Macchhi Bhawan / Diwan-i-Am / Nagina / Moti Masjid - Agra Fort , India

Macchhi Bhawan : Opposite to the Diwan-i-Khas is the Macchhi Bhawan, a majestic enclosure intended for harem ocassions. The emperor used to sit on the white marble platform of the Diwani-i-Khas facing the courtyard. It on one occasion contained pools and marble fountains which were taken away by Jat Raja Surajmal to his palace at Deeg. On the other side stands a little mosque erected for Shahjahan by his son Aurangzeb.
Hammam-i-Shahi : To the right of Diwan-i-khas is the Hammam-i-Shahi or the Shah Burj. It is a well-ventilated apartment, connected with the residential quarters which was treated as a summer retreat.
Diwan-i-Am : The Hall of Public Audiences, finished of red sandstone, was erected by Shahjahan. It is at this point the emperor used to meet officials and common people and listened to the petitioners. The women of the palace could observe the court without being noticed by others from the pavilion all the way through jali (lattice) screens. The open sided, cusped arched hall (64x23m) set up of plaster on red stone, is very extraordinary. The throne alcove of splendidly decorated white marble finished after 7 years work during 1634 was used to house the renowned Peacock Throne afterward shifted to Delhi by Aurangazeb before it was carried away to Iran.
Nagina Masjid or the gem mosque is a private mosque constructed by Shah Jahan with characteristic cusped arches for ladies of the court. There is Mina bazar for the imperial ladies to buy things from the marble balcony underneath the Nagina Masjid.
Moti Masjid is located in close proximity to the Nagina Masjid is an entirely proportioned pearl mosque built in white marble. This majestic mosque has three domes in white marble that raise their heads above the red sandstone wall. Timing for visit : 7 to 6 PM

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Musamman Burj / Diwan-I-Khas / Seesh Mahal - Agra Fort

Musamman Burj : On the left of the Khas Mahal is the Musamman Burj, an octagonal tower by way of an open pavilion put up by Shahjahan for his dearly loved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is finished of delicate marble lattices with decorative niches for the ladies of the court to stare out, unseen. The chamber with a marble dome on apex is enclosed by a verandah with a gorgeous carved fountain in the center. The tower looks out over the River Yamuna and is conventionally considered to have one of the most heartrending views of the Taj. This is where Shah Jahan exhausted his last few years as a confined of his son Aurangazeb and where he lay on his death bed, staring at the Taj.

Diwani-i-Khas: (hall of private audience) erected by Shahjahan in 1636 –37 was used to greet kings, dignitaries and ambassadors. It is a three sided pavilion with a terrace of excellent proportions. Outside the structure is the marble throne terrace, where pair of thrones was kept. The black throne belongs to Jehangir. Currently, entry is not allowable inside Diwan-i-Khas.

Sheesh Mahal : Opposite to the Mussaman Burj and just beneath the Diwan-i-Khas hall, at the northeastern ending of the Khas Mahal courtyard is the Sheesh Mahal or the Glass Palace. It is supposed to have been the royal dressing room and its walls are inlaid by means of small mirrors, one of the most excellent specimens of glass mosaic decoration in India. The Sheesh Mahal is composed of two huge halls of equal size, every one measuring 11.15 m x 6.40 m. Both are linked in the centre by a wide arched opening and on the sides by two narrow passages.

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Things to see / do in Agra Fort ,Uttar Pradesh , India

Architecture / structure / foundation / map / area / architect / height / elevation / marble panels / floral designs / fountains / Royal Pavilion / plaza / baths / halls / gardens / important buildings / other structures / souvenirs / antiques / paintings in Agra Fort

Jehangiri Mahal : This is the first prominent building as one come into through the Amar Singh Gate and emerges out of the passageway. Positioned north of the gate at the ending of a roomy lawn, the Jahangir’s palace was built by Akbar as a residence for his son Jahangir. The main private residence in the fort, it is a merge of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. The Mahal is reached in the course of an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard composed of a two storey facade of gorgeous halls, abundant carvings on stone, heavy brackets elegantly carved with animal and floral motifs, piers and cross beams by means of remnants of the affluent gilded decorations which once enclosed a great deal of the structure. There is a verandah with slim pillars on the eastern front which face the river front. This is the most significant building remaining from Akbars era as his successors demolished quite a lot of of Akbar's red sand structures restoring them with marble one's. To the right of Jahangiri Mahal is a uncomplicated palace of Akbar's favorite queen Jodha Bai.

