One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal stands tall at the south bank of the river Yamuna in Agra. Taj Mahal or the “icon of love” is one of the best places to visit in Agra and the most popular tourist destinations in India.
Hawa Mahal, known as the "Palace of Winds", is an iconic architectural marvel in Jaipur, India. The palace was built in 1799 by the Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It is famous for its distinctive honeycomb facade that is adorned with 953 intricately carved windows, showcasing the best of Rajput craftsmanship. The palace is five stories tall and offers panoramic views of Jaipur's bustling streets. This historic monument symbolizes Rajasthan's rich heritage and serves as a testament to its royal legacy.
Humayun's Tomb, located in Delhi, India, is a remarkable architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent mausoleum was built in the mid-16th century, serving as the final resting place for Emperor Humayun, the second Mughal ruler of India. Designed by the Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the tomb exhibits an exquisite blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles, setting a precedent for future Mughal structures.
Home to the President of the world’s largest democracy, Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi stands as a symbol of national strength. The nation’s most important democratic functions like the swearing-in ceremony of its elected leaders are carried out in these very grounds.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan has been witness to honour giving ceremonies of the country’s bravehearts and achievers, signing of historic pacts between India and other nations, of India’s independence and republic day ceremonies, and the hosting of many world leaders.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is a true architectural masterpiece in its own right. The magnificent building spreads across 320 acres, including the splendid ‘Mughal Garden’ and the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum. The design of the Rashtrapati Bhavan mainly imparts the Mughal architectural styles blended with classical and grand European signatures, credited to the British architects- Edwin Lutyen and Hebert Baker.
The building is also diversified with a number of other typically Indian motifs such as ornate Elephant statues on the outer wall or the main gate of the building with the ‘Jaipur column’. All in all, it is quite a visual treat to behold!
The building is open to visitors by three different segments or tour circuits. The first circuit comprises of the Main building and the Central Lawn. The second circuit houses the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex. In the same circuit, you can get a tour of the Clock Tower, the Stables, and the Garages.
The third circuit has the magnificent Mughal Garden and other ancillary gardens of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Tourists can request a trip of each of the circuits separately on the days assigned for each segment respectively for daytime visits from 9 AM to 4 PM.
There is much to take in and marvel at around the complex-- the intricate craftsmanship of carved marble statues, the sprawling Mughal Gardens featuring masterful landscaping concepts, the Clock Tower, and a myriad of presidential mementos preserved inside the Museum. Upon exit, you can explore the premier surroundings of this important historical site, often called as the ‘Lutyens Delhi’.