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Chhatardi Bhuj is also known as Royal Chhatris or Cenotaphs. Chhatardi is a collection of monuments dedicated to deceased rulers of the Jadeja Rajput Dynasty of Kutch. Chhatardi is located in Bhuj  near Hamirsar lake. At Chhatardi many monuments are broken and ruined due to earthquake . But Raydhanji , Desarji and Lakhpatji  monuments are still quit intact. The place is very quite and most people may not visit Chhatardi during Kutch Tour. There is a lot of open area around Chhatardi so place is quite silent  and peacefull during morning and evening. I suggest visit Chhatardi during early morning or evening because at afternoon its too hot. 

Facts and information about Chhatardi :

Architecture : The Cenotaphs of Chhatardi built by red sandstone. The most of the structure of Chhatardi is the Rao Lakha Chhatri and it was designed by Ram Sing Malam. It has a polygonal shape with balcony. It has blue dome  which is influenced by Turkish Architecture. It has two galleries with two entrances.

History : Chhatardi was constructed in 18th century by Jadeja ruler Rao Lakhpatji.  Chhatardis are blend of Rajputana and Mughal architectural style. It was carved out of red Sandstone.  The Rao Lakha Chhatri are designed by Ram sing Malam. A stone Slab near Rao Lakha Chhatri suggest that his 15 wives committed Sati ( Self immolation ) on his funeral. There are lots of figures and images on the pillar.

Current Condition of Chhatardi : The Chhatardi was damaged in 2001 earthquake in Gujarat. The restoration process is ongoing now. Many pillars and structures are damaged and fall down. 

Visiting Chhatardi is worth or not ? :  Well Chhatardi is a historical place so only who is interested in a historical places like it. The place where Chhatardi located is very peaceful and quite. I like place because i like to know about history and old ruler king activities. I like most of old architecture , constructions, designs, sandstone design, carving and domes are main attractions. So answer is Yes it is worth to visit Chhatardi during sunrise or sunset timings.

Chhatardi Timing to Visit :  Chhatardi is open from sunrise to sunset full day. There is no entry ticket for Chhatardi visit. There are not much restriction and also there is no guide facilities. The caretakers can guide you about the Chhatardi and also tell the history about it.  My suggestion is to make some restriction around the main buildings and pillars so people can care about our historical place. 

Best Time To Visit Chhatardi :  Best time to visit Chhatardi is early morning and at evening. During sunrise and sunset the beauty of Chhatardi is at another level. You can take some photos with sunrise or sunset with old architecture pillars make your image beautiful. Also tourist visit Bhuj and Kutch in the winter during November to February so plan your trip with inclusion of Chhatardi.

Location :  Chhatardi is located at southwest Hamirsar lake. It is around 4-5 km from Bhuj Railway station. Also near to Bhuj Airport around 5 km. If you travel from International Airport then Ahmedabad airport is the nearest international Airport. From Ahmedabad it is 350 km approx. and take 7-8 hours drive by car. Also two daily express train frequency from Bhuj to Ahmedabad named Bhuj Express and Kutch Express 

Nearest Places From Chhatardi  Around 5-7 km radius  :  In Bhuj there are some good places to visit in day time like Prag Mahal, Aaina Mahal, Kutch Museum, Swaminarayan Temple, Bhujio Dungar , Vande mataram Memorial, Smritivan Earthquake museum, Harmirsar Lake etc 

Nearest Places from Bhuj  : White Desert, Rann of Kutch, Road To Heaven, Dholavira, Kadiya Dhro, Mandvi beach, Vijay Vilas Palace etc. are the major attraction of Kutch and Bhuj. 

Vijay vilas palace is located in Kutch, Gujarat near Mandvi beach. Vijay Vilas Palace is popular tourist destination who visited Kuch and Bhuj.The resort was built as summer resort. It was built by Maharao shri Khengarji III for his sons Yuvraj shri Vijayaraji.  The palace was built by red sandstone . It described the Rajput architecture. Vijay Vilas Palace is about 21 km from Mandvi beach. Total time for visiting vijay vilas palace is around 1-2 hours. Vijay Vilas heritage resort has own private beach. Vijay Vilas Palace is also a heritage hotel which provide A/C tented rooms with beach facing and access to private beach. you can have more details on Gujarat Tourism Vijay Vilas palace.

