India is a land of often bewildering diversity. People of every faith and religion, living together here to create a unique and colourful mosaic of culture and community. There is a festival for every reason and for every season. Many festivals celebrate the various harvests, while many express devotion to the deity of different religions. The glorious past of ancient India has gifted North India with many splendid temples that have found a place in World Heritage list. North India temples are the centre of attraction for their amazing architecture, so take a tour to north india temples. The age old customs and traditions of India speak loudly through these temples. The tour to these temples are must in the tour of north india The temples and ghats in Varanasi, the Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh are some of the example of North India Temples, speaking the past culture and tradition of North India.
The temples in North India which can be described as the typical Nagara style. These temples escaped the destruction due to invasion. The temples as well as the literature laying down the rules and mode of construction have been well preserved in Orissa. In this style, the structure consists 0f two buildings, the main shrine taller and an adjoining shorter mandapa. The main difference between the two is the shape of the Sikhara. In the main shrine, a bell shaped structure adds to the height. As is usual in all Hindu temples, there is the kalasa at the top and the ayudha or emblem of the presiding deity.
North India Temple Architecture
The basic structure of temples in India is a room or Garbhagriha (sanctum sanatorium) where the idol of the main deity is kept. The temple is approached by a flight of steps and is often built on a platform. A porch covers the entrance to the temples, which is supported by carved pillars. A prominent roof called the shikhara surmounts the top of the Garbhagriha, and dominates the surroundings. As time went, by small temples grew into temple complexes. Some temples have a hall or mandap from where one can reach the sanctum sanctorum.
Temple architecture in India is broadly divided into northern and southern styles, classified by the form and shape of the shikhara and the distinctiveness of its decoration. The shikhara of the temples in South India tend to be made up of distinct horizontal levels that diminish to form a rough pyramid. Each level is decorated with miniature temple rooftops. The shikhara of the temples in North and Central India, in contrast, resembles an upturned cone that is decorated with miniature conical shikharas. Some temples developed their own local flavor apart from adhering to their basic native style.
Day 1: Arrive New Delhi
Pick up from the airport by our representative. Transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 2: New Delhi
Full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi after breakfast by private car with an English speaking Guide visiting Ferozshah Kotla, Rajghat, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Return to hotel for lunch. Sightseeing of New Delhi after lunch with a guide to visit India Gate, Bahai Temple, Qutab Minar, Iron Pillar and driving past Rashtrapati Bhawan, Central Secretariat Buildings, and Parliament House. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3: Jaipur
Leave Delhi for Jaipur after breakfast by car with an English-speaking driver. Arrive Jaipur in the late afternoon. Leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 4: Jaipur
Excursion to Amber Fort and Palace after breakfast by car with an English -speaking guide. Enjoy elephant ride at the Palace like the Rajput Maharajas and Maharani used to do. Return to hotel for lunch. Sightseeing of Jaipur City after lunch - City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Astronomical Observatory, and Museum. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5: Agra
Leave Jaipur for Agra after breakfast by road. Visit Fatehpur Sikri on the way. Drive to Agra. Arrive hotel in the evening. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 6: Agra
Sightseeing of Agra city by an air-conditioned Ambassador car with an English -speaking guide to visit -Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb. Return to hotel for lunch. After lunch is free. Overnight stay at hotel.