Subhasis Banerjee

MURUD JANJIRA \ Secluded from the main land by a narrow strip of backwater and built on a rocky outcrop rising from the Arabian Sea, this fort is a marvellous piece of engineering which was once the administrative seat of the illustrious Maratha emperor, Chatrapati Shivaji. The silver-sandy beaches on the main coast with the backdrop of steep forested hills make it an ideal destination to relax and contemplate. The virgin beaches of Kihim, Kashid, Navgaon and Akshi nearby must be visited to experience their sedate tranquillity. Accessibility : The place is easily approached by a drive of 167kms from Mumbai. Accommodation : Apart from a Tourist Lodge, there is a Resort and a Hotel. Season : Throughout the year.

HYDERABAD An acute shortage of water at the Golkonda Fort in the late 16 th century compelled Mohammad Quli of the Qutub Sahi dynasty to establish a new city on the banks of the River Musi. Thus, Hyderabad was born. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered Hyderabad in 1687 AD and appointed administrative viceroys. However, in 1724 AD, Asaf Jaah, the then viceroy, took advantage of the waning Mughal power and declared it an independent state. Hence, began the rule of the Nizams of Hyderabad, who took the art and culture of the place to magnificent heights. Hyderabad abounds in rare gems and minerals and is nicknamed the ‘City of Pearls’. Capital of the state of the present state of Andhra Pradesh, it is also known as the ‘City of Minars’. Major attractions of the place include Charminar Tower, Tombs of Qutub Sahi kings, Salar Jung Museum, Laad Bazar, Mecca Masjid, Golkonda Fort, Hussain Sagar and the sister city of Secenderabad. Charminar Tower is the landmark of Hyderabad, which consis...

AURANGABAD – AJANTA – ELLORA Founded by Malik Amber in 1610 AD, the original name of the city was Fatehnagar. However, in 1653 AD, Aurangzeb captured the city and renamed it Aurangabad. The mausoleum of his wife, Queen Rabia, is here, popularly known as Bibi-ka-Maqbara. The city is also the perfect halt station to take trips to the illustrious Daulatabad Fort and the world heritage Ajanta and Ellora Caves. About 5kms south of the city lounge 10 Buddhist caves dating back to the 6 th century, overshadowed by their famous cousins of Ajanta and Ellora. Known as Aurangabad Caves, one must visit these caves on their visit to this city. The Bibi-ka-Maqbara lies another 3kms south. The 12 th century Daulatabad Fort, situated atop a hill about 13kms north-west on the way to Ellora Caves, provides a glaring reflection of the history of the place over a period of time   that dates from its inception to that of the 17 th century, when it was taken over by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan....

LUCKNOW Established by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah on the banks of River Gomati, this ancient capital of Awadh which is also the present capital of Uttar Pradesh was famous for its Urdu poetry, courtly diction, Indo-Islamic etiquette and highly chromatic music. This cultural extravaganza reached its zenith during the reign of Nawab Wazid Ali Shah, the most indolent and extravagant Nawab, who was a great connoisseur of aesthetics. Today, the city is dotted with the reminiscent of its historic past which includes Chota Imambara, Bara Imambara, Shah Najaf Imambara, the Residency, Kaiserbagh Palace and the National Botanical Research Institute. Interesting excursions from this regal city include Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary and Kukrail Reserve Forest . The Chota and Shah Najaf Imambaras, which houses the royal tombs, are richly decorated and neatly gardened. The Bara Imamabara, however, is a paean of architectural mastery of the period. The central hall of this building is probably the largest...

AGRA Agra is known to the world as the home of the Taj Mahal. Considered as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, the architectural splendour of the Taj Mahal is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire of which Agra was the capital in the 16 th and the early 17 th centuries. This magnificent marble mausoleum, an ode to the memory of the beautiful queen of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Mumtaj Mahal, has secured a captivating grasp on the international tourist map. Tourists gather here in flocks around the year to experience the sheer spirit of love that went into the creation of this incredible memorial. Apart from the Taj, Agra also boasts of a number of historic monuments which includes the Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Chinni-ka-Roza, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Radhaswamy Samadhi and Rambagh, each of which are embellished with bewilderingly intricate inlay works on marble. The magnificent structure that stands second in importance in this historic city is the ...

FATEHPUR SIKRI Founded by Emperor Akbar in the 16 th century, this was the first planned city of the Indo-Islamic architecture. It was abandoned only 14 years after its creation due to a severe shortage of water. Perched atop a rocky ridge, the city is built in red sandstone and planned on a definite mathematical grid, offering a spectacular blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural elements. Many historical monuments and buildings stand strewn throughout the city. Diwan-i-am is the place where the emperor arrived before the public to hear complains and dispensed justice while Diwani-i-khas served as the hall of private meetings of the emperor. At the southern end of the city, around a lovely pool called Anup Talao, Akbar’s private living quarter consisted of his library, his Daftarkhana or record office and his dream palace. Mariam’s Palace, the living quarter of his beautiful Goan wife, stands east of the emperor’s quarter and is another great architectural showpiece of the city. ...

ALLAHABAD In 1575 AD, Mughal Emperor Akbar founded the city and named it Illahabas, whose pronunciation latter corrupted into Allahabad. The city stands at the confluence of the two most holy rivers of the Hindus – Ganges and Jamuna. A third mythical river, Saraswati – the river of enlightenment, believed to flow underground, gives the confluence its name - Triveni. Formerly called Prayag in commemoration of a sacrifice by the Hindu triumvirate Lord Brahma, it is one of the oldest places of Hindu pilgrimage. Sangam, as the confluence is commonly called, is one of the three venues of the famous Kumbh Mela, drawing millions of people on the occasion.   It is said to be the largest assembly of human population on any occasion in the world. There are many attractions of the city, the important among them being the Sangam, the Fort, Hannuman Mandir, Swaraj Bhawan, Anand Bhawan, the Museum, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, Patthar Girja and the Allahabad University. At Sangam, Akbar buil...