India has a wealth of heritage sites and iconic historical monuments, now the whole world can view these World Heritage Sites, without even having to go there, Simply Awesome.
Here’s a list of 8 monuments that provide a virtual walkthrough of it.
By: Flickr
The Vittala Temple in Hampi is the highlight of the beautiful town. The ancient monument is well-known for its extraordinary architecture and craftsmanship. Vittala, after whom the temple is known, is a form of Lord Vishnu. This aspect of Vishnu was worshiped in this part of the country as their cult deity by the cattle herds. The Vittala temple complex is a sprawling area surrounded by high walls and three towering gateways. This temple has some beautiful stone structures – like the stone chariot which cannot be described in words and the interesting musical pillars. The temple is a major draw amongst the tourists who come from across the globe to witness the once-glorious Vijayanagara capital, which lies in ruins now.
The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau. Within massive sandstone outcrops, above the comparatively dense forest, are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings.
Badami or The home of cave temples is located in a valley of rugged red sandstone, surrounding the Agastya Lake. It is an archaeological delight owing to its beautifully crafted sandstone cave temples, fortresses, and carvings. Once the royal capital of the Chalukyas, Badami continues to enjoy a unique place, being the home to a number of examples of Dravidian architecture which sustains and enhances instances of both south and north Indian style of architecture. There are three Hindu Temples and one Jain Temple in Badami Caves.
By: Unsplash
Humayun’s tomb is sublimely well proportioned, seeming to float above its symmetrical gardens. It’s thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal, which it predates by 60 years. It is known to be the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent. The design of Humayun’s tomb is a typical Mughal architecture with Persian influences. The mausoleum itself stands on a high, wide terraced platform with two bay deep vaulted cells on all four sides. Humayun’s garden-tomb is also called the ‘dormitory of the Mughals’ as in the cells are buried over 150 Mughal family members.
By: Unsplash
Mahabalipuram is an antiquated port city in the Kancheepuram area of Tamil Nadu, close to Chennai, where a clamoring seaport and a bustling city co-exist. Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves. Once the abode of the famous demon king Mahabali, Mahabalipuram was later renamed Mamallapuram. The serenity, the alluring atmosphere and the impressive setting with many beautiful white sandy beaches dotted with casuarina trees are all reasons as to why one would want to visit this wonderful town. Today it is an ideal destination for rejuvenation and idyllic setting.
By: Unsplash
The Victoria Memorial, a huge monument made of white marble located in the heart of the City of Joy, Kolkata in West Bengal.
It stands upright in all its glory and grandeur, by the banks of the mighty Hoogly river. Dedicated to Queen Victoria, this architectural marvel is truly a poem in marble. The myriad of statues in the sprawling garden also reflects the finesse and skills of the craftsmen and impels us to rightly call it another charming Taj.
7. Taj Mahal
By: Unsplash
It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century, it is among the finest edifices of Mughal architecture.
Rabindranath Tagore described it as “a teardrop in the cheek of eternity“
Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with love and romance. The Taj has as many shades as any kind of beauty can ever have! The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, golden when the moon shines and the intermediary variants during different hours of the day and during different seasons in a year.
The grace of perfection of proportions and grandeur of geometrical patterns of well appointed gardens enhancing the poise of the whole complex together add magnificence to the delicacy of this mance of love, dedication, and purity.
8. Qutub Minar
By: Unsplash
Standing tall and proud as the insignia of the Mughal might and dominion, Qutub Minar is an iconic monument that spells out the narrative of Delhi like no other. In red and buff sandstone it is the highest tower in India and is the world’s tallest brick tower. This is a tower of victory, a monument that signifies the might of Islam, or a tower for keeping a check for defense.
Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory and has five distinct storeys. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the Minar. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled.
