Qutub Minar, India

A 73 meter tall, 14.3 meters base diameter Qutub Minar is forms in the Mehruali Area of Dehli India. The UNESCO world heritage site tilts just over 65 cm from the vertical contains spiral staircase of 379 steps. The five storeys tall tapering tower design have been based on the Minaret of Jam, in Afghanistan. The Qutub Minar is a minaret which laid the foundation of Minar were started by Qutub ud Din Aibek around in 1192, however his son in law Shams ud din Iltutmish finish the Minar in 1220. The minar stood stand another 149 years, after massive lightning strike damaged the top storey, which were replaced by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1369 and added one more storey.  Another Muslim ruler Sher Shah Suri also added an entrance to this tower while he was ruling and Humayun was at an exile. Moreover, several inscriptions in Parso-Arabic and Nagari characters in different sections of the Qutab Minar reveal the history of its construction, and the later restorations and repairs by Firoz Shah Tughluq (1351–89) and Sikandar Lodi in 1489–1517). The Qutub Minar name is actually derived from the Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki whom Qutab Ud-Din-Aibak revered. On 1 September 1803, a massive earthquake caused serious damage to Qutub Minar. Major Robert Smith of the British Indian Army renewed the tower in 1828 and installed a pillared cupola over the fifth story, thus creating a sixth.

The tower was built to celebrate Muslim dominance in Delhi after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu ruler. The Qutub Minar is the highest tower in India. A noteworthy image of Qutub minaret is featured on the travel cards issued by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, in collaboration with the Archaeological survey of India has made a 360o walkthrough of Qutab Minar available. The site served as the pit stop of the second leg of the second series of The Amazing race Australia. The general public was allowed to go upstairs of minaret, but unluckily a chaos was happened in 1981, when internal staircase lighting failed, which in results of massive stampeded towards the exit and 45 people were killed in crush and few injured.  Since then Qutub Minaret has been closed for public. The Qutube MInar is surrounded by many historical monuments of Qutab Complex, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque “established in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate”, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Ala-ud-din Madrasa and much older iron pillar of Delhi made up of 98% wrought iron and has not rusted till date. Moreover Ala'i Minar which stands to the north of Qutub-Minar, was commenced by Muslim ruler Alau'd-Din Khalji, with the intention of making it twice the size of earlier Minar. He could complete only the first storey which now has an extant height of 25 m. Ala'i-Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Alau'd-Din Khalji in 1311 as recorded in the inscriptions engraved on it. This is the first building employing Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation.

Qutub Minar has been counted as the highest brick tower in the world enthralled by the huge structure that withstood all tests of time. Some believes that this prodigious architectural structure was built to propound the prominence of the Islam religion, however many had the notions that that was built for defensive purpose. The Qutub Minar first three storeys comprise fluted cylindrical shafts or columns of pale red sandstone, parted by darker red sandstone flanges and by storeyed balconies, carried on Muqarnas corbels. However the fourth column is of marble, and is relatively plain. The 5th is of marble and sandstone. The flanges are engraved with Quranic texts and decorative elements. The whole tower is considered to be within safe limits, although experts have stated that monitoring is needed in case rainwater seepage further weakens the foundation. Apart from the tower, a 7 metre high iron pillar, the tomb of Iltutmish, Ala’i-Darwaza and the Ala’I Minar. This tall majestic structure is visited by thousands of travelers every year from all over the world. The best time to visit Qutub Minar is spring season, when the climate is pleasing and it is the tourism season of the country.

Athirappally Falls, India

Marvel at Athirapally Falls, is one of India's biggest cascades, emerging from numerous streams flowing through a thick forest landscape. The stunning 330-feet wide and 80-feet high, “Athirapally falls” in Kerala have fairly earned the title of being the “Niagara Falls of India”. The falls is located near the Chalakudy River and Sholayar Ranges, 55km northeast of the Kochi Airport, Athirapally waterfalls have been enticing its visitors. The traveling to this falls is enthralling and wonderful adorned with palms and coconut trees. The road down to “Athirapally Falls” is breathtaking! Snake roads filled with an astonishing range of flora and fauna - rubber trees, palm trees, coconut trees and small streams running amidst them. Almost all roads in Kerala are scenic and make the drive even more interesting. Travelers cannot get tired of the natural beauty of greens in Kerala while driving on the roads to Athirapally falls.

There is also a trek of 2 km to reach the falls the roaring sounds of these falls, mist over the rushing water and the natural beauty all around will surely steal your heart away. During monsoon, the trek turns slippery and is filled with little frogs jumping here and there. Visitors walk around 15 minutes and you can hear the massive sound of the falls, see the river flowing past huge rocks and trees. The Vazhachal falls are also situated nearby, and you can couple this attraction with Athirapally. Infect, Athirapally Falls is magnificent and magical, by experiencing this place. Monsoons add to the charm of these falls. Though, trekking up there during that season can be risky. You would also find some local fishermen catching fish and even kids diving into the river water however swimming is not recommended during the rainy season.

