Cultural sightseeing in India. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces
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Children will surely like India from the minute they step into the country: there are so many friendly people in colorful clothes here, as well as …
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In mysterious and remote India, people like to celebrate different holidays and organize colorful festivals. The unique atmosphere of the East …
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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in India
Reference information
Art galleries in India
♥ Art museum 'Albert Hall Museum' Jaipur. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Allahabad Museum' Allahabad. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Asutosh Museum of Indian Art' Kolkata. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Bangalore' Bangalore. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery' Vadodara. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Albert Hall Museum' Jaipur. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Albert Hall Museum](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Art museum 'Allahabad Museum' Allahabad. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Allahabad Museum](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Art museum 'Asutosh Museum of Indian Art' Kolkata. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Asutosh Museum of Indian Art](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Art museum 'Bangalore' Bangalore. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Bangalore](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Art museum 'Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery' Vadodara. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
Cathedrals and basilicas in India
♥ St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Cathedral, Trivandrum. On the map
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♥ St. Mary Queen of Peace Basilica, Trivandrum. On the map
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♥ Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph, Trivandrum. On the map
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♥ St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Palayamkottai. On the map
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♥ Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows, Thoothukudi. On the map
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♥ Sacred Heart Cathedral, Thoothukudi. On the map
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♥ Cathedral of the Infant Jesus, Kollam. On the map
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♥ St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Cathedral, Trivandrum. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Cathedral](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ St. Mary Queen of Peace Basilica, Trivandrum. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of St. Mary Queen of Peace Basilica](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph, Trivandrum. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Palayamkottai. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows, Thoothukudi. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Sacred Heart Cathedral, Thoothukudi. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Sacred Heart Cathedral](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Cathedral of the Infant Jesus, Kollam. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Cathedral of the Infant Jesus](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
Palaces in India
♥ Palace 'Agra Fort' . On the map
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♥ Palace 'Aina Mahal' . On the map
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♥ Palace 'Amba Vilas Palace' . On the map
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♥ Palace 'Amber Palace' . On the map
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♥ Palace 'Arki Palace Himachal' . On the map
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♥ Palace 'Agra Fort' . On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Agra Fort](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Palace 'Aina Mahal' . On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Aina Mahal](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Palace 'Amba Vilas Palace' . On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Amba Vilas Palace](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Palace 'Amber Palace' . On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Amber Palace](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Palace 'Arki Palace Himachal' . On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photo gallery of Arki Palace Himachal](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
Extreme Guinness-type places in India
Leaning Temple of Huma
From the series “Falling towers and buildings”![](../../extreme/img/w300/leaning-temple-of-huma_1.jpg)
The first official mention of the building dates back to the end of the 17th century. Its first complete reconstruction was ordered by King Baliar Singh at this time. The temple is located in a very complex geological area. It was built right on the rocks on the bank of the Mahanadi River. Many coastal areas are heavily flooded … Read all
Paradesi Synagogue
From the series “The most luxury and famous synagogues”![](../../extreme/img/w300/paradesi-synagogue_1.jpg)
The Jews who lived in the historical district of Kochi were mainly engaged in selling. Many shops were located next to the synagogue. They sold spices and other national products. The synagogue that visitors to the city can see today is not the first one in this place. The very first synagogue was built in 1558. … Read all
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Top cultural sites of India: monuments, theaters and churches
Cathedral Church of the Redemption, New Delhi
![Cathedral Church of the Redemption on map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
» The building is decorated with dark scarlet stone. The color gradually changes and creates a gradient going from the roof and reaching triangular porticoes under the base of the bell tower.
» The church is located near the Parliament House in the central district of Dehli. The church fits harmoniously into the space composition of other buildings.
» The outer walls are painted red. With it, the church symbolizes the blood of Christian martyrs. They were citizens dying during the Sepoy Rebellion when Indian soldiers rose against the English colonial policy.
» The luxurious interior of the church decorated with paintings and carved figurines has been preserved. The walls are stained glass. Everything looks quite modest. It is always cool inside.
» The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Dehli (India) has been well preserved. There is a natural grass lawn around the church. The doors of the church are always open to visitors.
Lotus Temple, New Delhi
Location on the map:
Interesting facts:
» The Lotus Temple, or the Bahá'í House, is one of the nine temples built all over the world. It belongs to Bahái followers. It is modern religion that lacks confessional restrictions, sermons, priests, and altars. Adherents to this religion don’t worship icons and sculptures. ![Lotus Temple on map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
» The huge white building that resembles a lotus flower was built in 1986 on the donations collected all over the world. The project architect was Fariborz Sahba, an Iranian who lived in Canada.
» Before the construction, the building project had been modeled on the computer for two years. The main hall that has a diameter of 75 m and is 31 m high can accommodate from 1 300 to 2 500 visitors. The Bahá'í House was awarded several architectural prizes.
» In Bahá'í temples, adherents of any religion can pray. Here, volunteers serving visitors and the temple work.
» Over the years of its existence, the temple was visited by more people than the Taj Mahal or the Eiffel Tower was.
Mumbadevi Temple, Bombay
![Mumbadevi Temple on map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
» The Mother Goddess defended salt miners and patronized anglers. They were the main group in the city.
» There is the two-meter statue of Mumba in the temple. It is made of black stone. Its head is decorated with a silver wreath. There are golden rings on the fingers and toes and a precious necklace on the neck. The figure is dotted with orange and yellow marigold leaves.
» The idol is surrounded by other goddesses. One of them is riding a peacock. Near it, there is the statue of the simian creature and the god of wisdom and wealth.
