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Rating: 
Summary: Not just the Taj Mahal; Amazing places to visit in India
Review: Everyone thinks "Taj Mahal" when they think of sightseeing in India. The Taj is indeed magnificent; it's a long car ride out of New Delhi but worth the visit. However, near Agra are other sites listed in this book that are just as amazing, and worth visiting because they will round out your view of the history of the area. (Did you know a black marble version of the Taj was designed by the same Shah Jahan, to be built as his own tomb nearby? And that his son imprisoned him in the nearby Red Fort, with a view of the Taj from his luxurious cell?) Actually, in Delhi we were even more impressed by the Qutb Minar, which despite its being called a minaret (Islamic Prayer Tower) was really an astronomical observatory. If you are lucky and get a highly educated guide (ours was a retired university professor who volunteers there) you will find out the interesting background behind the tower, the Hindu design of the temple, the mysterious iron pillar and more. But don't rely on getting a good guide; we were lucky. Better to have this book to make sure you know what you are going to see. India has a fabulous wealth of World Heritage sites and some of the most impressive architecture and archeology in the world. If you get a chance to go to India, you should get this book to make sure you can visit some of these wonders. The World Heritage sites are by far not the only things worth seeing in India, but they are definitely at the top of the list. This book will help you locate and select these places if you get the opportunity to visit.
Rating:
Summary: Not just the Taj Mahal; Amazing places to visit in India
Review: Everyone thinks "Taj Mahal" when they think of sightseeing in India. The Taj is indeed magnificent; it's a long car ride out of New Delhi but worth the visit. However, near Agra are other sites listed in this book that are just as amazing, and worth visiting because they will round out your view of the history of the area. (Did you know a black marble version of the Taj was designed by the same Shah Jahan, to be built as his own tomb nearby? And that his son imprisoned him in the nearby Red Fort, with a view of the Taj from his luxurious cell?) Actually, in Delhi we were even more impressed by the Qutb Minar, which despite its being called a minaret (Islamic Prayer Tower) was really an astronomical observatory. If you are lucky and get a highly educated guide (ours was a retired university professor who volunteers there) you will find out the interesting background behind the tower, the Hindu design of the temple, the mysterious iron pillar and more. But don't rely on getting a good guide; we were lucky. Better to have this book to make sure you know what you are going to see. India has a fabulous wealth of World Heritage sites and some of the most impressive architecture and archeology in the world. If you get a chance to go to India, you should get this book to make sure you can visit some of these wonders. The World Heritage sites are by far not the only things worth seeing in India, but they are definitely at the top of the list. This book will help you locate and select these places if you get the opportunity to visit.
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