The falls are so huge that for a minute you can't believe that they can be so huge. You also thank yourself that the trek is worth it as you again go down towards the falls. The massive volume of the water that flows down the mountains is overwhelming and tranquillizing at the same time. The soothing cool breeze coupled with the gentle chirping of birds from the forest nearby is a welcome change from the din of city life, and you will meticulously relish a trip here with friends and family. Plantations in the area contain teak, bamboo, and eucalyptus. Environmentalists claim that Athirappilly-Ayyampuzha is a one-of its-kind riparian ecosystem in Kerala.

If you’re planning to go to Kerala, then a visit to the Athirapally Falls becomes a must-watch experience as it is a favorite destination for all those who love the magnificence of nature and beauty. The best time to visit the fall is during the monsoon when the rain water is falling on the river, and fishermen are busy catching fish sitting by the river. There are many treks around the hilly area to explore the falls and the guide rightly calls the beauty lingers on in the mind forever. The scenic beauty of Athirappilly falls has always been attractive to filmmakers. Although astonishing on the silver screen, the beauty of Athirapally is even more breathtaking in real life and makes it well worthy experience!

The Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan

The Jaisalmer Fort is built in 1156AD by the Ruler Rawal Jaisal. The fort name is derives from Rajpur ruler, is one of largest fortifications in the world. Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer’s is an exclusive fort is a living urban center, with more than four thousand people residing within its walls. It’s honeycombed with narrow, winding lanes, lined with houses and temples along with a large number of handicraft shops, guesthouses and restaurants. The Jaisalmer Fort is 1500 feet long, 750 feet wide actually built on a hill that raises above a height of 250 feet. The basement of the fort has 15 feet tall wall forming a double line of defense has four entrances to the town side, one of which used to be guarded by cannon.

The Fort is one of Rajasthan's most popular tourist attractions with as many as 500,000 to 600,000 tourists visiting it annually abuzz with commercial activities and has seen a phenomenal growth in both human and vehicular traffic. In fact, this is oldest and massive fort of remote Thar Desert of Rajasthan. In the medieval times, the ancient Jaisalmer fort came to be celebrated for the chivalry and bravery of its rulers and also for the aesthetic sense represented by its palaces and Havelis. There are five palaces inside the Jaisalmer fort and are known as Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal. Therefore the most famous of all the palaces, the Rang Mahal also has mural paintings to attract the tourists. So, it is thought, the winter months between October and February are most definitely the best time to visit Jaisalmer Fort. 

In 2013 the massive fort is declared UNESCO World Heritage Site stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of various battles. The Fort walls changes the color by yellow sandstone are tawny lion color in the middle of day, however fading to honey gold close to the sun sets thereby camouflaging in the yellow desert. Therefore, for this particular reason, the fort is also famous as the “Sonar Quila” or “Golden Fort”.  The fort is known a formidable monument in this region as it is located in the middle of the city. The Fort contains three layers of wall, made out of solid stone blocks and strengthens with loose rubble of Trikuta hill. 

The Jaisalmer Fort has an ingenious drainage system called the “ghut nali” lets the easy drainage of rainwater away from the fort in all four directions of the fort. But in last fifty years or so, haphazard construction activities and building of new roads has greatly reduced its effectiveness. Moroever, 6 forts of Rajasthan, namely, Jaisalmer Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore Fort were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in June 2013. They were recognized as a serial cultural property and Rajput military hill architecture. The colorful art forms and royal heritage made it appear paler in comparison. Though, the craftsmen were generally Muslims who were induced on their journey to exhibit their skills. The results were architectural purity that cannot be seen elsewhere.

The Jaisalmer Fort began in 1196 and it took 7 years to complete, and subsequent rulers kept making additions and alterations to it. The Jaisalmer Fort was once home to the Rajputs a warriors and trader tribe for many centuries, prospered by levying taxes on the merchants who wound between Egypt, Persia and India built a network of intricate fortresses to defend themselves and their accumulated wealth. In 1276, the King Jetsi strengthened the fort against Sultan of Dehli, who was incessantly invading with his trained soldiers and destroyed the castle. 

However, in 1306 the brave Dodoo was taken control of Fort, and subsequently started building the fort. Moreover Muslim king Ala-ud-din Khilji attacked and captured the fort in the 13th century and managed to hold it for nine years.  In 1541, another Muslim Mughal Emperor Humayun attached the fort city and captured the fort. After that Muslim Mughal Emperor Babur and subsequently seeded Akbar in 1570 take the control of fort. So, Fort was under control of Muslims Mughals until 1762, when Maharawal Mulraj took control of the fort. After the death of Mulraj in 1820, his grandson Gaj Singh took reigns of the fort. 

