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.
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.
Common Kingfisher is also known as Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher. It is sparrow size bird with blue color on top of the body. It is widely distributed in North Africa and Eurasia. When rivers freezes in winter they migrate from their. In India common kingfisher also a widely distributed in all over region. They generally found near to the water areas like canals, rivers, river birdges, ponds etc. I took a shot of common kingfisher or Eurasian Kingfisher at Thol bird sanctuary located in Gujarat near Sanand.
Description and facts about Common Kingfisher :
- It is about 16cm long and 25cm with wingspan.
- Its weight around 35-44 gm.
- It has short tail as all kingfisher tail is short.
- It has green blue upperparts and it has green blue neck stripe.
- Juvenile is similar to adult but dull underparts.
- Main flight feathers moult between july to november and it will takes 90-100 days to grow.
- Kingfisher flight too fast on low water.
- It is widely distributed in Europe, Asia and North Africa ( winter visitor ).
- Common kingfisher eats 60% of its body every day.
- Common Kingfisher lays 2-10 eggs which are white glossy in color.
Common Kingfisher in Gujarat :
Common Kingfisher or Small Blue Kingfisher found in Gujarat at many places like Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Bird sanctuary, Velavdar Sanctuary and many other outskirts of Wetlands too. They are very small and cute in look. There are lots of kingfisher bird spices found in Gujarat also.
There are lots of Spider spices in the world. Spiders are good subject to shoot as a macro photo. Actually spiders are everywhere along to home and gardens. Jumping spider are group of spider constitute the family salticidae. This family contained over 600 described genera and over 6000 spices. Jumping spiders are easily identify from other spiders from their eyes and shape. The jumping spiders have faces that are roughly rectangular surface. The eyes are forward looking on flat face. The body length of jumping spider are around 1 to 25 mm. They generally found in forest , desert, scrub lands,temperate forest too. Toxicity of jumping spider is very less for humans. so jumping spider bite is not poisonous. Spiders are not insects because they belongs to family Salticidae and classified as Arachnids.
I found jumping spider during my trip to LRK ( Little Rann Of Kutch ). also its a live photography competition Name WILD CLICKS powered by canon in December 2019. Spiders in macro photography looks beautiful . For Macro Photography you need good light and good camera gears.
Some Facts about Jumping spider :
- The life of jumping spider is around 6 month to 2-3 years.
- Jumping spider are shy but you can easily catch them.
- They have 8 eyes.
- Once you will be familiar with spider then it enjoy your company.
- As per research of Miami university spiders like music.
- Generally they build their web in corners and dense trees , small plants etc.
- All spiders are predators.
- Jumping spider can change sudden blood flow in their body.
- Jumping spider do not use web for hunting.
- Jumping spider can dance also.
- Jumping spider can jump 10-50 times of their body.
- Jumping spider have 8 legs as all spider have 8 legs.
About Little Rann of Kutch :
LRK or little rann of kutch is a Wild ass sanctuary of Gujarat. Sanctuary for Indian Wild Ass but its also very well known for raptors and migratory birds. During winter some migratory birds like flamingos, pelican, bar headed goose, raptors, falcons, eagles, owls are regular visitors. So the sanctuary is more important for wildlife in Gujarat where you can find all birds, mammals and also 360 view of rann of kutch. Also some wetland areas near rann are beautiful for sunset and sunrise. You can also get some good macro photos of insects of rann for making good theme of COLORS OF RANN. I tried to shoot this spider with background of sun but its too hard for me . because it cant steady on one place for a second but got good pictures.
Gear used : Canon 80 D , Canon 6 D ,Canon 100mm Macro , Flash not fired
Location : Little Rann Of Kutch, Dasada
What is HORIZONS ? :: The horizon is the apparent line that separates Earth from sky. The true horizons can observed when it lines on the sea surface. Also many locations this line is made by Lands, Trees, Buildings, Mountains etc.The Horizon line divides all visible directions into two categories : those that intersect the Earth surface and those that don't. The horizon line is horizontal like to feel like end of earth no end of Earth surface . The Images of Horizons or skyline taken at Little Rann of Kutch . I tried to shoot many locations but sometimes not gonna happen that. Little Rann of Kutch is good place for Horizon photography bcz flat surface and 360 degree view. Above photo we passed thorough rann and i saw car trek on ground and line goes end of surface looks beautiful.
Horizon Height and distance calculation :
Well if you want to see horizon then you have to observe from 5-7 feet above sea level. Also you need clear land about 3-5 km distance then you can see clear Horizon line. In cities there are lots of disturbance like buildings, trees, towers etc so you can not see the clear horizons. For horizon line to see you need clear land area or water area. Best area for Horizon line is in between sea. In ocean there is clear Horizon line you can see easily. Also sunrise and sunset time horizons are amazing to see because of Twilight sky colors. Well all of these photos are not taken from 7 feet height and distance may not 3-5 km but its still you can see Horizons clearly. Photos taken from ground level but the rann area is clear so you can see horizons line from ground level.
For calculation of Horizon distance equation is :: Square root ( Height / 0.5736 ) and the result you get distance of Horizons.
Best Place To See Horizon lines :
The best place to see horizons are beaches. Because you can see clear line between Sky and Earth. Well where i live in Gujarat i have also one place name Little Rann of Kutch where i can see clear Horizon line as you can see in photos of Horizons. Little rann of Kutch is best place for me because its very near to me like about 2 hours car drive. Here there are huge number of raptors you can see in winter seasons. Lots of Migratory birds came here and the most important about Little Rann ot Kutch is Indian Wild Ass. Indian wild ass found only in Gujarat in this region only.
All Images taken at Little Rann of Kutch, Guajrat. Little rann of kutch known as LRK also famous for raptors and Indian Wild Ass. Lots of migratory birds coming here in winter. So never miss a change to visit LRK in Gujarat. LRK also very nice place for Star Gazing and Star Trail Photography, Time laps Photography.
Camera used : Canon 6 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens, Canon 50mm lens, canon 18-55 mm lens