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Karnataka with history of more than 1500 years is a land of wonders. One can cherish the experience of centuries old architectural marvels, famed monuments. Some of these are recognized as world heritage structures. One can explore the ancient rock-cut caves, experience breathtaking natural beauty.
Karnataka has been known as "Cradle of Stone Architecture" for the immense variety of heritage architecture it exhibits. It is a land where one can experience the world heritage sites at Hampi and Pattadakkal, exquisite temples Belur, Halebidu, and Somnathpur, the cave temples of Badami and Aihole, magnificent fort of Chitradurga and Bidar, domes and minarets of Bijapur, the magnificent palaces of Mysore and Bangalore.
One can be amongst the nature in Western Ghats. It is a home for various wild life santuries such as Bandipur, Nagarhole and Dandeli to name a few, bird sanctuaries such as Ranganathittu, Mandagadde and Gudavi to name a few. The tallest water fall of India, Jog Falls is located here. One can stroll on the beaches of Gokarn, Karwar, Marvante etc.,
In short one can enjoy the diversity and rich heritage throughout the state.
We will explore most of these in the days to come among others.
So far in Jaipur we have covered palaces, and other attractions. We also explored three different forts - Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Amber Fort. Apart from these another important place in Jaipur is Jantar Mantar. Thia when translated into English stands for Calculation Instruments.
It is a observatory with collection of architectural astronomical instruments. In 1728 then Maharaja of Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh-II had got this place constructed in 7 years. Himself being a keen follower of astronomy, not only did the masonry instruments suit his purposes, they also satisfied his architectural instincts.
It severed the dual purpose of verifying astronomical observations as well as to stimulate interest in astronomy. It was built keeping in mind the rules of astronomy, the position of the equator, latitudes and longitudes. The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemerides.
Samrat Yantra
This observatory is one of the 5 he had created in his time across the nation. Other popular observeatory is in Delhi. But one here in Jaipur is largest.
P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.
This is one of the numerous paintings one can shop in the markets Rajasthan (click on the image to see the bigger image).
The painting here depicts how a normal day in a village may look like.
Karnataka has been known as "Cradle of Stone Architecture" for the immense variety of heritage architecture it exhibits. It is a land where one can experience the world heritage sites at Hampi and Pattadakkal, exquisite temples Belur, Halebidu, and Somnathpur, the cave temples of Badami and Aihole, magnificent fort of Chitradurga and Bidar, domes and minarets of Bijapur, the magnificent palaces of Mysore and Bangalore.
