10 Ancient Attractions of India

This is a guest post from Rohit from the blog, Trans India Travels. India is a great place to explore ancient attractions. Many rulers have ruled this place. Their touch can be easily seen on various monuments of India. India is a perfect place to learn about various civilisations. This is a land of culture and tradition. Here are a few places that will introduce you to the rich heritage culture.

1. Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh

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Taj Mahal, the epitome of love, is a World Heritage Site. The historical monument of white marble is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. River Yamuna also flows near Taj Mahal. In the evenings, the place is a sight to behold. It is a magnificent blend of Turkish, Persian and Indian architecture style. Built with white marble, Taj Mahal has intricate design patterns engraved on the walls. Taj Mahal is India’s pride and a perfect example of Mughal and Persian architecture. Visit this place to immerse yourself in the beauty of love and splendid architecture.

2. Qutub Minar, Delhi

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Qutub Minar is a perfect example of Indo-Muslim architecture. The foot of Qutub Minar has first Mosque built in India. It is built using red sandstone which has carvings and verses of from the Quran. It is a World Heritage Site. The Qutub Tower is made of distinct storeys and the diameter of the storeys decreases gradually as we move up. Qutub Minar complex has an iron pillar that has not rusted even after 2000 years.

3. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh

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Sanchi has a rich collection of Buddhist monuments. There are several monolithic pillars, temples and monasteries. Sanchi Stupa was built by King Asoka in 3^rd Century. The major attraction of this place is the beautiful and magnificent dome. The Stupa is considered as a symbol of freedom of Buddha from the cycle of life and death. Visit this place to get the glimpse of the ancient Buddhist period.

4. Red Fort, Delhi

Photo by Dennis Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Red Fort was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. This the place where our president gives speech on Independence Day every year. During the month of August, Red Fort gets immersed in freedom celebration and attracts a large crowd. This Fort keeps singing the tale of majestic and pomp of the Mughal Emperor. Every evening there is a light show that helps in reliving the history of India.

5. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

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Situated in Madhya Pradesh, the temples of Khajuraho were constructed in Chandella dynasty. It is a World Heritage Site. Various sandstones were used for the construction of these temples. Many sculptures are there in Khajuraho that represents love, eternity, beauty and creativity. These temples are a mixture of Jainism and Hinduism.

6. Ajanta & Ellora, Maharashtra

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Mesmerising Ajanta and Ellora caves of Maharashtra depict true craftsmanship. Here, each rock has been carved by skilled artisans with their hands. There are total 29 caves in Ajanta and 34 in Ellora and each and every cave has sculptures and paintings depicting the tales of Jataka. Most of these caves were used for praying and studying. These caves depict three religions- Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The caves are a perfect example of ancient Indian architecture.

7. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh

Photo by Sanyam Bahga, CC BY-SA 2.0

Agra Fort was built during Mughal era. It is constructed completely of red sandstone. It has two gates- the Amarsingh gate and the Delhi gate. You should enter from Amarsingh gate to discover the ancient architecture. Other attractions of this place are – Jahangir palace, angina Masjid, Moti Masjid and Zenana Mina Bazaar. Agra Fort is a World Heritage Site.

8. Mysore Palace, Karnataka

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Mysore Palace is a museum that has all the pictures, clothing and artefacts of all the rulers who lived here. This palace was home to many rulers. Hence, it has a mixture of Hindu, Mughal and Rajput architecture. Mysore is one of the most visited monuments in India. Mysore palace is a national treasure and pride of the kingdom. It has beautifully carved mahogany ceilings, white marble floors and solid silver doors. It is a kaleidoscope of stained glass and mirrors. If you are looking for a place to get a royal experience, then this is just the place to be.

9. Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan

Photo by Fulvio Spada, CC BY-SA 2.0

Situated in the middle of the Great Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Fort is made of yellow sandstones. This fort was the focus of number of battles between Mughals and Rathores. Jaisalmer Fort has military significance. The fusion of Rajput and Islamic architecture is clearly visible on this Fort. This fort is a major attraction in the state of Rajasthan.

10. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Photo by Juan Antonio F. Segal, CC BY 2.0

The Palace of Wind or Hawa Mahal looks like a beehive. Located in the heart of Jaipur, the palace has been constructed like a crown of Lord Krishna. This palace was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh for the women of royal family. It has 953 windows or Jharokhas which are decorated with intricate designs. It is mostly constructed of red and pink sandstone. The monument has slopes to reach the upper floors. You can get an amazing view of the city from Hawa Mahal.

Author Bio:

Rohit is a blogger at TransIndiaTravels.com. His love for ancient architecture and unexplored places make him travel the most fascinating destinations of India and across the world.

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