Unusual India: Rare Destinations for Adventurers. Beautiful places of India What is interesting in India
India is the seventh largest country in the world, stretching from the Himalayas to the sandy expanses of the desert. The inhabitants of the country speak different languages, and the state itself has more than two thousand ethnic groups. That is why India is mysterious and has many unique monuments of various cultures, many exotic places, religious shrines. The sights of India will be appreciated by every tourist!
The most striking and unique attractions include the ancient monuments and caves of Goa, the Gateway of India memorial arch in Delhi, the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur, the mausoleums in the cities of Agra and Hampi. Each Indian city has unique, majestic temples, magnificent picturesque gardens and parks, many architectural buildings erected in different eras.
What you can see in Goa
The small Indian state of Goa is the most popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Travelers meet sunrises and sunsets on its picturesque beaches, which impress with their picturesque natural landscapes. Tourists are attracted by the Dudhsagar waterfall, the forts-bastions of Alorna and Aguada and the architectural complex.
Dudhsagar waters
Dudhsagar Falls is the largest in India. Its waters flow in the foothills of the Ghats. This place is surrounded by virgin rainforests, so the splendor of the local landscapes will not leave indifferent any traveler. The amazing streams of the majestic waterfall appear white.
The name of the unique place in translation means "ocean of milk". At the foot of a waterfall with snow-white streams, there is a beautiful Indian lake. It takes about an hour to get to the lake and waterfall by car. You can also get to the place by bus. A rocky path leads to the waterfall itself. There are many wild monkeys in the vicinity of Dudhsagar, and the virgin nature impresses with a variety of tropical plants and trees.
Arval waterfall
Near North Goa, the waters of Arvalem, another of the most picturesque and beautiful waterfalls in Goa, fall from a height of 50 meters. The sound of the water can be heard three kilometers from this place. At the bottom of the waterfall, a lake is formed from its jets, framed by amazing landscapes. A stone staircase next to the lake leads to the Sri Murdeshwar Temple. The stone bridge allows you to fully enjoy the amazing views of the virgin nature of Goa.
A visit to the Arvalem Caves will be an excellent addition to an exciting excursion around the reserve. The caves were created by Buddhist wanderers for overnight stays in the 5th-6th centuries. By themselves, they form five tunnels that lead to a large hall. On the walls of the caves, ancient rock inscriptions, which are already eight hundred years old, have been preserved to this day. These sights of Ancient India allow you to plunge into a past era, completely dissolving in the imprints of past civilizations.
Fortress Aguada
Goa is also home to the impregnable fort of Aguada. The fortress is the main attraction of the state. It is located near the beach, and the ancient fort itself is considered the best-preserved fortification of the seventeenth century. Once the fortification reliably protected Goa and its main city from enemies and served as a reservoir of water for the inhabitants. In the fortress there is not a functioning old lighthouse, but not far from the fort there is a fashionable hotel. Fort Aguada in Goa is a historical monument of the Portuguese colonization of the country. It is built on a picturesque hill with a magnificent view of the rocky sea coast. The Goa fortification is built in the form of a semicircle at the very edge. In ancient times, Fort Aguada was built to fire at enemy ships.
Spice plantation
An excursion to the spice plantation - the highlight of the state of Goa - will leave a lot of pleasant impressions. The list of entertainment includes an elephant ride, a hearty lunch of exotic dishes and belly dancing. Fragrant Indian plantations will allow you to plunge into the world of aromatic herbs, vanilla, cardamom, pepper and cloves. There are several exotic plantations throughout the state where papaya, pineapple, coconuts, and cashews grow.
Cathedral of St. Catherine
The sights of Goa do not end only with a visit to the picturesque reserves and the fort. The unique "Growing Cross" can be seen in the Cathedral of St. Catherine. The chapels of this cathedral keep an ancient crucifix of the 17th century carved from wood. According to legend, the cross was placed in the chapel, where it began to grow. In Asia, the cathedral is the largest building of Christianity.
Delhi landmarks
Many of India's attractions are located in Delhi, a city full of bustle, chaos and an abundance of antiquities. This modern city is of particular historical interest. There are the Red Fort, the famous Hindu temple complexes of Akshardham and Bangla Sahib, the Gandhi memorial, the ancient tomb of Humayun, and the Qutub Minar minaret. All these monuments and shrines of Delhi are an impressive sight.