historic monuments forts india
Khas Mahal : Built completely of marble by Shah Jahan in 1637, the Khas Mahal or the Private Palace demonstrates distinguishing Islamic Persian features. The enclosed space has three pavilions which overlook the Yamuna, amid a fountain opposite the central pavilion. The central pavilion an roomy edifice, used by the emperor as a resting chamber has three arches on every side, five in front, and two turrets which rise out of the roof. It overlooks the Angoori Bagh / grape garden. The Mahal is edged by two golden (copper) pavilions, one in the midst of white marble and was apparently decorated with gold leaf, whilst the other is made with red stone, which were intended for the important ladies of the harem. The Khaas Mahal provides the most thriving example of painting on a white marble surface. On the three regions of the Grape garden are residential quarters of women.

Agra Fort , Uttar Pradesh , India

Location / significance / history / monuments / travel / photography tips / photo gallery / tourism / archway / monuments / lawns / gardens / sand stones / carvings / gates / timing / light and sound show / entry fees of Agra Fort

This huge monument of red sandstone that dominate a bend in the river Yamuna, 2 km northwest of  Taj Mahal was build by the Mughals during 1565-1571. It was Emperor Akbar who put down the foundation of this magnificent citadel in 1565. The fort was completed by 1571 era of Shahjahan, grandson of Akbar. The fort is crescent in shape, which is flat on the east with an extended, almost straight wall facing the river. The colossal double walls of the fort rise 69 feet in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference surrounded by a moat and enclose a network of buildings which form a little city contained by a city. The fort contains wonderful mosques and palaces in red sandstone and white marble erected by two generations of inventive builders during the time of Akbar and afterward Jehangir and Shahjahan.

The wall has two gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. The original and majestic entrance was all the way through the Delhi Gate, which leads to the internal portal known as the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate. However the main entry to the fort is just through the Amar Singh Gate. Public access is restricted to the southern portion of the fort which includes almost all the buildings of tourist importance.

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How to reach Elephanta Caves

Reservations / booking / address / phone / charges / tariff / timing / duration / visit / travel / tourism in Elephanta Caves , Mumbai

launches are obtainable every hour from the Gateway Of India at Mumbai to Elephanta islands.

Timings: 0900 hrs to1430 hours return after four hours
Timings: 0900 hrs to1430 hrsTariff: INR 100 Delux INR 80 ordinary
Mini train on jetty: INR.8 (to and fro fare)

Reservations / booking : Gateway Elephanta Jal Vahatuk Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit Counter, Gateway of India, Apollo Bunder, Colaba. Phone: 022 - 22026364 / 22023585

Things to see / do in Elephanta Caves , Mumbai

Cave paintings / sculpture / murals / porch / facade / hall / carvings / arts in Elephanta caves , India

The splendid rock cut temple complex devoted to Lord Shiva, was possibly excavated for the period of the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty which ruled the region from 757 to 973 AD. Shape of a basalt rock face, the cave complex cover up an area of nearly 60,000 square feet and has a compilation of numerous subsidiary shrines, courtyards, halls and porticos set in a splendid and accurate mathematical symmetry filled with delicate stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Stylistically, the carvings in these caves mingle the elegant forms of South Indian Hindu sculpture with the precision and composure of Buddhist Gupta Arts. Nevertheless extensive damage have been caused to the sculptures by the Portuguese, they are still outstanding.
The most significant amongst the caves is Cave One on the Western Hill. The main sculpture region of this hefty multi column hall is on the southern wall at the reverse. Stairs lead to the key entrance on the north of the cave complex with three opening hold up by 28 decorative pillars, every one resting on a square base with fluted shafts. Eight of the pillars have been damaged or has been distorted. Facing the north entrance there is a vast demonstration of Lord Siva as Lord of the Universe / Mahesvara murthy / Trimurthy on the south wall at the reverse of the cave. The 6 m lofty idol is a superb one, considered to be a masterwork of Indian art. The three faces symbolize three aspects of Shiva, as the creator (on the right), the preserver (in the center), and the destroyer (on the left). The square linga shrine or the chief shrine is at the western end of the main hall in particular axis with the east opening. Dwarapalas / doorkeepers safeguard each of its four doors initially accompanied by assistant dwarfs / gana which are mainly missing nowadays. The dwarpalas can be traced back to the traditions of Buddhist Gupta arts. There is one more shrine on the east with sculptures of dwarapalas and lions protecting it.

