Travel

Located in the midst of the ocean, just 400 meters from Kanyakumari, is the magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This colossal structure was built in the year 1970, under the guidance of Shri Eknath Ranade. The Vivekananda rock temple is dedicated to one of the greatest spiritual philosophers of India, Swami Vivekananda. When was it built: 1970 Time taken: 6 Years Where is it located: 500 m east of mainland of Vavathurai, Kanyakumari, India Why was it built: As a memorial to Swami Vivekananda Architectural Style: Mix of conventional and modern architectural styles of India Visit Timing: Daily, 7.00 am to 5.00 pm How to Reach: Kanyakumari is connected by bus with major south Indian cities and by rail with several Indian cities while the nearest airport is at Trivandrum (67 Km). One can avail ferry service from Kanyakumari to reach Vivekananda Rock. The colossal and imposing ‘Vivekananda Rock Memorial’ is located offshore arou...

One of the largest palaces in India, Mysore Palace of Karnataka is a fine example of unique blend of different styles of architecture. The Mysore Palace is one of the most attractive and gorgeous monuments in Karnataka. It is also known by the name of Amba Vilas and was the residence of Wodeyar Maharaja.    When was it built: Originally in the 14th century, later reconstructed/renovated several times Who built it: Yaduraya Wodeyar (original one) and Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (present one) Where is it located: Mysore/Musuru, Karnataka, India Why was it built: Royal Palace Architectural Style: Indo-Saracenic Visit Timing: Daily, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm How to Reach: One can reach Mysore by KSRTC bus, train or cab from Bangalore (140 Km approx), which is well connected by train and air with major cities of India and by air with some international ones. Mysore Palace also known as Amba Vilas Palace located at the heart of Mysore city is the...

Located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Ernakulam city, Cochin, Mattancherry Palace is a storehouse of ancient paintings and art forms. The Mattancherry Palace came to be known as the Dutch Palace after the Dutch carried out some renovation and extension work.  When was it built: Around 1555 Who built it: Portuguese Where is it located: Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala, India Why was it built: As a Royal Palace Architectural Style: Fine mix of colonial and Kerala style of architectures Visit Timing: 9:45AM–1PM, 2–4:45PM on all days excepting Fridays. How to Reach: Mattancherry is around 10km away from Ernakulam, which is well-connected with other cities of India by rail. Avail bus or boat service from Ernakulam to reach Mattancherry. Cochin International Airport, is well-connected with several national cities and a few international ones, is the nearest airport from Mattancherry at a distance of around 45 km.  Mattancherry Palace,...

Leh Palace of Ladakh, though in a dilapidated condition continues to lure tourists from far and wide. Located in the Himalayas, the adventurous journey one has to undertake to reach the palace is what makes it even more special. Leh palace was built in the 17th century by King Singe Namgyal as the royal residence. When was it built: Construction started in 1553 and completed in the 17th century Who built it: Initiated by Tsewang Namgyal and completed by Sengge Namgyal, both from the Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh Where is it located: Leh, Ladakh, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India Why was it built: As Royal Palace Architectural Style: Medieval Tibetan architecture Visit Timing: Daily, 7.00 AM to 4.00 PM Leh Palace also referred as the ‘Lhachen Palkhar’ is a yesteryear royal palace located in the picturesque Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Designed in line with the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, the cons...

Jaipur is synonymous with Hawa Mahal. This beautiful monument of India was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. Also known as the Palace of Winds, this beautiful monument is the landmark of Jaipur. The monument is five stories high and the front of the monument is delicately carved with beautiful motifs.  When was it built: 1799 Who built it: Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh Where is it located: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India Why was it built: For the royal women to enjoy the events and festivals in the street Architectural Style: Blend of Hindu Rajput architecture and the Islamic Mughal architecture Visit Timing: Daily, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm How to Reach: The city of Jaipur is well-connected with other Indian cities by air, rail and road and also with some international cities by air. The Jaipur International Airport is situated at Sanganer, a southern suburb at a distance of 13 kilometres from Jaipur. Hawa Mahal or t...

The one name that sends chills down the spine even today is that of Kala Pani Jail, located in Andaman. The jail still has the fear element in the air and anyone visiting the place can sense the pain the inmates went through back during the time this jail was functional. When was it built: From 1896 to 1906 Who built it: British Time taken: 10 years Where is it located: Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India  Why was it built: As Solitary Confinement Architectural Style: Cellular, Pronged Visit Timing: 9.00 am to 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm to 4.45 pm How to Reach: Port Blair is well-connected with many cities of mainland India by sea and air. Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, stands as a dark reminiscence of the British rule in the Indian subcontinent. This most dreaded and gruelling colonial prison situated in the remote archipelago was used by the British particularly to exile Indian polit...

  The Victoria Memorial was built to commemorate the peak of the British Empire in India. The Victoria Memorial, conceived by Lord Curzon, represents the architectural climax of Kolkata city. Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy specified its classical style but the actual plan of Victoria Memorial was laid down by the well-known architect, Sir William Emerson. When was it built: Built between 1906 to 1921 Who built it: Conceptualised by George Curzon, Viceroy of India Where is it located: Kolkata, West Bengal, India Why was it built: To commemorate Queen Victoria  Architectural Style: Indo-Saracenic revivalist style Visiting Hours: 10am-5pm (Monday-Sunday) How to Reach: Located in the metro city of Kolkata which is well-connected with several national and international cities. The Victoria Memorial, a huge monument made of white marble located in the heart of the City of Joy, Kolkata (erstwhile Calcutta) in West Bengal, India is one of t...

Famous as one of the wonders, the Taj Mahal at Agra, India, is epitome of true love. Taj Mahal was built by the famous Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. The architectural beauty and magnificence of the Taj Mahal has never been surpassed.  When was it built : between 1632 and 1653 AD Who built it : Shah Jahan, 5th Emperor of the Mughal Dynasty Time taken : 21 years Where is it located : Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India Why was it built : As a memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal after her death in 1631 Dimensions : situated in a 170000 sq. m complex; 57 m at the base; 68 m in height and raised platform height 6 m Materials used : White Marble for the main mausoleum, Red Sandstone for fortifying structure and accents Architect : Ustad Ahmed Lahori Architectural Style : Mughal Cost of Construction : 32 crore rupees Maintained By : Archeological Survey of India (A...

Dhamekh Stupa at Sarnath is one of the prominent Buddhist structures in India. Dhamekh Stupa was constructed by the great Mauryan king, Ashoka. The Dhamekh Stupa is cylindrical in shape and about 34 m high and 28.3 m in diameter. The lower portion of the Stupa is covered completely with beautifully carved stones. When was it built: Originally constructed in 249 BCE later replaced in 500 CE Who built it: Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty Where is it located: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India Why was it built: Buddhist Pilgrimage  Architectural Style: Buddhist Art and Architecture Visit Timing: Sunrise to Sunset  How to Reach: Located 13 km away from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. Varanasi is well-connected with other parts of India by air, rail and roads. One can hire a cab, auto or even a rickshaw from hotel depending on distance from hotel to reach the spot.    Dhamek Stupa which is also spelled as D...