INDIA'S HERITAGE MONUMENTS

[Perfection]

Tawang monastery, Arunachal Pradesh : The 400 year old world renowned Buddhist monastery (1643) was founded by a monk Mera Lama, a contemporary of the fifth Dalai Lama. It has modern sloped houses, a thriving bazaar, satellite communication and other amenities of modern life. It is one of the biggest Mahayana monasteries at 2760 m surrounded on all sides by towering mountains. The fortified monastery spread over 140 sq m having a 5.5 m high gilded statue of Buddha.

[Perfection]

St Aloysius Chapel, Mangalore : Located near Nehru Maidan bus stand, the Chapel is a must see architectural gem for anybody visiting Mangalore. The church built in 1899 - 1900 and the walls are covered with paintings of Anthony Moscheni of Italy. The church has wonderful series of paintings which cover every inch of the interior roof and walls. A series of the upper arches depict saints of the church while the lower arches depict Jesuit saints.

St Aloysius was born near Brescia, Italy. He was canonised in 1726, and is the Italian saint of the youth. His feast day is on June 21.

[Perfection]

The most impressive structure in Bhopal is the Taj-ul-Masjid, one of the largest and most elegant mosques in India. Work on the mosque was commenced during the reign of Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal, who ruled from 1868 to 1901.

Taj-ul-Masjid literally translates as 'The Crown of Mosques', and the construction of the monument was characterised by sporadic bursts of activity alternating with spans of inactivity during the reigns of successive Begums. However, the monument was never completed due to lack of money, and after a long lay-off, construction was resumed in 1971. The building really presents a spectacular sight and is worth taking a bow to. It's pink facade is topped by two huge white-domed minarets pointing upwards to the heavens, as if seeking its blessings. The monument also has three huge bulbous domes, an impressive main hallway with attractive pillars, marble flooring and a spacious courtyard. The mosque is one of the most important landmarks in the city of Bhopal, and is multi-purpose as it is used as a madarsa (Islamic religious school) during the day.

[Perfection]

Red Fort (Lal Qila), Delhi, India

The sandstone walls of the Red Fort (Indian Rs 11/ foreigner US $2, Monday closed) extend for 2 km and vary in height from 18 m on the river side to 33 m on the city side. Shah Jahan began construcion of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. Shah Jahan never completely moved his capital from Agra to his new ciy of Shahjahanabad in Delhi because he was deposed and imprisoned in Agra fort by his son Aurangazeb.

The Red fort dates from the very peak of Mughal power. The Mughal reign from Delhi was short one, however; Aurangazeb was the first and the last great Mughal emperor to rule from here. Tickets to the fort are available at the main entrance of the fort - Lahore gate. The fort has Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audiences), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences), Khas Mahal, Rang Mahal, Royal baths, Shahi Buruj, Moti Masjid and gardens.

The nearby attractions are Jama Masjid, Chandini Chowk, Digambara Jain temple, Fatehpuri masjid, Sunehri masjid and Raj Ghat.

Delhi Metro operates from Barwala to Shahdara. A second line is operational from Delhi University to the ISBT and to the Central secretariat. The work is expected to be completing by 2010. Tickets are available at Metro stations, more info visit www.delhimetrorail.com

Cycle rickshaws are best way of short distance cheap travel in the city.