As September slips into October, there are but 90 days before we herald the New Year. This also inevitably draws your attention to the fact that a number of holidays — Deepavali, Dussehra, Christmas, and New Year are coming your way!
Apart from gearing up for the festivities, you could go travelling around India. Steeped in history, India is famous for monuments that date back centuries. These architectural wonders are breathtaking.
Take for instance, the Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. A regal touch is what you experience when you drop in there. Not too far away, there’s the castle of the wind, Hawa Mahal, in Jaipur and the Lake Palace in Udaipur. Few can forget the beauty of the pristine Taj Mahal in Agra which has immortalised Shah Jahan and Mumtaz.
Khajuraho, in Madhya Pradesh, is an ideal example of compositional greatness surrounded by natural beauty. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was the first capital of the Chandelas, who ruled Bundelkhand from the 10th to the 14th centuries. The temples give us an impression of the brilliant workmanship and design.
Down South, there’s the Charminar in Hyderabad which was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golkonda. The peak deck of the four-storeyed structure has a mosque which has 45 enclosed prayer places and a few open spaces for people to pray. In Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram’s famous Shore temple with its intricate carvings is sure to wow you.
Looking for something more exciting? Well, you don’t have to go to Pompeii to witness scenes from a bygone era. The ruins of Hampi await you. Vast and barren, but with incredible views of the landscape, Hampi was once the centre of culture in the 14th century.
These are an integral part of our rich heritage. Here are some more exciting landmarks that you can add to your list.
