Saturday, 1 September 2018

15 PLACE YOU MUST VISIT WHEN YOU ARE IN DELHI.

Bong IPS September 01, 2018 0 Comments

15 Most Exhilarating Places To Visit In Delhi

MONUMENTS and TEMPLES

1. The grand ‘Red Fort’

The Red Fort is an epitome of the Mughal era in India and is the face of tourist attractions in Delhi. Built in 1638, it is an outstanding marvel of Mughal architecture made of red sand stone. Within its magnanimous walls, the chhata bazaar and an every evening sound and light show are special attractions. It is one of the most famous places in Delhi.

Entry fee: Free for children under 15, INR 10 for Indians, and INR 250 for foreigners
Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm. Closed on Mondays

2. The glorious ‘India Gate’

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India Gate is one monument that defines Delhi or India for that matter. It was built in 1931 as a memorial for martyrs of World War I and war in Afghanistan. At Rajpath, the structure looks amazing in evening lights. The gardens that line the structure are a must visit among the sightseeing places in Delhi.

Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Must visit: National Gallery of Modern Art

3. The architectural beauty called ‘Rashtrapati Bhawan’

A morning ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan

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On the opposite of the Rajpath is residence of the President of India. Not among the typical tourist places in Delhi, access to this grand piece of architecture is restricted. With four floors and 340 rooms in a floor area of 200,000 square feet, it has a huge presidential gardens (Mughal Gardens), large open spaces, residences of bodyguards and staff, stables, other offices and utilities within its perimeter walls. Just a walk past the monument will give you the idea of how grand the monument is.

Opening hours: 9 am till late evening. For an inside visit, one can pre book at the official Rashtrapati Bhawan website.
Must visit: Stroll through the road and you will get a glimpse of Parliament House, National Secretariat and Defence Headquarters

Must Read: Monsoon In Delhi: 10 Ways To Enjoy The Romantic Rainy Season

4. The mysterious ruins of ‘Qutub Minar’

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Among the other places to visit in Delhi, Qutub Minar stands tall with its 73 meter tall brick minaret. Built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the structure has five stories abundant with chiseled carvings and scriptures.

Entry fee: Free for children under 15, INR 10 for Indians INR 250 for foreigners
Opening hours: Sunrise until sunset, Closed on Mondays
Must visit: Chhatarpur Temple

5. The equinoctial sundial called ‘Jantar Mantar’

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Constructed in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory. Fascinating for their ingenuity, the instruments at Jantar Mantar can no longer be used accurately because of the tall buildings around. However, a visit to admire the science of Indian astronomy makes it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Delhi.

Entry fee: INR 5
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
Must visit: Central Park in Connaught Place and get a selfie with the largest Tiranga

Must Read: 10 Less Popular Places In Delhi, That Have Been Ignored For Long

6. The first garden-tomb of the Indian subcontinent: ‘Humayun’s Tomb’

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A world heritage site under UNESCO, the Humayun’s Tomb was built in 1570 by Humayun’s wife Haji Begum. It is unarguably one of the most amazing works of Mughal Architecture to which Taj Mahal owes its design.

Entry fee: INR 10 for domestic and SAARC Visitors, INR 250 for others
Opening hours: Daily, up till sunset. Best viewed in the morning or a full moon evening.
Must visit: If on Thursday, walk to the Dargaah of Nizam-ud-din Auliya for a spiritual qawwali evening

7. The wonderful Swaminarayan ‘Akshardham Temple’

The Grand Akshardham Temple is a perfect example of symmetries in modern architecture.

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While sightseeing in Delhi, a visit is necessarily suggested to Swaminarayan Akshardham – one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. Built by the BAPS spiritual organization, it’s a stunning architectural work made of the pink stone and white marble.

Entry fee: Free, separate fee to view exhibitions
Opening hours: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, Closed on Mondays

8. ‘Chattarpur Temple’ for its wonderful architecture

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Set amid the beautiful surroundings of South Delhi, Chattarpur is a popular temple founded in the 1970s by Sant Shree Nagpal Baba. This divine temple has an incredible architecture and it’s a perfect blend of north and south. There are beautiful statues of Shiv-Parvati, Ram-Darbar, Maa Katyayani, Radha-Krishna, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Laxmi, and Lord Hanuman.

