Wednesday, 24 May 2017

Rajasthan Villages-A Life to Feel and Express

Rajasthan a land symbolic to the grandeur of the rich royal traditions and glorious history is also extremely famous for its villages. These villages are somewhat most exclusive living area distinct from other types of villages of the country. There is something very special about the Rajasthan villages which attract the tourist always. Exploring a village in Rajasthan is undoubtedly the best retreat to getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life into a world of simplicity and cultural warmth. The charm, excitement and opportunity of spending some quality time amidst villagers in their ethnic homes will prove to be wonderful delight to every traveler’s vacation. The experience is as great as staying in any heritage palaces or hotels in Rajasthan. [Golden Triangle Tour with Golden Temple]

Though the state is densely populated, but even today village constitutes more than half of Rajasthan lives in villages only. This is that part of the world which is still untouched by the glamour and industrialization and even basic modern amenities of life, but still people reside here with complete satisfaction, contention, utter simplicity and great harmony. In short the Rajasthan villages are a highlight of the real India. A typical village lifestyle is still carried on the similar pattern as it was centuries ago. There are small huts with large front courtyards built of clay and cow dung, carved with pictures, colored with beautiful paintings and decorated with traditional, ethnic and locally made handicraft by the artisans. [Ranthambore Wildlife Tour Package]

It shall truly amazed you that even though the temperature is high, but the huts are build in a manner that it can stand and bear the heat and keep the inner climate cooler. The people are extremely religious and outgoing and the cuisine is mostly vegetarian and simple. Men are mainly engaged in the farming activities, while women take good care of the household activities, children have schools and playgrounds to go to, and elderly population of the villages can always be found in panchayat or long session of conversation entire day. This is how people here spend time. [Mathura Vrindavan Packages from Delhi]

Ask your travel partner INDIAN TRAVEL WAVES will arrange tour to the most ethnic and authentic insight into the life of the village of Rajasthan. The experience will be in every way enriching and worth life time of memories. You will get to be a lot closer to their lives and have an opportunity to be a part of it. While living in these huts, eating their mouth watering delicacies, enjoying their folk culture, witnessing performances by the artists, their clothing, beautiful accessories that the women adorn here, camel ride, desert safari and many more exciting things will surely make you forget the comforts and luxury of the world that you have come from. [Mumbai Aurangabad Tour Package]

A Journey of Lifetime- Rajasthan Village
INDIAN TRAVEL WAVES has got trusted guides and brilliant tour itinerary for the Rajasthan Village Tour. The visit to historical cities of Rajasthan can be clubbed with exploring the villages here as well that are spread in the region of this state. Your tour to these villages will be a perfect getaway from the crowded, chaotic, hustle and bustle and the fast running city life. The villages are in total contrast to the industrialized cities. Life is still untouched from electricity, modern education, luxury amenities, but still is beautiful and carrying on like always the era of old days. [5 Nights 6 Days Golden Triangle Tour Itinerary]

Water is in scarcity and doesn’t reach house but the women fetch it from the village wells. Men are engaged in cultivation and agriculture activities only. The life is absolutely pollution free and air is so fresh to breathe that it might force you to not to leave from here. The village looks like one big happy family where everyone lives with peace and harmony with their neighbors and is considered as blood relations. The festivals are beautiful, handicrafts are immensely artistic, folk culture is enriching, and traditions and rituals are magnificent. [Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Package Itinerary] Local matters and small disputes are solved through panchayat only and local court judged by the elderly people, and the decision is never counterpart or challenged and respected by everyone. The cuisine is also an attraction as villagers mostly use fresh vegetarian food that is grown in their farms only except for few special occasions when meat is prepared.[Kerala Tour Package Itinerary]

Monday, 22 May 2017

Bhilwara Rajasthan India Tour

Bhilwara is well known place in Rajasthan. Bhilwara is a prominent tourist destination as well as a major trading hub. Bhilwara is the city of industry in the region of Mewar. It is mainly popular for its textiles built up units. Bhilwara is enclosed by the region of Ajmer, Rajasthan, Chittorgarh, Bundi and the district of Tonk.
[Golden Triangle Tour Packages]
Bhilwara is famous for its Handicrafts, textiles and the pilgrimages. There are number of cloth mills located in the Bhilwara region. Bhilwara is famous for painting of Phad, Swand art, Bahrupiya, the dance of Gair, mozri shoes and lakh bangles made by the Lakhara families.
[Golden Triangle Tour with Tiger Safari]
Bhilwara almost covers the area of 10, 455 sq. km. the local people of Bhilwara likes to speak Hindi, English and Rajasthani.

