This is a guest post from Rohit from the blog, Trans India Travels. If you’d also like to contribute a guest post to our blog, visit our contact page or email us at gotthetravelbugtoo@gmail.com Enjoy!
With special cultural significance attached, India is one of the top countries with 32 heritage sites recognized by UNESCO. The rich heritage of India carries cultural and natural importance that is valued and admired all over the world. The Indian cities, that are hallmarks of its great cultural and natural heritage have transcended the national boundaries as they belong to the people of this entire universe alike and not just its limiting physical territories. Traveling to these exquisite cities in India and relishing the picturesque beauty of the sites is a pleasure that is perhaps something beyond description. Imagine- Something tangible, but at the same time, indescribable!
1. FatehpurSikri- The City of Victory
Photo by JORGE BASSY ALVAREZ, CC BY 2.0
In the north-eastern Indian province of Uttar Pradesh, the heritage city of FatehpurSikri, also known as the ‘The City of Victory’ got its name from Akbar’s victories over the fort of Ranthambore and Chittor and remained the capital of Mughal Empire for around ten years. Famous for its uniform architectural style, it is home to one of the largest mosques in India i.e. Jama Masjid. The place that one must visit during the visit to FatehpurSikri are- Panch Mahal, BulandDarwaza, Diwan-I- Khas, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Lotus Throne, Jodhabai Palace, Jama Masjid, Khawavgah and HiranMinar etc. There is great history and unique story in every inch that one maps in this great historical city.
2. Jaipur- The Pink City
Photo by PIVISO, Public Domain
Founded by an astronomer king Raja Sawai Jai Singh, the Pink city, as it is fondly called, Jaipur does not only represent the cultural heritage but the scientific acumen too. The well-known monument, Jantar-Mantar was built in the 18th century and is a collection of nineteen astronomical instruments that speak a volume about its great scientific inheritance. Places like Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Panna MeenakaKund should not go amiss, while visiting the city.
3. Konark Sun Temple
Photo by designadda, CC BY-ND 2.0
The majesty and grandeur of chariot of The Sun God that King Narasimhadeva depicted by building the Sun Temple of Konark with all its seven effulgent horses and twelve wheels got this temple the status of World heritage site in 1984. In the Puri district of Odisha, Konark is a small city that boasts of its unmatched architectural expertise in the form of the Sun Temple. The Archeological site museum is another must-visit place that houses the fallen sculptures and archeological excavations. Apart from these two, Ramachandi Temple located on the banks of the Kusabhadra River, Kuruma- one of the major archeological excavation sites in Orissa and finally a picnic spot- Astranga near the Sun Temple can bring a sense of fulfillment that a traveler seeks.
4. Delhi- The Capital of India
Photo by Dennis Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0
The capital city, Delhi is a witness to the history of India with all its monuments and mosques that are standing as erect as they were centuries ago. PuranaQuila is a live example of Moghul military architecture that was built by the Pandavasand underwent successive facelifts and modifications by a number of Mughal emperors. Salimgarh Fort, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarganj Tomb, India Gate with its vivid memories of world War-I, and of course, the World famous QutubMinar are few of the attractions of the age-old capital of the nation. Among its modern attraction, the well-known Lotus Temple, Laxminarayan Temple, Akshardham Temple, Jantar-Mantar and like are the places that deserve the equal importance and the attention of the visitor.
5. Hampi – Karnataka
Photo by Nagarjun Kandukuru, CC BY 2.0
Vijayanagar Empire, famous for the Dravidian style of art and Architecture that prospered in Northern Karnataka still makes its presence felt through Hampi. A small heritage site is also famous for the numerous monuments that are grouped together. Vithal- a temple complex, group of monuments at Hampi, Matanga Hill, Monkey Temple, Statue of UgraNarasimha, Virupksha Temple, VijayaVitthla Temple, Achuytaraya Temple are a few of the sites that are potent enough to transport one back into the labyrinth of old times.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit India and get mesmerized by these 5 beautiful Heritage cities!
Author Bio:
Rohit is an avid reader and a traveler who yearns to explore new places. He likes to learn about various cultures and traditions and blogs about them at TransIndiaTravels.com