Opening hours: 4:00 am – 11:00 pm

9. The stunning ‘ISKON Temple’

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ISKCON is a spiritual institution founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. You can see the beautiful visual presentations of Bhagavad Gita with colourful lights that create wonderful effect on the huge screen. They also organize beautiful robotics and Mahabharata show during the evenings. There’s a simple Govinda’s restaurant inside the temple premises, where you get veg food.

Opening hours: 4:30 am to 8:30 pm

10. A remarkable landmark of Delhi: ‘Lotus (Bahai) Temple’

A rare night view of illuminated Lotus Temple

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Famously known as the Lotus temple in the list of famous tourist places in Delhi, Lotus in the Bahai Temple symbolizes four religions namely Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Islam. This temple belongs to the Bahai faith which proclaims that all people and religions are united. Worshippers of every religion are welcomed here.

Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: Rrom 9 am till sunset
Must visit: Kalkaji and ISKCON Temple nearby

11. One of the largest mosques in India called ‘Jama Masjid’

Devotees bow to their God on Eid at the largest mosque in India.

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Among the other tourist attractions in Delhi is the largest mosque in India–Jama Masjid. It can hold 25000 devotees at a time. It was Shah Jahan’s first architectural marvel. The mosque has four towers and the southern tower gives a stunning view of the city. You’ve to be dressed appropriately to enter the mosque. If not, rent an attire provided by the mosque authority.

Entry fee: Free, but videography fee is INR 300
Opening hours: Daily, 7 am-12 pm: 1:30 pm-6:30 pm. It is closed during prayers and the timings depends upon the direction of the moon
Must visit: Try Changezi chicken at Karim’s Hotel nearby

12. One of the oldest forts in Delhi: ‘Old Fort’ (Purana Quila)

Old Fort transforms into a live screen during the sound and light show.

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In the list of places to visit in Delhi, Purana Quila is one of the most ancient grandeurs of the city. With rectangular dimensions, it spreads over a circuit of nearly 2 kilometers. Boating in the lake nearby and a sound and light show in the evening are special attractions.

Entry fee: INR 5 for domestic, INR 100 for foreigners
Opening hours: 7 am to 5 pm
Must visit: National Zoo and Supreme Court Museum nearby

13. The holy ‘Bangla Sahib Gurudwara’

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With the gurgling sarovar inside its complex, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was first built as a small temple by Sikh General, Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783. The complex also houses a higher secondary school, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a library and a hospital.

Entry Fee: Free
Opening hours: Everyday
Must visit: Rakab Ganj Gurudwara, Birla Mandir and St Cathedral Church nearby if you are on Delhi sightseeing

14. A memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi: ‘Raj Ghat’

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Gandhi Smriti shows you the exact location where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. The room is exactly how Gandhiji left it and that’s where he built his abode for 144 days until his time of death. The room where he slept and the prayer ground is open to the public. It also has a display of paintings, sculptures, etc. On the other side of the road is Raj Ghat. Overall, if you want to pay your respects to Gandhiji and the work he did for India, then this is one of the best places to visit in New Delhi.

Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm, Closed on Mondays
Must visit: Feroz Shah Kotla fort

15. The gorgeous ruins of ‘Hauz Khas Fort’ and the happening village

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The Hauz Khas Fort Complex rests amidst the splendid beauty of a lake and is a 10 pointer among the very famous tourist places in Delhi. Firoz Shah Tughlaq re–excavated the silted tank and cleared the channels to give shape to what is a famous recreational spot in South Delhi. Built in the 13th century, is a hub of activities, a bird-watcher’s delight and a favored picnic spot for the locals.

Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset

Friday, 31 August 2018

The 10 most beautiful women in the world

Bong IPS August 31, 2018 0 Comments

The 10 most beautiful women in the world

Presenting the 10 most beautiful women in the world.

1. Beyonce

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IMAGE: Beyonce is clearly the 'woman of the moment' after beating Angelina Jolie, Emma Watson and Dakota Johnson to occupy the top slot.
Beyonce is known to have a distinct fashion style and the American singer and songwriter who is expecting her second child has also made pregnancy look ultra glamorous.

Photograph: Brad Barket/Getty Images

2. Priyanka Chopra

IMAGE: Take a bow Priyanka Chopra! :)
She's gracefully embraced her dark skin tone and has proved that beauty is skin deep.
She is clearly set to conquer Hollywood with those stunning looks.
The actor took to Twitter to share the list and thanked her fans for voting. 'Thank u @BUZZNET and all who voted. @Beyonce is my number one too,' Priyanka wrote.