Red Fort
The fortress is a symbol of the rule of Indian dynasties and is famous for its unique architectural beauty. The Red Fort is a palace ruled by the shahs and includes an audience hall, colorful palace pavilions, an archaeological museum, a collection of paintings, and a memorial. The fortress took ten years to build. The last emperor to occupy the fort in Delhi was Bahadur Shah II. During the reign of the British, a military town was located in the fort.
India gate
The Gateway of India Memorial Arch in Delhi commemorates the ninety thousand British soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War. Their names are carved on the walls of the building, and the eternal flame does not go out at the foot of the symbol of Delhi. Delhi's most beautiful parks and green lawns are located near the memorial. Today, a visit to the arch is a must on the state visits of prominent political figures. The steps of the India Gate descend directly to the water, and after sunset you can enjoy the beauty of the illuminated memorial.
Akshardham temple
This Hindu temple is one of the famous landmarks of Delhi. Akshardham fully reflects Hindu culture. The temple is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most magnificent and largest complex in the world. Its buildings feature a wide variety of architectural styles, and the temple itself is built of marble and pink sandstone. The shrine houses over twenty thousand statues.
Along the water channels of the territory of the temple complex, you can make a fascinating journey on a rented boat. Delhi's tourists will find beautiful musical fountains, luxurious flower beds, a large number of antique sculptures, a cafe and a shop.
What to visit in Jaipur
Jaipur has prepared many interesting places of Ancient India for its guests. The city is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. This bustling metropolis has a lot of historical and ancient features. The city has many carved Indian temples, luxurious palaces, fortresses and gardens.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal and Jaipur are two inseparable things. This "Palace of the Winds" is rightfully called the city's visiting card. The front part of the palace complex is a honeycomb of a bee hive. Many small windows of the building look out over Jaipur, decorated with graceful wrought iron grilles. The palace itself resembles the crown of the god Krishna. In ancient times, noble women of the harem watched the everyday life of the townspeople from miniature windows. The bars on the windows were intended to hide the faces of the ladies from the harem. The Palace of the Winds is located in the heart of Jaipur city. Around the majestic building, the Indian business district is in full swing. The Palace of Winds was built from pink and red sandstone. It looks especially impressive when the rays of the sun fall on its walls.
Fort Amber
A huge and impregnable palace-fortress rises among the Indian rocks and is located eleven kilometers from the city. The fort resembles a whole town and is divided into four parts. The fortress is an example of the wealth of the Maharajas. There is a temple to the goddess Sila, her statue was brought from Bengal. The double row of columns is crowned with elephants and galleries. The pleasure hall of the fortress is built of ivory and sandalwood. When visiting Jaipur, you should definitely visit the Amber Fort.
Jal Mahal
The unique palace on the water, Jal Mahal, seems to hang in the air. The building of the palace is immersed in the water of the lake, therefore it is a real miracle of architecture. Its construction began in the 18th century, when Jaipur was intended for the rest of Indian rulers. When summer and dry season comes, the walls of the palace show up from the lake waters. The palace can only be reached by boat.
City Palace
This architectural complex is the most luxurious among the palaces that Jaipur has. It is located in the very center of the city. The complex houses numerous museums, and most of it is a royal residence. The City Palace has a unique Museum of Weapons, which displays many exhibits from different eras. The attraction of the palace is its gate, which is a majestic arch. They are decorated with unique carvings and ornaments.
What can be seen in Agra
The city of Agra is rich in ancient treasures and Indian shrines. Here is the tomb of Akbar, the mausoleums of significant Indian personalities, the magnificent Rambach garden, the Taj Mahal, a fortress and a real ghost town.
Tomb of Akbar
The tomb is located in the vicinity of the city of Agra. It is made in the Spartan style and is a true masterpiece of Muslim architecture. The mausoleum includes two buildings connected by a paved path. The structures of the tomb were built of pink sandstone marble. The mausoleum itself, located near Agra, has four towers with sharp ends. And in the territory around the unique tomb there live monkeys, which are often met by tourists.
Taj Mahal
The snow-white Taj Mahal is the main attraction that Agra is so rich in. The building was erected as the tomb of the wife of the Mughal emperor. The building is made in the Persian architectural style and has its own characteristics. Agra has many palaces and mausoleums, but the Taj Mahal is unique in its own way. High minarets are located in its corners, the walls of the tomb are decorated with mosaics, ornaments and the finest patterns. This is a real work of ancient architecture. The Taj Mahal is adorned with numerous precious stones and surrounded by a beautiful park and mosques.