Bhilwara Prime Tourist Attractions

Battis Khambon Ki Chhatri
As you proceed to Bijolia you take your drive towards Mandalgarh. You reach Battis Khambon Ki Chhatri an impressive sandstone shrine, consist of 32 pillars and many more temples of God and Goddes. Mandalgarh is 52 km from Bhilwara.
[Golden Triangle Tour Package India]
Yakshini Mata temple
In the earlier days, the Yakshini Mata temple was a happening place. This temple is captivating site if you are fascinated in the ancient temples. The Yakshini Mata temple is the centre of the celebrations of Mandal.
[Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho]
Mewa Dham
Mewa Dham is away from Mandal around 4 km. It is a scenic village as well as Mewa has a tiny fort also, which was built by the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar.
[Golden Triangle Tour with Shimla]
Bijoli
Bijolia is located on a highland called Uparmal and makes a stunning sight. Bijolia has group of five Jain temples devoted to Parsvanath. Here is a tank called Mandakani Baori.
[Golden Triangle Tour with Manali]
Shahpura
Shahpur is 55 km from Bhilwara and located on Jahajpur. Shahpura is famed for the involvement of freedom fighters of India as well as the key of International Ramsnehi. It is also popular for its 700 years of old painting.

The Eternal Mumtaj Mahal

In 1593 Asaf Khan was blessed with a beautiful daughter named Arjumand Begum in Agra. Fabled for unrivalled beauty later she became the wife of the fifth Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Mesmerized by her beauty at first sight he entitled her with the name of Mumtaz Mahal means “beloved ornament of the palace” in Persian. [Golden Triangle Tour Packages]

Love Blossoms:
The term "love at first sight" is apt for the communion of Emperor Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal. While strolling down the private market, Meena Bazaar he caught a glimpse of her beauty while she was shopping. His affection for her lead to proposing of marriage. He was married to Quandri Begum, a Persian Princess, for political reasons during the five years that he courted Mumtaz Mahal. Later they got married. [Golden Triangle Tour Packages in India]

A Fairy Tale:
In 1612 an extravagant marriage united Prince Khurram (who was later entitled as “Shahjahan” when he became the emperor in 1628) and Arjumand Bano (who was later entitled as “Mumtaz Mahal”). The Khas Mahal in Agra is one of the beautfiul palaces that the emperor built for his beloved. Mumtaz Mahal was conferred by the Emperor with the highest honor of the land "The Royal Seal - Mehr Uzaz" due to his benevolence for her despite her being his third wife. A compassionate and generous woman, Mumtaz Mahal always intervened on behalf of petitioners. [Golden Triangle tour with Varanasi]

The Four Promises:
Emperor Shahjahan's companion Mumtaz Mahal asked for four promises to the Emperor on her deathbed (on 17 June 1631) in Deccan where Emperor went to war with Khan Jahanb Lodi. The reason for her demise was the birth of their fourteenth child. The first and the foremost promise was that the emperor should build a monument dedicated to their love. The second promise was that he should marry again. The third promise was that he should be kind to their children. And the last one was that Shahjahan should visit the tomb on her death anniversay. [5 Nights 6 Days Golden Triangle Tour Itinerary]

Love Immemorial:
In respect with the promises Emperor Shahjahan commenced the construction of the splendid beauty Taj Mahal in the year 1631. A temporary burial of Mumtaz Mahal happened at the Zainabadi garden in Burhnpur. Later the body of Mumtaz Mahal was exumed and brought to Agra for final burial after six months. Though the first promise and the burial were completed but the love between shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal united their souls even beyond death. An immortalization of love is represented by Taj Mahal. Later The Emperor married again to comply the second promise. Even though the tale of "the four promises" is largely believed but there are certain individuals who staunchly believe that the grief stricken Emperor himself decided to build the Taj Mahal as a tribute to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. [Same Day Taj Mahal Tour Package from Delhi]

The Taj:
The marble marvel better known as the "symbol of love" took 22 years to complete. It depicts the beauty of Mumtaz Mahal personified in this monument and masterpiece. More so it is a legendary story etched in striking white marble and has become an epitome of a man’s love for his beautiful wife. [Taj Mahal Tour Package from Delhi]

