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 :
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.
Accentor is a small bird of prunellidae family. In India it is generally found in East Sikkim area. It built its nest low in a bush. When i was on a trip to Singalila National Park. I found at sandakphu area. Sandakphu is high altitude place in Singalila National Park located in West Bengal. From here you can see Mt. Kanchenjunga very clear which is highest peak of West Bengal. Lots of Birds here. To visit Singalila Park November to February you can found lots of snow and good landscapes too with snow on Mt Kanchenjunga. Also if you are going for birding you can visit March to May/June Month is the best . It is very cold weather during winter November to February at Singalila National park.
About Alpine Accentor Bird :
- Alpine Accentor bird is robin size bird. Length of bird is around 15 -17 cm.
- Bird just like similar to house sparrow in color with brown back streaked.
- Adult Alpine Accentor have red brown spotting on underparts
- Also adult have grey head too.
- In Asia Accentor found at 2000 m above height. Specially at Himalayas.
- It build nest in bush.
- It laying 3-4 plain (not spotted) eggs of sky blue color.
Singalila National Park :
Singalila national park is located in West Bengal. There are lots of birds in this sanctuary. Also its good for trekking at Sandakphu. From here you can see Mt. Kanchenjunga easily and very closely. Also a beautiful Himalayan Mountain range with snow. Amazing weather very cold in winter and moderate in summer. Summer season is the best for birding at sandakphu.
Alpine Accentor bird Binominal Name is Prunella Collaris . Total 9 subspices are recognised of Alpine Accentor bird.
Gear used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 55-250 mm Lens.
Road To Heaven is named to the road from Khavda to Dholavira in Kutch Gujarat. The road is so wonderful and scenery so it known as Road to Heaven . Khavda to Dholavira distance is around 58km but from Khavda there is a single line narrow road passes through small villages around 15-20 km approx. The main road starts after it and it is around 30-35 km approx. strait to Dholavira. Road is under constriction but almost 70-80% work done. The road heading to the city of Harappan Civilization Dholavira which is one of the largest site of Harappan Civilization and Indus valley Civilization.
Kutch is a largest district of Gujarat and also of India. Main City or Headquarter of Kutch District is Bhuj. Kutch is famous for White Desert or White Rann. In Every winter season from December to February celebrate “ Rann Utsav “ to attract foreigners and also locals. Tent City made in white desert to stay and also cultural programs arranged in it. The main Rann Utsav held in Dhordo of Kutch.
After visit White desert people also visit Dholavira which is nearest destination from Dhordo and also Kalo Dungar in between. From Dhordo you will have to go Khavda first and then from Khavda to Dholavira which is connected through “ Road To Heaven “. Dholavira is located at Khadir Bet. Khadir bet is separated because after monsoon the water filled outer side of bet. So the Road To Heaven is the way to connect Khadir bet to main city Bhuj.
About Road To Heaven Dholavira / Road to Heaven in Kutch :
- · It connected from Khavda to Dholavira.
- · Road to heaven distance around 30-35 km.
- · After monsoon the rain water on the both side of the road. You can see beautiful Greater Flamingo birds in between. Water level is low but muddy.
- · After winter in January –February the water on both side of the road is evaporated and turn into salt. Not all water but some areas during the road.
- · Water on the both side of the road or Salt/ white layer on both side of the road make the beauty of the road and that’s why it name as “ Road To Heaven “
- · When you are on the road there is hardly some traffic you face the open road with both side water or salt at morning or evening make the scenery like a Heaven.
I must suggest to visit Road To Heaven in Kutch while you visit Kutch. Also Visit Dholavira which is one of the largest Harappan Civilization site.
