10
Indian Wonders That Should Be On Your Bucket List BY SHWETA KULKARNI
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rom Hampi in Karnataka to Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, from Ajanta & Ellora caves in Maharashtra to the Unakoti in Tripura, here are the 10 most breath-taking Indian wonders that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. India is undoubtedly a land of wonder, and its diverse landscapes are dotted with several architectural wonders. While the marvellous masterpiece — Taj Mahal wears the crown as one of the most celebrated wonders of India, the country is also home to several incredibly magnificent monuments that speak volumes about its history and architectural greatness. We have listed below a few spectacular Indian wonders that have stood the test of time and continue to impress us even today, and should be on your bucket list. Read on…
Hampi, Karnataka
PICTURES COURTESY: ISTOCK
The grandiose site of Hampi stands on the banks of the Tugabhadra River in the eastern part of Central Karnataka and is simply a breathtaking sight to see. The magnificent ruins, which house more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu Kingdom in South India — the Vijayanagara Empire, including forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water structures and others, are sure to spellbind you with its incredible landscape and beauty. Surrounded by giant boulders, which were once part of gigantic granite monoliths, these ruins of the bygone era offer an unmatched travel experience to history freaks, travellers, and photographers alike.
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Unakoti, Tripura
Did you know that India is home to the largest sundial on the planet? Well, amid the majestic palaces, architectural wonders and colourful bazaars of the Pink City of Jaipur, also lies the astronomical wonder — Jantar Mantar, which features the world's largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh between 1724 and 1727, who was an ardent fan of astronomy, the Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is the biggest stone observatory in the world and features 19 large instruments that can calculate the position and movement of celestial bodies with the naked eye. These monumental instruments have enthralled astronomers and historians across the globe with their impressive accuracy.
One of the most underrated travel destinations of India — the mystical and magical Tripura, is host to several beautiful places among which is the Unakoti hill. Unakoti, which literally means one less than a crore is dotted with several rock-cut sculptures of Hindu deities, some dating back to the 7th century, including a massive 10m-tall face of Shiva sculpted on a monolithic rock and a trio of Ganesha.
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These marvellous rock carvings are located amidst a beautifully landscaped forest area with greenery and several waterfalls all around, which adds to its surreal and mystical charm.
