Ocean Wallpapers in differnt times

Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur

After breakfast travel to Jodhpur, on the southern edge of the Thar Desert. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha. In the afternoon visit the magnificent 15th century fort and the Umaid Bhawan Palace, located at Jodhpur is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, this monument has 347 rooms and serves as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family.Umaid Bhawan Palace was called Chittar Palace during its construction due to its location on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur. Ground for the foundations of the building was broken on 18 November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction work was completed in 1943.

Overnight in Jodhpur

Bikaner- Rajasthan

Bikaner is named after its founder Rao Bikaji in 1488. But long before this, the city was trade center on the caravan routes from Africa and West Asia. Bikaner’s dominant features are rippling sands and abundant sunshine. The city stands on an elevation, enclosed by a 7 Kms wall, which can be entered from 5 gate. Bikaner City is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and mosque. Founded by Raja Rai Singh the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of varying designs. Also visit Lallgarh Palace, the museum, Bhanda Sagar Jain and Deshnoke Rat temple. Night stay in Bikaner.

Mandawa- Jaipur

The fort of Mandawa was founded in the 18th century. Thakur Nawal Singh, son of Shardul Singh, founded the fort in vikram samvat 1812 (1755 AD). The fort dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Built as per a medieval theme, the castle of Mandawa is adorned with beautiful frescoes. The rooms of this palace are decorated with Lord Krishna paintings, exquisite carvings and amazing mirrorwork.
The Durbar Hall of the palace houses a number of antiques and paintings.

Situated in the middle of the town, the Mandawa Fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel.

Like many places in north India, Mandawa has an extreme climate. The summers can be very hot up to 40.5°C (105ºF), whereas winters can be chilly and the temperature can fall below 10°C (50ºF).

The best season to visit is winter (October ~ March).The annual rainfall is between 45 ~ 60 cm (18 ~ 24 in)



Haveli is the term used for a building of personal residence in Shekhawati and Marwar regions of Rajasthan, India. The word haveli is of Persian origin, meaning "an enclosed place". Between 1830 and 1930, Marwaris erected buildings in their homeland, Shekhawati and Marwar as evidence of their success. These buildings were called Havelis. The Marwaris commissioned artists to paint those buildings. The Havelis are noted for their frescos depicting mythological themes. The frescos include Images of Gods, Goddesses, animals, life history of Lord Rama and Krishna, profusely painted on the Havelis in this region. The havelis were the symbol of the status of the Marwaris and a home for their extended family, providing security and comfort in a style. The havelis used to be closed from all sides with one big strong main gate. Secluded from the outside world the havelis set their own pace of life. The typical havelis in Shekhawati consisted of two courtyards — an outer one for the men which serves as an extended threshold and the inner one, the domain of the women. The biggest ones sometimes had three or four courtyards and two to three stories high. Most of the havelis are empty nowadays or just give a shelter to an old watchman.These havelis are major attraction for tourists in Rajasthan

Charminar- Hyderabad

Hyderabad’s most popular landmark Charminar is located at the center of the old city and surround by lively bazaars.It was built by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 in honour of his wife Bhagmati.It is also called as ‘The Arc de Triomphe of the East ‘and considered as the legendary masterpiece of Qutub Shahi’s.The Charminar is a massive and impressive structure with four minarets. In the evening, with illumination, the great Charminar looks even greater. With the passage of time the Charminar occupied so much importance that it became the heart of all bustling activities. It is in the bustling bazaars around the Charminar that you find the traditional nahari stalls and kulchas of Hyderabad. Hyderabad is one of those few cities, which have a fine blend of modernity and tradition.
Architecture



Charninar at Night
It was built with granite and lime-mortar. It is a blend of ‘Cazia’ and Islamic style of architecture. The intertwined arches and domes are examples of typical Islamic style of the architecture. The graceful floral motif atop the Charminar is enchanting. The Charminar depicts the Indo-Saracenic tradition – a symbiosis of the Hindu and the Muslim traditions, which has woven the magic of a rich Deccan culture. The Charminar looks spectacular particularly in the nights when it is illuminated.
Attractions
The Charminar has four imposing arches, which face the four main directions. A row of small vaulted niches ornament each of the four arches. The Char Minar is a two-storied building with the first floor being covered. The balconies on this floor provide a great view of the surrounding areas. A small mosque adorns the top floor of the Charminar. This mosque is situated on the western side of the Charminar facing Mecca, the holy city of the Muslims. There are 45 prayer spaces and people throng to this mosque for the Friday prayers.This mosque is said to be the oldest surviving mosque in Hyderabad city. Charminar, the hub of Hyderabad city, has four wide roads going in each direction.

