Taj Mahal, Agra, India

taj mahal

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.
Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.
Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time. The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory of construction materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were employed. In addition, many renowned Muslim craftsmen from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many specialized tasks.
The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements.
Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur’an and the bold scroll work of flowery pattern, give a captivating charm to its beauty. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.
The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden elements serve like Arabesque, standing on their own and also constituting the whole.

Dr. A. Zahoor and Dr. Z. Haq
(Copyright 1990, 1997, All Rights Reserved)
Text Source: Taj Mahal, Mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal

Balekambang Beach

balekambang beach

The beach possessing three islands with distance of about one hundred meters each, two of which have been connected with one meter-wide bridge to the shore, Balekambang offers a different atmosphere of beach resorts in the Southern part of Malang. One of the three islands called Ismoyo island has a Hindu temple, established by local Hinduists.
Annually, the ritual and traditional ceremonies Jalanidhipuja (Hindu ceremony) and Suran (Javanese New Year ceremony) are held here every year. The parking area, stalls, inns, souvenir shops, and the others tourism facilities has provided for the visitors. This beautiful beach is located at Srigonco village, Bantur district, about 57 km away to the south from Malang and accessible by public transportation.
Visit Balekambang Beach tourism and enjoy its wonderfull waves with softe sea wind. Watch the sunset and sunrise in this beach and do some of beach activities, such as; swimming, sun bathing, fishing, etc.

balekambang sunset

beautiful beach

Places of Interest In East Java

Surabaya

A booming city over 3 million people , Surabaya offers many good hotels, shopping centers and plentiful sources of entertainment. Its wellstocked zoological garden includes several species of Indonesian fauna : orang utans, komodo, dragons and a collection of nocturnal animals. Kalimas is an old traditional harbor for tha world famous Bugis schooners , which can be still be seen in all their former glory. Across the Madura Strait , half an hour by ferry from Surabaya is the island of Madura , famous for its unique bull races.



Trowulan, Pandaan, Tretes

Trowulan village and the surrounding area are believed to be the site of the ancient capital of Majapahit. Archaeological excavations in the area have recovered many terracotta ornaments , statues, pottery, and stone carvings which are displayed at the Trowulan museum. The map in the museum is a guide to nearby sites of historical interest. The Chandra Wilwatika open air theatre in Pandaan, 45 km south of Surabaya Presents classical East Java ballet performace on each full moon night from June to November. The performances are based either on the Ramayana stories or East Java’s legends and folklore. The backdrop of Mt. Pananggungan makes the performances and enchanting experience. 10 km from Chandra Wilwatikta is Tretes, one of the most beutiful mountain resort of East Java.

Malang

Ninety kilometers south Surabaya lays Malang, one of the most attractive hill towns on Java. A strong sense of civic pride is evident from the well maintened and elaborately painted pedicabs, the groomed main square , and clean buildings streets. The cool climate is a welcome flank of Mt. Arjuna , are Selecta and Songgoriti, popular hill resort with hot springs. Nearby Batu is famous for its apples and flowers. Sport facilities at Selecta include horse riding, swimming, and tennis.

Tugu kota Malang

Balai kota

Mount Bromo

The Bromo Beauty

Bromo, Tengger, Semeru

Many local and foreign travelers make the trek for the mystical exprerience of watching the sunrise from the crest of the Bromo volcano. A pony ride from the village of Ngadisari take you over a sea of sand to the foot of the volcano. Ascend the 50 steps to reach the rim. On the vast expanse of sand , formerly a caldera , there are two volcanes; the extinct Batok which is a perfect cone and Bromo. Volcanic sulfur fumes and smoke still emanate from the depths, and when the God of Bromo begins to rumble, the surounding population quickly brings their offerings. The annual offering ceremony of Kasada is held on the 14 th day of Kasada, the twelfth month in the Tenggerese calendar year. It is a dazzling event where villagers from the surrounding areas bring their humble offerings to the holy volcano.


The East Java Tourist Information (2002)

Cerulean Tower Hotel, Tokyo

The Cerulean Tower Hotel in Tokyo is located in the site from where the popular fashion destinations of the city are nearby. The districts like Harajuku, Shibuya and Aoyama. These places are known for the best garments and art works in Japan. While you reside at the hotel, a little stroll can make you reach thee places at ease. The name of the Cerulean Tower Hotel clearly defines the gigantic height of it, which is a 40 storey building in the heart of Tokyo. The entertainment amenities are a plenty in it as the hotel houses well-equipped theaters and jazz clubs for its guests. The best part of the hotel is the dramatic view of the city from all the rooms as all of the rooms, face the city and the enormous height gives you the panoramic view easily.

Rooms

Although the Cerulean Tower Hotel is too tall the rooms available in it are not that much plenty as you will get a total of 414 rooms in it. All the guestrooms are connected with high-speed internet access and the bedding within is nicely done with special cotton or feathers to offer the guests the pleasurable 40 winks. The basic amenities provides in the rooms are the following:

• Pay movies • Complimentary newspaper • Clock radio • Air conditioning • Iron/ironing board (on request) • Coffee/tea maker • Bathrobes • High-speed Internet access • Bathroom phone • Complimentary toiletries • Blackout drapes/curtains • Voice mail • Slippers • Daily housekeeping • Hypo-allergenic bedding available • Premium bedding • Climate control • Direct-dial phone • Internet access (surcharge) • Smoking permitted • In-room safe • Handheld showerhead • Desk • Hair dryer • Refrigerator • Cable/satellite television channels • Electronic/magnetic keys • Bidet • Wake-up calls • Minibar • Cribs (infant beds) available • Rollaway beds

Recreation

The Cerulean Tower Hotel Tokyo houses a highly decorated drama theater, night club and jazz clubs within its premises and the guests can while away their evening there easily.

Dining

The Cerulean Tower Hotel Tokyo is specialized in the dining bars and offers a variety of different restaurants and there are countless places to taste the Japanese, or any other foreign dish you prefer.

The restaurant Cou Cagno is a bar with circular counter and offers dinner and lunch as well. Bello Visto restaurant is on the 40 th floor and is decorated with wood panel and glasswork and you can dine while feel mesmerized with piano performances at the restaurant. There are total 9 different restaurants and dining bars in the Cerulean Tower Hotel Tokyo.