Posts Tagged ‘Majestic Palaces’

Ancient Monuments of India

July 21st, 2011 Tushar Mathur

Exotic and beautiful with a rich and fascinating history, India is one of the oldest civilizations on earth. There are literally thousands of historical sites throughout the country that are well worth the time to explore. Majestic palaces, tombs and victory pillars tell the history of this enigmatic land.

Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves are among the most fascinating of the nation’s abundant, ancient historical sites.  Located near the district of Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra, the caves are comprised of 34 monasteries and temples that were elaborately carved into the wall of a basalt cliff between 600 and 1,000 AD. They are a testament to three of the great religions: Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. Within the Ellora Caves are breath-taking sculptures and architecture that depict a reverence to all three religions, side by side, in harmony.

Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra are another series of intricately sculpted caves, beautifully adorned with many murals and paintings, located 99 kilometres from the Aurangabad district. These caves date as far back as the second century BC. The 30 caves that comprise them are solely dedicated to Buddhism. Some of the finest craftsmanship in India is found throughout the complex in the sculptures, murals, paintings and architecture.

 

There are many remarkably preserved depictions of contemporary life from the time the artists lived as well as detailed illustrations of the life and different incarnations of the Lord Buddha, beginning with his birth. Buddhist art, architecture and sculpture later became one of the key influences in art and architecture throughout central and far eastern Asia.

Kalinjar Fort

A lavish collection of sculpture and monuments are found at this 7th century fort. A testament to the Chandela dynasty and their artistic abilities, Kalinjar Fort is also a fine example of functional military architecture.

Situated strategically on top of a hill in Uttar Pradesh, Kalinjar Fort once functioned as the stronghold for Chandela’s rulers. It is a well-fortified structure with sturdy battlements and reinforced gates, cutting an imposing visage. Beautifully crafted sculptures of Lord Shiva, the god the Chandela’s worshipped, and his consort Parvati along with other Hindu gods and goddesses are found within the intricately detailed interior of the fort and its numerous temples.

There are many other intriguing monuments waiting to be discovered in the beautiful land of India. You can book flights direct to India from the UK with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways.

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Bucharest, the Paris of the East

September 2nd, 2008 Tushar Mathur

Bucharest is the capital city of two million inhabitants, once called “The Paris of the east”, has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past 15 years, as has most of Romania. This proud people are descended from the warlike Dacians, live in the shadow of the beautiful Carpathian Mountains and produce a seemingly endless stream of excellent gymnasts. Having joined the European Union 2007, Bucharest now aspires now to be called “Paris of the east”.
Bucharest is true metropolitan area and the big names such as McDonalds, Benetton, LG, Sony and many others have been there along time now. Ceausescu’s grand boulevards and majestic palaces still dominate the city.
There are small balconied corners, with lacy ironwork and colored window shutters reminiscent of Paris at its finest. Continuing this Gallic theme; Romanians are also flattered to be called “the French of the Balkans”.

The most attractive site in the city is the compact historical centre, but obviously one can’t ignore Ceausescu’s People’s Palace. To build this monument to megalomania almost one quarter of the old town was pulled down, including any houses, churches, synagogues and beautiful modernist villas, all demolished.
Today, the Romanian parliament sits on this sight and guided tours for tourists are also organized here.
Ceausescu’s People’s Palace is one of the largest and most bizarre buildings in the world, exceeding even the decadent palaces of Saddam Hussein. In terms of perhaps only the American Pentagon could compete with it. It has over 3100 rooms, 20 wings, a labyrinths of secret passages and the upper floors nearly disappear into the haze of the metropolis. The Romanian leader had called the building “The house of people“ and referred to it as the Romanian acropolis.

He didn’t however leave to see the completion of the building as was execute by “his” people during the revolution in December 1989.
There is an interesting irony in the fact that, at the beginning of April 2008, Ceausescu’s monstrous palace hosted the largest ever NATO summit.
Once you plane to be there in Bucharest you have to think well about the hotels because too little hotels which allow Pets if you have one, I had check it online from around 45 hotels and I found only 4 which allow the pets and here where you can search more online from this sit, its over than 118 hotel deals only in Bucharest:

http://www.hotelscombined.com/

And here it is the hotels which allow the Pets in first page:

2-Rin Grand Hotel
3-Ibis Hotel.

4-KK Elisabeta Hotel.
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*If you want to try speaking Romanian yourself:

Hello – Buna ziua

Excuse me – Ma scuzati
Yes – Da
No – Nu
OK – In regula
Good morning – Buna dimineata
Good afternoon – Buna ziua
Good night – Buna seara
Thank you – Multumesc

Please – Va rog

Sorry – Imi pare rau
Perhaps – Poate

What – Ce
Where – Unde
When – Cand
Why – De ce Niceties

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