Top 10 places to propose in Europe !!(f)

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, has compiled it’s top 10 places in Europe to propose, according to TripAdvisor travellers and editors.

1: Eiffel Tower, Paris, France:

Confirm Paris’ reputation as the city of love, by proposing at the top of the Eiffel Tower overlooking spectacular views of the city.Afraid of heights? Set the tower as the backdrop by popping the question at nearby Trocadero Park. A TripAdvisor traveller advises, “Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and pop the question atop the Eiffel Tower after enjoying the beautiful views of Paris.”

2. London Eye, London, England:
Lift that special someone off their feet and propose high in the sky on the London Eye - the largest observation wheel in the world. Avoid spectators by hiring a private capsule – complete with champagne – for that special moment. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “A romantic place to propose might be the Millennium Wheel (or London Eye). It gives you a great view of London.”

3. Oia, Santorini, Greece:

Watch the sun set over the caldera in Oia, on Santorini, overlooking the breathtaking Aegean Sea, renowned for its striking sunsets. Squeeze through the narrow passageways and white buildings, to the cliff-like Kastro walls – known for having the best views. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “The village of Oia is a romantic village perfect for your proposal plans.”

4. Alhambra, Granada, Spain:

Described as a “pearl set in emeralds” by Moorish poets, the Alhambra in Granada, a former palace and fortress, is a perfect place to propose to your gem. Stroll through the magnificent gardens with cypress-lined walkways and listen to the water dance from the fountains. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “A great private place [to propose] would be in any garden in the Alhambra in Granada.”

5. Canals of Venice, Venice, Italy:

An over-the-top romantic? Work up the nerve to pop the question while reclining on a gondola, gliding under the Venetian bridges, through the windy canals of Venice. Hire a opera singing gondolier so you’re hands-free for that perfect moment (and response). As one TripAdvisor traveller recommends, “Take a gondola ride and hire a guy to sing. See if he can sing something romantic while you propose. Hide some flowers and champagne for when she says yes.”

6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany:

Propose like royalty at Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th century Bavarian palace and former home to King Ludwig II. Channel medieval times by riding up the steep hill to the castle, located on Romantic Road, in a charming horse-drawn carriage. According to one TripAdvisor traveller, the Neuschwanstein Castle is “by far the most fairy tale-like building that I have ever visited.”

7. Mount Pilatus, Lucerne, Switzerland:

Don’t get cold feet at the summit of Mount Pilatus near Lucerne Switzerland, after chugging up the side of the mountain on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Celebrate by shouting from the mountaintops, featuring panoramic views of more than 70 peaks and five lakes. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “From the summit you can take the semi-safe trails to the mountain's precipice and really get a feel of the Alps (don't look down!). What a great place to propose to your significant other.”

8. Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy:

For the exhibitionist couple, the Trevi Fountain in Rome guarantees an audience and (ideally) cheering crowd. Toss a coin (not the ring) into the fountain, which legend says will ensure your return to Rome, hopefully not alone. As one TripAdvisor traveller recalled, “At Trevi Fountain, a guy asked his girl to marry him and the whole piazza started cheering.”

9. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic:

Secure a life long connection at the 13th century Charles Bridge in Prague, featuring dreamy views of the Prague skyline. Lined with baroque statues and protected by three bridge towers, visit this walkway at night for a more peaceful moment. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Many people I know proposed on the Charles Bridge at night, very romantic!”

10. Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy:
With sweeping views of the entire city, Piazza Michelangelo overlooks Florence, the Arno River, and golden Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Get down on one knee near dusk when the crowds disperse, and a magical glow is cast on the city below. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Piazzale Michelangelo is the spot....buona fortuna, e auguri, or mazel tov, as the case may be!”

Agra Fort

Overview:

» Agra Fort occupies a significant place on the map of Agra. The foundation of this majestic citadel was laid by Emperor Akbar , the fort is surrounded by a 70-foot high wall. The fort comprises of several buildings inside. The wall has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gateof which only the Amar Singh gate is now open to the public. The original and grandest entrance was through the Delhi Gate, which leads to the inner portal called the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate.

