Ancient sights of India

The outstanding monuments of ancient India are the cave temples of Ajanta and Elloralocated at a distance of 60 km from each other in the state of Maharashtra. The first temples in Ajanta were carved over several centuries, starting from the 2nd century BC. The cave village of Ellora was created later, but it is just as impressive in its scale: the complex includes 34 caves, and its central structure is the colossal Kailasanath Temple. Cave temple complexes, many sculptures, the remains of ancient paintings were also found on the island of Elephanta in Mumbai area of ​​the Arabian Sea.

Among the main wealth of India, protected by UNESCO, is the abandoned city of Hampi. It was in these places that some of the events described in the Ramayana developed. The Virupaksha Temple located in Hampi is still active.

In Amritsar, in the center of the artificial lake of the same name, stands the Sikh Golden Temple Harmandir Sahib, which can be reached via a narrow marble bridge.

For many travelers who are imbued with the ideas of Buddhism, ancient temples scattered throughout the country become strongholds of travel.

In addition, get inspired by Indian culture and centuries-old traditions in the Old City of Gokarna, almost entirely consisting of wooden houses, or in Little Tibet, the largest Buddhist community in India.

Panoramic view of the Taj Mahal from Airpano.com

Sights of cities in India

The most popular Indian resort state of Goa should not be taken only as a place for a beach holiday. If you wish, you can make a completely varied excursion program, visiting Indian sights: temples, churches and mosques, museums, historical quarters. For example, the Basilica of Jesus in Old Goa, elegant architectural ensemble Largo da Igreja in Panaji, main temple Goa - Sri Mangeshi. From resorts close to the beautiful Dudhsagar waterfall - the second largest in India. The best place for walking and buying souvenirs - June 18th Street in Panaji.

India's most recognizable architectural landmarks in Jaipur, the "Pink City", are located in the old quarter, where most of the stone houses have a characteristic pink or terracotta hue. The city has a grandiose

India is for real mysterious country. On its territory there are many historical and natural monuments. Some of them are already protected by UNESCO, and some are planned to be taken under protection in the near future. Modern life India has many faces - centuries-old traditions are successfully combined with the realities of megacities. You can not only enjoy unusual sights, but give interesting things as a gift.

One of the most important wonders of the republic is the cave monastery complex, located in the granite mountains of Vindhya. It is a huge rock in the shape of a horseshoe with 29 caves, divided into prayer halls and places of residence of Buddhist monks.

Temples were built in the rocks for several centuries - starting from the 1st century BC. The most active construction was carried out in the V-VI centuries. It was during this period that murals and the most interesting examples of sculptures were created.

On the territory of India there is a very interesting architectural monument - a palace made of white marble, which is a mausoleum-mosque. The square facade of the building contains semicircular niches. Because of this, the structure as a whole looks quite neat and compact, despite its massiveness.

The most amazing thing is that the palace is able to change color. In rainy weather, it seems translucent, in the morning - pinkish, and in the evening - golden. Inside the walls are decorated with painted tiles, semi-precious and precious stones are everywhere.

Of the modern sights, it is worth taking a look at the main temple of the representatives of the Baha'i religion. It was built relatively recently - in 1986. The structure is made of snow-white marble in the form of a blossoming lotus. The attraction is popular with tourists of all ages. The building itself has received architectural awards.

Nine entrance doors lead visitors to the central hall, which is about 40 meters high. The room can accommodate up to 2500 people. There is a garden in the surrounding area.

An amazing natural attraction is the Dudhsagar waterfall, which resembles a multi-level composition with a length of about 600 m and a height of 310 m. The waterfall got its name because of the milky-white color of the water. This effect is created due to the large number of small splashes.

Tourists can get to the reserve on any public transport, but on its territory you need to go by SUV. After reaching the final destination, it will take only 15 minutes to walk.

In India, you can see one of the most beautiful water parks in Asia. It is divided into five separate zones. For visitors of all age categories, a play pool is provided, occupying an area of ​​​​about 30 thousand square meters.

People who prefer extreme descents and turns will find a lot of interesting things for themselves. Children are only allowed into this area if accompanied by an adult. Ticket price for children is determined by height, not age.

In a small Indian village, you can see the ruins of an ancient family, which was the center of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire. Its main attraction is the Virupaksha temple. Tourists usually start visiting the ruins with it.

In the immediate vicinity is another temple - Vithala, built of red stone. Only the lower part of the building has been preserved. Nearby there are also auxiliary buildings designed to host dance, music and other gatherings. Of the other buildings, the palace in the form of a lotus flower and buildings for elephants will be of interest. These are not all interesting places of the ancient city. There are enough of them.