About Vijay Vilas Palace :

• ·         Vijay Vilas Palace was built by Maharao Shri Khengarji III.
• ·         Vijay Vilas palace covered total 700 acre area.
• ·         It has central high dom on pillars and Bengal domes on sides.
• ·         Windows are covered with colored glass and Jalis.
• ·         The palace is in the middle of garden where marble fountain and water channel are passed.
• ·      The Jalis, Jarokhas, Chajas, Chatris , colored glass work and stone carving made by craftsman of Jaipur,Bengal, Rajasthan and Saurashtra.
• ·         On the top of central dome open balcony where you can view 360 of surrounding area.
• ·      Vijay Vilas Palace has its own private beach. You can stay at palace with chargeable basis.  Now its for museum purpose also.
• ·         In Vijay Vilas palace many bollywood movie shoots like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Commando, Lagaan etc.
• ·         Palace construction started in 1920 and completed in 1929.
• ·         Inside palace you can see drawing room.

Entry Tickets for Vijay Vilas Palace Bhuj:

Entry fees for Vijay Vilas Palace is INR 20 per person. Also Camera fees extra around INR 200 and photography charges around INR 50 .

Vijay Vilas Palace Bhuj Timings :

Timings for Vijay Vilas Palace visit is morning  10 AM to 1 PM and in evening 3 PM to 6 PM.

Vijay vilas palace is closed on Thursday for visitors.

Nearest places to visit :

Mandvi Beach is the nearest place to vijay vilas palace  around 20km distance. Beach is very neat and clean and lots of water activities are done here.  It is not white sand beach but you can say its almost white sand beach.

Bhuj city is another place to visit around 65-70 km distance. In Bhuj you can also visit Aina Mahal, Chatradi, Smruti Van, Vandematram Memorial, Bhujyo Dungar etc and also local shopping too.

You can stay at Mandvi there are lots of hotels and resorts near to Mandvi beach. Or you can drive to Bhuj city where you have lots of hotel options to stay and also bhuj is main city of Kutch so you can easily go to White Rann from Bhuj, Dholavira, Road To Heaven, Kadiya Dhro etc.

Dholavira is located in Bhachau taluka in Kutch District of Gujarat. Dholavira is archeological site and it is one of the largest Harappan site among 5 sites. You can go to Dholavira by passing Road to Heaven which is finest route both side salt water. It is also a world heritagesite of UNESCO. Dholavira is located on Tropic of Cancer. It is located on Khadir bet island in the Kutch Desert wildlife Sanctuary. It is in the Greate Rann of Kutch belonging to Indus River. The site was discovered by Shambhudan Gadhvi in 1960. After his effort site was officially discovered in 1967-1968 by archeological survey of India. Total 8 Harappan site and Dholavira is one of the largest site among them. Other major Harappan site discovered are Harappa, Ganeriwala, Mohenjo-Daro, Kalibangan, Rupnagar, Rakhigarhi and Lothal. Dholavira was important center for trade between central Asia, south Gujarat, Punjab and Sindh. The excavation was started by ASI in 1989. There were 13 field excavation between 1990 to 2005.

City Plan of Dholavira :

Dholavira city is in rectangular shape. It spread over 54 acers and total area measures length around 2530 ft and width around 2023.8 ft. City Dholavira is divided in 3 parts as The Citadel, The Middle Town and The Lower Town. The Castel is double in height and bailey area near the castle is where important officials were lived. Middle town has own defense, gates, streets , well systems and large open spaces. Lower town for lower workers which has no boundary walls. In Dholavira there are 2 rivers flown one is Manhar in the south and Mansar in the North side.

Water storage system/ Reservoirs :

Water harvesting and storage system of Dholavira says about advance hydraulic engineering in third millennium BCE. The unique features of Dholavira is water conservation system of reservoirs and channel systems which was never found anywhere in the world before. They store rain water which diverted into rivulets. The system for water harvesting is for long time preserve fresh water in Kutch climate where sometimes rain may not fall for years. Reservoir are cut through stone about 23 ft deep and 259 ft long. Total 16 or more reservoir created of different size.

A huge sign board found around 9.8 ft long on which 10 letters of Indus script. The costal route existed linking Lothal and Dholavira to Sutkagan Dor on the Makran coast.

Language :

The Harappan spoke an unknown language. The Script which was found on large sign board not yet deciphered.

Chronology of Dholavira :

While visit Kutch Dholavira is must visit site in your itinerary. You can visit Dholavira with family to know about old architecture, business coastal area via sea, living things and utensils and most important is water harvesting system. While visit Dholavira must take a guide to know every structure in detail it will cost around 500 INR per group but worth it.

