India’s Cultural and Historic Sites are numerous and spread across the entire country. Many have a legacy dating back to more than a 1,000 years.
DISKIT MONASTERY, Ladakh
Located in rugged, mountainous terrain, DISKIT MONASTERY was established in the 14th century and is affiliated with the “yellow-hat” sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Monastery overlooks the Nubra Valley, one of the greenest places in an otherwise arid landscape of Ladakh.
CENOTAPHS OF ORCHHA, Madhya Pradesh
These tall “cenotaphs” stand in memory of the Bundela Kings who ruled from the small town Orchha for nearly 300 years. They are just some of the many ancient structures around Orchha built during their reign.
MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Although the current structure is about 400 years old, the Meenakshi Temple is known to have a history of more than 2,000 years. Even today, it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for people of the region.
LAMAYURU MONASTERY, Ladakh
One of the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh is the YUNG-DRUNG Monastery in Lamayuru Village, affiliated with the “red-hat” sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Monastery stands in a rugged landscape which was once under the waters of a deep, high-altitude lake.
MEHRANGARH FORT, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
The Mehrangarh Fort was established in the 15th century on the top of a hill to provide safety from attackers. The current structure, built in the 17th century, now showcases opulent interior palaces and houses a museum of cannon and other arms.
MYSORE PALACE, Mysore, Karnataka
One of the most luxurious palaces in the region, the Mysore Palace celebrated 100 years of existence in 2012. The elaborate lighting arrangement, which is turned on only on Sundays an festivals, adds to the glory of the site.
AMBER FORT, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Initially built in the last decade of the 16th century, Amber Fort has since gone through many makeovers. The interior is generously decorated with murals and mirror work.
PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
The 18th century Padmanabhaswamy Temple, in Kerala, is known for its large mono-lithic idol, its pathways decorated with a series of pillars and intricate wood carvings.
TEMPLES OF KHAJURAHO, Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho is a small town with dozens of ancient temples dotting its landscape. They were built over a span of 200 years, between 950 and 1150 AD. The Temples are known for the erotic sculptures and intricate carvings on their walls.
THIKSEY MONASTERY, Ladakh
Founded in the 15th century, the Thiksey Monastery is noted for the similarity of its structure to that of Poatala Palace in Lhasa. The stupas or chortens are commonly placed in front of Tibetan monasteries to ward off evil forces.
