Agra, India- Month 4/ Itinerary- School Project

Agra, India

After exploring the wonders of Bangalore I head of to Agra, but this time I am taking a train. On October 5th I get a taxi from the B&B I was staying at to the Bangalore train station. My train is at 7:20 pm and It will take 1 day 12 hours until I reach my destination: Agra. Once I have arrived at the Agra train station I will make my way to another B&B, where I will be staying for another month. I will be staying with a family who live in a beautiful heritage home, which isn't too far from the train station. While travelling around Agra I will be accompanied by the lovely family.  

Information of Agra, India

Agra is a major tourist attraction as it contains one of the seven wonders of the world - Taj Mahal. Agra is an ancient city situated on the river Yamuna within Uttar Pradesh In India. The city has been described as Agraba in the epic Mahabharata. The city was capital of Lodhi Kingdom and later on seved the same for Mughals. During 16th and 17th century the city was developed as art, culture, commerce and learning center by Mughal kings like Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Some wonderful buildings were erected in Agra City by the mughal kings. Agra city is famous for monuments and crafts. The monument and crafts have preserved the cultural heritage for centuries. 

Where I will visit in Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. 

Agra Fort, Agra

The Agra Fort lies along the Yamuna river, northwest of the Taj Mahal. It consists of a wall built in red sandstone and several buildings inside. The wall has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. You can only enter the fort via the Amar Singh Gate. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.

Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

Fatehpur Sikri is a royal city situated 40 miles west of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, northern part of India. It is listed as one of the world’s heritage site by UNESCO due to its unique features and it is one of the major destinations in India. This city served as the capital of the Mughal Empire during 15th century. This glorious city was planned by Akbar, the great emperor of Mughal dynasty. The name Fateh is originated from Arabic which means “victory” and Sikri means “thanks to god” and the city came into significance when Akbar the Great made it as head quarters and built a majestic fort. But this city was abandoned due to the scarcity of water in the town.

Akabar's Tomb, Sikandra

This mausoleum is situated on the out skirts of the Agra City. It houses the mortal remains of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who, during his lifetime itself had completed the tomb and laid out a beautiful garden. The top most storey is entirely made up of white marble. It has a square court, which is open to sky. The central courtyard is enclosed in all the sides by slender arches and piers and divided into bays, which has been roofed in the trabeate pattern. At the centre of the courtyard lies a square platform, over which a white marble cenotaph is laid out. This cenotaph is profusely carved with arabesque and floral patterns.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, Agra

Itmad-Ud-Daulah's tomb is a Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Often described as 'jewel box', sometimes called the 'Baby Tāj', the tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Tāj Mahal. Along with the main building, the structure consists of numerous outbuildings and gardens. The tomb, built between 1622 and 1628 represents a transition between the first phase of monumental Mughal architecture - primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations

Varanasi- Month 1/ Itinerary - School Project

Varanasi

On July 1st I start my Journey to India, first stop 

Varanasi!! I am already mentally preparing myself for the 50 hour flight to Varanasi, India. I will go to the Vancouver International Airport at 9:00 am in order to catch my 11:30 flight with the Philippine Airport. My first stop is in 14 hours and 15 minutes in Ninoy, Aquino at the Manilla International Airport. I have a 12 hour layover and I don't know what I will do during my time at the airport. From the Manilla Airport is was an 9 hour flight from the India Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India. Where I can catch the Neelachal Express train to Varanassi. When I am finally in Varanssi, I will have a taxi pick me up at the train station and drive me to the International Travellers' Hotel were I will be staying for a month.  

Information on Varanasi

Varanasi is a city on the banks of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres southeast of the state capital, Lucknow. The civilians of Varanasi rely greatly on the Ganges River. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Kainism. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and the oldest city in India. Many of its temples were destroyed by Mohammed Gahur in the 12th century. Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India and people often refer to Varanasi as "the city of temples", "the city of lights", "the city of learning" and "the oldest living city on earth." 

Places I will visit in Varanasi 

Ganges River, Varanasi

The Ganges river is a trans-boundary river of India and Bangladesh. the 2,525 km river rises in the western Himalyas and flows south and east through North India into Bangladesh, where it empties into the Bay of Bengal. It is the longest river in India and the second largest river in the world. The Ganges basin is heavily populated with over 400 million people. The river is the most sacred river to Hindus and it has been a lifeline to millions of Indians who lived along its course and depended on the river for their daily needs. The river is worshipped at the goddess Ganga in Hinduism. Hindus consider the waters of the Ganges to be both pure an purifying. Moving water, as in a river, is considered purifying in Hindu culture because it is thought to both absorb impurities and them them away. Not only does the Ganges river remove physical dirt but also symbolic dirt; it wipes away the lifetime sins of the bather. The Ganges river is ranked among the five most polluted rivers in the world. Not only is it endangering humans but also 140 fish species, including the endangered Ganges river dolphin. The action plan to clean up the river has been a major fails due to corruption of lack technical expertise, Indian traditions and beliefs, and lack of support from religious authorities.