Many will like the palace, which is shaped like a huge anthill. Window openings and all kinds of niches play a significant role in the architectural appearance. The facade of the building is decorated with a large number of miniature balconies decorated with lace ornaments.

The windows of the building act not only as an interesting element of the design solution, but are also a link in a specific ventilation system. Interestingly, there are no stairs in the building itself. Transitions between floors are carried out along gentle descents and ascents.

The fortification erected on the Yamuna River is of historical value. The fort was built in the 11th century. At that time, the building had the form of a small brick wall. After 400 years, the building was converted into the residence of the Sultan. Now the fort performs the function military base, so part of the territory is closed to visitors.

In the courtyard of the object there is a stone bowl with numerous inscriptions. It was not possible to find out what it was for. There is an assumption that it was used to prepare rose water.

One of the interesting architectural structures is the fortress of Mehrangarh. It is located on high cliffs, representing a powerful and impregnable refuge. In her oriental luxury successfully combined with the sophistication of the royal residence and the minimalism characteristic of fortified objects.

A museum has been created in one of the palaces, which is considered the most equipped institution of its kind in the entire state. It contains interesting collections of costumes, weapons and other items.

India has a special railway station, which is one of the main attractions of the country. It was designed by a British architect. In outline, the building resembles a European building, typical of the 19th century, but with an excessive Mughal style.

The station plays an important role in terms of rail traffic. It serves not only suburban lines, but also long-distance trains. In 2004, the building was included in the UNESCO list.

An amazing structure for tourists may seem like a palace located on the rocky base of Lake Pikola. Previously, the building was royal residence. During its construction, white marble was used, the deposits of which were found in the local mountains.

Now the building has been turned into a five-star hotel. The palace covers an area of ​​16,000 square meters. The configuration of the rooms on the second floor is unusual. They are round in shape.

While in the capital of India, it is worth visiting a special temple that is important for many pilgrims. From afar, it resembles a toy palace with red turrets. Believers come here to change their fate and be cleansed from sins. The main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It can bring happiness and abundance.

The construction of the temple was carried out in 1933-1934. The initiators of the construction were the families of wealthy industrialists. Hundreds of stone carvers worked on the marble decoration of the temple.

Another no less famous attraction is the Mysore Palace. In his architectural style Gothic, Hindu and Muslim touches can be traced. The building is made of stone and has three floors. Above the central arch you can see a sculpture of the goddess of fortune and wealth.

Inside the palace there are several important rooms. The private audience hall was used by the king for negotiations with ministers and guests. The armory acted as an arsenal for members of the royal family. The assembly hall made it possible to meet with the population to discuss certain issues.

In one of the villages there is a system of caves, inside of which there are temples related to three religious cults at once. Miracles abound here. All individual attractions are combined into a complex that requires a very long inspection.

Some scholars who study the history of India believe that the temples in this area did not appear by chance. In ancient times, one of the largest trade routes ran here.

Tourists in Mumbai should definitely take a look at the triumphal structure, which has become a symbol of the state. Near the arch is almost always very crowded. There are many Indians and tourists here. This is the first attraction met by guests who have reached India by sea.

During the construction, the architect combined individual elements of the Hindu and Muslim styles. Yellow basalt was used as the main building material.

The Indian capital has the tallest brick minaret in the world. The construction is a unique monument of medieval architecture of Indian and Islamic styles. The beginning of the construction was laid by the Muslim ruler, who managed to complete only the foundation.

The Qutb Minar Minaret is a complex of historical buildings dating back to different eras, among which are an elegant gate, a mosque, and a column made of unique iron.

Fans of Indian films will certainly want to visit the well-known film industry. Since 2011, the entrance to the pavilions has been open to tourists. Regular excursions are arranged there. You can easily get acquainted with the life of famous heroes, being on the other side of the screen.

Bollywood releases movies in several languages. They can be entertaining or have an acute social character.

Summing up

India has a huge number of historical sites of architecture that are worth visiting. However, in cases where they are mentioned, it often comes to beaches. This state is famous for them. As for the architectural heritage, it is associated with the Indo-Portuguese style, which was formed during the entire period of Portuguese expansion.

It is important not to get into, because then you will not be able to fully feel beach holiday. It is in summer that the monsoons begin to blow here and a large amount of precipitation falls.

India is one of the largest economically developed countries in the world in terms of territory and population. It was here that the ancient indian culture which gave the world many magnificent monuments.

Today, India is developing rapidly and moving forward with leaps and bounds. But its inhabitants do not forget about their history and culture. They carefully keep all their monuments and are happy to show them to guests and tourists who come to their ancient country.

TOP 10 attractions in India

India has a huge number of real wonders of the world, this country is generally similar to a fairy-tale kingdom: magnificent temples, palaces, minarets, mausoleums, which we remember from school days. Separately, it can be said about natural attractions.

