What are the attractions in India. Sights of India: photo and description of the republic. Interested in hot tours

We will tell you what to see in India. We collected 19 main sights of the republic, each one was provided with a photo and a brief description. Read.

While one empire in the territory of modern India replaced another, and the British and Portuguese colonized the peninsula, a lot of interesting things happened in these places. According to legend, it was here that the Buddha was born, India is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi, who, by the way, are not relatives. In the end, the Dalai Lama himself moved to India after the occupation of Tibet. And of course, such a complex, intricate and interesting story has found its expression in hundreds of sights that take your breath away!

The largest number of Indian cultural and architectural monuments is concentrated in the northern states. In the world's best ashrams for the study of yoga and Hinduism are located. Western and Eastern India became the center of British and Portuguese colonial culture, and the southern states concentrated on their territory unique natural parks, reserves and the country's best beaches.

• Numbeo - see the order of prices in the host country.
• AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.
• Tripster - craft excursions from locals.
• Sputnik and Weatlas are the best tours from professional guides.

Landmarks of East India

Victoria Memorial

The main attraction of the capital of British India, the snow-white facades are comparable to the Taj Mahal. The building in the style of the Italian Renaissance was built in the early 20th century in honor of the Queen of England and concurrent Empress of India. Against the background of typical Indian cityscapes, the memorial looks both majestic and alien. The building houses a museum dedicated to colonial India and the history of Calcutta ().Entrance: 150 INR. Daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Railway to Darjeeling

At a unique narrow-gauge railway built in the mountainous regions of West Bengal and became widely known, including thanks to the Wes Anderson film The Darjeeling Limited. Only 86 km of steep loops and amazing scenery, and rising from 100 meters above sea level in the city of Siliguri to 2200 meters in the highlands of Darjeeling, you can enjoy a cup of the famous tea of ​​the same name.

Landmarks of Western India

Gateway of India

A triumphal arch built at the beginning of the last century on the Bombay embankment next to the main hotel of the city, Taj Mahal Palace, in honor of the visit of King George V after the coronation. In 25 years, the last ship with the British military will sail from here, and India will gain independence. And the India Gate will become the main symbol of the republic.Free of charge and around the clock, screening at the entrance.

Victoria Terminus

E it is not just the Mumbai Central Station, but a real work of colonial art and the most beautiful building in the city. Majestic lions at the entrance, wrought-iron twisted gates, preserved interiors with murals and intricate ornaments - looking at it takes your breath away!Free and around the clock.

Elephanta caves

They are located on the island of Gharapauri, an hour's ferry ride from the India Gate promenade. In the center of the island there is a whole complex of caves with carved images and figures of Shiva, whose age dates back to the 5th-8th centuries AD. At the end of the 20th century, the caves were included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Entrance: 260 INR. Ferry: 130 INR. Every day, except Monday, from 9:00 to 15:00.

Old Goa

Once it was the center of Portuguese India, all the wealth of the colonial empire flocked here. However, after the river leading to the city became shallow and the malaria epidemic passed, the inhabitants of Zolote moved to the modern capital of the state - Panaji, and the city was deserted. Now on its territory there are only working Catholic churches and basilicas, as well as the picturesque ruins of monasteries in the area - all sights under the protection of UNESCO.

Qutab Minar

WITH The highest minaret in the world (72.6m) is included in the list of world heritage sites and is protected by UNESCO. It was built for almost 200 years and was used not only for prayers and religious ceremonies, but also to protect the city and monitor the surroundings. The uniqueness of the minaret is in the traditional Indian patterns on the walls. Such an architectural idea is explained by the fact that during the construction of the minaret, materials from Indian temples destroyed in the area were used.Entrance: 500 INR. Daily from 7:00 to 17:00.

Taj Mahal

The construction of the times of the Muslim Mughal Empire, the main attraction of India and one of the 7 new wonders of the world. It is a mosque and a tomb built in honor of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of the padishah, who died in childbirth. Shah Jahan himself, after his death, was also buried on the territory of the Taj Mahal.

The best view of the mausoleum-mosque opens when passing through the Great Gate. It is believed that all the magic of the Taj Mahal can only be seen in the early morning, when the snow-white building shrouded in predawn haze seems to be floating in the air. However, landfills are constantly burning in the vicinity of Agra, so you can see the soaring Taj Mahal at any time of the day.Entrance: 1000 INR. Daily, except Friday, from dawn to dusk.