Elephanta Caves - rock cut caves in India

Location / significance / map / timing / entry fees / history / legend / travel / tourism / rediscovery /  / photo gallery / photography / travel tips / images / tourism of Elephanta Caves , Mumbai, Maharashtra , India

unesco heritage sites india elephanta caves
Importance : World Heritage Site by UNESCO , Timings : Open daily except Mondays between 9AM and 5.30 PM , Entry Fee:10 Rs for Indians over 15 years, INR 250 Rs or US $ 5 for others above 15 years

Acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during 1987, Elephanta caves positioned at Elephanta Islands in Mumbai harbour include some of the finest rock-cut sculpture in India. A grand tourist attraction, this island is positioned 11 kilometers east, across the Arabian Sea from the Gateway of India at Mumbai.

Elephanta caves, the crucial point of the Elephanta Island are the wonderful dwelling of Lord Shiva. There are overall seven caves which extend on two hills, five on the Western hill and two on the Eastern hill. The island formerly known as Gharapuri or city of forts was the capital of Konkan Mauryas and was afterward re-named by the Portuguese. when they captured Bombay from the Sultan of Gujarat during the16th century. The island was named Elephanta after the enormous sculpted elephants found here. 

How to reach / contact address for skiing Gulmarg , Jammu and Kashmir

address / contact / phone number / website / email / whom / where to contact for Skiing / mountaineering / trekking / adventure / winter sports in Gulmarg Srinagar, Kashmir , India
Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering , Gulmarg Winter Sports Project, House No.183, Kursoo, Rajbagh, Srinagar, Kashmir, Phone / Fax : 91- 0194-2458627 , Mobile : 09419006808,09419076335

Director Tourism (Kashmir), Tourist Reception Centre , Srinagar, Phone: 91-0194- 2452690-91, Phone / Fax: 0194-2479548

Director Tourism (Jammu), Tourist Reception Centre, Vir Marg, Jammu.Phone: 91-0194- 2520432, 2548172,Fax: 0191-2548358

How to reach Gulmarg
by air / flights : Gulmarg is in Baramula District which is just about 2 hours from the adjacent airport of Srinagar (57km). There are regular flights in India from Srinagar to all the chief cities in the country.

By / train / rail: The adjoining railway station is at Jammu which is well served by trains from several parts of India which include Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta.

By Road / local transport : All types of transport are obtainable to Gulmarg from Srinagar bus stand at Batmallo and from private transport operators. J& K SRTC operates normal deluxe and ordinary bus services from Srinagar. In winter, the buses operate up to Tangmarg (11 kms from Gulmarg), the remaining remoteness being covered by means of smaller vehicles. Tourist taxis in addition operate between Srinagar and Gulmarg. During winter, traveling by road to Gulmarg is not optional as the roads can get blocked owing to bad weather conditions.

whom / where to contact for Paragliding , Kamshet , Pune

Address / phone / website / information / charges / cost / venue / duration / timing / tournament of Paragliding / TTB / cross country / Tandem flights / Joy rides in Kamshet , Pune , Maharashtra , India

Temple Pilots Paragliding School , Kamshet, Near Lonavala, Pune, Phone: 9970053359 For basic, intermediate courses on Paragliding and tandem (accompanied) joy rides
Cost: Tandem Flights (accompanied Flights) or Joy rides cost around Rs 1500 for a ten minute flight, Rs. 9000 for the three day 'paragliding experience', Rs 14500 for the five day beginners course

Nirvana Adventures, 2A, Takshashila, Tagore Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai- 400 054, Phone: 91-022- 6493110, Fax: 91-22- 6493110.

