Sightseeing in India

Temples, Ruins, and Palaces Make for an Amazing Tour of India 
 

Temples and Mosques: Guardians of Indian Culture

For the most part, India remains a magical, mystical country set in its old ways of life and deeply rooted religious beliefs. Many religions have, over the centuries, found a safe haven here, and this has resulted in the establishment of hundreds of Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist places of worship.  A visit to India can be a spiritually fulfilling experience.  The Mughals, rulers of a huge chunk of the country for centuries, introduced their own distinctive style of architecture, combining Arabian and local influences.  One of the largest examples of their architecture is the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, built in the 17^th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The Red Fort, built in 1648, symbolizes Mughal elegance within the walled city of Shahjahanabad.  The walled fortress houses the Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience, and other exquisitely designed and decorated palaces. The Mumtaz Mahal within the Red Fort also houses the Red Fort Archaeological Museum which contains important Mughal artifacts. 

Breathtaking Opulence

While traveling in India, make sure to book a tour of Udaipur City. Experience a picturesque boat ride along the Pichola Lake and be mesmerized by the Jag Niwas Palace that stands beautifully within the lake. Another must-see temple in India is the 15^th century Temple of Ranakpur, situated in the relaxing atmosphere of the Valley of Aravalis. There are also minor temples to visit here such as the Surya and Jain Temples. To see some of the best palaces in India, one must travel to the city of Jaipur, with its magnificent Maharajah's City Palace and Observatory. Also located here is the Palace of Winds, more commonly known in India as the Hawa Mahal. Until 1728, Amer Fort was the ancient capital of India. One must make sure this is part of the itinerary if only for the experience of riding through the fort on elephant back. Highlights of a visit to Jaipur include  the Jai Mahal, Temple of Kali, and Jagmandir or The Hall of Victory, glittering with a thousand mirrors.  Special mention here has to be made of the erotic art temples of Khajuraho which depict on their walls a pantheon of gods and goddesses engaged in all manner of naughty pastimes, captured skillfully in stone! If this sounds more like your cup of tea, head southwards where more such art forms are depicted in the temples of Hampi.  

Ancient Ruins Tell the Story of India

With its massive marble dome and air of lost love, the Taj Mahal alone is enough reason to visit India.  Legend has it that upon its completion, the Emperor Shahjahan ordered the hands of all laborers who worked on the monument be chopped off so they would never be able to build a replica of the mausoleum. The nearby, deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri is home to the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and Panch Mahal.  The elegant buildings and palaces located in this compound are so well preserved that it almost seems as if time has stood still here.

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