Faterpuh Sikri
The ghost town is located a few kilometers from the city. It was once the capital, but was abandoned by the ancient inhabitants due to the lack of drinking water. Today, this architectural historical complex is included in the UNESCO heritage list and is the most famous landmark in India. Here are tombs, monuments of ancient times, mosques and the Panch Mahal palace. Ancient buildings are built in a variety of styles and include Indian, Islamic and Persian architecture.
Mausoleum of Itimad ud Daula
Agra is a modern Indian city, but it has many unique monuments and mausoleums. The mausoleum of Itimad ud Daula is located in a large picturesque garden. The territory of the tomb is crossed by water channels and paths for pedestrians. The marble walls of the tomb are decorated with precious stones, as well as carnelian, jasper, topaz, onyx. The elegant buildings have hexagonal towers and interesting architectural features.
What to visit in Hampi
The sights of India are also concentrated in Hampi - a mysterious and mysterious Indian village. A large number of tourists from all over the world come to this place. The village is located near a river in the north of the southern state of Karnataka.
Ruin
The ancient ruins of the city of Vijayanagar brought world fame to Hampi. Once the capital of a powerful ancient empire was located here. The waters of the river near Hampi are considered curative. The ruins of the ancient capital occupy twenty-six square meters. There are many ancient monuments here, which is why the ruins of the city are included in the UNESCO heritage list.
Lotus Palace
In the Royal Center of Hampi Village is the Lotus Palace, Royal Baths, Rama Temple. The center also houses the Archeology Museum, which displays ancient Indian sculptures. There is an elephant riding arena near the unique palace.
Virupaksha Temple
In the bazaar area, there is a temple with palace pavilions, an elephant and a royal bath. The complex has a unique layout and halls for the imperial wives. The Virupaksha Temple has eleven buildings, which are interconnected by a common roof.
Reserve
An interesting bear reserve is located sixteen kilometers from Hampi. At night, the ancient monuments located on its territory are highlighted, and colorful national performances under national motives are carried out around. The reserve has a beautifully clean lake where you can swim. On a round bamboo boat, you can take a fascinating journey along the picturesque river.
India and the sights of India occupy a special place among the countries of South Asia. India is located on the Indian subcontinent, surrounded by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Afghanistan, has an area of almost 3.3 million km 2 and a population of over 1.2 thousand million people. The natural and relief conditions of the country are diverse - from the majestic ranges of the Himalayas to the fertile valleys with the great rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Indus.
Sights of India - photo and description.
This legendary land has preserved ancient cities and temples, which are considered a true treasury of the world heritage of history and architecture. In India, there are 30 sites under the protection of UNESCO. Therefore, it annually attracts millions of tourists who want to get acquainted with its history and culture. Most of the architectural monuments of ancient India that have come down to us are a unique mixture of cultural and building traditions not only of different regions of the country, but also of the principles of foreign architecture that influenced them.
The visiting card of the country and the most recognizable landmark of India can be called one of the seven wonders of the world - in Agra. It was erected by order of Emperor Shah Jahan on the banks of the Yamuna River in memory of the beloved wife of the ruler. More than 3 million tourists from different countries come here annually to look at this magnificent architectural monument, built of snow-white marble and stroll through the picturesque park, laid out next to it.
Minaret of Qutub Minar in Delhi.
No less famous is the landmark of India, the Qutub Minar minaret, located in Delhi. It is considered the tallest structure of its kind in the world. Its construction, which began in 1199, took over 150 years. The material for the construction was the remains of 27 destroyed Hindu temples. Due to the corrugated surface of the walls, created by alternating round and acute-angled edges, the 72-meter tower that rises into the sky seems light and airy. There are 379 steps leading to its top.
Pillar of Chandragupta.
Next to the minaret, on the territory of the complex of ancient ruins, there is an iron pillar of Chandragupta, which came out from under the hammer of ancient blacksmiths in the 4th century BC. The height of this cultural landmark of India is more than 7 m and its weight exceeds 6 tons. The uniqueness of the creation of human hands lies in the fact that, despite the almost 100% iron content in it, it does not rust. According to local legends, if you embrace this column and make a wish, it will certainly come true. Therefore, in order to keep the post from intrusive visitors, it was fenced off and armed guards were set up.
Fortress Amber.
One of the examples of the palace and defensive structures of India is the Amber fortress, located near Jaipur. A rocky hill near Lake Maota was chosen as the site for its construction. Tourists can go up to the fortress on foot or drive up by car, and exotic lovers can ride elephants.