Charminar
Charming structure define as its name from four intricately carved minarets, the four graceful minarets which means ‘Four Minars’. Charminar is in square shape with four towers in the four corners of the square, each side is 20 metres long. Every side opens into a plaza through giant arches, which overlook four major thoroughfares and dwarf other features of the building except the minarets. Each arch is 11 metres wide and rises 20 metres to the pinnacle from the plinth. The minarets soar skywards by 24 metres from the roof of Charminar.

Golkonda Fort- Hyderabad

Hyderabad was one of the many princely states that existed during the time that the British ruled India. The state was located in Southern India on the Deccan Plateau. The Nizam [King] was one of the richest men alive at the time, his wealth numbering in the hundreds of millions. In 1948, a year after the partition of British India into Pakistan and India, Hyderabad which had opted for its independence, was over run and occupied by Indian forces, and since has been part of India. Today, Hyderabad once again is a vibrant city and is the "silicon valley" of India.

Architecturally it is very different from Northern India where the architecture was a combination of the traditional architecture and influences that were brought in by the various empires (including mainly Central Asian and Persian influences). Unlike the north, the south was very isolated geographically and was not nfluenced to the same level and has retained its own style. Golconda Fort, originally a mud fort, was later reconstructed in stone. Since then it has had a variety of additions by the various rulers of the area. The fort, on an isolated granite hill, rises about 400 feet above the surrounding plain. The contours of the fort blend with those of the hill. Nowadays the ruins have a desolate majesty in the midst of an arid plain.

The granite crenellated wall is approximately 7 KM in circumference with a deep trench. The walls' thickness ranges from 17 to 34 feet and is broken by 87 semi circular bastions which are 50 to 60 feet high.

The fort has 8 gates or Darwazas as they are called locally, the main gate being Fateh Darwaza [Gate of Victory]. The door is 13 feet wide and 25 feet high and studded with steel spikes to protect it from charging elephants. The fort also includes a palace, a mosque, a parade ground, and an armoury besides many other buildings.

Birla Mandir- Hyderabad

Birla Temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. Birla Mandir, in pure white marble, dominates the skyline of southern part of Jaipur. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple.

Necklace Road- Hyderabad

Come to Hyderabad to the clean and green city and imbibe the true Indian spirit, where lanes bespeak of History! The place gives you fresh locales to make a head start for the history books, but do not be fooled by historical monuments and relics, this place is here to treat you royally in all your ventures. The land of the Nawabs welcomes you to be a part of the wonderful city. The city will take you out on the best of place where you will find the world's largest studio the Ramoji Film city is the venue that is sure to make a mind boggling impact on you. Then sit and relish some of the best biriyani's in the very land where it evolved. The roads are all clean and the lush greenery around you would mesmerize you

Red Fort- Agra

Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and better known as Red Fort of Agra is located on the bank of Yamuna River a Unesco world heritage now. Red Fort is an important monument representing Mughal architecture. It was a day trip for me from Delhi.

This ancient city of Agra has very interesting history. As per history Sikander Lodi was the first Sultan to make Agra as his second capital, Delhi being his first. After Sikander Lodhi’s death, his son Ibrahim Lodi lived in the fort till 1526. Ibrahim Lodhi lost his life in 1526 fighting in a battle against Mughals in Panipat. Mughal Emperor Akbar renovated this damaged old fort, also known as Badalgarh. Akbar gave it a new look with red sand stone and was completed in 8 years (1565 to 1573). Agra Fort contained the largest state treasury and mint.

Jantar Mantar- New Delhi

The Yantra Mantra (literally the ‘instrument and formula’ and often called the Jantar Mantar), is located in the modern city of New Delhi, Delhi. It consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, from 1724 onwards, and is one of five built by him, as he was given by Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah the task of revising the calendar and astronomical tables. There is plaque fixed on one of the structures in the Jantar Mantar observatory in New Delhi that was placed there in 1910 mistakenly dating the construction of the complex to the year 1710. Later research, though, suggests 1724 as the actual year of construction.