Healthy: Review of the trip to

red fort

Another fortress of the Mughal Empire. The highest walls alone, erected specifically to protect the fortress from war elephants, make an impression no less than the Taj Mahal. Until now, part of the fort is used by the Indian military and is closed to the public, the rest is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Entrance: 550 INR. Daily from dawn to dusk.

Hawa Mahal

The main attraction of the "pink city" Jaipur. The palace was built in the 18th century for the harem of an Indian prince - the Maharaja. The facade of the building is made of pink sandstone, which was used in local architecture and gave the second name to Jaipur - the pink city. Hawa Mahal is also known as the "Palace of the Winds". Thanks to the many windows on the facade, on hot days, with the help of drafts, excellent ventilation was created inside the building, saving the Maharaja's concubines from the heat of the day.Entrance: 200 INR. Daily from 9:00 to 16:30.

Khajuraho

A complex of 20 medieval Hindu temples, decorated with thousands of figures from the Kamasutra. The site was once the religious center of the Chandela dynasty, but after its decline in the 13th century, it was abandoned by the inhabitants and lost until it was accidentally found in the jungle by a British officer in the mid-19th century. Since then, a village has been built next to the preserved temples and began to receive tourists from all over the world, and UNESCO included the place in the list of world heritage sites.Entrance to the western group of temples: 250 INR. Daily from dawn to dusk.

Manikarnika Ghat

H ashore in the sacred for Hindus "city of the dead" Varanasi (Benares). Here, fires do not go out around the clock, on which the deceased Hindus are cremated, and after that their ashes or unburned bodies are sent to sail along the sacred Ganges River. In the evenings, colorful Ganga-aarti rituals take place nearby in the Dashashwamedh Ghat. worship and offerings to the sacred river.

Note: State Overview

The main temple of the Dalai Lama

R The residence of the spiritual leader of the Buddhists is located in the very north of India in the foothills of the Himalayas. Before visiting a temple, Buddhists perform kora, i.e. walk around the sacred place in a clockwise direction. The trail around the main Buddhist temple of the world is decorated with thousands of colorful flags and brightly written mantras.Daily April-October from 5:00 to 20:00, November-March from 6:00 to 18:00. Free admission.

Interesting: holy city

Landmarks of South India

Backwaters, or Backwaters

An area with many rivers, lakes, lagoons and backwaters along the coast of the Arabian Sea, united in one system. Scattered throughout the area among the jungle are small villages with houses on the water, just like in Venice. You can explore the backwaters either on a public water bus or a rented boat, or by settling in a floating house.

Interesting: Review of the trip to

Meenakshi Temple

WITH the oldest Hindu temple built before our era. Life in Madurai, the oldest existing city in the country, is centered around this temple complex of extraordinary beauty. Its 50 meter tower is adorned with several thousand painted statues of gods, brahmins, commoners and animals, and not a single figure is repeated.Entrance: 50 INR. Daily from 5:00 to 12:30.

Important: Detailed view of the city

Amba Vilas Palace

The second most visited attraction in India after the Taj Mahal. Mysore was once the capital of a principality independent of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire and the last to be ruled by the British. The Voyader royal family, ruling in Mysore until India gained independence in 1947, built 17 palaces and several dozen temples of amazing beauty in the city. That is why Mysore is called the "city of palaces".

Kanyakumari

The city is an attraction and the only place in the country where you can see the Indian Ocean. It is here that the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea merge, and on a small island on the border of the "three seas" an impressive statue of the Indian poet Thiruvalluvar, considered a Hindu saint, was erected. In addition, Mahatma Gandhi bequeathed to dispel his ashes in Kanyakumari, and now a small memorial in memory of this event has become a place of pilgrimage for Indians from all over the country.Entrance to the memorial is free, daily from 07:00 to 19:00. Ferry to the island with the statue: 20 INR, daily from 8:00 to 16:00.

Note: State Overview

Such is it, the Republic of India and its sights. Watch this video to get the impression.

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See what options are available for your dates. The site monitors offers from 120 firms. There is a convenient system for searching and filtering offers. All prices are final. Flight and accommodation are already included. Prices start from 6,000 rubles per person.