Wednesday, 17 May 2017

How to Enjoy Abhaneri Rajasthan India Tour

Abhaneri is a village situated 95 kms from Jaipur. Abhaneri is popular for its marvelous step walls as well as for the Mata Harshat Temple. Harshat Mata is considered as the Goddess of pleasure and happiness. This temple is the major tourist attraction of Abhaneri. Abhaneri village was established by the king Raja Chand, who ruled the Gurjar. At the earlier time Abhaneri was known as Abha Nagri. The luster of the Abhaneri village is demolished, but it’s a still attraction of many tourists who come across from different parts from the world. [Enjoy Golden Triangle Tour with Golden Temple]

Abhaneri village area is 37 sq.km, The population is near 3, 66, 000, the languages spoken by the people is Hindi, English and Rajasthani. If you are going to plan your visit here then the most comfortable holiday period is between Octobers to March. [Visit Mathura Vrindavan Packages from Delhi]

Abhaneri Prime Tourist Attractions

Harshad Mata Temple
Harshad Mata Temple is one of the admired places of Abhaneri. This temple is the best example of early medieval architecture of Rajasthan. Daily worship is offered to the deity in the temple. This place is almost in razed but still tourists wants to come here and spend thier holidays. [Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Package Itinerary]

Chand Baoli
Chand Baori is near the Harshat Mata temple. The monument is of 10th century and it is actually a huge step well placed in the front of the temple. It is the finest example of architectural eminence of the past. It is one of the deepest step well in India with 3500 steps and 100 feet deep. [Have a look Golden Triangle Tour with Tiger Safari]

Excursions from Abhaneri

Dausa
Dausa is situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan. Dausa was one of the former kingdoms of Kacchawaha rulers of Dhurander. Many of the forts and havelis are located around Dausa. Dausa is very traditional place and important by the archeological also. While during your Dausa tour, you can visit to the temples, forts, havelis and the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja. [Also Mumbai Aurangabad Tour Package]

Bairath
Bairath is located between the Jaipur and Alwar. It is 86 km from the Jaipur and Bairath is a place of historical key and it was presented during the period of Mahabharata. It has a vestige of Mughal, Maury and Rajputs composition designs. The land of Bairath is occupied by the beautiful Mughal garden also. Bairath was known as Virata Nagar. [Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour]

Karauli
Karauli is a small village, situated 182 km from the Jaipur. Karauli is popularly known as Madan Mohanji Temple, which is dedicated to the lord Krishna. Karauli also hold the 600 years old fort. At the previous time, this fort was the home of royal family.Karauli is also famous for the Kaila Devi temple. [Kerala Tour Package Itinerary]

Ramgarh
Ramgarh is 25 km from the city Jaipur. Ramgarh have a huge artificial lake created by raising a high bund amidst tree covered hills. [Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho]

Saturday, 13 May 2017

Taj Mahal History in English

The mesmerizing beauty of Taj Mahal is sure to leave the spectators speechless but the facts and the history behind its conception is even more enticing. It is the epitome of love etched in marble in the memory of a beloved wife. Delhi Agra Mathura Vrindavan Trip

The marble marvel took 22 years to complete. Each and every aspect of it resonates the essence of Mumtaz Mahal. Built on the banks of river Yamuna it is also the burial place for Emperor Shah Jahan and his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. Mathura Vrindavan Packages from Delhi

A Splendid Love Story:

Prince Khuram met Arjumand Bano in Meena Bazaar and fell instantly in love with her. He proposed marriage and after courting her for five years he married her in 1612. After ascending the throne Prince Khuram was entitled as Shah Jahan and Arjumand Bano was entitled as Mumtaz Mahal.
The intensity and passion of their love was unparalelled and it extended to Mumtaz Mahal accompanying the Emperor on his conquests.  Mathura Vrindavan Trip from Delhi

But on her trip to Deccan Mumtaz Mahal breathed her last due to the childbirth of their fourteenth child on 17th June 1631. It is believed that she asked for four promises including the one that Shahjahan should build a monument of love dedicated to her. However a certain sect of people believes that there was no such conversation and the grief stricken Emperor himself decided to build the monument of love for his beloved wife. Though it is true that the Mughal court went into mourning for a span of more than two years. Mumbai Aurangabad Tour Package

Post her demise Mumtaz Mahal was temporarily buried in the Zainabadi garden in Burhanpur and within six months she was shifted to Agra. The plot acquired from Raja Man Singh on the riverside of Yamuna was chosen due to its location on a bend in the river. The construction of Taj Mahal would be visible from Shah Jahan’s personal palace in Agra Fort, which is further upstream. Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Package in India

