Sikandra - Akbar's Mousoleum

Akbar's tomb at Sikandra - a suburb of Agra, UP, on Mathura Road NH2 - is an architectural masterpiece worth visiting if you are in Agra to see the Taj - (read about my road trip to Taj here) ....

Commissioned by Akbar himself, it was to be a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain designs and motifs, bespeaking of his religious tolerance and secular views.

Read more about Sikandra in detail here......

The visit here is hassle-free as compared to one at Taj which is the more popular destination for tourists. Lesser crowds, easy to buy tickets and more time to look around - the bonus is you can buy your tickets for the Taj here at Sikandra (but this is possible only if you are driving into Agra from New Delhi/ Mathura). This saves you standing in long queues at the ticket counters at the Taj.

A must-see before you go on ahead to view the Taj Mahal (read about how to get there and details of our trip here).....

On the inside......

The cenotaph......as per tradition the true tomb is in the basement.

This monument also houses the tombs of Shakrul Nisha Begum and Aram Bano, the daughters of Akbar.

Have a great trip!!!

Go visit the Taj (and Sikandra) once in your lifetime....it is worth it!!!!

...Ciao!!

Church of 'St John in the Wilderness' - Dharamsala

Hidden Places!!!
Drive past quickly and you'll miss it. 
St John's church, Forsyth Ganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, is easy to miss - hidden as it is amidst tall deodar trees. It is no wonder that it also goes by the name 'The Church in the Wilderness'.

St John's church is supposed to be one of the oldest cathedrals in India. Built in 1852, in a gothic style it is known for its spectacular architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
(Oh, how I wish I had taken more pictures).

It lies 3-4 kms just off the main road from McLeod Ganj towards Forsyth Ganj, on village Naddi road (Upper Dharamsala), Himachal Pradesh, India. 
Be sure to ask for directions at McLeod Ganj before you go.  

It opens on Sunday mornings for service (this was 5 years ago - not sure about now).
You must spare at least half an hour to visit this place but be warned you might end up spending more time here as the greenery, peace and quiet will make you just sit and soak in the serenity on the grassy slopes.
It is a must see if only for its location, architecture and Belgian stained glass windows.

The churchyard houses the grave of Lord James Bruce (Earl of Elgin), Viceroy and Governor General of India in the 1800s. The well tended graveyard also houses graves of a few other Britishers - many of them were  the victims of the 1905 earthquake. You can read their names engraved there.

Make a stop here if you are in this area....Ciao!!!!