Discovering some of the unforgettable places to see before you die.....

Angkor Wat : Angkor Wat is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site built by King Suryavarman II, as the representation of Mount Meru, which is the popular holy center of the Hindus. This ancient city remained unknown to the outside world for centuries until the French explorer Henri Mahout discovered the site in the year 1860. The archaeological site is the finest example of the high classical style of the Khmer architecture. Over the time, it has become of the most prominent attraction of Cambodia.

Taj Mahal : Epitomized as the 'monument of abysmal beauty' the virtuous white marble mausoleum of Taj Mahal is recognized as the 'Seventh Wonder of the World'. Taj Mahal is not just the depiction of the excellent architecture but it is the portrayal of emperor's love, which was the prime reason behind its construction. Today Taj is the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful monument in the world. Plan out the tour to this wondrous monument during the festive season and loose yourself in the colorful ambiance of the curious cultural programmes, tourism marts, kite festivals, and shopping stalls that dot the lush terrain.

St Petersburg : St Petersburg is one of the world's greatest cities, that has played an important role in the history of Russia. It was founded by Peter the Great in 1703. St Petersburg is most famous for its lavish lifestyle, amazing architecture, thrilling nightlife, extra ordinary people and rich cultural traditions that have surrogated some of the world's best literatures, art forms and music. Major attractions of the city include Hermitage, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Mariinsky Theater, Admiralty, Kazan's Cathedral, Peter and Paul's Fortress and the Russian Museum. The city charms and entices the people to visit the city all over again and again.

Havana (Cuba) : There is quite nothing like Havana. Sitting lavishly as the Caribbeans largest and the most vibrant city, its lively atmosphere and the hopped-up energy are the stuff of the legend. Where ever you look, you find old vintage American cars – Buicks, Dodges and Chevrolets, ration shops located against nitid colonial palaces, historic theaters and cabarets. Not to miss is its thrilling nightlife that an exhaust even the most experienced campaigner. The city is the home to some of the most interesting sights including the the leading commercial center.

Wat Phra Kaeo (Bangkok, Thailand) : Wat Phra Kaeo looks like a small miniature painting that provides you most unforgettable experience of the lifetime. Built in 1792, it is the popular Buddhist Monastery, that is located inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok (Thailand). The place is highly sacred to the Thai Buddhists. The most precious asset of Wat Phra Kaeo is the temple of Emerald Buddha. It consists of the large prayer hall, enclosed by the effigies of gilded garudas to ward off the evil spirits. From inside the temple is covered with exquisite murals portraying the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.

Eilean Donan Castle (Scotland) : Located majestically at the meeting point of the three sea lochs – Loch Alsh, Loch Duich and Loch Long, the castle of Eilean Donan combines impressive location and rich history in a way that makes it a perfect British castle. It is located in a fairy isolated location 16 km from the bridge to the Isle of Skye. It takes 7 hours from Glasgow, on the A82, but the road passes through some of the interesting scenery including Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, Loch Lochy and Glen Shiel. It is advisable to get the booking done in advance as the nearby village Dornie is small and has very limited hotels.

Aparana Chauhan

The shimmering white marble and the glowing moonlight
The delicate minrates and this unending charm
Whispers Nothing
But the Emperor's love forever

It is no doubt that Taj Mahal is the most ravishing monument of the world. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the remembrance of his lost love – Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 AD. TAJ has always remained the center of tourists attraction for people from all around the world.

Lets find out what makes the Taj truly marvelous................................

Regarded as the most precious asset of Muslim art in India, the Heart stealer TAJ shimmers like a jewel on the map of India. It's most amazing part lies in the fact that – it has once again topped the list of new 'Seven Wonders of the World'

Architecture Significance of Taj Mahal : The extra-ordinary architecture of Taj Mahal is truly admiring. The credit of designing this masterpiece goes to Ustad Isa the renowned architect of that era. It was his great mastery that made Taj Mahal, the most amazing monument of the world.

Well What to do at Taj Mahal :

Take Bageecha Walk : You will love scrolling the bageecha (garden) of Taj adorned with the beautiful fountains and square shaped pool in the center which divide the garden into four watercourses. The mughal garden is made in Islamic style in definite geographical style and patterns symbolizing spirituality. It runs from the main gate to the foot of Taj beautified with more than 400 trees of pines, palms and poplars grown on the pathways alongside the garden.

Moonlight Charm : It's a pleasure watching Taj Mahal in the moonlight when its semi precious stones inlaid into white marble catches the dim glow of the moon. I would suggest couples on the Honeymoon trip to India or the people in love must visit Taj atleast once in a lifetime. Catch its lovely pinkish glow in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines.

Tonga Ride at Taj Mahal : Not to miss is the exciting Tonga ride at Taj Mahal. You can hire tonga from the entrance gate that will drop you to the main gate of the Taj Mahal. Believe me it is totally amazing. It's fun.......ecological....and reasonable too. And you might not get the chance to experience it else where in the world. So why to take the chance.......go ahead.....

Enjoy Boating in Yamuna : Ah! That more interesting........As Taj is located on the banks of River Yamuna, so you have the opportunity to enjoy the boating in its waters. It is particularly recommended for the couples and youngsters.

Replica of Taj Mahal : Cherish the memories of your visit to Taj – through the replica of Taj Mahal sold outside its main gate by the local artisans and villagers. You can also purchase this precious gift of love to your near and dear ones. Apart from that look out for the various handicrafts items, leather goods, artifacts and jewelery items sold there.

Taj Mahotsav : If you are planning to visit Taj Mahal in the month of February, you can be a part of Taj Mohotsav celebrated here annually. It is the cultural programme that presented Indian classical dance and music on a huge platform. It is arranged by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism every year.

Excursion Trip from Taj Mahal :
There are so many attractions around the Taj Mahal that can be visited by visited by people on thE Heritage Tour to India. Most popular among them are Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Temples of Virandavan, Ram Bagh, Dayal Bagh temple, Chini- ka-Rauza and Mariyam Tomb.

How to Reach Taj Mahal : Agra is well connected to other cities of India through the roads and railway network. It takes around 4 hours to reach Agra from Taj Mahal. Indian Airlines runs daily flight from Delhi to Agra.

Trains from Delhi to Agra and vice versa - The Shatabdi Express(2 hours), Taj Express (2.5)hours, Intercity Express (3 hours)

Other Wonders of the World

The Pyramid at Chichén Itzá (before 800 A.D.) Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Christ Redeemer (1931) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Roman Colosseum (70 - 82 A.D.) Rome, Italy

The Great Wall of China (220 B.C and 1368 - 1644 A.D.) China

Machu Picchu (1460-1470), Peru

Petra (9 B.C. - 40 A.D.), Jordan

Aparana Chauhan