This mausoleum and mosque in Agra was built by order of Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, who died untimely in childbirth. This is one of the most beautiful architectural creations in India, which for many centuries has delighted with the harmony of its lines.

The construction of the Taj Mahal began at the very beginning of the 17th century and lasted at least 12 years. Today Shah Jahan and his wife are buried in this magnificent snow-white mausoleum. Tourists from all over the world come to Agra to see this attraction with their own eyes.

2. City of Varanasi

This is the oldest Indian city, as significant for the Hindus as the Vatican is for the Catholics, i.e. being the center of Hinduism. It is located on main river country -, and is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus from all over India and from abroad.

Varanasi is at least three thousand years old. It is mentioned in the Rigveda as the center of Brahmanism, science, literature and art. From the point of view of Indian cosmology, Varanasi is the center of the world, sung in the verses of the Skanda Purana.

The largest Indian river, near which local tribes settled since ancient times. It has always been of great, decisive importance in the economy and culture of this country, the Ganges is the sacred river of the Hindus, bathing in it is an obligatory Hindu ritual.

The Ganges originates in the Himalayan mountains and flows into the Bay of Bengal. In some places the river is navigable. A tourist visiting India should definitely visit the Ganges to look at one of the cradles where humanity was born.

Compared to Indian antiquities, this temple is very young. It was built in 1986 as a Baha'i center. Outwardly, the temple looks like a snow-white lotus flower, it looks extremely impressive, and is very much loved by tourists from all over the world.

Around the Lotus Temple there is a beautiful garden, the combination of magnificent architecture and the exquisite natural beauty of the flowers of the garden delivers a real aesthetic pleasure. The Lotus Temple today is a religious and tourist center in Delhi.

These Buddhist temple and monastic complexes are located in 29 caves in the state of Maharashtra. There you can see prayer halls, cells for monks and shrines with Buddha statues. On the walls of the caves there are ancient paintings based on Buddhist myths and legends.

Ruins of Vijayanagara

Wondering what to see in India? Without hesitation, go to Hampi village. It is located among the ruins of the former capital of the Vijayanagara empire.

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as this village has preserved many cultural and architectural monuments. In addition, Hampi is one of the main religious centers India, thanks to the still functioning Virupaksha temple.

The temple is the epitome of architectural art. The altar is surrounded by a complex of musical columns, which, when tapped, make various sounds. A street leads to the main entrance, also surrounded by relief columns. Even in the temple you can admire the statues of gods and various animals. A distinctive feature of the temple is the presence of a chariot made of stone, which is a copy of the original chariot.

It is worth seeing the Shiva temple, which is located underground. In Hampi, you can admire not only the temples, but also other architectural structures: the Narasimha statue, the royal scales, the Mahanavami Dibba tower.

Hampi is also famous for its religious and entertainment festivals. The largest festival is the Hampi Festival. All kinds of artists, musicians, festive parade, dancing and fireworks - all this happens at the festival. And the largest religious celebration is the Virupaksha Chariot Festival. Here, the main participants are the statues of the god and goddess, as the festival symbolizes their wedding. They are loaded onto a chariot and carried along main street. All this is accompanied by a colorful procession.

Landmarks of India , especially such as Hampi and the ruins of Vijayanagara will not leave anyone indifferent - you will want to visit this mysterious country again and again.

3. Red Fort (Agra)

Red Fort in Agra

If you ask a question what to see in India, most people, except for the Taj Mahal, will not name any other sights. In fact, there are still a lot of interesting places, among which is the Red Fort in Agra over the Yamuna River. If you decide to visit the Taj Mahal, then you will be on your way, because the distance between them is only two and a half kilometers.

This fortress is called red because it is made of reddish stone. Erected, or rather, reconstructed in 1565 by decree of Akbar the Great. The building is made in the form of a semicircle, has two entrances - these are the Lahore and Delhi main gates, a 21-meter wall is located around. Inside you can see several Islamic mosques, beautiful gardens and the residence of the rulers.

Previously, Agra, near which the fort is located, was the capital of India, but then Delhi again got this title. Entrance to the territory of the complex is paid. During the reign of the Mughal dynasty, it served as the residence of the padishah. This building is included in the most popular sights of India, as well as in the list world heritage UNESCO. Unfortunately, part of the fortress is still used by the military, and tourists are not allowed into all its corners.

4. India Gate (Mumbai)

Gateway of India in Mumbai

The primary attraction of the city of Mumbai is the Gateway of India. This is a colossal basalt arch structure, 26 meters high, located on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It was built under the direction of the architect George Wittet in honor of the visit of the English king. George the Fifth. Construction began in 1911. For reinforcement only coastline it took 4 years, and in general the construction lasted 13 years. The Indian authorities almost completely financed the construction of the structure. The architecture of the building is a combination of three styles:

• Hindu;
• European;
• Muslim.

