What’s Happening Places to See

It is hard to imagine that the overcrowded cities that we live in today were once the centres of art, religion and culture. Interestingly, not so far away from where you live Heritage are places that still retain their old world charm. So, set off on a weekend trip to these places steeped in history and relive our rich Spots heritage. Near Your City

Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Aurangabad

Korigad (Near Mumbai) Aurangabad (Near ) Badami (Near Bangalore)

Set amongst lush, scenic greenery, 929 m The name of the city was Khidki or Formerly known as Vatapi, this site was the above sea level, the fort is not just ’window’, before the Mughal emperor capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 a 350-year-old monument, but also an ideal Aurangzeb took over the Deccan region AD. The town is famous for its cave temples made place to go trekking. On reaching the fort, and renamed the city Aurangabad. 236 of sandstone, which are often cited as the best one is rewarded with some stunning views km and a four-hour road journey from examples of classic Indian rock-cut architecture. of the Kamala Hills. The fort boasts of a Pune, the city is home to the Bibi-ka- The four Badami cave temples—one a Jain massive and intact wall and gate, as well as Maqbara, a monument whose similarity temple, two dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and one some original cannons built during the rule to the Taj Mahal has earned it the to Lord Shiva—represent different religious sects. of , the famous Maratha ruler. There nickname ‘The Taj of the Deccan.’ The Perhaps the most striking feature of the temples are two lakes at the top of the fort, along mausoleum was built for Begum Rabia is the architectural blend of the North Indian with a few temples dedicated to Goddess Durani (wife of Emperor Aurangazeb), Nagara style and the South Indian Dravidian style. Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Korigad Fort is by her son Prince Azam Shah, in the Exquisite murals and carvings adorn the walls of 20 km away from (112 km from late 17th century, and is a classic these caves. Badami is 450 km from Bangalore, Mumbai). You can take a train or bus to example of Persian architecture. There and the best way to reach the site is to take an Lonavala and then use local transport to get are buses, trains and flights that overnight train to Badami. Alternatively, one can to Korigad, or drive down yourself. connect Aurangabad to Pune. take a bus or drive down oneself.

November - December 2012 | ParentEdge | 79 What’s Happening Places to See

Kumbakonam (Near Chennai)

Though predominantly ruled by the Chola dynasty, there were several others like the Nayaks and Marathas who ruled from the town of Kumbakonam in years gone by. Therefore one finds a good mix of various styles of architecture of the kingdoms of the south in this beautiful town. The town rose to prominence and prosperity during the British Raj as it was known to have a perfect blend of Indian culture and European education. It acquired the name ‘the Cambridge of South India.’ Kumbakonam has also aptly been given the sobriquet of ‘temple town,’ due to the unbelievable 188 temples in the vicinity. Located 270 km away from Chennai, it is picturesquely bounded by the Cauvery and Arasalar rivers, which provide some truly scenic views. Kumbakonam is also a convenient hub to explore other heritage spots including Thanjavur, the later capital of the Cholas.

Jalpaiguri - Near Kolkata

The small yet bustling town of Jalpaiguri has several attractions, the most prominent being the ‘Old fort of Nal King.’ Buried in the heart of the Chipalata forest lie the ruins of a fort built during the Golden Age of the Gupta Empire. The forest is also known for a very unique tree, the resin of which is the same density and colour as that of human blood. Jalpaiguri is a 14-hour train journey from Kolkata.

Mathura - Near New Delhi

The 2500-year-old of city of Mathura is said to have been the economic heart of several Northern kingdoms in ancient times. Keshav Dev Temple, Mathura Mathura was ransacked 17 times by Mahmud of Ghazni, and later by Sikandar Lodi. The city was ruled by the Mauryas (4th to 2nd of this dynasty, even hosted the third Janmabhoomi Mandir, is the oldest and most centuries BCE), the Sunga dynasty (2nd Buddhist council in Mathura. The numerous famous temple of Mathura. The town is 150 century BCE) and the Indo-Greeks (between archaeological relics of the various religious km or a two-hour drive from Delhi. There 185 and 85 BCE). Mathura reached its zenith sects that the rulers of Mathura patronised are also several buses which connect New when it was made one of the capitals of the make it a place worth visiting. Mathura is Delhi to Mathura. The Shatabdi as well as Kushan dynasty, whose kings were patrons also said to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. many other express trains also ply regularly of Buddhism. Kanishka, one of the kings The Keshav Dev Temple, or the Sri Krishna between Delhi and Mathura.

80 | ParentEdge | November - December 2012