The Holy City of Varanasi
A major pilgrimage center for Hindus, the holy city of Varanasi has long been
associated with the mighty Ganges River, one of the faith's most important
religious symbols. Dating back to the 8th century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest
still inhabited cities in the world. It offers many reasons to visit, not least of
them the chance to explore the Old Quarter adjacent to the Ganges where you'll find
the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, built in 1780 (the New Vishwanath Temple with its seven
separate temples is also of interest). Bathing in the Ganges is of great importance
to Hindus, and numerous locations known as "ghats" feature stairways leading to the
water where the faithful bathe before prayers.
The Golden City: Jaisalmer
So named for the yellow sandstone used in most of its buildings, the Golden City of Jaisalmer
is an oasis of splendid old architecture that rises from the sand dunes of
the Thar Desert. Once a strategic outpost, today the city is filled with splendid
old mansions, magnificent gateways, and the massive Jaisalmer Fort - also known as
the Golden Fort - a daunting 12th-century structure that rises high above town. In
addition to its palaces, temples, and fine old homes, the fortress boasts 99 bastions
along with massive gates leading to its main courtyard where you'll find the
seven-story-tall Maharaja's Palace.
The Red Fort, New Delhi
Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of
Mughal power - a role it maintained until
1857 - the magnificent crescent-shaped Red Fort in New Delhi,
named after the stunning red sandstone used in its construction,
covers a vast area of more than two square kilometers, all of it surrounded by a
large moat. Highlights include its two largest gates: the impressive Lahore Gate
(the fort's main entrance) and the elaborately decorated Delhi Gate, once used by
the emperor for ceremonial processions. A fun part of a visit is exploring Chatta
Chowk, a 17th-century covered bazaar selling everything from jewelry to silk garments,
as well as souvenirs and food items.
The Gateway of India, Mumbai
Standing an impressive 26 meters tall and overlooking the Arabian Sea,
the iconic Gateway of India is a must-see when in Mumbai.
Built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and his wife
Queen Mary in 1911, this stunning piece of architecture was opened
with much pomp and ceremony in 1924 and was, for a while, the tallest
structure in the city.
Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amer Fort (often also spelt "Amber") was built as a fortified palace in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh
I and has long served as the capital of Jaipur. Carved high up into the hillside,
the fort is accessible on foot via a steep climb or by shuttle rides from the town
below (better still, let an elephant do the work). Highlights include Jaleb Chowk,
the first courtyard, with its many decorated elephants, and the Shila Devi Temple,
dedicated to the goddess of war.