How To reach Dholavira :

Dholavira is 130 km from Bhuj. Bhuj is main city in Kutch where you find airport , railway stations and bus transports. From Bhuj Dholavira around 2 hr 40 min distance. Road is very good just from Khavda road is single line and narrow for half an hour. After it the Road To Heaven started around 30-40 km long and the road is fantastic both side water after monsoon and after evaporate water you can see salt a white desert both side of road.

 Near by places to visit : Road To Heaven, White Rann in Rann Utsav by Gujarat Tourism, Kadiya Dhro, Bhuj City, Smriti Van, Bhujyo Dungar, Mandvi Beach, Vijay Vilas Palace. 

 Camera Used : Canon 6D, Canon 80D, 14mm lens, Samsung S22 Mobile

Taj Mahal is located in Agra Uttar Pradesh in India. It is one of the 7 wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal is built on the right of Yamuna river. The Taj mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz . The Taj Mahal tomb construction was completed in 1643 but other phases work completed after 10 years in 1653. The Taj Mahal also known as Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz the wife of Shah Jahan died on 17 th june 1631. After Mumtaz's death Shah Jahan started construction of Taj Mahal as he wants to present his love for his wife to the world.

Facts about Taj Mahal 

• Taj Mahal constructed of White Marble
• Centerpiece of Taj Mahal is in 17 Hector or 42 acre  area. It includes Mosque and guest house.
• Total cost for building The Taj Mahal was 32 million at that time.
• Around 20000 artist worked for built Taj Mahal.
• Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the chief architect of Taj Mahal.
• Natural beauty and divinity symbols are designed on Taj Mahal
• Taj Mahal was world heritage site by UNESCO and it is the masterpiece of world Heritage.
• Taj Mahal is one of the 7 wonders of the World.
• Taj Mahal  means Crown of the Palace and it is also known as Mumtaz Mahal.
• The mausoleum was completed in 1648 and after 5 years surrounding buildings and garden was completed.
• Taj Mahal is an inspiration and shows the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. So it is also called symbol of Love.
• Main dom of Taj Mahal is about 115 ft height. The dom is also known as onion dom.
• Main finial on top of main dom is made from Gold but it replaced of bronze and gilded with gold in 19th centaury .
• Reflective tile use in art inside marble so you can see beautiful art of flowers and motifs . First they craft on marble and then put cutting stone inside it so it’s a wonderful example of art on that time.
• Arabic Calligraphy used on main entrance . The words you can see from any angle any height and any location looks same.
• Also Marble Jali is one of the best stone art example. Micro carving of stone.
• More than 1000 elephants used to transport building materials , more than 20000 laborers , painters, artists and stone cutter are used.
• White marble brought from Makrana Rajasthan. Jade and crystal brought from China. Blue rock Lapis Lazuli brought from Afghanistan, Carnelian from Arabia , Sepphire  came from Shri Lanka, Turquoise from Tibet .
• Taj Mahal looks different in sunlight and in moonlight. Marble Color changed according to sunlight and moonlight.
• Taj Mahal color changes throughout a day as sunlight spot on taj mahal changes color of marble.
• Cenotaps of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz inside Mausoleum are empty and they are below that room.
• Legends says that after completing Taj Mahal Shah Jahan cuts hands of workers so they do not make another piece of It but there is no proof of these story.

Taj Mahal covered with red sandstone wall border from 3 sides. River side facing is open. All types of different stones from different countries brought here and inlaid into white marble. For bringing marbles and other stones 15 km tamped ramp was built. The plinth of tomb was completed in 12 years.The Post and beam pulley system was used to raise marble and blocks to desire place.

The Symbol of Love Taj Mahal :

During a year millions of visitors visit Taj Mahal. Also it is a one of the 7 wonders’ of the world that might be a reason of foreign visitors but also many Indian visitors too. Taj Mahal is Symbol of Love of Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz. On deth of mumtaz shah jahan built Taj Mahal in memory of his wife . Lots of money spent on it and lots of labor workers used in it. So it is also Symbol of Shah Jahan’s wealth and power too.Taj Mahal display prominent image of India so that you call Taj Mahal A symbol of India.

After completing Taj Mahal Shah Jahan was to plan to built the mirror of Taj Mahal on other side as a shadow of Taj Mahal. He started construction as a black Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River for his own to see Taj Mahal. But Aurangzeb the son of Shah Jahan deposed him and put him in house arrest. After death of Shah Jahan Aurangzeb buried him next to his wife Mumtaz.