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Show table of places of interest in India

Sight	Location	Working hours	Ticket price
Taj Mahal		6:00 - 19:00, Fri - day off
Ajanta - Complex of temple caves	Maharashtra	mon. - day off
Lotus Temple			is free
Victoria Terminus Station		around the clock	is free
City of Varanasi	Uttar Pradesh	around the clock	is free
Hampi, Virupaksha Temple	Karnataka		is free
Minaret Qutub Minar
Kandarya Mahadeva Temple	Khajuraho
Jaisalmer (Fortress)	Rajasthan		is free
Harmandir Sahib	Punjab, Amritsar	around the clock	is free
Gateway of India		around the clock	is free
Gateway of India		around the clock	is free
Hawa Mahal Palace
red fort			500 r., 300 r. with a ticket to the Taj Mahal, children under 15 years old - free of charge.
Mehrangarh fortress			Entrance 300 rub. and 100 r. for the photo
Lake Pichela Palace		around the clock	Depends on room rate
Dudhsagar waterfall		around the clock	is free
		around the clock	is free
Kanha National Park	Maharashtra	around the clock	500-2000 rubles for safari
Indian Museum	Serampora, Kolkata		300 r. with audio guide

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Taj Mahal (Agra)

There are many photographers near the Taj Mahal who, for a small fee, will take an instant photo for you as a keepsake.

The most famous and impressive landmark of India is located in Agra. This miracle of architecture was created as a tomb for Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, his beloved wife. The sight is built of rare white marble and decorated with precious inlay.

The object is named a World Heritage Site and is protected by UNESCO. Represents a special pride for the people of India.

Schedule: 6:00 - 19:00, Fri - day off
Price: 750 rubles

Ajanta - a complex of temples inside the caves (Maharashtra)

Ancient Buddhist complex of rock temples. Temples were carved directly into the rock for seven centuries. This huge complex is divided into caves. In five of them there are temple caves (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 traditional Indian miniatures.

In 1983, the temple complex was included in the protected sites of UNESCO.

Schedule: 9:00-17:30, Mon. - day off
Price: 250 r.

Lotus Temple (New Delhi)

The building is very well suited for video shooting from a quadrocopter
Unlike all the sights of India, which are surrounded by a halo of antiquity, this temple was built relatively recently - in 1986. This main temple of the Baha religious movement is located in New Delhi. It is an image of a huge white lotus flower and has a very unique architecture.

Important: The temple is open to the public for people of all faiths. It does not read sermons and do not conduct ritual ceremonies.

Schedule: 09:00 — 19:00
Price: is free

Victoria Terminus Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji)

Be sure to visit the 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 Maharaja's palace. Construction was carried out by architects from Britain during the period of colonization, but the stylization took emphasis on local traditions. Named after a national hero who rebelled against Muslim rulers.

The train station is famous as one of the main locations in the famous movie "Slumdog Millionaire"

Schedule: around the clock
Price: is free

City of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

The oldest and most revered city of India on the Ganges River. It serves as an important center of pilgrimage. People from all over India (and not only) flock to Varanasi. Ritual rites of cremation of the dead are performed around the clock on the banks of the river. To be cremated in this city is a great honor for any Hindu.

The city has a unique history and its own architectural features. Also, in view of ritual rites, a 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 charged 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. Great shots guaranteed!

An amazing place with the ruins of the ancient city of Vajayanagara. In the 14th century it was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and a major trading city, and now it is an important architectural monument. There are more than 20 important historical monuments in Hampi that are protected by UNESCO. Not far from each other, there are many functioning 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.

In addition to architecture, Hampi is distinguished by 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 terrain, it is very hot here.

— Temple complex of Virupaksha. The current complex, which is dedicated to the incarnation of Shiva and his wife Pampa.
- Statue of Narasimha. Massive rock statue in honor of one of the incarnations of Vishnu.
— Temple of Anjaneya. Here, according to legend, the monkey-like deity Hanuman was born.
— Vitthala Temple. Dedicated to another incarnation of Vishnu. Opposite the temple is Hampi's signature stone chariot-ratha.

Opening hours (Virupaksha Temple): 08:00-18:00
Price: is free

Minaret Qutab Minar (New Delhi)

It is best to visit in the morning when there are not so many groups of tourists
72-meter brick minaret (the highest in the world) in Delhi. The high-rise building is covered to its full height with carvings and artistic brickwork. Several generations of Delhi rulers-sultans were engaged in the construction of this Minaret in the Mehrauli region. For the construction, materials were used from the ruins of many Hindu temples. The object is also protected by UNESCO.

