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.