There are many interesting places on the territory of the complex, including the Museum of Iron Figures and the "Ganesha Gate" leading to the royal chambers, where you can stroll through the magnificent "Hall of a Thousand Mirrors".
Another attraction of India - the Lal-Kila complex, or the Red Fort, will eloquently tell tourists about the greatness of the Mughal dynasty. It consists of many structures built in the Muslim architectural tradition of red sandstone. The height of the walls of the octagonal fortress reaches 33 meters. The interior design of the halls and columns amazes with the elegance of ornaments, intricate mosaics made of marble, openwork wrought iron gratings and weightless domes. There are several museums on the territory of Lal Qila, where you can get acquainted with the ancient treasures and personal belongings of the members of the dynasty.
One of the pearls of Buddhist temple construction are the Ajanta Caves. This is an ancient monastery, which consists of 29 temples and numerous monastic cells, carved into the thickness of the rock. Work on the creation of this ensemble began in the 2nd century BC. and continued until the 7th century A.D.
The beautifully preserved colorful wall paintings and meticulously carved Buddha statues add to the uniqueness of the caves. The Indian monastery is located at a considerable distance from civilization, so you can get into it only as part of an excursion group.
There are many sights in India, among which are ancient temples erected by Krishna. However, there are many modern buildings dedicated to this deity. One of them stands in New Delhi on Mandir Marg Street. The Lakshmi-Narayana Temple is built of white and pink marble blocks in the Nagar style. The decoration of its many towers, arches and galleries amazes with the elegance of the carvings performed by the master stone cutters. Pilgrims and tourists can relax in a cozy park with fountains, laid out near the temple, meditate in man-made caves, or buy souvenirs in the shop located at the temple.
Nearby is a landmark of India - the Lotus Temple, erected in 1986 and resembling a lotus flower in its outlines. It is one of the most visited places in India. Its 27 marbled petals create a lasting impression on visitors, especially in the evening, when they are illuminated with special lighting.
In 2005, a new landmark of India was built - the Akshardham temple made of pink marble, eclipsing even the Taj Mahal in its splendor. This is a whole complex, which, in addition to the temple, includes a park area, man-made canals with light and music fountains, sculptural statues, souvenir shops and numerous cafeterias. All gorgeous marble finishes have been handcrafted.
Trains of tourists stretch to Madurai, a temple city located in South India and dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi. This architectural ensemble, covering an area of more than 6 hectares, is surrounded by high walls and 12 majestic towers, decorated with painted miniature sculptures. There are about 730 of them in the Western Tower alone. Tourists can look into the local museum, which houses many different interesting exhibits.
A little unusual for Europeans are the temples of Khajuraho, decorated with bas-reliefs with scenes from the Kamasutra. The complex of these religious buildings covers an area of more than 20 km 2. Out of 85 buildings, only 22 have survived to this day, the rest were destroyed by Muslim troops. The art of the ancient builders made it possible to create the impression that each temple was carved from a solid mass and decorated with stone lace and figurines.
The skill of the ancient builders is evidenced by the Chand Baori well, built in the 9th century to collect groundwater and rainwater. This grandiose 13-tiered reservoir, equipped with 3.5 thousand steps, which made it possible to collect water anywhere, has a depth of more than 30 m.
In addition to temples, among the popular attractions in India, there are many museums, exhibits of which will tell about the history and life of this beautiful, truly amazing country, saturated with aromas of spices and exotic incense.
Show India Attractions Table
|
Sight |
Location |
Working hours |
Ticket price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Taj Mahal |
6:00 - 19:00, Fri - closed |
||
|
Ajanta - Temple Caves Complex |
Maharashtra |
Mon. - day off |
|
|
Lotus Temple |
is free |
||
|
Victoria Terminus station |
around the clock |
is free |
|
|
Varanasi city |
Uttar Pradesh |
around the clock |
is free |
|
Hampi, Virupaksha Temple |
Karnataka |
is free |
|
|
Minaret Qutab Minar |
|||
|
Temple of Kandarya-Mahadeva |
Khajuraho |
||
|
Jaisalmer (Fortress) |
Rajasthan |
is free |
|
|
Harmandir Sahib |
Punjab, Amritsar |
around the clock |
is free |
|
India gate |
around the clock |
is free |
|
|
India gate |
around the clock |
is free |
|
|
Hawa Mahal Palace |
|||
|
Red fort |
RUB 500, RUB 300 with a ticket to the Taj Mahal, children under 15 years old - free. |
||
|
Mehrangarh fortress |
Entrance 300 rub. and 100 p. per photo |
||
|
Lake Picela Palace |
around the clock |
Depends on the room rate |
|
|
Dudhsagar waterfall |
around the clock |
is free |
|
|
around the clock |
is free |
||
|
Kanha National Park |
Maharashtra |
around the clock |
500-2000 p. for safari |
|
Indian museum |
Serampore, Kolkata |
300 p. with audio guide |
[collapse]
Taj Mahal (Agra)
There are many photographers near the Taj Mahal who will take an instant photo for you for a small fee.