Schedule: 07:00-17:00
Price: 200 r.

Kandarya Mahadeva Temple (Khajuraho)

Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the city of Khajuraho. 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 main 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 copies in a circle.

Under the protection of UNESCO.

Schedule: 06:00-18:00
Price: 250 r.

Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)

The "Golden City" is located in the heart of the Thar Desert. A fort with a palace and temples was erected on the hill of the city. The city was founded in the 12th century at the crossroads of camel caravan routes that transported expensive goods: spices, silk and jewelry. The strategically important location of the city made it possible to collect trade duties from 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: many buildings are 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 to visit in the afternoon

Alternative name - Golden Temple. The most important holy site of the Sikhs. The Golden Temple is built on a special platform and is surrounded on all sides by water. This building can be entered from four sides - a kind of symbol of the openness of the religion of Sikhism. Entrance to the temple is open to followers of any denomination.

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)

Relative of the French Arc de Triomphe

The forty-meter gates serve as a monument to the soldiers who died during the battles of the First World War. Built of sandstone and opened in the 30s. The engravings of the names of the dead Indians are carved on the walls, 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

Gateway of India (Mumbai)

Near the gate you can book a water excursion.

Another symbolic gate, but this time on the sea embankment 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 Indian territory after gaining their independence.

Schedule: around the clock
Price: is free

Hawa Mahal Palace (Jaipur)

The alternative name of the attraction is the Palace of the Winds. The peculiarity of the architectural solution of the building is that its facade is pierced by more than 950 tiny windows. The palace was built 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 r.

Red Fort (Agra)

If you have a ticket to the Taj Mahal, there is a significant discount on visiting the fort

A majestic fortification made of red sandstone. 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. Behind the massive and impregnable walls there is a large complex of buildings, park areas and palaces. The fort is under the protection of UNESCO.

Schedule: 6:30 — 19:00
Price: 500 r. or 300 r. with a ticket to the Taj Mahal, children under 15 years old are free of charge.

Mehrangarh Fort (Jaipur, Rajasthan)

At sunset, an incredibly picturesque view opens from the upper points of the fortress.

A huge fortification 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, 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 platforms and palaces.

Schedule: 9:00 — 17:00
Price: Entrance 300 rub. and 100 r. for the 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 eastern castle, all covered with carvings and beautiful columns. The palace has more than a hundred luxurious hotel rooms that are rented out to any tourist.

Schedule: around the clock
Price: depends on room rate

Dudhsagar waterfall (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, as the road runs through the river. You can also get there by motorcycle, but for this you need to have a rich driving experience. The height of the waterfall is 300 meters. The waterfall looks great in photographs, as it is located directly above the railway bridge.

Schedule: around the clock
Price: free of charge (if it is not possible to get there on your own, you can look for a jeep tour)

Goa (whole state)

During the tourist season, there are many music festivals.

An entire state as a tourist attraction. 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 kind of mecca for hippies and an abundance of nightlife for young people. The entire coast is strewn with restaurants, nightclubs and hotels. The south coast is much quieter and more expensive, as there are not many hotels and resorts here.
In Goa, most of the beaches are suitable for a relaxing swim.

Schedule: around the clock
Price: is free

Kanha National Park (Maharashtra)

If possible, leave a small donation to support wildlife

Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of the most beautiful and lively wildlife parks in the world. The reserve hosts 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 rubles for safari

Indian Museum (Serampora, Kolkata)

Recommended to visit with children. The museum has many unique exhibits.

The largest museum and hot spot for people who are passionate about ancient art. Founded in 1814 by a biologist from Denmark. Finds collected from all over the world are exhibited here: an Egyptian mummy, things related to the life of the 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 r. 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. You can withdraw money from Visa and Mastercard bank cards at any ATM.

Q: Do I need to be vaccinated before traveling?

A: Vaccinations are not required, but it is better to play it safe once again.

Q: How to protect yourself while traveling in India?

A: The rules are the same as everywhere - do not 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 over valuables to the luggage room at the hotel.

India is a vibrant land of incredible contrasts, where traditional and modern worlds live side by side. The seventh largest country in the world by area, second by population, India boasts a rich heritage of centuries-old cultures and religions.

Tourists will have the opportunity to visit countless sacred sites, nature lovers will enjoy sunny beaches, magnificent national parks and incredible wildlife sanctuaries.