Om' Air Paragliding, 1, Shankar Niwas, Pai Nagar, SVP Road, Borivali (W), Bombay 400 092 , Phone: +91- 2168-41164 ,+91 - 2168 - 41164

United India Paragliding Association
, Eric Menezes, 168, Tupenagar, Sadhna School Rad, Malwadi, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028, Phone: 91-020-6992021, Mobile : (0) 9822023790

Kamshet - paragliding / adventure sports in Maharashtra , India

Location / position / temperature / climate / packages / para gliders / Hang gliding / sailing / skill / resorts / vacations / holidays / courses / duration / fees / timing /Basic / Intermediate / cross country training / Tandem Rides / tips / organizers / contact / address of Kamshet , Pune , Maharashtra , India

Best time / season for gliding in Kamshet : October to June

Kamshet, a quiet village alongside the Mumbai-Pune Highway #4, 16 km east of Lonavala has urbanized into one of the famous Paragliding destination in Maharashtra with its ideal flying environment. The pictorial hills of the Western Ghats which run all along the west coast of India from Gujarat in the north all the way through Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka to the Nilgiri hills of Kerala in the southern incline, in the neighborhood recognized as the Sahyadris in Maharashtra, present a lot of sites for instance Kamshet, Satara, Talegaon, Deodali, Murud Janjira, Matheran, Panchgani, Singhgad and more with abundance of potential distance wise, fit for gliding. The Western Ghats offer roughly a year round destination than those spots in the Himalayas which are limited by extreme weather conditions.
Located in Pune district, Maharashtra; 110km from Mumbai and 56km from Pune, the area in and around Kamshet, with its stumpy hills, rocky terrain and flatlands has scores of favorable sites with adequate ridges just accurate for take off. Kamshet, 2200feet over sea level has wonderful flying conditions in the midst of cloud base typically over 2000m and reliable thermic cycles idyllic for basic, intermediate along with cross country flying. At this point flying is possible more or less each day of the lengthy season from October to June. The topography and temperatures permit for both ridge and thermal soaring. The pleasurable weather, lush greenery, the enormous pristine lake, the spectacular scenery and the effortless accessibility to the position adds to its magnetism. Historically as well, the place holds enormous significance. One can check out the olden cave temples at Bedsa positioned immediately before Kamshet. One more thing that strikes is the company of ever friendly and accommodating villagers.

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Where / whom to contact for Paragliding in Billing

Contact / address / phone / website / charges / cost / venue / duration / timing / tournament of Paragliding / TTB / cross country / Tandem flights / Joy rides in Billing , Bir Village, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh , India

STD booth in Bir is at the Chaughan Tibetan Colony in front of Cafe Amaho , Contact Suresh Phone 01894- 268350

For flying Instructions / Tandem flights, Cost : Half hour Tandem flights cost about Rs 2000 contact Bruce, Dhondup / Tsering Phone: 01894 -268350, 268603 or E-mail

For information on Paragliding tournament, log on to www.himachaltourism.nic.in and contact : Commissioner, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department , Block No. 28, SDA Complex, Shimla 171009, Himachal Pradesh, India , Phone: 91-177-223959, Telefax: 91-177-225864

Deputy Commissioner,Kangra at Dharamshala , Phone : 91-1892-22103, 23323
Free Flight Association of India , F-223, Karanpura, New Delhi -110015 ,Phone: 91-11-4554363; Fax : 91-11-4554363 ,Toll Free Number: 1800 180 8077

Himachal Tourism Directorate , Block No. 28, SDA Complex,Kasumpti, Shimla-171009 , Phone: 0177- 2625511, 2625924, Fax: 0177- 2625864

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Himalayan Hang Gliding Rally - Billing , Himachal Pradesh

From Billing, the range runs the entire way to Dharamsala, untying the Kangra valley from Champa. To the north of the meadow is the elevated peaks and to the south the plains. The plunge from the meadow is nearly one kilometer and an average straight TTB (top to bottom) flight to the Chaughan landing area duratin for nearly 25 to 30 minutes. If the environment (like weather, wind speed and direction, cloud base of 4000 to 5000m etc) is right, one can make a Cross Country remoteness flight from Billing to Manali or Billing to Dharamsala (90km). The flying is normally ridge hopping getting lift from the ridges or cliff edges running down from the key spine of the range. Ridge lifts originated by wind striking a hillside and Thermals (columns of hot air) are utilized by the glider to raise higher.