The gate is also associated with the declaration of independence of India, when the last British soldiers exited through them.

There are many legends about India Gate. It is said that one should only pass through the Gate with good intentions, otherwise Mumbai will be inhospitable. At the moment, the Gateway of India is considered the most popular place in Mumbai.

5. Periyar National Park (Kerala)

Boat trips in Periyar Park

The beauty of the Kardamom Mountains, the murmur of the Pambiyar River, the fertile Lake Periyar and countless varieties of exotic plants, the secrets of the animal world. All this in one place - national park Periyar.

Other attractions in India cannot boast of such popularity. In just one year, almost 4 million tourists come here.

Kerala Park received the status of National Park in 1982. Today it occupies almost 350 sq. km. 70% of this territory is covered with evergreen forests. Each visitor has the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of more than 2500 plant species. 350 of them are used for medicinal purposes, and some plants can grow to a height of 40-50 meters.

As for the local fauna, it is represented here by more than 62 species of mammals. Of particular interest to tourists is the behavior in the natural environment of tigers, elephants, zebras, bison, mongooses, leopards. In addition to them, many reptiles, birds, and amphibians live in the park.

You can enjoy moisture and coolness by going to the center of the park, where Lake Periyar is located.

6. Mehrangarh (State of Rajasthan, Jodhpur)

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

Looking for something else to see in this amazing country? The grandiose fortification of Mehrangarh will amaze your imagination.

From the outside, tourists see the high stone walls of the fort, as well as a wide road that descends to the city of Jodhpur. Nearby is a pavilion-memo to the soldier - the defender of the fort.

The history of the attraction begins in the distant XV century. Over time, a city appeared near the foot of the fort. Almost 120 meters Mehrangarh rises above Jodhpur. The very same height of the walls in some places reaches 36 meters. To enter the fort, you need to overcome 7 gates. The most notable of them is the Victory Gate, which was built in 1806.

On the territory of Mehrangarh ( total area 0.2 km) houses five luxurious palaces, as well as a unique Indian museum. The latter is especially interesting for tourists because it contains traditional national costumes, as well as musical instruments, furniture, palanquins, and miniatures.

You can learn more about the martial art of the Indians by visiting the Armory. Here is a collection of knives, sabers, and the best armor from different periods of the principality.

7. Akshardham (Delhi)

Hindu temple Akshardham in Delhi

Going on a trip, a person outlines a plan of excursions for himself. What sights of India are worth seeing? A very curious place is the Akshardham Hindu temple, made entirely of marble. It is located in a beautiful city across the Yamuna River, and was built not so long ago: it is a little more than ten years old.

The temple is a large complex, on the territory nearby there are gardens with fountains, artificial ponds and bridges. The architecture of the building is mixed: you can see a tribute to traditions and a modern style in it. It is also unique that all decoration and sculptures are made by hand. The temple is made of pink marble inside, white with gilding - outside.

The sanctuary has a cinema hall where tourists will be shown an interesting film about religion; a museum where you can see historical exhibits, watch robot actors. Tourists are boated around the pools, telling fascinating stories about India and Hindu gods.

In the evening, the temple is even more transformed: the lights turn on, the fountain show begins. When visiting Akshardham, time passes unnoticed - there are so many amazing and unusual things here that your eyes run wide! Those who decide to bring home the material memories of the visit can buy souvenirs in the shops and shops, which are many in the Akshardham area.

8. Mysore Palace (Mysore)

mysore palace

Many tourists are interested in what to visit in India is really luxurious? Be sure to see the Mysore Palace, another name for the palace is Amba Vilas. The building was built in the 19th century. It was originally the residence of the Maharajas.

The building fascinates with its exterior and interior. The floor inside the palace is lined with mosaics, there are a lot of stained-glass windows and mirrors. The entrance to the palace is through wooden doors decorated with hand carvings. The style of the building can be called unique, because three trends are mixed: Hindu, Muslim, Gothic. The palace consists of high towers, nine arches supported by columns, and marble domes are especially original.

The complex has a beautiful garden. In autumn, tourists can watch an unusual festival in the Mysore Palace, celebrated in honor of the victory of good over evil. The program includes curious parades of elephants, performances by artists. Inside the building, you can see doll exhibitions, a marriage hall, a meeting room for the ruler, and an armory. The modern Mysore Palace is the fourth reconstruction of buildings that burned down before.