Durga Temple, Varanasi

Durga temple, also known as the "monkey temple" is one of the important temples of Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The Durga temple was built in the eighteenth century. Bengali Maharani built the Durga temple in Nagara Style (the North Indian style of temple architecture); it is stained red with ochre. According to legends, the present statue of Goddess Durga was not made by man but appeared on its own in the temple. The Durga temple is also called Monkey temple because of the presence of large number of monkeys. In Hinduism, Durga is represented as the embodiment of shakti or female power, clad in red, riding a tiger and fully armed with Shiva's trident, Vishnu's discus and a sword. Non-Hindus can enter the courtyard of the Durga temple but not the inner sanctum. Thousands of Hindu devotees visit the Durga temple during Navratri and other auspicious occasions.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Varanasi, the holiest existing place of Hindus, where at least once in life a Hindu is expected to do pilgrimage, and if possible, also pour the remains of cremated ancestors on the River Ganges.The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganges.The temple town, which claims to be the oldest living city in the world, with 3500 years of documented history,[1] is also called Kashi and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. A visit to the temple and a bath in the river Ganges is one of many methods believed to lead one on a path to Moksha (liberation). Thus, people from all over the nation try to visit the place at least once in their lifetime. There is also a tradition that one should give up at least one desire after a pilgrimage the temple

Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the most important Ghats of Varanasi. Dasaswamedh literally means the Ghat (river front) of ten sacrificed horses. According to legends ten horses were sacrificed by Lord Brahma to allow Lord Shiva to return from a period of banishment. In spite of the fact that Dasaswamedh is one of the oldest Ghats of Varanasi, dating back to many thousand years, the Ghat has remained unspoilt and clean. Dasaswamedh provides a beautiful and colorful riverfront view. A large number of Sadhus can be seen performing religious rites on this Ghat. In the evening, thousands of earthen lamps are immersed in the waters of the holy Ganges and the floating lamps give a divine look to the river at dusk.

Sankat Mochan Temple, Varanassi

Sankat Mochan temple is one of the sacred temples of Varanasi. It is located in the southern part of Varanasi, near the Banaras Hindu University. It is dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. The word "Sankat Mochan" means one who helps in removing sufferings i. e. Lord Hanuman. Tulsidas, the author of the famous Hindu epic Ramacharitamanasa, founded the Sankat Mochan temple. According to Hindu mythology, one who visits the Sankat Mochan temple regularly, his wishes get fulfilled. Every Tuesday and Saturday, thousands of devotees queue up in front of the Sankat Mochan temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. According to Vedic Astrology, Hanuman protects human beings from the anger of planet Saturn and those who have ill placed Saturn in their horoscope visit the Sankat Mochan temple to get remedy.

Darbhanga Ghat,Varanasi

*virtual tour of Darbhanga Ghat*

Darbhanga Ghat, a renowned holy spot among the Hindu devotes, is an ideal location to have the religious rites associated with the death of the relatives or friends. This is situated in the bank of the holy Ganges between two other Ghats famously known as Dashaswamedh Ghat and Rana Mahal Ghat. The ghat is ideally placed above an impressive building. The building serves as a place for the people to overlook the religious ceremonies in the Ghat. A temple enshrining the Shiva Lingam is an attraction to this place. The premises of the Ghat offer all kinds of facilities for performing religious rituals.

Kedar Ghat, Varanassi

*Virtual tour of the Kedar Ghat*

Kedar Ghat, a favorite temple among south India populaces and Bengalis, is a revered Ghat in Varanasi. This was constructed by the Maharaja of Vijayanagar in the southern part of Kashi. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiv. The Kedar Ghat is known for its the unique features. This holy Ghat is placed in a scenic location and is a known place for having great photography. A pond known as Parvati Kund is placed just down of the Kedar Ghat. It is believed that the water in this Kund has high healing properties.

Map of Varanasi and the Places I will visit

* all transportation was done by foot and/or moped

Bangalore, Month 3/ Itinerary- School Project

Bangalore, India

After a month of exploring the beaches and temples of Goa, India, I leave for Bangalore to explore more of india! My plane ride, with Jet Airway 299, leaves on September 3 at 2:50 pm for Bengaluru International Airport- the flight is rect and only takes an hour and five minutes! Once I have arrived I get in a taxi, that are available at the airport, and head to the Casa Piccola Cottage Bed, which is in the centre of Bangalore! The cost to stay there for a month will be $932, which is more expensive than the condo in Goa- but all worth it!

