World Heritage Day: 10 architectural marvels you must visit in India

World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on April 18. The day is observed to raise awareness about the significance of heritage sites around the globe and the need to safeguard them for future generations. The International Council on Monuments and Sites first proposed observing the day as World Heritage Day in 1982 which was later approved by the United Nations General Assembly in 1983. (Image: Shutterstock)
The heritage sites are a valuable part of India’s rich culture and history. Let us look at the 10 must-visit heritage sites in India: (Image: Shutterstock)
No 6. Destination: Agra | Duration of stay: At least two days | Tourists should consider spending at least two days in Agra to immerse themselves in the historical and cultural richness that this city has to offer. Agra is most renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and exploring this breathtaking monument deserves ample time. Beyond the Taj Mahal, Agra boasts of historical treasures such as the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Taj Mahal, Agra: Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th Century, the Taj Mahal is known for its elegant Mughal Architecture and beautiful gardens. Known as a ‘symbol of love’ Taj Mahal is considered India’s most visited UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Image: Reuters)
Qutub Minar, Delhi: Built by Qutab-Ud-Din Aibak in the 12th Century, Qutub Minar stands as a magnificent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The 73-metre tall minaret was declared a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO in 1993. (Image: Shutterstock)
A view shows Humayun's Tomb before the lights were turned off for Earth Hour in New Delhi, India, March 25, 2023. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi: Built in 1570, Humayun’s Tomb is said to be the first garden tomb of India. It was commissioned in 1569 by Hamidah Banu Begam after the death of Mughal Emperor Humayun. The architectural marvel was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. (Image: Reuters)
Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra: The Ajanta Caves are believed to be the masterpieces of Buddhist culture. While the first phase was built during the 1st and 2nd century BC, the second phase is said to be built between the 5th and 6th century BC. There are 30 caves which include five unfinished caves.
Ellora Caves, Maharashtra: The monumental caves of Ellora are believed to have been built between 600 AD and 1000 AD. With 34 caves, the historical monument is the symbol of religious harmony and brotherhood.
Konark Sun Temple, Odisha: Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Konark Sun Temple stands as a testament to India’s rich architectural brilliance. Built-in the 13th Century, the monument is shaped like a chariot with 24 carved wheels teamed up with a team of six horses.
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra: Once the capital City of India during the Mughal time, Fatehpur Sikri was built during the second half of the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is believed to be the first planned city that was built by the Mughals. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Red Fort, Delhi: Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century, Red Fort remains a major tourist attraction. The monument is a unique example of architectural brilliance and planning in the Mughal reign. The fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. (Image: Shutterstock)
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: Located along the shores of the Coromandel Coast, Mahabalipuram is said to be the port city of the Pallavas. The group of monuments include several rock-cut cave temples, monolithic temples, bas-relief sculptures, and structural temples. The monuments were built by the Pallava dynasty. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Amber Fort, Rajasthan: Known for the blend of Hindu and Mughal Architecture, the construction of the Amber Fort started under the leadership of Raja Man Singh I in 1592. The fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.
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Delhi Metro Yellow Line faces delay due to technical glitch, here is the latest update

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Summary

The DMRC had suggested commuters take the Violet Line as an alternative route to avoid any delays in reaching their destination. However, the DMRC shortly updated that normal services have been restored on the Yellow Line.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) informed commuters on Thursday morning that services on the Yellow Line between Kashmere Gate and Central Secretariat were delayed. The DMRC on Twitter released a note informing people about the delay and advised them to take the Violet Line instead. However, the services were restored shortly but the cause of the delay has not been specified yet.

“Yellow Line Update. Delay in services between Kashmere Gate and Central Secretariat. Normal service on all other lines,” DMRC informed in its initial tweet.


The Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro connects stations Samaypur Badli in Delhi and HUDA City Centre in Gurgaon.

The alternative route through the Violet Line connects Kashmere Gate and Badarpur in Delhi.

ALSO READ | NH-48 construction: Delhi Metro increases number of trains on Yellow Line to ease crowd

Several people were stranded due to the delay. A Twitter user wrote, “Kashmere Gate to Central Secretariat, Central Secretariat to Huda City Centre It took almost 2 hours…”


However, the DMRC shortly updated that normal services have been restored on the Yellow Line.


Commuters can expect normal travel times now on the Yellow Line as the services were restored.

The DMRC, last month, increased the number of train trips between Qutub Minar station to HUDA City Centre station on the Yellow Line.

The trips were increased to offset the additional load on the Metro due to the partial closure or diversions imposed on the National Highway-48 near Gurugram.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, services on the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova corridor of the rapid transit system were disrupted for about 45 minutes on Wednesday evening.