From the majestic Taj Mahal to the shrines of the Golden Temple and mosques, visitors to this exotic land will discover spiritual, architectural and cultural treasures.

The poet Rabindranath Tagore called this building "a tear on the cheek of eternity", Kipling described it as "the embodiment of all that is pure". This building was built under the leadership of Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, who passed away shortly after she gave birth to her 14th child.

Although the main building was built in eight years, the entire project of the complex was completed only by the end of 1653. After its completion, the emperor was overthrown and imprisoned, where until the last days he could look at his project only through the window.

Location: Dharmaperi, Tejginj, Colony Forest, Agra, Uthar Pradesh 282001.

A complex of palaces, gardens and buildings, the impressive City Palace is located right in the center of the Old Town. The outer wall was completed by Singh II, but the inside of the palace has been reconstructed and expanded over the centuries. There are palace buildings from different eras, some of which date back to the early 20th century. It is a striking mixture of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

Here you can see Mubarak Mahal, built at the end of the 19th century as a place for the reception of dignitaries. The building was built in Islamic, Rajput and European style by the architect Sir Swinton Jacob. Nearby is the armory, which displays one of the best collections of weapons in the country.

Location: Jaipur.

This magnificent fortress adjoins a sprawling palace complex built of pale yellow and pink sandstone and white marble and divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard.

The legendary temple is actually only a small part of the vast complex known to the Sikhs as the Harmandir Sahib. The central shrine of this site is Amrit Sarovar, excavated by the Sikh Guru Das.

The Golden Temple itself is a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, with an elegant marble lower level adorned with floral and animal motifs. On the second level, intricately engraved gold panels and a gilded dome can be seen.

Location: Golden Temple Road, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab - 143006.

The colorful abode of the warrior goddess Meenakshi is generally regarded as a masterpiece of South Indian architecture. This place is as important an aesthetic heritage of this region as the Taj Mahal. This is not just a 17th century temple, but a 6 hectare complex with 12 tall gopuras surrounded by stunning sculptures of gods, goddesses and demons.

Location: Madurai Maine, Tamil Nadu 625001.

It is worth coming here twice: in the morning, when the granite building is flooded with the sunlight of dawn, and in the evening, when the sunset in a palette of red, orange, yellow and pink colors gives a special charm to the architecture of the temple. On the territory of the complex, tourists have the opportunity to see one of the largest statues in India, Nandi.

Location: Hospital Road, Thanjavur.

Conceived as the chariot of the god Surya, this massive, breathtakingly magnificent temple was built in the middle of the 13th century.

Seven horses (representing the days of the week) move this stone leviathan on 24 stone wheels (representing the hours of the day). The temple was located so that the light of the rising sun illuminated the inner space of the temple (temple sanctuary).

Location: Konarak - Kasia-Tamkuhi Road.

Hyderabad's most impressive landmark, this monumental fort sits on the western outskirts of the city. From the top, you have a stunning view of the dusty foothills and the ruins of ancient buildings near the domed tombs of the Qutb Shahs.

Location: Hyderabad, Ibrahim Bagh.

The Asiatic lion's last refuge is this wooded 1,412-kilometer sanctuary. It is a popular safari destination, traveling through dense, serene forests. It is easily accessible from the nearest village of Sasan Gir via a small road. The best time to explore the forest is from late December to April.

In 2014, there were 68 tigers in the country, the vast majority of which are located within the Bandhavgarh National Park. It is part of the main zone of the reserve.

The main base for visits is the small secluded village of Tala, 32 km northeast of Umaria, the nearest railway station. February-June are usually the best months for tiger sightings. All safaris start from Tala and head to the three zones of the national park.

Location: Badhavgarh, Umaria District, Tala, Madhya Pradesh 484661, State Highway - 10.

Nestled among palm trees and manicured lawns, this large religious center is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, inspired by the Indian sage Paramahamsa, who preached the unity of all religions.

Its central element is the Mandir building, which at the same time looks like a cathedral, an Indian palace and the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul. Several small shrines are located along the banks of the river, including the temple of Sri Sarada Devi, in which the wife of the spiritual leader Sarada is buried.

Location: 711202 Dist Howrah, West Bengal.