The primary purpose of the observatory was to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets. Some of these purposes nowadays would be classified as astrology

Chilika Lake Orissa

Chilika , the largest brackish water lake in Asia covering an area of over 1000 sq km. is a great attraction to tourists all over the world for fishing, bird watching and boating. In winter Chilika affluters with thousands of indigeneous and migratory birds of many varieties from far and near - even from distant Siberia. One can have a glimpse of the lake even from moving trains or vehicles. The serene atmosphere with the vast expanse of water on one side and green vegetation, hills on the other side is a treat to the eyes. A cruise in Chilika will be a life long memory to cherish.

Howrah Bridge- Kolkata

West Bengal is known for its magnificent architecture. One of the best architectural structures in the state is the Howrah Bridge, which connects the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah. The bridge is one of the largest cantilever bridges in the world and the largest cantilever bridge in India. It was built to support military transportation during the world war. Today, it stands as a British engineering marvel in India. It was renamed as ‘Rabindra Setu’ after the famous Nobel Laureate of West Bengal, Mr. Rabindra Nath Tagore, in 1965. However, it is still popularly known as Howrah Bridge, amongst the localites and tourists. Howrah Bridge was built to replace the Floating Pontoon Bridge, which was built over Hooghly in 1874. The bridge was constructed by the construction company Rendel Palmer & Tritton and Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Co. Ltd, in order to handle the ever-increasing traffic of Kolkata, which had become unmanageable by then. Howrah Bridge took a period of about 6 years to get built, with the construction starting in 1937 and ending by the year 1943, after which the bridge was opened to general public. Howrah Bridge is 705 meters long and 30 m wide. On an average, it handles the traffic of about 150,000 vehicles and 4,000,000 pedestrians. A few years back, the bridge also handled a tram route, but it is currently being used as a road bridge only. The bridge also has two sister bridges as well, Vidyasagar Setu and Vivekananda Setu, over the same river, at distinct points. It is the sixth longest bridge in the world of its own kind.

Sydney Harbour Bridge- Australia

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, also affectionately known as the 'Coathanger', was opened on March 19th 1932 by Premier Jack Lang, after six years of construction. Made of steel the bridge contains 6 million hand driven rivets. The surface area that requires painting is equal to about the surface area of 60 sports fields. The Bridge has huge hinges to absorb the expansion caused by the hot Sydney sun. You will see them on either side of the bridge at the footings of the Pylons.

You can have a close hand look while you are in Sydney by visiting the South Eastern Pylon. It is a walking trip and recommended for the fit only. It is a longish walk to get to the base of the Pylon and then there are 200 steps to the top. Entry for adults is now $8.50 (23 June 2003), kids between 8 and 12 years three dollars and under 8 years its free. (Prices valid until 30 November 2003).

The views and photo opportunities are fantastic. (If you can make it, we've got to say it is tough). There is a great display on how the thing was built. It has a similar place in Sydney history to the Statue of Liberty in New York as far as many migrants to Australia go. In sight of the bridge you knew you had made it.

The displaced peoples of Europe who came to Australia in the days of the grand ships can get very misty when you ask them what they felt when they saw this grand old arch on their arrival in Sydney from the aftermath of World War Two as they sailed up Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour). The old Bridge has been replaced as "the" landmark of Sydney by the bold architecture of the Opera House.

But a grand old bridge it is, and one you will remember whenever you think of Sydney after your visit.

When it opened it cost a car six pence to cross. A horse and rider was 3 pence. These days a return trip (for some reason the only kind) costs two dollars twenty (gst). Horses and riders are banned, that's the changing times. You can walk across free and you are allowed to bicycle in a special lane.

Amber Fort- Jaipur

The Amber Fort was built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh. The construction of the Amber Fort was started by Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. The Amber Fort is built in red sandstone and white Amer Fortmarble. The palace complex has very interesting apartments, the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else in India, leave aside Jaipur. The rugged forbidding exterior of Amber Fort belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate refinement. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the walls of the Amber Fort with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster.

The fort has 4 sections; each with the premises and one has to climb up through the imposing stairway or else the broad aisle, where one can ride on the elephant back for royal feel. The main gate Surajpol that leads to the Jaleb chowk, which is the main courtyard from where one can walk up the stairway, that leads to the palace. Jaleb Chowk was also the area where returning armies were welcome and they would display their war earnings to the population at large.

Standing tall on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, the palace is located on a hillside, overlooking the Maotha Lake. Three charismatic rulers oversaw the construction of this monument. It was started by Raja Man Singh I, army commander of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1592 and was completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. Amber Fort, as it is commonly known, is a classic fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, beautifully built in red sandstone and white marble. You can climb up the hill to the Amber Fort (approx 15 minutes), or travel in royal style on elephant back.