Key Attractions of Agra Fort:

>Diwan-i-Khasor Private Audience Hall was adorned with silver leaves on the wooden ceiling. This room was used by the emperor for reception of kings, ambassadors and nobles in private. The Moti Masjid- Also known as the Pearl Mosque was constructed between 1648-54. From outside the structure appears to be made of brick, but inside it is completely made of marble.

>Mussaman BurjA two-storeyed pavilion, where Shahjahan caught the last glimpse of the Taj Mahal before he died.

Other Attractions :

The Agra Fort houses the Royal Pavilions, which were designed to catch the cool breeze across the river. Other attractions comprise of the Macchi Bhawan or the Fish Palace, the Hammam-i-Shahi or the Royal Bath, the Nagina Masjid or the Gem Mosque, and the Zenana Meena Bazaar, where the ladies of the court would browse through goods like silk, jewellery and brocade.

Red Fort Delhi

Through the pages of history.....

The Red Fort stands as the result of the decision of Shahjahan in 1639, to shift his capital to New Delhi from Agra. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel)-New Delhi's seventh fort.

Specimen of artisitic brilliance- red fort:

The Red Fort stands witness to the glorious Indian history and architecture. This fort built behind red sandstone walls gives the fort its name. The Red Fort or Lal Qila reiterates the period of Moghul magnificence. This famous citadel comprises of massive audience halls and marble palaces. The architecture was accentuated with precious stones when constructed.

The two main gateways are the Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate.

>The Red Fort is to be entered by the Delhi Gate, that leads to the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate. >The Diwan-e-am and the Diwan-e-khas are pavilions from where the king addressed the common people and the elite respectively.

>The Rang Mahal is a water-cooled apartment for the royal ladies and in the basement of the fort there is a market where one can buy traditional Indian goods at very competitive rates.

>The Khas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal are exquisitely decorated halls, that radiate the brilliance and splendor of Mughal royalty.

>The Lahore Gate opens to Chatta Chowk which as once a royal market . The arcade was also known as Meena bazar.

>Moti Masjid (pearl mosque) was a private mosque built by by Aurangzeb (Shahjahan's son) for his personal use.

Chittoragarh Fort












Chittor a city which finds its place in the Great Indian Epic Mahabharta has the Fort known as the Chittorgardh Fort. Famously known for the beautiful Queen Rani PADMAVATI, it can be reached either from Delhi (14hrs), Udaipur (3 hrs), Or Jaipur (8 hrs) by road. Luxury buses/ Tourist buses and cabs which are easily avialable from all these places.

Flashback

It is one fort among other fortresses filled with legends of bravery, love and romance. It dates back to 7th century to the kingdom of Mayuras who first built this fort. Chittorgarh was captured in 1303 by Ala-ud-din Khilji who was then the King of Delhi. In the 16th century Mewar bacame the leading Rajput dynasty. Mewar is also known for two famous personalities Meera - the famous Indian Spiritual poetess who sang in worship of Lord Krishna and Maharana Pratap - the valiant King.

The Fort

Formed in the shape of a fish, it stands on a top hill that is 180m high with a 28 sq km site. Some of its Stupas (pillars) were made by the Mayuras in the 7th century. It has three main gates called as Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and Ram Pol (Gate). The fort stands its attraction due to the sculpture and the architecture it has. A river seperates the Fort from the rest of the city. This fort is also famous for the beautiful Queen Padmini whose beauty from the word of mouth attracted Ala-ul-din to have a glimpse of her and then later on a wrong intention to possess her. However his evil plans were laid off when the Queen went on to do Jauhar (a mass suicide by the woman in a pyre of the lost warriors of a war).

In and Around

» Padminis Palace : On the southern side of the Fort, there lies the Padminis Fort with a Lotus Pond with central pavillion - the summer palace of the King. The story goes by that it is the same pond where the Glimpse of the Queen Padmini prompted Ala-ud-din to possess her. Near this palace is the prison where the captives were kept.

