Gua Gajah, Goa

Located just 10 minutes outside of Ubud in Bali, Goa Gajah is a significant Hindu archaeological site. Goa Gajah is locally known as the Elephant Cave because of its close proximity to the Elephant River. A mysterious cave, relics, and ancient bathing pools set amid green rice paddies and a garden lure tourists from nearby Ubud.

The menacing entrance to Goa Gajah looks like a demonic mouth, suggesting that people are entering an underworld as they venture inside through the darkness. Some claim that the entrance represents the Hindu earth god Bhoma while others say the mouth belongs to the child-eating witch Rangda from Balinese mythology. (For additional context, read our article on Bali's culture.)

Goa Gajah was listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

The History of Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah is thought to date back to the 11th century, although relics predating this time were found within proximity of the site. The first mention of Goa Gajah and the Elephant Cave was in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365.

Despite the ancient significance of the Elephant Cave, the last excavation took place during the 1950s; many sites still remain unexplored. Literal piles of relics with unknown origins have been laid out in a surrounding garden.

The leading theory suggests that Goa Gajah was used as a hermitage or sanctuary by Hindu priests who dug the cave entirely by hand. Although accredited as a sacred Hindu site, a number of relics and the close proximity of a Buddhist temple suggest that the site held special significance to early Buddhists in Bali.

Inside the Elephant Cave

For such a busy tourist attraction, the Elephant Cave itself is actually quite small. As you enter through  the dark, narrow passage, the cave abruptly ends in an intersection. The left passage contains a small niche with a statue of Ganesh, the Hindu deity reminiscent of an elephant. The right passage holds a small worship area with several stone lingam and yoni in honor of Shiva.

Goa Gajah is nearly surrounded by ancient Hindu temples easily accessible from the main roads. Read about Pura Besakih, Bali's most sacred Hindu temple.

Visiting the Elephant Cave

• Goa Gajah is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• The entrance fee to the Elephant Cave is around 60 cents.
• Proper dress is required; knees must be covered by both men and women. Sarongs are available on loan at the entrance of the site.
• Goa Gajah is still an active worship site - try not to get in the way of worshippers inside the narrow cave. Do not photograph people during their prostrations.
• Be prepared to be plunged into near darkness as you enter the cave; there is no artificial lighting.
• Goa Gajah suffers from a dreadful lack of signs and any explanations in English. Visitors who are serious about exploring Bali's Hindu past should consider venturing to Pura Besakih.

Around Goa Gajah

Other than the religious and archaeological significance, the real draw of Goa Gajah is the beautiful surrounding. The Elephant Cave only takes minutes to explore, however rice paddies, gardens, and stone steps lead to other beautiful settings.

Smart visitors climb the long flight of stairs down into the shady valley where a small waterfall awaits. The remains of a crumbled Buddhist temple rest nearby; ancient stones with carved reliefs lie strewn with boulders in the river as rushing water erases history.

Getting to Goa Gajah

The Elephant Cave is located just 10 minutes southeast of Ubud in Central Bali, Indonesia. Tours that take in Goa Gajah as well as other surrounding temples and sites can be arranged in Ubud. Alternatively, motorbikes can be rented in Ubud for around $5 a day.  Having the freedom of transportation to explore the smaller tourist sites surrounding Ubud is a big plus.

Begin by driving south of Ubud past the monkey sanctuary toward Bedulu, then turn east (left) onto Jalan Raya Goa Gajah. Numerous signs indicate the way to Goa Gajah as well as other attractions.  A trivial fee is charged for parking at the Elephant Cave.

Amer Fort

Location:	Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built by:	Raja Man Singh
Built in:	1592 AD
Renovated By:	Jai Singh I
Visiting Hours:	9:30 AM - 4:30 PM everyday (except on Holi)

The Amer Fort, situated in Amber, 11 kilometers from Jaipur, is one of the most famous forts of Rajasthan. Amer, originally, was the capital of the state before Jaipur. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amer Palace. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort. Though the fort is quite old and may even look so from the outside, it is beautiful on the inside and boasts of various buildings of prominence like the 'Diwan-i-Aam', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and even the 'Sukh Mahal'. The Amer Fort has influences of both Hindu and Muslim architecture. This fort also has the 'Shila Devi' Temple and the 'Ganesh Pol' which is a gate that leads to the private palaces of the kings. The Amer Fort has many pavilions and halls of great interest and other popular attractions.

History Of The Fort
Amer was once known as Dhundar and was ruled by the Kachhwahas from the 11th to the 16th century, until the capital was moved from here to Jaipur. Raja Man Singh built this fort in 1592 AD and Raja Jai Sigh I expanded and renovated it later. While many such old structures have been either destroyed or replaced by other things, this fort has stood against all the tests of time and invasions.

