Incredible India - Rajasthan Route : Fatehpur Sikri

We set off in the morning to Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri
is a city and a municipal board in Agra district. Built near the much older Sikri, the historical city of Fatehabad, as it was first named, was constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar beginning in 1570, in honour of sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, who lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri, and foretold the birth of his son, who was named Prince Salim after him, and later succeeded Akbar to the throne of the Mughal Empire, as Jahagir. Fatehabad later acquired the name Fatehpur, and gave rise to present name Fatehpur Sikri. It was the first planned city of the Mughals and also first one in Mughal architecture, an amalgamation of Indian architecture, Persian and Islamic architecture, and served as the Mughal Empire’s capital from 1571 until 1585. Though the court took 15 years to build, it was abandoned after only 14 years because the water supply was unable to sustain the growing population and unrest in the North-West. Today, the site itself is a ghost town, though the city has a population of 28,804 as per 2001 census.

Diwan-i-Khas – Hall of Private Audience and The central pillar of Diwan-i-khas.

Our Lunch

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri and having lunch, we then proceed to Jaipur.

Incredible India - Rajasthan Route : Agra

Agra
is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located 200 kilometres (124 mi) south from national capital New Delhi.


After landing in Delhi, the driver drives us to Agra to start our sightseeing trip. The first place is not far from our hotel, so we walk to the Taj Mahal first thing in the morning.


Taj Mahal
is a manusoleum located in Agra, India. It is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love.







Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles.


We then come back to the hotel for brunch and then take our bus to Agra Fort.


Agra Fort
It is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city.









It is the most important fort in India. The great Mugals, Humayun, Akba, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers and dignitaries.



Our last place for today is at the Baby Taj.

Minaret of Tomb

Baby Taj or the Tomb of Itmad ud Daulah is sometimes called the 'Baby Taj' because of its resemblance to Agra's most famous monument. However this Tomb was built before the Taj Mahal. A number of its stylistic features, such as a tomb in white marble surrounded by a formal garden and the use of inlay marble to create floral or geometric designs inspired similar features of the Taj Mahal



It is a Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra. Often described as 'jewel box', sometimes called the 'Baby Tāj', the tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. The mausoleum was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who had been given the title of I'timād-ud-Daulah (pillar of the state). Mirzā Ghiyās Beg was also the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal (originally named Arjūmand Bāno, daughter of Asaf Khān), the wife of the emperor Shah Jahan, responsible for the building of the Tāj Mahal.

Incredible India - Rajasthan Route

Our group of 7 persons visit India during the new year holidays.

SV XMas Meeting

We meet and eat at Chun's condo.

Wang Phayathai

Wang Phayathai or Phaya Thai Royal Palace is located at the Phramongkutklao Hospital.

Information are excerpted from this guide website:
Originally built for King Chulalongkorn, Rama V and his Queen Saowabha, with building starting in 1909 when the area around it was royal farm land. The building still bears his monogram and heraldic device. King Chulalongkorn died on 23rd of October 1910 only months after the palace's official inauguration.

The central building of the group is the Phiman Chakri Throne Hall. It features a Germanic style round turret, on the western front corner, with a steep "fairytale" red conical roof. The ground floors are surrounded by airy corridors and the building has a grand staircase at the rear leading up to what were the royal apartments on the second floor.

The main entrance to the Phiman Chakri Throne Hall is covered by a roof that extends from second floor level to a house that was previously a waiting room, and now operates as a small coffee shop.

Christmas Eve Dinner

A Christmas Eve dinner at K. Sivaporn's house.

Farewell Lunch to K. Nalinvadee

We host lunch at Anna Gallery to farewell Jeab. Jeab has worked in the Office of the Credit Committee Department for 15 years. She is lovely person to deal with.

TISCO Once A Year Party

It comes once again for our annual party between management and senior staffs. At the same place as last year: Sukhothai Hotel (very convenient since I walk to the hotel).



We also farewell :
K. Pliu, our Ex-CEO, who are now our Chairman of the Board, and
K. Sathit, our advisory and mentors to many, who will become the director of TISCO Securities, and
K. Pichai, our advisory and a role model for many retail officers, who will become the director of TISCO Bank.
These three persons have been like the pillars of TISCO since I start working at the company.






Many are real entertainers.

Farewell Lunch for K. Pakaporn

A farewell lunch for Pak is arranged at Je Ngor's Kitchen on South Sathorn Road. Pak is decided to take a long long vacation.

TISCO New Year Party

Treasury

CSV Ready for the Fashion Show Contest

Fashion Show Contest

TISCO IT

Show from Cholburi Branch

Hiway Show

Show from Ubolrachathani Branch

TISCO Securities Show

TISCO Asset Show

CSV Show

Nakornsawan, Pisanulok, and Chiengmai Show