18 April 2009

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Agra Fort- India Tours

Agra Fort

Agra Fort
Near the gardens of Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-E-Am, Diwan-E-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan died in 1666 A.D., Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Agra Fort, an excellent example of Mughal architecture, is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
tailor made India tour
The construction of the Agra fort was started around 1558, when the initial structures were built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and subsequently taken over by his grandson Shah Jahan, who added most of the marble creations to the fort. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone, punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A 9m wide and 10m deep moat surrounds the outer wall. An imposing 22m high inner wall imparts a feeling of invincible defensive construction. Agra Fort GateThe layout of the fort was determined by the course of the river, which in those days flowed alongside. The main axis is parallel to the river and the walls bridge out towards the city.
Other Places of Interest In Agra

Agra Fort

Fatehpur Sikri

Itmad-Ud-Daulah

Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra

Swami Bagh Samadhi

Mankameshwar Temple

Guru ka Tal

Chini Ka Rauza

Ram Bagh

Mariam's Tomb

Mehtab Bagh

Keetham Lake

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15 April 2009

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Taj Mahal tour India

Taj Mahal tour India

Taj Mahal tour India
Construction began: 1632
Completed: 1653
Built by: Shah Jahan
Designer: Ahmad Lahauri
Build for: in memory of Mumtaz Mahal
World Heritage Site: 1983
Cost of Costruction: about 32 million Rupees



Architecture of Taj Mahal
Location of Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal Importance

The construction of this marble masterpiece is credited to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who erected this mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal, who died in AH 1040 (AD 1631). Her last wish to her husband was "to build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before". Thus emperor Shah Jahan set about building this fairytale like marvel. The construction of Taj Mahal was started in AD 1632 and completed at the end of 1653 AD.

twenty thousand workmen are said to be employed on it daily, for their accommodation a small town, named after the deceased empress-'Mumtazabad, now known as Taj Ganj, was built adjacent to it. Amanat Khan Shirazi was the calligrapher of Taj Mahal, his name occurs at the end of an inscription on one of the gates of the Taj. Poet Ghyasuddin had designed the verses on the tombstone, while Ismail Khan Afridi of Turkey was the dome maker.

tailor made India tour
Muhammad Hanif was the superintendent of Masons. The designer of Taj Mahal was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The material was brought in from all over India and central Asia and it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site.

The central dome is 187 feet high at the centre. Red sandstone was brought from Fatehpur Sikri, Jasper from Punjab, Jade and Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Coal and Cornelian from Arabia and diamonds from Panna. In all 28 kind of rare, semi precious and precious stones were used for inlay work in the Taj Mahal. The chief building material, the white marble was brought from the quarries of Makrana, in distt. Nagaur, Rajasthan.

Soon after the Taj Mahal's completion, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son Aurangzeb and put under house arrest at nearby Agra Fort. Upon Shah Jahan's death, Aurangzeb buried him in the Taj Mahal next to his wife.

Other Places of Interest In Agra

Agra Fort

Fatehpur Sikri

Itmad-Ud-Daulah

Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra

Swami Bagh Samadhi

Mankameshwar Temple

Guru ka Tal

Chini Ka Rauza

Ram Bagh

Mariam's Tomb

Mehtab Bagh

Keetham Lake

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14 April 2009

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India-Tour-Travel-Tips

India-Tour-Travel-Tips
Magic India Tour wish you a very safe journey please read below tips before arrival to India.


:: Recommended Websites on Tourism in India ::

Magic India Tour | Agra Guide | An India Tours | India Tour




tailor made India tour
Health Tips


Avoid drinking water from an unknown source. When in doubt ask for
"Bisleri, Kinley, Aqua Fina, Himalaya, etc" mineral water(check
the seal). As a further precaution bring water purifying tablets.

Pharmacies or chemists are available in every little town and village
and you can buy medication. In case you need to see a doctor for
a specific condition, ask for help from your hotel (most have doctors
on call) or your tour operator. The cost of visiting a doctor is
fairly low(less than a dollar) compared to western countries.

Do remember to bring some insect repellent, mosquito coils or even
an electronic repellent. Mosquitoes in India can be fierce.




Food

Eating at small restaurants or roadside cafes can be risky because
of unhygienic cooking environments. Food poisoning is common when
eating at unreliable places. Drinking water can also be a health
hazard. It is best to carry mineral water bottles bought from a
reliable store. In summer the extreme heat can cause heat strokes
and dehydration. Taking enough fluids is an absolute must. Do not
accept any type of food from strangers while traveling by trains
or busses. Always buy water bottles from a reputable store.


:: Recommended Websites on Tourism in India ::

Magic India Tour | Agra Guide | An India Tours | India Tour




tailor made India tour
Train Tips


The image of the Indian Railways is rated poor with common complaints
being making reservations is difficult or that the signage is only
in Hindi. But the screaming need is for cleaning up the place or
that it is just too dirty for comfort. Avoid traveling in the Second
Class.




