India is the seventh largest country by area and the second largest by population. It is a highly diverse country with a number of historic sites that can be visited. Some of these include:
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Khajuraho Temple
Khajuraho Temple, located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This group of monuments is considered one of the most impressive monuments in India. The temples are a collection of several thousand statues. They testify to the final stage of the Nagara-style temple architecture.
These monuments were built in the late 10th century, and they belong to the Vaishnavism and Jainism schools of Hinduism. However, they were desecrated during the Muslim rule in the 15th century.
Most of the monuments in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments are constructed out of sandstone. The stones were put together using mortise and tenon joints. Because they were held in place by gravity, they have aged significantly over the years.
In addition to its historical significance, the Khajuraho Temple is also known for its architecture and carvings. It is a monument that illustrates the tolerance between different religious viewpoints.
A visit to this temple will leave you awestruck. The walls of this temple are covered with beautiful carvings of couples and gods. Additionally, the temple is home to a Shiva Lingam, which is a huge sculpture of Lord Shiva.
Another architectural attraction of the temple is its exquisite ceilings. You can also see a large sculpture of Nandi, a bull.
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is one of the most famous historical places in India. This monument is an important landmark of the city of Delhi. You can visit this place for a wonderful insight into medieval Indian history. It is a beautiful structure and attracts many tourists.
In 2006, Qutub Minar attracted 3.9 million visitors. The structure was constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1199 CE.
Today, it is the highest brick minaret in the world. It is also known as the victory tower of the Mughal emperors. Many artists have drew inspiration from this monument. Among them, Shah Jahan was inspired to construct the Taj Mahal based on the design of the Qutub Minar.
The top part of the Qutub Minar has a diameter of 14.3 meters. There are three prayer niches. Also, the balconies are decorated with intricate architectural designs. During the construction, the architect used exquisite marble.
The structure was given a final shape by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1368. Since then, it has been maintained for over 800 years.
This monument is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is open seven days a week. For foreign travelers, it costs INR 250.
However, the entrance fee is only INR 10 for locals. You can take a cab from the city to reach the site.
Agra Fort
Known for its famous monuments and forts, Agra is a city of vibrant culture and natural beauty. This ancient city is a popular destination for tourists. It is located close to the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic sights in the world.
The Taj Mahal is often celebrated as a symbol of eternal love. This famous landmark was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
In addition to the Taj Mahal, the historic city of Agra is home to many other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the most interesting places to visit in Agra include:
Jama Masjid: The largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid is the most visited monument in Agra. Built in the 17th century, the Jama Masjid is considered a religious center for the local Muslim community.
Master ka Tal: Located near Sikandra, this ancient Sikh pilgrimage site is a prominent monument in Agra. Originally, the structure had 12 towers, but it was later rebuilt with a single tower.
Agra Fort: Agra Fort was once a royal residence for the Mughal emperors. However, the fort became a military base in the 16th century. When Akbar reconstructed the fort, he used red sandstone to build it.
Amer Fort
Amer Fort in Jaipur is a place where you can get a glimpse of history and culture. This fort is an important tourist destination in India. You can easily visit this place by hiring a taxi. It is located in the beautiful Aravalli hills.
The fort is divided into several parts. Each part has its own gate and architectural detail. In the courtyard, you can see a raised pavilion called Baradari. Another courtyard has a large ornamental garden.
There is also a temple inside the fort. These are places of importance to Hindu pilgrims.
Visitors can also take an elephant ride to explore the fort. There are many ways to reach the Amber fort. Some of the popular methods are to hire a taxi or take a government bus. However, the most efficient way is to travel by elephant.
The main palace of the fort is a very important tourist attraction. It contains a number of magnificent buildings. One of the most interesting structures is the Sheesh Mahal. Thousands of mirror tiles were placed here.
Another popular place to see in the fort is the Jas Mandir. Located at the entrance of the main palace grounds, this temple is a place of worship for the Hindu people.
Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace is a magnificent monument that is considered to be one of the best in India. It is located in the city of Mysore. In the past, it served as a home for the rulers of the Wodeyar dynasty.
Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that draws thousands of visitors every year. Originally constructed in 14th century by the Wodeyars, it has undergone reconstructions several times throughout its history.
One of the oldest palaces in Mysore, the palace was the official residence of the rulers of the Wodeyar Dynasty. The palace was first built in the Old Fort during the reign of Yaduraya Wodeyar. However, it was burnt down during the wedding of Chamaraja Wodeyar.
A new palace was then built in its place. This present palace was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style. There is a large garden surrounded by the palace.
Many paintings and royal possessions are displayed in the palace. Some of the paintings include those of Raja Ravi Verma and S.G. Heldnkr.
In addition, there are twelve Hindu temples in the Mysore Palace area. These temples are carved with interesting pillars and sayings.
Another important feature of the Mysore Palace is its light and sound show. At night, the palace lights up with more than 97,000 bulbs, making it a must-see attraction for tourists.
Ajanta & Ellora Caves
Ajanta & Ellora Caves are two of the most famous historical places in India. These ancient Indian art works have been listed as World Heritage sites. They are considered to be some of the best examples of rock-cut architecture in the world.
Ajanta and Ellora are located in the district of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The caves are carved from volcanic lava. You can visit them on your own or you can join a guided tour.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can reach them by bus or taxi. Buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation run regularly.
There are two visitor centers for the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Both have an amphitheater, restaurant, shop and parking. At the Ajanta Visitor Center, you can see replicas of the Kailasa Temple. This temple is the world’s largest monolithic rock-cut temple. It is 1.5 times as tall as the Parthenon in Athens.
Ellora is about 15 km from Aurangabad. There are buses that leave from the Central Bus Stand at 8 a.m. and return at 5.20 p.m. For a complete tour of the Ellora and Ajanta Caves, you can book a TravelGreed Tourism tour. All tours include an expert guide, an air-conditioned car and admission tickets.
Rani Ki Vav
Rani ki Vav is an architectural masterpiece. Its beauty is apparent when viewed from the ground. The sculptures in the monument are primarily focused on ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
The architecture of the Rani ki Vav is in the Maru-Gurjara style. This style is characterized by the use of stone carvings and elaborately carved columns.
Rani ki vav is a seven-level stepwell on the banks of the Saraswati River in the town of Patan, Gujarat. It is 27 meters deep. There are eighty-one pillars in the structure. A total of one hundred and five major and minor sculptures are present.
Rani ki Vav was commissioned by queen Udaymati in 1063. It was intended as a tribute to King Bhimdev I, who was a Hindu king from the Solanki dynasty.
Rani ki Vav is a great example of the Maru-Gurjara architectural style. This style of architecture flourished during the Chalukya period.
Rani ki Vav is located about three hours from Ahmedabad. It is open to visitors during the day. To get the best view, visit the site during the morning or early afternoon.
Rani ki Vav is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures. It is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Gujarat.
