Red fort

Constructed in 1639 by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the palace of his fortified capital Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone and is adjacent to the older Salimgarh Fort, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546 AD. The imperial apartments consist of a row of pavilions, connected by a water channel known as the Stream of Paradise (Nahr-i-Bihisht). The fort complex is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity under Shah Jahan,[citation needed] and although the palace was planned according to Islamic prototypes, each pavilion contains architectural elements typical of Mughal buildings that reflect a fusion of Persian, Timurid and Hindu traditions.[3] The Red Fort’s innovative architectural style, including its garden design, influenced later buildings and gardens in Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kashmir, Braj, Rohilkhand and elsewhere.[2]

The fort was plundered of its artwork and jewels during Nadir Shah‘s invasion of the Mughal Empire in 1747. Most of the fort’s precious marble structures were subsequently destroyed by the British following the Revolt of 1857.[4] The forts’s defensive walls were largely spared, and the fortress was subsequently used as a garrison.[4] The Red Fort was also the site where the British put the last Mughal Emperor on trial before exiling him to Yangon in 1858.[5]

Every year on the Independence day of India(15 August), the Prime Minister hoists the Indian “tricolour flag” at the main gate of the fort and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts.[6]

It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 as part of the Red Fort Complex. C-18-554


Miramar beach

Miramar Beach is situated 3 kms from Panaji in North Goa. A lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea, is the nearest to Panaji. Miramar is an urban beach where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea. It is not a safe beach to swim as there is a strong undercurrent. 

The beach in Miramar is one of the most popular Beaches in Goa and tourists are well warned that it can get crowded here, with people from the town strolling over in the evenings. One will often see a mixed crowd of tourists and locals here as there are a lot of activities for entertainment. One can even go shopping here and enjoy some sightseeing.

While at the Miramar Beach one can visit Dhempe College of Arts and Science, the memorial to Goa’s first chief minister and other places that are worth a visit. Another attraction nearby is Aguada Fort. One can have an excellent view of Fort Aguada from the beach across the river.

Miramar beach was originally known as the “Gasper Dias Beach”. It is very much commercialized with a large number of hotels and exclusive homes. For accommodation also one will find various beach resorts and hotels here. The best time to visit this place in India is November to March.

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