India’s Own Legacy
“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” – Mahatma Gandhi
India is the birthplace and the cradle of some of the world’s major heritage and cultures. The unparalled cultural ebullience of the various world heritage sites in India allure travellers from across the globe. The myriad shades of traditions and rituals have been contributing to the Indian heritage and culture. The numerous places of Indian cultural speak volumes about the same.
Heritage is property of the world. It has important evidences of past incidents and changes & it is the necessity to conserve without political involvement and racial discrimination. Our heritage tourism is mostly dependent on the history, the events of the past has abundant evidence that how the past travels had been changing the entire pages of each century and affected our past life.
The present day India introduces itself as a heritage destination, perfect for learning about various civilizations and heritage sites. Further, several spiritual leaders and founders of many popular religions of the contemporary times dwelled in country’s various region. India’s authentic wealthy trove of heritage, culture, crafts, mysticism, art, philosophy, tradition, music and architecture has been luring travellers, scholars and history buffs across the globe from past.
Heritage tourism in India takes the travellers beyond exotic beaches & beach resorts, picturesque hills and utmost lavishness. It takes you through the famous historical places in India, the various art forms and the authentic food trails.
India has registered an immense growth in the last few years, ever since additional initiatives were taken by the government of India to boost India’s image as a destination for heritage tourism. India has always been famous for its rich heritage and ancient culture. So, the onset of heritage tourism in India was long anticipated. India’s glorious past and cultural diversity make a potent blend which attracts millions of tourists each year to its heritage tourist attractions.
The government of India and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture encourage heritage tourism in India by offering several benefits to the Indian states that are particularly famous for attracting tourists. India’s rich heritage is amply reflected in the various temples, palaces, monuments and forts that can be found everywhere in the country. This has led to the increase in India’s heritage tourism.
The maximum number of tourists who come to India visit the Taj Mahal for it is one of the 7 wonders of the world. It reflects India’s rich heritage and attracts thousands of tourists each year because of its intricate inlay work done in an exquisite and meticulous style. The castles in Rajasthan which seems especially popular for its antique paintings, jade jewellery, palaces and costumes. Mahabalipuram has cave temples that have been carved from granite blocks and belong to the 7th century. This is the primary reason why many heritage tourists in India visit this place. The tourism of heritage in India has also increased due to the interest of many foreigners in the temples of India.
Heritage tourism in India has also been popularized because a lot of tourists go to Delhi which is not only the capital of India but also has many heritage sites. The heritage tourism in India has grown in recent years but there is scope for further development which can be attained only through combined efforts of the government of India and the tourism boards.
Learn about the India’s wealthy culture by exploring its some of the heritage destinations situated in various parts of the country. These attractions will make you aware about the richness of culture, wealth, tradition, skill and heritage that existed several years ago.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, Bihar
A prince named Siddhartha Gautam (Lord Budhha) came here to attain Nirvana in the sixth Century B.C.; Mahabodhi temple is the holiest destination of Buddhists. Not only Buddhists, but millions of Hindus from around the globe visit this temple to pay their homage to Lord Budhha. This temple of historical and cultural importance is honoring the Gaya district of Bihar since 260 B.C.
The sacred Bodhi tree dwelling in the complex of the temple is believed to be a spot where Buddha used to meditate for transcending the cycle of reincarnation. Thus, it is looked as the holiest spot in the complex. Buddha’s place of meditation, next to the Bodhi Tree, is acquired by Buddha statue on polished sandstone, which was installed by Emperor Asoka in the third Century B.C.
This heritage site of India has several places where Lord Buddha meditated after attaining complete bliss. According a temple website, there is site in the premises where he stood meditating for a week without moving his eyes.
Lucknow, The City Of The Nawabs
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is ranked high among the places to experience Indian culture and heritage. The city boasts of a distinctive culture due to the amalgamation of Hindu & Muslim cultures. Furthermore, many literary & performing arts flourished here. The heritage city of India is also famous for its craftsmanship and painting styles.
The city’s rich architecture has been influenced by the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals, the Nawabs of Awadh, and even the British. In addition to the places to visit in Lucknow mentioned earlier, there are Chhattar Manzil, Husainabad Clock Tower, Sikander Bagh, Satkhanda, Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Shahi Baoli, Jama Masjid, and Butler Palace. Tourists can also take a walk through history at the State Museum and the Picture Gallery.
Humayun Tomb, Delhi
Individuals longing for quintessential Mughal architecture should head to Delhi’s Humayun Tomb – one of the most popular heritage destinations of India. Humayun was son of the first Mughal Emperor of India. Haji Begum, Humayun’s Persian wife, looked after the construction, which began in 1569 (fourteen years after Humayun’s death).
The tomb stands in the centre of a square garden, and causeways (charbagh) separate this Mughal Tomb into four main gardens. Further, there are water-channels in the centre. You can enter this enclosure through two majestic double-storied gateways situated on the west and south.
Inlaid tile work, carvings comprising both Indian and Persian decorative elements, and carved stone screens – are a few highlights making Humayun Tomb wonderful.
Rann of Kutch, The Land Of The White Desert
Kutch holds a reputation among local and international tourists for its famous Rann Utsav. The carnival that lasts for about 100 days is an integral part of the cultural tourism in India. But that is not all that makes the region find a spot in the list of places of Indian cultural heritage.
Tourists can explore Rann of Kutch, Aina Mahal or Madan Singhji Museum, Kutch Museum, Dholavira excavation site, Siyot Caves, and other places to visit in Kutch. The region also has Bhadreshwar Jain Temple that is of great religious significance.