The famed fort has withstood earthquakes and sandstorms for a millenia, but now shifts and crumbles. The ever increasing population is a major threat and putting pressure on fort existence. The water seepage, inadequate civic amenities, derelict houses, seismic activity around the Trikuta Hill is mainly impacting on fort. Jaisalmer Fort has been built with a weak sedimentary rock foothill, which makes its foundation particularly vulnerable to seepage. Due to seepage, the substantial proportion of the Fort like, Queen’s Palace or Rani Ka Mahal and others outer boundary wall and lower pitching walls has collapsed. 

The fort is deteriorating, and dire need of extensive water-management infrastructure could not have been foreseen by the builders of this desert city, and changing weather patterns increasingly frequent and severe monsoons are jeopardizing the fort. In 1996, the World Monuments Fund included the Fort in his report due to the threats posed to by ever increasing population and up surging number of tourists who visit every year.  Nowadays, the Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Project, a joint government of Rajasthan and Asia Development Bank project, is now in the process of providing the needed upgrades to the fort’s drainage systems. And in 2010, WMF provided support for the emergency stabilization of the structure. So, it is a must-visit for history buffs and those keen on learning about the heritage of Rajasthan. Source: Charismatic Planet

The Murud-Janjira Fort

The Murud-Janjira Fort is situated on an oval-shaped rocky island in the Arabian Sea, near the coastal town of Murud, 165 km south of Mumbai, India. Once the stronghold of the Abyssinian Siddis, who played an important role in the history of Mumbai, later in the 17th century, Janjira is regarded one of the strongest marine forts in India, and the only unconquered one along India’s western coast. The fort was famous for its three gigantic cannons, weighing over 22 tons each that were feared for their incredible shooting range. Therefore, the words “Janjira” steal from Arabic word “Jazeera”, which means an island. Murud is a Marathi word for the Siddis, an ethnic group originating from Abyssinia, a historical nation in modern day Ethiopia.

So Murud-Janjira basically means “island of the Siddis”. The fort was originally built not by the Siddis, but by a local Maratha-Fisherman Chieftain, Rajaram Patil, in the 15th century, albeit on a smaller scale. At that time the fort was recognized as "Medhekot” and was built to defend his people from pirates and thieves. This was captured by a general of Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar, and later strengthened by Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian-origin Siddi regent of Ahmednagar kings. From then onward, the Siddis became independent and extraordinarily influential as autonomous state, and the fort continued to be occupied by them. Throughout history, several attempts were made by the Portuguese, the British and the Marathas to pacify the power of the Siddis, but badly failed.

However, the great Maratha leader Chhatrapati Shivaji tried unsuccessfully to scale the fort’s 40-feet high granite walls. Although in ruins now, Murud-Janjira was a full-fledged living fort in its heydays with all required facilities such as palaces, quarters for officers, mosque, fresh water tanks, etc. The outer walls and all the rounded bastions of the fort are still intact. Other attractions for history buffs include the Palace of the Nawab, because this lavish cliff-top mansion built by the former Nawab of Janjira commands a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the Janjira sea fort. Moreover another special attraction of this fort is three gigantic cannons named Kalalbangdi, Chavri and Landa Kasam. These cannons were said to be feared for their shooting range, another gate to the west is sea-facing, called 'Darya Darwaza'.

The Great Banyan Tree of India

Well, The Great Banyan is a banyan tree; also called Ficus Benghalensis belonging to the family Moraceae, is more than 250 years old tree, which date of birth is yet not confirmed. The Banyan tree is located in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden Howrah near Kolkata India. The tree has mentioned in several travel books of 19^th century, but no clear history of tree, when was it planted. The Great Banyan tree has survived many difficult situations, like two severe cyclones of 1864, and 1867. Therefore, few main branches were broken with its large number of aerial roots, which grow from the branches and run vertically to the ground and looks like is has so many trunks. The great banyan tree has drawing ever increasing visitors to the garden than its collection of exotic plants from five continents. The Great Banyan used to induce the interest of photographers is perhaps the most photographed tree in the world. Amusingly, one would find barely any difference if one compares the photographs taken in 1850s and those being taken today.

You can easily called The Great Banyan looks more like a forest than an individual tree. The present crown of the tree has a circumference of 486 m with a highest branch is 24.5 m. The Banyan tree has 3,772 aerial roots reaching down to the ground as a prop root and occupied area is about 18,918 meters. The most interesting point is that, the tree still lives in perfect vigor without its main trunk, which decayed and had to be removed in 1925. Although, in 1925 it became diseased struck by lightning and was excised to keep the remainder healthy left it as a clonal colony rather than a single tree. Moreover, a long over 330 meter road was built around its circumference, but tree is continuously spreading beyond it. The tree fruit is not edible and is red when ripe. A monument has been erected to the dead trunk, but is hardly accessible to visitors, who only have access to the perimeter of the tree. 

Source: Wikipedia