Architecture, Vijayawada

The Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout. Mecca Masjid: A two hundred yards southwest of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. Laad Baazar: This is famous, colourful shopping centre of the old city, tucked away in one of the streets leading off from Charminar. https://www.hyderabadtourism.in/places_visit.php

Grandeur of rules, glory of its past, glimpse of their enigmatic way of living, are still alive in the form of palaces like Chowmahalla Palace, a place worth visiting when on a Hyderabad tour. Built in the 18th century, almost 200 years ago, the Chowmahalla Palace is one of the popular sightseeing places in Hyderabad. The literal meaning of this place is “Four Palaces” with “Chow” means four in Urdu and “Mahalat” which is the plural of “Mahalel” meaning palaces. Chowmahalla palace is said to resemble Shah Palace of Tehran in Iran. It is said that Chowmahalla Palace used to have around 7000 attendants on any given day. For its grandeur and charm, it has been often compared to the Enchanted Gardens of the Arabian Nights for its grandeur. https://www.hyderabadtourism.travel/chowmahalla-palace-hyderabad

This white marble temple of Lord Venkateshwara floats on the city skyline, on Kala Pahad. The idol in the temple is a replica of the one at Tirumala Tirupati. https://www.hyderabadtourism.in/places_visit.php

Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words “Golla Konda” meaning “Shepherd’s Hill”. The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. https://www.hyderabadtourism.in/places_visit.php

Located at a distance of approximately 850 metres away from the Banjara Darwaza of Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi Tombs consist of tombs of seven Qutub Shahi rulers. Considered to be few of the oldest monuments of Hyderabad, these tombs captivate their visitors with the architectural excellence presenting a beautiful blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles. You can see the influences of Hindu, Pathan, Deccan as well as Persian styles in the structure of tombs. The entrance and corridors of the tombs presents an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, while ornamental parapets and minarets showcase the Islamic architecture. Two-tiered terraces, false ceilings and central pillars, which form an essential part of the structures, have also been intricately decorated. Qutub shahi tombs, like the Paigah Tombs are dedicated to the royal family and the rulers of of Qutub Shahis. The structural beauty of these tombs still attracts admirers from all over the world. http://www.hyderabadtourism.travel/qutub-shahi-tombs-hyderabad

Taramati Baradari is located at Ibrahimbagh, on the Osman Sagar (Gandipet) Road, close to Golconda. The complex is spread over a sprawling 7-acre area amidst lush green environs with the backdrop of the famed Golconda Fort. The heritage monument built by the Seventh Sultan of Golconda is accessed from the complex. https://www.hyderabadtourism.in/places_visit.php

It is a prestigious land mark of the city. British bought this piece of land from the King of Vijayanagar on 22nd August 1639 and built the Fort St. George and named the area as Madraspattinam. St.Mary�s Church built in 1860 is located inside the fort complex. http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/CitiesTowns/chennai01.aspx?catid=010101P01;pg=2

Tudor Ice Company was built in 1842 to store ice blocks. From then it is being called as Ice House even after the company’s closure. Bilagiri Iyengar, a noted Lawyer bought it in 1885 and named it “Castle Kernan” in honour of his Justice friend. Vivekananda stayed at the Ice House between 6 February 1897 to 14 February 1897. Every year this event is celebrated as Vivekananda Nava Rathiri. The pujas and festivals performed by the Ramakrishna Mutt were shifted to New Mutt premises in Mylapore. But the premises continued to be the Memorial of Swami Vivekananda. Later the Government took over the building in 1930. In 1963, on his birth centenary, it was renamed as Vivekanandar House. In 1999, on Centenary of Swamiji’s return to India from the United States, the house was renovated and opened a fresh by the then Chief Minister. http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/CitiesTowns/chennai02.aspx?catid=010101P03

It is one of the Basilica built over the tomb of an Apostle in the world. It is believed that the remains of St. Thomas were intermed / Buried in this beach in 78 AD, on which a Church was built. Several years later it was shifted to the present location further towards the land. It houses the mortal remains of St.Thomas. Since then this is popularly called as Santhome Church. Pope John Paul II visited and prayed at this tomb on 5th February 1986. http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/CitiesTowns/chennai01.aspx?catid=010101P01;pg=2