The Four Promises:
Emperor Shahjahan’s companion Mumtaz Mahal asked for four promises to the Emperor on her deathbed (on 17 June 1631) in Deccan where Emperor went to war with Khan Jahanb Lodi. The reason for her demise was the birth of their fourteenth child. The first and the foremost promise was that the emperor should build a monument dedicated to their love. The second promise was that he should marry again. The third promise was that he should be kind to their children. And the last one was that Shahjahan should visit the tomb on her death anniversary. Same Day Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi

Symbol of Love:
2 Day Trip to Agra from Delhi
Situated on the banks of the river Yamuna the aesthetic beauty of this mausoleum was inspired by the love of Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is immemorial since post 350 years the lustre and passion of the affection of a man for his wife has not been lost even an ounce. It still encourages people to believe in the intensity of love on a global scale. The praise and glamourization of Taj Mahal has been abundantly done by many artisans and poets in their creations since its inception.

The name Taj Mahal means “crown plaza” and is believed to be an abbreviated version of Mumtaz Mahal’s name, which means ‘the exalted one of the palace’. The beautiful mausoleum harbours the cenotaph of the Mumtaz Mahal inlaid with beautiful jewels. And the workmanship is so exquisite that it has been described as “designed by giants and finished by jewelers”. Golden Triangle Tour with Golden Temple

Conception to Construction:
For 22 years twenty thousand workers continuously toiled day and night to complete this masterpiece. The labourers used to inhabit a small town named after the deceased wife of the emperor known as ‘Mumatazabad’. Today it is known as Taj Ganj. Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Package Itinerary

Numerous sculptors, masons, craftsmen, and calligraphers were brough from Persia, Ottoman Empire and Europe to adorn the Taj Mahal. Amanat Khan Shirazi, the calligrapher of Taj Mahal is mentioned at the end of an inscription on one of the gates of the monument. Poet Ghyasuddin scripted the verses on the tombstone and Ismail Khan Afridi of Turkey built the dome. Muhammad Hanif was the superintendent of masons. The structure was designed by an Iranian architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. However rumour has it that an Italian architect coordinated the pietra dura architectural work. Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi

The material for the construction was collated from all over India and central Asia. A fleet of 1000 elephants transported the material to the site. It included Red Sand Stone 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. Twenty-eight kinds of rare, semi precious and precious stones were used for the inlay work. The quarries of Makrana, Rajasthan supplied the white marble. Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho & Varanasi
A total of 32 million rupees nearly left the Mughal treasury bankrupted. As they say beauty comes at a cost and this proved it. A horrible belief is that post the construction of this marble marvel Shahjahan had the hands of the artisans amputated with the fear that they might not construct another structure to rival the magnificent Taj Mahal. Golden Triangle Tour with Haridwar

Architecture:
A perfect blend of Hindu, Persian and Mughal architecture has been incorporated in the building of the monument. The dome of the structure was inspired by the Humayun’s tomb and the tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khanna, Delhi. The Gur-e Amir, Itmad-ud-Daula and Shah Jahan’s own Jama Masjid in Delhi have also contributed majorly in the inspiration of the construction of the beautiful Taj Mahal. Golden Triangle Tour with Goa

One of the Seven Wonders of the World:
The city of Agra was put on the world map due to the declaration of Taj Mahal as one of the Seven Wonders of the World by UNESCO in 1983. A world heritage since 350 years its beauty is still unrivalled over the world. Golden Triangle Tour with Pushkar

Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Major Attractions of Taj Mahotsav

The most awaited time of the year for Agra is the month of February. In this month the city plays host to a ten day long festival celebrating the marble marvel Taj Mahal. This festival is known as Taj Mahotsav and is a major attraction for tourists from all over the world. It is held at Shiplgram near Taj Mahal. [Hope you like Taj Mahal Tour Package from Delhi]

Each and every visitor can revel in the colorful and picturesque display of Indian arts and handicrafts. The splendor is further enhanced by the traditional dance performances and an opportunity to savour authentic native cuisine in the springtime. A glimpse of the glory and magnanimous lifestyle of the Mughals is provided by this festival. Spectacular procession commence the Taj Mahotsav, which includes bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and master craftsmen. [View our Kerala Tour Package Itinerary to enjoy the life]

Major Attractions:

