Historical Monuments of India: Doors and Gateways

Following are the famous Doors and Gateways of India

• Buland Darwaza,Fatehpur Sikri

History and Architecture: The Buland Darwaza is a grand gateway located in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar after he defeated the king of Khandesh or Gujarat in 1573. Buland Darwaza, popularly means ‘High Door' rises to a height of 40 meters or 175 feet. This victory arch is the most striking monument in Fatehpur Sikri and can be viewed from long distance. You will pass under the massive arch as you enter the city of Fatehpur Sikri. This massive victory arch that rises towards the sky is built in red sandstone with white marble decorations in it. The front, pillars and chattris on its height has calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran inscribed on it. The Buland Darwaza is also an evidence of the religious tolerance of Akbar the Great. The inscription on the Buland Darwaza is ascribed to Jesus Christ. It reads, "The World is but a bridge, pass over but build no houses on it." Also known as the "Gate of Magnificence" The Buland Darwaza is also the entrance gateway to the Jama Masjid mosque in Fatehpur Sikri.
How to get there:

• Airways: Fatehpur Sikri is about 39 km. from Agra. The nearest Airport is the Agra airport, also known as Kheria Airport at Agra at 40 km.

• Railways: Nearest railway station is the Fatehpur Sikri railway station, around one km. from city centre.

• Roadways: It is suitably connected to Agra and neighboring centers by road, where regular bus services of UPSRTC work, apart from Tourist buses and taxies.

Places Nearby Worth Visiting

• Taj Mahal

• Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti

• Diwan-i-Khas

• Diwan-i-Aam

• Mariam’s tomb

• Tomb of Salim Chisti

Best time to visit - October to March, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

• Charminar,Hyderabad

Charminar means “mosque of the Four Minarets" and "Four Towers" is a famous monument and mosque in the city of Hyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh. History and Construction - Built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golkonda to what now is known as Hyderabad, this beautiful structure in lime, granite, mortar and, pulverised marble, was once the heart of the city. Quli Qutub Shah built this famous structure to celebrate the elimination of a plague epidemic from this city. It is known that he used to pray for the eradication of plague and vowed to build a mosque at that place where he was praying. Now Charminar is the evidence of the prayer being answered.
How to get there:

• By Road : Andhra Pradesh state transport buses work regularly between Hyderabad and all the major neighbouring cities.

• Railways: The Hydrabad is connected to big cities of India by direct trains. Sikandarabad is the nearest rail head. Service of local train is available in the city.

• Airways: The Hydrabad airport locally known as Begumpet Airport, is connected by direct flights to most of the cities of country having airport. You can reach Charminar by hiring a taxi.

Places Nearby Worth Visiting:

• Laad Bazar

• Golkonda fort is around 16 kms from the Minar

• Hussain Sagar is a lake in Hydrabad city. Nice place to go for evening walk

• Falaknuama Palace

• Chilkur Balaji Temple

• Salarjung art museum

• Mecca Masjid is a very nice masjid at the distance of 1 km.

• Kali Kaman

Best time to visit: October to March

• Gateway of India,Mumbai

Mumbai's most famous monument, Gateway of India is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. History and Construction- It was built in 1924 as a triumphal arch to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Situated on the waterfront in Apollo Bunder area in south Mumbai, the Gateway is a basalt arch 26 meters (85 ft) high. Designed by George Whittet, the construction of the monument was started in 1911 and completed in 1924, the total construction cost coming to around 21 lakh Indian rupees, mostly borne by the Government of India. The design is a combination of both Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. The decorations are in Hindu style while the arch is in Muslim style. The Gateway is built from yellow basalt and reinforced by concrete. The stones for building were obtained locally. The arch is of 26 Meters in height while the central dome is 15 meters in diameter and is 26 meters above ground at its highest point. The gate has witnessed many historical incidents like the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, the last British troops to leave India etc. Now days many cultural events are organized at this place. Gateway launch service, Elephanta caves, Mandva bundar etc are many functions that have taken place here.
How to get there

• Road ways: State transport buses connect Mumbai with all the major neighboring cities. Road journey is not recommended when coming in from cities like Delhi while it is ideal when travelling to other nearby cities.

• Railways: Local trains are available in plenty. You have to get down at Churchgate station of western railway.

• Airways: International and domestic airports are around 25 km away from Gateway.

Places Nearby Worth Visiting:

• Statues of Shivaji and Vivekananda

• Elephanta Islands

• Prince of Wales Museum

• Marine Drive

• Chowpatty Beach

• Hanging Gardens

Best time to visit - Throughout the Year

• India Gate, Delhi

History and Construction- The India Gate is the national monument of India. Situated in the heart of New Delhi, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Formerly known as All India War Memorial, it’s a major landmark in Delhi and commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives during their fight for the British Indian Empire. Constructed during the times of British Raj in India, the foundation stone of the structure was laid on 10 February 1921 by the duke of Connaught and was completed in the year 1931. The names of hundreds of soldiers have been inscribed on its giant walls. Amar Jawan Jyoti or the flame of the immortal warrior lights underneath burning constantly since 1971. The 42-metre tall India Gate is situated such that many important roads spread out from it. Traffic passing around India Gate used to be continuous until the roads were closed to the public due to terrorist threats.
How to get there:

• By Road : Three interstate bus terminuses are located at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar. The bus station at Anand Vihar should be preferred if travelling from Delhi to any of the cities in Uttar Pradesh and Kashmiri Gate in case travelling to any of the cities in other parts of India.

• Airways: Indira Gandhi International Airport is connected to most of the big cities in world directly. The Palam Airport is the domestic airport which is connected with every airport in country by direct flights.

• Railways: Delhi is connected to every part of the country with rail. Old Delhi, Hajarat Nijammudin and New Delhi are the main railway stations of Delhi. To visit India gate you must get down at New Delhi railway station. You have a unique option of metro rail to reach here.

Places Nearby Worth Visiting:

• Rashtrapati Bhawan

• Parliament House

• Connaught Place

• Red Fort

Best time to visit- Throughout the Year