9. Golden Temple Harmandir Sahib (Armitsar)

Golden Temple Harmandir Sahib in Armitsar

Do not know what to see in India so that the tour is remembered for a long time? One obvious option would be the Temple of Harmandir Sahib - the main shrine of the Sikhs. It is popularly called the Golden Temple, because the outer facade is almost completely, except for the lower tier, covered with gilding. The building is located near the lake, the waters of which are considered sacred and healing by the locals. According to their beliefs, there is an elixir of immortality in the reservoir. In ancient times, the shores of this lake were a favorite place for meditation of Hindu sages.

All tourists are allowed into the temple, regardless of their religion and nationality. To show their openness to guests, the architects made four huge entrances on each side of the complex so that as many people as possible would visit this place. The gilded walls are inlaid with precious stones, hand-painted by the great artists of the era. Before entering the temple, the tourist must take off their shoes and perform the ritual of foot washing.

10. Palolem Beach (Goa)

Cozy Palolem beach

The sights of India are mysterious and beautiful, like the country itself. The famous Palolem beach is located in the southern part Goa on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The place is considered one of the most beautiful in India, and even the natives call it the "Garden of Eden".

The beach is surrounded by high headlands and is a bay of natural origin. There are rarely waves here - the sea is almost always calm. The sand on the shore is surprisingly clean, and palm trees bend their leaves to the very shore.

The length of the beach is a little over 3 km. There is everything for a good and comfortable stay:

• sunbeds;
• umbrellas;
• cafes and bars;
• hotels;
• rent of kayaks, bicycles.

Palolem is literally filled with national flavor. You can often see cows walking right by the water. Along the coastline are huts - houses with wicker walls.

You can make sightseeing trips around the beach, for example, to Butterfly Island. Tourists are given a lot of opportunities - from the usual vacation with the contemplation of the most beautiful sunsets to an elite trip on a yacht with diving. The developed infrastructure and the presence of wild natural areas attract a large number of tourists from Europe.

Sightseeing in India: what else to visit while in India

Staying in this country gives an extravaganza of completely different emotions, but not a single tourist will forget a trip here, because there are so many amazing beautiful places and unusual reminders! To learn more about the sights to be seen, they can be hired for a very modest fee.

11. Virupaksha Temple in honor of Shiva (Hampi village, Karnataka)

Virupaksha Temple - a place of pilgrimage in Hampi

What to see in India, except for the beaches in Goa? There may be many answers. One of them is the Virupaksha temple - a pearl of architectural art. It is located in the small village of Hampi, Karnataka.

According to many experts, the temple is the oldest in the whole country and is located on the ruins of the ancient city of Vijayanagara. The temple is dedicated to the god Shiva, who is called Virupakshi here.

The main entrance to the Shiva shrine is located in the western tower. From it you can get into the first courtyard, and then into the second. The path through another tower leads to the temple elephant Lakshmi. Also on the territory of the temple you can see an old well, a hall with about 100 columns, Ranga Mandala - one of the last buildings of the temple.

The special construction of the temple allows the Tungabhadra River to flow as a channel through the local kitchen and outer courtyard. The sanctuary is an active temple, where pilgrims come from all over the country. Festivals dedicated to Shiva and his wife Pampa are often held in the area, using an ancient chariot from the temple.

The sights of India in the village of Hampi, including the Virupaksha temple, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

12. Tibetan monastery Kei Gompa (Spiti and Lahul district)

The sights of India attract tourists with their spiritual content, cleanliness and tranquility. The monastery-fortress of Kei Gompa in Tibet is one such place.

Key Gompa is located in the valley of Himachal Pradesh, in fact, in the center of the Himalayas at an altitude of more than 4 thousand meters above sea level. The Buddhist monastery was founded in the 11th century. He attended the millennium Dalai Lama .

In the cold season, numerous monks find shelter here, and almost 300 lamas receive education all year round. For tourists there are several rooms where everyone can get an overnight stay. . Local guides consider the Tibetan monastery the most interesting in terms of spiritual enlightenment. Among other things, it can offer visitors a variety of collections of sculptural groups, weapons, musical instruments. On the territory of the monastery there is an extensive collection of ancient manuscripts and books of famous Buddhist lamas.

At the beginning of summer, the inhabitants of the monastery organize a festival with many ritual dances and the burning of a demonic spirit. Almost all the walls of the fortress consist of paintings and frescoes, which gives the building a unique beauty.

13. Qutub Minar (New Delhi)

Brick tower Qutub Minar in New Delhi

What other interesting sights of India exist? In fact, there are a lot of them. One of the most visited places is the Qutub Minar tower, which translates as “tower of victory”. It has been under construction for almost 200 years. Therefore, the architecture of the complex is mixed, as architects and builders changed quite often.

