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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Incredible India - Taj Mahal

For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and son. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty.
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Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna river. It was built in the memory of the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum, who won the heart of a Mughal prince. She was married at 21 to Emperor Jahangir's third son Prince Khurram and stayed loyally by his side through good times and bad: in the luxurious royal palaces of Agra as well as the transient tents of war camps.
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A memorial to his beloved
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In AD 1628, Khurram became king after a bloody battle of succession; he took the name Shahjahan or King of the World and showered his beloved begum with the highest titles. She became Mumtaz Mahal, the Exalted of the Palace and Mumtaz-ul-Zamani, the Exalted of the Age. But Mumtaz Mahal was not destined to be queen for long.
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In 1631, Shahjahan went on an expedition to the South and, as always, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. But she died in childbirth at Burhanpur. She had borne Shahjahan fourteen children, of whom four sons and three daughters survived. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was just 39 years old. Shahjahan was inconsolable and contemporary chronicles tell of the royal court mourning for two years. There was no music, no feasting, and no celebration of any kind.
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Shahjahan, who was a passionate builder, now decided to erect a memorial marble that the world would never forget. The site selected for the tomb was a garden by the Yamuna river, unshadowed by any other structure. The garden had been laid by Raja Man Singh of Amber and now belonged to his grandson, Raja Jai Singh. By a royal firman, Shahjahan gave Jai Singh four havelis in exchange for the garden. The site was also chosen because it was located on a bend in the river, and so could be seen from Shahjahan's personal palace in Agra Fort, further upstream.
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A labour of love
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Work on the mausoleum began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build it. The most skilled architects, inlay craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers and masons came from all across India and lands as distant as Persia and Turkey. The master mason was from Baghdad, an expert in building the double dome from Persia, and an inlay specialist from Delhi.
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The tomb was completed in AD 1650. But, Shahjahan was deposed by his son Aurangzeb in 1658 and imprisioned in the Agra Fort. He spent his last years in the Mussalman Burj looking downstream at the Taj where his beloved Mumtaz Mahal lay. Sixteen years later he, too, was laid to rest beside her.
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The bejewelled Palace
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Shahjahan's two biggest passions were architecture and jewellery and both are reflected in the Taj Mahal. He visualised a building in marble and then had it decorated with semi-precious stones inlaid with the delicacy of handcrafted jewellery. Marble in purest white was brought from Makrana in Rajasthan, yellow marble and rockspar from the banks of the Narmada river, lack marble from Charkoh and red sandstone from Sikri. For the intricate pietra dura the finest gems were collected - crystal and jade from China, lapis lazuli and sapphires from Sri Lanka, jasper from Punja, carnelian from Baghdad and turquoise from Tibet.
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Yemen sent agates, the corals came from Arabia, the garnets from Bundelkhand, onyx and amethyst from Persia. Mumtaz Mahal's final resting-place was ornamented like a queen's jewel-box.
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The Complex
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You enter the Taj complex through an arcaded forecourt where some of Shahjahan's other queens lie buried. The forecourt also has the Jilau Kana, a bazaar with cloisters leading to the main entrance of the tomb. The imposing gateway is made of red sandstone highlighted with marble and has octagonal kiosks on top. The gateway is an imposing 30 metres high and a fitting entrance to the Taj Mahal. The soaring arch is inscribed with a beautiful design of inlaid flowers and calligraphy.
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As you enter the dark octagonal chamber under the gateway, the light streaming in from the opposite doorway draws you towards it. Here, framed by the arch of the doorway, the Taj Mahal reveals itself to the viewer with dramatic power. It stands at the end of a long walkway,
framed by landscaped gardens and an ever-changing sky, its snowy marble glittering in the sunlight.
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Taj Mahal stands at one side of a garden laid in the tradition charbagh style, with its square lawns bisected by pathways, water channels and rows of fountains. Halfway down the path there is a square pool, its limpid waters reflecting the marble tomb. Unlike other tombs, Taj Mahal stands at one end of the garden instead the centre. This was done deliberately, to leave its vista uncluttered by any other building.
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The Main Building
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The tomb stands on a marble plinth six-metres high. The four minarets at each corner beautifully frame the tomb. The plinth stands on a high standstone platform and at the far ends of this base are two identical sandstone structures, a mosque to the west and its jawab, or echo, to the east. This was the mehman khana or guesthouse. Thus, the main building is not just of great size but beautifully proportioned and balanced in design.
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The octagonal central hall has four smaller octagonal halls round it and is decorated with magnificent inlay and dado panels done in high relief. The bulbous, perfectly-balanced double dome rises to a height of 45 metres and the four chhattris flanking and balancing the high drum give it added height. Taj Mahal rises 75 metres high and is, in fact, taller than the Qutb Minar.
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An ornate marble screen, carved so fine that it almost has the texture of lace surrounds the cenotaphs in the central hall. However, as was the tradition during Mughal times, the actual graves lie in an underground crypt directly below the cenotaphs.
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Intricacy in design
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What is most amazing about the Taj Mahal is the fine detailing. The
coloured inlay is never allowed to overwhelm the design, as carvings
done in relief sensitively balance it. The ornate pietra dura and
relief carvings are of floral, calligraphic and geometric designs.
However, flowers remain the main decorative element as the tomb
depicts a paradise garden. The skill of the inlay worker is so fine
that it is impossible to find the joints, even when as many as 40 tiny
pieces of semi-precious stones have been used in the petals of a
single flower. Some of the best calligraphy of Koranic verses can be
seen around the entrance arches and on the two headstones.
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The colours of the Taj
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Taj Mahal changes its moods with the seasons and the different times
of the day. At dawn, the marble has a delicate bloom in shell pink, by
noon it glitters majestically white, turning to a soft pearly grey at
dusk. On full-moon away against the star-spangled sky. Monsoon clouds
give it a moody blue tint and it appears and disappears like a mirage
in the drifting mists of winter.
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It can be solid and earthbound, fragile and ethereal, white, amber,
grey and gold. The many faces of Taj Mahal display the seductive power
of architecture at its best.
http://www.incredibleindia.org/newsite/cms_Page.asp

