Showing posts with label Bharatpur Excursion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bharatpur Excursion. Show all posts

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Bayana


Bayana is 45 kms. from Bharatpur between two ranges of aravali hills running more or less parallel to each other close to the left bank of Gambhir river, formerly a tributary of Banganga.The ancient name of Bayana was Sripatha or Sriprastha. It became an important town under the Mughal emperors (early 16th-mid19th century). It was close to this place that Babur defeated Sangram Singh (aka Rana Sanga) of Chittor and it was after this major battle that the Rajput town of Sikri became the famous Fatehpur Sikri (which is situated in what is now Uttar Pradesh, very close to the border). Since then Bayana became a stronghold of the Mughals. The remains of some of their relics can be seen.
Main Attractions of Bayana
The Old Fort:
The highpoint of a trip to Bayana is the old fort, Vijaygarh, perched on a low hill. A curious mixture of Hindu and Muslim relics, the fort has been the scene of many historical events. Much of this huge complex is in ruins, but the solid rounded outer walls and colossal watchtower speak volumes of its past glory. Scrubby growth fills the gaps in the edifice, and goats and cows are the only regular visitors to the place. Although most of this red sandstone fort might look like rubble from a distance, some portions like a darwaza (door) here and an arch there are intact. But the surprises are many. Some of the gateways and panels show extremely beautiful carving. A forgotten barrel lies somewhere in the bushes. There’s also a pillar with inscriptions in Pali (an ancient language, of around the 4th-5th century BC). In other places are writings in Urdu, the language of the Muslims. Yet in another place is a carved slab showing the sacred footprints of a person, perhaps of a sadhu (Hindu saint) who passed that way.
The Barah Khambon ki Chhatri:
The Barah Khambon ki Chhatri, is, as its name suggests, a pavilion of 12 pillars. It is a red sandstone monument lying at the foothills amidst dense bushes. There’s another cenotaph in the surrounding, a double storeyed one, with an interesting circular pattern inside its dome. The place make for a perfect picnic spot. In fact, Bayana is full of such monuments. There's the Usa Masjid, built as an extension of an older mosque which has now been converted into the temple Usa Mandir. The old mosque was probably built in the 12th century by one Baha al-Din Tugral, who was the first Muslim governor of the region. These were the Ghori Sultans who were in Delhi for sometime, but did not have a very significant niche. The Usa Masjid was then added in about 1320-21 by one Kafur al-Sultani, a later Governor.
Lodi Minar:
Another one worth seeing is the Lodi Minar, though incomplete, built in 1519-20 by Nizam Khan, the Governor under Ibrahim Shah Lodi. The Lodis were the rulers of Delhi in the 15th and 16th centuries until Babur came and set up the Mughal empire. The construction of this minaret in Bayana was, unfortunately, stalled by Babur. The Jijhri is a little structure which was built to house Akbar for just one night. It had a special cooling system, as it was supposedly built on a pond. The jali (latticed) windows were to let in maximum air. The Jahangiri Gate stands like a stray structure, dilapidated and aloof. However, there are traces of carving in the pillars and some inscriptions in Urdu. The gateway was built to welcome Jahangir, Akbar’s son, who had come for a visit to Bayana.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Deeg Palace

The Eminent Deeg Palace




The Beautiful Deeg Fountain




Deeg - Town Of Cupid Construction:
Welcome to the most popular among the lesser known destinations of Rajasthan, Deeg, 36 km north of Bharatpur, is a small town yet to be explored. Very few travellers ever make it to Deeg, if on a way to the famous sanctuary, but this small town with its exquisite fortifications, impressive palaces and busy market makes an excellent excursion tour, much more interesting than Bharatpur (save the bird park) itself. Take up Deeg Tourism in Bharatpur which is an easy day trip from Agra, the trivial town of Deeg is best known for its well-preserved palaces and an elegantly manicured Mughal Garden. Visit Deeg during the three-day fair held in the month of September, when the Deeg fort is decorated like a newly wed bride. Enjoy a holiday in the rural destination of Deeg to enjoy the rural culture and heritage
The Deeg Fort - Reflection of History:
Famous Deeg fort in Rajasthan is the perfect holiday idea. One might want to spend the whole day in the palace, but take out some time to visit the eminent Deeg fort, with massive walls and a shallow wide moat, constructed on a elevated plain on the eastern side of the huge Roop Sagar. See the famous Deeg fort while you wander across the ramparts of history, supported by a couple of bastions, and shielding the past with a huge cannon, mounted at the corner. Walk under the impressive gateway protected with anti-elephant spikes. The largest bastion is towards the north-west corner, known as Lakkha Burj or the principal watch-tower. Climb on this 70-foot-high tower, and look at the green countryside sprawled around. It is said that on a sunny day, one could keep a watch on the neighbouring countryside for as far as 10 km!
Deeg Attractions:
Visit Deeg to see the most famous attractions of this rural destination. The palaces form a captivating quadrangle with strategic water courses , statuesque fountains and a compassionately trimmed garden amidst big shady trees. Built in an impeccable blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural style, the palaces display an excellent state of repair. Walk over to the west side of the square and look for the richly carved cornices, pavilions and eaves of the magnificent Gopal Bhawan. The grey and slightly pinkish sandstone with which these palaces are made, reflects the wisdom and dexterity of the architects employed. Stop and spend a few moments pendulating with the history, the marble swing (believed to have belonged to emperor Jahangir's queen - the Persian beauty, Noor Jehan) will serve as a mode. Visit the "Sawan-Bhadon" palace on either side, which have a hollow ceiling with rolling iron spheres in it,when water is made to flow into the ceiling, these spheres collide with each other and produce a mesmerizing sound of raining clouds. Look at the palace in the golden rays of the evening sun - roofs built in the ancient 'Gajaprastha' style (like an elephant's back) with beautiful spires, jaali-covered arches, intricately carved brackets - built one upon the other - three storeys two of which are immersed in water, make each of these pavilions a nonpareil romantic resort to spend come memorable moments of your holiday vacation.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Band Baretha

Kakund River


Various And Rare Species Of Birds



Band Baretha, old wildlife reserve of the rulers of Bharatpur State is about 650 km from Bharatpur city. Near it is situated a big dam on “Kakund” River. The foundation stone of this dam was laid in 1866 by Maharaja Jaswant Singh and completed in 1897-88 during Maharaja Ram Singh’s period. There is an old palace, which is still private property of Bharatpur Royal family. Animals like sambhur, chital, blue bull, wild boar, hyena and leopard inhabit Bandh Baretha. It is also inhabited by 200 rare species of birds, every year number of bird watchers come here.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Kaman

Kaman is a very old town, situated in the north of Bharatpur. It is a very old and sacred town of Hindus as it forms a part of Braj area where Lord Krishna spent his early life. It is also known as Kamaban. Its former name is said to have been Brahampore, but Raja Kama sen the maternal grand father of Krishna changed it to Kaman after his own name. Kaman is the short name of Kadambawana for numerous Kadhamba Trees are found here. It is a place of Pilgrimage, Annually visited by a large number of Vaishnava in the month of Bhadon as a part of Banyatra .The remains of a temple /mosque consisting of 84 pillars, named Chourasi Khamaba’ still exist here. None of these pillars is without ornament and some are very highly decorated. Kaman has long been under the rule of Jaipur but was conquered and annexed by Maharaja jawahar Singh. Some palaces of Jaipur Chiefs still exist here. Maharaja jai Singh took the ilols of Madan Mohanji and Gokul Chandraman to his newly built city of Jaipur but due to some resions the idols were brought back to Kaman after a short stay at Bikaner.