This is the highest minaret in the world. The tower originally belonged to the first Islamic ruler of India. It was made in the form of a cone of five tiers, and red-yellow sandstone was used as the building material. The appearance of the building is very elegant - this effect is created thanks to the skillful carvings made by excellent craftsmen, as well as marble decoration, which makes this hard stone look soft and pliable.

On the territory of the complex there is a tomb, a gate, a minaret and a column of pure iron about seven meters high. Despite the years and bad weather, this iron column has not rusted so far. It remains to be seen how the builders of this column were able to obtain chemically pure iron. A tourist sign is also associated with it: if you stand with your back to a pillar, hug it and make a cherished wish, it will certainly come true.

14. Basilica of Jesus in Old Goa (Panaji)

Basilica of Jesus in Old Goa in Panaji

Many tourists visiting this beautiful country are wondering what to visit in India related to other religions besides Hinduism and Buddhism. One church, called the Basilica of Jesus, is curious. The building was built in the Baroque style. On the territory of the church are the relics of the patron of Goa.

The construction of the temple was completed in 1605. The appearance combines three currents: Ionic, Corinthian, Doric. Inside, as expected, the sacred altar, choirs, sacristy. In the backyard there are two chapels and a bell tower. One of the chapels, in which the relics are located, is decorated with wood carvings, made very skillfully and with great diligence. On it you can also see paintings depicting the patron saint of the city. The tomb itself, where the remains rest, is made of colored marble. Once a decade, the relics can be worshiped - they are exhibited for free visiting. The relics are believed to have great healing power.

The Basilica of Jesus is a masterpiece of architecture, popular with tourists. Christians pilgrimage here, but representatives of other religions do not pass by this place.

15. Caves of Ellora: temples in the rocks (Maharashtra, Aurangabad)

Stone temples of Ellora

It is interesting for any tourist to explore the historical places of India, even if he came here just to lie on the beach e. These trips will cost you inexpensively, but there are many impressions from visiting.

One of the most incredible places in this country is a complex of 34 temples. They were all built before the 10th century AD. What is unique is that the temples are not of one culture, but of several: Hindu, Jain, Buddhist. The earliest caves of Ellora are Buddhist. They are the largest and most fascinating. The facade of the temples is made in a solemn style. Their complete opposite are Hindu. The outer walls are covered with images of sacred episodes, which were carved in several stages. There are seventeen such caves in total. They occupy the entire central part of Ellora.

The youngest temples in the rock are Jain. They can be reached via an asphalt road. The architectural tradition in which these caves are made can be called strict asceticism. The decoration of the Jain temples is very skillfully thought out.

Tourists are only allowed to take photos while here. Nothing can be taken or taken out of the territory of the complex - this is strictly monitored by security guards. And not in vain, because the caves of Ellora are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

16. City of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

View from the Ganges river to the ritual embankment in the holy city of Varanasi Ken Wieland Sights of the city of Varanasi Penyulap

You can explore the sights of Ancient India, starting with the oldest "living" city on earth - Varanasi. This is one of the sacred places for Hindus, a city of great pilgrimage. Being a contemporary of Luxor and Babylon, the city distinguished itself from its contemporaries by its incredible resistance to the influence of time. A number of sanctuaries have been preserved here, most of which were repeatedly ruined, but each time they were restored. The dream of every believing Hindu is to complete his life here, interrupt the series of reincarnations and thereby break the notorious wheel of Samsara.

17. Lotus Temple (New Delhi)

Night illumination of the petals of the Lotus Temple in New Delhi Vandelizer

India in the 20th century was distinguished by a huge number of extraordinary buildings, and among them is the Lotus Temple, built in 1986. The unusual shape of its roof is made in the shape of a lotus for a reason - this flower for Hindus is a symbol of chastity, purity and strength. In total, the temple has 27 giant "petals" covered with marble, and around there are nine pools, creating a semblance of a bud floating in the water. The interior decoration fully meets the requirements of the Holy Scripture - there are no objects of worship, sculptures and paintings. On the territory of the temple there is a museum dedicated to the Baha'i religion.

18. National Museum of India (New Delhi)

Front view of New Delhi National Museum in India Miya.m
Exposition of one of the halls of the National Museum of India in New Delhi Daderot

In the center of New Delhi is the most extensive museum in India - National Museum. It has a unique collection of amazing archaeological finds, historical artifacts and art objects. Now on two floors of the museum there are more than 200 thousand exhibits of both Indian and foreign origin.

19. Chhatrapati Shivaji Station (Mumbai)

Facade of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Station building in the Indian city of Mumbai Nicke L
Historic Victoria Terminus Railway Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji) at night Shaileshsonare

A kind of gateway to the city of Mumbai is its railway station, which receives tourists and guests of the city. The Chhatrapati Shivaji building, built at the end of the 19th century, attracts with its unusual beautiful architecture and in itself is a landmark of the city. With its monumentality, the building personifies technical progress, one of the symbols of which in the 19th century was railways. The building was designed by the British architect Stevens, so its design was based on the neo-Gothic style, with the interweaving of Indo-Saracenic motifs traditional for India. The interior of the station delights its visitors with the same richness and pomposity.