The Sai Baba Ashram in Bangalore is located near the Whitefield Railway Station, thus it is also called the Whitefield Ashram. The Ashram, also known by the name of Brindavan Ashram, was established by Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 25th June 1960. This was the summer home of Baba, who used to spend three months of the year here. Attracting a large number of devotees from around the world, the Ashram is an abode of peace and spirituality and is located away from the noise and pollution of the city to aid the divinity of the ashram and faith of the devotees. Sai Baba Ashram has a sprawling campus and is situated approximately 24 kilometres from the city-centre of Bangalore. There are no steps or stairs in the ashram, except in the accommodation quarters. The Ashram is adorned with the following structures used for different purposes. https://www.tourism-of-india.com/sai-baba-ashram-bangalore.html

Bangalore Palace is an architectural landmark of the city. The palace is enclosed with manicured garden and houses attractions that interest travelers around the world; like the Palace Ground and Fun World. Fun World is an amusement park with joy-rides, water-rides and swimming pools. Some of world’s most renowned artists like Enrique and Guns N’ Roses have performed in the Palace Grounds, which is used for public events like concerts. https://www.tourism-of-india.com/bangalore/things-to-do/bangalore-palace.html

Indira glass house is an exclusive glass palace. A flower show held at the glass house offers visual delight. It is also an idle venue for hosting many meetings, exhibitions and programmes. http://www.hdmc.mrc.gov.in/en/Tourism

It is one of the oldest temples built in 12th century by chalukyas near present SDM Engg college.The temple has idols of shri Mahishasur mardini and chaturbuja ganapati. http://www.hdmc.mrc.gov.in/en/Tourism

The town of Belgaum dates back to the 12th century AD to the Ratta dynasty. Belgaum was renowned for its trade in diamonds and wood in the past, but today it’s still a commercial hub of Karnataka state. Main features of this town, which is one of our stops on the Deccan Odyssey, is Belgaum Fort, built in the 13th century by Jaya Raya. http://www.belgaumcity.mrc.gov.in/Tourism

Kamal Basadi is located inside Belgaum fort. Belgaum city is a major center and it is well connected through air, train and bus routes. It is easy to reach Belgaum from any spot within or outside Karnataka. http://www.belgaumcity.mrc.gov.in/Tourism

Kapileshwar temple is known as the Kashi of the south. There is an inscription in the Kamal Basti whichsuggests this temple is one of the oldest in the state and dates back to 1000 AD.The shrine is r everedas the southern equivalent of Kasi—Dakshina Kasi. http://www.belgaumcity.mrc.gov.in/Tourism

The caves, 6 km from West of Bhubaneswar city centre, were chiseled out for the ascetic Jain monks, also has some inscriptions describing the exploits of king Kharavel. http://www.orissatourism.org/travel-to-orissa/bhubaneshwar/places-to-see.html

One of the oldest temples (late 8th century), its striking feature is the shape of its sanctuary tower. The semi cylindrical shape of its roof, a leading example of khakhara order of temples, bears an affinity to the Dravidian gopuram of the South India temples. http://www.orissatourism.org/travel-to-orissa/bhubaneshwar/temples-in-bhubaneshwar.html

Earlier known as Manipur, Ranjangaon near Pune is believed to have been created by none other than Lord Shiva. This was after Shiva prayed to Ganesha to make him victorious in a battle with the demon Tripurasur. https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/treasures/temple/ashtavinayak-ranjangaon

Synonymous with Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin Temple, the pivot around which the city has evolved. The Meenakshi Temple complex is literally a city - one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. http://www.madurai.tn.nic.in/tourism.html#1

About 1.5 Kms from the Meenakshi temple, this palace was built in 1636 by the ruler whose name it bears. The imposing edifice is famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and impressive arches. http://www.madurai.tn.nic.in/tourism.html#2

At the time of the rule of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's, the one thing that Maharashtra got in abundance was forts. With its hilly terrain and the ruler’s expertise at establishing forts at strategic points, the state can now lay claims to have some of the finest, strongest, and the most unique forts of India. https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/treasures/fort/lohgad-visapur