Architectural Layout
The structure has four different parts, each with a separate entrance. The main entry to the fort is through the 'Suraj Pol' or Sun Gate which opens up into the main courtyard. This east-facing gate is also the main entrance to the palace and its position with respect to the rising sun is the source of its name. The 'Jaleb Chowk' is one of the four courtyards of the Amer Palace. The 'Sila Devi' Temple is right at the entrance to the main palace grounds. The second courtyard is famous for its 'Diwan-i-Aam' (Public Audience Hall), the 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Sukh Mahal'. A very famous attraction here is the 'Magic Flower', a fresco carved out of marble.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

• Jaigarh Fort
• Aravalli Hills
• Vijay Garh

The Amer Fort/Palace is a beautiful structure that was built by Raja Man Sing in the 16th century. Don't forget to check out the 'Sheesh Mahal', 'Diwan-i-Aam' and 'Sukh Mahal' also. The fort is a ten minute walk uphill and your little trek will be worth the wonders that it offers. Don't miss the royal elephant ride while you are at it!

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun died in 1556, and his widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of Persian architecture during his exile, and he himself is likely to have planned the tomb, although there is no record to that effect. The tomb was constructed at a cost of 15 lakh rupees (1.5 million).
Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian, was the architect employed by Haji Begam for this tomb.
The tomb proper stands in the centre of a square garden, divided into four main parterres by causeways (charbagh), in the centre of which ran shallow water-channels. The high rubble built enclosure is entered through two lofty double-storeyed gateways on the west and south. A baradari (pavilion) occupies the centre of the eastern wall and a hammam (bath chamber) in the centre of northern wall.
The square red sandstone double-storeyed structure of the mausoleum with chamfered corners rises from a 7-m. high square terrace, raised over a series of cells, which are accessible through, arches on each side. The grave proper in the centre of this cell-complex is reached by a passage on the south. The octagonal central chamber contains the cenotaph, and the diagonal sides lead to corner-chambers which house the graves of other members of the royal family. Externally each side of the tomb, its elevations decorated by marble borders and panels, is dominated by three arched alcoves, the central one being the highest. Over the roof pillared kiosks are disposed around the high emphatic double dome in the centre. The central octagonal chamber contains the cenotaph, encompassed by octagonal chambers at the diagonals and arched lobbies on the sides. Their openings are closed with perforated screens. Each side is dominated by three arches, the central one being the highest. This plan is repeated on the second storey too. The roof surmounted by a double dome (42.5m) of marble has pillared kiosks (chhatris) placed around it.

The mausoleum is a synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions-the former exemplified by the arched alcoves, corridors and the high double dome, and the latter by the kiosks, which give it a pyramidal outline from distance. Although Sikandar Lodi's tomb was the first garden-tomb to be built in India, it is Humayun's tomb which set up a new vogue, the crowning achievement of which is the Taj at Agra. There is also a somewhat common human impetus behind these two edifices-one erected by a devoted wife for her husband and the other by an equally or more devoted husband for his wife.
Several rulers of the Mughal dynasty lie buried here. Bahadur Shah Zafar had taken refuge in this tomb with three princes during the first war of Independence (AD 1857).
On the southwestern side of the tomb is located barber's tomb (Nai-ka-Gumbad) which stands on a raised platform, reached by seven steps from the south. The building is square on plan and consists of a single compartment covered with a double-dome.

Open from sunrise to sunset
Entrance Fee:
Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) - Rs. 10 per head.
Others: US $ 5 or Indian Rs. 250/- per head

(children up to 15 years free)

Agra Fort

While most people visit Agra to see the Taj Mahal, Agra, once the capital of all of India, has more to offer. Less than 2 kilometers from the Taj Mahal, on the same river bank, you'll find the impressive Agra Fort.

Agra's Heyday

Agra's history goes back more than 2500 years, but it wasn't until the reign of the Mughals that Agra became more than a 

Agra Fort

provincial city.
Humayun, son of the founder of the Mogul empire, was offered jewelry and precious stones by the family of the Raja of Gwalior, one of them the famous Koh-i-Noor.
The heyday of Agra came with the reign of Humayun's son, Akbar The Great. During his reign, the main part of the Agra fort was built. Construction of the fort started in 1156 and was finished in 1605. Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, erected most of the buildings inside the fortress.

The fort

The fort is built alongside the Yamuna river and stretches almost 2.5 km. It consists of a wall built in red sandstone and several buildings inside. The wall has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. You can only enter the fort via the Amar Singh Gate.

Inside Agra Fort

After going through the gate you walk over a ramp and enter the Great Courtyard. On the right hand sight, there's the many pillared Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience). 

Hall of Public Audience

It was built by Shah Janan in 1628.
Further you find the Royal Pavilions. It contains beautiful mosques (Nagina Masjid & Mina Masjid), palaces (Macchi Bhavan, Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal, Shah Jahani Mahal) and the Zenana Mina Bazaar.
Several of the buildings are made of pure marble with beautiful carvings. To cool off the rooms in the marble pavilions, the walls were hollow and filled with running water.
From the balconies in the pavilions, you have a nice view on the Yamuna river and the Taj Mahal.