Incredible India Tourism - West Bengal

West Bengal was created as a constituent state of the Indian union on 15th August 1947 as the result of partition of the undivided British Indian province of Bengal into West Bengal. West Bengal covers the bottleneck of India in the east, stretching from Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. It is bounded on the north by Sikkim and Bhutan, on the east by Assam and Bangladesh. On the south by the Bay of Bengal and on the west by Orissa, Bihar and Nepal. It has therefore, three international frontiers-to the north, east and west. The state lies between 27o13'15" and 21o25'24" north latitudes and 85o48'20" and 89o53'04" east longitudes.

General Information

Area: 88,752 sq km;

Capital: Kolkata

Districts: 19

Language: Bengali, Hindi, English

Population: 68,077,965

Urban Population: 27.48%

Literacy: 57.7%


Flora and Fauna:

West Bengal is rich in flora and fauna and has a diverse ecosystem because of its varying terrain from the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected forests cover 4% of the state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger Reserves. The Sunderban, in south Bengal, is home to the famous Tiger Project - a conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It is an UNESCO world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in north Bengal. Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others.

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The state is also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter months.

For further information log on to http://www.wbtourism.com/

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Kampung Sampireun

Kampung Sampireun is located in Ciparay Village, It's part of West Garut, was built in 1999, with concept " Back to Nature " to exposse Sundaness culture , Most of all activity, entertainment , the bungalows taken from that Culture.

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Kampung Sampireun has a relatively cool climate due to its altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level, the temperature reaches 10-22 ˚C, broadly 5.5 hectare , its surrounded by 4 green mountain.

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The name of Kampung Sampireun is taken from Sundaness Language means :
"a place for stop in ".

It is simple to reach the place, it takes about 4 hours from Jakarta via Cipularang free road, and 2 hours from Bandung.

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Kampung Sampieun is a resort with the touch of traditional Sundanesse village, Having luxurious pines, plants, and other plants arranged harmoniously, the resort establishes the theme " Tropical Gardenlust" Its also preserves the bamboo garden that gives you a calm romantic chill nuence when the wind blows softly through the area.

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Kampung Sampireun is a most enchanted resort for couples who yearn for unique and wonderful honeymoon where every guest will be pampered and the romantic scenery ensures an unforgettable experience. It has fast become a favourite place not only for honeymooners but also for peaple who want to rekindle their love, Company & family Outing /gathering or simply want to escape from the hustle bustle of big city life.

