VISITING MONUMENTS

       NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO ALL OF YOU DEAR FRIENDS!!!

1.Visiting monuments is always an entirely wondrous new experience.There is always a slice of history associated with them, which makes one nostalgic about the past historical events,which played a crucial role in shaping world history. In the recent past I chanced upon to visit 'INDIA GATE'   at New Delhi and was mesmerized by the 42 meter high  architecturally imposing structure, in the midst of vast open spaces around. 'INDIA GATE' "commemorates the 70000 Indian soldiers martyred fighting for the British army in the first World War."

Another memorial 'AMAR JAWAN JYOTI' was added under its ARCH after independence. It commemorates the  soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo- Pak war of 1971. It is a befitting tribute to the unknown  soldiers who valiantly fought the enemy to safeguard the territorial integrity of their motherland.

During holidays and weekends large crowds throng here to admire its dignified and amazing monumental presence.

INDIA GATE ABOVE AND BELOW

Leisurely crowds enjoying the beautiful ambiance beyond the Gate.

Open space  around the monument filled with visitors even on a working day.

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2.Visiting TAJ MAHAL at AGRA, one of the seven wonders of the world and one amongst the UNESCO world heritage sites, was an unforgettable experience. It required  some zeal and a creative urge to explore and expand your mental horizon. I'd somehow mustered up that before embarking on this short outing.
Taj Mahal symbolizes in a unique way, eternal love of Mogul emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal. It is an ivory white marble mausoleum built on the south bank of 'Yamuna' river. On the other three sides there are artfully structured gates made of red sandstone. The Taj Mahal has been inlaid with precious and semi precious gems depicting natural scenes. Quranic verses are also inscribed on the walls.


This gate (below)  is right in front of the Taj Mahal.


























(Below) Captured the awesomeness of mist wrapped Taj from inside the above gate through the arch.
When for the first time my eyes glimpsed the Taj from this gate, it's like dreaming with open eyes. It is well- nigh impossible to describe the  spell like effect. It doesn't even look real. There seems to be veil of mystery enfolded in the layers of  its very being. It is incomparable in its aesthetics and eerie visual  charm.

The Taj Mahal (below) with its indescribable mystical grace, grandeur and perfect symmetry stands as a masterpiece and 'jewel of  Muslim' architecture  fashioned by the unwavering perseverance and incessant toil of innumerable master craftsmen. Many renowned personalities have commented on the mystical magic of the TAJ MAHAL. The poet laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore remarked, it is a "teardrop on the cheek of time."

Below some snapshots of the visit :

Outside hotel 'Radisson Blue' Agra, smiling tongawalas ready to give a joy ride while ferrying  tourists to the Taj Mahal.This couple and their daughter happily posed for the shot.

A folk artist displaying his handmade crafts in the shopping arcade of the Hotel.

His puppets eagerly waiting for some one to watch their performance in the corridor of the shopping arcade.

The boat shaped sofa in the lobby of the Hotel.

Here is the guitar shaped, type of settee, in the lobby of the Hotel.


Friends,welcome here as always!

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