Lak Kila( Red Fort)- Delhi

Red Fort is the most famous monument of the Delhi, which I also know as “Lal Qila”. It stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India.

Red Fort walls, which stretch for over 2 kilometers were built in 1638 to keep out invaders. However they failed to stop the Red Fort being captured by the Sikhs and British. To take your imaginations back to ancient era, wonderful a one hour sound and light show of the Fort’s history is held each evening. Diwan-i-Aam, Nahr-i-Behisht, Moti Masjid, Zenana, Hayat Bakhsh Bagh are the important buildings within the court. The Royal Baths, the Shahi Burj, “Palace of Colors” the Rang Mahalor are the other attractions within the monument.

India Gate- Delhi

The India Gate is the national rather International monument of India situated in the Dil of Dilli, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It is a prominent landmark in Delhi and commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives while fighting for the British Raj in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. It is composed of red sand stone and granite.
Following India’s independence, India Gate became the site of the Indian Army’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti (The flame of the immortal soldier).

Atlantis Water Park- Dubai

"Transpotainment" system uses flowing rivers, water escalators, and other conveyance means to transport guests to the slides in inner tubes. Riders can go from one ride to another without ever leaving their tubes. Other features: uphill water coasters, action river, speed slides, tube slides, body slides, interactive water play structure with dump bucket, and children's pools.Aquaventure and all water park attractions are available for registered guests of Atlantis and are included in the rates. Guests of the adjacent Comfort Inn may also visit Aquaventure. The park imay make day passes available to the general public, based on availability.

Burj-Al-Arab - DUBAI

In its relatively short tenure on the Dubai coastline this legendary and symbolic hotel has attracted international attention and awe, ensuring its place as one of the most photographed structures in the world, and consistently voted the worlds most luxurious hotel. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, Burj Al Arab soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai skyline. Illuminated at night by choreographed lighting representing water and fire – Burj Al Arab is simply individual, inspired, impressive.

This all-suite luxury hotel in Dubai reflects the very finest that the world has to offer. With a discreet in-suite check-in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers, you can be assured of the ultimate in personal service throughout your stay. Upgrade your experience at Burj Al Arab with your chauffeur driven Rolls Royce.

Zoo- Mysore

Mysore Zoo (Chamarajendra Zoological Garden) was started in 1892 by chamaraja Wodeyar X, then the king of Mysore. Initially as a private Zoo, and was named as Khas-Bangale. It was also called as Thamash Bangle. The Zoo which has now spread over an area of 250 acres was initially ment for the exclusive visit of the royal family but public entry started as early as 1920. It is located inside the city unlike many other Zoos in India and Mysore Zoo is considered to be one of the best in the world.

The Zoo has about 1500 animals, ranging from the opossum to orangutan. This Zoo houses a wide range of animals. Mysore Zoo was the first in the country to obtain gorilla and penguin’s. Many animals which are imported from countries like Africa, America, and Australian countries under conservation project due to the successful breeding of the white tiger. It is also credited with achieving considerable break-through in captive breeding of many animals. elephants also breed well in captivity in this Zoo.

The Zoo has a small museum which exhibits the stuffed animals. A small library is also located in the Zoo. Painting and essay competitions are periodically conducted by the zoo authority the children to create awareness and love in them for animals.

Ms.Sally Walker (USA) started the friends of Mysore Zoo (FMZ) in 1980. At present there is a scheme for ‘Adopting’ an animal. Which means you can take care of the feeding expenses of an animal for a certain of time. Karanji Lake is a part of Mysore Zoo. The lake attracts about 45 varieties of birds; some of the birds migrate here from too far aways places. The lake has been renovated recently and boating facility is also available.

Kamala Nehru Park- Mumbai

The Kamala Nehru Park sprawling over an area of 3,300 sq m is located at the top of Malabar hills. Inspired by an old nursery rhyme “There was an old woman” the biggest attraction of the park is a large shoe shaped structure. The Kamala Nehru Park is widely visited by school children and the Old Woman’s Shoe is their favorite place for playing.

The view from atop Malabar hill is bound to steal your heart away. At night the city street lights around the Marine Drive looks like a large golden necklace studded with gems. This is also referred as the “Queen’s necklace”.

The Kamala Nehru Park has a collection of wide range of flowers. The lush green lawns and shady trees inside the park make it a favorite picnic spot. The park is largely visited by bourgeois middle class people. Named after the wife of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the Kamala Nehru Park is as important to Mumbai as is the Eiffel tower to Paris.