Thermalling is a vital skill for flying in Billing. In Billing, thermals are bring into being on a usual basis over a temple for this reason called the 'Thermal Devta', intermediate down the eastern spur which run down to Bir. The temple can be recognized from the air by a red ribbon attached to a tree top. In the Billing - Dharamsala flight route there are more or less 15 ridges. One can have the companionship of the Huge Himalayan Griffin Vultures for the duration of flight. Billing is in addition easily top landable.

Billing is distinguished the world over for having the credit of organizing the very first Paragliding competition as per the rules of Federation Aeronautique International. The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Himachal Pradesh organized the Para Gliding Pre world Cup at Billing- Bir during the month of October 2003. It is in addition 'the place' for Hang gliding and Para Sailing. Each year during May, an annual Himalayan Hang Gliding Rally is organized at Billing. Aero sports club at Bir and Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department ( Phone: 91-177-223959 ) assist in this regard.

Best time / season for gliding in Billing : March to May before the monsoon & September to November
Clothing : It is advisable to bring warm flight clothing, wind proof jackets, winter flight suits, rough trousers, ankle support shoes since the weather tends to be chilly when one is air borne. Thick gloves/socks are also recommended.

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Billing - paragliding in Himachal Pradesh

Location / position / temperature / climate / packages / para gliders / Hang gliding / sailing / TTB / cross country flights /Joy rides / rocks / skill / resorts / vacations / holidays / courses / duration / fees / timing / training / Tandem Rides / tips / ridges / Cable car / lift / flying season / competitions / training / adventure sports / Medical services / organizers / contact / address / equipments of paragliding in Billing , Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh , India

Protected by the mountains and encircled by tea gardens, Bir a tiny village with a Tibetan Colony and monasteries in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh; provides a landing ground and a foundation for Hang and Para gliders. The launching / take-off destination Billing, is a small meadow at 2,400m / 8500 ft on the Dhauladhar ranges, 14 km up from Bir. The meadow is one of the wonders of nature, absolutely designed as a launch pad, has developed into a legend on the international paragliding circuits and a goal for World Champion Para glider pilots. The meadow directly over the villages of Bir and Chaugan, is one of the best gliding sites in the world.

The enormous Dhauladar mountain range and the Kangra valley underneath with its panoramic views offer opportunity for high altitude up and down and cross-country flying for further than 200 km. The Dhauladar range runs from Dalhousie in the North West of the state, in a curvature arc south east to Mandi. Billing lies approximately midway flanked by Dharamsala and Mandi and to the south west of Manali and Kulu valley.

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Things to see / do in Victoria Memorial Hall , Kolkata

colonial buildings / pictures / manuscripts / statues / letters / light and sound show in Victoria Memorial Hall

Set in the midst of 64 acres of lawns, fountains, and herbaceous borders this supreme symbol of the British, houses artifact illustrating British ancestry in India. The building covers a region of 103.02 m by 69.49 m.196080 cft of Makrana marble was brought from Jodhpur, Rajasthan for its construction. It has been considered that a goods train about 27 km long would be necessary to fetch the entire building materials required for the memorial. Statues of former British rulers sculpt by Italian craftsmen that used to beautify street corners all the way alongside Chowringhee and the Maidan, are at the present scattered around the huge garden of the monument.

The 'H' shaped memorial consists of plentiful hybrid features; it has Italian-style statues over its entry, Mughal domes in its corners and tall well-designed open curved colonnades all along its sides. There are 3000 exhibits in 25 galleries in a chamber underneath the dome. Chief entrance is from the north. A bronze statue of Queen Victoria is seated enthroned in bronze at the doorway marble staircase wearing the regal Order of the Star of India. On top of her, a black bronze angel acknowledged as Victory, holding a bugle in her hand was positioned at the peak of the dome above the Memorial and has forever been considerd as a curious adding up to the monument. It is set to its pedestal with ball bearings and rotates whilst the wind is powerful enough.

