Experiencing Indian classical spirit

India's cultural richness is reflected in its ancient monuments. Being one of the ancient civilization in the world along with Rome, Greece, Egypt and Jerusalem, India also showcases most remarkable archaeological complexes of antiquity. The feeling of adventure and surprise takes tourist over when they visit all cultural sites on the Indian subcontinent. Among preserved world heritage sites, here are few best of best, considering their architectural, religious and cultural magnitude.

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi: Including monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi are forty kilometers away from Bhopal. These monuments are estimated to be built in 2nd century before Christ. The site is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and before the spread of Hinduism, it remained a principal centre of Buddhism in medieval India. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi was commissioned by Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE. Sanchi had been the cultural hub for peripheral arts all through the Maurya Kingdom. Although Buddha never visited the site, yet the religious significance of the place is not ignorable. After being forgotten for 600 years, General Taylor discovered the site, leaving 50 monuments uncovered. Plants, animals and humans representations make the site a unique masterpiece of early Buddhist work of art. 

Group of Monuments at Hampi: Hampi was found within the ruins of Vijayanagara, an earlier capital of the glorious Vijayanagara Empire. Since Hampi was the capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar, the city showcases civilization of the most prosperous kingdom during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya. Very much alive during 14th and 16th centuries, Hampi was conquered by the Deccan Muslim in 1565 and got pillaged before being abandoned. As final capital of this great south Indian kingdom, Hampi got enriched by the cotton and the spice trade. 

A glimpse of Hampi temples

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal: Lying on the banks of the Malaprabha River, Pattadakal is 514 km away from Bangalore. The site showcases Southern and the Indo-Aryan styles of architecture. Pattadakal, the capital of the Chalukyan dynasty from South India is home to many temples that were built in the seventh and eighth centuries. The site has ten glorifying temples and a Jain sanctuary, surrounded by numerous small shrines and plinths. A great centre of Chalukyan art, the place was known as 'Red Town' according to inscriptions. 

Khajuraho Group of Monuments: Around six hundred km away from New Delhi, Khajuraho is celebrated for its erotic sculptures. Khajuraho has the largest group of Jain temples, been cultural capital of Chandel Rajputs. Major monuments of Khajuraho were constructed over a span of 200 years. Out of 80 Hindu temples, only 25 could be preserved, being superior examples of Indian architectural styles. Chief temples are made of sandstone with many interpretations of the erotic carvings.