The Hawa Mahal Jaipur

The Hawa Mahal is a palace in the city of Jaipur, India. Built from red and pink sandstone, it is on the edge of the City Palace, Jaipur, and extends to the Zenana, or women's chambers.

The structure was built in 1799 by the Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of the city of Jhunjhunu in the state of Rajasthan.

He was so inspired by the unique structure of Khetri Mahal that he built this grand and historical palace.

It was designed by Lal Chand Ustad. Its five-floor exterior is akin to a honeycomb with its 953 small windows called Jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework.

The original intent of the lattice design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen. This architectural feature also allowed cool air from the Venturi effect to pass through, thus making the whole area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer.

Many people see the Hawa Mahal from the street view and think it is the front of the palace, but it is the back.

This palace is a five-story pyramidal shaped monument that rises to about 50 feet (15 m). The top three floors of the structure have the width of a single room, while the first and second floors have patios in front of them. The front elevation, as seen from the street, is like a honeycomb with small portholes. Each porthole has miniature windows and carved sandstone grills, finials and domes. It gives the appearance of a mass of semi-octagonal bays, giving the monument its unique façade. The inner face on the back side of the building consists of chambers built with pillars and corridors with minimal ornamentation, and reach up to the top floor. The interior of the palace has been described as "having rooms of different coloured marbles, relieved by inlaid panels or gilding; while fountains adorn the centre of the courtyard

The entry to the Hawa Mahal from the city palace side is through an imperial door. It opens into a large courtyard, which has double-storeyed buildings on three sides, with the Hawa Mahal enclosing it on the east side. An archaeological museum is also housed in this courtyard.

Hawa Mahal was also known as the chef-d'œuvre of Maharaja Jai Singh as it was his favourite resort because of the elegance and built-in interior of the Mahal. The cooling effect in the chambers, provided by the breeze passing through the small windows of the façade, was enhanced by the fountains provided at the centre of each of the chambers.

The top two floors of the Hawa Mahal are accessed only through ramps. The Mahal is maintained by the archaeological department of the Government of Rajasthan.

The posterior of the famous façade from inside of the Hawa Mahal.

Rear view with the two most ornate top stories

Coloured glasswork. When the sunlight enters, the entire chamber fills with the spectrum of various colours.

Top eastern side on a stormy afternoon.

Fountain inside Hawa Mahal.

Birla Temple

BIRLA TEMPLE 

MODERN MARBLE MARVEL – A TRUE WORK OF ART

The Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, or the Birla Temple, as it is more popularly known as, is located at the base of Moti Dungari. Built on an elevated platform, this comparatively modern temple is built entirely of white marble and dominates the skyline of south Jaipur. The temple was commissioned and built by renowned Indian industrialists, the Birlas, in 1988. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also called Narayan, and his companion, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune. The temple is a work of art and has a marvellous display of exquisite carvings and sculptures covering many mythological themes. The eye is drawn to the images of Laxmi and Narayan, carved as they are, from one piece of marble. The top of the temple has three domes, each representing the three religions followed in India. This is designed to pay homage to secular India. The temple looks spectacular at night when it is lit up. Other than the main temple, the complex has a museum that exhibits the earlier belongings of the Birla family.

The temple is located in the middle of the city, making it easy to access. One can hop onto a local bus, or take any of the auto-rickshaws and taxis plying within Jaipur city Rajasthan.

Tithal Beach Valsad

                                                   

Tithal, Valsad

 Tithal Beach in Valsad will become India’s 1st divyang-friendly (specially abled) beach. It is along the Arabian Sea located in Valsad, Gujarat. This beach is famous for its black sand. It is a popular tourist destination in South Gujarat. The main beach has several shops selling Indian snacks like Bhajiya, Dabeli, Bhel chaat, sweet corn roasted on charcoal, and also freshly prepared sugar cane juice, coconut water and souvenirs, Water rides, horse ride, camel ride etc are available.

 

The beach is within easy accessibility at a distance of 4 kms from Valsad bus station &    railway station. Tithal Beach in Gujarat offers a wealth of tourist attractions, besides its awesome scenic beauty. You will find people & families visiting on weekends especially on holidays. Currently a project of Beach Development has been taken by the Tourism Department & District Administration.

Here Video of Thithal Beach to watch click here

here it's some two another video tithal   click here 2    click here 3

Willson Hill Dharampur Valsad

Wilson Hills

Wilson Hills is a hill station in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is near Dharampur Taluka and is also the nearest hill station to Surat. Presently Tourism Department is thinking of a development project here too. If you come in summer you will enjoy cool weather & famous local mangoes.