The Hill Palace is Kerala's first heritage museum located at Thripunithura in Ernakulam district. It has a huge collection of the former Maharaja of Kochi. At present, this official residence of the royal family has become one of the state's largest archaeological museums. Built in the year 1865, there are 49 buildings in the complex which are designed in the Kerala's architectural style. Spread over 52 acres of land, the complex is beautifully landscaped and houses a deer park and horse riding facilities. The complex of museum is a home to various rare species of medical plants. At present, this museum is protected by the Kerala State Archaeology Department. https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/kerala/hill-palace-tripunithura-ernakulam.html

Kerala Folklore Museum is the only architectural museum in Kerala with the essence of the life and culture of the common man over the past 1000 years. It is also a cultural hub which contains:‘Face Art Gallery’- for Art & Antiques; ‘Folklore Theatre’- Live performances of traditional art forms & cultural activities. ‘Spice Art Café’ -, to experience the real culinary taste of traditional Kerala. ‘Souvenir Shop’ - to buy real ethnic antiques and tribal artefacts. This is a treasure trove of stone, wood and bronze sculptures, ancient terracotta, Stone Age objects, jewellery, paintings, oil lamps, musical instruments, tribal and folk art, woodworks, utensils, masks and traditional art forms etc. There are around 4000 artefacts from tiny to large size on display. This unique cultural project aims to provide art education to the students and to help provide visual and academic knowledge to the art lovers, researchers and travellers from all over the world. http://www.keralafolkloremuseum.org/

Mattancherry in Kochi is most known for the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568,this synagogue attracts numerous visitors to this day. It adds to the area's quaint charm and is a great symbol of the love and harmony that exists in the community. 'Paradesi' literally translates to foreigner in most Indian languages. Many of the original members of the community hailed from Kodungalloor, the Middle East and Europe. https://www.keralatourism.org/kochi/paradeso-synagogue-mattancherry.php

It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. http://www.cochin.org/tourism.htm

Made by the Portuguese Santa Cruz Basilica in Kochi, this church is one of the eight Basilicas in India. Situated nearby the famous St. Francis Church, this heritage building of Kerala is also one of the finest cathedrals in India and it serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin. It's a Roman Catholic Cathedral situated at K.B. Jacob road in Fort Kochi. It's a holy place and the centre of historical significance, endued with artistic splendor and the colors of the medieval style. https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/kerala/santa-cruz-basilica-kochi.html

This place is situated in Jadugora of Potka block. The temple of Rankini, it is said was formerly situated on a rock where human sacrifices used to be offered to her, the belief being that the Goddess herself killed the victims. The priests during those days mainly hailed from Bhumij Caste. http://jamshedpur.nic.in/tourist1.htm

Rajrappa, a tourist spot, is known for the 'Chinnamasta Temple' located on the bank of the confluence of the Bhairavi and Damodar rivers. http://bokaro.nic.in/bokaro_tourism.html

Kabir Math is located at Lahartara, Varanasi on the Saint Kabir road. Kabir Jayanti is specially celebrated at the Kabir math every year. Many people come to the Kabir math to take part in the Kabir Jayanti celebration http://www.varanasi.org.in/kabir-math

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temple in Varanasi, also known as the Golden temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva. It was constructed in the year 1780 by the Maratha monarch, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of the Indore. http://www.varanasi.org.in/kashi-vishwanath-temple

arnath is a famous place in Varanasi and it is the destination for cultures like Hindu, Buddha and Jain. Sarnath is the place where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma then Buddhist Sangha has originated as well as came into existence because of the enlightenment of Kondanna. http://www.varanasi.org.in/sarnath

The Mahabodhi Mahavihara or more popularly known as the Bodhgaya Temple or the Great Stupa, is one of the shrines out of the 84000 shrines erected by King Asoka the Great in the 3rd century B.C. The Mahabodhi Mahavihara is the sole surviving example of what was once an architectural genre. http://bodhgayatemple.com/index.php?pg=history