connected to the rest of the major cities in India and is an important junction in the western railways.
By Bus
Many cities in Madhya Pradesh to Mandu are connected by State owned buses. Many private bus services are available from major cities in India to Mandu. Regular deluxe and semi deluxe buses are available from Indore (100 km), Bhopal (277 km), Ratlam (124 km) and Ujjain.

Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra

Around Aurangabad
Ajanta (107 kms.)

Ajanta Caves: Ajanta is world renowned for the rock-cut Buddhist caves, dating from 2nd century BC to 5th century AD. There are about 30 caves nestling in a panoramic gorge amidst Sahyuadri ranges in the form of a gigantic horseshoe. This treasure house of art and architecture was discovered in 1819, by a group of British officers. Today, Ajanta has been designated as a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO. The caves were once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders and comprises of Chaitya halls or shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas or monasteries, used by monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings. The frescoes in 5 caves and some of the sculptures are considered to be among the greatest achievements of Indian artists. The nearest convenient railhead for Ajanta is at Jalgaon (58 kms.).

Reaching There:
By Air
The closest airport is at Aurangabad, 107 kms away.
By Rail
The closest railhead to Ajanta is Jalgaon which is approximately and hour and a half away. It is possible to hire a car or take a bus from here to the caves.
By Road
Regular buses ply from Jalgaon and Aurangabad to Ajanta. Otherwise you can choose to hire a private taxi to take you around.

Lord Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh

Tirupati – Tirumala

This the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara or Balaji is one of the oldest and richest Hindu pilgrim centers of the country. Tirupati, literally the ‘Lord of Lakshmi’ is the town and transport hub set in the foot hills of Tirumala. The sacred Tirumala hill in the Eastern Ghats has seven peaks, representing the seven headed serpent Adisesha, on whose coil Lord Vishnu sleeps.

Lord Venkateswara Temple : The majestic shrine of Lord Venkateswara nestling amidst the Tirumala Hill, About 650 meters above the town is one of the most popular Hindu temples in the world. It is visited by over 30,000 pilgrims a day and the number reaches up to 100,000 on festival days. The temple staff alone accounts to a number of about 17,000. The popularity of the temple can be judged by its annual income, which is over two billion rupees. Devotees offer money and precious articles etc. in the hundi or collection box placed at various sites in the temple. The entire sum is administered by the temple trust which ploughs this bulk of money back into hundreds of choultries and charities, such as schools, colleges, art academies, craft training centers and in the home of poor and orphans. The sacred temple finds mention in the ancient religious texts and was perhaps built during the 9th century. Several additions and renovations were later made under the patronage of Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, the Vijayanagar rulers and the Maharaja of Mysore. This masterpiece of Dravidian architecture has a huge outer courtyard or sampangi pradakshinam, which is dotted by several interesting mandapams. The glittering gold Vimanam, known as Ananda Vimanam rises protectively over the sanctum sanctorum, which enshrines the ‘swayambhu’ or naturally formed two meters high jet-black stone idol of Lord Venkateshwara. The magnificent idol depicts the Lord with four hands in a standing posture over a lotus and is adorned with exquisite jewelery. ‘Brahmotsavam’ (Sept. – Oct.) is the main temple festival celebrated in a grand way for nine days and catch the attention of a large number of devotees. Another attraction of the shrine is the 'Prasad' cooked in the temple kitchen. This mouth watering delicacy is of great value for the devotees. Many devotees also consider very auspicious to have their heads shaven on visiting the temple, as an act symbolic of renouncing their ego.

Reaching there:

By Air
Located at Renigunta, about 15 km from the city, Tirupati Airport has regular flights to and from Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. One can hire taxis from the airport for reaching Tirupathi. Another major airport situated near the holy city is sited at Chennai, which has international connections too.
By Rail
Tirupati Railway Station has direct trains to and from Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Madurai, Puri and Hyderabad. Stations at Renigunta (15 km) and Gudur (100 km) also serve as the major connections across the country. From Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, there are overnight trains for Tirupati.
By Road
Almost every town and city of Andhra Pradesh is connected with Tirupathi by regular bus services. The town is linked by road to Ahobolam (272 km), Bangalore (280 km), Horsley Hill (145 km), Hyderabad (555 km), Kalahasti (36 km), Lepakshi (379 km), Chennai (140 km), Srisailam (436 km), Vijayawada (380 km) and Renigunta (55 km). Taxis are available throughout Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states to reach Tirupathi.

The Fort or Sonar Killa in Rajasthan

Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, the golden citadel of the Thar desert has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in this part of the world. Few places can match the magnificence and grace of this ‘museum city’.

The Fort or Sonar Killa : The golden hued fort perched atop the 76 meter high Trikuta Hill was built in 1156, by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput and descendent of the Yadav clan. The fort built in Jurassic sandstone has its base encircled by a wall of solid stone blocks, above which the hill protects and supports the ramparts forming a double line of defense. The bastions are in the form of half towers surrounded by high turrets and joined by thick walls. The entire living area is well protected inside the ramparts of the fort. It is approached through the Ganesh Pol or the ‘Elephant Gate’ from the main market, followed by the Suraj Pol or the ‘Sun Gate’, Bhoota Pol or the ‘Haunted Gate’ and finally the Hava Pol or the ‘Wind Gate’. The Hava Pol stands sentinel to the royal palaces and leads to the main enclosure, the Hall of Public Audience. The palaces of the rulers built atop the main entrance form an imposing edifice crowned by a huge umbrella of metal mounted on a stone shaft. The fort is dotted with many intricately carved haveli’s (mansions), which have become the major attraction of the museum city. Some of the important ones are-Patwon ki Haveli : This largest and most elaborate haveli of Jaisalmer is a classic example of Rajputana architecture. It was built by the five sons of Guman Chand Patwa, a rich brocade merchant. The construction began in 1800 and was completed in 50 years. The fabulous five storeyed structures have extensive corridors and chambers which are supported by intricately carved pillars.