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Museum and Art Gallery of Victoria Memorial Hall

The entry dome is extremely graven with the text of Queen Victoria's imperial declaration speech. Within the memorial there is a extraordinary collection of artifacts which depict British Imperialism - statues of famous British figures as well as Robert Clive, General Stringer Lawrence, Lord Bentick, William Makepeace Thackeray, who was born here, Florence Nightingale, Queen Mary, George V and Queen Victoria etc. Loads of British India's Governors and Governor Generals are represented at this point in stone, dressed in Roman togas, like Clive, Warren Hastings, Cornwallis, Wellesley and Dalhousie. Outstanding paintings like portrait of Rudyard Kipling by Burne-Jones, Johann Zoffany's portrait of William Hastings and his family, Macaulay, Bishop Heber and William Hickey, Verestchagin's monumental representation of the Prince of Wales making his majestic tour of Jaipur in 1876, the works of the Victorian artists Thomas and William Daniells, paintings of Robert Clive, marriage of the Prince of Wales with Princess Alexandra are displayed and a vast painting which depict King Edward VII entering Jaipur in a royal procession in 1876. French guns seized at the Battle of Plassey are on exhibit next to with the black stone throne of the Nawab whom Clive defeated. In addition on display are several Indians devoid of discrimination. Amongst these are Keshab Chandra Sen, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath tagore along with his grandfather Dwarkanath Tagore.

In the Royal Gallery there are countless oil paintings which illustrate episodes from Queen Victoria's long, exciting life, reign, coronation in the Westminster Abbey in June 1838; her marriage with Prince Albert (1840) in the Chapel Royal at St. James' Palace; the baptism, wedding of her son, her residence of Frogmore, Queen Victoria at the first Jubilee service in Westminster Abbey in 1887 and the Second Jubilee service of Queen Victoria at St. Paul's Cathedral, June 1897 etc. A number of her possessions, resembling the pianoforte, her place of tuition in childhood, personal writing desk, chair taken for each day communication at Windsor, scrapbooks of her letters in Hindustani, for Queen was tought in the language by her preferred Indian attendant Abdul Karim, the very last letter she wrote to her people in India and many more.

The memorial is renowned for its exhibits of Indian and Western Paintings, manuscripts, postage stamps, Mughal miniatures, books that date back to the 1870, statues and sculptures, arms and armaments, sketches and further things of historic value in its Museum and Art Gallery. At the moment it is one of the chief attractions for tourists in Kolkata. At this juncture, on weekends, public picnic, families assemble, and transiting pilgrims bring flowers to the statue of "Maharani Victoria". Two regular sound and light show both in English and Bengali are held in the evening. The memorial remains open from 10 am to 17 pm on every weekdays excluding on Mondays and public holidays. For Indians the entry fee to the museum is Rs.10/-for all foreigners the entry fee to the museum is Rs.150/-. The Memorial is an autonomous body managed by a Board of Trustees with the Governor of West Bengal as the Chairperson, and is under the 'administrative control' of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

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Victoria Memorial Hall

Location / significance / history / monuments / architecture / structure / foundation / map / design / area / architect / height / elevation / travel / photography tips / tourism / archway / monuments / lawns / gardens / marble stones / carvings / statues / sculptures / lawns / fountains / entry fees / timing / picture gallery of Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata , West Bengal , India

Built exclusively of white marble, Victoria Memorial is one of India's most stunning monuments. It embodies a unique blend of classical European architecture and Mughal ornamentation. The arched and white marble museum lounges over 64 acres and is sited in a landscaped garden in the southern part of the Kolkata's Maidan (ground) in the vicinity of Jawaharlal Nehru Road. Designed after the Taj Mahal in Agra, it has a huge collection of pictures, manuscripts, letters, statues, letters etc, involving the Nawabi and British stronghold in Bengal.
The memorial was the motivation of Lord Curzon, who in 1901, felt that his recently departed Queen Victoria, needed an appropriate monument to her reminiscence. She was the first British sovereign hailed with the title of Queen-Empress of India in 1877. The structure was designed by Sir William Emerson, the President of the British Institute of Architects. Vincent J Esch who was an assistant Engineer in the Bengal Nagpur Railway, was the supervisor and architect and the job of building was handed over to Messrs Martin and Company of Kolkata. Sir David Prain and Lord Redesdale prepared the design of the gardens. in spite of the fact that the construction of the substructure of the monument commenced in 1904, it was completed barely after 20 years at a cost of 10 million rupees. The Prince of Wales officially inaugurated it during 1921.

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