India has a lot to offer visitors. This exotic country is home to a large number of historic, cultural, and spiritual sites, including the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. This architectural masterpiece was built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It was begun after Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 and took 20,000 workers until 1648 to complete.
Varanasi is arguably the holiest place in India
Founded on a loop of the Ganges River, Varanasi was designated sacred long before Hinduism developed. Three thousand years ago, Aryan nomads brought the religion to the city, where they worshipped the celestial father and mother goddess and the king of gods. At that time, Varanasi was called the Forest of Bliss. The place was also a pilgrimage center for holy men and gurus.
One of the main attractions in Varanasi is the aarti, performed every evening. It’s an uplifting audio-visual performance made up of precise choreography. Priests worship the holy river with flaming brass lamps and chant Sanskrit mantras, while bells toll in accompaniment. Regardless of your beliefs, the ceremony is mesmerizing. Hindus believe that by performing aarti, they earn the blessings of the goddess Ganges.
The city also contains over two thousand temples. Most are located within walking distance of one another. A popular temple is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which features a gold-plated 50-foot spire and one of the twelve Jyotirlingams of Lord Shiva. It can host up to a million devotees on some days. Another popular site is the Durga Temple, which is painted red with ochre and dedicated to Goddess Durga. This temple is believed to have appeared by itself.
A pilgrimage to Varanasi is considered one of the most important rituals a person can perform in their lifetime. According to the Jataka Tales, the city was originally called Kashi.
Agra Fort
The Agra Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. The city is located in Uttar Pradesh, close to Delhi. The city was founded by Muslim ruler Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1504. After the Samrat Hem Chander Vikramaditya restored Hindu rule in the area in 1556, the city grew into a major city. It was the seat of the Mughal Empire and is comprised of four massive gates. The main gate is the Delhi Gate, which was used to enter the city. Other gates are the Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam, which were used to welcome royalty or the public.
The tomb of Akbar, the Mughal Emperor who ruled for almost 50 years, is the most popular tourist attraction in Agra. This marble monument is a unique architectural marvel. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, it features intricate inlay work, marble and Holy Quran verses.
If you are a history buff, you should visit the Agra Fort. It was built by the Mughal empire and is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in India. The Taj Mahal is also a popular attraction here. The city has a rich culture and royal history. The city holds its heritage with great pride.
The city of Agra is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. There are state and roadway buses that connect Delhi with the city. There are also two bus terminals located in Agra. If you wish to travel by road, you can take NH 2 from Delhi or the NH 11 from Jaipur.
Ajanta Caves
If you are interested in exploring the culture of the past, then visit the Ajanta Caves. These Buddhist cave monuments were built by followers of the Buddha from various Buddhist traditions. The first phase of the caves was built by the Theravadins, who worshipped Buddha in a symbolic form.
The caves are located on the banks of the Waghur River, and contain around 30 caves that contain various images. Visitors are able to view sculptures, cave paintings, and other historical sites. Many Ajanta Caves tour packages also include the nearby Ellora Caves, which are rock-cut monastery temples that depict Hindu monuments.
The Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The stunning caves were carved from rock between the 2nd century BC and 650 CE. Their beautiful murals were created without the aid of modern technology. The caves are a must-see destination for travelers from India and abroad.
The caves are located in Maharashtra province, and are over two square kilometers in size. They are filled with exquisite art works and were hand-chiseled out of the mountainside. The monuments are impressive examples of religious tolerance. They are very elaborate, and their creation is humbling when you consider the time and resources spent creating them.
Another of the top rated tourist attractions in India is the Kailash Temple, which is the world’s largest monolithic structure. It is 15 km west of Aurangabad. It is also one of the best examples of ancient Indian architecture.
Taj Mahal
In recent years, the Taj Mahal has been among the top 20 most visited tourist attractions in India. However, the marble is starting to turn green, due to the presence of insects. The Taj Mahal is currently closed one day a week for maintenance, which has affected the tourism industry. As a result, the Taj Mahal has fallen in the global tourist rankings.
Asia is home to some of the oldest civilisations in the world, and it is rich in ancient monuments and cultural tourism sites. Some of the most popular sites in the region are the Taj Mahal and the Amber Palace. In a recent survey, the Taj Mahal ranked second only to Angkor Wat in Cambodia in the Tripadvisor Choice Awards. In addition to the Taj Mahal, other top sites in India include the Golden Temple of Amritsar and the Amber Palace.
One of the most popular festivals in India is the Taj Mahotsav, which takes place near the Eastern gate of the Taj Mahal in February. The event promotes artistic craftsmen and encourages them to showcase their talents. This festival is an amalgamation of various cultures and traditions and is a dazzling celebration that welcomes the new season.
The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most famous monuments and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a stunning monument carved out of white marble by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took seventeen years to build and involved over 22000 workers and a thousand elephants.
Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is a unique and diverse national park with a wide range of flora and fauna. It is home to more than 140 species of orchids and more than 80 endemic plants. The Periyar forest has three distinct ecosystems – tropical, lake, and river. It is also home to moist deciduous forests, eucalyptus, and a thriving flowering forest. It has a variety of endemic plants, including several flora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the world.
Visitors to Periyar can expect to see Indian elephants, royal Bengal tigers, and a variety of other animals. The national park is also home to innumerable species of birdlife, including a wide variety of butterflies. It also features nine amphibian species and 28 types of reptiles. In addition to the animals found within the park, visitors can also see squirrels, deer, and monkeys.
Periyar is also home to the Sabarimala Temple Complex, which is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world. The national park is filled with abundant wildlife, and visitors can enjoy boat safaris on the lake. They can spot animals quenching their thirst in the lake water.
The park is easily accessible from Kottayam, the largest railhead in Kerala. It is also connected to other major cities in the state. By air, Periyar National Park can be reached by flight from Cochin International Airport and Madurai International Airport. Guests can also take state-run buses to Periyar National Park.
Manali
Manali, the picturesque hill station in the Himalayas, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Visitors can experience the stunning visuals and unique culture of this destination, as well as the nearby villages. During winters, the region is a popular destination, as the Gulaba Valley offers many captivating trekking routes. The area is also great for stargazing and camping, due to its low light pollution.
Among the many things to do in Manali, one of the most fascinating attractions is the Hidimba Temple. This beautiful temple is dedicated to the demon goddess Hidimba and is one of the most beautiful attractions in the area. The temple is open only in the morning, and entry is free.
Another popular attraction in the area is the Vashisht temple, which is home to some of the most picturesque hot springs in the world. The water here is believed to have medicinal properties and many visitors visit the temple to seek its blessings. A visit to the temple also includes a look at the local culture, as woolens are highly prized in the area.
Manali is situated in the Himalayas and is surrounded by stunning valleys, forests, and rivers. It is the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and ancient heritage. Its pristine landscape, pristine lakes and gushing rivers are sure to delight tourists of all backgrounds.