Wilson Hills stands in a densely forested region close to the Pangarbari Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the few hill stations in the world from which it is possible to glimpse the sea. It has an average elevation of 750m (2500 feet). The Wilson Hills are popular during the summer months as it enjoys a cooler and less humid climate than the surrounding area. This station is 27 Kms away from Dharampur city. The famous “chhatri” made of marbles is the prime attraction of this place. It is one of the best sites for people who are interested in activities like Trekking.

 

Here Road to willson Hill video to watch

  click here

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Reports: BCCI to discuss T20I future with Virat Kohli soon, Ishan Kishan likely to replace him in T20 WC 2024

BCCI to discuss T20I future with Virat Kohli soon, 

May Ishan Kishan likely to replace him in T20 WC 2024

Virat Kohli hasn't played a single T20I since the 2022 T20 World Cup.

With the T20 World Cup 2024 just six months away, the preparations are on in the Indian camp for the mega event as they’re desperate to end their ten-year-long ICC Trophy drought. Ahead of the T20 extravaganza, there are widespread discussions around the future of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I side.

According to reports, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) wants Rohit Sharma to lead the side in the World Cup. However, the same is not the case for Kohli as he’s not the preferred No 3 batter for India in T20Is anymore. Notably, both Kohli and Rohit haven’t played a single T20I since India’s humiliating ten-wicket loss against England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022.

According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the selectors and the board want a player who can attack the opposition right from the word go at number 3. Hence, they’re looking at the wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan to fulfil that role in the team during the World Cup.

The southpaw has played 32 T20Is so far and scored 796 runs at an average of 25.67 and a strike rate of 124.37 with six half-centuries to his name. Kishan was also a part of India’s 2021 T20 World Cup squad where he played just one game against New Zealand and scored four runs.

The report further states that Kohli will be considered for selection if he has a good season in the IPL 2024. The selectors and other senior members of the board will also have a discussion with the 35-year-old on his T20I future soon. The former India captain has opted out of the white-ball series vs South Africa comprising three T20Is and as many ODIs along with Rohit Sharma.

Virat Kohli is leading run scorer in T20Is and T20 World Cup

India will play just one more T20I series ahead of the T20 World Cup against Afghanistan from January 11 comprising three matches. It will be interesting to see whether Kohli gets a call-up for that series. The Delhi-born batter is the leading run-scorer in both T20Is (4008 runs) and the T20 World Cup (1141) and has also won Player of the Tournament in consecutive editions of the tournament (2014 and 2016).

Thanjavur Cultural Heritage Site

Thanjavur: A City Steeped in History

Nestled in Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur boasts a history that whispers through its magnificent temples and art. Once the capital of the Chola Empire from the 9th to the 11th century, the city has been shaped by various dynasties like the Vijayanagar Empire, the Madurai Nayaks, the Thanjavur Nayaks, and even the British Empire.

Cultural Legacy: Brihadishvara Temple

A jewel in Thanjavur's crown is the Brihadishvara Temple, a marvel of Dravidian architecture and one of the largest temples in India. Constructed by King Rajaraja I, this temple stands tall, bearing witness to the patronage of art, literature, and music during his reign. The sculptures and paintings within the temple complex depict the rich cultural heritage of the Chola era.

Cultural Diversity and Heritage

Thanjavur isn't just a city frozen in the past; it's a vibrant cultural hub attracting tourists globally. It's renowned for its Tanjore paintings, textiles, saris, Carnatic music, and handicrafts. The city's cultural tapestry is woven with threads from various rulers, each leaving an indelible mark on its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Must-Visit Places in Thanjavur

1. Brihadeeswara Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple stands as a testament to Chola architecture.

2. Saraswathi Mahal Library: One of Asia's oldest libraries, it houses rare manuscripts, books, paintings, and sculptures.

3. Vijayanagar Fort: Built by the Nayaks and Marathas, it includes Tanjore Palace and Sangeetha Mahal, an art gallery.

Thanjavur: Indias Cultural Heritage

Why Thanjavur Is a Cultural Heritage Site

- Tanjore Paintings: Renowned for their vivid colors and intricate detailing, these paintings reflect the rich cultural heritage.

- Sculptures and Art: Thanjavur is a treasure trove of sculptures and art, showcasing the skill and creativity of its artisans.

- Cuisine: The local cuisine is a delectable journey for your taste buds, offering a unique blend of flavors.

- Hospitality: The warm hospitality of the locals makes every visitor feel at home.

Thanjavur location Shaw on map