The most famous and impressive landmark in India is located in Agra. This miracle of architecture was created as a tomb for Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, his beloved wife. The landmark is built of rare white marble and decorated with precious inlay.
The site is named a World Heritage Site and is protected by UNESCO. Is a special pride for the people of India.
Schedule: 6:00 - 19:00, Fri - day off
Price: 750 p.
Ajanta - a complex of temples inside the caves (Maharashtra)
An ancient Buddhist complex of rocky temples. Temples have been carved right into the rock for seven centuries. This huge complex is divided into caves. In five of them there are caves-temples (viharas), in the remaining twenty-four caves there are monastic cells (chaityas). A standard cave temple looks like a large square hall with small cells in a circle. The cells are decorated with columns and interesting rich carvings. Many fragments of wall paintings have been preserved here, which belong to the genre of miniature traditional for India.
In 1983, the temple complex was included in the protected sites of UNESCO.
Schedule: 9: 00-17: 30, Mon. - day off
Price: 250 p.
Lotus Temple (New Delhi)
The structure is very well suited for video filming from a quadcopter
Unlike all the sights of India, which are surrounded by an aura of antiquity, this temple was built relatively recently - in 1986. This main temple of the Bahi religious movement is located in New Delhi. It represents the image of a huge white lotus flower and has a very unique architecture.
Important: The temple is open to visits to people of all faiths. Sermons and ritual ceremonies are not read there.
Schedule: 09:00 — 19:00
Price: is free
Victoria Terminus Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji)
Be sure to visit the train station at night!
The most interesting and unique architectural solution for Mumbai. The building of the station with its quirkiness resembles the architecture of the Maharajah's palace. The construction was carried out by architects from Britain during the colonization period, but the stylization focused on local traditions. Named after a national hero who rebelled against Muslim rulers.
The station is famous as one of the main locations in the famous movie "Slumdog Millionaire"
Schedule: around the clock
Price: is free
Varanasi city (Uttar Pradesh)
The oldest and most revered city in India on the Ganges River. Serves as an important pilgrimage center. Residents from all over India (and not only) flock to Varanasi. On the banks of the river, ritual rituals of cremation of the dead are performed around the clock. It is a great honor for any Hindu to be cremated in this city.
The city has a unique history and architectural features. Also, due to ritual ceremonies, its own characteristic way of life and everyday life was formed.
Important: be careful with video and photography of the cremation ceremony. For one photo you will be ripped off a lot of money.
Schedule: around the clock
Price: is free
Hampi (Karnataka)
If possible, take a good camera or even a quadcopter with you. Gorgeous shots are provided!
A stunning site with the ruins of the ancient city of Vajayanagara. In the XIV century, it was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and a large trading city, and now an important architectural monument. There are over 20 important historical monuments in Hampi, which are protected by UNESCO. Not far from each other, there are many active temples with the remnants of the former majestic empire. The center of Hampi is the Virupaksha temple, which is the most sacred in the state of Karnataka.
Apart from its architecture, Hampi is notable for its striking landscapes. Mountains of huge boulders, stunning sunsets and an abundance of wildlife. The place is very popular with amateur photographers.
Advice: be sure to carry drinking water with you and wear hats. Due to the peculiarities of the relief, it is very hot here.
- Temple complex Virupaksha. The current complex, which is dedicated to the incarnation of Shiva and his wife Pampa.
- The statue of Narasimha. A massive rock statue in honor of one of the incarnations of Vishnu.
- Temple of Anjaneya. Here, according to legend, an ape-like deity, Hanuman, was born.
- Temple of Vitthala. Dedicated to another incarnation of Vishnu. Opposite the temple is Hampi's calling card - a stone rathi chariot.