Places to visit near Road To Heaven :
Dholavira, Kalo Dungar, Dhordo, White Desert
Places to Visit near Bhuj : White Desert , Kadiya dhro, Chhatardi, Mandvi beach, Vijay vilas palace, Bhujyo Dungar, Smriti Van, Vande matram memorial
Camera Used : Canon 80D, Canon 6D, DJI Mavic Air2
It is the largest species of Flamingo bird family and also a most widespread species of flamingo family.It is found in India ,south east , middle east and Africa. It is migratory bird. They also breed in India. In Gujarat they breed in Rann Of Kutch , Little Rann of Kutch also found in Thol Bird Sanctuary. I often visit Thol sanctuary so got good shots of them. Best time for shoot them is may-Jun at Thol bird sanctuary bcz of water level is too low . It is been recorded that some flamingo birds are resident in Gujarat at many places like LRK, Khijadia sanctuary, Nalsarovar and Thol Sanctuary. They also breed here and stay for all seasons. So you can find greater flamingo birds in all seasons in Gujarat at many places.
Flamingo bird facts and description :
- Greater flamingo bird is the largest living spices of flamingo.
- Greater flamingo has no subspices.
- Flamingo color most of pinkish white in plumage. Wings are red and feathers are black in end.
- Greater Flamingo bird call is like honking.
- The average lifespan of flamingo bird is 30-40 years.
- Main Difference between Greater flamingo and lesser flamingo is height . Lesser flamingo is shorter than greater flamingo. Also Greater flamingo has pale pink bill and black tip. In other case lesser flamingo has dark crimson bill. Lesser flamingo is also more red in color than greater flamingos.
Greater Flamingo birds In Thol Lake : Thol sanctuary is often i visit. Flamingo birds are stay here all seasons. I got good numbers of Greater flamingo and lesser flamingo bird images in a group when i visit Thol. This is my best time with flamingos. Also i got some beautiful pictures of flamingo birds with group and also in duo with some masti. Flamingos looks very good in frame bcz of their color. Thol lake is good place for birders because more than 150 birds spices found here. Also some mammals like Blue bull and black buck also found here. Lots of water birds and tree birds found here. Also sanctuary is not so big so you can find all birds in around 6 sqkm area. Best time to visit thol lake is November to March. All migratory birds are visit in winter so that is best time. Early morning is best for birders.
Timing And Fees of Thol Sanctuary :
Thol Sanctuary open at 6 AM in morning and close at around 5 PM
Fees of Thol Sanctuary is 50 INR per person and camera fees are 200 INR. Car fees are 500 INR.
Weekend fees may change that actually i don't know about it.
Two flamingos with little egret in between of them with down head all. The images of flamingo bird making a good frame. Because of its color flamingo birds images are very attractive and also their grouping make a perfect frame of flamingo bird picture.
A morning pared time for flamingo birds. A beautiful Greater flamingo birds are in a raw make image nice and show their unity.
Perfact wingspan of Flamingo bird looks great. Pink Wings make image more attractive.
Solo Greater flamingo bird
Some masti time for two flamingo birds .
Above image shows the discipline of Flamingo Bird and looks like a morning pared they are doing .
https://youtu.be/9dVBrR9NSOo
A group of Flamingo Birds at Thol Lake make your frame awesome.
Location : Thol Lake, Gujarat
Thol lake is just 25 km approx. from Ahmedabad. You can visit one day for Thol lake is enough. Also you can find another migratory birds like pelicans , bar headed goose, river tern and many more resident spices.
Ahmedabad to Thol lake distance about 25km
Thol bird sanctuary is located in Kadi Taluka in Mehsana District near sanand Gujarat. It is an artificial lake located near village Thol. In 1912 thol lake was built and it was declared as a Sanctuary in 1988. The main use of lake is use of water for irrigation. The Thol Bird Sanctuary or a Thol lake wildlife Sanctuary India is a habitat of more than 150 spices of birds. Also it is famous for migratory birds Flamingos and Sarus Crane which breeds here.