20. Hawa Mahal Palace (Jaipur)

Pink Sandstone Palace of the Winds in Jaipur Marcin Białek

India pleases the eye of guests with a variety of chic palaces. This is the floating palace of Jel Mahal, and the mirrored Shesh Mahal, and the residence of the Maharajas, the Mysore Palace, and the magnificent marble masterpiece of the Taj Mahal. Another palace creation that glorified the city of Jaipur - Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of the Winds, deserves attention. This building got its second name due to the unique system of windows that create natural ventilation in the room. This allows those inside to enjoy the coolness even in the most intense heat. The building was built of pink sandstone in the shape of Krishna's crown at the very end of the 18th century.

21. Pikola Lake Palace (Udaipur)

White marble hotel on Lake Pichola in Udaipur user:Flicka Lake Palace Lily Pond at Pichola Lake in Udaipur Taj Hotels

There are magnificent places in the vicinity of Lake Pichola , saturated with greenery and impressive with an unusual landscape. It was here, in one of the cities of this area, that the residence of King Singh II - the Lake Palace, the largest palace complex in the state of Rajasthan, was located. It was built in the 18th century, in the 80s of the 20th century it gained particular popularity due to the shooting of the James Bond film taking place here, and today it has turned into a luxurious five-star hotel. Within its walls there is something to impress even the most sophisticated visitors - the walls are built of precious white marble, 83 chic rooms are made in the national style, and vacationers can even use the services of hereditary butlers working here.

22. Goa (southwest India)

Tropical beach in Goa with palm trees in the background

For those who still choose what to see in India, Goa will become a place of relaxed rest, endless holiday, freedom and entertainment. This city is definitely worth a visit to dilute the cognitive travel program with notes of serenity. The beaches are the first thing worth visiting to have a good rest and enjoy the Indian nature. Among other things, you can taste the national color by visiting the Fontaines quarter with the houses of the Portuguese colonialists, the market in the coastal town of Anjun, the authentic fair in Arpora, and spice plantations with a developed tourist infrastructure.

23. Holi Festival of Colors

Holi Celebration at Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork by Steven Gerner

One of the brightest and most enchanting events in India is the beloved national holiday Holi, which is a symbol of the onset of spring and the rebirth of life. The roots of this festival go back centuries - there is a belief that in ancient times there lived a woman named Holika, who was burned for disobedience to the ruler. During the burning, the nephew covered her with a colored veil, which God himself sent to him in response to prayer requests for the salvation of his aunt. Since then, a tradition has arisen to paint each other with colors, which has grown into a large-scale holiday. The whole festival is an extravaganza of colors, tons of colored powder and flowers hung everywhere, as well as a grandiose bonfire as a sign of seeing off the outgoing winter.

24. Bollywood (Mumbai)

Bollywood Songs and Dances Skip

Fans of Indian cinema will also find the sights of India of interest to them, and first of all it is Bollywood - the generalized name of the Mumbai film industry, derived from the name of the American Hollywood district and the location of Indian film studios, the city of Bombay. Hundreds of series, films, commercials, entertainment shows and other TV programs are filmed in these studios every year. Bollywood pavilions are open to visitors - you can visit the set, get acquainted with the life of actors behind the scenes and feel this indescribable atmosphere, among the scenery, surrounded by dressing rooms and in the light of spotlights.

25. Ganges River (Uttarakhand)

The confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers that form the Ganges Keerthi msrit
Ablution in the sacred waters of the Ganges Bluerasberry

One of the largest rivers on the planet originates in the glaciers of the Western Himalayas, absorbing the crystal clearness of their melt waters. For Hindus, the river is sacred - it is believed that it embodies the power of the goddess Ganges, who patronizes the sources of all earthly reservoirs. On the banks of the river there are many species of fauna, numerous species of fish, reptiles and tropical insects. Where the Ganges originates, and for the first tens of kilometers there are rapids where rafting is common. It is believed that every Hindu at least once in his life should plunge into the waters of the Great River.

While the Taj Mahal shines with majestic marble brilliance, the Meenakshi Amman temple is full of bright colors. It is located in the South East Indian state of Tamil Nadu in the city of Madurai, which is considered one of the oldest continuously settlements in the world that has been functioning for more than two thousand years.

