Top 5 Art and Architecture Destinations in India
From the Lotus Temple in Delhi to the marvelous Taj in Agra and the marvelous sculptures and paintings on Elephanta Island, India has a host of destinations that attract architecture lovers from all corners of the world. Here is my list of the top 5 places in India to admire artistic creations. The list, however, has not been endorsed by any magazine or survey.
Agra: It may seem obvious, but it is not without reason why Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh tops my list of places for art lovers. Home to the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Agra is the most talked about tourist spot in India. Taj Mahal, with its unique blend of Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles, is one of the most striking man-made monuments in the world. Astonishing stonework, carvings, paintings and calligraphy on white marigolds amaze all visitors. Even the domes and structures next to the main complex add to the architectural beauty of this marvel. Beyond the Taj, visitors can experience flawless Mughal architecture at the Red Fort. Fatehpur Shikri and other ancient buildings in the city are also worth exploring.
Delhi: There is nothing better than a trip to Delhi if you are the one who is inclined towards arts and cultures. One of the world’s oldest cities has grown into a vibrant metropolis in India, but its age-old architecture and rich history still carry a charismatic charm and never fail to impress architecture admirers. The city has a long list of historical monuments, many of them designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From forts to monuments to religious sites, the city is like a museum of architectural masterpieces. Mammoth Red Fort, the imposing Qutub Minar, the impressive structure of Rasatrapati Bhawan and the unique design of the Lotos temple will surely leave people breathless. You can visit the Akashrdham Temple to see the amazing carving and painting work of modern artisans.
Ajanta-Allora Caves: impressive structures made by cutting rock, the Ajanta caves house an immense collection of sculptures and works of art belonging to the great Buddhist religion. This also includes some famous paintings, which remind us of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka. These cave monuments date from the 2nd century BC. C. and have been a dream destination for artisans and archaeologists. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a must-see tourist spot in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
Mahabalipuram: Mahabalipuram is inarguably the most picturesque city in South India in the sense of architectural beauty. Curving monolithic rock temples are the center of attraction, which are architectural masterpieces founded by Pallava kings. The marvelous Dravidain architectures backed by unsurpassed history and spiritualism in Mahabalipuram make art lovers and history admirers flock to the city throughout the year. There are eight rathas in the city, which are made of rock cut and named after Mahabhartha’s five pandawas and his wife Drupadi.
Hampi – An astonishing group of historical ruins takes visitors back to the bygone era of the Vijayanagar Empire. A vast, open landscaped and magnificent city in the state of Karnataka, Hambi is a must-see if you want to explore the arts and history of the Indian state of Karnataka and its great rulers. Hampi’s thousand-year-old temples have their own history and religious significance, which is sure to be a pleasure to understand.