Kausani, Uttarakhand

A week after Fatehpur Sikri, Uttarakhand happened. We explored 3 main places in Uttarakhand in our 4 day trip- Kausani, Almora and Nainital.

We got up in the wee hours of memory and got ready by 5 a.m in order to catch early morning Shatabdi from Anand Vihar (Delhi) to Kathgodam.

After reaching Kathgodam (at 11.30) we hired a cab and reached Almora (at 5.30 PM).
On our way to Almora we took in glimpses of Bheemtal lake and offered our devotions at Kainchidham.

Bheemtaal

Bheemtaal- Taal means Lake

We stayed at Almora for the night and next morning started for Kausani -a three hours road drive. It was a scenic journey- the serpentine road wrapped around lush green hills and with Kosi river flowing down in the valley. Weather was misty and cloudy  and green mountains looked golden due to sun beaming on them.

Misty Morning in Almora

Almora Morning @ 6 am

Enroute Kausani

Weather was wonderfully pleasant. On our way we saw huge cucumbers in local markets as compared to the ones we get in Delhi, apples on the other hand were cherries in comparison to what we get in Delhi. Talking further about sizes, mosquitoes were elephants!
Kausani is rich in flora and fauna. While our plan was to stay there for only a day but after seeing the place we planned to stay there for another day.

Temples in Uttarakhand are mainly of Lord Shiva. On first day in Kausani we visited Someshwar Temple and Baijnath Temple.

A statue in Someshwar Temple

Butterfly: Poweshiek Skipperling, Someshwar.

Baijnath Temple

 Baijnath Temple complex (Lord Shiva) is situated on the banks of the Gomti river in Bageshwar District.

Baijnath Temples

 It is a group of temples that have idols of Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahma.

 Mahaseer Fishes.

These fishes were in abundance in the river flowing adjacent to Baijnath temples. They are known as Mahasher, where Maha means big and Sher means Tiger- "Big Tigers" of water. Fishing is not allowed here though one can feed the fishes. (Source: http://www.touruttarakhand.com/blogs/angling-in-uttarakhand-rivers-and-lakes)
On our way back, we visited a tea factory and then to our halt. 

Second day in Kausani- -Rudradhari, Kausani

For other posts on Uttarakhand click here

-Golu Devta Temple, Almora

-Almora, Uttarakhand- Jageshwar Temples, Nanital

New Age War

 Doodle Diaries

Click on image to enlarge it!

Happy Monday People. Stay technologically advanced.

P.S. Oh I am not giving any Ideas!!! Have a great week ahead. ;)

Fatehpur Sikri

It was 2nd of October, Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday and a national holiday. We planned to pay a visit to the city of Fatehpur Sikri near Agra, along with one of our cousin who was in Agra at that time.
Fatehpur Sikri (city of victory, Fateh means Victory) served as a capital of Mughal empire during Emperor Akbar's reign for 13 years. The construction started in 1571 and was completed in 1573 and is made of red stone. It is considered to be one of the best heritage of Mughal architecture.

I would recommend the place to those who enjoy beautiful architectures or have historical interests. Especially for people living around Agra- it can be an interesting weekend getaway.
Some of the monuments amongst many are Akbar's Palace, Palace of Jodha Bai (Hindu wife of the Mughal emperor-Akbar), Palace of Birbal, Deewan-e-Aam (hall of Public audience), Deewan-e-Khas (Hall of private Audience).  One of the best features that I found there was a mix of different cultures in the architecture. It has borrowings from  Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim traditions. One could see Rajasthani Patterns on the walls, a building with a triangular end and a cross atop placed in harmony with other Mughal tastes.

We left for the place early morning at around 6.30. It took us four hours to reach the place via expressway from Delhi.

This photograph is taken during a drive on express highway

Fatehpur Sikri

 Architecture at Fatehpur Sikri.

Reminiscent of huge earthen pot used for storing Grain.

Tansen (one of the 9 jewels in reign of Akbar) used to sing sitting at the center of the pool. (as told by our guide)

Beautifully crafted minaret with clouds in the backdrop

Entrance to another space of one of the wives of Akbar.

Jodha's Palace (One of the wives of Akbar)in the city of Fatehpur Sikri

Jama Mazjid

Jama Mazjid

The white monument is tomb of sufi saint Saleem chishti.

Tomb of Saleem Chisti (A sufi saint)

Scribbling in Farsi Inside Saleem Chishti's Dargah 

To the south there is Buland Darwaza which was completed in 1575, a memoir of the victories (the taking of Gujarat in 1572) to which the city, their monumental symbol, owes its existence and its name.

Inside view of Buland Darwaza

Vendors selling local products including models of Taj Mahal carved out of marble, beaded necklaces etc inside Buland Darwaza.

 

Buland Darwaza

View of the city from Buland Darwaza

Another View of the city from Buland Darwaza

There were many squirrel visitors too or perhaps residents.

 

An Exit from Fatehpur Sikri.