Chittorgarh, the garh at Chittor, is the greatest in Rajasthan, and is well worth reshuffling an itinerary to explore. Tourist destination is famous for its massive fortress claimed to be the largest amoung all the Rajput fort and has witnessed the legendary tale of Queen Padmini’s act of jauhar that fascinates most historians and travellers. The guide said there are total 113 temples inside the fort apart from palaces and monuments.

Ruins at Chittorgarh

Temple of sati-resister and legendary devotee of Lord Krishna, Mirabai

Jain Kirti Stambh and Mandir

Jain temple with a dome

Vijay Stambh

Hindu temple in Indo-Aryan style

Kirti Stambha

Jain temple basks

Intricate Jain carvings on Kirti Stambha

credit: Nagarjun

Chand Baori in Abhaneri village in eastern Rajasthan, India, is one of the most overlooked landmarks in the country. It is one of the oldest stepwell in India, and is considered to be among the biggest in the world. This incredible square structure is 13 stories deep, and lined along the walls on three sides are double flight of steps. 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry descends to the bottom of the well 20 meters deep to a murky green puddle of water. It was commissioned by King Chanda in the 9th century to give the local population easy access to clean ground water at the bottom of the well.

credit: Sitomon

Hampi is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India located near Hospet town in the Karnataka state. The buildings in the city are mostly built in the original native traditions of southern India, associated with the Hindu religion. Among them are beautiful temples, basements of palaces, remains of aquatic structures, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, treasury buildings. Hampi covers an area of nearly 26 sq km and is stated to be enclosed by seven lines of fortifications.

credit: Hakris

Nalanda is the name of an ancient university located at 55 miles from Patna in Bihar. This university was the largest residential Buddhist centre of learning in the world with a 9 storied library. 2,000 Teachers and 10,000 Students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied at Nalanda. Founded in the 5th Century BC, and reported to have been visited by the Buddha during his lifetime.

Nalanda

Nalanda

Nalanda Campus

Nalanda Campus

Library Corridor

Campus Garden

credit: rivalslayer

Humayun’s Tomb is a complex of buildings built for Mughal emperor Humayun who ruled India for a decade. It is located near the crossing of Mathura road and Lodhi road. This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. The architect was Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.

credit: Ish-Shemsh

Elephant polo is a game quite similar to the horse polo. Main difference is that players ride elephants instead of horses. Elephant polo is often played in India and Thailand. The game is played with 4 players in every team. Every match is divided into two 10 minutes periods. Matches are played on a playground sized 100 metres by 70 metres.

credit: mbostock

Traditional mehndi decorations draw the sun on the palm which represents the mind. In the West, people sometimes call mehndi henna tattoos. Henna is a temporary form of skin decoration used in India. It is typically used during occasions like weddings and Hindu festivals. Henna has been used for thousands of years throughout Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The henna paste is piped onto the skin in ornate patterns, then kept moist as long as possible with lime juice, eucalyptus oil and sugar to allow the stain to deepen. It is a 100% natural.

credit: chrissylong

credit: Samira Khan

credit: Rizwan Sagar 03458650886

credit: Rizwan Sagar 03458650886

credit: Rizwan Sagar 03458650886

credit: Fred Hsu

credit: Henna by Heather – Mehndi in Boston / Providence M

credit: Henna by Heather – Mehndi in Boston / Providence M