Amber Fort, Jaipur

Amber fort, also known as Amber Palace boasts of an artistic grandeur and structural expertise. It is a reminiscent of the bravery and courage of the mighty Rajputs, who had played a remarkable role in the history of medieval India.

This rambling Palace depicts the true lifestyle of the gutsy Rajputs who are better known for their radical, audacious, volatile and decadent behaviour. One among the best hill top palaces, amber palace presents a curious blend of Muslim and Hindu architectural design. An aide memoir of the yesteryears, this palace is a redolent of creativeness of the artisans of ancient time.

Situated just over 10 kilometres away from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Delhi highway is Amber, which was the ancient capital of Jaipur State. A bus leaves from Hawa Mahal every 30 minutes and a well-laid out road takes the visitor out of the city and very soon one witnesses lush green hills.

One then notices a lake and standing next to it is the majestic Amber Fort which several rulers of the erstwhile State of Jaipur recognized as a vantage military building. The excursion start of Jaipur recognized as a vantage military building. The excursion starts with the Dil-E-Aaram Garden which is laid out in the traditional Mughal style. The complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples was built by Raja Man Singh, The Rajput commander of Akbar's Army, Mirza Raja Jai Singh an Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. One can climb up to the fort from the road in about 10 minutes, go up by a jeep or even on elephant back. The diwan-E-aam (hall of public audience) has latticed galleries and double row of columns each having a capital in the shape of elephants on the top. To the right are steps that lead to the Kali Temple where everyday a goat was sacrificed right up to 1980 when the practice was banned by the state government. The temple offers a wonderful sight and has huge doors made of silver. It is said that Maharaja Man Singh prayed to the goddess for victory during a particular battle. The goddess was said to have come in his dream and said that if he won the battle, then he should retriever her image which was lying at the bottom of the sea. he won the battle, retrieved the image and installed it at the temple of Shitla Devi.

The maharaja's residence is at a higher elevation and can be entered through a decorated gateway. The Jai Mandir (hall of victory) has a glittering ceiling of mirrors and elegant inlaid panels. In front of the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of pleasure) with a door made of sandalwood, inlaid with ivory with a channel running through which once carried cool water. The zenana or women's apartments were designed in a manner which could easily facilitate the entry of the maharaja to various chambers without any of the concubines aware of any visitor. Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha lake gives a scintillation view from the palaces above it.

Pink City Jaipur

Rajasthan means land of Rajas (Kings) that’s why the name ‘Rajasthan’ is royal in itself. Jaipur, it’s capital includes one feather in its crown is also known as the Pink City or Paris of India. Jaipur does not only offers a heritage look or something ancient that you can never find at other places, but it also narrates how to live happily in what we have.

A vibrant city, which was established in the year 1727, Jaipur has been acclaimed as the first planned city in India. The capital of the former Kachwaha rulers, Jaipur offers a multifaceted tourist destination. This thriving city has derived its name from the illustrious ruler Sawai Jaisingh II, whose progressive thinking gave birth to a perfectly planned city. The term Sawai has been bestowed upon him by the then Mughal Emperor as an honour to his multifarious personality. This poetic expression literally means Jaisingh was valuable than one. 
Jaipur, the largest city of Rajasthan is an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy.  This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture. With splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis; Jaipur turns out to be an ideal tourist destination. It is not just the royal buildings and palaces that this city offers. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewellery. These intricate works of art add life and colour to this Pink City's uniqueness. Also, the serenity of lush gardens and floral array acts as the cherry on the cake of fabulous landscapes. All this make a picturesque view that tends to enthral any visitor.
The best time to visit this place is between October and March. Since the weather is pleasant during these months, that allows one to explore more of this place without getting scorched in the seething heat. This city of Rajputs is well known for its fairs and fests that are held on a grand level. The festivals include kite festival, camel festival, teej, gangaur, elephant festival, to name a few. The city witnesses maximum tourists during these days. To add on to its liveliness, this place has brilliant bazaars filled with bright turbans and ethnic attire, hand-dyed and embroidered textiles, pretty jewellery and delicious food. All these things can draw anyone towards them. Dressed in pink, this royal city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is the apt blend of heritage, palaces, culture and art and the flamboyance of this place can be experienced only by visiting it.