Red Fort, New Delhi
When it comes to magnificent heritage holidays, exploring the glorious complex of the Red Fort is must. Constructed as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad, which is the new capital of Shah Jahan – the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Red Fort keeps on narrating the majestic power and pomp of the emperor.
The Red sandstone walls of the huge Red Fort (Lal Qila), which are 33-m high were constructed in 1638 to prevent the entry of the invaders.
The main gate – Lahore Gate – gets immersed in the freedom celebration and draws a major crowd on every Independence Day.
The hemispherical dome of Chatta Chowk, a market (bazaar) attracts tourists with a huge variety of items. Chatta Chowk extends to a large fort compound, consisting wonderful collection of huge buildings, including the Drum House, the Pearl Mosque, the Hall of Public Audiences, Royal Baths, Palace of Color and the white marble Hall of Private Audiences.
An evening sound and light show allows spectator to relive India’s history associated with the fort.
Taj Mahal, Agra
Famously said by many – ‘Elegy in Marble’, Taj Mahal or the Crown Palace is the grave of Shah Jahan’s beloved Queen, Mumtaz Mahal. The beauty of this Palace exceeds all other material beauties, which is heightened with the Jamuna River, which flows near it.
To meet the expectation of the Emperor, 22 years (completed around 1953) and around 20000 workers travailed to construct this magnificent construction in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, standing on an elevated platform, which forms unequal octagon. Taj Mahal intricate detailing engraved on the walls lets India’s travel and tourism shine worldwide.
What interest most historians and archeologists are the complex geometrical patterns incorporated in to the designing of the colossal Palace. The main central dome is large and four more domes surround the main one. There are four tall minarets that have taken up the four corners.
Everyday a vast multitude of travelers scout this place, which has become a pleasure for all the people on earth.
Amer Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Gracing the land of Amber with its magnificent presence – Amer Fort was constructed in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. The beauty of red sandstone and marble building gets enhanced with the presence of Moatha Lake. The architecture of building showcases both Hindu as well as Muslim architectural designs.
The fort comprises of Shila Devi Temple and Ganesh Pol – a gate leading to the private palaces. There are several pavilions, halls and other popular attractions to entertain your senses.
Fatehpur Sikhri, Uttar Pradesh
Fatehpur Sikri adds a scintillating feather on the hat of India’s Travel and Tourism industry. This Mughal architecture lures thousands of tourists every year in Uttar Pradesh. Situated 26 kms away from the main city of Agra; this monument was constructed by Akbar to pay homage to a great Sufi saint.
The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri has true Indian character. The walls of monument possess versatile Indo-Muslim composite style designs, which are a fusion of composite cultures.
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Renowned worldwide for rock carvings and monolithic sculptures; UNESCO World Heritage site at Mahabalipuram was a port of Pallava Empire in 7th century. These monuments will let you have a glimpse of sculptures and carvings showcasing then artisans’ creativity and craftsmanship.
The sculptures were carved from local granite, and the sculptures are categorized into four categories:
– Rock-cut caves
– Monolithic temples or rathas, hewn out of a large boulder
– Bas-reliefs in the open air (Considered as unique artistic achievements)
– Structural temples
Out many temples, a lavish shore temple is bordered by Nandi bulls, facing the sea, offers fascinating site to the visitors. This temple was established again stone by stone after it was ruined in a cyclone.
The appeal of Mahabalipuram is packed not only in its monumental architecture but the charm of the place can be felt through its glittering sand beach, wonderful handicrafts and stone-carved items that are exhibited for sale near the shore.
Various sculptures of Mahabalipuram have inspired those in Cambodia, Annam and Java.
Hampi, Vijaynagar
Hampi is a beautiful world heritage site which is situated at the Northern part of Karnataka. This place is famous for holding the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Vijaynagar. These ruins of Hampi are considered to be a vast collection of heritage sites which reflects the Dravidian style of art and architecture. The most famous place in this city is the Virupaksha temple which holds much importance among the Hindus. Alongside that there are many other monuments which are collectively known as the ‘Group of monuments at Hampi’.
Bhimbetka, Ancient Rock Shelters
The rock shelters of Bhimbetka are known for the rock paintings and Natural rock shelters which reflect the stone age. This place was declared as a heritage place by UNESCO in 2003, the rock shelters in Bhimbetka gave the first traces of human life in Indian subcontinent. Resting at the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains, this place is located at the Deccan Plateau. Considered from the Mesolithic period, this place gives a hint of the South Asian Stone Age. These rocks were discovered in the year of 1957.
Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
To explore an amazing architectural site, you have to go deep into Maharashtra’s Aurangabad to get introduced with the mesmerizing Ajanta and Ellora Caves, snugged in the Sahyadri Hills. The cave shrines date back to 2nd century BC is created by then skilled artisans with their hands. Being one of the popular heritage places around the world, the caves are accepted as an excellent example of ancient Indian architecture.
The 34 caves at Ellora were chipped during the 350 AD to 700 AD period showcase the three religions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. While the 29 caves at Ajanta were carved during a period from 200 BC to 650 AD describe the story of Buddhism.
Relish the experience of exploring the country’s ancient relics and architectural ruins rising over teeming cities, streets and roads. This is a land of a huge contrast where tradition and modernity mingle to offer mind – boggling memories that will retain in the mind for a very long time.
– Pallavi Bisht
Reviewer