An extraordinary cultural wealth awaits tourists here, with more than 440 monuments - from the 10th century to the British era - surrounded by forests and villages. In the forest, the most impressive are the tombs of Balban, Kuli Khan, and the mosque of Jamali Khamali.

Location: New Delhi, Mehrauli on Mehrauli Gurgaon Road.

One of the greatest monuments of India, this amazing temple, carved out of solid rock, was built by King Krishna I. The temple contains several carved panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna's adventures.

It is also worth paying attention to the huge monolithic columns that stand in the courtyard, adjacent to the entrance on both sides, and the southeast gallery. The gallery has 10 giant panels depicting various avatars (incarnations of the deity).

Location: Aurangabad city.

The main ritual embankment is considered the most favorable place for Hindu cremation. Dead bodies, wrapped in cloth, are carried through the alleys of the Old City to the holy place on a bamboo stretcher.

Huge piles of firewood are stacked along the embankment. Each type of wood has its price, sandalwood being the most expensive. It is allowed to watch the cremation, but during the ceremonies you need to behave quietly.

Location: Varanasi, Ghasi Tola Road.

The incredible Victoria Memorial is a huge, beautifully designed white marble memorial. Had it been built for a beautiful Indian princess rather than a colonial queen, this domed beauty fringing the southern part of the Maidan would undoubtedly be considered one of India's greatest buildings.

Commissioned by Lord Curzon, then Viceroy of India, it was intended to celebrate the crown of Victoria, but construction was completed only after the death of the Queen. A private tour is available for tourists: sightseeing in Kolkata, including Mother's House, Calcutta University and the Victoria Memorial.

Location: Hospital Road, West Bengal.

It is believed that this place inspired the creator of the Taj Mahal. The arched façade is inlaid with bands of white marble and red sandstone, and the building follows the strict rules of Islamic geometry. The tomb was restored over the course of six years, and a new center for tourists is planned to open nearby. The surrounding gardens contain the tombs of the emperor's favorite barber, a trusted position given the razor's proximity to the imperial throat.

Location: New Delhi, East Nizamudhin, Opp Nizamuddin Mosque.

It took 20 years to build it. This is perhaps the best of all Khajuraho temples. On the south side of its base are old drawings.

Here you can see carvings of battalions of soldiers, images of musicians, hunters, elephants, horses and camels. Some excellent carvings can also be found in the inner sanctuary. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, although it is similar in design to Shiva temples.

Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi.

It is the surreal fantasy of a local resident who, starting in 1957, spent almost 20 years personally creating over 2,000 sculptures using stones and debris left over from 50 destroyed villages.

Location: Sector No.1, Chandigarh.

This magnificent mansion, built in 1835, is as grandiose as other landmarks in India. Probably one of the best preserved royal houses in the country, its marble-draped halls house dusty statues of thinkers and dancing girls.

Here you can see collections of Victorian utensils, trophy stuffed elk and beautiful paintings, including supposedly original works by Rubens. The ballroom houses a huge number of candle chandeliers with silver-plated glass balls. There is also a private menagerie in which several species of monkeys and birds live.

Location: Muktaram Babu Street - 46.

Despite the tiring journey by public transport, Kolkata's beautiful 109-hectare botanical gardens are great for getting away from the noise and smells of the city. This is home to more than 12,000 plant species. The gardens played an important role in the cultivation of tea bushes smuggled out of China by the British long before the drink became a local commodity.

Today you can see a huge collection of cacti, palm leaves and a lake with magnificent giant leaves of a special kind of lily. The most popular spot in the park is the 250-year-old largest banyan tree in the world. It is located five minutes walk from the central gate of the park.

India is a truly mysterious country. On its territory there are many historical and natural monuments. Some of them are already protected by UNESCO, and some are planned to be taken under protection in the near future. The modern life of India has many faces - centuries-old traditions are successfully combined with the realities of megacities. You can not only enjoy unusual sights, but give interesting things as a gift.

One of the most important wonders of the republic is the cave monastery complex, located in the granite mountains of Vindhya. It is a huge rock in the shape of a horseshoe with 29 caves, divided into prayer halls and places of residence of Buddhist monks.

Temples were built in the rocks for several centuries - starting from the 1st century BC. The most active construction was carried out in the V-VI centuries. It was during this period that murals and the most interesting examples of sculptures were created.

On the territory of India there is a very interesting architectural monument - a palace made of white marble, which is a mausoleum-mosque. The square facade of the building contains semicircular niches. Because of this, the structure as a whole looks quite neat and compact, despite its massiveness.