» Tower of Fame : This Kirti Stambha dates from the 12th century and is smaller in height than the Tower of Victoty. It not made by any King but a Jain (one who followed Jainism), is dedicated to Adinath , the first Tirthankar (one of the 24 revered Jain teachers). It has the sculptures of various Tirthankaras. It is seven storied; though no one is allowed to move inside the tower.

Not to be Missed

» Mewar Festival : It is celebrated to welcome the coming of the spring. The women folk gather dressed in local Rajasthani dress and then carry out processions in various parts of the city with pomp and show. Dances of Rajasthani style and local songs fill the air on this occassion. The procession usually finds its end in the Pichola lake in Udaipur. Fireworks mark the end of the festival.

Ranthambore Fort One of the most beautiful forts built in its era, it showcases the historical developments of Rajasthan. Lying near the place called Sawai Madhopur it can be easily reached from Jaipur by road.

Flashback

The Chauhan Rajputs were the architects of the fortress of Ranthambore. The Chauhan King Prithvi Raj III was subsequently defeated by Muhhammad of Ghaur in 1192. The Sultan of Illtumish captured Ranthambore in 1226,but it was taken over by the Chauhans in 1236 after the death of Illtumish. Then the fort was again captured by the Mewars under Rana Hamir Singh (1226-1364) and Rana Khumba (1433-1468). It was captured by Rana Udai Singh (1768-1473), and then passed on to HADA Rajputs. Then it was captured by the King of Gujarat (1532-1555) from whom it was taken over by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fortress was last captured by Kachwaha Maharajas of Jaipur, and it remained a part of Jaipur till independence of India.

The Fort

There are three temples inside the fort dedicated to Ganesha, Shiva and Ramlalji built in 12th and 13th century. The fort is also said to be the site where a number of Jauhars (ritual mass suicide by immolation of self) in the Rajput History. From a distance the fort almost looks indispensible and incredible looking out over the lotus filled lake of Padma Talab which lies in the rampants. It has an area of 405sq kms giving a view of the Badal Mahal ( Cloud Palace).

In and Around

» Pushkar Ka Mela : In the month of Kartika (October - November), in Pushkar there is this Camel Fair held on one of the holiest days of Hindus. Each year around 200,000 people converge here, bringing along them around 50,000 camels and cattle for trade. The place blends itself into with musicians, mystics, tourists, traders, devotees and camel crews. Its a MUST SEE FESTIVE.

Not to be Missed

» Ganesh Chaturthi :The Ranthambore Tiger reserve has a beautiful temple of Ganesha (Lord of Intellect). Here each year in the month of September/October the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with Pomp and Show. It is thought that all auspicious functions of Hindus should began with the first invitation to Lord Ganesha. This festival marks this school of thought.

Jaisalmer Fort Located in the desert of the Thar (meaning adobe of the dead), it is the second oldest Fort of Rajasthan. It can be reached from Jaisalmer by road. Cabs and tourist buses are easily available to take you to the Fort. * It has been listed in the New York Based World Monuments Watch List of the 100 endangered sites worldwide

Flashback

Built by the Rajput ruler Jaisala, it was the main focus of a number of battles between the Bhattis, the Mughals of Delhi and the Rathores of Jodhpur. Constructed by Raja Jaisal, who was searching for a new capital as the earlier one Lodurva was too vulnerable to invasions, he built the fort and the city surrounding it, thus fulfilling Lord Krishna's prophecy in the Mahabharata The uniquness of the fort lies in the fact that the craftsmen used were mainly Muslims to craft the SONAR QUILA - Rising from the sand!

The Fort

The uniqueness of the fort lies in the fact that 25% of the population of the old city resides within the walls of the fort. There are a number of forbidding gates at the entrance itself, leading to the courtyard. Inside its a whole world with people, shops and kids playing around. However the vehicles cannot go beyond the courtyard. Near the courtyard is the palace of the former King which has its elegant seven stories. The main attraction of the fort is the sculpted walls and the balcony. The doorways connecting the rooms of the fort are quite low - unique to the fort - made so to force those who walked the corridors to the room to maintain a low stature in front of the King and his Queens.

