India is home to many incredible destinations, ranging from the world-famous Taj Mahal to the ancient caves of Ellora. These sites hold immense significance, symbolising India's rich history, artistic achievements, and architectural marvels. They provide a captivating window into India's glorious past, each with its fascinating tale. Embarking on a journey through these sites is like travelling back in time.
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is a remarkable example of early brick architecture and has greatly influenced architectural development throughout the centuries. Constructed during the late Gupta period, the sculpted stone balustrades within this temple complex in Bihar are exceptional early relief sculptures. The significance of the temple lies in its association with the life of deity Buddha.
It is believed that in 531 BC, Buddha attained enlightenment while seated under the original Bodhi Tree, which still stands nearby. The temple complex comprises the main temple, six sacred places within an enclosed area, and an additional holy spot, the Lotus Pond, just outside the enclosure. These sacred places include the Animeshlochan Chaitya prayer hall, the Ratnachakrama (Jewelled Ambulatory), the Ratnaghar Chaitya, the Ajapala Nigrodh Tree, the Lotus Pond, and the Rajyatana Tree. Each location holds significance in Buddha's life and its associated events. Don't miss the 80 ft marble statue of Gautama Buddha, the Naulakha Mandir, and the Butterfly Park.
Nearby Places To See: There is much to see in and around Bodh Gaya.
Located close to the Mahabodhi Temple, the Archaeological Museum of Bodhgaya has a rich display of artefacts from Buddhism and Hinduism that date back to the 2nd century BC and 11th century CE. The 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso inaugurated it on December 27, 1956.
Located one km from the bus station, the Thai Monastery was established by the government of Thailand in 1956. The premises of the temple is marked by lush greenery and solace. It is a stunning architecture similar to the temples of Bangkok and is highly ornamental.
How to Reach
By Air: Gaya Airport is the nearest, with flights from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi. Bodhgaya is around 10 km from the airport, accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
By Rail: Gaya Junction is the nearest railway station, well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Gaya, Bodhgaya is approximately 16 km away, accessible by taxi or local transport.
By Road: Bodhgaya is well-connected by road to cities like Patna, Varanasi, and Kolkata. State buses and private taxis ply regularly to Bodhgaya from nearby towns and cities.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Bodh Gaya is during the winter months, typically from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather.
Located in Agra, the Taj Mahal symbolises the profound love and dedication shared between Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed during the 17th century, this magnificent palace has become a highly sought-after destination for tourists in India. With its alluring white marble walls and domes, the Taj Mahal has always managed to captivate the eyes of visitors.
Nearby Places To See: While the magnificent Taj Mahal holds the key attention of tourists in Agra, 37 km southwest of the city, lies a place memorable in the Mughal annals—Fatehpur Sikri. Each monument takes you to the glorious past, showcases the rich heritage, and leaves you spellbound—weaving a fascinating story of courage, prosperity, and religious harmony. The well-planned city is almost in ruins, but the mark of royalty and splendour is everywhere.
Also, check out Akbar's Tomb. Akbar was buried in a mausoleum completed in 1613. Built by the succeeding emperor Jahangir, the tomb is in Sikandra, on the northwest outskirts of Agra. The deep red sandstone is etched with white marble.
The Agra Fort is a testimony to the Mughal Dynasty's unparalleled aesthetic and architectural sense. Built over time by Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, it reflects the preferences and styles of all four emperors.
How to Get There
By Air: Travellers can fly to Delhi Airport, around 230 km away, and then drive or take a train to Agra.
By Rail: Agra is well-connected by rail, with Agra Cantt being the main railway station. It has super-fast trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By Road: Agra is accessible by road via national highways from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow. State buses, private buses, and taxis operate regularly to Agra from nearby towns and cities.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Agra is during the winter months, typically from October to March. This period offers pleasant and comfortable weather, making sightseeing, especially of the Taj Mahal, much more enjoyable.
Hampi is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient temples and ruins. It showcases the captivating Dravidian style of art and architecture, with the notable Virupaksha Temple standing as a prominent heritage monument. It is also home to a collection of monuments collectively known as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, which further adds to its historical significance. Click here for a detailed three-day itinerary to Hampi.
Nearby Places To See: Scattered across the hills of Hire Benakal, the Hirebenkal Prehistoric Site has distinctive granite formations. Historians identify them as megalithic monuments, tracing their origins back to the Neolithic era. These captivating structures encompass a diverse range, from granite slabs delicately balanced upon rocks to compact stone enclosures resembling huts featuring small openings.
Explore the new cultural complex of the Hampi Art Labs which debuted in February 2024. The institution, which spans nine acres of terrain provides artists with one-of-a-kind production facilities, a creative retreat, and galleries for world-class exhibits. The property includes exhibition spaces, studios, and apartments for residencies, along with gardens, and a café.