The City Palace

One of the most magnificent marvels or Jaipur is the City Palace Complex which has a rare combination of the finest blends of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the heart of the old city, it has vast area. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh and additions made up to the 20th century. Many buildings, well-planned gardens and huge courtyards are a part of the complex. For visiting dignitaries, Sawai Madho Singh II, constructed Mubarak Mahal (welcome palace) as a reception centre. The mahal comes before the main complex, though it now forms a part of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum.

A delight is the Maharani's Palace, now the armory with arms to the 15th century which include the deadly Rajput scissor-action daggers which have a unique working action (after the dagger entered the body, the handles were released and the blades spread. during withdrawal, killing the victim). The guns include the ones that also served as walking sticks, one of the size of a small canon fired from a camel's back, double-barrel guns, early handguns, matchlocks and percussion cap guns, swords with pistols attached to the blades, daggers with handles of crystal and invory, katars, chhuris, peak-kubz jambhiya, Persian and Rajput swords. Deccan hand, bows and arrows, battle axes, shields, maces, breast and shoulder plate gutzis and the ruby and emerald encrusted sword presented by Queen Vicoria to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh (1835-1880). On display are a big range of shields of rhino, crocodile and turtle skin, the shield of Sawai Pratap Singh and Raja Man Singh' sword weighing about 5 kilograms.

Diwan-e-Khas (hall of private audience) is housed between the art gallery (once the diwan-e-aam-hall of public audience) and the armoury. The most attractive feature are the two sterling silver vessels (in the marble-paved gallery) in which Maharaja Madho Singh II, a devout Hindu, took holy Ganga water during a visit to Europe. The two vessels are massive standing 160 cm and have a capacity of 9000 litres each. They are listed in the Guinness book of Records as the biggest silver vessels in the world. From the ceiling of the hall hang a number of chandeliers which are covered with plastic to prevent dust and bird droppings falling on them.
It also has an art gallery with a fine collection of paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II for his study of planets and their movements.
The art gallery in the erstwhile Diwan-e-aam has a well preserved painted ceiling on which the original semi-precious stones still retain their lustre. Suspended from the ceiling is a massive chandelier made of crystal. The art gallery also has miniature paintings of the Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools featuring religious them mainly scenes from the Ramayana. The other exhibits include an unbraided, handwritten version of the Bhagaved Gita, miniature copies of other holy Hindu scriptures, handwritten books in Persian and Sanskrit and early manuscripts on palmleaes There are among the 20,000 manuscripts that the museum boasts of. Howdahs (elephant saddles), palanquins, the swing of Lord Krishna and paper cuttings cut with the thumbnails are among the several other exhibits in the gallery. One can also see the finest carpets from Herat in Afghanistan and Lahore.
Chandra Mahal is the only part of the complex that is inhabited and is occupied by the royal family. The ground floor of the palace, open to visitors, has some exhibits. In the courtyard outside is the elegantly designed Peacock Gate.

Girls always thinks of new guyz..