The operator of the rapid transit system, Mumbai Metro One, said that the services were disrupted by a technical glitch in the electrical converter unit of a train.

ALSO READ | Bahrain Metro Project: Delhi Metro shortlisted for pre-qualification tender process

It further added that all passengers of the affected train were evacuated at Asalpha station, as per a TOI report.

The disruption of services was the second such instance in less than 10 days on the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova corridor. The previous instance occurred on April 18, when the Metro services were affected due to another technical issue.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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nifty 50 ₹16,986.00 -7.15
sensex ₹1,882.60 +8.30
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nifty bank ₹1,318.95 -1.95
index Price Change
nifty 50 ₹16,986.00 -7.15
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From historic landmarks to bustling markets, embracing the chaos of Delhi

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Delhi is a city that offers a perfect blend of rich history, delicious food, and exciting shopping. From its historic landmarks and bustling markets to its delicious street food and vibrant nightlife, you’ll have an unforgettable time in this wild and chaotic city.

Delhi, the capital city of India, is a vibrant and chaotic metropolis known for its rich history, delicious food, and bustling markets. It’s the perfect destination for a wild and exciting weekend getaway. Here’s a guide to spending a wild weekend in Delhi.

Day 1: Exploring Old Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, start your day by exploring the historic streets of Old Delhi. Take a rickshaw ride through the winding lanes and visit famous landmarks such as the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the bustling Chandni Chowk market, where you can find everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and electronics.

Day 2: Discovering New Delhi

On your second day in Delhi, take a tour of New Delhi, which is the more modern part of the city. Start by visiting the famous India Gate, a war memorial and national monument, and then head to the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest minaret in India. In the afternoon, visit the Lotus Temple, a Bahai House of Worship shaped like a lotus flower.

Day 3: Food Crawl

Delhi is known for its delicious street food, and there’s no better way to experience it than by going on a food crawl. From chaat and samosas to parathas and biryani, there’s a wide variety of street food to try. Take a stroll through the streets of Delhi and stop at different street food vendors to try different dishes.

ALSO READ | How to explore India’s rich cultural heritage through its best sites The Taj Mahal and Khajuraho

Day 4: Shopping

On your last day in Delhi, indulge in some shopping at the famous Connaught Place and Lajpat Nagar market. Connaught Place is a popular shopping destination for high-end brands, and Lajpat Nagar is known for its local handicrafts and textiles.

Overall, Delhi is a city that offers a perfect blend of rich history, delicious food, and exciting shopping. From its historic landmarks and bustling markets to its delicious street food and vibrant nightlife, you’ll have an unforgettable time in this wild and chaotic city. So, pack your bags and head to Delhi for a wild weekend getaway!

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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index Price Change
nifty 50 ₹16,986.00 -72.15
sensex ₹1,882.60 +28.30
nifty IT ₹2,206.80 +30.85
nifty bank ₹1,318.95 -14.95
index Price Change
nifty 50 ₹16,986.00 -7.15
sensex ₹1,882.60 +8.30
nifty IT ₹2,206.80 +3.85
nifty bank ₹1,318.95 -1.95
index Price Change
nifty 50 ₹16,986.00 -72.15
sensex ₹1,882.60 +28.30
nifty IT ₹2,206.80 +30.85
nifty bank ₹1,318.95 -14.95
index Price Change
nifty 50 ₹16,986.00 -7.15
sensex ₹1,882.60 +8.30
nifty IT ₹2,206.80 +3.85
nifty bank ₹1,318.95 -1.95
index Price Change
nifty 50 ₹16,986.00 -7.15
sensex ₹1,882.60 +8.30
nifty IT ₹2,206.80 +3.85
nifty bank ₹1,318.95 -1.95

Currency

Company Price Chng %Chng
Dollar-Rupee 73.3500 0.0000 0.00
Euro-Rupee 89.0980 0.0100 0.01
Pound-Rupee 103.6360 -0.0750 -0.07
Rupee-100 Yen 0.6734 -0.0003 -0.05
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These 10 Indian monuments were most visited by domestic visitors

