TamilNadu
Brihadeshwara Temple
Brihadeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur.It is also known as Raja Rajeswara Temple, Rajarajeswaram and Peruvudaiyar Temple. Thanjavur, the centre of architecture, art and religion of South India is also home to the Grand Brihadeeswarar Temple.The King Raja Raja Cholan – I built the temple in 1010CE. This Temple is entirely built of Granite. First complete granite temple in the world. More than 130,000 tons of granite is used. The Statue of Nandi at the entrance of the temple is carved out of a single rock. This temple is registered in UNESCO under “Great living Chola Temples” along with Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple. It is a fine example of Dravidian Architecture. This is not only a religious place to worship but also a place of valuable historical and archaeological possession.
Kallanai Dam
Kallanai Dam is also known as “Grand Anicut“. It is the world’s first dam which is built in running water across the Kaveri River in Trichy District in the State of Tamil Nadu in South India. This dam was originally built by Karikala Chola around the 2nd Century A.D. It’s very stunning that a dam that was constructed in the 2nd Century A.D is still functioning today!. The Kallanai Dam across the Kaveri River is 329 metres long , 20 metres wide and 5.4 meters high and is constructed from unhewn stones. The Anicut was constructed on inter-locking technology without cementing material. The construction of Kallanai Dam proved to be beneficial for the Farmers of the Delta region. This dam is also a home to a large variety of Flora and Fauna. Nowadays, Kallanai dam is fast emerging as a tourist spot in the region.
The Hall of Thousand Pillars(Ayiramkaal Mandapam)
The largest mandapam in the holy temple complex, this mandapam is situated near Veeravasantharayar Mandapam to the north. This was built by Ariyanatha Mudaliyar, minister and commander of Viswanatha Naicker in the year 1569. This Mandapam has a total of 985pillars. These pillars have been so arranged that from whatever angle one looks from within, the pillars look in rows and rows. At the centre of the mandapam is the idol of Chira Sabha of Lord Natarajar. There is an idol of a hero on a horse at the entrance to the Mandapam facing south. At the roof of the entrance are sculptures representing the 60 years in the Tamil calendar.
Mamallapuram
Mamallapuram, also called Mahabalipuram or Seven Pagodas, historic town, northeast Tamil Nadu state, southeastern India. It lies along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal 37 miles (60 km) south of Chennai (Madras). The entire assemblage collectively was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Mamallapuram is a resort and tourist center. In addition to the ancient monuments and temples, it has an extensive beachfront on the ocean, lined with resorts and tourist cabins. The town is also home to a college offering instruction in architecture and temple sculpture.
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Meenakshi amman Temple is one of the most famous temples of South India. It was built in the 17th century A.D and marks the final stage of the Dravidian style. The temple houses the wife of Lord Shiva , Meenakshi (fish – eyed). The main entrance is by the eastern gateway which communicates with a fine pillared avenue 200 feet long and about 100 feet wide. And Meenakshi temple is a Double Shrine one dedicated to Meenakshi and the other to her consort, built inside a larger shrine.
Vivekananda Rock
The magnificent Vivekananda Rock memorial is located on a small island of Kanyakumari. This statue was built in 1970. It is situated on one of the two adjacent rocks projecting out of the Lakshadweep Sea and comprises the “Shripada Mandapam” and the ” Vivekananda Mandapam”. It is located about 500 metres east of the mainland of Vavathurai in Kanyakumari. According to historical tales and legends, it is believed that Goddess Kumari performed austerity on this rock. There is a “Dhyana Mandapam” located beside the memorial, which serves as the meditation hall for the visitors to meditate.
Kerala
Bekal Fort
Bekal Fort was built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650 AD, at Bekal. It is the largest fort in Kerala, spreading over 40 acres. Bekal Fort, which is a historic monument, is situated nearly 16 kilometres south of Kasargod town, on the national highway, on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It was an important military station for Tipu Sultan when he led a military expedition to capture Malabar.
Thalassery Fort
Tellicherry Fort is in Thalassery a town in Kannur District of Kerala state in south India. Tellicherry was one of the most important European trading centers of Kerala. Thalassery fort was the military center of British rule and it stands as the monument of colonial imperialism. British East India Company constructed this fort with carved doors, secret tunnels and two underground chambers.
St. Francis Church
Built-in 1503, ‘St. Francis Church’ holds the status of being the oldest European church in India. One of the most historically significant places in Kerala, which once stood as a quiet spectator to the struggle of different European colonial powers in the Indian subcontinent, the St. Francis Church today, attracts countless visitors from across the globe.
Krishnapuram Palace
Located near Alappuzha, ‘Krishnapuram Palace’ is yet another of the famous heritage tourism places in Kerala. Built-in the 18th century by the then Maharaja of the kingdom of Travancore in South India, the palace reflects a typical Kerala style of architecture with pitched roofs, dormer windows, and thin corridors. Another of the major highlights of the palace is a Buddha mandapam enshrining a Buddha statue, one of the four ancient Buddha relics found in the Alappuzha district.
Anchuthengu Fort
Well known for being the British East India Company’s first permanent trade post on the Malabar Coast, the ‘Anchuthengu Fort’ holds a great significance in Kerala’s colonial history. Built-in 1699, the Anjengo Fort primarily started off as a site to promote the company’s trade relations with various countries. Apart from being a site of high historical relevance, the fort’s aesthetical beauty sandwiched between the sea and backwaters makes it a favorite getaway for couples, families, and nature lovers too.