Art & Culture: A joyous and exciting environment invites one and all to participate in the spirit of this festival. The folk artists, musicians, dramatics contribute majorly in recreating this moment. The cultural performances that one should look forward to are an open-air dance-drama presented by folk artists of Maharashtra besides the folk performances such as bundelkhand, kalbelia and sapera (snake dance) dances native to Rajasthan. Shayari or poetry recitation with a touch of melodious rhythm. [We know you will Love this Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Package in India]

The Crafts Mela:
Proficient craftsmen and artisans from all over India collate under one roof at the Taj Mahotsav. This one stop shopping paradise gives you an opportunity to appreciate and buy their exquisite artworks such as handicrafts, antiques, woodwork and ivorywork. Each artisan brings forth a craft native to his state such as intricate wood carvings from Saharanpur, brass and metal-ware from Moradabad, handmade carpets from Badohi, the famous blue pottery from Khurja, the chikan work from Lucknow, the silk from Banares and the exqusite marble inlay native to Agra. [Check out our Mumbai Aurangabad Tour Package after Taj Mahotsav]

Cuisine:
A major attraction of the Taj Mahotsav is the huge array of cuisine on offer. The food is a reflection of the indulgence and finess of the erstwhile Mughals. Each and every delicacy is prepared by a Chef who is renowed for that single dish. the overpowering aroma of various spices and herbs tastefully mingled to create a taste to transcend you to heaven. special emphasis is laid on using only the traditional mehtod and procedures to prepare the food in order to ensure its authenticity. Besides relishing the numerous kebabs, curries, biryanis and savoury sweets you can also indulge in vegetarian delights of Varanasi. [Very Near to Taj to Enjoy Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi]

We at INDIAN TRAVEL WAVES wish that you may enjoy each and every moment while visiting the Taj Mahotsav and so we cater with our services to transcend you to the era of Mughal Dynasty in all its splendour. [Hope you like Golden Triangle Tour with Pushkar after Agra Tour]

Tuesday, 2 May 2017

Interesting facts to know about Fatehpur Sikri before a trip

Fatehpur Sikri
The deserted imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri is situated 26 miles west of Agra. It was built by Emperor Akbar as an act of gratitude to the sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti. An architectural legacy this city exuberated the respect of Emperor Akbar towards religion whether Hindu or Islamic. The aesthetic halls, mosques and palaces within this city introduce you to the ideals and visions of the Emperor. Though it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for 15 years but it was deserted due to an inexplicable reason such as the shortage of water supply. And this aroused numerous curious questions and doubts about the city. The most popular of them are enlisted below [Also enjoy 3 nights 4 days golden triangle tour itinerary ]

Sheikh Salim Chishti's Prediction of an Heir:
The prosperity and development during Emperor Akbar's reign is still remembered with gratitude. But despite such progress the absence of an heir grieved the Emperor beyond the limit. Thus he commenced the pilgrimage to the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti in order to seek his blessings. According to the prophesy of the saint, Emperor Akbar was to be blessed with three sons in the near future. And the following year the Emperor son was born named after the saint as Salim. This joyous moment was later, in 1571, transformed into a mosque built for the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. Post the saint's demise in 1572 a tomb was built for him within the mosque complex. [You may like 5 nights 6 days golden triangle tour itinerary ]

Fatehpur Sikri the Capital of the Mughal Empire:
The city was aptly named as Fatehpur Sikri. The first word implies "the city of victory" and the latter was added to commemorate the conquest of Gujrat by Emperor Akbar. The development of this city began in 1571 and lead to the building of elaborate palaces, mosques, harems, tombs, formal courtyards and a beautiful palace for the Emperor. Gradually the royal court shifted here and thus was born a new capital of the Mughal Empire. [Do you like to know about 6 nights 7 days golden triangle tour itinerary ]

The Architecture:
The architecture of this city plays a vital role in reflecting the tolerant nature of Emperor Akbar. His respect for all religions and a non-biased approach lead to the fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture within the structures of the city. It consists of palaces, courtyards, public halls, harem, the treasury, soldier’s barracks, the main mosque, the shrine of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti and the Buland Darwaza. [Enjoy this holiday Golden Triangle Tour with Pushkar ]

Abandonment of Fatehpur Sikri:
In the year 1585 Emperor Akbar abandoned the city which took almost 15 years to be completed. The reason is stated to be the lack of adequate water supply. But it is rumored that the Emperor lost his interest in the city. [If you have time then enjoy Golden Triangle Tour with Goa]