» The sanctuary is modestly decorated. There are almost no decorative elements. The rectangular temple is built of white stone. There is a tower in the tower of the pyramid at the top. There is a flag atop. Massive vertical ledges are the foundation of the construction.
» The entrance to Devi’s room is guarded by a sculptural tiger. The goddess rode it.
» Unlike the interior, the exterior of the temple impresses with plenty of intricate elements.
» Mumba has been revered since the 15th century.
St. Thomas Cathedral, Bombay
![St. Thomas Cathedral on map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
» The building was built by the British. Before that, the ruler in Bombay had intended to build the House of God for the English community.
» The construction lasted 40 years.
» You can see a lot of statues in wall recesses. The walls are decorated with bas-reliefs in Eastern style. There are high narrow windows. You can see figures of saints on stained glass windows. The vaulted ceiling is upheld by stone columns with arched soffits. The walls in the main halls are covered with carved panels.
» In the inner space, you can see stone sculptures. There is the preserved picture of the first bishop lying in the bed.
» The roof is tiled. There are also patios with fountains inside.
» In the territory of the cathedral, there are preserved memorial heave marble slabs with plates in honor of the dead British subjects.
» After some time, the magnificent tower was constructed. There is a clock on it. The first worship took place at Christmas. The cathedral was built in the center of the former fortress.
» The last reconstruction was paid by the United Nations Convention.
Taj Mahal Palace, Bombay
Location on the map:
Interesting facts:
» The hotel called “Taj Mahal Palace & Tower” started to be built in 1898. It opened its doors in 1903. ![Taj Mahal Palace on map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
» The building is famous for the visits of the Royal family. Here, banquets were held for Indian high society. August 1947 is a historic date. The political freedom of India was proclaimed exactly in the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower.
» The hotel is an architectural monument, as it is characterized by the combination of different styles. The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower features many elegant arches, domes, and balconies. Columns upholding the dome are made of onyx. The massive doors are decorated with carved paintings. The interior impresses with rich design. It is decorated with many semi-precious stones. The floor is covered with a home-made carpet. In the rooms, there are crystal chandeliers and antique pieces of furniture.
» It was the first time when modern lighting appeared in the building.
» Historic objects and valuable pieces of art are displayed.
» The rooms are cleaned 8 times a day. The walls in bathrooms are covered with Italian tiles.
» The convenient location of the hotel (on the embankment) attracts many tourists.
Culture and monuments in popular cities of India
More than five centuries later, Bhadra Fort still has many original buildings. Today, offices of the city administration, court, post, and other organizations are open in these old buildings. During an excursion in Bhadra Fort, don’t forget to visit an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. This temple still features elements of the original design and ancient Hindu artifacts made centuries ago. It is allowed to go up to the roof of the building and admire the breathtaking views from … Read more
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Besides the internationally famous palace, don’t forget to visit the legendary Agra Fort. This is another important attraction of the Mughal period. The main purpose of the giant architectural complex built from red bricks was to protect the area from alien invasions. The complex was rebuilt and expanded several times over the centuries. Today, almost the entire territory of the Fort of Agra is open for excursions. You can see a picturesque palace that once was an emperor’s residence and … Read more
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Before entering the temple, everyone needs to perform the ritual purification in the sacral reservoir. Note that only people who practice Sikhism need to do this. Everyone else cannot enter the temple and is only allowed to admire it from the outside. A large square covered with marble surrounds the important Sikh shrine. Although there are always many people in the temple complex, this place has an incredibly calm and peaceful atmosphere. It is also interesting to visit the shrine in the … Read more
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The main building material for the mosque construction was white marble and rotten rock. The construction looks rather impressive. A remarkable architectural landmark is the Red Fort. The construction was built in the epoch of Mongolian conquest. The building of the massive powerful fort lasted for about ten years and was finished in 1648. The fortifying building got its name due to the main building material which was the same rotten tock. Recently the fort was reequipped into the Museum of … Read more
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A symbolic landmark of the city is a monument named the Gateway to India. The construction of the monument was finished in 1924. The main material used for building of the monument was yellow basalt. A scale stone arch with small turrets is the main symbol of the city. Opposite to the Gateway to India monument tourists will find the same impressive architectural construction being the Taj Mahal Palace which is now home to a luxurious hotel. The Palace was built in the beginning of the 20th … Read more
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Many attractions of the city have religious nature. A huge statue of Shiva, which height estimates 20 meters, is a truly interesting destination from the sightseeing point of view. Tourists prefer to make an excursion to the statue late in the evening, when Shiva is highlighted with a special lighting. In the lights of multi-colored spotlights the statue of Indian deity looks even more impressive. Bangalore is home to one of the oldest temples of the country - Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple. The … Read more
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Another important historical object is Fort St. George. It is the first fortification in India built by the British colonialists. Construction of the fort took place in the mid-17th century. Its last large-scale reconstruction took place in 1749; since then the majestic fort is kept in the same condition. Not far from the fort there is St. Mary's Church that is the oldest church in India. It was built in the second half of the 17th century; over the years many ceremonies have been held there … Read more
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One of the most picturesque and interesting places for fans of excursions is Fontainhas area in Panaji, as this charming old quarter is rich in important tourist sites. Many centuries ago, Portuguese have lived there. These days, their descendants are main inhabitants of the historic district. Fontainhas consists entirely of unique architectural monuments; there are old houses and several lovely whitewashed churches in the neoclassical style. Travelers that are interested in the history of … Read more
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