Karnataka
Mysore Palace
An incredibly breathtaking example of Indo – Saracenic style of architecture, the Mysore Palace is a magnificent historical monument in Karnataka. It is the former palace of the royal family of Mysore and is still their official residence. Mysore Palace was built in the year 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is amongst the biggest palaces in the country.
Bangalore Palace
The majestic Bangalore palace, enclosed by beautiful gardens, is a famous tourist attraction in Bangalore. It is now owned by the Mysore Royal family. A visit to the palace gives you a chance to witness the elegant and lavish splendour of one of the most powerful dynasties of South India. Owing to the Wadiyar Royal Family still owning the palace, the Bangalore Palace is a prominent historical place in Karnataka.
Badami Cave Temple
The Badami cave temple is a complex featuring 4 Hindu cave temples. This historical attraction is considered an ideal example of Indian rock-cut architecture that dates back to the 6th century. All the four cave temples feature different themes and Hindu divinities sculptures for the visitors to explore.
Gol Gumbaz
Gol Gumbaz, one of the most visited historical places in Karnataka is King Mohammed Adil Shah’s mausoleum. The tomb was started being constructed in 1626 and completed in 1656. It showcases the excellent Deccan style of architecture and is named so owing to the Gol Gumbaz meaning the circular dome.
Mahakuta Temple
Nestled in the tiny village of Mahakuta, Mahakuta group of temples is a delight for fine architecture lovers, mirroring the rich ancient rock-cut constructional pattern of the times of the Chalukyas. Most of the shrines here, dedicated to Lord Shiva were developed back in the 7th century out of which the largest one is the Mahakaleshwar temple.
Goa
Ajoba Temple
A beautiful temple painted in turquoise and orange, located on the shores of Keri beach in Pernem. The much-famed jatra of Ajoba devasthan at Keri-Pernem happens in the first week of February. Devotees from Goa and neighbouring states, throng to the temple to witness this.
Shantadurga Temple
Located at the foothills of Kavlem village in Ponda district of Goa, the Shree Shantadurga temple is one of the popular pilgrimage centers in Goa. The temple was initially located at Cavelossim but when it was being destroyed by the Portuguese in 1564, the deity was shifted to Kavlem. A small laterite mud shrine was built and the deity was installed here and was converted into a beautiful temple in the next few years.
Se Cathedral
One of the most ancient and celebrated religious buildings of Goa, this magnificent 16th century monument to the Roman Catholic rule in Goa under the Portuguese is the largest church in Asia. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria on whose feast day in 1510 Alfonso Albuquerque defeated the Muslim army and took possession of the city of Goa.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
This historical place in Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Basilica of Bom Jesus houses the tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier. Even after 400 years, the remains are in a good condition and are taken out once every decade. Up until half a century ago, Goa was the capital of Portuguese rule in India and this is part of their heritage.
Shri Ramnath Temple
Shri Ramnath Temple, also known as the temple of Ramnathi, is dedicated to five deities – Lord Rama, Lakshmi Narayan, Lord Ganesh, Kamakshi, Shanteri and Betal & Kalbhairav. The 450-year-old temple is of immense religious importance for the Gowda Saraswat Brahmins. It was initially located in Salcete but was relocated in the 16th century to save the idols from the Portuguese.
Gujarat
Modhera Sun Temple
Modhera is an ancient village in the state of Gujarat, famed for housing the remains of the Sun Temple built by the Chalukya dynasty is a true historical treasure. The village is surrounded by a mystical aura that the Sun Temple brings along, it is also a hub for spirituality and culture. Modhera gives you a glimpse into the glory days of the royal lineage of the Chalukyas and is one of the finest testaments of the architectural excellence of the past. If history entices then this place is perfect for you with the village being neck-deep in historical relics, structures, and legends.
Fort Diu
Fort Diu, located on the Western coast of Indian was built by Portuguese during their colonial rule and is now under the administration of Indian government. The enchanting fort commands a magnificent view of the sea, and a jetty constructed on the northwestern coast is still under use and was once used to trade with Cambay, Broach and Surat in Gujarat. The lighthouse that one can climb leads to the highest point on the island and provides a spectacular view of the surrounding. Cannonballs litter the entire place, and the parapet has a fantastic array of cannons.
Vijay Vilas Palace
Located in Mandvi Beach, Vijay Vilas Palace was built by Rao Vijayraj Ji in 1929. Back in the time, it primarily served as a summer house for the Jadeja rulers of Kutch province. This is among the most important historical places in Gujarat, as the royal family of Kutch still call this majestic palace home. Right here is where you will witness a rhythmic blend of mainly three architectural styles, namely – Rajput, Mughal and Victorian
Somnath Temple
One of most important monuments of Gujarat, Somnath Temple is said to be the first of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. As per the findings, the temple has been reconstructed many times, and the most recent change was done in 1951 by adopting Chalukya’s style of architecture.
Uperkot Fort
Uperkot Fort is believed to be over 2300 years old and comprises elaborate 20 metres high walls in some places. It used to have a 300 feet deep moat within the walls of Uperkot Fort which used to be inhabited by crocodiles. There are step wells and caves at this historic place and the iconic attractions here are the Neelam and Manek, brought by the Turks. It is indeed one of the most famous historical places in Gujarat.
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