Photo: Pabloneco on Flickr

Photo: Bryce Edwards on Flickr

It is based on something extraordinary - the temple of the Hindu goddess Parvati, the wife of the god Shiva. Whole temple complex guarded by towers known as gopuras. The tallest of these is the south tower, which was erected in 1559 and is over 170 feet high. And the eastern tower, founded in 1216, is considered the oldest, that is, it was built several centuries before Columbus went to discover distant lands.

Jantar Mantar

Photo: Guy Incognito on Flickr

The remarkable complex of buildings is similar to the scenery for a planet far from Earth from a sci-fi blockbuster. But in fact, these are instruments developed and used in Jaipur to observe celestial bodies. They were built by order of the Maharaja in the first decades of the 18th century and are still in use today.

Photo: McKay Savage on Flickr

Photo: Philip Cope on Flickr

Jai Singh II was born in 1688 and became Maharaja at the age of eleven, but inherited a kingdom that was on the verge of impoverishment. The kingdom of Amber (later Jaipur) was in a desperate situation, the cavalry numbered less than a thousand people. But on his thirtieth birthday, the ruler built Jantar-Mantar.

Kumbhalgarh - Great Indian Wall

It is the second largest continuous wall on our planet. Some call it by the name of the fort it surrounds - Kumbalgarh, and others - the Great Wall of China of India. Surprisingly, such an outstanding building is little known outside of its region.

Photo: Lamentables on Flickr

Photo: Beth on Flickr

The wall stretches for 36 kilometers. In many images, you can mistake her for the Great Chinese wall. However, there were many centuries and cultural differences between them. Work on the creation of Kumbhalgarh did not begin until 1443 - just fifty years before Columbus sailed on Atlantic Ocean to make amazing discoveries on its other side.

Temple of Karni Mata

Photo: alschim on Flickr

From the outside, the Hindu temple of Karni Mata, located in the small town of Deshnok in the Indian province of Rajasthan, looks just like any other. But the beautifully and exquisitely decorated shrine, with a constant stream of worshipers, holds a surprise for unsuspecting visitors. The temple is inhabited by thousands of rats.

Photo: owenstache on Flickr

Photo: micbaun on Flickr

Rodents are not random inhabitants of the temple. Parishioners take special care of food for rats, as they are here in memory of the legendary woman - Karni Mata.

Jodhpur - the blue city of India

Photo: bodoluy on Flickr

Travelers traverse the arid landscapes of the Thar Desert in the Indian state of Rajasthan to reach this place. It seems that here the sky fell to the ground and everything became one color - blue. Jodhpur stretches before you like blue treasures in the middle of the desert.

Photo: Christopher Walker on Flickr

Photo: Il Fatto on Flickr

According to one version, the population of the Blue City paints their houses in various shades of blue due to the caste system prevailing in India. Brahmins belong to the highest Indian caste, and the blue color distinguishes their dwellings from other people.

Leh Palace

Photo: watchsmart on Flickr

In the early years of the seventeenth century, the King of the Kingdom of Ladakh, Senge Namgyal, ordered the construction of this huge palace. It is located on the top of the Himalayas in the city of Leh, currently the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The building served as the home of a dynasty of rulers until they were overthrown and expelled in 1834. Since then, the lofty Lekh Palace has been abandoned. Nevertheless, it rises majestically in this region of India, which is often called Little Tibet.

Photo: teseum on Flickr

Photo: Matt Werner on Flickr

Presumably it was created on the model of more famous palace Potala in neighboring Tibet, which served as the residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959, when he left the country. The Leh Palace is smaller than the Potala Palace, but its nine-story structure is still impressive. The upper floors were occupied by King Namgyal, his family and crowds of courtiers. The lower floors housed servants, storage rooms and stables.

Living bridges of Meghalaya

Photo: Ashwin Mudigonda on Flickr

Our understanding of India, with its population of more than a billion people, is often limited by statistics. However, there are places in this subcontinent that still remain virtually inaccessible. The state of Meghalaya in the northeast of the country is replete with subtropical forests. To get around in this area, the locals resorted to an ingenious form of natural engineering - living root bridges.

Photo: Rajkumar1220 on Flickr

Photo: ARshiya Bose on Flickr

With every rain, fording through the rivers becomes very dangerous, and this is one of the wettest places on the planet. Steady rainfall combined with rugged terrain, steep slopes and dense deciduous forests turn many areas of Meghalaya into an impenetrable jungle. But the inventive and resourceful local population has created a unique system of natural suspension bridges.

Ajanta caves

Photo: Ashok66 on Flickr

Two thousand two hundred years ago, work began on an extensive series of cave monuments in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Over the course of hundreds of years, thirty-one monuments were carved out of the rocks. Around 1000 AD, the monks gradually abandoned the cave complex and it fell into disrepair. The overgrown dense jungle hid the caves from human eyes.

Photo: Franekn on Flickr