Opening hours (Virupaksha Temple): 08:00-18:00
Price: is free
Minaret Qutab Minar (New Delhi)
Best to visit in the morning when there are not many groups of tourists
72-meter brick minaret (the tallest in the world) in Delhi. The full-length high-rise building is covered with carvings and artistic brickwork. Several generations of the Delhi sultan rulers were engaged in the construction of this Minaret in the Mehrawi region. For construction, materials from the ruins of many Hindu temples were used. The site is also protected by UNESCO.
Schedule: 07:00-17:00
Price: 200 p.
Kandarya-Mahadeva Temple (Khajuraho)
Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho city. The construction of the complex dates back to 1050. The outer perimeter walls contain 646 sculptures of animals, musicians and dancers. Tourists pay the most attention to impressive erotic sculptures. Inside the temple there are several spacious halls, high colonnades and balconies. In the most important sanctuary there is a 3-meter statue of the Shiva Lingam made of solid marble.
The main temple has a high 31-meter spire with 84 miniature replicas in a circle.
Protected by UNESCO.
Schedule: 06:00-18:00
Price: 250 p.
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
The "Golden City" is located in the heart of the Thar Desert. A fort with a palace and temples has been erected on the hill of the city. The city was founded in the XII century at the intersection of camel caravan routes, which transported expensive goods: spices, silk and jewelry. The strategically important location of the city made it possible to take trade duties from the Indian, Persian and Egyptian caravans. In the city you can see ancient Jain temples and a repository of manuscripts.
Important: The fort is very poorly maintained, with many buildings in disrepair. It is safer to spend the night outside, in one of the many hotels.
Schedule: 07:00 — 21:00
Price: is free
Harmandir Sahib (Punjab, Amritsar)
Best visited in the afternoon
An alternative name is the Golden Temple. The most important holy place of the Sikhs. The Golden Temple is built on a special platform and is surrounded by water on all sides. This building can be entered from four sides - a kind of symbol of the openness of the Sikh religion. The entrance to the temple is open to followers of any confession.
Important: all visitors to the temple must take off their shoes and cover their heads before entering.
Schedule: around the clock
Price: is free
India Gate (New Delhi)
A relative of the French Arc de Triomphe
The forty-meter gate is a monument to the soldiers who died during the battles of the First World War. Built from sandstone and opened in the 30s. The walls are engraved with the names of the dead Indians, and next to it is the memorial Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. On the territory of the memorial complex there is a green recreation park for locals and tourists.
Schedule: around the clock
Price: is free
India Gate (Mumbai)
Near the gate you can book a boat tour.
Another symbolic gate, but this time on the seafront of the city of Mumbai. Installed on the occasion of George V's visit to India. British soldiers marched under this arch when they left India after gaining their independence.
Schedule: around the clock
Price: is free
Hawa Mahal Palace (Jaipur)
An alternative name for the attraction is the Palace of the Winds. The peculiarity of the architectural solution of the building is that its facade is penetrated by more than 950 tiny windows. The palace was erected as a building for a harem, so all the windows are covered with white marble bars. The building has five floors built of pink sandstone.
Schedule: 09:00 — 16:30
Price: 50 p.
Red Fort (Agra)
With a ticket to the Taj Mahal, there is a substantial discount on visiting the fort
A majestic red sandstone fortress. Located just a few kilometers from the Taj Mahal. The fort can be called one of the most visited excursions in the city. The building served as the residence of the rulers for several generations of the Great Mughals. Built in the 16th century. A large complex of buildings, park areas and palaces is located behind massive and impregnable walls. The fort is under the protection of UNESCO.
Schedule: 6:30 — 19:00
Price: 500 p. or 300 p. with a ticket to the Taj Mahal, children under 15 years old - free.
Mehrangarh Fortress (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
At sunset, an incredibly picturesque view opens up from the top points of the fortress.
A huge fortress structure on top of a mountain. The fortress was built starting from 1459, along with the foundation of the city. Over the course of several centuries, the walls and gates were rebuilt, turning into huge monumental structures. Until 1943, representatives of the ruling family lived in this fortress. Inside there is a full-fledged museum, observation decks and palaces.
Schedule: 9:00 — 17:00
Price: Entrance 300 rub. and 100 p. per photo
Pichela Lake Palace (Udaipur)
Summer residence of the local ruler. Located right in the middle of the lake on a rocky base. This is a snow-white oriental castle, all covered with carvings and beautiful columns. The palace has more than a hundred luxurious hotel rooms that are rented out for any tourist.
Schedule: around the clock
Price: depends on the room rate
Dudhsagar Falls (Goa)
Be sure to bring a towel with you, as there are many small drops of water in the air.