JALANDHAR

JALANDHAR CITY ATTRACTIONS  Wonder Land Wonderland Theme Park is an amusement water park with water games and water rides. The Park spreads over 11 acres with many thrilling rides offering healthy entertainment to all age groups. The park is located about 6 kms from Jalandhar Bus terminus and 8 kms from the Railway Station on Nakodar Road. The water rides includes bumper cars, flying jets, horror house, boating, kiddies' boating, play house, flying dragon and a slide splash. The wave pool is another attraction of the water park. There is an aqua dance floor, where boys and girls enjoy dancing on the tunes of the latest Punjabi hit numbers underneath a canopy that has artificial clouds from where the water comes down like a rainfall.  Pushpa Gujral Science City City Science City is built with the aim of learning, fun & amusement using Scientific ideas.It is an ideal place for people of all ages. It also aims at arouse creativity in young minds.Its main objective is to build a scientific temper in the state. The projects are dynamic in its concept which enables it to adapt to the rapidly developing modern technology.The project will help in creating awareness of science in the community etc.   Imam Nasir Mausoleum The 800 year old beautifully designed mausoleum of Imam Nasir is located in the heart of Jalandhar. The Jama Masjid nearby is said to be 400 years old.  Bhagat Singh Museum A museum at Khatkal Kalan, the native village of the great Martyr Sardar Bhagat Singh, was inaugurated on his 50th death anniversary. It was earlier in Jalandhar district, now became part of Nawanshahr district. To pay homage to the great revolutionary martyrs of the Punjab, who laid down their lives for the liberation of their motherland, all their memorable belongings are displayed here. The half burnt ashes of Sardar Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev including the blood soaked sand and blood stained newspaper in which their ashes were wrapped are preserved and exhibited in the museum. One page of the Lahore Conspirace Case’s Judgement through which martyr Kartar Singh Sarabha was sentenced to death and on which Sardar Bhagat Singh put some notes is also exhibited in the museum. A copy of holy Gita having S. Bhagat Singh’s signatures which was handed over to him in Lahore Jail, and his other personal belongings are displayed here. The painting of the revolutionaries and Gadrites who inspired S. Bhagat Singh to jump into the freedom struggle are also displayed in the museum. A big bronze statue in the memory of the great martyr installed in front of the museum remind us of his great deeds.  Go Karting - Vajra Vajra Go Karting which is open to civilians also, is a big attraction. The visitors enjoy rides in the single and double seat karts which were quite safe and one-and-a-half inch above the ground. While a single person ride comes for Rs 20 per lap, the double seat kart costs Rs 30. Since the go-kart track has been created only for amusement, it works without any technical gadgets that can record the speed or be used for car racing events.
	JALANDHAR EXCURSIONS  Paanch Mandir Constructed by the founder of the Kapurthala State, Fateh Singh Ahluwalia, this is an example of striking architecture. The prime dome in the centre is surrounded by several smaller temples dedicated to different deities. A replica of this temple was exhibited in the pre-partition Punjab Museum at Lahore.   Amritsar Amritsar, the holy city of Sikhs, is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion and the home to the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple. The city gets its name from the pool-Amritsar (Pool of Nectar), which was constructed by Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of Sikhs. Amritsar is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. Being the gateway for travellers coming to India on the overland route from central Asia it has become the centre of various commercial activities. The essential spirit of the city is found not only in its gurudwaras & temples, mosques & churches, takias & khankahs but also in its theatres & galleries, parks & gardens, archives & libraries, art & architecture, museums & memorials, havelis & forts, fairs & festivals, vibrant folk dances & scintillating taans, narrow lanes & winding alleys, parlours & boutiques, clubs & pubs, traditional bustling markets & lip-smacking cuisine.  Kapurthala Kapurthala, the capital town of an erstwhile princely state is situated towards the west of Jallandhar city at a distance of 19 kilometers.It has been named after its founder Nawab Kapur Singh. The place has an interesting history of maharajas, popular for their tastes in western fashion and trends. Among them, Maharaja Jagatjit Singh was regarded as one of the most enlightened Hindu princes of pre-independence times.  Nakodar Nakodar is said by one account to have been originally held by Kambohs. Another tradition makes an Afghan, Nakodar Khan, the founder. Another account says that, when Manj Rajputs crossed the Satluj,Malik Nekdar Khan popularly known as Baba Malik, a brother of Rai Izzat who took (Talwan) founded Nakodar. His shrine still exists inside the town. The word Nakodar is a corrupted form of the Persian words neki dar which mean 'gate of goodness or virtue. A fourth account makes it founded by the Nikudari legion(ming or hazarah) of the Mughals. A road also connects Nakodar with Jagraon through a ferry on the River Satluj. There are a Khadi Mandal, a Civil Hospital, a Veterinary Hospital, three Sub-post offices and a combined Post & Telegraph office, a Telephone Exchange, a Police Station and a P.W.D. Rest House. It is well known for the manufacture of durries and khadi goods.  Kanjali Bird Reserve Kanjali birds reserve is a place that should not be missed if you are visiting Jalandhar. It is around 5 miles away from Kapurthala. There is a beautiful lake here that has the facility of boating. The boating during early mornings and evenings is really a very pleasant experience. The bird's sanctuary also offers many rare varieties of the birds from as far as Siberia.
	RELIGIOUS PLACES IN JALANDHAR   Devi Talab Mandir Devi Talab Mandir is located about one km from the railway station. The old Devi Talab has been renovated and in its centre, a new temple has been built. Recently a model of Amarnath Yatra has been built in the premises. An old temple of goddess Kali also stands by the side of the Devi Talab. The gilded Mandir is famous for the 'Hariballabh Sangeet Sammelan' held every year in December at its precincts for the past 125 years. Famous classical music exponents - both instrumental and vocal come together and perform at this gathering. In Devi Talab, there is a large masonry 200 year old tank sacred to Hindus.   Gurdwara Chevin Patshahi The sixth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind visited Jalandhar during his tour of Doaba area and he was interviewed by a holy Muslim saint, Shaikh Darvesh. Gurdwara Chhevin Padshahi in Basti Shaikh, is situated at the same spot where the talk was held. The great Guru had in depth discussion with Shaikh Darvesh about spiritual matters which created good impact on the holy man. A handwritten copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib prepared sometime between 1715 and 1728 by the great Sikh scholar and martyr Baba Deep Singh is kept here.   Tulsi Mandir An ancient monument in the City is the temple of Vrinda, wife of Jalandhara, in the Kot Kishan Chand locality. It is now also known as Tulsi Mandir. On one side of the temple is a tank which is said to have been the bathing place of the demon Jalandhara. At some distance is the temple of Gupha, with the image of Annapurna, the goddess of plenty, installed in it. Also nearby lies the Brahm Kund and some temples dedicated to Shiva.   St. Mary's Cathedral Church The old church dedicated to St. Patrick was built by Rev. Fr. John Macodnnel, Q.F.M.CAP of the Vicariate Apostolic of Agra, in 1947 at the same site of new church since 1886. It was looked after by various chaplains appointed to Jalandhar from the Diocese of Lahore. After the partition in 1955, the Catholic Mission of the Indian Punjab was raised to the status of Apostolic prefecture with its headquarter at Jalandhar and the church at Jalandhar Cantonment became the Cathedral or the Mother Church of Punjab. The demolition of the old church was started on 15th February, 1987. The foundation stone for the new church was blessed by His Holiness Pope John Paul II in February, 1986 and laid by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Symbhorian Keeprath Bishop of Jalandhar Diocese on 19th April, 1987. The roofing of the basement, the balcony and the main church were done on 19th September, 19th November and 19th December, 1987 respectively. The church was designed in such a way as to highlight the secular character of our motherland. The new church was blessed by His grace Archbishop Jose Sanchez, the special delegate of Pope John Paul II from Rome and inaugurated by His Grace Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan, the Vatican Ambassador and the Apostolic pronounced to India on 29th October, 1989, the day of the National Festival of Light, Diwali. On this occasion Archbishops and Bishops representing different regions of India were also present.  Sheetla Mandir Near the Balmiki gate is the Sheetla Mandir, said to be as old as the City of Jalandhar. Within its premises are also two small old temples of Hanuman and Shiva.A big fair is held here in month of August.