The Friday Mosque:
Fabled to be a copy of the main mosque in Mecca the Jama Masjid or the Friday Mosque is perhaps the largest mosque ever to be built in India. At any given time ten thousand men can gather here to pray. With an entrance of an arched wan and the three domes of the prayer hall this was the first major structure to be built within the city. [May is the best time to enjoy Golden Triangle tour with Haridwar]

The Buland Darwaza:
The name implies "the gateway of victory". It is one of the two entrances to the Jama Masjid. Situated on the southern side of the mosque this massive gateway was built to commemorate the victory of Emperor Akbar over Gujrat. Built in colored sandstone and white marble on the southwestern end of the ceremonial city the gateway can be accessed via a flight of stairs that are 12 meters from the ground level. [Hope you like Golden Triangle tour with Khajuraho & Varanasi in this summer]

The Dargah of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti:
The sacred shrine of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti is located within Jama Masjid comlpex. His tomb is one of the significant Sufi shrines of the region. Originally built in red sand stone later it was replaced by lattice marble screens. The realization of saint’s prophesying regarding the birth of an heir elevated him to such a sacred stature. And out of his gratitude for the saint Emperor Akbar built this Dargah. Till date the belief holds strong and many childless parents visit Jama Masjid, especially the shrine of Sheikh Salim Chisthi and tie threads on the lattice screens to seek fulfillment of their wishes. There is another tomb within the masjid complex of the sufi saint's grandson Islam Khan.

The Royal Complex:
Measuring upto 250 meter square the royal complex is one of the largest building complexes at Fatehpur Sikri.It has three main areas:

-The Public area
-The Mardana or men’s area
-The Zenana or women’s area.

Diwan-i-Amm:
The court of commons is the first structure beyond the gateway to the palace. It is enclosed by colonnades and was overlooked by the Emperor on the pavilion on the western side of the court. The intricate stone screens provided the women to glimpse at the ongoing of the celebrations and processions within this court. The marriage of Prince Salim with a Hindu Princess was one of them. Behind the Diwan-i-Amm is a small entrance that leads to the protected private domain of the imperial palace. It includes mansions for the royal harem and the ladies-in-waiting, residencies for the ruler and living quarters. [We suggest Golden Triangle tour with Varanasi in this summer]

Diwan-i-Khas:
The court of exclusive from the exterior has two storeys with a balcony supported on heavy corbels. But the inside has a high-ceiling to form a single huge harboring area. An elaborately carved centre pillar supports the balcony connected by bridges that run diagonally from the corners of the gallery. Cue to its peculiar square shape the structure is referred as a Hindu structure. It served the purpose of Emperor Akbar conducting meetings with the ambassadors, governors, and other officials of the state. [Best place to visit this summer Golden Triangle Tour with Golden Temple]

Aaankh Michauli:
This hall is part of Diwan-i-Khas, the court of commons. Romantic tales have been spun regarding the purpose of this area. The peculiar name implies “hide and seek". And it is rumored that the Emperor used to entertain his female seekers within this area. But these rumors have been rubbished due to the location of this hall within the men's complex where access to women was restricted.

Anup Talao:
Built in the men's complex this ornamental pool with embellished edges has a platform at the center that can be reached by narrow bridges. It is towards the Khwabgah i.e the resting place for the Emperor. The royal court singer Tansen is fabled to have performed from the seat in the center of the pool.

The Panch Mahal:
The name of this palace is derived from its five-storied structure. The ground floor of the palace has a hundred and seventy-six intricately carved columns. The next two floors are similar whereas the top two floors are in the form of pillared halls. The top of the palace has a crowned stone umbrella for enjoying the view of the fort and the palace. The view form the top shows the distinct layout of the imperial city, the private and the public areas with courtyards linking them together.

Jodha Bai's Palace:
Situated in the centre of a rectangular courtyard known to be the women's area it was known as the Zenana of Emperess Jodha Bai. The Empress was a Rajput Princess before her marriage to Emperor Akbar and this is reflected in the architecture of the palace. With blue tiled roofs and arcades surrounding the courtyard on all four sides the palace can be accessed only through a single fortified gateway on the east side.

The Hawa Mahal:
Also known as the Wind Palace this beautiful structure was built of walls with complete stone lattice work. Residing on a raised pavilion the palace served the purpose of being a summer retreat for the women of the harem.

The Birbal Palace:
This elaborate palace is named after Emperor Akbar's royal advisor Birbal. It is located neighbouring the Jodha Bai Palace. Though claimed to be the advisor's residence it is still a mystery whether this claim is true or not. The reason being that except fo the royal family no one else was allowed to remain on the royal complex.