How Many Of These Forts, Monuments and Palaces Have You Visited At Night?

We Indians are blessed to have something as magnanimous as one of the seven wonders of the world in our country. Taj Mahal is one monument that most of us have visited, but if you're someone who wants to experience it a little differently, did you know you could also visit it at night? Taj Mahal remains open for 5 nights every month, on full-moon nights, two nights before and after it. The monument also remains open on nights in case there's a unique celestial phenomenon that is to occur.

Timings: 8:30pm - 10:30pm

You can check out exact dates on their website here.

While visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar is a highly blissful experience, you can add extra charm to your visit by going at night. It's a marvel to behold the blazing golden edifice and its equally mesmerising reflection on the holy lake. When birth anniversaries of important Sikh Gurus are celebrated, the experience is heightened by added lights, decoration and firecrackers.

Timings: 8pm - 10pm and 2am - 5am

Amer Fort in Jaipur is the exemplum of Rajasthan's royal past. Located far away from the city, this 11km long monument is adorned in bright yellow lights that stand in stark contrast to the night's darkness. The fort looks as majestic as it must have centuries ago as it stands tall and firm on a mountain. On some nights, most of the palace is open for night-viewingin lieu of an important temple located within its premises. At the fort, you can also enjoy a beautiful sound and light show that is written by Gulzar.

Timings: 7:30pm (Hindi show); 8pm (English show)

One of the very few inhabited forts in the entire world, Jaisalmer Fort is the second largest in Rajasthan. Inside the fort, an entire town is established with about 3000 people residing within. At night, you can watch the entire town spring to life. Men running shops wearing traditional angarkhas, women in poshaks dancing, and melodious folk music enveloping this typically Rajasthani scene in its magic. The fort is lit up bright from where you can observe the golden city sprawling as far as the eye can see. One can even stay in one of the many hotels within the fort.

Timings: 7pm onwards

Now renovated into a 5-star hotel, the Falknuma Palace in Hyderabad is the epitome of ethereal beauty. Dating back to the 19th century, each of its 60 rooms and 30 halls are done up in exquisite themes and designs. Each corner of the palace reflects the opulence that the Nizam of Hyderabad lived his life with. At nights, the palace shines bright and looks right out of the Victorian Era. You can either visit the palace for dinner in one of its 6-dining options, or stay here for a night to experience it in its full glory.

One of Delhi's major tourist attractions, the Akshardham Temple is a spiritual and cultural complex. The 140ft. high main temple stands amidst 20,000 statues of sadhus, gurus and devotees, 148 life-sized elephants and 234 ornately carved pillars. Displaying finely crafted architecture, the temple once lit up, looks beautiful at night. One of its main attractions, the musical fountain comes to life at night which conveys a story from Kena Upanishad. An amalgamation of video projections, water jets along with music, lights and actors, this 24-minute show is worth a watch.

Timings: 7:45pm onwards

Located right in the middle of Mysore city, this is a historical palace that serves as the official residence of Wadiyar dynasty and the is seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. At night, the entire palace is blanketed in yellow lights, a sight that has become photographers' delight over the years. Looking regal and absolutely breathtaking, the palace also hosts a light and sound show which gives the audience an opportunity to view the palace from inside at night.

Timings: 7pm - 8pm

Believed to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas where Lord Shiva appeared as light, Somanth Temple in Gujarat is considered a highly auspicious temple among Hindus. Located right at the edge of sea's shore the temple of gold look majestic as it bathes under moonlight. One can walk along the beach and enjoy the magical atmosphere, amplified by the lapping of waves and sounds of temple bells. The temple also hosts a wonderful sound and light show that explains the historical and religious significance of the temple.

Timings: 8:00pm - 9:00pm

So experience these architectural delights a little differently, and immerse yourself in history and culture like never before.

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