10 Tips To Speak Correct English

i. Observe the mouth movements of those who speak English we ll and try to imitate them.
When you are watching television, observe the mouth movements of the speakers. Repeat what they are saying, while
imitating the intonation and rhythm of their speech.

ii. Until you learn the correct intonation and rhythm of English, slow your speech down.
If you speak too quickly, and with the wrong intonation and rhythm, native speakers will have a hard time
understanding you.
Don't worry about your listener getting impatient with your slow speech -- it is more important that everything you say
be understood.

iii. Listen to the 'music' of English.
Do not use the 'music' of your native language when you speak English. Each language has its own way of 'singing'.

iv. Use the dictionary.
Try and familiarise yourself with the phonetic symbols of your dictionary. Look up the correct pronunciation of words
that are hard for you to say.

v. Make a list of frequently used words that you find difficult to pronounce and ask someone
who speaks the language well to pronounce them for you.
Record these words, listen to them and practice saying them. Listen and read at the same time.

vi. Buy books on tape.
Record yourself reading some sections of the book. Compare the sound of your English with that of the person
reading the book on the tape.

vii. Pronounce the ending of each word.
Pay special attention to 'S' and 'ED' endings. This will help you strengthen the mouth muscles that you use when you
speak English.

viii. Read aloud in English for 15-20 minutes every day.
Research has shown it takes about three months of daily practice to develop strong mouth muscles for speaking a
new language.

ix. Record your own voice and listen for pronunciation mistakes.
Many people hate to hear the sound of their voice and avoid listening to themselves speak. However, this is a very
important exercise because doing it will help you become conscious of the mistakes you are making.

x. Be patient.
You can change the way you speak but it won't happen overnight. People often expect instant results and give up too
soon. You can change the way you sound if you are willing to put some effort into it.