Entrance Fees and Timing to visit Taj Mahal :

Taj Mahal Tickets Price :

UNESCO documented that in 2014 more than 7 million visitors visited Taj Mahal.3 tier visiting fees for Taj Mahal and its different for resident Indians and Foreigner.

• As of 2022 fees for visit Taj Mahal for Indian citizen is 50 INR and for foreigner it is 1100 INR.
•  For SAARC and BIMSTEC countries citizen fees are 540 INR. 
• Also if you want to visit main Mausoleum its fees 200 INR for all peoples. It is optional to visit so you can choose to visit or not.
• Below 15 years children are free to visit Taj Mahal for both domestic and foreigner.
• There are 3 gates where you can get tickets to visit Taj Mahal   1. Taj Mahal western Gate   2. Taj Mahal Eastern Gate   3. Taj Mahal Southern Gate.
• For visiting Taj Mahal in night it charges 510 INR for Indian citizen  750 INR for Foreigner and 500 INR for Child from 3 to 15 years. Taj Mahal at night view is completely different and also at full moon night.

Taj Mahal Timing :

Taj Mahal open 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minute before sunset during normal days

Note that Taj Mahal closed on Friday for general viewing.

Full moon night timing is 8:30 pm to 12:3 pm.

Places to visit Near Taj Mahal :

• Agra Fort
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Akbar’s Tomb
• Jama Masjid

There are many more places to visit in Agra too. So if you interested in old architecture then plan at least for 2 -3 days for Agra.

Best Time to Visit Taj Mahal :

Most Peoples visit Taj Mahal during winter season from November to march . But you can visit Taj Mahal in any season.

Things to Remember during visit of Taj Mahal :

Do’s :

• Hire approved guide with identity card also photographers too.
• Co operate to maintain cleanness of monument.
• From parking golf car available who is not able to walk long distance

Don’t:

• Eating, smoking , arms , smoking items, flammable items, liquor, tobacco , electric goods etc are prohibited inside Taj Mahal.
• Mobile phone are to be kept in silent mode or switch off.
• Drone also not allowed inside Taj Mahal.
• Inside main  mausoleum photography is not allowed.
• Avoid scratching and touching walls of Taj Mahal.
• Maintain peace during visit main mausoleum.

Taj Mahal is world Heritage site so we all need to maintain its beauty. Every tourist must have to follow rules to keep Taj Mahal The Symbol of India. Taj Mahal tour must do with guide so you can understand the behind story and all things about Taj Mahal. Guide give you proper guidance about Taj Mahal and also clear your doubt.

Fatehpur Sikri : The City must visit between Jaipur and Agra

Fatehpur sikri is a city which is built by red sandstone. Fatehpur sikri is 37 km from Agra. Most people go Jaipur to Agra and in between visit Fatehpur Sikri . You need 2-3 hours to visit Fatehpur Sikri in details. The Mughal Emperor Akbar had planned city as a capital . Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 to 1585 . It is also a world Heritage site by UNESCO.

Inside Fatehpur Sikri Palace :

• Main Gate one of the best symbol of amazing Architecture. Too big height around  54 meters. It is Known as Buland Darwaza.
• Diwan-l-am
• Diwan-khana-l-khaas
• The treasury
• Turkish Sultana's House
• Palace of Jodha Bai
• Daulat Khana-l-Khaas
• Hawa Mahal and Nagina Masjid
• The Jami Masjid

Entreance fees for visit Fatehpur Sikri Mahal is 50 INR for Indian citizen and SAARC countries tourist. For other countries tourist tickets price is 610 INR. Also approved guide available here. Must bargain with guides because if they see foreigner then they give you a high charge.

A Fatehpur Sikri during sunset and sunrise time the doms and turrets create shadows against the sky. That is a really wonderful scenery. 

My tour to Taj Mahal is not the only for Agra but we visit Jaipur , Fatehpur Sikri, Agra and Ranthambore. So you can plan your tour as first Jaipur - Agra - Ranthambore or Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra both are good. Ranthambore is good place where you can see the National Animal of India " Tiger " . If you plan Ranthambore then book safari online. There are more chances to see Tigers at Ranthambore national park then Corbett national Park.
 

The Mysore palace located in Karnataka. It is Historical place and also a Royal Palace for Royal family of Wadiyar Dynasty. The Mysore Palace also known as Amba Vilas Palace. Mysore is very well known for palaces so it is also known as City of Palaces.There are seven palace in Mysore including Amba Vilas Palace. Mysore Palace is in the center of the City. 