From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted by staff dressed in traditional sundanesse attire demonstrating the strong fashion style of sundanesse people.

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Guest will then be served a traditional appetizing welcomedrink called " Bazigur" which is made from coconut fat, red sugar & pandanus leaf, accompanied with delicous snack such as : rengginang & Renggining, afterward guests will be escorted from the lobby to their own bungalow by canoe. While travelling in this original mode you can enjoy the fabulous scenery of Kampung Sampireun in the company of lots of goldfish. All along the way to the bungalow the revelation of Kampung Sampireun continues in this romantic setting inspired by natural scenery.

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Kampung Sampureun has 22 bungalows that are as many as the are varied consisting of the Kalapalua 6 unit on the lake view, 2 unit on the hill , 4 unit Kurjati Suite, 6 unit Waluran, Cikuray,papandayan,Manglayang are on the garden. You could see beutifull scenery of it from the Bungalows are on the hill.

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Bungalows are constructed using bamboo with coconut roofing which adds to the unique style of the resort.

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In the afternoon you can enjoy the sundanesse culture in the form of traditional art, show called " Calung" played at Rakit.

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During the nights, " kecapi suling" played is on the lake by Rakit and you can remain on your balcony enjoying the gorgeous scenery with a traditional drink called " Sekoteng " warming your body. Feed the goldfish from the balcony while enjoying the peaceful harmonius tunes of ' Parahiyangan Nature '.

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In the morning, several canoes cruise past the bungalows selling home made traditional cakes such as lemper, and many more. Have a chat and wind down with friends or loved ones as many
challenges await the adventurous including : Papandayann Vulacano to see crater, Curug Orog Water fall, Leather Factory wehre you could see leather pocessing, Batik painting, silk factory, traditional handycraft,. Each of them has its own excitement and there can be better this than returning to the city refresed after a healty excursion stacked wich such enjoyable physical activities that are well suited to the experienced and inexperienced alike.

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One of the resort's most treasured facilities is the Taman Sari Royal Heritage spa, set in tropical landscaped gardens, it is a health and beauty centre that features classical Javanese architecture. This is an ideal place to be pempered with natural sceneray enhancing the relaxed atmosphere. The spa offers a wide range of treatments.

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Kampung Sampireun offers a number of different packages catering to specific needs of its guests and of its very special offers is the Honeymoon Package. Spending your Honeymoon at Kampung Sampireun at Kampung Sampireun is truly exceptional indeed. The Resort surrounded by mountains ensures a peace full, hormonious and exotic nuence far away from hectic city life. Honeymooners will be spoilt numerous special touches adding to the experience, such as the floating candle light dinner, the couple spa treatment, a specifically decorated room,
and many more personal touches.

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Kampung Sampireun is a truly romantic place , a haven to spend time with your love one, Having your honeymoon at Kampung Sampireun will surely make for an unforgettable experience that will certainly last for a life time.

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Kampung Sampireun Resort & Spa is the right place to relax for you & Your family. Kampung Sampireun is very suitable to be a place for having good time with family. The natural beaty & exotic view is the reason it's called " Heaven of Honeymooners"

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FACILITIES & SERVICE

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From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted by staff dressed in traditional Sundanese attire demonstrating the strong fashion style of Sundanese people. Guest will then be served a traditional appetizing welcome drink called " bajigur " or " bandrek" a accompanied with delicious snacks such as rangginang or ranggining.

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Afterward guest will be escorted from the lobby to their own bungalow by canoe. All along the way to the bungalow the relevation of Kampung Sampireun continues in this romantic setting inspired by natural scenery.

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Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa
Bale putri Amanti
Warung Kopi
Kiara Payung Meeting Room
Alun - ALun Pasir Angin
Seruling Bambu Restaurant
Swimming Pool for children
Spring Pool with so Many beatifull Fishes
Sport Center ( Volly Ball, Futsal )
Internet Access
Laundry service
Canoe each room ( perahu ) & Raft
Plaza Lobby for Out door entertaint
Sanghiyang Dayu Garden
TV
Bale bengong
Fishing Pond
Children playground
Waterfall " Curug Geulis "
Gift Soft

http://www.kampungsampireun.com/