Information on Bangalore

Bangalore is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Karnatake. It is also called "Green City" for its beautiful gardens, flowers and trees which flourish in each street. Bangalore is the third most populous city. Today, as a large and growing metropolis, Bangalore is home to some of the most well-recognied colleges and research institutions in India. Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of India because of its greatest position as the nation's leading IT employer and exporter. A demographically diverse city, Bangalore is a major economic hub and the fastest growing major metropolis in India.

Where I will visit in Bangalore

Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, Karnataka

The Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka. It is an impressive building, constructed in a style, 'Neo-Dravidian', and it incorporates elements of Indo-Saracenic, Rajasthani Jharokha and Dravidian styles. It was built in the 1950s. Shri Kengal Hanumanthaiah, Chief Minister of Mysore from 1951 to 1956, is credited with the conception of the Vidhana Soudha. He visited Europe,Russia United States and other places and got the idea of building Vidhana Soudha by incorporating various designs from the buildings he had seen. The foundation was laid by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, on July 13, 1951. It was completed in 1956. Vidhana Soudha has 4 identical entrances.

Bangalore Palace, Karnataka 

Bangalore Palace is situated in the Palace Gardens, at the heart of the Bangalore city of India. Built in the year 1887 by Wodeyar dynasty, it is adorned with magnificent woodcarvings and Tudor-style architecture on the inside. Infact, the palace is quite similar to the medieval castles that were built in Normandy and England. The Windsor Castle of London left a great impression on King Chamaraja Wodeyar of Wodeyar dynasty, on one of his trips to England. Inspired by the Tudor style architecture, he got the Bangalore Palace built in the city. Once surrounded by beautiful gardens, the palace has now lost much of its original charm. However, it still succeeds in attracting tourists. Fortified towers, Gothic windows, battlements and turrets lend a great degree of magnificence to the Bangalore Palace of India. Mainly constructed of wood, it boasts of splendid carvings and paintings. Today the palace serves as the venue for various exhibitions, concerts and cultural programs held in the city.

Tipu Sultan Palace, Bengaluru

Located right in the heart of Bengaluru within a busy bazaar is located this very unique palace. I really wanted to visit this place after all it was the great Tipu Sultan’s Palace. The palace is made completely of teakwood, my guide said that the teakwood was soaked for 2 years in water before being used in the palace. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace was the summer residence of Tipu Sultan till 

his death in the year 1799 during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.

Silicon Valley, Bangalore

With a fast-growing reputation as India's high-tech capital, Bangalore is fulfilling a prophecy first uttered almost a century ago. India's fastest growing city is a study in urban contrasts where satellite dishes, sleek office towers and industrial parks are interspersed with the traditional symbols of Indian society embodied by ancient temples and the aroma of incense. Looking at Bangalore today- with its population of 6.5 millions- it is difficult to believe that the city literally rose from the mud forts almost 500 years ago. Bangalore dates from 1537 when chieftain Kempe Gowda settled here and constructed a mud fort surrounded by four watchtowers. Awaharal Nehru, India's first prime minister, predicted the Bangalore was destine to be India's City of the Future. The capital of southern India's Karnataka state, Bangalore ranks one of India's most prosperous and progressive cities and pace-setter in software development and the IT industry. Dubbed the Silicon Valley of India, it is moving boldly into the 21 century, propelled by some of the best and brightest technological and scientific minds in the world.

Lal Bagh, Bangalore

Lal Bagh is one of India's most beautiful botanical gardens. Hyder Ali created the garden, which his son added horticultural wealth to it. He imported several plans and trees from different countries. The garden has about 1000 species of rare plants and herbs. The park is constructed in about 2400 acres. There is a glass house, depicting London's Crystal Palace, which is the main centre of attraction. The garden is well protected with sone walls which act as enclosures.

Map of Bangalore and the places I will Visit

* As I stayed in the heart of Bangalore, I will have a personal driver to bring me to all my desired locations.

Goa, India- Intinerary/ Month 2 (August) - School Project

Goa, India

After I have spent a month in Delhi, India I will head to Goa, India. My flights are booked, on Jet Airways 352m to leave the Delhi Airport at 2:00pm and after four hours and 1 stop in Mumbai I will have arrived at the Dabloim Airport, in Goa. When I arrive in taxi I will have another chauffeur will drive me to the capital of Goa where I have rented a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo- I will be staying here for all of August. It only cost 420 Canadian dollars, what a good deal! As I am travelling around Goa to places like Kavlem, Arambol, Palolem and Panjim I will be travelling by bus and moped- as the transportation is, apperantly, exceptional.

My condo for the month of august!

Information on Goa

Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it soon thereafter. Goa is a former Portuguese colony, the Portuguese overseas territory of Portuguese India existed for about 450 years until it was taken over by India in 1961.

Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich plants and animals, owing to its location on the Western Ghatsrange, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.