Shah Jahan

As a matter of fact, the emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj, was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in the Agra Fort where he had a view on the building erected for his deceased wife. Shah Jahan is said to have died in the Musamman Burj, a tower with a beautiful marble balcony. From there you probably have the best view on the Taj. Between the many pavilions, you find small well maintained gardens.

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE

The Palace was built, between 1928 and 1943, for H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singh ji, Grand Father of our present Maharaja, who had benevolently commissioned a new palace in 1923 to replace Mehrangarh Fort as the symbol of a new Jodhpur and to give employment to the people of Marwar during the period's great droughts and famines.
Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest private residences in the world - set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens.
Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, this golden - yellow sandstone monument was conceived on the grandest possible scale, in the fashionable Art Deco Style of that time. After 15 years in construction, the 347 - room palace was finally completed in 1943 - and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since.
Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Its majestic 105 - foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork follow the Art Deco style, complemented by the exotic murals of the self-exiled Polish artist Stefan Norblin. Palace Descriptors:
The magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur one of the world's largest private residences is a golden hued desert sandstone monument set amidst acres of verdant gardens. An imitable tribute to art deco, the Palace has in its luxurious fold 64 rooms and suites. Stroll through the private museum, test your skills on the marbled squash courts or enjoy a game of billiards in the panelled recreation room. Take an exhilarating drive through the enchanting city of Jodhpur in a vintage car, accompanied by your royal butler. Stop beneath the starry night sky for a divine grilled feast accompanied by the music of the desert. Experience the art of India's ancient healing wisdom in the romantic new setting of the Taj Spa.

Mehrangarh Fort,Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort, located in Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan, is a massive fort located on a hill 400 feet above the city. Its walls are up to 36 meters high and 21 meters wide. Inside these imposing thick walls, there are gardens, courthouses, several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards, elaborate balconies, arched galleries, and heavily ornamented private residences. Looking straight down a perpendicular cliff, the famously impregnable fort is an imposing landmark, especially at night, when it's bathed in yellow light.

The approach to the fort is guarded by no fewer than seven huge gates. The first gate, the Victory Gate, was built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints upon these made by 15 royal satis (Jodhpur queens who burnt themselves on the funeral pyres of their husbands), still attract much attention even today.

Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away. Across from huge courtyards are the set wings of palatial apartments that have been built over five centuries of bristling history. Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust, only some of the more spectacular palaces of Meharangarh are open to the visitors. These consists of Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls) with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore ruler have been ritually anointed to rule; Jhanki Mahal (Palace of Glimpses), from where the royal ladies watched the official proceedings in the courtyard; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne; and the Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors) where the maharaja would play Holi with his wives. Also noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Umaid Vilas and Maan Vilas.

The various buildings inside the fort now serve as museums which hosts a well preserved collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons on the fort's ramparts.

Mehrangarh Fort was built in the 15th century by Rao Jodha when he shifted his capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur. The foundation of this fort was laid on 12th May, 1459 by Jodha himself on a rocky hill six miles south of Mandore. This hill was known as Bhaurcheeria, the mountain of birds. According to legend to build the fort he had to displace the hill's sole human occupant, a hermit called Cheeria Nathji, the lord of birds. Upset at being forced to move Cheeria Nathji cursed Rao Jodha with "Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!". Rao Jodha managed to appease the hermit by building a house and a temple in the fort very near the cave the hermit had used for meditation. Jodha then took an extreme measure to ensure that the new site proved propitious; he buried a man alive in the foundations. The man was Rajiya Bambi (Meghwal) and he was promised that in return his family would forever more be looked after by the Rathores. It was a promise that has been honored and Rajiya's descendants continue to live in Raj Bagh, Rajiya's Garden, the estate bequeathed by Jodha.

Madikeri, Karnataka

Known as the ‘Scotland of India’ for its natural splendour, the hill station of Madikeri is located in Coorg region of Karnataka.

Madikeri is also called by the name of Mercara; earlier it was known as Muddurajakeri. The word ‘Muddurajakeri’ means Mudduraja’s hill station. The hill station was named after the Haleri King, Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu (Coorg region) from 1633-1687.

The region is known for its natural beauty. Dense forest, waterfalls and mist-laden hills makes Madikeri a pleasure for the eyes. The hills offer breathtaking panoramic views of the region.

If you are game for some angling, then Madikeri is the place to be. Trout and mahaseer are found in abundance in the rivers and streams around Madikeri.

The Cauvery river is scared to Kodavas, people of the Coorg region who are often called Coorgis. During the Cauvery Sankramana festival, people in large numbers gather at Talakaveri to take a holy dip in the river.

Madikeri is also famous for its cuisine especially non-vegetarian delicacies. Pork of Madikeri is the special food item of the hill station.

One can buy local handicrafts, agricultural produces like coffee, tea and cardamom.