About Thol Lake / Thol Bird Sanctuary
Thol lake is located near Thol village and its area around 38000 acres. Lake faces all season winter , summer and monsoon. During winter temperature goes to 8 degree and in summer temperature goes to 43 degree. Thol lake is under control of Forest and Irrigation department of Gujarat. Thol lake water storage capacity is around 84 million cubic meters. Thol wildlife sanctuary is declared as Eco Sensitive Zone .
Flora and Fauna Thol Sanctuary :
Thol lake has many vegetation plants like Zizyphus, Acacia nilotica, Ficus, Capparis, Azadirachta indica etc. There are also some mix flora of Marshy and Aquatic plants reported in Thol Lake.
Thol lake is protected area and it is very good habitat for water birds. In thol bird sanctuary there are more than 150 spices of birds found . Among these more than 60 % of birds are water birds. Flamingo bird is most prominent bird of Thol Lake. Also Sarus Crane nest in large number here.
Famous Migratory Birds of Thol Lake
• Flamingos
• Sarus Crane
• Great White Pelican
• Mallards
• Bar Headed Geese , Grey Headed Geese
• Waterfowl
There are also some spices reported here like Dalmatian Pelican, Indian Skimmer, Greater Spotted Eagle, Indian Vulture and white rumped Vulture etc. In Mammals Bluebull, Blackbuck and Golden jackal reported here.
Thol Lake Timing and Fees :
Thol lake open everyday at 6 AM in morning and close at 5.30 PM in evening. Entry fees for Thol Lake or Thol sanctuary is 50 INR for per person. Also Camera fees extra at 200 INR and if you go via car then car fees also 500 INR. Foreigner fees are 10 $ per person.
Best Time to Visit Thol Sanctuary / Thol Lake :
Best time early morning for Thol Lake. In winter if you go before sunrise you can see Twilight sky amazing with lake shore and birds sound .During all season Thol lake has its own beauty. Every season you can visit at Thol Lake. But mostly during winter from November to March season is best for Thol Sanctuary visit. Because during winter lots of Migratory birds came here and stay for long time so for birding winter season is best at Thol Lake. Also during summer some of birds stays here like flamingos and pelicans, geese etc. So you can also see them in summer too. Also during summer water level of lake is low so may be the birds you can get in deep or sometimes closer. During monsoon most people don’t visit but if you like macro photography then you must visit Thol lake in monsoon. You can get some excellent macro subjects like waterdrops , Spiders, Insects etc.
What to do and What not to do in Thol Lake / Keep in mind while visiting sanctuary in India :
• Keep silence in sanctuary
• Maintain discipline
• Keep sanctuary clean
• Do not throw plastic waste anywhere in sanctuary
• Protect wildlife
• Observe birds, mammals etc and protect them and identify them
• Follow rules of wildlife protection act -1972
• Don’t disturb birds and animals
• Don’t enter in sanctuary with liquor and inflammable objects
• Don’t make loud noice.
• Enter in sanctuary with permit only and keep receipt till you leave sanctuary
• Don’t feed birds and animals
Where to Stay near Thol Lake :
Well near to Thol Lake there are not good places to stay at night but you can go near to destinations like Kadi, Kalol or Gandhinagar , Ahmedabad where you can get good places to stay at night. Nearest I suggest Kalol around 15-18 km or you can go Ahmedabad around 25 km.
Places to Visit near Thol Lake :
If you are staying at Ahmedabad then go for Ahmedabad Darshan , Pol area of Ahmedabad and Adalaj Ni Vav ( Heritage places ) etc. Also go for fast food test at night at Manek Chauk and SindhuBhavan road there are lots of option for food lovers like Urban Chauk, Freezbee etc.
If you stay at Gandhinagar then visit Mahatma Mandir at Gandhinagar, Sarita udyan , Akshardham Temple etc.
I would suggest Modhera Sun Temple if you had some more time which is around 100km from Ahmedabad. For bird lovers and bird photographer I would suggest visit Little ran of Kutch (LRK) during Winter season, Pariej Lake, Indroda park Gandhinagar, Jessore Sanctuary Banaskantha etc.