Natural landmark in Goa State Natural Park. Dudhsagar is one of the largest waterfalls in India. It is advisable to get there by jeeps, since the road runs across the river. You can also get there by motorcycle, but you need to have a lot of driving experience. The height of the waterfall is 300 meters. The waterfall looks great in photographs, as it is located right above the railway bridge.
Schedule: around the clock
Price: free (if there is no way to get there on your own, then you can look for a jeep excursion)
Goa (whole state)
During the tourist season, there are many music festivals.
An entire state of interest. 100 km. beaches and a corner of freedom for creative people from all over the world. Goa can be divided into North and South.
The north coast is a hippie mecca and an abundance of nightlife for young people. The entire coastline is dotted with restaurants, nightclubs and hotels. The southern coast is much quieter and more expensive, as there are not many hotels and resorts.
In Goa, most of the beaches are suitable for relaxing swimming.
Schedule: around the clock
Price: is free
Kanha National Park (Maharashtra)
Leave a small donation to support wildlife if possible
Kanha Tiger Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful and vibrant wildlife parks in the world. The reserve houses a huge number of animal species living in their natural wild habitat. It was here that Kipling took inspiration to write the world famous novel "The Jungle Book".
Important:Best time to visit Kanha: February - June.
Schedule: around the clock
Price: 500-2000 p. for safari
Indian Museum (Serampore, Kolkata)
Recommended for visiting with children. There are many unique exhibits in the museum.
The largest museum and hotspot for people who are passionate about ancient art. Founded in 1814 by a Danish biologist. Finds collected from all over the world are exhibited here: an Egyptian mummy, things related to the life of Buddha, a collection of meteorites, ancient fossils and all kinds of remains, as well as all kinds of works of art. The museum is one of the oldest museums in the world.
Schedule: 10:00 — 17:00
Price: 300 p. with audio guide
Answers to frequently asked questions:
Q: What is the best currency to take with you?
A: It is best to take dollars. At any ATM, you can withdraw money from Visa and Mastercard bank cards.
Q: Is it mandatory to get vaccinated before traveling?
A: Vaccinations are not necessary, but it is better to play it safe once again.
Q: How to keep yourself safe while traveling in India?
A: The rules are the same as everywhere else - don't leave things unattended. Keep your money out of reach (there are a lot of pickpockets in India). When leaving for a walk, it is better to hand your valuables to the luggage room at the hotel.
Landmarks of India. The most important and interesting sights of Indian cities: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.
India is called the country of the brightest colors and the most burning spices, the cradle of ancient civilization, the pearl of the English crown. Due to its incredibly rich natural and cultural values, this is a truly unique country. Indeed, those who have visited India at least once note its inherent fabulous atmosphere, as if it exists outside the world we are accustomed to. Meanwhile, the sights of India are very real and valuable, and some of them even replenish the funds of the World Heritage of Humanity.A small example for comparison: there are 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia, 30 of them are in India. In addition, several dozen more Indian landmarks are waiting for their turn to be confirmed as belonging to the common cultural and historical heritage.
Ahead of the whole planet is the glory of one of the seven wonders of the world, the most beautiful palace in the world, the architectural masterpiece of the Taj Mahal. It is believed that it was built in honor of the beloved wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, who died during the fourteenth (!) Birth. More than 3 million tourists visit the Taj Mahal annually. And in the Buddhist world, the Mahabodhi temple, built in the very place where the legendary Sidhartha attained enlightenment, enjoys the same fame.
India is called the country of the brightest colors and the most burning spices, the cradle of ancient civilization, the pearl of the English crown. Due to its incredibly rich natural and cultural values, this is a truly unique country.
There is no less romantic legend about the Dudhsagar waterfall - one of the largest waterfalls in the country. Its name translates as "sea of milk". According to legend, the young princess, bathing in the clear waters of Dudhsagar, suddenly noticed the young prince's gaze. In order to somehow hide her body, the girl poured a jug of milk into the water, and the water became opaque. By the way, here, in the foothills of the Western Ghats, there is another beautiful waterfall - Avral. Unlike the graceful Dudhsagar, this one is more powerful and louder, but still no less impressive.
In the north of the state of Karnataka, the notorious village of Hampi is located - a living example of the architecture of the ancient Vijayanagar empire. The main treasure of Hampi is the Virupaksha temple complex, dating back to an even earlier period than the empire itself - the 7th century AD. In the same state, you can visit Little Tibet - the center of Lamaist refugees who took refuge here from the persecution of the Chinese communist regime.
