Mysteries of India

Founded in 1639 and considered to be one of the poshest areas of its time, Old Delhi is full of grand buildings and mansions. A walled city, once called Shahjahanabad after the emperor, it is a living testimony to the rich Mughal heritage and culture of Delhi. Today the congested and hectic area remains true to its origins with the culture of joint families between neighbors in the narrow alleyways.

Delve into Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” due to the ruddy hue of its stone architecture. This city is the capital of Northern India, and home to architectural icons like the Amer Fort and the Jantar Mantar monument.

Built in 1799, Hawa Mahal is a monument to the Maharaja of the time. Known as the Palace of Winds, the structure is known for the 953 pink sandstone windows known as "Jharokhas" which create a honeycomb type of architecture to the building and allow ventilation. Behind each window is a small sitting area as they were designed to provide the royal ladies of Rajasthan with a glimpse of city life through a veil.

Amber Fort, or "pink city," is located near Jaipur and was built in 1952. The former seat of power for the ruling Kachhawa of Amber clan, it is built of red sandstone and white marble and laid out symmetrically in four levels. Visitors today typically travel by elephant or jeep to reach the structure.

While most people are familiar with Indian cuisine and think of mainly curries and naan bread, the country is known for regional cuisines as well. In Jaipur, the food is influenced by the lifestyle of the Maharajas and Maharani of Jaipur. The lifestyle of the rich people of Jaipur was nowhere less than the lifestyle of prince Charles, the only difference maintained by the definition of royalty in their senses. Cuisines of Jaipur includes all the Rajasthani food which is cooked only under Desi (Indian or S. Asian cuisine) and pure ghee, a type of clarified butter.

Located in Agra is the white marble mauseleum and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century, the structure took 22 years to build and was built as homage to the Shah Jahan's wife. Representing the palace of the Queen in Paradise, the Taj Mahal translates into Place of the Crown.

Located in Kharjuraho, the Land of the Moon God, are the temples of the Chandela Dynasty. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, the temples are unique in that they do not focus on religion or the worshipping of deities, but are unique in their carvings of eroticism. Legend says that the founder of the Chandela dynasty had a dream where his mother requested he display all aspects of the treasure of passion to the world.

Explore India’s holiest city, one that radiates a powerful mystique. Varanasi, a city that sits on the banks of the Ganges river, is an important central hub for both Buddhism and Hinduism.

Every night at sunset in Varanasi, a ganga aarti ceremony is performed along the Ganges River. The aarti, or dedication ceremony to a deity—in this case the River Ganges—is performed on a stage by a group of young pandits, all draped in saffron colored robes with their offering plates spread out before them. The ceremony begins with the blowing of a conch shell, and continues with the waving of incense sticks in elaborate patterns and circling of large flaming lamps fueled by ghee that create a bright hue against the darkened sky.