Photograph: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

3. Taylor Hill

IMAGE: Victoria's Secret model Taylor Hill occupied the third spot. The American model is just 21 years old. With 7.6 million followers on Instagram and a envious bod to die for, we see no reason why she's at Number 3.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Taylor Hill/Instagram.com

4. Emma Watson

IMAGE: British actor, model and activist Emma Watson shot to fame at the age of 11 as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series. Recently acclaimed for her performance in Beauty and the Beast, the gorgeous woman is quite a youth icon.

Photograph: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

5. Dakota Johnson

IMAGE: American actress and model Dakota Johnson inherits her good looks from her parents and actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. She starred in the Hollywood film Fifty Shades of Grey in the lead role, Ana Steele.
Photograph: Alberto E Rodriguez/Getty Images

6. Hillary Clinton

IMAGE: Hillary Clinton may not have won the US Presidential elections, but here's a title that she'll be extremely proud to possess. Hillary is the only politician on the list and it's her androgynous fashion that has made her a standout among the other politicians.

Photograph: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

7. Margot Robbie

IMAGE: Margot Elise Robbie is an actor who has appeared in several Australian independent films. Even Brad Pitt thinks she is the hottest girl -- especially those perfect eyes -- in Hollywood right now and rumours are rife that she is the one to be blamed for the Brangelina split.

Photograph: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

8. Angelina Jolie

IMAGE: Back in 2009, Angelina Jolie topped Vanity Fair's Most Beautiful Women in the World list. Since then she's featured in almost all such lists.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but Angelina is more than just a pretty face. A philanthropist, she has been involved in several social causes and charity work.

Photograph: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

9. Fahriye Evcen

IMAGE: Fahriye Evcen is a Turkish actor. She's known to have the perfectly chiseled jawline, beautiful eyes and a smile that can melt your heart. In a nutshell, she is a winning package.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Fahriye Evcen/Instagram

10. Alexandra Daddario

IMAGE: American actor Alexandra Daddario is Priyanka Chopra's co-star in the upcoming movie Baywatch. This 31-year-old is known for her amazing blue eyes and her super sexy GQ Mexico magazine cover, where she's dressed in a bikini, got over 2,59,691 likes in less than a week. Her soaring popularity make her the perfect choice for this list.

Wednesday, 29 August 2018

Landmarks that Showcase Mumbai's Architecture

Bong IPS August 29, 2018 0 Comments

Landmarks that Showcase Mumbai's Architecture

01of 10
Gateway of India

Andy Jackson/Droidmedia.com/Moment Open/Getty Images
Mumbai's most recognized monument and one of the top Mumbai attractions, the Gateway of India was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. Designed to be the first thing that visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat, the looming Gateway was completed in 1924 and remains as a striking symbol of the British Raj era. After this era ended in 1947, the last of the British troops departed through the Gateway. Its architecture is Indo-Saracenic, combining Islamic and Hindu styles.

The Gateway of India is a popular place to start exploring Mumbai. These days the atmosphere around the monument resembles a circus at times, with numerous vendors peddling everything from balloons to Indian tea.

In 2011, Lonely Planet listed the Gateway of India as one of the world's best free attractions.
- Where: On the waterfront in Colaba, south Mumbai. Opposite the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.
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Taj Palace and Tower Hotel

Taj Palace and Tower Hotel. Dinodia/Getty Images
Mumbai's landmark Taj Palace Hotel, built in 1903, is an unsurpassed architectural marvel that brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Its structure is striking, with many chandeliers, archways, domes, and turrets. The hotel also has a noteworthy collection of artwork and artifacts that gives it an eclectic feeling.

Treat yourself to high tea at the renowned Sea Lounge in the Heritage wing, or a meal at Souk overlooking Mumbai harbor.
- Where: Colaba, in south Mumbai. The hotel sits behind the Gateway of India.
- More Information: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: Architectural Jewel of Mumbai, Why stay at the Taj Palace Hotel.
03of 10
Royal Bombay Yacht Club

Royal Bombay Yacht Club exterior. Ed Norton/Getty Images
Founded in 1846, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most elite clubs in Mumbai. Designed by a British architect, John Adams (Executive Engineer to the Bombay Government), it has imposing Gothic style architecture. Steeped in nostalgia, Queen Victoria bestowed the title of "Royal" upon the club in 1876.
- Where: Opposite the Gateway of India, near the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.. Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, south Mumbai.
- More Information: Royal Bombay Yacht Club website.
04of 10
Dhanraj Mahal

Dhunraj Mahal. Mark Bellingham/Flickr/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Dhanraj Mahal is an Art Deco building, a design style that originated in Paris in the early 20th century. It has an interesting history. Built in the 1930s, it was the former palace of the Raja Dhanrajgir of Hyderabad, and once the largest and costliest building in Mumbai. The Ministry of Defense acquired it during World War II but later gave it back to the royal family.

