If you are a history buff and want to experience the true spirit of India while traveling, then these places should definitely be on your travel list. These places not only boast of stone buildings but also age-old stories, legacy of kings and emperors and timeless architecture. Built even before the Mughals, these monuments are as grand and imposing even today. So let us know about those historical places of India which retain their beauty even after a thousand years. Times have changed, but their grandeur remains unchanged.
1. Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh
This huge stupa located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh is one of the oldest and historically important Buddhist monuments in the world. It is said that it was built by the great emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The remains of Lord Buddha are kept in its huge dome. Its biggest beauty is its beautifully carved entrance gates, which attract a lot of travelers and photographers.
2. Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, Tamil Nadu
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram was built by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II in about the eighth century. It is one of the oldest structural temples in South India. It is situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal. This was the first temple that was built not by cutting rocks, but by joining together pieces of stone, which shows the engineering capability of that era.
3. Kailasa Temple located in Ellora, Maharashtra
Located in the Ellora Caves of Maharashtra, the Kailasa Temple is a unique example of eighth-century art and engineering. Built by carving a single big rock from top to bottom, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that around 2,00,000 tonnes of rocks were removed to build it, but how this was possible remains a mystery.
4. Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh
It is believed that these temples of Khajuraho were built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. These temples are famous throughout the world for their beautiful sculptures and intricate carvings. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 25 remain now. Each wall has carvings of gods, goddesses and dancers, depicting the balance between material and spiritual life.
5. Barabar Caves of Bihar
Barabar Caves of Bihar are considered to be one of the oldest structures of India. These are believed to date back to the 3rd century BC and were carved from solid granite during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. The interiors of these caves are so bright that they shine like mirrors even today. These symbolize the grandeur of simplicity and early mastery of ancient stone architecture.