In and Around

» Diwan-i-Khas: This Hall of Private audience is inside the fort. Today it has a collection of old stamps . This room gives a god view of the fort and the the town spread beneath.

» Diwan-i-Am :Just near the Hall of Private audience there is this Hall of Public Audience. It has lower walls with porcelain tiles over them.

» Jain Temples : Just attached to the walls of the fort are the Jain Temples - seven of them, lined to give a maze like look made of yellow sandstone. * Leather items have to be removed before entering the temples and the time of visiting the temples keeps on changing.

» Gadi Sagar :Once the source of water supply of the city, it was built in 1367 by King Gadsi Singh and hence its name

» Museums :There are a number of museums here around the fort like the Desert Culture Center and Museum, Jaisalmer Folklore museum and the Government museum. Watch out for exclusive folk programmes and puppet shows held from time to time.

Not to be Missed

» Camel Safaris : Jaisalmer Camel Safaris are not to be missed out. Trekking Jaisalmer on the back of the Camel is a exciting adventure to do.

Golconda Fort Considered as one of the seven wonders of Andhra Praesh, it is one of the most beautiful Forts of Andhra. It can be easily reached from Hyderabad via road as the fort is only 11 kms from Hydeabad City. It is the same city from which the world known diamonds like KOHINOOR came from. Luxury buses and cabs are easily avaialable to take you to the fort.

Flashback

Mankal is the other name of the place where Golconda Fort is situated. It derives its name from the Kai Temple which to this date exists in the premises of the Fort. And as the story goes the Fort derives its name from the name Golla Konda, which in Telgu means The Shepherds Hill. It is so said that a little shepheard boy came across an idol which lead to the construction of a mud fort by the then Kaktiya Dynasty ruler of the Kingdom which is today knowm as the Maha Kali Temple(Temple of Goddess Kali). The fort was administered by Recherla Vellamas who ruled over Golkonda, Rajaconda and Devarconda. Their capital was Rajaconda. After the defeat of the Recherla Velamma kingdom, the three forts were ruled by the Bahamani Kings (1364). When the Bahamani Kingdom collapsed, Golkonda rose to prominence as the seat of the Qutb Shahi dynasty around 1507. Over a period of 62 years the mud fort was expanded by the first three Qutb Shahi kings into a massive fort made up of Granite. It remained so until the capital was shifted to Hyderabad. The qutab Shahis were then blown over by Aurangzeb in 1687 who eventually took over the Golconda Fort.

The Fort

Golconda Fort has four distinct forts inside it, with a 10 km outer wall with 87 semi - circular bastions. It has the great cannons to boast of, eight gateways, four draw bridges and royal apartments, mosques, temples inside the circumference of the fort. Then there is the Fateh Darwaza ( The Gate of Victory) with giant iron spikes. This Gate is also famous for its architecture - a hand clap at a peculiar point (ask your Guide for that particular point), below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard at Bala Hisar Pavilion, the highest point around one kilometer away from the Darwaza. (In the olden days it acted as a warning for the residents of the Fort). Golconda Fort has four distinct forts inside it, with a 10 km outer wall with 87 semi - circular bastions. It has the great cannons to boast of, eight gateways, four draw bridges and royal apartments, mosques, temples inside the circumference of the fort. Then there is the Fateh Darwaza ( The Gate of Victory) with giant iron spikes. This Gate is also famous for its architecture - a hand clap at a peculiar point (ask your Guide for that particular point), below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard at Bala Hisar Pavilion, the highest point around one kilometer away from the Darwaza. (In the olden days it acted as a warning for the residents of the Fort).

In and Around

» The Clay Pipes : Though they sound ordinary, these clay pipes fitted into the wall planks provided sufficient supply to the uphill residents. A series of Persian Wheels carried water to the upper terrace where the pipes channalised the water into gardens, kitchens, cisterns etc.