India is a beautiful country filled with lots of unique and interesting places. While many are breathtakingly gorgeous, others are filled with haunting history that’ll make your trip surely unforgettable. For those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in your next visit to India, we’ve prepared a list for you. These spots are the most impressive locations in the country. Don’t miss them on your next trip!
1. The Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal, India’s most recognizable building might be the last thing you want to visit—considering how many pictures you’ve already seen of it on the internet. But here’s why you should go anyway.
Taj Mahal is not just a remarkable architectural wonder. It’s also the world’s most famous building that was built for a woman, in other words, a token of love. Taj Mahal, named after the wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal, is actually a mausoleum built after her death in 1631.
According to accounts, it took 20,000 men and almost 20 years to build the grand Taj Mahal. The building has inspiring architecture derived from Islamic design. From its onion-shaped dome, arches, minarets, and its black calligraphy found in its facade. This beautiful white marble mausoleum is as gorgeous and grand as the late Mumtaz. Inside, you’ll find floral patterns, precious stones, and pearls.
2. Kalisa Temple
Kalisa temple is the largest monastery-temple cave complex in the world. It’s also the largest “single monolithic rock excavation” ever done—with a size doubling that of Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The top part of the megalith is 32.6 meters above the level of the court.
A monastery cut from rock, Kalisa is believed to have around 100 cave complexes inside. Currently, only 34 are open for viewing to the public. Inside you’ll find several sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism deities. This perfectly depicts India’s religious diversity ever since ancient times.
The Kalisa Temple was constructed between the seventh and ninth centuries during the reign of Rashtrakuta king Krishna. Architecture is believed to have been from the Pallava and Chalukya styles which are common among builds of Kannadiga Kings. Don’t forget to visit Kalisa Temple, on your next travel to India.
3. Amber Fort
If you’re visiting Jaipur, then don’t miss the beautiful Amber fort (pronounced AH-meer). Another architectural marvel in India, the Amber Fort is a hill-side complex built with pink and red sandstone.
Found above the town of Amer, the fort is constructed in the late 16th century. Its architecture is a blend of Muslim and Hindu styles with white marble and gilt decor. It has a huge courtyard called the Jaleb Chowk that can be accessed after a long steep climb.
Once inside the gate, you’ll find more courtyards that lead to chambers, temples, gardens, and terraces. Inside the Amber Fort, you’ll also find the famous ‘Mirror Palace’ which is a room with a glass ceiling. This was believed to be the queen’s room so she could view the stars before she sleeps.
4. Rakhigarhi, Haryana
Rakhigarghi is often known as the biggest city in the Indus Valley civilization that dated around 6500BCE. Rakhigarhi village is often known as the archeologist’s dream location. There was a lot of old civilization that remains here that they are planning to open a museum soon.
Before it was discovered in 1963, many have argued that Mohenjo-Daro in Pakistan was the largest. However, after years of excavation, they found that Rakhigari actually extended much wider. After discovering two additional mounds, they found that Rakhigari had a total of 350 hectares. Unfortunately, these mounds were destroyed by villages for cultivation.
The seven mounds near the village contained thousands of artifacts of pre-Happan civilizations. This includes the human skeletons of early ancestors. All of these have now been kept at the Hisar archaeology center near Jhajpul.
5. Valley of Flowers
Located in Uttarakhand, India, the Valley of Flowers National Park is the most breathtaking valley in the country. It’s known for its endemic alpine flowers and tens of thousands of flower varieties. This park is also one of the richest and most diverse natural areas in the state of Uttarakhand.
Here you’ll also find Asia’s endangered animals including the Asian black bear, snow leopard, red fox, and blue sheep. The park also has the most beautiful and exotic birds including the Himalayan monal pheasant.
Valley of Flowers sits at an altitude of 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level. This looks absolutely ethereal against the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park which is found to its east. When photographed together, both parks capture the beautiful mountain ranges of the Great Himalayas and Zanskar.
6. Lepakshi Temple
Located in Andhra Pradesh, this ancient temple is known for its three shrines dedicated to the three famous Indian deities. Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Veerabhadra.
The temple is believed to have been built around the 16th century. One of its special highlights is its famous “hanging pillar”. This is a single pillar that doesn’t touch the floor in the main hall. From afar, it looks like a normal pillar, but up close, you’ll see that it actually doesn’t touch the floor.
Tourists can be seen putting cloth under it. Various architects have tried to theorize its odd placement. But, there has been no logical explanation for its suspension. Locals said that changing anything from this pillar can cause the entire structure to crumble down.
7. Assam
Known as the land of the one-horned rhinos, Assam is a great location if you want to experience a one-of-a-kind wildlife expedition. Assam can be explored by foot (in the jungle) or through a boat ride along the Brahmaputra river if you plan on visiting from November to April. Here you’ll find animals in their natural habitats.
India is a diverse and unique country that’s filled with amazing and unforgettable spots. Make your trip extra memorablee by stopping at these locations on your next visit to India.
