9 Indian Heritage Sites That Make History And Art Come Alive

Located in the Chamoli district within the Garhwal Himalayas, Nanda Devi Valley offers the most breathtaking wilderness view that can't be described by any adjective. The valley is overlooked by Nanda Devi Peak, housing various endangered mammals, especially snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, and Bharal. The Valley of Flowers is recognised by UNESCO Heritage and attracts many hikers.

It's a unique transition zone that captures the ethereal mountain ranges of Zanskar and the Great Himalayas, with the valley of flowers that has captured the hearts of many Botanists. The place is also a constant occurrence in the tales of Hindu folklore. Over six hundred flower species can be found there, including BrahmanKamal, and though most of the space is restricted to conserve its natural beauty, a visit to the valley of flowers is a must.

Timings: 7 AM - 2 PM

Price: Starting at INR 150 (extra charge for cameras)

Covering over 10,000 sqm, Sundarban National Park encapsulates the largest mangrove forest containing several endangered species, including tigers, aquatic mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is deemed as one of the most biologically productive ecosystems, featuring dense forests, several waterways, and a wide range of fauna that includes numerous species that are threatened with extinction. You can opt for boat rides and safaris to experience the exquisite wildlife and spot some picturesque views. This heritage marks a perfect entry point for your Kolkata trip as well.

Timings: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

Price: Starting at INR 40 (Extra charge on cameras)

This national park conservation area is located in Himachal Pradesh and is among the most gorgeous natural heritage sites in India. The space envelops upper mountain glacial and snow melt water source origins of Tirtha, Sainj, Nal, and Parvati. Expect an elevational range that is densely packed with alpine forests. The place is great for trekking and hiking! If you like to spot some unique bird species, it is the hotspot of all your biodiversity conversations.

Timings: 10 AM - 5:30 PM

Price: Starting at INR 50 

World-famous for its architectural beauty and counted among the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal resides on the right band of the Yamuna River. The 42-acre space is one of the greatest architectural achievements in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture, and is known to be a symbol of love that relays the story of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan. Everything about this place is marvellous! If it's your first time visiting then we recommend taking a guided tour to understand the tomb elevation, bilateral symmetry, and architectural ingenuity that makes this space much more. You can easily get your tickets online to skip the rush.

Timings: 6 AM - 7 PM (Except on Fridays)

Price: Starting at INR 50

The most astounding example of sun architecture is the Konark Sun Temple on the eastern shores of Bengal. This place is a true testimony to the architectural ingenuity of the 13th century. Conception, scale, and proportion, along with the sublime narrative style with all the sculptural embellishments. It is deeply embedded in the history of the diffusion of the cult of Surya, the Sun God. The temple has links to Brahmanism and tantric belief and was built using the principles of Kalinga architecture. You will spot a chariot of the Sun god and the twelve pairs of wheels drawn by seven horses—all decked up with iconographical depictions of contemporary life and activities.

Timings: 6 AM - 8 PM

Price: Starting at INR 30

Founded by Pallava Kings, these groups of monuments were carved out of rocks along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. With many rathas (temples in the form of chariots), cave sanctuaries, and giant-open air reliefs, all of the sculptures are related to the story of Shiva. Originally it was a celebrated port city of the Pallavas but slowly turned into a hoard of monuments constituting rock-cut cave temples, monolithic temples, bas-relief sculptures, and more. It's a great place to visit to understand contemporary literature, and ancient history.

Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM

Price: Starting at INR 10

We all must have heard of Ellora Caves in our history class, and they are really perfect for reliving history and seeking out past civilisations and dynasties. It consists of 34 monasteries, temples, and a series of monuments dating to AD 600 to 1000. It features a unique artistic creation and pioneering technological exploit, with sanctuaries of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism that illustrate the essence of ancient India. 

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Price: Starting at INR 40

Embodying the Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi, also known as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, relays the chronicles of the great dynasty and continues to be the religious site for many. The architecture and layout of the space are quite interesting, with an active Adi Shankara-linked monastery and various monuments belonging to the old city. It was a prosperous city that later got looted, pillaged, and destroyed. Reimagine the conquests, the history, the battles fought, and see history come to life here.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Price: Starting at INR 40

Built in the Chola empire, the Great Living for Chola Temples is a beautiful site that includes 11th and 12 the century temples, like the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. All of these temples pose great architectural dexterity and graceful upward curving, all contrasted with the straight tower at Thanjavur. You will surely be flummoxed by the brilliance of the Chola dynasty and architecture, sculpture, and bronze casting.

Timings: 4 AM - 8:30 PM

Price: Free