India is South Asia’s nation. It is the seventh-largest country by area and the second-most populous country in the world. It shares land borders with Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. Additionally, it’s bounded by the Indian Ocean to the south, the Arab Sea to the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal to the southeast.
India is well-regarded all over the world for many possible reasons. However, one of the many reasons why India is famous is because of its temples and majestic castles. One notable example would be the Taj Mahal.
However, there is so much more to see in India than that one notable landmark. Here are some destinations in India you need to see aside from Taj Mahal.
Golden Temple
Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple, one of India’s most impressive landmarks. The fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, built the temple in 1577. It is the Sikhs’ religious capital. Moreover, the temple acquired its name from the body of water around the Golden Temple, meaning “Holy Pool of Nectar”. The exquisite Golden Temple attracts pilgrims from all over the world, and the number of visitors it gets rivals that of the Taj Mahal.
Udaipur
As the famous lakes and palaces city, this is India’s most romantic city. It’s a must-visit in order to immerse yourself in the splendour of the empire. Much of the sprawling City Palace was turned into a museum by the royal family, containing precious memorabilia.
This gives an excellent opportunity to look at their lives. Another beautiful thing about Udaipur is the unique value it provides! There are so many cheap and romantic hotels to stay at overlooking the water.
Hampi
Hampi is one of Karnataka’s most popular sites to visit. There you will find Vijayanagar’s captivating ruins, the last capital of one of the most significant Hindu kingdoms not only in the state but in the history of India. The laid-back atmosphere draws most travellers who enjoy staying for a while and hanging out.
According to UNESCO, Hampi is an “austere, grandiose site” of more than 1,600 remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India, which includes “forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water structures, and others.”
Ellora
Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India’s Aurangabad district. It is one of the world’s largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes with Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples and artwork dating back to the 600–1000 CE period.
The site has more than 100 caves, all excavated in the Charanandri Hills from the basalt cliffs, 34 of which are open to the public. Although the caves served as monasteries, temples, and a pilgrims’ rest stop, the position of the site on an ancient South Asian trade route also made it a prominent shopping centre in the Deccan region.
Varanasi
Varanasi, one of India’s top religious sites, is quite different from any other town. This ancient holy city shows its rites publicly along the several riverside ghats used to burn the bodies of the dead.
In reality, it offers unique insight into India’s ancient traditions. Varanasi became famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture as an important industrial centre. It is assumed that Buddha founded Buddhism around 528 BCE when he gave his first sermon near the area.
Conclusion
India offers more than we think. Aside from temples and holy grounds, India offers a unique experience to everyone – from meeting the locals and understanding their religion to the culture and heritage.
For more tips on travelling to India, click here.