The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a first-of-its-kind reserve in India that protects and conserves sloth bears. Spread over 82.7 sq km, visitors can see the nocturnal animal from specially-made machans. The animals are threatened due to illegal mining in fragmented areas of the adjoining forests, so many rescued domestic bears from Daroji and surrounding areas are brought here for refuge.
How to Get There:
By Air: The nearest airport is in Vidyanagar (38 km) and/or Hubli (143 km) from Hampi.
By Rail: The nearest train station is Hospet (13 km).
By Road: One can reach by car using NH4 from Bengaluru (340 km) or NH7 from Hyderabad (370 km).
Best Time To Visit: Hampi is known for extreme heat during summers when temperatures touch 40 degrees and above. Visit during winter, from October to February, when it is more pleasant.
The Khajuraho group of temples bears witness to the pinnacle of temple art and architecture in northern India during the reign of the Chandela dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries C.E. Spread across a landscape covering six sq km, these temples comprise 23 structures (including one partially excavated) that are part of the western, eastern, and southern clusters of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. They are exceptional examples that showcase Nagara-style temple architecture's originality and extraordinary craftsmanship. Only about 20 temples remain today, forming three distinct groups and representing Hinduism and Jainism.
Nearby Places to See:
Visit the Aadivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum, an immersive experience that showcases the traditions and cultures of seven tribes like the Gonds, Bheels, Baigas, etc. that live in Madhya Pradesh. The museum was opened in 2023 and is divided into two parts: a museum with galleries, and another section with a replica village showcasing the life-sized huts of different tribes. Check out our guide here.
Ajaigarh Fort is situated atop a hill that overlooks Khajuraho. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and provides insight into the region's military history.
Just a short drive from Khajuraho, you can find the mesmerising Raneh Falls. The Ken River cascades over rocky cliffs amidst a pristine natural setting, making it an ideal place to visit.
How to Get There:
By Air: Khajuraho Airport connects the town with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi. From the airport, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to reach the temples, located about five km away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Khajuraho Railway Station, five kms away, connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By Road: Khajuraho is accessible by road via National Highways and state highways. Regular bus services operate from nearby cities like Jhansi, Satna, and Mahoba. Private taxis and rental cars are also available for a more comfortable journey to the caves.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Khajuraho is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the monsoon rains have transformed the landscape into a lush green paradise.
Located in the Charanandri hills of Maharashtra, the remarkable collection of 34 caves at Ellora is a testament to coexistence and religious tolerance. These caves were meticulously carved out by followers of three prominent religions Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Jainism. The rock-cut activity occurred in three distinct phases spanning from the 6th century to the 12th century.
The earliest caves (caves 1-12), created between the 5th and 8th centuries, reflect the prevailing Mahayana Buddhist philosophy of the region during that time. The Brahmanical caves (13-29), including the renowned Grand Kailasa temple (cave 16), were excavated between the 7th and 10th centuries. The final phase, spanning the 9th to 12th centuries, saw the creation of a group of caves (caves 30-34) that showcase Jain philosophy. The architectural activities in Ellora exemplify the region's rich heritage and cultural diversity.
Nearby Places To See
There are many interesting places to see around Ellora. You must, of course, visit the Ajanta Caves. Housing ancient monasteries, these incredible caves in Aurangabad take you through 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments. The paintings in these caves depict the life and times of Buddha and pictorial tales from Aryasura's Jatakmala. Some are rock-cut sculptures of Buddhist deities. UNESCO has termed the expressive paintings of Ajanta as masterpieces that influenced Indian art in the years that followed.
The Aurangabad Caves are a group of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries CE, located closer to Aurangabad city.
Known as the "Mini Taj Mahal," Bibi Ka Maqbara is an impressive mausoleum built in the 17th century in memory of Aurangzeb's wife. It bears a striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Daulatabad Fort (Devagiri Fort) is a historic hill fort about 13 km from Aurangabad, known for its strategic location and impressive architecture.
How To Get There:
By Air: Nearest airport to is Aurangabad Airport (Chikkalthana Airport), located 30 km away. From major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, there are regular flights to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, travellers can hire taxis or use public transportation to reach the caves.
By Rail: Aurangabad Railway Station serves as the primary railhead 30 kms away, connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
By Road: State-run buses, private buses, and taxis ply regularly between Aurangabad and the caves. National Highway 52 connects Aurangabad to Mumbai and other major cities, making road travel convenient for visitors. The newly built Samruddhi Mahamarg makes travel time shorter.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Ellora Caves is during the cooler months, typically from October to March. The weather during this period is generally mild and comfortable, making navigating the caves easier and enjoying the surroundings. The area experiences typically pleasant weather during the monsoons and winters, while the summers are hot and dry.
