Cultural sightseeing in India. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces
In India, tourists will find such a large number of museums, temples, and historical sites that it is impossible to visit everything during one stay and they have to choose which is more important to visit. Those who want to learn more about Indian culture have lots of opportunities to do it. There are many places of worship for believers in the country. One of them is the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra. It is a popular landmark, a mosque, and a mausoleum, as well as a masterpiece of Great Mughal architecture. This great monument made of white marble is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The mosque was built in the middle of the 17th century. Everything exudes power and grandeur including the tomb, the guest house, the main gate and this masterpiece as a whole.
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 large, colorful and noisy India, merchants wait for customers at every corner. Here it is pretty difficult for tourists to make the right choice …
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For those who are keen on science, it is recommended to visit Ranchi Science Center. It is a science museum with interactive exhibits and games, a 3D projection theater, scientific collections, and a children’s education area. Animations, computers, technologies ranging from the most simple to complex modern can be found here too. You can get closer to science and technology in the museum and get an idea of the daily processes and complex physical laws. Those who visit Kozhikode should pay attention to the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, which is famous for its ancient exhibits, the newest of which trace their lineage to the 200th year of our era. The museum also has a gallery, where you can find paintings of Indian artists, who lived in the 19th and 20th centuries. The bicentennial building once housed a court. What is more, there was a prison in the basement.
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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Near the city of Gwalior, tourists can find a fortress built in the 6th century located on a basalt hill. Time did not affect its beauty and greatness. According to legend, it was named after the Saint who healed the leper king. The complex consists of several palaces and temples, some of which were built during the existence of the fortress. Lal Qila, or the “Red Fort” situated in the center of Delhi, was founded at the beginning of the 17th century and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built in the Indo-Islamic style, it is made of marble and red sandstone. Within the walls of the magnificent fortress, there are several palaces, a market, a mosque, and a park.
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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 Photos
♥ Art museum 'Allahabad Museum' Allahabad. On the map Photos
♥ Art museum 'Asutosh Museum of Indian Art' Kolkata. On the map Photos
♥ Art museum 'Bangalore' Bangalore. On the map Photos
♥ Art museum 'Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery' Vadodara. On the map Photos
♥ Art museum 'Albert Hall Museum' Jaipur. On the map Photos
♥ Art museum 'Allahabad Museum' Allahabad. On the map Photos
♥ Art museum 'Asutosh Museum of Indian Art' Kolkata. On the map Photos
♥ Art museum 'Bangalore' Bangalore. On the map Photos
♥ Art museum 'Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery' Vadodara. On the map Photos
Cathedrals and basilicas in India
♥ St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Cathedral, Trivandrum. On the map Photos
♥ St. Mary Queen of Peace Basilica, Trivandrum. On the map Photos
♥ Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph, Trivandrum. On the map Photos
♥ St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Palayamkottai. On the map Photos
♥ Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows, Thoothukudi. On the map Photos
♥ Sacred Heart Cathedral, Thoothukudi. On the map Photos
♥ Cathedral of the Infant Jesus, Kollam. On the map Photos
♥ St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Cathedral, Trivandrum. On the map Photos
♥ St. Mary Queen of Peace Basilica, Trivandrum. On the map Photos
♥ Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph, Trivandrum. On the map Photos
♥ St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Palayamkottai. On the map Photos
♥ Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows, Thoothukudi. On the map Photos
♥ Sacred Heart Cathedral, Thoothukudi. On the map Photos
♥ Cathedral of the Infant Jesus, Kollam. On the map Photos
Palaces in India
♥ Palace 'Agra Fort' . On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Aina Mahal' . On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Amba Vilas Palace' . On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Amber Palace' . On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Arki Palace Himachal' . On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Agra Fort' . On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Aina Mahal' . On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Amba Vilas Palace' . On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Amber Palace' . On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Arki Palace Himachal' . On the map Photos
Extreme Guinness-type places in India
Leaning Temple of Huma
From the series “Falling towers and buildings”
You can see the ancient Huma Temple in India. It is located in the vicinity of the village of the same name. This miniature temple impresses travelers not so much with its architectural features as with its disastrous leaning. It seems that the temple is going to collapse right now. Its top remains perpendicular to the ground despite the huge leaning of the building. This ancient temple is dedicated to the God Shiva. The exact date of its construction is unknown.
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
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”
Paradesi synagogue is located in India. It is the oldest in the country. It was built in 1568. The name "Paradesi" is translated from the local dialect as "foreigners". The religious building is located in the historical district of Kochi. This area was called the Jewish City in the late middle ages. A large community of Sephardic or Spanish-speaking Jews lived here. Seven synagogues were built here in the 17th century. Only one continues to operate at present. This is Paradesi.
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
All unique sightseeing India
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
Hilton builds third luxury hotel in Kyoto
The Hilton Kyoto hotel will be attractive to a wide range of guests. Leisure travelers will appreciate the close proximity to famous attractions such as Heian and Yasaka Temples, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the scenic Gion Historical District. In a few minutes, guests can reach the metro stations, the path to the sights of interest will not take much time. Read this
26.04.2024
The Hilton Kyoto hotel will be attractive to a wide range of guests. Leisure travelers will appreciate the close proximity to famous attractions such as Heian and Yasaka Temples, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the scenic Gion Historical District. In a few minutes, guests can reach the metro stations, the path to the sights of interest will not take much time. Read this
26.04.2024
Top cultural sites of India: monuments, theaters and churches
Cathedral Church of the Redemption, New Delhi
» 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. » 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
» 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
» 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. » 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.