How to Reach Thol Sanctuary :
Nearest airport is Ahmedabad and from Ahmedabad thol lake distance is around 30-40 km
Also for Railway station is Ahmedabad because you can get all frequency and destinations from Ahmedabad railway station.
Mt Kanchenjunga or Mt Kangchenjunga both spellings right and whatever you say located in west Bengal India. When i was on my Singalila National park trek i visit it. It was really gesture to see Mt Kanchenjunga from own eyes. A beautiful Mountain surrounded by snow and little bit clouds looks like you are in Heaven. The view i capture makes me very happy to see first time snow mountain in my life. When i was at my last location of my trek at Sandakphu we go for birding and v had a clear mountain view of Kanchenjunga. Kanchenjunga is also spelled Kangchenjunga. Height of Mt. Kanchenjunga/Kangchenjunga is 8586 m . The view of Mt Kanchenjunga from India is amazing as you can see in photos. This Mountain range in wide angle as shown above image looks like Sleeping Budda so this mountain range also known as Sleeping Buddha Mountain Range too.
The name Kanchenjunga is derived from sanskrit kanchana ganga . Kanchana means gold and ganga is the river which flows in the region. The river shines like gold and hence the name Kanchana Ganga was given to this mountain.
Things to know About Mt. Kanchenjunga/ Mt. Kangchenjunga :
- Kanchenjunga Mountain is about 28,169 ft height and located along the Nepal-India border in the Himalayas.
- It is the third highest mountain in the world.
- It contains 5 peaks and four of them above 27,700 ft of heights.
- Kanchenjunga is also name of surrounding section of Himalayas and means THE FIVE TREASURES OF SNOWS .
- Joe Brown and George Band was the first climber of Kanchenjunga mountain on 25 may 1955.
- Kanchenjunga mountain boundry shared by Nepal, India, China and Bhutan.
- Total 5 peaks of Kanchenjunga are Kanchenjunga Main ( 28169 ft ), Kanchenjunga West ( 27904 ft ), Kanchenjunga Central ( 27828 ft ), Kanchenjunga South ( 27867 ft ), Kangbachen ( 25928 ft ).
- Kanchenjunga Main is the highest elevation of Brahmaputra River.
- There are four climbing route for Kanchenjunga among them 3 are from Nepal and one from Sikkim India.
- It is also known as Sleeping Buddha Mountain range.
When i was on a tour to Singalila National Park we have a terrific view of Kanchenjunga mountains and also other Himalayan mountains. The best view of Kanchenjunga i saw from Sandakphu located at India-Nepal border. I also saw Mt. Everest from here. Everest is on a long distance but if weather is clear you can see it very clearly.
In above picture the mountain shows in left side ( Triangle 3 peaks ) of Mt Kanchenjunga is Kumbhakarna Mountain.
Sandakphu trek is one of the beautiful trek among India and also of Himalayas. During summer lots of trekkers go for these trek and also Phalut trek. At Sandakphu you can stay a night and just see at night the sky is full of stars. I was never seen such stars in my life. A milky way you can see and it was amazing experience of star gazing at Sandakphu. Also after dark a sunrise is beautiful as enough. At 4 or 4:30 am sunrise time and we were ready to see first light of sun rays on Himalayan mountains. The color of rays are red orange color looks beautiful on snow mountain of Kanchenjunga. Thats the beauty of Himalayas.
For climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga you can go from Nepal only because Indian Government has been closed Northeastern Sikkim route of Kanchenjunga since 2000. To See Mt. Kanchenjunga from India Sandakphu is the best place. You can go to Sandakphu via Trek or via Range Rover car hire at manebhanjan village. Nearest airport is Bagdogra or you can go to Kolkata and go for overnight train from Kolkata.
Gear used : Canon 1000 D body, Canon 18-55 mm lens, Canon 55-250 mm lens.