The most amazing thing is that the palace is able to change color. In rainy weather, it seems translucent, in the morning - pinkish, and in the evening - golden. Inside the walls are decorated with painted tiles, semi-precious and precious stones are everywhere.

Of the modern sights, it is worth taking a look at the main temple of the representatives of the Baha'i religion. It was built relatively recently - in 1986. The structure is made of snow-white marble in the form of a blossoming lotus. The attraction is popular with tourists of all ages. The building itself has received architectural awards.

Nine entrance doors lead visitors to the central hall, which is about 40 meters high. The room can accommodate up to 2500 people. There is a garden in the surrounding area.

An amazing natural attraction is the Dudhsagar waterfall, which resembles a multi-level composition with a length of about 600 m and a height of 310 m. The waterfall got its name because of the milky-white color of the water. This effect is created due to the large number of small splashes.

Tourists can get to the reserve by any public transport, but you need to drive an off-road vehicle through its territory. After reaching the final destination, it will take only 15 minutes to walk.

In India, you can see one of the most beautiful water parks in Asia. It is divided into five separate zones. For visitors of all age categories, a play pool is provided, occupying an area of ​​​​about 30 thousand square meters.

People who prefer extreme descents and turns will find a lot of interesting things for themselves. Children are only allowed into this area if accompanied by an adult. Ticket price for children is determined by height, not age.

In a small Indian village, you can see the ruins of an ancient family, which was the center of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire. Its main attraction is the Virupaksha Temple. Tourists usually start visiting the ruins with it.

In the immediate vicinity is another temple - Vithala, built of red stone. Only the lower part of the building has been preserved. Nearby there are also auxiliary buildings designed to host dance, music and other gatherings. Of the other buildings, the palace in the form of a lotus flower and buildings for elephants will be of interest. These are not all interesting places of the ancient city. There are enough of them.

Many will like the palace, which is shaped like a huge anthill. Window openings and all kinds of niches play a significant role in the architectural appearance. The facade of the building is decorated with a large number of miniature balconies decorated with lace ornaments.

The windows of the building act not only as an interesting element of the design solution, but are also a link in a specific ventilation system. Interestingly, there are no stairs in the building itself. Transitions between floors are carried out along gentle descents and ascents.

The fortification erected on the Yamuna River is of historical value. The fort was built in the 11th century. At that time, the building had the form of a small brick wall. After 400 years, the building was converted into the residence of the Sultan. Now the fort serves as a military base, so part of the territory is closed to visitors.

In the courtyard of the object there is a stone bowl with numerous inscriptions. It was not possible to find out what it was for. There is an assumption that it was used to prepare rose water.

One of the interesting architectural structures is the Mehrangarh fortress. It is located on high cliffs, representing a powerful and impregnable refuge. It successfully combines oriental luxury with the sophistication of a royal residence and the minimalism typical of fortress buildings.

A museum has been created in one of the palaces, which is considered the most equipped institution of its kind in the entire state. It contains interesting collections of costumes, weapons and other items.

India has a special railway station, which is one of the main attractions of the country. It was designed by a British architect. In outline, the building resembles a European building, typical of the 19th century, but with an excessive Mughal style.

The station plays an important role in terms of rail traffic. It serves not only suburban lines, but also long-distance trains. In 2004, the building was included in the UNESCO list.

An amazing structure for tourists may seem like a palace located on the rocky base of Lake Pikola. Previously, the building was the royal residence. During its construction, white marble was used, the deposits of which were found in the local mountains.

Now the building has been turned into a five-star hotel. The palace covers an area of ​​16,000 square meters. The configuration of the rooms on the second floor is unusual. They are round in shape.

While in the capital of India, it is worth visiting a special temple that is important for many pilgrims. From afar, it resembles a toy palace with red turrets. Believers come here to change their fate and be cleansed from sins. The main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It can bring happiness and abundance.

The construction of the temple was carried out in 1933-1934. The initiators of the construction were the families of wealthy industrialists. Hundreds of stone carvers worked on the marble decoration of the temple.

Another no less famous attraction is the Mysore Palace. Its architectural style has Gothic, Hindu and Muslim touches. The building is made of stone and has three floors. Above the central arch you can see a sculpture of the goddess of fortune and wealth.

