THE SPARKILING SPOTS
VICTORIA MEMORIAL..
This fine example of western style architecture, was built by Lord Curzon,the then Viceroy of British India in the year 1906.
It was built in the memory of Queen Victoria,who was acknowledged as "The Empress of India".
But of late,it serves as a museum,which houses many paintings and photographs of India and statues of many important personalities including Victoria herself.This majestic white marble building was built by Sir William Emerson.The complex also accommodates a black bronze angel of victory, holding a bugle in her hand and a sprawling garden that envelops the building.
Vivekananda rock and Thiruvalluvar Statue
The Vivekananda rock and the Thiruvalluvar statue are located in the tip of India, Kanyakumari,both are located next to each other 500 m off shore. They are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country!!
The Vivekananda Rock memorial was built in 1970 by the vivekananda rock memorial commitee as a memory of the visit of the great man to the small town. Vivekananda swam to the particular rock where the memorial has been built and meditated there to know about the past, present and future of India, it is said that he attained enlightenment at this very place. It is even said that Devi kumari set her feet on the very rock. The memorial consists of 2 mandapam, the Vivekananda mandapam and the Shripada mandapam.
The Thiruvalluvar statue is a 40.5 m tall statue of Tamil saint and poet Thiruvalluvar, located 500 m offshore it was completed in 2000. The idea of building the gigantic statue was set upon by M.Karunanidhi. The statue is set upon a pedestal that is of 38 feet height and represents the 38 chapters of virtue in the Thirrukal. Thirrukal is the famous book written by thirruvalluvar.
Both the places give a magnificient view in the evening when the lights placed at various positions near the statue and the memorial are switched on. The view is ennobling!!
Hawa Mahal - Rajasthan
Hawa Mahal is a famous palace in Jaipur, India. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace in 1799. It was actually designed by the veteran Lal Chand Usta, keeping in mind the crown of Krishna, the Hindu God. It was originally meant for the late royal ladies to keep sight of the streets busing down without being noticed.
It is constructed with red and pink sandstone, highlighted with white quakeee quick lime and it also has five stories about its creation. 953 small windows face the side of the street outside the palace complex. The breeze circulating through these windows are the palace got its name, Hawa Mahal.
Double-storied buildings on the three sides of the entrance opens onto a courtyard. Only ramps are the mean for reaching the upper floors. The palace is very essential during hot seasons. It brings cool air everytime.