Now, Dhanraj Mahal is rented out to residential and commercial tenants. It has a total area of 130,000 square feet and a huge central courtyard. Its scenic location is close to the Arabian Sea.
- Where: Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, south Mumbai.
05of 9
Regal Cinema

Regal Cinema. Jose Fuste Raga/Getty Images
The first of Mumbai's Art Deco style cinemas, the Regal Cinema was built during the cinema boom of the 1930s. Other cinemas that also came up during this time were Plaza Central, New Empire, Broadway, Eros, and Metro. The first film to be shown at the Regal Cinema was Laurel and Hardy's The Devil's Brother in 1933. Movies are still being shown there today.
- Where: Opposite Regal Circle at the end of Colaba Causeway, south Mumbai.
06of 09
Maharashtra Police Headquarters (Sailors' Home)

Dinodia Photo/Getty Images
The Maharashtra Police Headquarters moved into what was known as the Royal Alfred Sailors' Home, in 1982. Construction began on the building in early 1872 and was finished four years later, in 1876. As its name suggests, it was made to accommodate 20 officers and 100 seamen. However, the building was actually conceived to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh in 1870. The Duke laid the Foundation stone during his visit.

The Maharashtra government acquired the building in 1928 to house the Bombay Legislative Council. The Police department subsequently moved in after it was vacated.
- Where: Opposite Regal Circle at the end of Colaba Causeway, south Mumbai.
- More Information: Maharashtra Police website.
07of 09
Elphinstone College

Elphinstone College, Mumbai. Sharell Cook.
The Elphinstone College building is among the finest Victorian structures in India. It was designed by Trubshaw and Khan Bahadur Muncherjee Murzban in the 1880s and originally meant to house the Government Central Press. However, it's been used for academic activities since April 1888.

The building has breathtaking Gothic architecture and is classified as a Grade I heritage structure. The Kala Ghoda Association recently restored it.
- Where: Opposite Jehangir Art Gallery, south Mumbai.
- More Information: Elphinstone College website.
08of 09
Horniman Circle

Dinodia Photo/Getty Images
Horniman Circle is made up of a strong sweep of stately building facades, laid out in a semi-circle. The Horniman Circle Gardens is at the center of it.

The Circle was constructed in 1860, around what was know as the Mumbai Greens -- a vast 15-acre space opposite the Town Hall where live music was played every evening after sunset. The Mumbai Greens later became the Horniman Circle Gardens, in tribute to Mr.B.G. Horniman, Editor of The Bombay Chronicle.

There's an ancient banyan tree within the Circle, which apparently acted as the venue for India's first stock exchange. Nearby historical buildings include the stock exchange and St. Thomas Cathedral.
- Where: Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, next to the Town Hall (Asiatic Library) in the Fort district, south Mumbai.
09of 09
Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk)

Hira Punjabi/Getty Images
Hutatma Chowk, meaning "Martyrs' Square" in the local language, was renamed from Flora Fountain in 1960. The name is in memory of the members of Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti, who lost their lives when police fired upon their demonstration. It was part of a struggle with the Government of India for the creation of Maharashtra state.

The Hutatma Chowk square is bordered by buildings constructed during the British Raj. In the middle of it, the ornate Flora Fountain was created in 1864. It represents the Roman Goddess Flora, the Goddess of Abundance.
- Where: Veer Nariman Road, south Mumbai.
Bombay High Court

Bombay High Court. Lonely Planet/Getty Images
The Bombay High Court was built from 1871 to 1878. The first sitting took place in January 1879. Designed by Col. J.A. Fuller, a British engineer, the Court is a masterpiece of Gothic architectural style that was apparently modeled on a German castle. Its structure is made up of black stone, with octagonal towers. On top of the building, statues of Justice and Mercy inspire upholding the Indian law.

It's highly recommended that you go inside and see a trial for some real entertainment. Rooms 19 and 20 have most of the action. Be there by around 10 a.m., and be aware that cameras are not allowed inside the court.
- Where: High Court Building, Dr Kane Road, Fort.