Inside the palace there are several important rooms. The private audience hall was used by the king for negotiations with ministers and guests. The armory acted as an arsenal for members of the royal family. The assembly hall made it possible to meet with the population to discuss certain issues.

In one of the villages there is a system of caves, inside of which there are temples related to three religious cults at once. Miracles abound here. All individual attractions are combined into a complex that requires a very long inspection.

Some scholars who study the history of India believe that the temples in this area did not appear by chance. In ancient times, one of the largest trade routes ran here.

Tourists in Mumbai should definitely take a look at the triumphal structure, which has become a symbol of the state. Near the arch is almost always very crowded. There are many Indians and tourists here. This is the first attraction met by guests who have reached India by sea.

During the construction, the architect combined individual elements of the Hindu and Muslim styles. Yellow basalt was used as the main building material.

The Indian capital has the tallest brick minaret in the world. The construction is a unique monument of medieval architecture of Indian and Islamic styles. The beginning of the construction was laid by the Muslim ruler, who managed to complete only the foundation.

The Qutb Minar Minaret is a complex of historical buildings dating back to different eras, among which are an elegant gate, a mosque, and a column made of unique iron.

Fans of Indian films will certainly want to visit the well-known film industry. Since 2011, the entrance to the pavilions has been open to tourists. Regular excursions are arranged there. You can easily get acquainted with the life of famous heroes, being on the other side of the screen.

Bollywood releases movies in several languages. They can be entertaining or have an acute social character.

Summing up

India has a huge number of historical sites of architecture that are worth visiting. However, in cases where they are mentioned, it often comes to beaches. This state is famous for them. As for the architectural heritage, it is associated with the Indo-Portuguese style, which was formed during the entire period of Portuguese expansion.

It is important not to get into, because then you will not be able to fully experience the beach holiday. It is in summer that the monsoons begin to blow here and a large amount of precipitation falls.

India is one of the largest economically developed countries in the world in terms of territory and population. It was here that the ancient Indian culture was born and developed, giving the world many magnificent monuments.

Today, India is developing rapidly and moving forward with leaps and bounds. But its inhabitants do not forget about their history and culture. They carefully keep all their monuments and are happy to show them to guests and tourists who come to their ancient country.

TOP 10 attractions in India

India has a huge number of real wonders of the world, this country is generally similar to a fairy-tale kingdom: magnificent temples, palaces, minarets, mausoleums, which we remember from school days. Separately, it can be said about natural attractions.

This mausoleum and mosque in Agra was built by order of Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, who died untimely in childbirth. This is one of the most beautiful architectural creations in India, which for many centuries has delighted with the harmony of its lines.

The construction of the Taj Mahal began at the very beginning of the 17th century and lasted at least 12 years. Today Shah Jahan and his wife are buried in this magnificent snow-white mausoleum. Tourists from all over the world come to Agra to see this attraction with their own eyes.

2. City of Varanasi

This is the oldest Indian city, as significant for the Hindus as the Vatican is for the Catholics, i.e. being the center of Hinduism. It is located on the main river of the country -, and is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus from all over India and from abroad.

Varanasi is at least three thousand years old. It is mentioned in the Rigveda as the center of Brahmanism, science, literature and art. From the point of view of Indian cosmology, Varanasi is the center of the world, sung in the verses of the Skanda Purana.

The largest Indian river, near which local tribes settled since ancient times. It has always been of great, decisive importance in the economy and culture of this country, the Ganges is the sacred river of the Hindus, bathing in it is an obligatory Hindu ritual.

The Ganges originates in the Himalayan mountains and flows into the Bay of Bengal. In some places the river is navigable. A tourist visiting India should definitely visit the Ganges to look at one of the cradles where humanity was born.

Compared to Indian antiquities, this temple is very young. It was built in 1986 as a Baha'i center. Outwardly, the temple looks like a snow-white lotus flower, it looks extremely impressive, and is very much loved by tourists from all over the world.

There is a beautiful garden around the Lotus Temple, the combination of magnificent architecture and the exquisite natural beauty of the flowers of the garden delivers a real aesthetic pleasure. The Lotus Temple today is a religious and tourist center in Delhi.

These Buddhist temple and monastic complexes are located in 29 caves in the state of Maharashtra. There you can see prayer halls, cells for monks and shrines with Buddha statues. On the walls of the caves there are ancient paintings based on Buddhist myths and legends.