Safety


There have been many cases of tricksters cheating foreign tourists
of their medical insurance. Some touts have even offered a commission
on the insurance money. It is therefore advisable only to go for
medical emergencies to the large hospitals. Tourists coming alone
should avoid late night outings and lonely places. Female tourists
should avoid befriending or going with local peoples (few bad people
spoils the name of full country but i am interested in your safety).




tailor made India tour
Money

The local currency is the rupee (INR), which is divided into 100
paise.

Notes are available in denominations of INR1.00, 2.00, 5.00, 10.00,
20.00, 50.00, 100.00 and 500.00. Coins come in 5, 10, 20, 25 and
50 paise, and INR1.00, 2.00 and 5.00 (although the latter is very
rare).

Be careful not to accept torn notes from anyone as no-one else will
accept them, making them quite useless. Change is often in short
supply, so try not to carry large denominations.

Visitors are not allowed to bring Indian currency into India or
take it out of the country. However, you may bring an unlimited
amount of foreign currency or traveler's cheques with you. Note
that any amount exceeding USD2,500.00 must be declared on arrival
in India. Most foreign currencies and traveler's cheques can be
changed in the big cities.

If you've been in India for more than 180 days, you must obtain
a tax clearance certificate before leaving the country.

These are available at the foreigners' section of any income tax
department in larger cities. You'll need to produce bank receipts
('encashment certificates') to show that you have changed money
legally.

An easy currency­converter is available online.

You can check the value of your money right away.

All popular credit cards are easily accepted in most metropolitans
of India.


:: Recommended Websites on Tourism in India ::

Magic India Tour | Agra Guide | An India Tours | India Tour


Visas



Passports:
All travellers to India must possess a valid passport.
It is advisable to carry your passport on your person all the while
in India for possible identification requirements. Citizens of Nepal
and Bhutan can travel without passport but they have to carry some
special permits.


Visas: All foreign tourists to India must possess a valid
visas. Visas are not issued on arrival. the cost of Visa is US$
30 for up to six months. US$ 50 for up to one year and US$ 100 for
more than one year. Contact the Indian embassy or consulate in your
country for issuing of visas. A tourist visa is valid for three
to six months.

Tourist visas allow multiple entry to simplify visits to neighbouring
countries. You will be required to fill in a disembarkation card
on your way to India which will have to be submitted at the Immigration
counters at the entry airport.


:: Recommended Websites on Tourism in India ::

Magic India Tour | Agra Guide | An India Tours | India Tour




tailor made India tour
Do’s and
Dont’s


Make travel arrangements well in advance, especially if you are
traveling in the peak season (between October to March).



Drink bottled or mineral water only as water related diseases may
be acquired through unhygienic intake of water or food.



Do not encourage beggars. Be careful of small time pickpockets,
chain / purse-snatchers who take advantage of the crowds.



While shopping - it is better to check with a local friend or your
hotel staff for reliable places and approximate prices - to avoid
getting fleeced.



A special police force called Tourist Police is posted at all important
places frequented by tourists for providing assistance to tourists
to prevent them from being cheated, harassed, etc. This force is
headed by a Superintendent of Police, designated as Deputy Director
Tourism (Enforcement) and is stationed in the Tourist Reception
Centre.



As in any location, there are those who steal from others, so follow
the same rules of safety that you follow traveling anywhere else
with respect to using hotel lock boxes, and keeping travel documents
safe. When in public places, keep them in your hotel, or with you
all the time when moving about.


Don't carry a traditional wallet with you

Avoid keeping valuables in a purse, which can be easily snatched
off your shoulder.



Wash fruits before eating them.

Do carry sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.



Always respect religious shrines and places of worship, Some places
require visitors to observe a decent dress code. Take care not to
violate any taboos in a mosque or a temple.



Change currency only from official moneychangers. Remember to retain
the currency Exchange receipts after each transaction. You will
need them for re-exchange on departure.



Besides the originals, a copy of your passport, travel visas, airline
tickets and travel documents. A list of any charge or credit cards
you are carrying. Remember to keep the copies separate from the
originals.



Consider purchasing special Travel insurance and medical evaluation
plan programmes.



The voltage used is 220 volts (the U.S. uses 120 volts). You can
purchase a converter at most hardware stores for appliances that
do not switch to 220V.

Current Spikes are common in india so use a spike buster



Tipping is a matter of personal discretion. Although bills normally
include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants
and other places that cater to tourists.



ln case of complaints against taxi or auto rickshaw for overcharging
or cheating, note down the number of the vehicle and lodge a report
with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic). you can get the Contact
Phone Nos in Telephone Directory.





Time Zone

India Time Standard Time is 5.5 hours (5 hours 30 minutes) ahead
of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+5.5).




:: Recommended Websites on Tourism in India ::

Magic India Tour | Agra Guide | An India Tours | India Tour


 


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:: Recommended Websites on Tourism in India ::

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