Taj Mahal | The Mughal-era mausoleum had 3,294,611 domestic visitors during the period. (Image: Shutterstock)
Red Fort | The UNESCO-recognised site saw 1,323,501 visitors and clocked 5.08 percent of the total footfall in 2021-22. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Qutub Minar | Built in the early 13th century in Delhi, the red sandstone tower of Qutub Minar attracted 1,157,664 visitors during the year. It saw 4.44 percent of the total footfall in 2021-22 for domestic visitors. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Group of Monuments, Mamallapuram | Although the Group of Monuments, Mamallapuram, was the most visited site among foreign tourists, only 1,142,150 domestic tourists visited the heritage site. It made 4.38 percent of the total footfall. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Agra Fort | The historic fort in Agra, which remained the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, was visited by 1,027,462 domestic tourists in 2021-22. It covered only 3.94 percent of the total footfall during the period. (Image: Shutterstock)
Golconda Fort | Golconda Fort is one of the magnificent fortress complexes in the country, situated in Hyderabad. Once the principal capital of the Qutub Shahi kings, the monument was visited by 946,972 domestic tourists or 3.64 percent of the total footfall in 2021-22. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Sun Temple, Konark | UNESCO declared the Sun Temple in Odisha a World Heritage Site in 1984. In 2021-22, the temple dedicated to the Sun God was visited by 672,891 domestic tourists or 2.58 percent of the total footfall. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Upper Fort, Aguada | The ASI-protected Portuguese fort in Goa was visited by 656,756 domestic visitors. The site clocked 2.52 percent of the total footfall during 2021-22. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Chittorgarh Fort | Chittorgarh Fort ranked ninth among the most popular centrally protected ticketed monuments for domestic visitors in 2021-22. It was visited by 590,389 tourists or 2.27 percent of the total footfall during the period. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Shaniwarwada | This monument in Pune recorded a footfall of 516,448 visitors or 1.98 percent of the total footfall in 2021-22 for domestic visitors. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Taj Mahal isn’t the most visited monument by foreign tourists – here’s where foreigners flocked to

No. 10 | The Rock Cut Jain Temple | Visitors: 5,432 | Sittanavasal, Tamil Nadu | The Rock Cut Jain Temple of Tamil Nadu, also known as Sittanavasal Cave or Arivar Koil, holds great prominence as it serves as a Jain monastery. The sculptures at the temple have been carved onto rocks. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
No. 9 | The Red Fort | Visitors: 5579 | Delhi | The Red Fort or Lal Qila in Delhi was built by the Shah Jahan and served as the primary residence of the Mughal emperors in the city. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
No. 8 | The Fort Museum, Thirumayam | Visitors: 8422 | Thirumayam, Tamil Nadu | A fortification built by Raja of Ramnad, the Thirumayam Fort is a 40-acre wide complex that has been extensively renovated and maintained by the ASI. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
No. 7 | Qutub Minar | Visitors: 8456 | Delhi | The 72.5 meters tall all-brick structure is the tallest minaret made out of bricks and was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
No. 6 | Fort Vattakottai | Visitors: 9174 | Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu | Located near mainland India’s southernmost point, Vattakottai Fort (or ‘Circular Fort’) is a seaside fort built by the Kingdom of Travancore. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
No. 5 | Gingee Fort | Visitors: 10483| Gingee, Tamil Nadu | Gingee Fort was built by the Konar dynasty and has been described as one of the most impregnable fortifications in the country. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
No. 4 | Agra Fort | Visitors: 13598 | Agra, Uttar Pradesh | More a walled city than just a mere fort, Agra Fort was the primary residence of Mughal Emperor Akbar until the capital of the empire was shifted to Delhi. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
No. 3 | Saluvankuppam Monuments | Visitors: 25579 | Saluvankuppam, Tamil Nadu | While the coastal hamlet in Tamil Nadu may not appear to be special at first glance, it is home to monuments like the Tiger Cave. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
No. 2 | Taj Mahal | Visitors: 38922 | Agra, Uttar Pradesh | The ivory-white marble mausoleum is perhaps one of the best-known and iconic monuments in the world. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. (Image: Shutterstock)
No. 1 |  | Visitors: 144984 | Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu | Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram, as it is better known, is home to the Group of Monuments. This is a collection of 40 ancient monuments which includes ancient rock-cut temples and caves. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Most visited monuments in India: These places are most visited by foreigners

1. Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh: International Visitors: 7.9 lakh. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. (Image: Reuters)
2. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh: International Visitors: 4.9 lakh. Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. (Image: Reuters)
3. Qutub Minar and its Monuments, New Delhi: International Visitors: 3 lakh. Built in the early 13th century a few kilometers south of Delhi, the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu’l-Islam, the oldest in northern India, built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples. (Image: Reuters)
4. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh: International Visitors: 3 lakh. Built during the second half of the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. (Image: WikiCommons)
5. Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi: International Visitors: 2.3 lakh. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. (Image: Reuters)
6. Excavated Remains At Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh: International Visitors: 2.1 lakh. Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometers north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence. (Image: WikiCommons)
7. Red Fort Complex, New Delhi: International Visitors: 1.4 lakh. The Red Fort Complex was built as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad – the new capital of the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shah Jahan. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex. The private apartments consist of a row of pavilions connected by a continuous water channel, known as the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise). The Red Fort is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement. (Image: Reuters)
8. Mattancherry Palace Museum, Kochi, Kerala: International Visitors: 1.2 lakh. The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala which features Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. (Image: WikiCommons)
9. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: International Visitors: 1 lakh. This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous ‘Descent of the Ganges’, and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. (Image: WikiCommons)
10. Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh: International Visitors: 80,000. The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. (Image: WikiCommons)

Most visited monuments in India: Here’s what Indians prefer

1. Taj Mahal: Domestic visitors: 5.66 million. Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh: An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. (Image: Reuters)
Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha: Domestic Visitor: 3.22 million. On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, bathed in the rays of the rising sun, the temple at Konarak is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya’s chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses. Built in the 13th century, it is one of India’s most famous Brahman sanctuaries. (Image: WikiCommons)
Red Fort Complex, New Delhi: Domestic Visitor: 3.04 million. The Red Fort Complex was built as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad – the new capital of the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shah Jahan. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex. The private apartments consist of a row of pavilions connected by a continuous water channel, known as the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise). The Red Fort is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement. (Image: Reuters)
Qutub Minar and its Monuments, New Delhi: Domestic Visitor: 2.62 million. Built in the early 13th century a few kilometers south of Delhi, the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu’l-Islam, the oldest in northern India, built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples. (Image: Reuters)
Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh: Domestic Visitor: 2.01 million. Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. (Image: Reuters)
Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, Aurangabad, Maharashtra: Domestic Visitors: 1.77 million. The Bibi-ka- Maqbara is located on the right bank of Kham River. The beautiful mausoleum of Rabia-ul-Dauranialias Dilras Banu Begum, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb (1658-1707 A.D.) is locally called as Bibi-Ka-Maqbara. This mausoleum is believed to be constructed by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother during 1651 to 1661 A.D. (Image: WikiCommons)
Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana: Domestic Vistors: 1.76 million. The Charminar (four minarets), constructed in 1591, is a monument and mosque located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The landmark has become known globally as a symbol of Hyderabad and is listed among the most recognized structures in India. The Charminar’s long history includes the existence of a mosque on its top floor for more than 400 years. While both historically and religiously significant, it is also known for the popular and busy local markets surrounding the structure and has become one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Hyderabad. (Image: WikiCommons)
Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad, Telangana: Domestic Visitors: 1.72 million. Golkonda, also known as “Round shaped hill” is a citadel and fort in Southern India and was the capital of the medieval sultanate of the Qutb Shahi dynasty (c.1512–1687), is situated 11 km (6.8 mi) west of Hyderabad. The region is known for the diamond trade that has produced some of the world’s most famous gems, including the Koh-i-Noor, the Hope Diamond, Nassak Diamond, and the Noor-ul-Ain. The fort finally fell into ruin in 1687, after an eight-month-long siege led to its fall at the hands of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. (Image: WikiCommons)
Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves, Maharashtra: Domestic Visitor: 1.65 million. These 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India. (Image: Maharashtra Tourism)
Shaniwarwada, Pune, Maharashtra: Domestic Visitors: 1.41 million. Shaniwarwada is a historical fortification in the city of Pune in Maharashtra, India. Built in 1732, it was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire until 1818, when the Peshwas lost control to the British East India Company after the Third Anglo-Maratha War. Following the rise of the Maratha Empire, the palace became the center of Indian politics in the 18th century. The fort itself was largely destroyed in 1828 by an unexplained fire, but the surviving structures are now maintained as a tourist site. (Image: WikiCommons)

 

Signature bridge opens to the public

The Signature bridge over river Yamuna is open to the public. The eight-lane 575 metre bridge connects Wazirabad to the inner city.

It aims to reduce travel time between North and North-East Delhi from 45 minutes to 10 minutes.

The bow shaped, steel pylon of the bridge is at a height of 154 metres which is double the height of Qutub Minar.

From a distance, the pylon looks like hands folded in ‘Namaste.’ A viewing gallery atop the bridge gives visitors a panoramic view of Delhi. It is being projected as India’s first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge.

It will also have designated selfie points for tourists. The Signature bridge has been constructed by Delhi tourism and transport development corporation.