The old palace was burnt during wedding because it was made up with woods. So after 1896 Maharaja  Krishnaraja Wadiyar - IV and his mother Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi commissioned to build a new palace. During build up of palace the Royal Family stayed near by Jaganmohan Palace. Total construction cost of palace is Rs. 41,47,913. The palace build up work completed in 1912. Also palace expanded in 1930 for public darbar hall.

About Mysore Palace :

• Architecture of Mysore Palace like as Indo Sarasenic.
• It include Hindu, Mughal, Gothic and Rajput styles architecture.
• It is 3 storey stone structure of marble domes and 5 storey tower of 145 feet height.
• Mysore Palace surrounded by garden.
• Main complex of Mysore palace is around 156 ft wide and 245 ft long.
• There are 3 gates to entering Mysore palace. Front gate, South entrance and West entrance. For public entry South entrance and front and west gates open usually in Dasara.
• Tipu Sultan rule state of Nanjaraja, Khasaraja and hill Chamarajas during 1782 - 1796.

During my visit to Karnataka i visited The Mysore Palace or Amba Vilas Palace. It was amazing to see from outside too. We did not have much time to visit Mysore palace from Inside because it takes more 2-3 hours to see it from inside. We were in a hurry and we did not have stay in Mysore so we need to leave early, Outside place looking amazing architecture designs. The palace regularely maintain with colors and all areas. You can do a electric golf car ride to visit round of Mysore palace from Front Gate. The palace looks awesome from Front gate. The Mysore palace also famous as Tipu Sultan Palace Mysore but Tipu Sultan never stay in Mysore Palace but his sward put in the museum of palace. Tipu Sultan's Summer palace is in Shrirangapatna also known as Dariya Daulat Bagh .

7 Palaces of Mysore :

• Amba Vilas Palace
• Lalitha Mahal Palace
• Rajendra Vilas Palace
• Jaganmohan Palace
• Karanji Mansion
• Jayalaxmi Vilas Mansion
• Cheluvamba Mansion

The most famous palace in Mysore is Amba Vilas Palace or Mysore Palace which was located in the heart of the city.

Places to Visit Mysore :

• Mysore Palace
• Chamundeshwari Temple
• Rail Museum
• Somnathpur Temple
• Devaraja Market
• Brindavan Garden
• Venugopala Swami Temple

You can stay for 2-3 days in Mysore to visit all famous places. Most tourist visit Amba Vilas Palace and leave Mysore.

Rudabai Stepwell : In Gujarati language stepwell called Vav. Adalaj Stepwell is located in Adalaj village very near to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Stepwell also called stepped pond. Stepwell built in 5th to 19th centuries. Stepwell were made for collact rainwater. It is made from stones . Adalaj Stepwell is amazing example of architecture and designs. Thats why it attract more tourists in Ahmedabad.

History and things to know About Adalaj Stepwell :

• Adalaj stepwell also known as Adalaj Ni Vav or Rudabai Stepwell.
• It was built in 1498.
• Adalaj stepwell construction started by Rana Veer singh but after he killed in war so muslim king Mahmud Begada built it so the stepwell is Indo - Islamic architectural style.
• Adalaj stepwell is five stories deep. At the top it is octagonal in plan built on large carved pillars.
• The motif of flowers and graphics of islamic architectural bend well with symbols of Jain and Hindu Gods carved at various levels.
• Interesting thing to show carved from single block of stone is of Ami Khumbor and Kalp Vriksha.
• The temperature inside the well is 5 degree lower then outside temperature.

A story of Adalaj Stepwell :

Well like a Taj Mahal story there is a small story about Adalaj Ni Vav too. Adalaj stepwell construction started by king Rana Veer Singh of Vaghela Dynasty. Its kingdom is very small and his people suffering from water many times. Thatswhy he planned to built Stepwell and started it in 1498. Meanwhile Muslim king Mohammed Begda attack Rana Veer Singh Kingdom and Rana Veer Singh was killed in that war. Rana Veer Singh's Widow Rani Roopba also known as Rani Rudabai was beautiful lady. After death of Veer Singh she wanted perform Sati but Mohammed Begda offer her to marry with him. She agreed on condition of to complate the building of Stepwell. After complating building she jump into a well instead of Marry Mohammaed begda and end her life.

Adalaj Stepwell is located in Adalaj Village near Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. It is 18 km from North Ahmedabad and 5 Km from Gandhinagar city. It is old architectural design so it is added to Heritage buildings In Gujarat. Well managed now a days. A half day tour to Adalaj Ni Vav is must for tourist and worth to visit.