Prices for visiting attractions in India for local and foreign tourists can differ by 10, or even 15 times.
The city of Delhi deserves special attention. Here you can visit the world's tallest minaret - Qutub Minar, the Mongolian tomb - Humayun's tomb, many amazing temples, as well as a number of various museums: the National Museum, Gandhi Smirti Museum, Indira Gandhi Museum, Crafts Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi a zoo, etc. One way or another, but most travels around the country start from here, so it is useful and even necessary to know about the beauties of the capital.
While the Taj Mahal shines with a majestic marble sheen, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is full of vibrant colors. It is located in the Southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu in the city of Madurai, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited localities in the world, with more than two thousand years of operation.
Image Credit Flickr Pabloneco
Photo: Bryce Edwards on Flickr
It is based on something extraordinary - the temple of the Hindu goddess Parvati, the wife of the god Shiva. The entire temple complex is guarded by towers known as gopurs. The tallest of these is the south tower, which was erected in 1559 and is over 170 feet high. And the eastern tower is considered the oldest, founded in 1216, that is, it was built several centuries before Columbus went to discover distant lands.
Jantar Mantar
Photo Credit: Guy Incognito on Flickr
The remarkable complex of structures 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 for observing 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 Credit: McKay Savage on Flickr
Photo: Philip Cope on Flickr
Jai Singh II was born in 1688 and became a 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 by his thirtieth birthday, the ruler built Jantar-Mantar.
Kumbalgarh - Great Wall of India
It is the second largest continuous wall on our planet. Some call it by the name of the fort that it surrounds - Kumbalgarh, and others - the Great Wall of China. Surprisingly, such an outstanding structure is little known outside its region.
Photo Credit: Lamentables on Flickr
Photo: Beth on Flickr
The wall stretches for 36 kilometers. In many pictures, you can mistake it for the Great Wall of China. However, there have been many centuries and cultural differences between them. Work on the creation of Kumbalgarh began only in 1443 - just fifty years before Columbus sailed across the Atlantic to make amazing discoveries on the other side.
Karni Mata Temple
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 believers contains a surprise for unsuspecting visitors. The temple is inhabited by thousands of rats.
Photo Credit: owenstache on Flickr
Image Credit Flickr User micbaun
Rodents are not random inhabitants of the temple. Parishioners take special care of food for the rats, as they are here in memory of the legendary woman - Karni Mata.
Jodhpur - India's blue city
Photo Credit: bodoluy on Flickr
Hikers 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 the same 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 different shades of blue due to the caste system prevailing in India. Brahmanas belong to the highest Indian caste, and the blue color distinguishes their homes from other people.
Leh Palace
Photo Credit: watchsmart on Flickr
In the early years of the seventeenth century, the king of the Ladakh kingdom, Senge Namgyal, ordered the construction of this huge palace. It is located at the top of the Himalayas in the city of Leh, now the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The building served as the home of a dynasty of rulers until their overthrow and exile in 1834. Since then, the high Leh Palace has been abandoned. However, it rises majestically in this region of India, which is often referred to as Little Tibet.
Photo Credit: teseum on Flickr
Photo: Matt Werner on Flickr
Presumably, it was modeled on the more famous Potala Palace 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, warehouses, and stables.
Living bridges of Meghalaya
Photo: Ashwin Mudigonda on Flickr
Our understanding of India, with a population of over a billion, is often limited to statistical data. However, there are places on this subcontinent that remain virtually inaccessible. The state of Meghalaya in the northeast of the country is replete with subtropical forests. To navigate this area, the locals have resorted to an ingenious form of natural engineering - living bridges from the roots.
Photo: Rajkumar1220 on Flickr
Photo: ARshiya Bose on Flickr
With every rain, fording across rivers becomes very dangerous, and this is one of the wettest places on the planet. Persistent rainfall combined with rugged terrain, steep slopes and dense deciduous forests make many areas of Meghalaya impenetrable jungle. But the resourceful and resourceful local people have created a unique system of natural suspension bridges.
Ajanta Caves
Image Credit Flickr Ashok66
Two thousand two hundred years ago, work began on an extensive series of cave monuments in the Indian state of Maharashtra. For hundreds of years, thirty-one monuments have been carved out of the rocks here. Around AD 1000, the monks gradually left the cave complex and it fell into disrepair. The overgrown dense jungle hid the caves from human eyes.
Photo: Franekn on Flickr